Ancient Specimen

This asteroid has a few skeletons in its geological closet.Track down the fossilized fragments of an ancient critter to assemble key pieces of Gravitas history and unlock a new resource.

First Encounter

I've discovered a fossilized critter buried in my colony—at least, part of one—but it does not resemble any of the species we have encountered on this asteroid.Where did it come from? How did it get here? And what other questions might these bones hold the answer to?There is only one way to find out.

Organism Design Notes

ENCRYPTION LEVEL: THREE

<smallcaps>[Voice Recognition Initialized] [Subject Identified: B363]</smallcaps>[LOG BEGINS]...Restricting our organism design to specifically target survival in an off-planet polar climate has narrowed our focus significantly, allowing development of this project to rapidly outpace the others.We have successfully optimized for adaptive features such as the formation of protective adipose tissue at >40% of the organism's total mass. Dr. Bubare was concerned about the consequences for muscle mass, but results confirm that reductions fall within an acceptable range.Our next step is to adapt the organism's diet. It would be inadvisable to populate a new colony with carnivorous creatures of this size.[LOG ENDS] ------------------ [LOG BEGINS]...When I am alone in the lab, I find myself gravitating toward the enclosure to listen to the creature's melodic vocalizations. Sometimes the pitch changes slightly as I approach.I am not certain what that means.[LOG ENDS] ------------------

[LOG BEGINS]...Some of the other departments have taken to calling our work here "Project Meat Popsicle". It is a crass misnomer. This species is not designed to be a food source: it must survive the Ceres climate long enough to establish a stable population that will enable the subsequent settlement party to access the essential research data stored in its DNA via Dr. Winslow's revolutionary genome-encoding technique.Imagine, countless yottabytes' worth of scientific documentation wandering freely around a new colony...the ultimate self-sustaining archive, providing stable data storage that requires zero technological maintenance.It gives new meaning to the term, "living document."[LOG ENDS] ------------------ [LOG BEGINS]...Today is the day. My sonorous critter and her handful of progeny are ready to be transported to their new home. They are scheduled to arrive three months in the past, to ensure that they are well established before the settlement party's arrival next week.Dr. Techna invited me to assist with the teleportation. I was relieved to be too busy to accept. I have heard rumors about previous shipments going awry. These stories are unsubstantiated, and yet...The urgency of our mission sometimes necessitates non-ideal compromises.The lab is so very quiet now.[LOG ENDS] ------------------

SUBJECT: RESETTLEMENT LAUNCH PARTY

ENCRYPTION LEVEL: THREE

<smallcaps>To: [REDACTED] From: [REDACTED]</smallcaps> ------------------

<indent=5%>Dear [REDACTED]We are pleased to announce that research objectives for Operation Piazzi's Planet are nearing completion. Thank you all for your patience as we navigated the unprecedented obstacles that such groundbreaking work entails.We are aware of rumors regarding documents leaked from Dr. [REDACTED]'s files.Rest assured that the contents of this supposed "whistleblower" effort are entirely fabricated—our technology is far too advanced to allow for the type of miscalculation that would result in OPP shipments arriving at their destination some 10,000 years prior to the targeted date.Our IT security team is currently investigating the document's digital footprint to determine its origin.To express our gratitude for your continued support, we would like to invite key stakeholders to a private launch party held at the Gravitas Facility. The evening will be emceed by Dr. Olivia Broussard, who will present our groundbreaking prototypes along with a five-course meal featuring lab-crafted ingredients.Due to the sensitive nature of our work, we regret that no additional guests or dietary restrictions can be accommodated at this time.Director Stern will be hosting a 30-minute Q&A session after dinner. Questions must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance.Queries about the [REDACTED] papers will be disregarded.Please be advised that the contents of this e-mail will expire three minutes from the time of opening.</indent>

Sincerely, [REDACTED] The Gravitas Facility ------------------

Unauthorized Activity

ENCRYPTION LEVEL: NONE

<smallcaps>To: ALL From: Admin <[email protected]></smallcaps> ------------------

<indent=5%>Employees are advised that removing organisms from the bioengineering labs without an approved requisition form is strictly prohibited.Gravitas projects are not designed to be ridden for sport. Injuries sustained during unsanctioned activities are not eligible for coverage under corporate health benefits.Please find a comprehensive summary of company regulations attached.[MISSING ATTACHMENT]</indent>

Thank-you, -Admin The Gravitas Facility ------------------

Challenge Completed

My Duplicants have meticulously reassembled as much of the giant critter's scattered remains as they could find.Their efforts have unearthed a seemingly bottomless fossil quarry beneath the largest fragment's dig site.Nestled among the topmost bones was a handcrafted critter collar. It's too large to have belonged to any species traditionally categorized as companion animals.