ataraxion | 001

[ ENCRYPTED 75% TO MEDICAL AND XENOBIOLOGY/GENETICS STAFF + BRUCE BANNER: ]
I took the liberty of checking out the blood samples we were able to get from the creatures at the end of the maze. Some of them seemed to have bacterial infections, which isn't surprising, but I also checked them against known DNA samples from Earth.

I don't want to alarm anyone, which is why I've encrypted this for now, but so far the results are all coming back in essentially the same manner. The DNA of these creatures is a mix between Earth creatures -- the lion is a large component, and there are also what appears to be genetic material from the Australian dingo and some sort of crocodile. However, at the present time it appears as though the largest genetic contribution comes from human beings.

Obviously the samples may have been compromised, as I've really only been able to work off their blood and some hair. I'm going to request a larger sample, preferably an entire specimen -- dead, obviously. Hopefully we can get more answers, and hopefully the human genetic material was just cross-contamination.

[ OPEN: ]
I've heard a few things about people returning to the end of the maze to clear out the rest of the creatures, in addition to a possible salvage operation. My name is Elizabeth Ross -- I'm a cellular biologist and university professor back home. If it's not too much trouble, I'd like to request a mostly intact -- though definitely dead -- specimen of the creatures. I'm sure there are a lot of people who are wondering just what they are and how they got here, not to mention how they've survived the jumps, and I'm hoping that an entire specimen might be able to give us some answers.

How is everyone feeling?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ She's not quite sure what Bran's doing at first, but when the camera catches Summer, there's a slight intake of breath. ]

He's gorgeous.

[ Betty smiles at the wolf, not sure if he can see it through the device but doing it anyway, and her smile is still there when Bran comes back into focus. ]

You're very lucky to have them.

[He smiles back at her, pleased. Everyone ought to be impressed by direwolves, as they are the best.]

He is handsome. Lady is gorgeous--she's Summer's sister. They aren't like having dogs, because you cannot tame a direwolf--but they are ours, and they love us, so they usually mind us.

[A pause, and then he says, decisively:] I will bring Summer with me, when I come to visit you. For--the tests. Then you can meet him.

Right, of course. [ Her smile widens a little, though. ] He's very impressive, and handsome.

I'd like that very much. Is there anything he'd like -- a snack, maybe? I'd like to get off on the right foot with him. [ Pause. ] If you'd like to use your ability with him, perhaps we could see his brain activity, as well.

[Bran nods at that, in full agreement of her assessment of Summer. Wild beasts can't usually be called handsome, but Summer is--and impressive, more than anything else. But her suggestion gives him a moment of pause, and he glances down at his direwolf once more.]

He likes most anything--meat, especially, though he prefers to catch it for himself. [Carefully, he glances back at the device.] Would the test work on a direwolf?

[ He'll be even more impressive in person, Betty's sure of it. A direwolf... they're extinct, back home, but she keeps that thought to herself. ]

Well, unfortunately I don't have anything he could catch himself, but I can bring him some snacks. And yes, it would -- and just like with you, it wouldn't hurt and would be safe.

[He smiles at that, looking back down at Summer once more.]

I think Summer would eat nearly anything, even if he hadn't hunted it. Hunt is just more fun. He would come to meet you even without a treat to eat, but it will help. It's easiest to borrow his skin, so I think the test will go well.

Thank you, Lady Ross.

I know they're not dogs, but do they have a toy of some sort they could chase? I don't think there's much to hunt on the ship, but maybe they'd like to chase a ball or something.

[ There's a slight shake of her head; Bran doesn't have to thank her, as far as she's concerned. ] You can call me Betty, if you'd like.

We might try a toy, if any are to be found on the ship. I have not looked. Sometimes Summer is content just with running, but it would be better for him to have something to chase.

[But he pauses a little at her permission for familiarity, and smiles.]

Betty, and not Elizabeth?

Maybe even some knotted fabric that he could tug on and that could be thrown.

[ She smiles back. ]

You can call me Elizabeth, but I prefer Betty from people I like.

Ladies do not usually ask to be addressed so informally. [It isn't any sort of censure, more pleased comment than anything, and he looks down shyly at Summer rather than meet her eye.] I like your idea about the fabric. I will ask Alayne--she has scarps, I am sure--and I will bring it to show you when Summer and I come to visit you.

I don't mind if you don't mind. [ She's still smiling, absolutely endeared. ] I'm looking forward to it. Even if we don't go through with the tests, for whatever reason, I'd like to meet the both of you in person.

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