The Drop Shuttle has made a successful landing on the surface of GRP-112.
Are you alright, Jackson?
Yeah, I'm just a little lightheaded.
Jackson ██████ suffers from temporary vertebrobasilar insufficiency due to the high Gs experienced during planetary reentry.
The vitals on your suit says the symptoms are temporary and will pass. I'm opening the airlock now; I'll exit first and secure the perimeter.
POPS accesses the Drop Shuttle; its active scanners perform an inferred and radioscopic scan of a 342ft/104.2m of the snow-covered surface around it. No life is detected.
Oh God, look up there at the sky! Should we take cover?
At this time, Snee and her forces had fully engaged Galactic Rangers in orbit around the planet. POPS and Jackson ██████ gazed at the escape pods fired from destroyed ships. With their occupants being denied access to the surface of GRP-112, many would vanish before hitting the ground.
Nowhere. They will continue to fall for eternity.
POPS and Jackson ██████ spin around, the former holding a PEW-Mk3 Laser Gun. At approximately SGT 456673hrs, 11min, 23sec, both Rangers encountered and came face to face with GRP-112-2.
Oh my, you startled me, almost zapped ya, missy.
Spacesuit Translators Online
Don't be silly. Robots can't be startled.
So alien, are you friend for a foe? Answer fast, or I'll blast ya.
You idiot. My people sent me here to meet you. As a member race of the GT, your Rangers are supposed to protect me.
While not stated verbally, POPS logged an analysis in the drop shuttle. Its hypothetical calculation regarding GRP-112 suggested that it might prefer to select those of a species that were younger and not fully developed. POPS did not provide a hypothesis for this function's purpose, stating it lacked the required information to make such an inference.
Another child? How peculiar. Of course, the GRPC will protect you. It's what we do.
I am not a child. I'm a juvenile- Wait, aren't you a child? I thought the GRPC was sending an adult.
There's been a change of plans. GRP-112-5 couldn't-
Jackson, I detect two lifeforms. One is a Lakno, but the other is unknown. We need to move.
After exploring the surface of GRP-112 for 23 minutes and briefly spotting some unknown GRP-112-#, POPS, Jackson ██████, and Ohtli ███ found a cave with steps leading downwards into their first trial.
This cave's blackness opens us up to attack. We should find a way to light the path.
You can hold my hand if you're afraid of the dark.
I cannot be afraid. Kymen are not supposed to be scared.
You appeared to show physiological markers of fear when I sighted that Lackno back on the surface.
Hold your tongue, machine. I was simply using your body as a shield. A preventative measure against the beast's possible attack. You exist to protect us, don't you?
Don't fret, missy. We will protect you, as our sworn duty as Galactic Rangers.
After descending approximately 56ft/14m, the GRP-112-#'s and Personal Operations and Protective Systems Droid entered a luscious chamber adorned with clear translucent vines and needle-like light blue moss. In the middle of the room was a flat hexagonal tile with a pile of clay on opposite sides. Standing between both clay piles was a wizard stereotypical to pre-Embers Day American depictions, adorned in glittering purple robes and a pointed hat.
At this time, POPS ran an optics reboot to confirm the appearance of another human outside a spacesuit in less-than-hospitable conditions was not some visual glitch. Upon optics restart, the image had not changed. Interviews with Jackson ██████ corroborate that he as well saw a Human looking wizard. However, Ohtli's comments and later information from GRP-112-4 databanks regarding the appearance of this wizard would imply different aliens interoperate the presence of this GRP-112 manifestation differently. Solid proof that this figure was a memetic hazard would come to light when GRPC Command asked a Hopkin Ranger to view the footage and explain what he saw, only for the Hopkin to proclaim he was looking at a copy of himself.
Holy moly, a wizard! How awesome is that? What do you seek from us, oh ancient one?
This isn't the time for superstition. This is clearly some manifestation of the planet's spirit.
Ms. Ohtli is saying we should be skeptical and on guard. We don't know half of the things this world is capable of.
You two are a bunch of wet towels. We came all this way, so by golly, I'm going to talk to the holographic wizard!
As Jackson ██████ approached the figure, slight visual adjustments occurred around the wizard's facial region, alternating the eye and eyebrows placement to make the figure appear more inviting rather than ominous. When questioned, Jackson reported that he noticed the change subconsciously and felt more invited to approach but correlated it with a simple facial expression change. This event was the first recognized account of GRP-112 manifestations actively changing to manipulate a target's emotions subliminally.
Greetings Master ██████. You have answered my call and deemed yourself worthy of my reward. But you are mistaken, for I decide who is worthy of my prize.
Are you sure you want to oblige the anomaly, Jackson? Following its directions may open us up to danger.
He's human. He'll do whatever his emotions drive him to do.
We're Rangers POPS; our duty is to explore the unknown and report our findings. I'm a little nervous too, but this wizard hologram might be our only shot at piecing together what this place is. And you know, if the planet wanted to hurt us, wouldn't it have done so by now?
Very well, but if things get too dangerous, I'm terminating the mission.
Oh, mighty wizard, what must I do to prove I am worthy?
You must pass three tests: one of command, another of might, and last of all, a desire trial.
Kymen are masters of these virtues. I am ready.
Then you'll pass with flying colors. So, where do we begin?
Behold, as I imbue these inanimate lumps of clay with the spirit of war!
Recordings of the events show the two piles of clay animated to life, forming two rows of eight clay men. All scans performed by POPS indicate that the clay had no foreign or unknown properties, such as nanobots or magnetic components integrated into its mass. This anomalous behavior suggests that an unknown technological X factor was manipulating the clay or that it was anomalous.
Do you want us to play with figurines?
The might of any man shows in those who follow him. To proceed, demonstrate to me you are indeed a worthy leader.
I surmise he wants us to engage our clay army in battle with the opposing one.
In that case, let's rumble. Troops, advance!
What do you think you're doing?
Look at the legion of your enemy. Its strength matches yours. We must hold back and form a more effective strategy. Rule fifteen in the Kymen book of warfare says-
I was under the impression that non-Ranger Kymen were prohibited from reading any war book.
Xenopsychologists note, upon rewatching the recording, recognized that Ohtli was raising her wings, a Kymen subconscious reaction akin to a Human getting red in the face.
Don't worry, Ms. Ohtli. Your secret is safe with us—Rangers honor.
I'm scrubbing that recording from my database now. That comment never happened.
Thank you, metal. I- Don't patronize me! Just- let's just solve this idiotic children's game. This will be easy.
Okay, I turned my two rows of four men into a line of eight, so I could encircle the enemy.
Suitable for a start, but consider getting them into a "V" formation; that way, you can funnel the enemy into your trap.
And as a "V" shape, I can spare an extra man or two to flank the enemy!
That sounds good. Let's try it.
Post-recording comments by Ground Force Commanders regarding GRP-112-1 and GRP-112-2 solutions to solving Test #1 vary across the approval spectrum. However, many tacticians agree that such a small mock battle could hardly be considered a difficult test. Xenopsychologists' comments, on the other hand, suggest that such a mock battle is not to gauge the individual's tactician skills regarding their species but to gauge the species' ability to comprehend the idea of organized combat. Prerequisites to failure would mainly consist of pacifist species unable to understand the concept of conflicts or swarm-based lifeforms that overwhelm their enemy through mindless suicide assaults. Nonetheless, the test was completed. The wizard-adjacent anomaly leads them to the next area.
Leading up to the Test of Might, GRP-112-1, GRP-112-2. and POPS encountered an archway depicting two humanoid statues, both lifting the arch. Post-recording analysis suggests that these statues were not memetic hallucinations like the wizard. In contrast, Humanoid in form, eons of erosion had scrubbed away any defining features such as eyes, ears, mouths, and fingers.
And with poised bravado, our heroes arrive. Did you enjoy the last trial
Yes, it is truly fascinating. What kind of technology did you use to make it exactly?
Technology? No, this is a place of soul and desire, something an automaton like yourself lacks.
Are you saying this place is magic?
To discover this realm's secrets, you must delve into the inner sanctum. In its labyrinthine corridors, you will find a beast whose might and alacrity strike terror into the hearts of the bravest men. Show me your inner warrior; you will be one step closer to obtaining your wish.
That does it; I'm terminating the mission.
What? You can't! We're Galactic Rangers; we're supposed to brave the unknown! We can't cower in the face of danger.
We're not Rangers, Jackson. You're a child, and I'm a machine sent to protect you.
POPS is right. To seek conflict is unwise. Rule twenty-seven, naught eighteen, six-five-four-
It sounded like a distress signal.
Hold on. <Audible running.> We have to find them.
Humans. They will jump off a cliff and be surprised when they hit the ground.
Don't worry, stranger. We're on the way!
*Beep* Oh, help, help, help! Is anyone there?
They're close! Ohtli, can you fly me above us above the maze?
You'll let me? Wait- No. Can't.
Oh my, this is not sanctioned behavior.
You, flying thing, I'm down here!
What seems to be the problem, Mr-
Call me Alganky, one thousand curses to the architect who built this godforsaken maze. Say, young one, I'll give you 0.50, no 0.25 NATO cents to get me out of this horrible place.
We don't want your money, good fellow. We've come to save you. Besides, we were just on our way out. Ohtli, be a darling and fly above to chart a hasty retreat.
That won't do you any good. This maze is bona fide magic. It shifts like my stomach after eating my aunt's home-cooked Globba-hab-boba. Not great, but I'd stay in the maze if I had to choose between the two.
He's not wrong, POPS. I'm looking, but the exit's up and vanished!
Architectural and engineering analysis of the recording posit that the maze's ever-changing nature was not natural or mechanical. Suggesting that, just like the clay men, the walls of GRP-112 could be animated by technological processes beyond current reckoning.
This isn't very good. Son, we'll have to come face-to-face with our foul foe.
Woh woh, is that a PEW Mk3 Laser Gun? I'm going to need you to hand that over.
I can not oblige that request. Not only is it half your size, but you're neither a Galactic Rangers member nor have Jackson's best interest in mind.
Wait, POPS. We're dealing with a Zidophant. He feels vulnerable. Demonstrating our harmlessness would save us a confrontation. And if he's taking Šňupat, that laser gun is naught but a toy.
Xenopsychologist note that while Humans might humanize aliens, especially with breakthroughs in universal translators, aliens still evolved different avenues of thought. The Zidophant from the outside might appear xenophobic or isolationist to a Human, but don't forget that Zidophants are incapable of understanding concepts such as a contract, agreement, or proclamation. For this reason, a Zidophant will see outsiders as a threat, no matter how much they proclaim their peaceful intentions. The only method to quell the fear of a Zidophant is allowing it to have perceived control over you.
Very well, I'll oblige the laser gun for the time being. But if we run into the beast, you'd better not hesitate to blast it in the gizzard.
Of course, I'm a father of 25. I'll guard these two like my own children.
Guys, do you hear that? Sounds like-
A knife entering a body. Repeatedly.
Stay back, kids; I'll scout it out. My God, there's a tiny little creature stabbing a giant monster.
So, it's over; someone's slain the beast?
Possibly. I'll make contact, and if anything happens to me, Lord forbid, I want you to run away like my cousins after they see the dinner bill.
Wish you the best of luck.
Greetings, tiny creature. I have a gun.
Ah, a Zidophant. I sniffed your foul hide-out hours ago. I considered killing you and mounting your head on my wall to honor my warrior ancestors, but this beast will suffice.
Bakeneko scum, I've dealt with your kind plenty of times.
I was about to let you live, but you have sullied the honor of my race. Fret not; I'll make my cuts quick. Wait, is that a human I smell?
I apologize for my insolence. I was not aware that this Zidophant was a member of your clan. I am Mochi, a Rōnin and wandering swordscat. I've come to this world for only one thing, and that's to fight.
Oh, okay. Good luck with that, We'll just be on our way then.
Wait, before you go, could you scratch behind my ear?
The oxygen levels down here are below survivable. Are you sure you want to keep your helmet open like that for this long?
Mochi does not care about survivability; Mochi requests scratches.
Maybe some other time, bye.
The distress call of the Zidophant, when manually translated into Human English, comes out approximately as:
"I am in dire need of aid, not that I'm desperate enough to owe you anything, but some help would greatly be appreciated."
The number of shannons per logograph within the Zidophant Language is three times that of any human language. Coupled with the contextual intricacies and regional dialects, technicians have often defaulted to a simplified Zidorandin for general use. The limitation of the Personal Galactic Translator has led many Roboceey diplomats to accuse the Rangers of actively discriminating against their species by sabotaging their specificity of speech.
You, humans, are infinitely more bizarre.
When we get that wish, I'll be half tempted to wish that you, Kymen had a better attitude.
Kymen have great attitudes. I just-
Gotcha! So you CAN have your attitude, then?
Nothing is wrong with Kymen! I'm a Krovo; of course, I'm-
Too bad for your weird attitude because I'm using the one wish to give myself a pile of ores and alloys so high it'd make the wife's mountains look subpar. Don't worry; I'll give you guys 2% of the profits for being good.
But we all get our wishes.
It pains me to do this to you guys; we were like family for the sixty minutes we've known each other.
Fifty-eight minutes and 27 seconds.
Whatever. But I can't let you proceed any further.
What gives? You have the gun. We pose no threat to you.
Until now, I was under the impression that only one of us got to make a wish. With the gun, I'd have a monopoly. It was going to be simple and beneficial for all of us. But if any one of you could make a wish…
Think about this rationally, Alganky. What reason would we have to wish harm to you?
You could have any number of reasons; the meat of the matter is, I trust you about as far as I could throw you.
See, right there. The little Kymen is steaming with its familiar rage. I say she's bound to foul it up with an attitude as vile as that. Maybe, in the heat of the moment, she'll wish for my whole family to be burned on wooden stakes!
I don't let my emotions hurt people! I'm just going to hurt YOU.
At top speeds, the Kymen can leap at about 65 mph/104.6 kph, covering a distance of 20ft or 6m in 0.2097902 seconds. Instinctually, when a Kymen attacks, it'll often go for the synaptic center of the nervous system, such as the brain or spinal cord.
In addition, humans can only utilize the full extent of their muscles when under extreme duress. On the other hand, the Kymennic equivalent of a nervous system does not limit their strength, allowing for incredible feats of strength.
The mistake you made today in not shooting me will be your last!
Let go of me! I- I don't want to die!
Wait, stop! Jackson's arm is broken-
He's what? Zidophidant, I'll rip every limb from that sad sack you call a body! POPS, hold him down; I'll do the rest when I snap his neck.
I wasn't going to shoot anyone!
Ohtli! You threw Jackson across the room when you broke free from his grasp! Oh, this does not look good.
Let the Zidophidant go right now!
The average Human male teen has 14.5 g/dl of hemoglobin. When 20% of someone's hemoglobin is lost, they will go into Hypovolemic shock. Symptoms of shock include lightheadedness, pale skin, dyspnea, tachycardia, and lack of consciousness.
Keep applying pressure Ohtil; I can only do so much with one hand.
You could have done more! You could have stopped that little traitor before he had the chance!
It was your idea to give Alganky my laser gun.
Just be quiet! You're metal. You can't care, you can't reason, you're just ones and zeroes and threes and fours and naught-nine-two-
Ohtli! Use that Kymen training you keep talking about and reason. We have to focus on Jackson right now, nothing else.
Machine! You're not thinking about this rationally! We put our trust in the Zidophidant, and he broke it. Punishment must be applied accordingly. It just makes sense!
Ohtli, are you suggesting we kill the Zidophidant? What tactical advantage would that give us, realistically? Jackson is dying; we can't waste a second.
A machine can't understand. Some rules must be fixed. Rules hold us together. The Zidophidant transgressed, and he needed to pay. He still needs to pay. I am a Krovo, and if I can't kill, I don't have anything else!
Ohtli, if you choose revenge over Jackson's life, The Body, the GRPC, everybody will know what you are.
I didn't want to hurt him! He grabbed me and tried to stop me!
I can't let you go. My life's purpose is to protect Jackson and you!
At this time, in recording, audio and visual devices on POPS were destroyed via blunt force trauma. Follow audio is ascertained via Jackson's spacesuit.
Why didn't you let me kill him? I could've just… If I had-
My child, do not blame yourself. This loss of yours is a minor inconvenience on your path to becoming a legend.
You're right. The blame is on you!
Now hold on. Ohtli, listen to me!
I'm going to tear you apart!
I may have selected you, but…
Yeah, big mistake, old man.
Ohtli! I selected many people, but only you could get this far!
I don't care! My friends are dead. I'll never see Jackson again!
During the 34 minutes and 12 seconds of GRP-112-1's unconscious state, POPS could make repairs to his space suit and activate life preservation protocols. The following messages are extrapolated from onboard suit audio recording systems and after-mission psychological reports.
Ugh, I've just gotten the most brutal massage of my life. Wait, guys? Hello?
They couldn't make it this far. You are the chosen one. You alone.
Okay… but wait… something happened… Ohtli, POPS, and… oh….
Are you starting to remember? Alganky, the gun, your untimely demise?
No, your desire to live was so intense that it carried you through the final trial.
So I can get my wish?! Ok. I want Earth and all those who died on Embers Day, including my Great Great grandparents, to come back! I want them all back!
Are you sure that's what you want? You are the chosen one, after all. You could wish for anything. Why want for one world when you could wish for a thousand? Imagine it now: Jackson, Emperor of the Stars.
I am the chosen one, and my wish is for Mankind to finally have a home!
Your wish is honorable. But in your heart of hearts, that is not your wish. I can tell you speak for Humanity, cry out their collective desire. But this reward is yours and yours alone.
Then, I am unsure of what I want.
There is no one left to lie to. You can be honest. Tell me what you truly desire the most in this universe.
I… I… I want to leave. I just want to go back to my family.
I do. I thought being a Ranger would be exciting, but all I've experienced is pain and loss. I'm just a child, hardly fit to be Emperor of the Cosmos, let alone explore them. So, I wish to leave this place. Send me to Captain Nemo. That is my wish.
My tests! They were supposed to weed out the chaff from the prime subjects, and you do not qualify!
What do you mean I don't qualify?
Unlike Ohtli, you are no chosen one, Jackson!
Oh, she's more than alive. She has surpassed my expectations and has been rewarded with a wish.
Lifesigns on GRP-112-1's space suit detected a rapid spike in activity in the hypothalamus and limbic systems, causing a plethora of stress hormones to be released.
Unlike you, Jackson. Your crimes of obeying the dogmatic ways of old can not go unpunished! It is a shame, though. Oh, how I prayed for it to be you. Alas, we can try again with your kind in another thousand orbits.
Jackson, I am a dreamer, same as my makers. Did you notice the statues?
Bingo! Looks like you were paying attention after all. Of course, they're gone now. I think they got bored of this place and left for greener pastures.
So they left you behind to grant wishes?
No! They left me so I could keep their dream alive, Jackson! I implore you! If you have any common sense, please accept their gift. Be what your heart truly desires, a hero of the Galaxy, like Ohtli.
It's tempting, but I refuse to be some aliens' play toy, and I won't let you have Ohtli!
Fine! Go to her! It's what she desired, after all.
GRP-112-1 was able to break free from the memetic effect temporarily. During this time, GRP-112-1 made his way out of the temple and back to the drop shuttle. However, before departing, GRP-112-1 piloted the craft around the local area till he found GRP-112-2's landing craft.
When GRP-112-2 had reached GRP-112-1, he suffered from dyspnea, bouts of vasovagal syncope, and a temporary fibromyalgia disorder believed to be brought about by a combination of his physically sustained injury and the planets lingering memetic effects. GRP-112-2 had also removed their Kymenna-mandated emotional restraint mask, revealing their true face.
Jackson! So you did survive!
POPS. He repaired my suit and my nearly severed arm. They even did a nifty job putting the skin back together, but I think I need a real doctor. Also, neat that you got rid of your mask. The thing was creepy.
But Jackson, I killed you. I won't hold it against you if you wish to kill me. You're only a Human, after all.
Don't be so dramatic. I have no intentions of taking revenge, Ohtli. But we need to get off this memetic planet.
Agreed, we have many places to go, things to do, and people to see.
Cool, but, uh, check in with Captain Nemo first. You know, to make sure there are no long-lasting memetic influences.
Subject GRP-112-2, at this moment, took a defensive stance in the ways of Isiuhka Pontsin. A Kymen fighting style heavily censored by the Kymenna Body.
Why would you suggest such a thing?
Did I say something wrong?
You aren't supposed to say things like that. Captain Nemo works with the Kymenna government. They'll have me executed for what I've done.
You accepted the granter's wish, didn't you?
It was the only way I could live with what I had done.
I wished…for you. POPS tried to save your life, but I let my emotions get the better of me. This was the only way I could make amends.
So what now, Ohtli? There's nowhere to go.
Not true. There is a Necter #9 in orbit. I saw it when I was landing. It's a Freighter Class vessel, FTL capable. It's large, but with a typical human D-Drive, it can get me to the nearest habitable star system in 25-30 rotations. They have no allegiances to the GRPC or The Body. They'll gladly take my landing craft in exchange for safe passage.
Ohtli, hold on. You're not being rational. The GRPC can fix you. They undo memetic damage like this all the time.
There's nothing wrong with me!
As your friend, I'm telling you, do not get in that shuttle. We can both go up and see Nemo together, in my craft.
Don't try to stop me, Jackson! I killed you before. I won't hesitate to do it again.
You're a 6-foot tall bug with super strength, and I'm just a kid with a busted arm. I couldn't stop you even if I tried.
Then this debate is illogical and a waste of my time. Last chance, Jackson, but don't fool yourself into thinking I will choose you over my freedom.
I'm sorry, Ohtli. I truly-
GRP-112-2 has turned off their Universal Translator. The current status of their translator is offline…
While it is possible GRP-112-2 epidemically posed a memetic risk, many specialists believed the effects could have been mitigated if given proper treatment. Indefinite sensory containment of person(s) negatively affected by highly contagious info classed C3 or below has not been the official GRPC Policy since 2003 SET.
Termination is seen as the last resort.
