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ANTHRO XXII
“Ray? I take it things didn’t go so well…” the soft supple voice filled my ears, taking place of the audible cue of the PES disconnecting.
“Unfortunately, not…evidently, we must get in touch with the Agro-Tech and request the specimen back if we are to further our study…however, I don’t think they will be so generous”. I said with a mellow sigh.
“Well we do have the genetic markers and makeup of this particular variety, we could make a clone to use and experiment with, alter the genome and test them in conditions to that of Prora AE to see if we can get a variety to survive and flourish…” she reassured.
“But what about the whole radioactivity thing? Prora has none…”
“That’s one thing we can test in a controlled environment - to isolate what factors help it survive or perish. Once we’ve singled out every trait, we can then begin to narrow down the desired traits and move closer to developing a variety that will survive on our home planet – if I had to guess, the plant’s natural makeup allows it to survive in radioactive environments; like a resistance, it’s not something that must be present to ensure its survival” she said with a smile.
“It could work, but what about surviving in an ammonia rich environment? There’s no way we can adapt the plant to synthesize ammonia in place of carbon dioxide, not without the slow process of trial and error which could take years!” I bellowed, groaning at the prospect.
“All we can do is be patient, Ray, a solution will show itself I’m sure of it, nobody said this project was easy or quick…we have been at it for quite a number of years after-all” she chuckled.
“I know it…I just thought THIS was our solution, or at least a huge leap closer to it, only for the opportunity to be lost…” I grunted, swiping my paws over my muzzle through my head fur in one smooth motion.
Abigale giggled and turned from me to return to the computer screen, her bright white fluffy tail bouncing as she did so and ever so playfully brush against me. “Come now, there’s no need to dwell on this, let’s just continue our work; the Primrose is bringing us more samples soon.”
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
For the past three weeks, things have been slow, no new major events nor discoveries, nothing out of the ordinary except for the occasional opportunity I get to go out and explore and step foot on this desolate wasteland of what used to be my home.
Even though my suit protected me from the harsh conditions, I could feel the intense heat of the planet burning its way through, the dark ominous clouds which loomed overhead swirled in intricate patterns and forms much like a storm developing, but the consistency in the weather patterns here on earth made me believe this was just the effect of the intense heat and change in the climate as well as post-nuclear fallout as ash and embers flew particularly through the air.
It had amazed me that the plant had survived these conditions without at least withering, and my hopes to find another remained vigilant as I marched with the survey team led by Branson. The lion and I had quickly become friends and he enjoyed my company in these surveys in this desolate place so that I may guide his team and inform them of their findings.
For miles it seemed we trekked, the endless wasteland stretching as far as the eye could see with only dishevelled buildings looming on the horizon of a distant city. There were no cars, no sign of life, no trees…just nothing…it was rather depressing and concerning. Even with the planet so barren, it was easy to become disoriented and lost, our instruments which relied heavily on satellite would occasionally glitch out from the cloud cover above, the geo-magnets operating our compasses would cause it to twist and turn and stutter indicating that the Earth’s own magnetic fields were disrupted or influenced by the vast exposure of radioactive compounds which dominated the ground, air and sky.
I looked down to my PES system which has an internal tracking module, keeping track of my every move and decisions. A database was stored within which catalogued every receptive signal from my brain to my body, like a physical map of what my body has done. Should we get lost and desperately need to get back to the ship, I can simply toggle the PES to inverse my motions – putting my body in autopilot without conscious thought, to return every step and motion I’ve taken.
My consciousness would remain, and I can toggle the ‘switch’ at any moment should I choose so and regain control. Or I could even retrace memories, thoughts and ideas with a simple metaphysical command. I knew not how the system worked, but it was brilliant and complex; perfected advanced technology that I was only made aware of since conforming to this new era.
Suddenly from the distance, I could hear a screeching cry, like an electronic wale. My sensitive ears picked up the sound and subconsciously turned to amplify the tone like large radars atop my head. The sound made me stop in my tracks, and the others followed suit out of curiosity until they picked up on it too.
The sound was high pitched and gaining frequency slowly before receding again; like the warning tone of a nuclear factory. Shortly after the ringing was replaced by the static sound emanating within my helmet, the crackling of the speakers embedded within coming to life. At first, it was hard to discern the incoming message, a voice was lost in the cacophony of static, wailing winds, crackling fire and the rhythmic sounds of my breath.
When it came clear, my blood ran cold:
“All expedition crews return to your designated ships immediately, this is a warning! A cataclysmic storm approaches - high winds exceeding 220 knots and deadly lightning is to be expected. This storm will stir the surface and sediment, and cloud cover will entirely enshroud the planet in complete darkness, the conditions will be extremely dangerous – heed this warning and return to your ships! I repeat, return to your ships as fast as possible!”
I began to sweat profusely as my heart raced, we are miles from the ship and misdirected in this landscape, even with the aid of the PES to retrace our steps it will be doing so at the speed of which we travelled to this point – a complete copy of our motions. What do we do now? How far away is this storm? Will we be lost in it?!
“We all know what to do…everybody remain calm and let us head back to the ship in a fast, orderly manner. The last we need is for someone to lose their head, begin running and lose their sense of direction and get lost only to endanger the rest of us to find one man!” Branson said sternly gesturing with his hands to us all before holding up one claw.
“How much time do we have?” Another crew member asked in a high-pitched voice, she was shorter, and her suit perfectly outlined her profile. She was a small feline, perhaps a lynx, ocelot or cat.
“That I do not know, Iggy. But we can’t afford to waste time, let’s get going…” Branson urged.
The lion turned and began retracing the path from which we came, I waited until all was in front before tagging up the rear, as I knew if I kept everyone in front of me I would never get lost and could help keep everyone together.
It seemed like an eternity, as we walked, my legs growing sore and my foot paws burning and sweating in their boots. The more and more we trekked and watched the horizon, the more anxious I became, expecting to see black clouds ahead; intersecting us and our retreat.
“We should at least be able to see the ship by now…” another complained, a tall hyena fellow, his suit matching his fur patterns in colour scheme and design, no doubt a custom suit which was expensive and difficult to make.
“Keep your head cool, Lekan, we will get there soon…” Branson chimed in a collective voice, trying to improve morale.
A loud boom soon followed, it was a chest pulsing thud which trembled the ground, much like a shockwave or a distant cannon or bombs exploding, which was followed by several smaller ones. I noticed the ash in the air began to swirl slightly, and my nape began to raise – my internal instincts told me something was up, this storm was looming closer.
“What was that?!” the feline chirped, “Easy Iggy, let’s keep calm here…if we stay together we will be fine, I promise!”
For some reason, his words were very dissuading, and I just had to scan my surroundings to survey the situation. So long as there were no signs of danger nearby, morale would remain stable, but…when I looked behind me, my heart leapt in my throat.
There on the horizon was the inky blackness I feared, the clouds so tightly intertwined and riddled with ash and soot it was like a black shadow enveloping everything.
“B-Branson…” I managed to say, “What is it, Ray?”
“We…better pick up the pace…” I stammered.
“Why?” he asked but turned his head back to me and seen the ominous threat approaching, “Oh…shit! On me, stay together everyone and don’t look back!”
But it was too late, for as soon as he had said so, the entire group was met with their insatiable desire to do the opposite!
“OH FUCK!” Lekan hollered, as he quickly turned and made a dash to pass Branson, but luckily was caught by the collar. “I said ‘On Me’ you wretched cur!” the lion snarled before picking up his pace and shoving the hyena behind him who remained hot on his heels.
In unison the entire crew kept up, Iggy was half the size of everyone on the team and to work twice as hard to keep up. I felt sympathy for her, as she began to mew softly as her legs began to tire. She was not far behind Lekan in the group when we first started, but soon found her way back behind the dozen others until she was in front of me. I knew it was only a manner of time before she would be behind, I could not let that happen.
The safety of everyone here was my only concern as I scooped her up in one motion and heaved her upon my back to which she gratefully clung on. Her heavy breathing and panic-stricken mewing echoing in my ears, she fought to find the words to thank me, but it eventually came.
The darkness approached quickly as the pace of the ash and soot around us began to swirl around my paws on the ground and ahead of me. I could see small cyclone swirls in the ash and dust ahead which moved like a living carpet. I knew that the storm was just behind us, and I couldn’t stop now!
“I think I see lights!” I heard Branson holler ahead, his voice drowned out by the audible roaring of the wind and evident thunder booms which made my body shake with every crackle. Looking ahead I could dimly see the bright white light of the base camp where our ships had landed.
My heart leapt with excitement and all fear left me as I knew we were close, but the world around me quickly began to fade. Fear and loathing replaced that revelled feeling as the storm had caught up, tossing us in a blinding fury of roaring winds which nearly knocked me off my feet, and the torrential, choking blanket of debris, ash and soot which filled the air. My helmet began to grow stuffy, as I felt myself becoming suffocated.
I dug deep within myself to push forth and not stop, I not only had my own life to worry about, but the life of another – Iggy. I could not allow myself to succumb to such a grim fate, not while we are much closer to shelter. My legs ached, my paws burned, and now my shoulders and back began to grow sore, I was entombed in complete misery, more than I have ever been.
I would have rather re-experience the radiation sickness to this! At least then I knew I could recover, but this…I could die from if I failed to endure.
Every sensory connection I had to what was around me was lost, my ears clogged with the howling winds, and thundering booms, my vision obscured by the inky blackness and the occasional blinding flash of lightning, and my nose filled with the abhorrent stench of smoke, soot and ash. All I could do was run forward and pray to god I could see the ship.
Out of nowhere, a sudden pressure completely enveloped me; like a rapid pulse, it swept me off my feet. I knew not what it was or where I was, but I felt as I was weightless for a few moments before crashing hard to the ground. The impact alone caused me to loosen my grip, and the weight I felt upon my shoulders was relieved…dread filled me…Iggy was gone!
“NO! IGGY!” I screamed as loud as I could, but no reply came. Even to my own ears, my voice was drowned. Was this the end? A sorrowful, pitiful life of being only half human snuffed out by my own world? All faith I had was lost…that was until I felt pressure once more…
<<< PREV | FIRST | NEXT >>>
Sorry for being so late, but chapter 22 is up! Had a busy week last week with work and preparing for some fun at Fur'the'more this past weekend I didn't get a chance to type up the story for last week's prompt until now. I had done so before, so I thought it was a great idea to incorporate both prompts into a single story and may I say, it turned out fantastically.
So here's my submission for 3-7-2019's
Thursday_prompt "Closer" and 3-14-2019's prompt "Speaker"
So far it felt as though this story had been kind of mellow, with not a lot of major happenings, but it seems to have picked up a new interesting twist!
Hope you guys like this continuation, and thank you all who are following! It truly means a lot to me!! All your feedback is much appreciated and adored greatly!
Until next time! Happy writing!
“Ray? I take it things didn’t go so well…” the soft supple voice filled my ears, taking place of the audible cue of the PES disconnecting.
“Unfortunately, not…evidently, we must get in touch with the Agro-Tech and request the specimen back if we are to further our study…however, I don’t think they will be so generous”. I said with a mellow sigh.
“Well we do have the genetic markers and makeup of this particular variety, we could make a clone to use and experiment with, alter the genome and test them in conditions to that of Prora AE to see if we can get a variety to survive and flourish…” she reassured.
“But what about the whole radioactivity thing? Prora has none…”
“That’s one thing we can test in a controlled environment - to isolate what factors help it survive or perish. Once we’ve singled out every trait, we can then begin to narrow down the desired traits and move closer to developing a variety that will survive on our home planet – if I had to guess, the plant’s natural makeup allows it to survive in radioactive environments; like a resistance, it’s not something that must be present to ensure its survival” she said with a smile.
“It could work, but what about surviving in an ammonia rich environment? There’s no way we can adapt the plant to synthesize ammonia in place of carbon dioxide, not without the slow process of trial and error which could take years!” I bellowed, groaning at the prospect.
“All we can do is be patient, Ray, a solution will show itself I’m sure of it, nobody said this project was easy or quick…we have been at it for quite a number of years after-all” she chuckled.
“I know it…I just thought THIS was our solution, or at least a huge leap closer to it, only for the opportunity to be lost…” I grunted, swiping my paws over my muzzle through my head fur in one smooth motion.
Abigale giggled and turned from me to return to the computer screen, her bright white fluffy tail bouncing as she did so and ever so playfully brush against me. “Come now, there’s no need to dwell on this, let’s just continue our work; the Primrose is bringing us more samples soon.”
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
For the past three weeks, things have been slow, no new major events nor discoveries, nothing out of the ordinary except for the occasional opportunity I get to go out and explore and step foot on this desolate wasteland of what used to be my home.
Even though my suit protected me from the harsh conditions, I could feel the intense heat of the planet burning its way through, the dark ominous clouds which loomed overhead swirled in intricate patterns and forms much like a storm developing, but the consistency in the weather patterns here on earth made me believe this was just the effect of the intense heat and change in the climate as well as post-nuclear fallout as ash and embers flew particularly through the air.
It had amazed me that the plant had survived these conditions without at least withering, and my hopes to find another remained vigilant as I marched with the survey team led by Branson. The lion and I had quickly become friends and he enjoyed my company in these surveys in this desolate place so that I may guide his team and inform them of their findings.
For miles it seemed we trekked, the endless wasteland stretching as far as the eye could see with only dishevelled buildings looming on the horizon of a distant city. There were no cars, no sign of life, no trees…just nothing…it was rather depressing and concerning. Even with the planet so barren, it was easy to become disoriented and lost, our instruments which relied heavily on satellite would occasionally glitch out from the cloud cover above, the geo-magnets operating our compasses would cause it to twist and turn and stutter indicating that the Earth’s own magnetic fields were disrupted or influenced by the vast exposure of radioactive compounds which dominated the ground, air and sky.
I looked down to my PES system which has an internal tracking module, keeping track of my every move and decisions. A database was stored within which catalogued every receptive signal from my brain to my body, like a physical map of what my body has done. Should we get lost and desperately need to get back to the ship, I can simply toggle the PES to inverse my motions – putting my body in autopilot without conscious thought, to return every step and motion I’ve taken.
My consciousness would remain, and I can toggle the ‘switch’ at any moment should I choose so and regain control. Or I could even retrace memories, thoughts and ideas with a simple metaphysical command. I knew not how the system worked, but it was brilliant and complex; perfected advanced technology that I was only made aware of since conforming to this new era.
Suddenly from the distance, I could hear a screeching cry, like an electronic wale. My sensitive ears picked up the sound and subconsciously turned to amplify the tone like large radars atop my head. The sound made me stop in my tracks, and the others followed suit out of curiosity until they picked up on it too.
The sound was high pitched and gaining frequency slowly before receding again; like the warning tone of a nuclear factory. Shortly after the ringing was replaced by the static sound emanating within my helmet, the crackling of the speakers embedded within coming to life. At first, it was hard to discern the incoming message, a voice was lost in the cacophony of static, wailing winds, crackling fire and the rhythmic sounds of my breath.
When it came clear, my blood ran cold:
“All expedition crews return to your designated ships immediately, this is a warning! A cataclysmic storm approaches - high winds exceeding 220 knots and deadly lightning is to be expected. This storm will stir the surface and sediment, and cloud cover will entirely enshroud the planet in complete darkness, the conditions will be extremely dangerous – heed this warning and return to your ships! I repeat, return to your ships as fast as possible!”
I began to sweat profusely as my heart raced, we are miles from the ship and misdirected in this landscape, even with the aid of the PES to retrace our steps it will be doing so at the speed of which we travelled to this point – a complete copy of our motions. What do we do now? How far away is this storm? Will we be lost in it?!
“We all know what to do…everybody remain calm and let us head back to the ship in a fast, orderly manner. The last we need is for someone to lose their head, begin running and lose their sense of direction and get lost only to endanger the rest of us to find one man!” Branson said sternly gesturing with his hands to us all before holding up one claw.
“How much time do we have?” Another crew member asked in a high-pitched voice, she was shorter, and her suit perfectly outlined her profile. She was a small feline, perhaps a lynx, ocelot or cat.
“That I do not know, Iggy. But we can’t afford to waste time, let’s get going…” Branson urged.
The lion turned and began retracing the path from which we came, I waited until all was in front before tagging up the rear, as I knew if I kept everyone in front of me I would never get lost and could help keep everyone together.
It seemed like an eternity, as we walked, my legs growing sore and my foot paws burning and sweating in their boots. The more and more we trekked and watched the horizon, the more anxious I became, expecting to see black clouds ahead; intersecting us and our retreat.
“We should at least be able to see the ship by now…” another complained, a tall hyena fellow, his suit matching his fur patterns in colour scheme and design, no doubt a custom suit which was expensive and difficult to make.
“Keep your head cool, Lekan, we will get there soon…” Branson chimed in a collective voice, trying to improve morale.
A loud boom soon followed, it was a chest pulsing thud which trembled the ground, much like a shockwave or a distant cannon or bombs exploding, which was followed by several smaller ones. I noticed the ash in the air began to swirl slightly, and my nape began to raise – my internal instincts told me something was up, this storm was looming closer.
“What was that?!” the feline chirped, “Easy Iggy, let’s keep calm here…if we stay together we will be fine, I promise!”
For some reason, his words were very dissuading, and I just had to scan my surroundings to survey the situation. So long as there were no signs of danger nearby, morale would remain stable, but…when I looked behind me, my heart leapt in my throat.
There on the horizon was the inky blackness I feared, the clouds so tightly intertwined and riddled with ash and soot it was like a black shadow enveloping everything.
“B-Branson…” I managed to say, “What is it, Ray?”
“We…better pick up the pace…” I stammered.
“Why?” he asked but turned his head back to me and seen the ominous threat approaching, “Oh…shit! On me, stay together everyone and don’t look back!”
But it was too late, for as soon as he had said so, the entire group was met with their insatiable desire to do the opposite!
“OH FUCK!” Lekan hollered, as he quickly turned and made a dash to pass Branson, but luckily was caught by the collar. “I said ‘On Me’ you wretched cur!” the lion snarled before picking up his pace and shoving the hyena behind him who remained hot on his heels.
In unison the entire crew kept up, Iggy was half the size of everyone on the team and to work twice as hard to keep up. I felt sympathy for her, as she began to mew softly as her legs began to tire. She was not far behind Lekan in the group when we first started, but soon found her way back behind the dozen others until she was in front of me. I knew it was only a manner of time before she would be behind, I could not let that happen.
The safety of everyone here was my only concern as I scooped her up in one motion and heaved her upon my back to which she gratefully clung on. Her heavy breathing and panic-stricken mewing echoing in my ears, she fought to find the words to thank me, but it eventually came.
The darkness approached quickly as the pace of the ash and soot around us began to swirl around my paws on the ground and ahead of me. I could see small cyclone swirls in the ash and dust ahead which moved like a living carpet. I knew that the storm was just behind us, and I couldn’t stop now!
“I think I see lights!” I heard Branson holler ahead, his voice drowned out by the audible roaring of the wind and evident thunder booms which made my body shake with every crackle. Looking ahead I could dimly see the bright white light of the base camp where our ships had landed.
My heart leapt with excitement and all fear left me as I knew we were close, but the world around me quickly began to fade. Fear and loathing replaced that revelled feeling as the storm had caught up, tossing us in a blinding fury of roaring winds which nearly knocked me off my feet, and the torrential, choking blanket of debris, ash and soot which filled the air. My helmet began to grow stuffy, as I felt myself becoming suffocated.
I dug deep within myself to push forth and not stop, I not only had my own life to worry about, but the life of another – Iggy. I could not allow myself to succumb to such a grim fate, not while we are much closer to shelter. My legs ached, my paws burned, and now my shoulders and back began to grow sore, I was entombed in complete misery, more than I have ever been.
I would have rather re-experience the radiation sickness to this! At least then I knew I could recover, but this…I could die from if I failed to endure.
Every sensory connection I had to what was around me was lost, my ears clogged with the howling winds, and thundering booms, my vision obscured by the inky blackness and the occasional blinding flash of lightning, and my nose filled with the abhorrent stench of smoke, soot and ash. All I could do was run forward and pray to god I could see the ship.
Out of nowhere, a sudden pressure completely enveloped me; like a rapid pulse, it swept me off my feet. I knew not what it was or where I was, but I felt as I was weightless for a few moments before crashing hard to the ground. The impact alone caused me to loosen my grip, and the weight I felt upon my shoulders was relieved…dread filled me…Iggy was gone!
“NO! IGGY!” I screamed as loud as I could, but no reply came. Even to my own ears, my voice was drowned. Was this the end? A sorrowful, pitiful life of being only half human snuffed out by my own world? All faith I had was lost…that was until I felt pressure once more…
<<< PREV | FIRST | NEXT >>>
Sorry for being so late, but chapter 22 is up! Had a busy week last week with work and preparing for some fun at Fur'the'more this past weekend I didn't get a chance to type up the story for last week's prompt until now. I had done so before, so I thought it was a great idea to incorporate both prompts into a single story and may I say, it turned out fantastically.
So here's my submission for 3-7-2019's
Thursday_prompt "Closer" and 3-14-2019's prompt "Speaker" So far it felt as though this story had been kind of mellow, with not a lot of major happenings, but it seems to have picked up a new interesting twist!
Hope you guys like this continuation, and thank you all who are following! It truly means a lot to me!! All your feedback is much appreciated and adored greatly!
Until next time! Happy writing!
Category Story / All
Species Unspecified / Any
Size 90 x 120px
File Size 21.8 kB
Comments