Passengers disembarked from transport vessel "Daisy 8". Now transferring fuel, coolant and volatiles.

Gate 04 online. Pressurized adapters and berthing arms prepped for arrival of transport vessel "Daisy 8".

I'll be in my quarters. Don't bother me again until I've gotten some sleep.

Everything looks good. I plan to run you through a complete checklist tomorrow, adjutant.

Major Treicher and her team have been granted full access to the station for the initial security sweep.

Your team has been granted full access to the station for the initial security sweep.

Welcome to Project Blackstone, Major Treicher. Your security clearance has been set to access level Omega.

Welcome to Project Blackstone, Director Branamoor. Your security clearance has been set to access level Omega.

Gate 03 online. Pressurized adapters and berthing arms prepped for arrival of transport vessel "Sparrowhawk".

Do that. And if Mengsk's penny-pinchers scrimped on my Scotch, there'll be hell to pay.

Yes, Director Branamoor. Diagnostic initiated. Shall I illuminate the most direct path for you to the mess hall?

Run program 9377b and send the results to my datapad. I'm going to see what's in the kitchen.

Why they'd prefer a beat-up machine like you to maintain this facility is beyond me. Ah well. Not my call.

Alright. Make sure they stay clear of the containment level. They're not trained for dealing with these things.

You know, I requested a NEW adjutant unit for this project. My request was denied. Somebody thought you were a better fit.

Yes, Major Treicher. Their transport should be arriving tomorrow.

Dominion Standard Time is displayed on your datapad, Director. I am ready for your diagnostic now.

Yes. One zergling. Unbelievable. The replacement crew is arriving soon?

Yes, Major Treicher. Do you want the later holovids displaying sanitation systems and corpse-removal processes as well?

Alright, I will be going over your recordings of the specimen incident in my quarters. Make sure that I'm not interrupted.

Morning, evening - who can tell on this rock?

Good evening, Director Branamoor. I am currently running a diagnostic for Major Treicher, but should be ready shortly.

Good morning, Adjutant 33-27. Are we ready for our check-up?

Initiate a full diagnostic on bio-scanners. Reboot each scanner-head sequentially and forward the report to med-bay.

Apply clearance rules for guidance zones, and activate badges. Initiate ID logging as a precautionary measure.

Yes, I know the drill. Import the new crew access database to my datapad.

After the security sweep is completed, your team will be set to access level Gamma.

No, Dr. Cogan. Your quarters are supplied with clothing and hygienic supplies sufficient for your needs.

I was not allowed to pack anything for this "trip" - are you going to shave our heads and dress us in stripes as well?

Welcome to Project Blackstone, Dr. Foster. Your security clearance has been set to access level Beta.

This just keeps getting better.

Until then, please follow the green-lit corridors to your living quarters. Keep your badge and datapad with you at all times.

Your datapad is for internal communication only, Dr. Ayers. Food and drink will be available in the mess hall shortly.

Can I call my agent on this thing? And what does a scientist have to do to get a drink around here?

Thanks for the kind invitation.

Welcome to Project Blackstone, Dr. Ayers. Your security clearance has been set to access level Beta.

Mr. Quinton? Ha! That's what they call my dad. At least I think it is. Never met the guy.

Welcome to Project Blackstone, Mr. Quinton. Your security clearance has been set to access level Beta.

Understood. Let me know when I can get to my lab.

Keep your badge and datapad with you at all times.

The labs will not be available until tomorrow. Please follow the green-lit corridors to your living quarters.

Right, right. Where's my lab?

Welcome to Project Blackstone, Dr. Held. Your security clearance has been set to access level Beta.

Welcome to Project Blackstone, Dr. Cogan. Your security clearance has been set to access level Beta.

Welcome to Project Blackstone, Dr. Langridge. Your security clearance has been set to access level Gamma.

Welcome to Project Blackstone, Dr. Martine. Your security clearance has been set to access level Beta.

No, no - I've managed well enough getting here, haven't I? Just keep the lights on until I'm tucked in.

Yes, Dr. Rothfuss. Do you require assistance to your quarters?

Talkative little machine, aren't you? Maybe you’ll open up once you get to know me better.

Please follow the green-lit corridors to your living quarters. Keep your badge and datapad with you at all times.

Beta? Interesting. How does one earn enough points for Omega status?

Welcome to Project Blackstone, Dr. Rothfuss. Your security clearance has been set to access level Beta.

Gate 03 online. Pressurized adapters and berthing arms prepped for arrival of transport vessel "Undertow 2".

Gate 02 online. Pressurized adapters and berthing arms prepped for arrival of transport vessel "Sunset".

Gate 01 online. Pressurized adapters and berthing arms prepped for arrival of transport vessel "Brook's Folly".

No, the adjutant is right on this account. We need to run a tight ship.

Eliminated? I just wanted to keep them away from the specimens.

All maintenance personnel will keep to green- and yellow-lit hallways. Unauthorized personnel found in red-lit hallways will be eliminated.

Gate 02 online. Pressurized adapters and berthing arms prepped for arrival of transport vessel "Beluga".

All Project Blackstone communication will be monitored, folks. All of it. Sorry, but those are the rules.

Remember, people: These messages are visible to everybody in the facility. Please keep chatter, innuendo, and complaints to a minimum.

You're invited to come analyze this thing in "person" if you'd like, Adjutant. It is definitely having problems.

My datapad appears to be malfunctioning. Keeps sending me "Unauthorized User" messages.

I would advise all of you to limit your use of the more “social” aspects of these devices to the comparing of notes and data analysis.

Doc Branamoor is right. Mine works great as a coaster.

These datapads are intended for research purposes only, and will play a variety of roles in your scientific endeavors while stationed here.

Attention Blackstone staff! I hope that by now you may have become familiarized with your datapads.

Local temperature has been adjusted to your specifications, Director Branamoor.

Raise the ambient temperature of my quarters by two degrees.

Yeah, yeah. Wake me if you find anything. Can't shake the feeling that we're being watched.

Splendid. All this hi-tech gear was bound to get crosswired somewhere, I guess. Run another scan- I'm going to get some sleep.

Nothing, Major Treicher. Error readings may have been caused by a malfunction in the new metadrive bridges trying to reset.

Run a scan on active lines. Freeze any that have opened within the last twenty minutes.

Damnit. Burgess must've found them on layaway. I suppose I will have to make do.

The Axiom Corporation discontinued production on that line of instruments two years ago, Dr. Held.

The Axiom tools I was promised are not here. When can I expect them?

I am well aware of your condition, Dr. Held. Please address me as Dr. during your tenure with Project Blackstone.

Yes, Dr. Martine. Maintenance personnel will be notified directly.

I know that, Helek. I just wanted to make sure that they're here before I begin my procedure - can't use these heavy things.

Request that we move scanner, microdissector, & RNA seq kit closer to analysis platform. Distance is not optimal.

Please direct these questions to the facility's adjutant, Dr. Held. Keeping track of your special knives is not my job.

I have decided that you are an interesting fellow, Chief Engineer Quinton.

Ended up melting two perfectly good hellions to slag before I decided to leave squishy science to the eggheads in your circles.

Haha - I'm just messing with ya, Doc. I read your books. Even tried to incorporate your metabolic rate theory into a carburetor.

The soil pH in 23 is not acceptable. Set the level equivalent to the control sample from Vygoire.

I apologize if it came out that way, but wish to assure you that I have nothing but the greatest respect for your vocation.

I would never dream of slighting your profession, Chief Engineer.

Oh no! I didn’t mean it like that. I meant that writings on xenoscience might not be as interesting to engineers.

And yes, I'm a writer. Maybe my books aren’t as widely read in your circles, but they’re popular in the scientific community.

This is in reference to my email, I assume?

Nice response, Doc. You a writer or something?

The Axiom tools I was promised are not here. I have special requirements, and these Procyon scalpels will not do.

Dr. Branamoor has a list of tasks that will require your immediate attention.

Let me know once you have completed your inventory inspections, Red.

Ha, I could probably build a new Viking from scratch just using the spare parts bin. Think I'm gonna enjoy my time with Project Blackstone.

Wow. These are some top shelf tools. Dominion didn’t cheap out on us, boys.

Thanks darlin. You just made all my equipment very happy.

We still working out the kinks in our resident adjutant,? I’ve got a garage full of sparkly gear that won’t power up.

Tell him to step lively, adjutant. This Mr. Jack better find a safe place for his scans or he'll find himself floating home.

Specialist Sherman Jack on his way now, Major Treicher.

How did we not build security around the damn scans? Unbelievable. Get me the xeno-imaging specialist up here at once.

Did we lose anything? Which sectors were open?

Anyway, I’ve got a few ideas how to pack more boom into each mine without losing structural integrity.

It’s like watching the grandkids of the old spider mines doing the family proud. Lil rascals saved my butt so many times…

Don’t have to be like that. I just have a special place in my heart for widow mines. Glad we get to amp em up.

Cool those jets and try to keep it professional, backwood. I'm grabbing some dinner - see you in the workshop in twenty.

See the new action item from the boss, darlin? Looks like we get to have some fun tonight.

Keep em away from my covered project in the back. Dangerous stuff there.

Aaaaand there we go. I'm out. You may want to send that crew up here after all, darlin. There's a chunk missing from the door.

No, no belay that order. Tell the crew to stand down or something. I can use the light from my datapad here to reach the door.

You may wish to find a respirator, Red. I am detecting traces of ethanol. The maintenance crew will arrive soon.

Anomalous, huh? Well, you locked me in here and turned out the lights.

Yes, Red. Routine scan detected anomalous chemical signatures - the machine shop has been powered down for further analysis.

Hey, darlin - any ideas why my garage is locked down again?

Run your analysis again. This time without the editorializing.

You make them sound almost human, Dr. Held. Apologies, but isn't that what you just cautioned me against?

At least the zerg make no bones about their bloody intent. The protoss are deceptive, hiding their evil behind silent masks.

I would caution you against anthropomorphizing these monsters. They can be just as savage and cruel as the zerg.

Remember, we’re not here to make guesses about their culture. We are looking for weaknesses. Flaws. An Achilles heel.

Your insights on specimen AP-03's hypertrophic scars holding ritual significance may be stretching things a bit, however.

Cross-sectional analysis and first round of electrochemical stimulation underway. Prelim data sent to your pad.

We had a delay in our delivery process. Patience, Dr. Cogan. We're still looking at your larval cell adaptation proposal.

Are the zergling specimens still en route? Dr. Ayers and I were supposed to start on them today.

Next time you get stuck in the machine shop, call security. Your blowtorch is intended for research purposes only.

I'll take whatever help I can get here - this is beyond annoying. On my way now.

I might be able to do something with it - tinkering's a hobby of mine. Why don't you drop it by my quarters?

Anybody else having problems with their datapads? I'm still getting error messages and the adjutant isn't any help.

My pleasure, Dr. Foster. If there is anything not to your liking, please do let me know.

Just wanted to thank you again for fixing my datapad. Error messages are gone and the whole thing is running like clockwork.

Thank you, Dr. Ayers, but I fail to see the amusement in observing prehistoric fantasies. I really must get back to work.

Silly, I know, but it might be fun to honor our ancient traditions…

Listen, I was wondering if you would be interested in sharing dinner with me tonight?

Yes. Yes, I suppose they were.

Oh, I see. An opportunity to sell merchandise as a sad surrogate of love. Our ancestors were very clever.

Back on Old Earth, couples would proclaim their affection for each other over candlelight dinners and wine.

No, I’m referring to a particular kind of meaning. Today used to be an annual celebration of romance.

Don’t all days have meaning? I never took you for a pessimist.

You know, this day had some meaning for our Earth-bound ancestors.

Just wanted to commend you for your analysis on the modified zergling endocrine system, Dr. Cogan. Very succinct.

I sure am. Know anybody?

Alright, you've got my attention. Still interested in bouncing your calculations off of "somebody smart"...?

We can use the space for in-house seige tech. Every Crucio that rolls out will come with the full package. Even cup holders.

Wanted to bounce the idea off of somebody smart before taking it to the bossman. I've already run the numbers.

You went from poop-chute to optimal military efficiency in no time. I'm impressed, Red. Have you shared this with Branamoor?

Imagine what we could use that space for. Maybe shuffle in something from the tech lab; save our boys some time in the field.

Every tank-baking factory in the field has got that big room for sitting and squatting. So decorum trumps efficiency?

I'm serious. Our soldiers come with readymade poop-chutes built inside their armor. Are these latrines for unexpected guests?

This conversation makes reactor analysis almost enjoyable in comparison.

It got me thinking. Do Dominion combat facilities really need bathrooms?

THAT'S an image I needed right before dinner. So is there a point to this charming story about wartime excretions?

Mounted the entire thing in our bathroom. We had to do our business out the windows for a few weeks but we weren't sweating.

Ended up jury-rigging a compressor with a couple ventilation hoses and one of them micro-condensers from an old Vulture.

Funny cuz there never was any A/C in that dump. The captain put a pistol to my head and told me to fix it anyway. Swell guy.

It was my first job with this outfit. They begged me to "fix the air conditioning." Which was funny.

Umojan snipers taking pot shots morning and night. My crew was sweaty and scared. The joint smelled to high heaven.

I was stuck in the desert the whole time. The outpost was a glorified tin can with windows. 13 of us in there.

I ever tell you about my time on the front lines against them Umojans?

You should have my reply in your inbox shortly, Dr. Ayers.

Just sent you a summary of my notes on the zergling dissection this morning. Let me know your thoughts.

Please discontinue notifications regarding all meals except for Thursdays.

Please keep all chatter relevant to research and adjutant scheduling requests.

Alright folks, this type of conversation is not what your datapads are meant for.

Hold that thought. I'm going back for more enchiladas.

Yes, but why the distinctive shift in flavor on Thursdays? We're all smart folk- any theories?

Monday's menu threw my appetite out the damn airlock. That stuff didn't belong on a plate, let alone a petri dish.

Is it just me, or are the Thursday meals in the mess hall significantly better than those from any other day?

What? Why are those grease monkeys taking my carbon? Apparently I need to have a word with Branamoor about "shared resources."

Dr. Langridge, our supply of filtering materials has been unexpectedly depleted by engineering experiments.

Oh - don't worry about it. I'll tell her.

Yes, Red. I shall notify Dr. Langridge that her supplies are exhausted as well.

Fine, fine. Suppose I can wait - patience ain't one of my virtues. Make sure we get more in the next haul?

Our next supply delivery is already inbound. We may not have the amount you requested in this delivery.

Thanks, darlin. I'm burnin through that activated charcoal quick. Gonna be a problem to get more?

Yes, Red. I have made a request for additional filtration materials.

Seems like we're running low on Lot C-224CH. Might want to order us up some more on the next supply ship.

Run the checklist for the lower level containment seals again. The last thing I need today is more problems.

No, thanks. Just a headache. Side effect from the sedative my gracious hosts used on me during the trip.

Medkits are located in the dispensary adjacent to the mess hall. Do you require more intensive care?

Where's the nearest medkit? My head feels like it's about to split apart.

Back in the loving arms of the Dominion.

Welcome to Project Blackstone, Dr. Ramsey. Your security clearance has been set to access level Beta.

Yes, Dr. Langridge. I will notify you as soon as the chamber 23 is prepared.

No. This must be done manually.

Adjusting humidity and oxygen levels in chamber 23. Transplants will begin in 219 minutes.

The fern seedlings have germinated., prepare 23 for transplantation.

No. At least, I hope not.

It has, by sources that I cannot mention. Will this be a problem?

Glancing through the dossier. This business with the so-called "preserver"—has it been verified?

Under no circumstances is he to join you in the dissection chamber. His role will be to assist in the post-necropsy evaluation.

Today Dr. Ramsey will be joining you in the laboratory. I’ve sent you a dossier on his experience with regards to the protoss.

Yes, Dr. Branamoor. Engineering has allocated 73.2% of the existing supplies. A report of usage has been sent to your inbox.

The existing stock was intended to last three months! I want a full usage report for the prior lot.

Dr. Langridge has requested them for chambers 12 through 17.

I'm going over supply logs today. Why are we requesting additional filters?

Understood. Interesting that you would use a religious metaphor to deliver that point.

You're preaching to the choir, Dr. I've been at the forefront of these new sciences for my entire career.

Don't read too much into that. I'm starting to see the value in his more abstract use of language in these emergent fields.

A genetic ocean simile? If I didn't know any better, Dr. Cogan, I would think that you are starting to sound like Dr. Ayers.

It is hard to use terms like "mutant" with the zerg xenotype. Their genetic landscape is like an ocean- constantly changing.

Almost. I sent a few samples of the creature's unique hemoglobin out for analysis. but am still waiting for the results.

I've included all of your notes, Dr. Cogan. Have you and Dr. Ayers finished your examination of the mutant organism from Choss?

That was quick. Make sure you highlight my concerns about the potential conflicts with human endocrine systems.

You'll be happy to learn that I've sent your cell regen proposal up the chain. The Dominion is excited to begin live tests soon

What's that old expression? "Missing the forest for the trees?"

Kind of you to say. Unfortunately it seems Dr. Held would prefer I placed less priority on that aspect of my work.

And yes, I just finished reading your report about protoss language patterns. Despite what Held says, it was pretty dead on.

Thanks, I appreciate that.

And I'm sorry about what happened in the meeting earlier. Not the best welcome we could have given you.

I wanted to check and make sure that you received my email.

Adjusting access protocols. Our official inquiry will begin tomorrow.

I want a time log for all garage access over the past week. Flag any periods longer than 15 mins where only Red is present.

Lot C-224CH has gone to waste to personal projects by Mr. Quinton. Full report on your station. Handle it.

Report to the medical dispensary at 0700 tomorrow.

Of course not. ‘Asking’ doesn’t factor into the Dominion's MO. Waking up alone every day is a reminder of that.

The concern is appreciated, but unnecessary.

Having to be carried off to your room is the antithesis of nothing. I’m scheduling an examination by one of our medics.

It was nothing. I just felt a little lightheaded.

Dr. Ramsey, Major Treicher informed me of an incident last night. You collapsed in one of the hallways?

Let me know if you find any magical invisible distilleries anywhere in my workspace.

That makes two of us. So this is a paid day off? Fine by me.

I'm not in the mood for games, Mr. Quinton.

Secondly, you think I'm patient enough to wait for whisky to age?

First and foremost, I'm a whisky man. Proper whisky takes time to age. I ain't been here long enough to properly age nothing.

It'd be stupid to end up in jail over a bit of moonshine.

I'll say it again: Come clean right now and things will go much easier for you.

Or to be clear: I know you've built a distillery in the engineering bay. We'll find it soon enough.

The official accusation is "misuse of critical Dominion resources."

Easy? For what? Using more activated carbon than you expected? Give me a break.

I promise, as Head of Security, that I'll go easy on you.

Mr. Quinton, if you come clean and admit what you've done...

After the scanner debacle, it's painfully obvious what you're doing.

Okay, fine. Tell me what you're investigating. What exactly did I do?

You are officially under investigation Mr. Quinton and, until my investigation is complete, you are restricted to quarters.

So, I'm going to make this very clear to you.

Now let me out before I actually get annoyed at you. I've got work to do today.

I've got at least six projects on my table right now that use activated carbon. You might have clearance to know about… two.

Don't take this the wrong way, Major, but you're not exactly qualified to judge my use of engineering supplies.

Egregious? I must be in big trouble if you're using all them expensive words.

Did you think such an egregious abuse of supplies would just go unanswered?

Months worth of activated carbon gone in just a few weeks.

I explicitly warned you not to misuse station resources.

Whoa whoa whoa. What's going on? What'd I do?

Yes and it's going to stay that way until this problem has been resolved.

Hey Major, the chrome-head says I need to talk to you. What's the deal? Am I locked into my room?

Major Treicher will be handling your inquiries.

Please direct all inquiries to Major Treicher.

My door is jammed this morning. Little red light on the keypad keeps blinking at me like it’s mad at me. What gives?

Well, if it CAN detect ethanol, aim it toward my mouth right now. And let me know if I hit the high score.

There is a suite of sensors with various classified functions in all living quarters, Red.

Seeing as how I'm not going anywhere for a while… is there an ethanol scanner in my quarters?

Damnit Red. Just means you've tucked it away in an air-tight space. I know it's in here somewhere.

Give me another scan for traces of ethanol.

With respect sir, I'd like to be thorough given that the materials are highly flammable. And we're in a weapons lab.

I'm not asking for miracles, Major, but how long do you believe a simple search for contraband should take?

I'm not trying to be a buzzkill here. You have put all of our lives at risk.

You've hidden a distillery in a room already packed with volitile chemicals. Inside a closed environment with limited O2.

I know you'd like nothing more than to convince everyone that we're hassling you for no reason, but you and I know the truth.

Speaking of which…, how's the search for my whisky factory going?

So it's a second day off for you, too? Wonderful. I sure could use a drink.

Hey, Backwood - what's all the fuss in the lab about? I'd like to get some work done.

I will be noting my concerns regarding the continued safety risk in the record but I respect your authority in the matter.

Understood. I take it you spoke with Dr. Foster as well. I'll close the inquiry forthright, sir.

Duly noted, Major, but my order stands. Your investigation is done.

Sir…I have to insist that you reconsider. I strongly believe that Red Quinton's activities pose a threat.

I appreciate your diligence, but it's best we all get back to the tasks at hand. Productivity has taken a rather severe hit.

With all due respect, sir, there IS a distillery here and we WILL find it soon.

I see no need to continue Mr. Quinton's detainment.

If there were a danger to this installation, I'm confident you would have located it by now.

After careful consideration, I'd like you to end the current investigation.

I just hope, for the sake of your career, that your silence today is for purely innocent reasons.

Your dedication to results is admirable.

All right. Have it your way, Dr. Foster.

So maybe, just maybe, the best course of action is to let us get back to work. Let it go, Major.

Red is uncouth. But he's smart. Apparently, he built a hidden distillery so well you still can't find it after four days.

The bumpkin in charge of engineering has already improved our widow mines and made siege tech more efficient for your boss.

Go ask Director Branamoor how many actual combat advancements Project Blackstone has delivered to the front lines.

He's belittled you and watched the garage get turned upside down just to entertain himself.

Don't bother. You have nothing to offer me here.

I'll save you a bunch of time, Major. I have nothing to say to you.

Have you seen anything that would indicate where in the garage he hid the distillery?

Unfortunately, undisciplined people hide behind humor, bravado, or crawl right in the bottle.

Lets just say I'm used to a bit more professionalism from my superiors.

Perhaps, but that man must be a serious pain in the ass to work next to.

Red may not be my favorite person on this rock, but at least he and I have a record of getting work done.

"Good ol' boys" like Mr. Quinton are severely lacking in respect for others.

Can we skip to the point, Major? If you had found any contraband, you wouldn't need to talk with me.

I know that you, more than anyone else on-board can appreciate the significance

It's a drain on facility resources and, very importantly, it's a major safety risk.

A necessary precaution. When someone steals materials it affects the entire crew here.

Yes, I'm aware. Your "scrutiny" has kept me out of my lab for four days.

As you're no doubt aware, Mr. Quinton's recent abuse of facility equipment has attracted a lot of scrutiny.

I need to speak with you.

Inform the Palomino they are clear for departure.

Dr. Branamoor, the shipment is being unloaded to the garage. I have a sec team escorting the crew and payload now.

Confirmed. The maintenance team has been notified.

Unlock Gate 03 and provide the maintenance crew with path lights to the garage.

Yes Major Treicher. The maintenance crew will be notified to unload on your command.

I'll need to oversee this arrival directly due to the nature of the arms aboard.

Inform the crew that they are not yet authorized to board the Palomino.

Gate 03 online. Pressurized adapters and berthing arms prepped for arrival of frigate, "Palomino".

Good, my team and I are heading there now.

The captain has estimated they will arrive within the hour.

What's the ETA on our supply frigate?

You want to cloak a giant metal walker? You're drunk, Red. The efficiency gains are worth a look, though. Let me revise.

We can fit more guns. More armor. Cup holders. MOTHERFEKKIN CLOAKIN DEVICE!

This'll free up space/pwr for all kindsa junk. I think. Sending you diagrams now

Hm…cloaking aside, you may actually be on to something. Do we need all that thumbprint security vs a bunch of nonhumans?

Ditch all that and we got POWER to spare. I WANT CLOAKING

NO NO NO I'm serious. Warhound has power to spare. Bunch of electronics n security wired into it. WHY FINGERPRINT SCANNER?

Yes, I can read. What about cloaking?

At least put down the bottle before trying to type it out.

fingers slipped sorry I HAVE AN IDEA.

Work order says this needs to be shipped out tomorrow. Sounds like an all-nighter. I'll bring a couple bottles...

Tall ugly thing - looks like a relation of yours. Label on the side says "Warhound".

Production of what? What was delivered? It just says CLASSIFIED CARGO on my datapad here.

Big new toy. You're going to love this one, Backwood. Orders are to see if we can't streamline production.

I'll join you in a few, sweetheart. I hear that ship brought us something new to chew on.

Nice to be back in the lab. Finally.

I just knew. It was already there, in my head.

How did you know my full name? I haven't told anyone here.

Impossible. I wasn't directing that at you, and you're no telepath.

I blacked out. I could hear your screams. I could feel them.

Are you alright? Please respond.

Damn it. Can't do this. Sorry.

You hard-shells, what do you care? But you owe us.

We sacrifice everything to become ghosts. Our memories, our freedom. Too often, our sanity.

I know. But you can’t let Held get under your skin like this.

Usable nerve cord tissue is especially precious. So many things we still don't understand about telepathy.

Do you know how rare it is for us to find a dead protoss?

The samples. Dr. Held incinerated them. Too dangerous, he said, and plenty of other tissue to study. I can't believe it.

I’m not sure, but that wouldn’t be a surprise. Held isn’t much for consulting me on what he does.

Ok, this is odd. The nerve cord samples we collected this morning are gone. Did Dr. Held take them when he stormed out?

Living here isn’t any easier for me because I’m a willing part of the Dominion.

I’m sorry. I’ve been on edge a bit lately.

I'm doing this so that your "friends" didn't die in vain. But judge away. Moral superiority must feel good.

Your outrage is misplaced. The materials we’re working with came from protoss who were already dying or dead.

Because I have to, not because I want to.

My experiments? You do just as much work here as I do.

Beings who never had a choice whether they would become subjects to your experiments.

Distance yourself from the fact that the materials you’re poking and prodding once belonged to sentient beings.

How do you do it, Dr. Martine?

Dr. Held is looking for the hagedorn needles from our procedure earlier today. Any chance you've seen where they went?

They don't move on their own, Martine! I left them on the operating tray. You must have moved them. Where are they?

Again, my apologies. Weren't you the last one in the lab? How could I possibly have moved them?

You know damn well what I'm talking about.

I'm sorry, Dr. Held. I don't know what you're talking about. Are your tools missing?

I've asked you before not to touch my hagedorn needles. There will not be a third reminder, doctor.

Jake? You alright, man? I really was just kidding. Didn't mean to stir nothing up.

Whoa whoa whoa , easy tiger. I was just teasing you. Sorry.

Just drop it Red. Fekking drop it.

Yeah, but we're in comms blackout here. She'd never need to know. Get busy, man!

Red, the answer is no. I've got someone else. Someone waiting for me.

That's a lot of words to avoid saying "no," buddy.

I mean looking at it objectively, sure. There's something to her. She's brilliant. Strong. Independent.

We're about as different as they come. That "opposites attract" crap? Doesn't apply here.

Course I do, but she's long since made clear I ain't her type. And stop changing the subject. You're into her, aint'cha?

You're telling me you don't chat it up with Dr. Foster outside the machine shop?

"How you doing, Jakey?" "My bed's got room for two, Leah." You got that brooding, hurt puppy look the ladies love.

Not at all. It's just, if you're working with someone, you might as well get to know them.

"Leah"? You sweet on her?

Pretty much. I haven't asked her about it. I just know Leah's been through a lot.

They've been at each other's throats for a while now. Tangling with a Ghost Academy alumni is something I wouldn't recommend.

He came at her with a scalpel. She practically put him through the fekkin wall. Five more seconds and she would've ended him.

Shoot, son. That lady didn't need my help. I was trying to save Held's life.

Thanks for helping Dr. Martine today, Red. Sounds like things got rough in there.

I'll be right there.

I'm heading down. Something doesn't feel right.

Major Treicher, we have an altercation on Biolab 4.

Not sure - our next procedure doesn't start for a few hours. Leah was down there doing prep work with

What's all the commotion down in BioLab 4? I'm trying to scrub Overlord brain-matter off the walls in peace over here.

I certainly hope ALL of my tools are where I left them this time. If your sloppiness costs me one more valuable

Yes, Dr. Held. All surfaces prepped and tools ready.

Everything set up for the intracranial investigation of specimen AP-05?

I like the way you think, Dan. What do you say we grab a drink after work and chew the fat?

I'm just pointing out vulnerabilities, my friend. Never underestimate an enemy that can travel between the stars.

Can't imagine a roach hijacking our mech for a spin around the block. And the protoss wouldn't set foot in that tin can.

These babies are going up against aliens, gramps. Do we really need a thumb-scanner to protect against Grand Theft Warhound?

Do you have any concerns about leaving such a powerful weapon with the keys in the ignition?

I see you've stripped out the pilot security template to allow for quicker construction and an overall boost in system power.

Oh, I dabble in machine language. A hobby, really. May I ask you about these Warhound modifications you've got planned?

No apologies required - like I said, I'm impressed that an old coot like yourself knows how to hack into protected files.

Oh were they protected? My apologies.

Poking around in my high-security, encoded files, huh? I like you already.

Ha, no not at all. Just poking around some of the schematics you stored here on the network. Nothing too formal.

Thanks, old timer. Are you part of Branmoor's review process now?

I've been over your Warhound modifications - some impressive attempts at streamlining here, Red.

Have there been any other transmissions from the Dominion regarding the Warhounds? Specifically ones routed directly to us?

Axiom Ordnance representatives confirmed two days ago that they did incorporate our specifications.

Route a query to Axiom immediately. Ask if those Warhounds incorporated our modifications. I will not take the blame for this.

And the zerg have overrun Mistaff IV? What the hell is happening out there?

You're telling me that Axiom Ordnance sent out three transports filled with Warhounds… but only one arrived?

The rest of the message deals with search grid patterns and other protocols, none of which apply to this installation.

'FIRST MISSING TRANSPORT LAST SEEN ON MISTAFF IV. PLANET HAS BEEN OVERRUN BY ZERG FORCES.'

'ONLY ONE OF THREE AXIOM ORDNANCE TRANSPORTS ACCOUNTED FOR (ON KORHAL.)'

'BEGIN MESSAGE: ALL DOMINION FORCES BE ON LOOKOUT FOR MISSING TRANSPORT CRAFT.'

Yes, Dr. Branamoor. The signal strength was unexpectedly low, but most of the information is intact.

I can't make any sense of those last transmissions from the Dominion. Please clarify.

Not at all. Thank you, Dr.

I suspect that this was a product of your imagination. If you don't mind my saying so.

Sometimes there's room for doubt and speculation, but not here. The zerg aren't magic; dead still means dead.

Perhaps a new mutation has allowed the overlord to give off post-mortem psionic emanations of grief?

But the zerg habitus is so adaptable. Our science has a poor record of charting its course.

In that case, no. It was well into a state of decay, incapable of generating the impulses required for psionic communication.

That's why I'm bringing this to you. I suspect that the emotion originated from the overlord. Is that possible?

It is a phenomenon I have only experienced with the overlord.

My previous procedures with other zerg species were unremarkable in this respect.

But I found that I was bombarded with despair whenever I dissected the specimen.

We estimate that this overlord has been dead for quite a while. My investigation in this area is purely incidental.

That seems like a rather old-fashioned approach, so I'm thinking you must have something else in mind.

Do you mean neurons salvaged from the overlord's brain at the moment of its death? A cultured neuronal network with an MEA?

For lack of a better word, is it possible for psionic neurons to emit an "echo" after brain death?

Specifically, I want to talk to you about the zerg overlord.

I'm going over my notes from a few weeks ago, and I'm struggling with a question.

Do you mind if I pick your brain, Dr.? I understand you're an expert in psionic neurology.

True enough. But if you ever want to discuss telepathy again, let me know. I could teach you a few things.

It's only natural, isn't it? With all the surveillance on this rock, thoughts are the only privacy we have.

Hang on, professor. Are you trying to hide your thoughts from me?

But thanks. Guess I should get started on prepping for our next round of tests.

You know, I think you're the first person I've met who’s described an archaeologist’s mind as anything but ponderous.

Your mind is a joy to witness. The way your thoughts flash & shift. The complexity & unpredictability of your mental landscape.

I have to say that I'm amazed at how perceptive you are, even if it is involuntary.

Thanks. Though I still have my doubts.

You are. I can't explain it, but I get the feeling you’re attuned to people better than you think.

When Zamara was a part of me, I knew things--things even some protoss don't know. But I was never in complete control.

If so, you were a stronger telepath than I am.

Tell me, professor: while the protoss was in your mind, could you predict every single action the people around you might take?

So a teep should’ve seen it coming, right? You seem to know a lot about telepathy for someone who’s mostly hard-shell.

I'm curious, though--did you ever pick up on any warning signs from Held?

Don’t mention it. Seemed like you had things under control, to be perfectly honest.

I'm glad you were there.

I never thanked you for helping me last week. I can't believe Held actually had a psychotic breakdown.

Unable to comply. Omega-level authorization required. Please direct inquiries to your administrator.

Then increase the limit. This experiment is important.

Unable to comply, Dr. Langridge. Request exceeds the water ration limit for your department.

Samples 31 through 37 are wilting. Please increase the water dispersal for tray 3.

I'm not sure how that question is relevant. But I am sorry for the distress this has caused Talise -- and you Talen. I truly am.

You don't have any children, do you Dan?

I don’t understand your question. You know full well that she asked me for information about her daughter.

Why? Why would you tell her this, Dan?

Perhaps “jumping to conclusions” is more of a family trait than Dr. Cogan cares to admit.

Accurate as always, Talen. I said as much to Talise.

The Raiders were forced to eliminate the colony. Dominion records end there - no further mention of Ariel Hanson was made.

The colonists gathered at the planet Meinhoff, where they were infected with what appears to be a form of zerg spore.

That is a matter of perspective, Talen. Should I continue, or shall we discuss the finer points of governance and rebellion?

I'm not asking. So Talise's daughter is a terrorist?

She contacted the Raynor's Raiders insurgent group to save the colony. A noble act of leadership, if you ask me.

But the Dominion left the colonists to fend for themselves against the Swarm.

Patience, man. Talise's daughter, Ariel Hanson, was stationed at the Agria colony during the zerg invasion.

Don't make me ask again. Tell me everything. Now.

Calm down, Talen. Talise asked me to find out what the Dominion was hiding from her.

Talise. She's put in for a transfer. What did you tell her, dammit!?

Excuse me? Tell whom?

Don't play with me, Rothfuss. What did you tell her?

It is now. What seems to be the problem?

What sort of issue? Is there something that I should be aware of?

I've already filed a complaint with the Dominion and I fully expect the issue to be resolved soon.

No, Major Treicher. There have been minor logistical problems with supply scheduling.

Doctor, I tried to request more supplements but the Adjutant seemed to think supplies were low. Is something wrong?

A number of the supplements you requested are not available in those quantities at this time.

No, that's not right. Just give me my normal month's worth.

Request confirmed. A fourteen day supply will be available at the infirmary.

The standard daily regimen should be simple enough, but it wouldn't hurt to get some more immune boosters for my cyberlimb.

I will need clarification on, "a couple of vitamins."

I need to requisition a couple of vitamins. Branamoor made it very clear we need to take our prescribed supplements.

Damn, I'm starting to like this lady.

Remind me to never make her angry.

It's winding down now. Wow. Ain't never seen nothing like that. Five marines but the Major just whipped all of them.

Can't believe I'm missing this. On my way!

Who taught that lady to punch? She hits like a Thor on snoke.

Hurry, it ain't gonna last long OH MY SWEET LORD she just broke a table with his head.

Change of plans. Get down here right now. You need to see this.

Bunch of Treicher's marines are trading knuckle kisses. We got ourselves a legit brawl underway.

Are you talking about the enchiladas again?

Stay away from the mess hall, darling. Things are getting hot.

I'm trying to get lunch here in the mess hall, but there's some kind of hold-up at the front of the line.

Confirmed. Your request has been sent.

Can you reschedule my meeting with Dr. Branamoor for later this afternoon?

Enchiladas. Again. What is it, the sixth day in a row? Loses its appeal after a while.

What's the catch of the day?

Grabbing food in the mess. I'd like to chat about a couple things. Ideas and such.

Of course not! You're fun and all, but I'd never stoop to misrepresenting food.

Are you just saying that?

I don't think they are...

As long as they’re not serving enchiladas again.

Very funny. Are you coming to the mess hall or not?

You’re right. That would be a disaster.

Look, all I’m saying is be careful. I can’t run this lab on my own, can I?

We have so much more to learn from them. We can’t let fear keep us at a distance.

You’re terran, like me. We can depend on each other far more than we can trust xenos.

No matter how much you think you understand the protoss, you’re not one of them.

Please don’t go in the holding room alone.

Sorry about that. Thoughts were wandering a bit.

Are you in the holding chamber room?

Wait… I’m getting some strange psionic feedback from you.

Those are some five-credit words, professor. Will this be on the exam?

It is from this influence that we extrapolate identity and purpose.

Just as the mass of a celestial body distorts the fabric of space, so too does one’s consciousness affect the Khala.

The subject told you this?

Kaeon is different. Highly intelligent. Innately curious. He’s a member of the Khalai caste—a scientist like us.

If they weren’t locked down in the psi-dampening chambers, they’d be tearing this place apart.

I mean Subject #383. Why do you call them by name, Jake? They’re not your friends.

I suppose. Subject #383 at least seems less resistant to the tests than the others.

Well, the protoss are certainly more responsive since he left.

The only soft spot I have is for the work. What Held did was detrimental to our experiments, not to mention repulsive.

I didn’t know you had such a soft spot for the protoss.

I don't see how they could have. I warned him, but he kept indulging in his sick desires.

Can’t say I miss him. I just wish things had played out differently.

It’s been quiet in there without Held, hasn’t it?

I will soon. I’m finishing up some things in the lab.

I’m heading to the mess hall. Care to join?

Meet me in the lab.

What do I need to do?

Nope. But at least you can share the burden with someone.

It never gets easier, does it?

Maybe. Maybe not.

Not to you.

And then it eats them from the inside out. Chews them up. Leaves them broken. It happened so many times in the academy.

That’s what a lot of psionics tell themselves. They try to bear the burden on their own.

I appreciate the concern, but it’s really not a big deal. I can handle it.

A way for us psionics to ease the pain—to get through it.

Well, whatever the cause, I think I know a way to help. It’s something I learned in the Ghost Academy.

The headaches let up for a while after Held left. For some reason, they’re coming back.

That’s hardly a comfort. If it isn’t biological in origin, it must be psionic.

They’ve scanned me a dozen times. No "organic" damage, as they put it.

Do I need to make you go? Do you really want to have your ass kicked by a woman with only one good leg?

You don't know that. Or did the protoss gift you with clairvoyance as well as head trauma?

They aren’t that bad. Besides, there’s no one in medical that can do anything.

The really bad ones? Yes.

You can pick up on my headaches psionically?

Those pills aren't going to help. Go see someone in medical.

These headaches of yours worry me.

Good. I’m almost there. We're gathered in the Mess Hall - don't make me carry you, dammit.

One still lives. They are not all dead.

She can't help you now. I can. Open to me.

Breathe. Focus. Open your mind to me. I can help you. I am almost there.

Blood. Coming out of my ears.

Dr. Held is gone, Jake. You need to breathe. Remember what I taught you.

Held. He is killing them. He is killing all of them.

I’m on my way. Keep typing.

Something’s not right. Something

Rosemary, my head hurts. It hurts so bad.

Damnit Jake, answer me! Where are you?

I think I saw him dart back down the hall. I thought he was retreiving something?

Has anybody seen Ramsey? He was just here.

We're going. Where are you?

ok. Thank you. I'm just straightening up a few things. I'll be there shortly.

I need you to take point.

I'm on my way. Everyone, form up in the hallway and move to the mess hall.

Meet in the hallway. We're gathering there now.

Where is safe? I don't know where to go.

Get behind the lady with the gun, people. Our hands ain't much good against zergling teeth.

Activate emergency guidance lights for any surviving personnel on the remaining levels.

Not my fault. I don't know how this happened. But it's not my fault.

Doctor, I need you to stay where you are, we're coming to get you.

Where is everybody? What's happening?

Meet me in the hallway.

Do I need to say the obvious? The dissection lab is the only damned place the zerg AREN'T.

On my way, Dan.

I hate to be a bother, but would somebody mind helping me into my chair? It can be a slow process by myself, and I fear we don't have time.

The tracking system places the specimens in dissection sublevel 2.

Don't we have tracking devices on these things? How the hell did they get up here without us knowing?

Everybody. Get ready to move. We need to circle the wagons here.

What the hell is going on? Who's shooting?

Attention Blackstone personnel. The station is entering lock-down, please remain in your quarters until further notice.

We can't wait any longer. Adjutant, this is a "Code Yellow".

Wake up. Something is wrong.

Not responding or not transmitting? Are they ignoring your queries? What's happening down there? Damnit, what is going on?

The security teams' systems are no longer transmitting.

What's going on? Who was responsible for these specimens?

I need a sit-rep of the remaining zones. Sec Team Alpha respond. Repeat, Alpha, please respond.

Act? There is no contingency plan for this, Major. How did zerglings get up here? I want a full report!

Doctor, we have to act now. I have reports of zerglings in staff living quarters.

What? What kind of anomaly? What's going on?

Dr. Branamoor, I've got 6 marines with me. What are our orders?

There is a security anomaly in 8g.

Daniel Rothfuss Ok, everybody. Datapads should be back online. Be sure to activate your speech to text applications when needed. Everybody check in. Ok, everybody. Datapads should be back online. Be sure to activate your speech to text applications when needed. Everybody check in.

Talen Ayers @DanielRothfuss I'm here. Seems to be working Dan. I'm here. Seems to be working Dan.

Jake Ramsey @DanielRothfuss Ramsey here. Ramsey here.

Pamela G. Foster @DanielRothfuss Here Here

Redell Quinton @DanielRothfuss Checking in... but why? We're all in the same room. I'm looking right at you, Dan. Checking in... but why? We're all in the same room. I'm looking right at you, Dan.

Leah Martine @DanielRothfuss Affirmative. Affirmative.

Helek Branamoor @DanielRothfuss All seems in order. Remind me to talk with you later about the delay. All seems in order. Remind me to talk with you later about the delay.

Helek Branamoor @RedellQuinton @DanielRothfuss This is standard protocol. This is standard protocol.

Vera Langridge @DanielRothfuss Langridge here. My datapad is fully operational. Langridge here. My datapad is fully operational.

Redell Quinton @HelekBranamoor @DanielRothfuss Standard protocol for what? You mean someone predicted this situation? Standard protocol for what? You mean someone predicted this situation?

Daniel Rothfuss We're in an emergency situation here and must ensure everything is functional. Your datapads can serve as walkie-talkies. We're in an emergency situation here and must ensure everything is functional. Your datapads can serve as walkie-talkies.

Helek Branamoor @RedellQuinton @DanielRothfuss Dammit. Dammit.

Helek Branamoor @RedellQuinton @DanielRothfuss Dammit cut the chatter. Dammit cut the chatter.

Helek Branamoor @RedellQuinton @DanielRothfuss Dammit! Dammit!

Talen Ayers @DanielRothfuss Walkie Talkie? I haven't heard that term in ages. Walkie Talkie? I haven't heard that term in ages.

Helek Branamoor @TalenAyers @DanielRothfuss You’re exulting archaic diction at a time like this!? DAMMIT CUT THE CHATTER You’re exulting archaic diction at a time like this!? DAMMIT CUT THE CHATTER

Adjutant 33-27 @TalenAyers @DanielRothfuss Walkie-talkie: (noun) a colloquial for a handheld transceiver. Walkie-talkie: (noun) a colloquial for a handheld transceiver.

Adjutant 33-27 @TalenAyers @DanielRothfuss It enabled two-way communication and was commonly used in war zones. It enabled two-way communication and was commonly used in war zones.

Helek Branamoor @Adjutant3327 @TalenAyers @DanielRothfuss Dammit I swear to all that is holy if we make it out if this I’ll dismantle you myself. Dammit I swear to all that is holy if we make it out if this I’ll dismantle you myself.

Daniel Rothfuss Everything seems to be in order. @Adjutant3327 Can you use the hallway motion sensors to track the zerglings? Everything seems to be in order.Can you use the hallway motion sensors to track the zerglings?

Adjutant 33-27 @DanielRothfuss The motion sensors are calibrated for human movement. Zerglings do not appear on any of the sensors. The motion sensors are calibrated for human movement. Zerglings do not appear on any of the sensors.

Jake Ramsey @Adjutant3327 @DanielRothfuss Typical Dominion. More worried about traitors than the monsters they've trapped us with. Typical Dominion. More worried about traitors than the monsters they've trapped us with.

Talen Ayers @Adjutant3327 Do you have anything that can track these devils? There are too many shadows out there. Too many places to hide. Do you have anything that can track these devils? There are too many shadows out there. Too many places to hide.

Adjutant 33-27 @TalenAyers Diagnostic systems are still online. They are able to register the specimens' vital signs, but not their locations. Diagnostic systems are still online. They are able to register the specimens' vital signs, but not their locations.

Pamela G. Foster @Adjutant3327 @TalenAyers Seriously? We can check their cholesterol levels but not figure out where they are? Seriously? We can check their cholesterol levels but not figure out where they are?

Adjutant 33-27 @PamelaGFoster @TalenAyers Yes Dr. Foster. Yes Dr. Foster.

Lee Treicher Held isn't going to let us sit in here forever. We need ideas, people. Held isn't going to let us sit in here forever. We need ideas, people.

Helek Branamoor This is… This is… This is… This is… This is… This is…

Talen Ayers @LeeTreicher Can we move through the ventilation ducts? Maybe we can find the zerglings and, I don't know, shoot them through the vents? Can we move through the ventilation ducts? Maybe we can find the zerglings and, I don't know, shoot them through the vents?

Redell Quinton @TalenAyers @LeeTreicher Short answer, Doc? Vents are a no-go. Ain't big enough for us or them. Short answer, Doc? Vents are a no-go. Ain't big enough for us or them.

Pamela G. Foster @LeeTreicher What about the fire suppression systems or plumbing? Can we flood the chambers? Drown them? What about the fire suppression systems or plumbing? Can we flood the chambers? Drown them?

Redell Quinton @PamelaGFoster @LeeTreicher Fire system ain't water, just chemicals, sweetheart. Can't drown 'em. Fire system ain't water, just chemicals, sweetheart. Can't drown 'em.

Daniel Rothfuss @LeeTreicher Can't we just open the air locks and suffocate them? Can't we just open the air locks and suffocate them?

Pamela G. Foster @RedellQuinton @LeeTreicher Spoilsport. Spoilsport.

Talen Ayers @DanielRothfuss @LeeTreicher No, the zerg are much less dependant on oxygen than we are. We will suffocate long before they do. No, the zerg are much less dependant on oxygen than we are. We will suffocate long before they do.

Helek Branamoor How could I have ever… It’s not my fault. It is NOT. It’s not my fault… How could I have ever… It’s not my fault. It is NOT. It’s not my fault…

Helek Branamoor Not. My. Fault. Not. My. Fault.

Leah Martine @JakeJRamsey Branamoor is about to lose it. Branamoor is about to lose it.

Jake Ramsey @LeahAMartine I've got him. I've got him.

Talen Ayers @HelekBranamoor Whoa! Calm down Dr. Branamoor! Whoa! Calm down Dr. Branamoor!

Redell Quinton Someone help Jake keep that idiot quiet. He's going to bring all of the little bastards down on us. Someone help Jake keep that idiot quiet. He's going to bring all of the little bastards down on us.

Lee Treicher Does anyone have something we can restrain him with? Does anyone have something we can restrain him with?

Redell Quinton @LeeTreicher The butt of your pistol looks fine to me. The butt of your pistol looks fine to me.

Daniel Rothfuss Daisy 8? Daisy 8?

Daniel Rothfuss What does he mean, Daisy 8? What does he mean, Daisy 8?

Adjutant 33-27 @DanielRothfuss Daisy 8: Transport vessel currently docked at Gate 4. The Dominion has not sent a replacement crew to retrieve the ship. Daisy 8: Transport vessel currently docked at Gate 4. The Dominion has not sent a replacement crew to retrieve the ship.

Adjutant 33-27 @DanielRothfuss The Daisy 8 is fully prepared for immediate departure. The Daisy 8 is fully prepared for immediate departure.

Daniel Rothfuss @Adjutant3327 Oh my. Oh my.

Talen Ayers @Adjutant3327 @DanielRothfuss Did I just read that correctly? We have had a shuttle sitting here the whole time? Did I just read that correctly? We have had a shuttle sitting here the whole time?

Jake Ramsey @Adjutant3327 @DanielRothfuss Wait, what? Wait, what?

Daniel Rothfuss @Adjutant3327 Give me a wireframe of the facility. Chart the most direct course to Gate 4. Give me a wireframe of the facility. Chart the most direct course to Gate 4.

Lee Treicher Everybody gather round. I want all eyes on Dan's datapad so we can suss out the evac route. Everybody gather round. I want all eyes on Dan's datapad so we can suss out the evac route.

Talen Ayers @LeeTreicher Wow. I didn't know the datapads could do that. Wow. I didn't know the datapads could do that.

Jake Ramsey @LeahAMartine Leah, where are you? Leah, where are you?

Daniel Rothfuss @TalenAyers @LeeTreicher Well, mine can. Well, mine can.

Jake Ramsey Has anyone seen Leah? Has anyone seen Leah?

Vera Langridge @LeahAMartine Dr. Martine, where have you gone? Dr. Martine, where have you gone?

Lee Treicher @LeahAMartine Dr. Martine, respond. Dr. Martine, respond.

Pamela G. Foster Someone check the door. Someone check the door.

Jake Ramsey @LeahAMartine Leah, please answer me. Leah, please answer me.

Redell Quinton @JakeJRamsey She's gone? She's gone?

Talen Ayers @JakeJRamsey Can you... "reach" her? Where is she? Can you... "reach" her? Where is she?

Jake Ramsey @TalenAyers It doesn't work that way, Talen. It doesn't work that way, Talen.

Adjutant 33-27 Zergling 12e deceased. Zergling 12e deceased.

Pamela G. Foster @Adjutant3327 What? How? What? How?

Daniel Rothfuss @Adjutant3327 Oh. Oh.

Redell Quinton @Adjutant3327 Uh... say that again, darling? Uh... say that again, darling?

Vera Langridge @Adjutant3327 Lovely. Lovely.

Lee Treicher @Adjutant3327 Someone's out there. Someone's out there.

Adjutant 33-27 @RedellQuinton Yes, Red. Zergling 12e deceased. Yes, Red. Zergling 12e deceased.

Jake Ramsey @Adjutant3327 It's her. It's her.

Talen Ayers @Adjutant3327 Great scott! Great scott!

Pamela G. Foster @JakeJRamsey @Adjutant3327 Leah? Leah?

Daniel Rothfuss @Adjutant3327 Can you track the location of Dr. Martine's datapad? Can you track the location of Dr. Martine's datapad?

Adjutant 33-27 @DanielRothfuss Yes, Dr. Rothfuss. She's descending in elevator P3 along the main station shaft. Yes, Dr. Rothfuss. She's descending in elevator P3 along the main station shaft.

Jake Ramsey @Adjutant3327 @DanielRothfuss I think she's clearing a path. I think she's clearing a path.

Pamela G. Foster @JakeJRamsey @Adjutant3327 @DanielRothfuss Should we follow her? Should we follow her?

Lee Treicher No time like the present. Everybody form up. No time like the present. Everybody form up.

Vera Langridge I bagged some supplies. There isn't much variety, but we have food and fluids. I bagged some supplies. There isn't much variety, but we have food and fluids.

Lee Treicher Leah's got point for us. I'll cover our asses. Leah's got point for us. I'll cover our asses.

Lee Treicher Down the hallway on my mark. Down the hallway on my mark.

Pamela G. Foster @DanielRothfuss I've got you Dan. I've got you Dan.

Daniel Rothfuss @PamelaGFoster Thank you, dear. Thank you, dear.

Vera Langridge I have the door. I have the door.

Lee Treicher @LeahAMartine We're on your six, Dr. Martine. We're on your six, Dr. Martine.

Redell Quinton @JakeJRamsey Holy smokes. Jake, did you see that zergling? Your lady ripped that thing apart. Holy smokes. Jake, did you see that zergling? Your lady ripped that thing apart.

Jake Ramsey @RedellQuinton Not my lady, Red. Not my lady, Red.

Redell Quinton @JakeJRamsey Whatever. I'm still a fan. Whatever. I'm still a fan.

Lee Treicher Into the elevator, people. Go go go Into the elevator, people. Go go go

Adjutant 33-27 Zergling 9e deceased. Zergling 9e deceased.

Lee Treicher Doors opening. Everybody stand clear. Doors opening. Everybody stand clear.

Pamela G. Foster That is foul. That is foul.

Talen Ayers That's not all zergling blood. Where is Leah? That's not all zergling blood. Where is Leah?

Vera Langridge What's that in its mouth? What's that in its mouth?

Daniel Rothfuss @VeraLangridge I believe that is the bottom half of Dr. Martine's cane. I believe that is the bottom half of Dr. Martine's cane.

Adjutant 33-27 @TalenAyers Dr. Martine has arrived at the docking bay, Gate 04. Dr. Martine has arrived at the docking bay, Gate 04.

Adjutant 33-27 Gate 04 airlock engaged. Gate 04 airlock engaged.

Adjutant 33-27 Gate 04 open. Gate 04 open.

Daniel Rothfuss Very impressive. Very impressive.

Pamela G. Foster Thank God. Thank God.

Lee Treicher The gate is down. Form up people. Move move move. The gate is down. Form up people. Move move move.

Adjutant 33-27 Gate 04 closed. Gate 04 closed.

Adjutant 33-27 Gate 04 airlock disengaged. Gate 04 airlock disengaged.

Jake Ramsey There's something wrong. There's something wrong.

Lee Treicher @LeahAMartine Dr. Martine? You've closed the door. Dr. Martine? You've closed the door.

Lee Treicher Dr. Martine? Dr. Martine?

Pamela G. Foster What just happened? What just happened?

Redell Quinton @JakeJRamsey With the ship? With the ship?

Jake Ramsey @RedellQuinton No, with her. No, with her.

Adjutant 33-27 Transport vessel "Daisy 8" uncoupling from Gate 04. Transport vessel "Daisy 8" uncoupling from Gate 04.

Daniel Rothfuss @Adjutant3327 I need access to the "Daisy 8" nav systems immediately. I need access to the "Daisy 8" nav systems immediately.

Adjutant 33-27 @DanielRothfuss I'm sorry, Dan. I'm afraid I can't do that. I'm sorry, Dan. I'm afraid I can't do that.

Pamela G. Foster @Adjutant3327 Stop the fekking ship! Stop the fekking ship!

Daniel Rothfuss @Adjutant3327 Access code Y7_$0>0k_3$lt;$m Access code Y7_$0>0k_3$lt;$m

Helek Branamoor THIS is not my fault! THIS is not my fault!

Adjutant 33-27 @DanielRothfuss Access code accepted. Access code accepted.

Redell Quinton @DanielRothfuss C'mon old man, work your computer magic. Get those fingers blazing. C'mon old man, work your computer magic. Get those fingers blazing.

Daniel Rothfuss @Adjutant3327 This isn't working. It should be working. This isn't working. It should be working.

Daniel Rothfuss @Adjutant3327 Why can't I access the shuttle's navigation systems? Why can't I access the shuttle's navigation systems?

Adjutant 33-27 @DanielRothfuss I am sorry, Dr. Rothfuss, the Daisy 8 has disengaged from the Blackstone facility's local subnet. I am sorry, Dr. Rothfuss, the Daisy 8 has disengaged from the Blackstone facility's local subnet.

Adjutant 33-27 Transport vessel "Daisy 8" away. Transport vessel "Daisy 8" away.

Daniel Rothfuss If it wasn't for these cursedly regressive programs. If it wasn't for these cursedly regressive programs.

Pamela G. Foster We're fekked. Now what? We're fekked. Now what?

Redell Quinton @Adjutant3327 Did that fekking piece of shit just steal the only way off this rock? Did that fekking piece of shit just steal the only way off this rock?

Adjutant 33-27 @RedellQuinton Yes, Red. Yes, Red.

Helek Branamoor Her appointment was pushed through from the top. I didn’t even want to hire her! Her appointment was pushed through from the top. I didn’t even want to hire her!

Helek Branamoor This is not my fault. This is not my fault.

Talen Ayers @HelekBranamoor Stop saying that. Stop saying that.

Lee Treicher Quiet, people. We are now separated from our food and any reasonable defenses. Quiet, people. We are now separated from our food and any reasonable defenses.

Lee Treicher There are seven zerglings left in the facility, and I'm not such a good shot that I can take them all down with six bullets There are seven zerglings left in the facility, and I'm not such a good shot that I can take them all down with six bullets

Lee Treicher assuming that I see them before they see us. assuming that I see them before they see us.

Lee Treicher I need you to put your brains into overdrive and make a plan to kill these fekking things so I can still have a bullet for Held. I need you to put your brains into overdrive and make a plan to kill these fekking things so I can still have a bullet for Held.

Redell Quinton @TalenAyers Doc, at what temperature do zerglings burn? Doc, at what temperature do zerglings burn?

Redell Quinton @TalenAyers According to you, they hold their breath longer than I knew. I don't want to make assumptions right now. According to you, they hold their breath longer than I knew. I don't want to make assumptions right now.

Talen Ayers @RedellQuinton Not much hotter than us, actually. The zerg are as susceptible to fire as any other naked animal. Not much hotter than us, actually. The zerg are as susceptible to fire as any other naked animal.

Redell Quinton I have a confession to make. I have a few... containers... of flammable liquid stored in the garage. I have a confession to make. I have a few... containers... of flammable liquid stored in the garage.

Lee Treicher What type of liquids are we talking about? What type of liquids are we talking about?

Redell Quinton @LeeTreicher High quality, premium ethanol. High quality, premium ethanol.

Talen Ayers @RedellQuinton @LeeTreicher Yeah, he makes some good stuff. Yeah, he makes some good stuff.

Lee Treicher @RedellQuinton I knew it. Where in the hell did you hide it? I knew it. Where in the hell did you hide it?

Redell Quinton @LeeTreicher You know that busted Hellion we got on blocks? Did you ever look under the hood? You know that busted Hellion we got on blocks? Did you ever look under the hood?

Lee Treicher @RedellQuinton Dammit that was the next place I was going to look. Branamoor stopped me. Dammit that was the next place I was going to look. Branamoor stopped me.

Helek Branamoor @LeeTreicher @RedellQuinton Ok, now that one was my fault. Ok, now that one was my fault.

Daniel Rothfuss @RedellQuinton Is there a point to all of this, Mr. Quinton? Is there a point to all of this, Mr. Quinton?

Redell Quinton @DanielRothfuss The distillery is kind of... inside the Hellion. Give me a few minutes and I can jury rig the Hellion's fuel pumps. The distillery is kind of... inside the Hellion. Give me a few minutes and I can jury rig the Hellion's fuel pumps.

Redell Quinton @DanielRothfuss Get it aerosolized and sent out wherever we want. Get it aerosolized and sent out wherever we want.

Redell Quinton @DanielRothfuss If your control over the vents is as good as I think it is... we can direct the ethanol to any room we want. If your control over the vents is as good as I think it is... we can direct the ethanol to any room we want.

Talen Ayers @RedellQuinton @DanielRothfuss Ethanol alone may not be hot enough, Red. Ethanol alone may not be hot enough, Red.

Pamela G. Foster @TalenAyers @DanielRothfuss @RedellQuinton With the correct mixture of plasma we can increase the temperature significantly. With the correct mixture of plasma we can increase the temperature significantly.

Redell Quinton @PamelaGFoster @DanielRothfuss We'll need to be careful. Only got a little bit of the Hellion plasma left. Dan, like this plan? We'll need to be careful. Only got a little bit of the Hellion plasma left. Dan, like this plan?

Daniel Rothfuss @RedellQuinton Well it is hardly elegant, but we don't have very many options, do we? Well it is hardly elegant, but we don't have very many options, do we?

Redell Quinton @DanielRothfuss Damn straight. Damn straight.

Lee Treicher @DanielRothfuss @RedellQuinton I can't believe I'm agreeing to this. I can't believe I'm agreeing to this.

Redell Quinton @LeeTreicher I got the idea from you. All that stomping around, telling me how concerned you were about flammables in an enclosed space. I got the idea from you. All that stomping around, telling me how concerned you were about flammables in an enclosed space.

Lee Treicher @RedellQuinton It's still a concern genius, what do you expect us to breathe once you've burned away all of our oxygen? It's still a concern genius, what do you expect us to breathe once you've burned away all of our oxygen?

Redell Quinton @LeeTreicher Either we guess right and burn out the infested levels first, or we guess wrong... Either we guess right and burn out the infested levels first, or we guess wrong...

Redell Quinton @LeeTreicher Well, let's just make sure that we guess right. But either way, Major, I'm going to need an escort to the garage. Well, let's just make sure that we guess right. But either way, Major, I'm going to need an escort to the garage.

Redell Quinton @LeeTreicher You're the only person packing heat. You're the only person packing heat.

Lee Treicher Red and I are heading up to the garage. Everyone stay here in the docking bay level. We know this area is clear of hostiles. Red and I are heading up to the garage. Everyone stay here in the docking bay level. We know this area is clear of hostiles.

Lee Treicher Ok we're at the garage level. Ok we're at the garage level.

Lee Treicher When the elevator comes back down, get back in and seal the doors. It's a defensible position. When the elevator comes back down, get back in and seal the doors. It's a defensible position.

Talen Ayers @LeeTreicher Ok, we're all inside. Doors sealed. Keep us updated. Ok, we're all inside. Doors sealed. Keep us updated.

Daniel Rothfuss @Adjutant3327 Access ventilation controls for floors 1 through 12, including the garage and docking bays. Access ventilation controls for floors 1 through 12, including the garage and docking bays.

Adjutant 33-27 @DanielRothfuss Yes, Dr. Rothfuss. Accessing ventilation controls. Yes, Dr. Rothfuss. Accessing ventilation controls.

Daniel Rothfuss @Adjutant3327 Relay manual control to my datapad. Relay manual control to my datapad.

Adjutant 33-27 @DanielRothfuss Yes, Dr. Rothfuss. Yes, Dr. Rothfuss.

Redell Quinton @PamelaGFoster Oh, son of a... the zerglings got that kid with the red hair, the one who worked for you. Ripped his guts clean out. Oh, son of a... the zerglings got that kid with the red hair, the one who worked for you. Ripped his guts clean out.

Talen Ayers @LeeTreicher Were those gunshots? Major Treicher? Were those gunshots? Major Treicher?

Talen Ayers @RedellQuinton Red? You ok? What happened? Red? You ok? What happened?

Adjutant 33-27 Zergling 7e deceased. Zergling 7e deceased.

Pamela G. Foster @Adjutant3327 Thank God. How many are left? Thank God. How many are left?

Adjutant 33-27 @PamelaGFoster Sensors indicate six zerglings remain in the facility. Sensors indicate six zerglings remain in the facility.

Lee Treicher @Adjutant3327 @PamelaGFoster And I've only got 1 bullet left. And I've only got 1 bullet left.

Redell Quinton We're here at the garage. The Major is standing guard. I'm getting busy. Standby. We're here at the garage. The Major is standing guard. I'm getting busy. Standby.

Daniel Rothfuss I can now fully isolate ventilation on individual floors. Ready when you are, Red. I can now fully isolate ventilation on individual floors. Ready when you are, Red.

Redell Quinton @DanielRothfuss Need another 10 minutes. I'll get back to you. Need another 10 minutes. I'll get back to you.

Jake Ramsey What was that sound? What was that sound?

Talen Ayers @LeeTreicher Major Treicher, we have a visitor. Major Treicher, we have a visitor.

Pamela G. Foster @RedellQuinton @DanielRothfuss Something coming through the doors hurry! Something coming through the doors hurry!

Daniel Rothfuss @RedellQuinton We will not have that much time. Opening the vents to the docking bay level. Send what you can as soon as possible. We will not have that much time. Opening the vents to the docking bay level. Send what you can as soon as possible.

Redell Quinton @DanielRothfuss Almost there. Hold on. Almost there. Hold on.

Lee Treicher @DanielRothfuss He's working as fast as he can. He's working as fast as he can.

Daniel Rothfuss @RedellQuinton Send what you can now, or we are dead. Send what you can now, or we are dead.

Pamela G. Foster @RedellQuinton @DanielRothfuss Hurry hurry its almost through Hurry hurry its almost through

Redell Quinton @PamelaGFoster @DanielRothfuss Cover your butts. Cover your butts.

Adjutant 33-27 Zergling 1e deceased. Zergling 1e deceased.

Talen Ayers @RedellQuinton @LeeTreicher You got it. You got it. You got it. You got it.

Redell Quinton @TalenAyers Hey Doc, five left. Any guesses? Hey Doc, five left. Any guesses?

Talen Ayers @RedellQuinton The bio labs would be my first guess. Lots of organic matter for them to consume. The bio labs would be my first guess. Lots of organic matter for them to consume.

Daniel Rothfuss @TalenAyers @RedellQuinton I concur. I concur.

Redell Quinton @DanielRothfuss @TalenAyers Sounds good. Line it up. Sounds good. Line it up.

Daniel Rothfuss @RedellQuinton Alright. Vents are open. Alright. Vents are open.

Redell Quinton @DanielRothfuss Fire in the hole. Fire in the hole.

Adjutant 33-27 Zergling 4e deceased. Zergling 4e deceased.

Redell Quinton @TalenAyers Good guess, Doc. One more down. Good guess, Doc. One more down.

Talen Ayers @RedellQuinton A guess by an academician like myself has less to do with luck and more to do with knowledge and years of dedication. A guess by an academician like myself has less to do with luck and more to do with knowledge and years of dedication.

Talen Ayers @RedellQuinton But thanks. But thanks.

Daniel Rothfuss @Adjutant3327 Identify the levels of the facility that have sustained the most recent structural damage. Identify the levels of the facility that have sustained the most recent structural damage.

Adjutant 33-27 @DanielRothfuss Most recent: structural compromise in the level 3 atmospheric regulators. Most recent: structural compromise in the level 3 atmospheric regulators.

Daniel Rothfuss @Adjutant3327 @RedellQuinton There's your target, Red. Vents are ready. There's your target, Red. Vents are ready.

Redell Quinton @DanielRothfuss @Adjutant3327 Lighting 'em up. Lighting 'em up.

Talen Ayers @Adjutant3327 Anything? Still reading four zerglings? Anything? Still reading four zerglings?

Adjutant 33-27 @TalenAyers Yes Dr. Ayers. Four zerglings are still transmitting vital signs. Yes Dr. Ayers. Four zerglings are still transmitting vital signs.

Redell Quinton @Adjutant3327 Damn. That's a whiff. Damn. That's a whiff.

Redell Quinton @Adjutant3327 @TalenAyers @DanielRothfuss We've got four zerglings left and MAYBE five tries left in the tank. Need to make these count. We've got four zerglings left and MAYBE five tries left in the tank. Need to make these count.

Daniel Rothfuss @Adjutant3327 Identify the next most recent case of structural damage. Identify the next most recent case of structural damage.

Daniel Rothfuss Unless you have any other ideas, Dr. Ayers. Unless you have any other ideas, Dr. Ayers.

Talen Ayers @DanielRothfuss That was all I had. Your system seems like the next best... guess. That was all I had. Your system seems like the next best... guess.

Adjutant 33-27 @DanielRothfuss Most recent: damage to the refrigeration systems in the mess hall. Most recent: damage to the refrigeration systems in the mess hall.

Daniel Rothfuss @RedellQuinton Vents ready. Vents ready.

Redell Quinton @DanielRothfuss Ah, hell. Adios enchiladas. Ah, hell. Adios enchiladas.

Pamela G. Foster @RedellQuinton @DanielRothfuss Vaya con Dios. Vaya con Dios.

Adjutant 33-27 Zergling 2e deceased. Zergling 2e deceased.

Pamela G. Foster @RedellQuinton We might actually make it through this. We might actually make it through this.

Redell Quinton @DanielRothfuss @TalenAyers Tank's running low guys. What's next? Tank's running low guys. What's next?

Talen Ayers @RedellQuinton @DanielRothfuss How much of this facility haven't we toasted yet? How much of this facility haven't we toasted yet?

Redell Quinton @TalenAyers @DanielRothfuss Plenty of places left to hide, Doc, trust me. Give me your best guess. Plenty of places left to hide, Doc, trust me. Give me your best guess.

Daniel Rothfuss @RedellQuinton @TalenAyers Curses! My personal network just went flat - little devil is in my hardware. Setting vents to dormitory level. Curses! My personal network just went flat - little devil is in my hardware. Setting vents to dormitory level.

Redell Quinton @DanielRothfuss @TalenAyers Alright. Firing. Alright. Firing.

Adjutant 33-27 Zergling 3e deceased. Zergling 3e deceased.

Pamela G. Foster @Adjutant3327 Music to my ears. Music to my ears.

Daniel Rothfuss @Adjutant3327 Just desserts. Just desserts.

Talen Ayers @DanielRothfuss Sorry about your digs, Dan - but we're 3 for 4. Let's keep up the streak! Sorry about your digs, Dan - but we're 3 for 4. Let's keep up the streak!

Daniel Rothfuss @TalenAyers Only two left. Might they be moving in tandem? Only two left. Might they be moving in tandem?

Redell Quinton @TalenAyers @DanielRothfuss I got enough left to roast these last two and still light up Branamoore's office just for fun. I got enough left to roast these last two and still light up Branamoore's office just for fun.

Talen Ayers @DanielRothfuss Entirely possible. They hatch in pairs, and have been observed hunting and patrolling thusly. Entirely possible. They hatch in pairs, and have been observed hunting and patrolling thusly.

Daniel Rothfuss @TalenAyers I've done a rough calculation of average speed, patrol vectors, and places we've already hit. I've done a rough calculation of average speed, patrol vectors, and places we've already hit.

Daniel Rothfuss @TalenAyers The most logical conclusion would be either levels 9 or 10. The most logical conclusion would be either levels 9 or 10.

Talen Ayers @DanielRothfuss I don't have any idea which would be more probable. @RedellQuinton do you have any thoughts? I don't have any idea which would be more probable.do you have any thoughts?

Daniel Rothfuss @TalenAyers @RedellQuinton Yes. Red, you make the call. Yes. Red, you make the call.

Talen Ayers @DanielRothfuss @RedellQuinton Red? You there? Red? You there?

Redell Quinton @TalenAyers @DanielRothfuss Found them. Found them.

Lee Treicher @RedellQuinton Red, the door's locked. What's going on? Red, the door's locked. What's going on?

Redell Quinton @LeeTreicher The last two zerglings are in here. They're staring at me. Ugly as hell. The last two zerglings are in here. They're staring at me. Ugly as hell.

Lee Treicher @RedellQuinton Dammit Red, let me in! Dammit Red, let me in!

Talen Ayers @RedellQuinton @LeeTreicher Get in there and shoot one, Major! Red, run! We can figure something out. Go! Get in there and shoot one, Major! Red, run! We can figure something out. Go!

Redell Quinton @LeeTreicher You've got one bullet, Major. Ain't no good against two of them. You've got one bullet, Major. Ain't no good against two of them.

Redell Quinton @LeeTreicher I've got the little bitches trapped Major. Head downstairs and put your last bullet through Held's forehead for me, ok? I've got the little bitches trapped Major. Head downstairs and put your last bullet through Held's forehead for me, ok?

Pamela G. Foster @RedellQuinton @LeeTreicher Red what are you doing? Get the hell out. Get out! Red what are you doing? Get the hell out. Get out!

Lee Treicher @RedellQuinton If I can shoot one, that might give you enough time to make a break for the door. Don't do this, Red. If I can shoot one, that might give you enough time to make a break for the door. Don't do this, Red.

Daniel Rothfuss @RedellQuinton We can figure this out, Red. Please don't be hasty. We can figure this out, Red. Please don't be hasty.

Pamela G. Foster @LeeTreicher @RedellQuinton Red are you there? Red are you there?

Talen Ayers @RedellQuinton Listen to reason man - don't do this! Listen to reason man - don't do this!

Jake Ramsey @RedellQuinton Send them to hell, Red. Send them to hell, Red.

Redell Quinton @LeeTreicher You were right, Major. This stuff IS dangerous. Stay off the sauce, kids. You were right, Major. This stuff IS dangerous. Stay off the sauce, kids.

Adjutant 33-27 Zergling 6e deceased. Zergling 6e deceased.

Adjutant 33-27 Zergling 5e deceased. Zergling 5e deceased.

Pamela G. Foster Oh my God. Oh my God.

Lee Treicher The zerg are all dead - I'm headed down. The zerg are all dead - I'm headed down.

Daniel Rothfuss @LeeTreicher Be warned: our datapads will not function within the heightened security of the sub levels. Be warned: our datapads will not function within the heightened security of the sub levels.

Pamela G. Foster @DanielRothfuss @LeeTreicher Shouldn't we do something for Red? Shouldn't we do something for Red?