Negative

Geo stood next to the crate quietly. I could tell he was reluctant to tell me anything and was working out what to say.

"Please, just tell me the truth," I said calmly. He sighed and eventually nodded.

"Marea was able to convince Dr. Aelina, but that will not sway the council. They know she is from our station and they will think she shows favoritism. So far no other physician has agreed to make a statement if called," he said, slightly defeated.

My heart sunk a little knowing that there was still a possibility of being sent away. "Why will no other physician agree?" I asked with frustration.

"It is not that they do not agree that your treatment should fall under my care and that you should be isolated here, it is that they will not come forward and state that." I looked up at him, my confusion clear. He meerly shrugged, "Councilman Eshmun is the head of medicine, and everyone knows he is not fond of Marea and I. I do not think many people would be willing to risk upsetting him for me, but hopefully someone will be willing to do it for an Ancient."

I watched him closely, absorbing the information. Noticing how intently I was staring, he gave me a weak smile. Curiosity got the best of me as I tilted my head and asked what was on my mind. "Geo, you have been very nice to me since I woke, but everywhere we turn you seem to have enemies. Why is that?"

The smile that had been on his face quickly vanished and was replaced with a frown. "It is the luck I have been dealt," he said sadly. I wanted to inquire further, but he quickly bent down and lifted the heavy crate with a grunt. "I better get this into the lab so we can shut the door and get you started on your work," he said before walking away into my new lab.

Geo didn't say much after that, and as soon as both crates were placed in my lab he left to his own work. I prepped my station and lightly caressed the refinished microscope, eager to begin working again. I quickly pried the top off the first crate revealing dozens of vials tightly packed together. I realized the crate had some sort of refridgeration to keep the samples stable and took out the first batch before replacing the lid to keep the others cool.

With my newfound energy and determination I got to work, but the energy didn't last. I rubbed my tired eyes, strained from looking through the microscope for several hours. Another dead sample. Vial after vial of soil samples has come back negative, and I can't deny I was disappointed. I knew that terraforming was not going to be easy, but I had hoped Arca was already on its way.

With a deep sigh I entered the data into system: Negative. From the labels on the vials it looks like there are five sites on Ilterra. While the compositions of the soils varied due to either natural environment or terraforming efforts, none of them held life. I found myself wondering where these sites were in relation with one another and began to snoop around in the system.

Several minutes into my search I came across a file of maps and opened the one at the top of the list. A topographic map of Ilterra covered the screen, at it's center a red dot labeled, "Terra 1." In the top right corner I could see it was dated 03/21/12083.

I opened the next document which showed a similar map, but dashed lines extended from Terra 1 leading 96km westward, at least what I would consider to be west. I am unsure of Ilterra's magnetic field to know if there is a west on the planet. I took note of the date: 08/13/12098.

I continued opening the files one by one, and it looks like a new terra was built every 3 years after the first was completed until there was a total of 5, each connected together in the shape of a cross with Terra 1 at its center.

I began comparing the samples with their respective terras and the land that surrounds it. It helped clear up some of the mysteries I had been seeing. Terra 2's samples had higher concentrations of pebbles and sand which would reflect the ancient riverbed where it was built, but I did not have all the information I needed. I want to know what is happening at each terra to change the environment. Perhaps Albin will give me answers.

The thought of him made me tense with anger, but I tried to let it go. I would like to believe his motivations for what he is doing is for my wellbeing, but I am not convinced of that. The mysteries of this pod are infuriating, and I doubt I will be able to unravel them all. I only hope time allows me to get find out some of the answers.

I shook my head to clear it and did a quick stretch to ease my aching neck and shoulders, ignoring the stinging sensation on my skin from the sores as I moved. Instead I continued to inspect the other vials, determined to finish both crates by the end of the day. Once I finish this task, how could Albin deny me the information I need?