Chapter 26 – Containment Breach

Evolution is not a clean process; it is long, sloppy, and inefficient. Proof of that can be seen when looking at non-coding DNA, sometimes called Junk DNA. For the species once called humans, 98% of their DNA was non-coding, though the exact amount of non-coding DNA varies from species to species. Part of the reason Blacklight was so efficient was that it took these non-coded regions of DNA and somehow activated it, all of it.

The same was true for any animal consumed. Birds for example had saurian traits hidden in its genes, and while not all dinosaurs became birds, they were close enough that Blacklight effectively guessed the genetic sequence of many dinosaurs through trial and error. They knew that it wasn't perfect, and that none would match say a Tyrannosaurus Rex for example, but it was close enough to be considered a success.

Why Blacklight decided to attempt to recreate a dinosaurs genome was simple: boredom, plain and simple. It came with the territory of being without stimuli during the time when many of the minds within their mass were retreating into themselves. They had to pass the time somehow before the Turians were discovered.

After allowing the Rachni to join them in their cosmic hive mind as a part of a trinity, Blacklight discovered something that made them more than a little cross.

'You rat bastard.'

'Symbiosis changes us on a fundamental level. You have seen me change over time where my views have lessened and could be comparable to yours, you should have known that your views would change to emulate some of mine, just as my views emulate some of yours. The introduction of the Rachni has changed all of us, and only now do you truly object to its effects. Curious.'

'We spread across the stars to find life separate of us, joining with you was your choice, we looked at it the same as we do consumption. Those consumed change their views to mirror ours, it is not impossible to see it happening the other way around. We understand that, Regardless, with the Rachni here do we truly see that we gave her little choice but to join in our minds. You changed us in such a way that we went against our original goals. You see the issue we have come across.'

'You issued a deal, she accepted. I fail to see the issue.'

'You rat bastard.'

'You changed us in such a way that is fundamental, this calls into question every decision we have made since we joined with you. Only now do we see it clearly, and that is because the Rachni have changed us as much as we change each other. We cannot know how far this will lead.'

'Silence both of you. You sing in songs of a grey hue that is only counter productive. Rachni made the choice to join, simple as that.'

'That is not the point.'

'As much as we detest it, we must agree with the Thorian. There is no issue. Things change because they must, to remain static is to perish. The Reapers are coming. We cannot waste time arguing with each other now that we are three parts of the same whole.'

'...Fine.'

'Agreed.'

'You rat bastard.'

'Shut up Minority.'

'Fine. He's still a rat bastard.'

Saleon looked at his work. The filtration system had just been converted fully into a cage, one that would close at the press of a button. If something was in the pipes, he would find it. He activated the machine and watched as the filter on one side slid into place, then the other side opened. The case was a clear glass, so whatever was in there, he would be able to see it once it got to this point.

For few moments water rushed out as it was circulated through the base. His blind pet lay beside him, resting. Saleon paid it no mind as he waited for something to happen. Then the water flow began to slow down as if something was blocking it. He smiled as he opened a few more valves within the facility. At first nothing could be heard, then ever so faintly he heard creaking pipes. He opened even more valves, watching as the pressure gauge rose higher and higher.

The pipes shook and creaked as they began to increase in pressure, until finally, the water came rushing back, and it did not come alone. As soon as whatever it was went through he closed the valve and sealed the tank.

It was odd. The water was now a curious reddish color with specks of something flowing within it. The specks danced around as they coated the sides of the tanks. Veins seemed to grow on the inside of the tank in a constantly growing uneven spreading mass as they carried strange dark fluids. A garish yellow film seemed to contaminate the water, as a dark shadow began to form at the very center, but it was too dark to see. The closest thing the shadow looked like, at least vaguely, was a creature, an unborn thing in the fetal position. Saleon watched with a curious eye as more of the veins grew and grew.

It was around this time, Saleon remembered something important. When Blacklight was first unleashed upon humanity, there were a few mentions of the precursor to the Infested Pustule. Evidently, water towers could be infected as the waters within would allow beasts to grow. Saleon's eyes widened as the shadow within began to take shape of a varren-esque thing. A brown and red film grew on the insides of the tanks as the beast began to twitch.

Saleon, watching this, quickly turned around and ran as fast as he could. His blind varren, woken by the creaking pipes hissed at the tank as the monster within grew more and more. Then it wined. Blind and scared, it turned around as it picked up Saleon's scent and followed. The tank, without warning, shattered as the hunter beast fell to the ground only to quickly rise and release a bellow of a roar.

The tiger-like shape of the beast stretched as keratin scales and poisonous quills rattled against one another as it shook water off its massive bulk, then it took off, following the scent of Saleon as its mind was guided by a newly formed mind. It ran like a jungle cat as more and more water poured from the pipes behind it. It developed organic suction cups upon the tips of its paws that allowed it to keep its footing against the now wet and slick surface. Two saber like fangs shone as its highly complex eyes focused forward towards an overly large varren that had wandered into the halls. Its external lungs froze before the creature tried to run, only its deformed paws slowed it down. Many had seen this sorry creature, and felt pity.

'Such a shame, to allow the poor creature to live in such a sorry state.'

The Hunter pounced on the mutant varren and bit down hard on its neck, quickly ending its life before a long tongue pierced its hide and injected Blacklight into the corpse. The hunter ignored the slowly changing varren as it followed after the scent of Saleon.

Saleon knew from the first day here, he was running on borrowed time. He was expendable, that much was obvious. Even if that was not the case, he was working on cells that could at any moment turn into a very large problem. That said, he fully intended to not be killed and possibly consumed by Blacklight. Saleon had know for a long time what boredom could do, it drove him to his experiments as he searched for stimuli to fill his defective brain.

If immortality existed, he would take it, but not from Blacklight. He saw what happened to those consumed. They changed, not just physically but mentally as well. Even those against Blacklight joined it when consumed, changing their views, goals, and ambitions to mirror the super organism known as Blacklight.

Whether Saleon was going to die or live forever did not matter, what mattered was that either way he would do so as himself. Change brought on by his own experience, not the experience of others. There was no internal logic to it, only the idea of that change of perspective. Who's to say that the Blacklight version of himself was really him? What if it was a copy, one with all his memories, but none of the self, the part of you that makes you an individual?

Saleon did not know how it worked, but he had no intentions of finding out this way. He bolted through the halls, ignoring the mutant varren who watched him with curiosity as he passed. His own mutant pet right behind him. Far down the hall, sending out stomps with each step was a charging hunter moving at exceptional speeds down the halls.

Saleon did not look behind him as he attempted to make his way to the docks. His only hope was a ship, an escape vessel. Even if it was broken, if it could get him of the station, then that would be enough. Better to die of starvation and dehydration than be consumed into a vast hive. At least Saleon thought so.

While this was going on, within a safe room Vurlon watched the corrupted video as Saleon ran, and the Hunter chased after him. Vurlon smiled and sighed.

"It appears our Sample has grown.", said Vurlon.

Sil nodded as she watched the fleeting glimpse of the Hunter as it charged down the halls. She thought of Saleon, as insufferable the man could be, and insane, she couldn't help but pity him. Oh she hated the man with every fiber of her being, but she still felt pity for the poor excuse of a sapient.

Sil shrugged as she looked to Vurlon.

"Better him than us.", said Sil.

"Quite.", agreed Vurlon.

Saleon saw the docks ahead of him, and doubled his efforts to escape. As soon as he passed the threshold of the door he prepared to close it and seal it. As he did, he caught a glimpse of his blind varren. And he froze.

He never did name it. Or if he did, he could not recall what it was. Not far behind his pet, he saw the Hunter, gaining fast. All he had to do was press a button, and he could buy himself enough time to get off this station.

"C'mon. Run.", said Saleon to his blind varren as it neared.

As much as Saleon spoke of his absence of emotions, the blind beast had grown on him. It was a constant companion. A creature created with his own hands. It neared the door, and the Hunter neared it.

"Nearly there."

And the Hunter pounced, and the varren fell. The massive bulk knocked the varren to the ground as Saleon heard boned snap and scales to fly off. Saleon watched as a long tongue punctured the skin of his creation, and watched as the Hunter then moved for him. It hissed and growled as Saleon pressed the button and closed the door. The Hunter ran into it, and tried to tear it down, but the thick metal held. Saleon stood still for a moment as he sighed.

Then, low to the ground, a shine caught Saleon's eye. A scale, an iridescent thing that perfectly matched his blind varren, one that must have dislodged itself when the Hunter tackled into it. Here it was, a small piece of it. Saleon knelt down and lifted it. He examined it for but a moment as the Hunter continued to pound on the door. He wrapped his fingers around the scale as he made his way to the nearest shuttle, scale griped tightly in his palm.

"If a toe can become a full specimen, then a scale will more than suffice.", said Saleon as he entered the ship.

Within the safe room, Vurlon could only groan as the ship took off.

"Damn his luck."

Morinth sat as she rubbed her head. Thessia was without a doubt the most stressful of places. Worse, she could not be sure if that Justicar had spotted her, all she knew was she had to get out of there as quickly a possible. Though, she did wonder what a Justicar was doing in a museum. Thinking on it, there was a strong possibility that what she was looking for was in that area. Either that or she had the severe misfortune to find a Justicar on vacation.

"Do Justicars even take vacations?", wondered Morinth to herself.

Didn't matter. Not yet anyway, what did matter was that she had nearly exposed herself, after having an entire species skills shoved into her skull, that did not speak well of them. Either that, or changes in perspective had caused a shift of sorts in her personality. Morinth couldn't really say. She expected the possibility, especially after the episodes of pure randomness. Yelling in Latin was sure to get her noticed. In fact, most everything she unconsciously did hurt her goals as much as helped them.

Even now, she was drumming her fingers on the arm rest, a steady beat of four taps. She clenched her fist and tried to will the new habit away. She took a deep breath and tried to calm her nerves. Accepting that little offer of Blacklight's was beginning to interfere with her day to day activities, and worse still, she had yet to use any of the skills that really were useful.

Maybe the next day would prove to be better.

Vurlon watched as the vault door to his sanctuary was violently torn aside and the Hunter walked in. It was followed by other hunter like beasts, all of them were once the varren subjects they had created. Now they looked at Vurlon with a hungry gaze. Then the leader moved forward.

The Leader Hunter was noticeably larger than the others, with another mouth on its chest, just under the neck. The secondary mouth opened, and saliva poured out. Sil was slowly backing away as the remaining guards aimed at the beast. Vurlon knew it would do no good.

The Leader beasts primary mouth opened and it hissed strangely. Vurlon stood tall as he took a step to the beast.

"Blacklight I presume?", asked Vurlon.

The Leader nodded.

"Evidently, our containment procedures need to be reworked...", said Vurlon as one of the Hunters hissed at him.

"Are you going to kill us?", asked Vurlon calmly.

The Leader Hunter rose to its feet, towering over Vurlon as it stared down at him. then it began to growl.

"Who authorized these experiments on our person?", spoke the hunter with a strange alien tone.

Vurlon looked at the giant beast before putting his arms behind his back and looking around.

"Classified.", said Vurlon as he waited for the inevitable.

Not that it would count for much. If they consumed him, they would know all he knew, but for his last few moments alive, Vurlon would not be a traitor to his people. The Leader hunter roared, and spit sprinkled Vurlon's face. Calmly he wiped it off.

"We were experimented on. You can give us the information we want, or we can take it from you."

"Then do so.", said Vurlon.

The Hunter stared at the Salarian before him, before it looked at the scared guards and scientists around it, all standing as far away as possible. The Leader hissed before looking back to Vurlon. It growled hungrily for but a moment, before calmly turning around and getting back onto all fours. It walked calmly away, the other Hunters following it as the Guards lowered their rifles and sighed in relief. Vurlon on the other hand merely gave the beast a curious gaze as they disappeared into the shadows.

Saren stood still as the insect like collectors surrounded him. Most unexpectedly, they did not aim at them, only stared. What caused Saren to truly fear were the countless Geth surrounding the Collectors. Up front, was the strangest of beings. It resembled a Collector, only with much more insect like legs and glowing eyes. It skittered across the ground as it observed Desolas who glared back at the insect.

"YOU HAVE COME."

"Did you expect us not to?", asked Desolas.

"WE WERE UNSURE. BEFORE YOU IS MY THRALL, THE COLLECTOR GENERAL. I GUIDE IT AS WELL AS THE SURROUNDING COLLECTORS. I AM HARBINGER, AND WE HAVE MUCH TO DISCUSS."

It was a standard operation for Balak. It was a simple one as well. It was he who discussed the trade agreement between the Batarian Hegemony and Blacklight for rights to their Eezo supply. In return, genetic samples of Batarian wildlife was provided to Blacklight. Seemed simple enough.

The meeting ground between the two factions was always the same, the planet closest to Blacklight space was Eden Prime. Balak stood as they exited FTL speed and arrived in the sector. Usually, Blacklight would arrive a few minutes afterward. As usual a simple operation, except one major difference. Once Blacklight had left the system, Balak would make a stop on Eden Prime itself to collect another asset, the beacon. This one was known only to a few in the crew.

"Sir Balak, Eden Prime has not responded to our hails.", said the Ensign.

"Its probably the comm tower, damn thing malfunctions all the time.", said Balak.

"No sir, we double checked, no one planet side is responding to our hails."

Balak contemplated that for a moment, before he took a breath.

"Send a shuttle, maybe it is they who had a malfunction. We will know soon enough.", said Balak.

"Sir, Blacklight has just entered the system, we are ready to swap cargo."

Balak nodded.

"Proceed."

Balak moved to his chair as he watched the massive Bioship move closer to his own cruiser. Its odd maw opened as it placed Eezo into containers on the outside of the ship. After a few minutes it stopped and stared at them.

"Deploying cargo.", said the ensign as a car sized capsule was ejected from the cargo bay doors to be taken into the tendrils of the Bioship and sucked into its mass. With that done the Bioship moved away to head towards the secondary relay on the their side of the system, when curiously it stopped and looked to Eden Prime. Balak wasn't sure, but it looked almost curious.

"What's going on?", asked Balak.

The Ensign sent out a message, before the shuttle sent one of its own.

"Play the message.", said Balak.

"Sir Balak, Eden Prime, the colonists, they are gone."

Balak was taken aback for a moment, before another message came in, this one from Blacklight.

Blacklight had worked hard to create viable forms of radio communication from biology, and had adapted its use to send and receive messages using only biology, and the best part, it was with crystal clarity. They sent their message the moment they decoded the Batarian one.

"We sense that a large ship was once here. It is faint, but we detect unusual emissions. Normal electromagnetic waves are absent. This is most curious."

Electronic communication was simple and not much different from how humans used it before they became Blacklight. It uses electromagnetic signals at various frequencies to transmit information. The wavelengths vary, but the ones typically used for communications are usually between radio waves and microwaves. Biology already has sensors that can detect and measure electromagnetic waves. However, these sensors are only responsive to a small range of frequencies – usually visible light or audible sound. But it doesn't have to be set for that frequency. Blacklight had the radio already, but it's tuned into the wrong station, so to speak.

So how did they adjust the input frequency of biological eyes? Again, not as complex as it seems – just change the size. To detect lower frequencies, make the receptors bigger. To detect higher frequencies, make them smaller. Radio waves have a long wavelength, so a radio receiver needs a fairly large antenna. Microwaves have a much shorter wavelength, and can be picked up with a much smaller antenna, usually embedded directly in the communications device itself. Using techniques already developed, Blacklight had their way to communicate through radio using only biology.

Same goes with transmissions – Blacklight already had the needed equipment hidden in their many traits, either from echolocation systems, bio-luminescent materials, or a color-changing camouflage mechanism. Changing the color of reflected light isn't necessarily restricted to the visual light range – that's just the only range where we will actually notice - humans can't see infrared or ultraviolet, although some animals can, and so could Blacklight.

Radio waves, infrared, visual light, ultraviolet, microwaves – all of these are the same type of transmission, just at different wavelengths. They can all be detected by the same basic equipment, biological or otherwise, but again must be tuned to the proper wavelength.

Who says neurons can only be used in a brain? It was possible for Blacklight to construct simple 'automated,' non-sentient decision making circuits using nerves and neurons. After all, a heart, or lungs, or any other organ that can effectively run itself, so why not create a new one to create an organic logic gate, which was the inspiration for Blacklight to do much of what it did to actually use radio for communication. They don't really exist in biology since everything is connected to a central brain, but machines can use logic gates to make basic decisions without needing to be able to actually think. Biology on the other hand, uses chemicals.

Radios, sensors, simple logic circuits, all those are possible. Blacklight had already made several such as the organic solar panel analogue in the helix tower, or the organic mainframe supercomputer in the brain hive. Thus far, everything Blacklight has made came from biology. But since it's all the same parts, you can make a biological radio tower, and you can make a biological ADC (Analog to Digital Converter). That particular component is a key ingredient in wireless communication systems, and a bit of clever application had allowed Blacklight to create it. If you have a computer, you can just 'program' it to do the calculations., but Blacklight did not actually NEED the computer, as you can automate the process with a few dozen transistors (or neurons, in this case) and some careful wiring. Blacklight COULD do all these calculations and such manually, or rather mentally, but it doesn't need to (which is good, because most Blacklight individuals don't like thinking in base 2). It just needs to know how to turn some biomass into a bioelectronic wireless circuit. Blacklight was clever enough to do just that.

"We sense that a large ship was once here. It is faint, but we detect...unusual emissions. Normal electromagnetic waves are absent. This is most curious."

Balak was surprised at the clarity of the message considering Backlight's means of communication, but he had other things to worry about. He looked back to Eden Prime with a curious gaze before turning to his Ensign.

"Tell Blacklight to leave, this is Batarian business.", said Balak.

The Ensign did just that. For a while the massive bioship remained gazing at the planet, before slowly turning around and drifting away towards the secondary relay. Once it had left the system, Balak turned to his ensign.

"I want to know just what the hell is going on here. Prepare to send a landing party. We're going in. Even if no one is there, we need to confirm if the package is ready.", said Balak.

The crew began to work, all of them feeling as if things had now become a bit more ominous. For now, it seemed as if the inhabitants of a planet had up and vanished in thin air like dust in the wind.

CODEX: Organic Technology

Infected Water Towers- During the early days of Redlight infection, water towers were used to breed hunters. A special strain of Redlight would be introduced to the towers, and allow them to serve as a womb to grow Hunters. When Blacklight assimilated Redlight into its biomass, it gained the ability to do something similar, though rarely does so as the Infested Pustule has all but replaced the more primitive method of Infected propagation. Nevertheless, Blacklight is still capable of doing the same thing should the need arise.