In Investigation, Tarian presses the settlement’s scientists for answers as unease consumes the colony. Within the makeshift lab, the shapeshifter’s corpse offers more questions than solutions. When the scientist’s whispers of a potential solution raises the fragile line between trust and survival grows thinner.
This chapter deepens the tension at the heart of the colony. Tarian and Keldon clash over strategy while Francis and his team reveal discoveries laced with as much danger as promise. The uncertainty of allies and the looming threat of doppelgängers sets the stage for choices that could doom or save the settlement.
I chose Eerie Stroll because its haunting tones echo the creeping dread within this scene. The careful pacing mirrors Tarian’s escalating frustration and the scientists’ hesitation, while the underlying unease in the melody enhances the suspicion that shapeshifters may already walk among them.
Despite having a decent memory of these stories, some of the minutiae have been lost to time. However, I knew I wanted to showcase the spark of ingenuity of the colonists. Enter this entry in Colonization, where Tarian was presented with the opportunity to push back against the world’s aggression. While the scientists uncovered fragments of information about the shapeshifters, their investigation only raised more questions. And that’s a common thread for everyone. May you all enjoy this polished version of the tale.
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Tarian threw the doors open and marched into the makeshift lab. The cracked table bore the white-fleshed creature. He pointed at the milky corpse as he pulled the scientist closer. “What can you tell me about this thing on your slab?”
Francis stepped away from his work and glanced around the room at his colleagues. When he saw everyone else glance elsewhere, he cleared his throat. “We’ve found nothing definitive.”
Tarian’s fist clenched as he looked at each of the scientists. When his gaze fell back on Francis, he licked his lips. “You’ve had this body for a week. Keldon told you I needed answers.”
“He did,” Francis hedged.
“Then why have you been dragging your heels?” Tarian inquired as he took a step towards Francis. While Tarian loomed over the scientist, he prodded the corpse’s abdomen and his finger slid into the creature. With a shudder, he pulled it out. “Rotting or not, I need answers.”
“If our most sensitive equipment still worked, we’d have given you the intelligence already.” Francis wrung his hands, avoiding Tarian’s glare.
Tarian wiped the frustration off his face as he backed up, licking his lips. “We don’t have that luxury.”
Francis’s gaze drifted toward Tarian, the corner of his eye twitching as he tugged his collar. “Well, we triggered its flesh into changing.”
“How?”
“What we might’ve seen was nothing more than a twitch.”
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