Cambridge Stellar Research, Surveillance Mission #3, Goddess Geode, Baffin

[Malaclypse 666]

"Greetings, Professor Nash. I'm pleased you could join us." said Mal as he ushered the researchers into the waiting transparent car. "Our descent to the main viewing platform will take a few minutes. Hopefully I can answer your questions on the way 'down'."

Mal gathered his thoughts. "Sebastian, as to the Scrubbies' 'by-products', you are breathing them, sir. The weak but breatheable atmosphere inside the Geode was created completely by our little 'natives'. Oxygen, nitrogen, trace gases.. they seem to produce it all, and in proportions remarkeably close to those needed to sustain human life.

"C.R.I. also detected trace amounts of amino acids, peptides and other long-chain organic compounds within the Scrubby 'flatulence'. In short, these amazing creatures somehow seem to 'know' what sort of environment humans need for survival, and what substances might be harmful, or beneficial, to our physiology.

"How the Scrubbies 'know' this, I haven't a clue. Were they 'programmed'? Can they somehow 'sense' and adapt their metabolisms and processes according to their immediate surroundings and 'hosts'? These are some of the questions your Group has been endowed to answer."

Mal glanced at the message still on his PFAD's screen. The car was approaching the massive wooden observation deck "below" them, and he was rapidly losing their attention as the wonders of the Geode became visible.

"As to reproduction, life span, and the other 'nuts and bolts' details of the Scrubbies, I trust that your research will answer those questions in short order."

The car came gently to a stop at the Observation deck. "Mind the light gravity as you disembark, friends. Too much exuberance will put you in no danger, but might lead to some embarrassment. Take some time to absorb the size and scope of what you see around you. We'll continue our tour after a short break."

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