Report on the mysterious substance recovered from the creatures encountered at X:67 Y:145 Sigma Beta VII, by Prof. Oak. ((These notes are private, and are only disclosed to those who gain access to them through Oak.)) 07/03/2416 Initial tests reveal that the black, gooey, almost liquid-like substance interacts with other materials in a corrosive manner. More specifically: it would appear to be a weak acid, which becomes corrosive in higher concentrations. Somehow, through coming in contact with a sample of organic tissue (flesh), the substance seemed to spread and bind itself to the sample. Additional testing will be required fully comprehend the nature of this process...
08/03/2416 After exposing a small animal (rat) to the substance (which I have dubbed "Umbra"), it spread quickly, completely engulfing the immediately panicking test subject, who seemed to exhibit an instinctual fear upon first coming in contact with the substance. When the substance had completed its forced take-over, it seemed to have forced some kind of symbiotic relationship upon the test subject. Despite the subject's initial distress, the new host seemed to calm down almost unnervingly quickly and started eerily tracking my movements. Extreme caution and additional testing on the test subject's mental state and the substance itself is warranted. Test subject #1
09/03/2416 After continually exposing different test subjects to the Umbra, who have all become assimilated in the same way as the first test subject, I conclude that the success rate for the symbiote to bind itself to its host is astoundingly high. Even cases where small amounts of the Umbra were used, albeit after a longer duration, ultimately ended up with the same fate as the first test subject. Following the assimilation of the test subjects by the strange substance, it should be noted that the newfound symbiotic lifeforms have become more difficult to keep track of, as they appear to attempt to move silently, and hide from observation as much as possible, a rather disconcerting set of mannerisms, to be sure... Additionally the test subjects have become more agile and have shown a significiant improvement in terms of their reflexes. Tests remain inconclusive on whether or not the test subjects have retained their original consiousness or whether or not they are being controlled by the symbiote. (Perhaps a live humanoid version could provide some answers?) Spoiler: ((Lol)) ((Lol, recently found this: http://img-9gag-fun.9cache.com/photo/ajABQ7x_460s_v1.jpg))
10/03/2416 After running the test subjects through some puzzles rooms, in order to test their intelligence and senses, I have concluded that not only do these newfound symbiotic lifeforms show signs of having developed heightened senses and an enhanced intellect, as the first test subject seemed to be able to complete the tests at a reasonably fast pace, its brethren seemed to already know all the solutions to the problems that were presented to them. After running them through different tests, I can confirm that it would seem that these symbiotes are able to somehow exchange information in great detail, without any obvious form of communication. Although it sounds ridiculous, I believe this suggest some form of telepathic link between the test subjects. I should investigate the probability of telepathy.
11/03/2416 I had a run-in with a human, supposedly named Wesley, who had been attacked by what I assume to be the same creatures we encountered at the facility. After a slight quarrel and disagreement with a Glitch on how to handle this specimen, I brought him to my lab for further analysis, after treating his... Or its wounds to the best of my abilities. Afterwards I went through the trouble of disinfecting the places on Ragnarok, and my ship, where he had been. You can never be too cautious with these things. I wonder what new information I will be able to decipher from this human specimen.
12/03/2416 The specimen formerly known as "Wesley" has awoken. Remarkably enough, despite my hastily improvised treatment of the specimen's substantial head trauma, it would seem that this new member of the symbiotic race of creatures appears to be in relatively good health. I have in fact confirmed, after conversing with the creature that it has taken control of the consciousness that was formerly Wesley's. After inquiry the creature has claimed that its species' goal is to "gather all knowledge". I can confirm some form of telepatic link between the different symbionts and I can also confirm that they gain access to their host's memories after assimilation, thus "gaining their knowledge". Despite the objectively "high" level of intelligence that the symbiont seemed to possess it did however not understand the moral dilemma its species' actions have wrought, as they have taken control of their hosts' minds as well as their bodies. The specimen must be held in containment at all costs. I should attempt to see if I can gather more information through conversation. Perhaps I can find a method to free Wesley, or suppress the symbiont's influence on him. That is, if Wesley's mind is still in there and the shock from these various events hasn't completely destroyed his consciousness.
20/03/2416 I received a call from Rodrick, about a tentacle-being related issue. It would seem that the smaller specimens of the "eldritch" monstrosity apparantly infiltrate and feed on the flesh of their hosts. After witnessing it being extracted from a Floran patient at the facility of Monolith, I was given the sample for further investigation. I wonder how this parasite interacts with a host that has been taken over by the Umbra symbiont. I shall infect one of the specimens with this new parasite and watch how the issue develops, as well as shifting my focus towards some preliminary testing regarding the new parasite. The Umbra won't go anywhere for now, I suppose. I've read the anouncement made by the "GCDC", I only hope they won't find out and locate my facility. If there's anything I'd rather not do it's probably handing over my research and specimens to some idiotic governmental-controlled body. I hope Mr. Ferrara, Carlisle and Rodrick will be able to stay silent about the location of my lab and my research. I suppose I could publish my findings on Starnet, albeit anonymously... Perhaps after I've made some more progress, in case it could somehow be tracked back to me.
