savetheearth | video [late afternoon]

Hello, all! Dr. Solus, reporting in from Vegas.

Firstly - thanks to efforts of Ms. Tsukuyomi and company, have managed to capture Vermini for study. Unfortunately, organisms died in captivity - [he displays the corpses, trapped in a glass jar] - but was still able to glean useful information.

Spent most of the day examining samples, and have determined so far that Vermini completely foreign to Earth - no known genetic structure, cellular mechanisms all subtly different - suggests entirely different evolutionary history compared to our own. Can still process our food, however.

Secondly - FAQ updated with trials of police officers, alien arrival, and recent murder in Locke. Offered assistance to Detective Strutz, but was refused. May change with time - suspect this murder connected to supernatural events. Should advise me if you feel anything lacking - will add anything else important I missed.

Wish you all luck in your own investigations. Dr. Solus out.

[He waves and cuts the feed.]

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

[Lyall is definitely interested in this.]

They didn't disappear when they died? I tried studying the first ones when this all started, but they vanished into steam. What were you able to learn about the bodies?

No, disappearing already. Merely reported results almost immediately after death.

[He attaches a picture to confirm - the Vermini are already gone.]

Unfortunately, was able to determine little about body structure, although noted a high number of mitochondria-analogues compared to terrestrial species. Obviously capable of inducing mutagens and altering nervous systems.

Planning to try and clone them next. Will see where that takes me.

After a good bit of searching, it seems like Vermini like to pop up around water too. The giant fountain pool in front of the Bellagio was the first place I found one, a couple weeks ago - also at the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay.

[She frowns and sighs. It's been a draining day for personal reasons, but... This is important, so she continues.]

Supernatural events... I guess if there were Vermini there, that might sync up... Is that what you mean, Doctor? Though, a lot of murders happen here, I mean... Just like any other metropolitan city, right? There's probably been some today, I just haven't turned on the news to find out.

That's still longer than they lasted for me. I got the steam and light pretty much immediately, with no time to show anyone anything. I wonder if the slight difference means something is changing.

[Doesn't mean he's not disappointed to see it, though. ]

I suppose that explains what all they've done in the past, taking over animals and people and changing them.

You have the ability to clone an alien species?

Define 'subtly different'.

True, but within "echo zone" of Vegas pushes boundary of coincidence. Suppose it's possible, but would prefer to be certain.

Mostly irrelevant. Detective refused help.

Can clone anything, in theory. Question is whether clones will be viable.

If asking about equipment, received echoes that mitigate several more expensive pieces necessary for cloning, especially with organisms of such small size.

Membrane lipids of differing molecular structure, foreign proteins used to construct organelles, slightly different cellular respiration processes, other small changes.

I see. Presuming they originate on a different planet, that's not all surprising.

Any luck isolating the specifics?

Detective Strutz is practically impossible to contact. If you manage it, will you please let me know?

Or whether you have enough of their material left to clone with. I didn't think cloning worked when you didn't have the right cells to work with.

But the equipment is definitely interesting. I'd ask to see them, but I'm afraid I would probably just be more star-struck than useful :) I haven't been able to work with anything very sophisticated.

Interesting.

Did they die because they were injured, or is it just impossible to keep them alive in the jars or what?

Is it possible I could see them for myself? The results.

Cells still here; difficult to dissociate them entirely. Should have enough material to work with. Might capture more and freeze them; should mitigate problem of sublimation. Many avenues to explore.

Certainly; simply didn't think anyone would be interested.

[A few files are attached, detailing the molecular configuration of various organelle analogues within Vermini cells.]

No, simply didn't feed them. Didn't want to risk adverse reaction to organic food; dying by the time I determined they could process it. Not an issue. Can obtain more samples fairly easily.

Biology isn't my strong suit, but I do admit a curiosity. Knowledge is power, after all.

Actually, managed to speak to him in person, although may have advantage in former FBI membership. Haven't always been a civilian; taken more seriously than someone with no professional experience.

Certainly. Will send them now.

[The files are attached.]

Surprising interest; had thought I was the only one.

Can hardly refuse extra set of eyes. Planning to try and clone them next.

Are you certain that's wise?

Certainly. Most attempts more likely to end in failure in any case. Concerns?

I find myself unnerved by the thought of success. You'll take steps for containment, I trust?

Barely have mass of a gram. If problems occur, could simply place beaker over it, starve it to death. Containment easily accomplished.

I suppose I should feel silly for thinking you could get full-sized ones so quickly, then.

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