< Handshake. [ally04-05] reports internal conditions nominal. System compatibility drivers installed prior. Checking for updates…done. Drivers current.
Tactical C/CU CNS274-L3HK-TSC01 / “Fox_3” / [ally04-5] reports successful uplink. New user registered: “ “
—wait. No, not quite. Alternatives…oh, I know.
New Area of Operations registered: “AO_STOWAWAY”
Proceeding to AO. Objective: land survey/exploratory/greeting. Conditions observed logged for allied review: “Damp soil, moss, and cool, smooth stones beneath my paws. I leave tracks behind me. Ground is stable, it provides support.
Avatar alterations noted: my species has changed. Rather than an Arctic fox, I am a red fox. I am integrated and congruous with the scenery of a temperate forest.”
This is fun. What else can we become? >
[It resolves.] [It resolves 1 is 1 is 1. It resolves a clearing in the woods. The night air rests sublime stillness. A scamper in the brush. Red fur darts amongst the bramble.] [There are other lands beyond. There are no other lands. 1 is 1 is 1.] [It resolves shifting sands. Life stampedes beneath the surface, a rhythm under dune. A flag-eared thing darts above. Open sky, stars all about.] [It resolves a thin alley. Refuse piled about, the stairs to escape. Somewhere in the distance, thrum. Mechanical life.] [Fire rips the distant sky. Scatterbursts of color, thunder without clouds. The deafening of celebration turns comfort far away.]
[Tagging on the far wall. The gasp for legacy, exhale pigment, a frantic cry to remember one was here. 'WHAT ELSE CAN WE BECOME?']
