Rocktropia's Dark Secret

First posted in the "What is in the Egg?" thread.

Rocktropia's Dark Secret

A short story by Doc Mathamus

Nobody knew who or what created this virus. All we know as of now and with certainty is that it was not a naturally occurring phenomena. It was man-made. Who or what would have created this virus? There was speculation and rumors that the First Planet Corporation created it in order to halt other new planet partners from getting a foothold in the Entropia Universe. This is of course denied by the FPC, who claim these rumors were created to intentionally tarnish their name. A ploy brought on by societies who’s sole purpose is to populate other planets. They countered, that certain planet partners were paying these secret societies to spread these rumors in order to gain new colonists. Others claim that it was created by an ancient civilization during a great war. Though, there is little archaeological evidence to support this theory. Regardless, whoever or whatever created this virus had one thing in mind. Genocide.

Though the origins of this virus are still unknown, there are a few peculiarities that have been observed. The virus seems to infect and mutate differently according to the geological location and climate of which it is exposed to. The mutations themselves can only be described as mythological in appearance. Suddenly things that used to only be in fantasy and horror novels are becoming living breathing flesh. These have all been categorized according to the monsters they most closely resemble. Such as vampires, werewolves, demons, dragons, and zombies. It‘s as if our worst nightmares are deliberately being used against us.

The zombies seem to act as a catalyst for spreading this mutant virus disease throughout the planet. There is a central location that locals call the “red zone” that seems to be a breeding ground for this disease. However this virus was introduced must have been started there.

In order to keep the virus at bay and from spreading even further, the Battalion Aid Medical Force Headquarters was created. Or B.A.M.F. HQ for short. This area surrounds the east side of the red zone that includes the BioDome, This is where biomedically controlled experiments are carried out in order to help better understand this virus. Through field research they have found that the standard issue VSE MK1 sweating device renders the virus to where it is no longer contagious. Although not a cure, it has allowed them to better control the populations of mutants, along with hunting , with relative ease. Parts of these mutants are still being analyzed in order to create new items to better help their efforts in controlling this virus. The idea being to use the planets own resources to help fight this epidemic plague.

There has been some controversy over the experiments being done in B.A.M.F. The Landfill that was created to dump bio hazardous material from B.A.M.F. has since been infected. Creating even more mutants and destroying the indigenous wolf population that lived in that area. These wolves have taken on the characteristics of zombies. This was most likely contracted from medical waste dumped in that site and consumed by scavenger wolves. B.A.M.F. has yet to admit any wrong doing and claims that there is no direct evidence that supports they had caused this infection. However, due to protests and animal rights activists’ interference with their research they have since changed their hazardous waste policies and instead use incinerators that are scattered throughout BAMF. Protestors now claim that these incinerators are polluting the environment and are punching holes through Rocktropia’s Ozone layer. BAMF again deny these claims and have since installed weapon mounted turrets around key facilities. Though their official use is to keep mutants away from their research efforts, they have been known to “accidentally” discharge from time to time. The fact that protestors seem to perish because of these malfunctions has been deemed a mere coincidence from BAMF representatives. They claim that the picket signs confuse the automated weapons systems sensor arrays. As a result protests have ceased in those areas and research continues without interruption.

Anti-Tox shots were created so the more seasoned veterans could enter the red zone without fear of becoming infected by the now airborne virus in that area. These courageous individuals enter the red zone in order to battle this virus on the front line. However, the effects of war and greed have turned many of these brave individuals against each other. It’s a lawless area, rich with resources, and full of danger. New colonists are urged to stay away from this area or be prepared to face the consequences. Rogue thieves and mercenaries camp around the red zone to take advantage of those who are foolish enough to step within it’s border. It is advised that if curiosity gets the best of you, to take only the necessities when exploring that area. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself picked off by a rogue assassin’s sniper rifle. You may find yourself waking up in BAMF with your belongings missing. You have been warned.

Other efforts to find a cure for this virus have come from the planet’s founder, Neverdie. He himself had become infected by the virus during his first surveying efforts of the planets resources. When medical scans determined that he had indeed contracted an alien virus, he and his team was forced into medical isolation in order not to infect other avatars. The diagnosis was grim, and determined that eventually his body would succumb to the virus and he would cease to exist. Through his own research he was able to create the anti-tox shots so that others would not fall victim in the red zone as he and his crew had. Determined to find a cure he has diligently been studying the virus in hiding. His efforts revealed that certain species from other planets had a natural immunity to this virus. Which led to the purchase of an Atrox Egg.

The Egg

The egg's DNA was dormant...... It was missing the sequence of XY chromosomes needed in order for it to hatch. Meaning, it had not been fertilized. When ND learned of his impending doom, he decided to work in his lab secretly with the egg in order to continue his avatar's lineage and legacy and to save his Rocktropians from the man-made virus. He than created a serum from his own DNA that fulfilled the eggs need for XY chromosomes. Once the serum is injected there will be a 9 month gestation period before a new species of humanoid avatar is born. This new species of avatar will be half human, half Atrox. Hopefully, this new being will contain the same DNA that made the Atrox immune to the virus. If successful, transmu gene therapy, will allow avatars to change their DNA in order to never need another anti tox shot. It is unknown at this time how this gene therapy will change the appearance of said avatars.

Then ND can rest easy knowing that his DNA will live on even though his avatar will not, thus living up to the name NeverDie. So what's in the egg? Our salvation.