STORYLINE

Eric Oeming Returns To Veilcorp but Not the Public Eye

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His story influenced countless young scientists and his inventions changed life as we know it. The attempt on his life earlier this year shocked billions, but his recovery after the loss of his family and co-workers was an inspiration. Eric Oeming had returned home and was going back to work soon. Lahaina had survived the turmoil and everything was going back to normal. At least that’s what everyone had thought. Now, many are speculating that Oeming’s injuries are worse than first reported and a company lockdown on photographers and journalists is not doing anything to quash the rumors.

The Veilcorp bombing on May 4th dominated the news and Ben Drakes’ confession to the crime 3 days later had many wondering if more attacks were on the way. During this time of worry, Eric Oeming’s struggle to survive his traumatic brain injury became a riveting story for many. His discharge from the hospital less than a month later gave many hope, especially here on the island. He returned to his home for rehab, and the public waited for a glimpse at how his recovery was going or a statement from the man himself. Unfortunately, that never came. When it was announced that he would be returning to the Lahaina lab on September 27, his late daughter’s birthday, many assumed we would finally get a glimpse of the famous scientists. Instead, the company is now fighting lawsuits about travel restrictions and rumors about its founder.

A week before Oeming’s return to work, media personnel planning on veiling to Lahaina found their tickets cancelled. The company claimed it was due to security concerns releasing a statement which read in part: “Due to the high profile nature of Dr. Oeming’s return to duties at our Lahaina facility, we are implementing a travel freeze during a 7 day block around the 27th of September. We apologize for any inconvenience this freeze may cause, and thank you in advance for your understanding.”

The late notice left little time to make other arrangements and many found it impossible to be on the island for his public return. The few photographers and media outlets able to cover the event found themselves locked out too. Veilcorp banned journalists on any of the company’s properties and refused to allow pictures to be taken. Local law enforcement were accused of harassing the media as well. A well known photographer was jailed for causing a public disturbance after she refused to stop taking pictures of Oeming’s estate.

No media was allowed on site yesterday when Oeming was said to have returned to work. The company did release a statement that his research had renewed; but it was a second statement yesterday that grabbed the headlines. The company had decided to permanently ban all journalists and photographers from veil travel to Lahaina. In addition they claimed they had the right to examine and review any and all devices brought by visitors in order to, “curb the persistent and dogged attempts of some to invade Dr. Oeming’s privacy during this important time in his recovery.”

Rich Palakiko of the Hawaiian Press Club is one of many who have filed suit this morning against the company over the ban and the new policy.

“Veil travel is so ubiquitous now that we argue it has become functionally impossible to get to some locations any other way. Veilcorp shouldn’t have the right to decide who gets to travel and who doesn’t. As long as people aren’t committing a crime they should be allowed to freely move about. It is important for people to be informed. Aside from just basic public interest, Veilcorp shareholders have a right to know about Eric Oeming’s status. To say that his health and state of mind has no bearing on the company is ridiculous. In addition, we believe that Veilcorp has no right to go through vacation photos, play lists, or ceremplant files looking for anything the company doesn’t like. Veilcorp is big but it’s not the government and doesn’t get to make the rules. We still have a free press in this country and our citizens have a right to privacy despite what the company thinks.”

Veilcorp spokesperson and acting COO Lisa Hunt agrees with one of Palakiko’s points saying,

“Rich is right. Veilcorp is not the government. As such we have no obligation to allow anything or anybody to use our technology. The media is free to travel by plane, boat, or swim as they wish. We are not restricting them from Lahaina, we’re just keeping them from veiling here. If you don’t want to allow a screener to look through your pictures, we encourage you to not use our service. This was not a decision that we made lightly. It has became apparent that certain media organizations had trouble respecting boundaries and agreements. Less than a year ago Eric Oeming lived through a vicious attack that the media was happy to capitalize on and, some say, catalyze in the first place. We intend on doing everything we can to facilitate and protect his continued recovery. This case will be quickly laughed out of court.”

Experts say that as distasteful as it may seem to some, Hunt is probably right. The Veilcorp ban will likely stand, but it has only added fuel to the fire. It has been almost 5 months since Oeming has made a public appearance. Rumors that he’s lost some of his mental faculties and that he is suffering from a deep depression continue to make the headlines. Unless Dr. Oeming gives an interview soon, these rumors are likely to grow whether or not the travel ban is upheld.

STORYLINE

Eric Oeming Discharged from Hospital

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Eric Oeming was discharged from the hospital today, a little over 2 weeks after the bombing that claimed 10 lives including his wife and daughter, and shocked the world. He regained consciousness in Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu on May 10th and has undergone several procedures since. Oeming hasn’t been seen or given a public statement since the attack. This, coupled with reports about a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) has left many wondering about the extent of his injuries and any lasting effects on his cognitive abilities.

The bombing attack occurred May 4th as Veilcorp was holding its annual “Innovators Luau” to recognize those who “think in creative ways” and “turn problems into elegant solutions.” By all accounts the event was proceeding as planned, with hundreds in attendance before the bomb was detonated.

The blast took 10 lives including Oeming’s wife and daughter, Tracy and Alohi, and left 39 injured. Emergency service personnel from across Maui were called in and a massive investigation was begun. Rumors ran wild for several days, with a number of terrorist and extreme environmental groups claiming credit for the vicious attack.

3 days later the world was stunned to learn that one of Lahaina’s own, 38-year-old Ben Drakes, had turned himself in and claimed responsibility. A member of the radical environmentalist group Gaia Guard, Drakes had been working as a lift operator at the Veil Station in Lahaina for the past 3 years. He released a 5 page manifesto before turning himself in, detailing Veilcorp “crimes” against the Earth. Drakes is expected to be sentenced later next month.

Since he woke from his coma, rumors have been circulating about the extent of the damage to Oeming’s brain. Considered by many to be one of the most brilliant minds in history, his status has been the object of great speculation in the press. An anonymous hospital source tells the Lahaina Advertiser that Oeming has no memory of the days leading up to the event but has been told about the bombing and the loss of his family. They say he still has some lingering cognitive deficiencies, but it is too soon to say whether or not they will be permanent, or if they are a result of the “crippling depression” he is said to be experiencing. A company spokesperson would not comment on the extent of Oeming’s remaining injuries.

Captain Hank Gaud, the first person to be sent through the veil said, “Eric Oeming is one of the best individuals I’ve ever met. He was always kind and personable with me, something that is rare in someone so brilliant. I can’t imagine a world without the gift of Eric’s intellect. I believe we’re only given minds like Eric’s every so often. Archimedes, Da Vinci, Newton,Tesla, and Oeming are embodiments of progress and human potential. It would be a great loss to humanity if he is unable to continue the work he has been doing over the past 20 years. I pray for a speedy recovery, not just for his sake, but for all of ours.”

Officials say that Oeming will be rehabbing at his Lahaina home where he can be surrounded by his friends and family. It is unclear to what extent, if any, he will immediately be involved in Veilcorp business. His longtime right hand and company spokesperson Lisa Hunt has been appointed Veilcorp’s COO, and will be responsible for day to day operations while Oeming recovers. She says, “It’s my honor to watch the store while Eric gets better. I’ve talked to him every day since the attack and I can tell you that he’s eager to get to work again. The loss of his family is of course devastating, but the cowards didn’t break him. He has a long road ahead, but I know he’ll get there soon. The Eric I know is capable of anything he puts his mind to.”

Veilcorp released a brief statement after Oeming’s discharge was announced that reads, “While we continue to mourn the loss of our friends and co-workers, we’re are happy beyond words that Dr. Oeming is coming home. We know he has an uphill journey but are confident we’ll see him (and have to remind him that it’s too late to continue working for the day) soon. His passion and vision will continue through us until that time.”

STORYLINE

Eric Oeming’s Personal Log: 5/14/2041

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At the picnic, I had stepped up to the stage. My old friend Jai had given my introduction. I was planning on showing our latest hohlraum for the next version of the veil. This beautiful jewel, a small container of 127 that had be entangled for all time with another, was extremely durable, but it wasn’t designed to be on top of an explosion.

I had started my speech. “In my hand is the future of veil travel. A new hohlraum, one for the ages. With this, we can go further, expending less energy, and even do so without such an enormous cost across space without prior connection. I can see a time, within the decade, when we will have veils not just as part of massive installations, but inside the home, inside the workplace, in space, across the universe, literally everywhere.”

I held the cylinder aloft at the level of my head. The explosion erupted from over by the buffet tables. I should not have lived. I didn’t really survive. The hohlraum shattered and the 127 erupted, igniting and shattering reality around me. The energy came off in sheets, and those sheets protected me. Those sheets of fire, wind, and dimensionality deflected energy away and around me.

I wasn’t completely protected, of course. No one was. No one was safe.

I wasn’t in a coma. I was in a vision. I saw my family die. I saw myself live. I saw my family live. I saw myself die. I saw everyone live and die. I saw the explosion tear apart the luau and I saw no explosion at all. I saw the explosion spread and swell and rift throughout nine dimensions. Over and over and over. I was speaking before a group of scientists. I was speaking before a stadium. I was speaking to myself under a tent in an alley. I was reading a book in an office at the U of H. I was working with a soldering iron before a bench. I was and am and could be, forever and throughout.

When reality stabilized, when I came out of the coma, the vision, reality was so….disappointing. I ache with loss. I know the math. There are worlds where I died and they lived. There are worlds where they lived and so did I. There are worlds where they all lived but we never knew each other, where Alohi was never born. Those are the worst of all.

And my head, my head and my heart hurts. So much.

STORYLINE

Arrest Made In Veilcorp Bombing attack

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An arrest has been made today in the Veilcorp Luau bombing attack. 38-year-old Ben Drakes turned himself in to authorities this morning, claiming responsibility for the bombing which killed 10 and left 39 injured. Among the dead were Tracy and Alohi Oeming, wife and daughter of Veilcorp’s founder Eric Oeming. Eric himself remains in a coma. Officials say Drakes claims to have acted alone but the investigation remains ongoing. They had no comment as to motive in the case.

However, before turning himself in Drakes released a 5 page document to the press explaining why he bombed the Luau. In it he claims to be a member of the radical environmental group Gaia Guard and provides a detailed list of Veilcorp “crimes” against the Earth. The sometimes disjointed statement reads in part,

“Our mother is sick. She is sick because we turned our backs on her instinctual laws. She warned us many times but we refused to listen. Her tears flooded the land when we cut down her forests to build our cities, but we didn’t listen. She spread disease as we killed her other children for their meat and hides, but we didn’t listen. She ran a fever when we pumped our industrial smoke into the sky, but we didn’t listen. Her body quaked as we fracked into her, draining her rich dark blood, but we didn’t listen. She swept the land with cancer and deformity when we tried to play with the building blocks of life, but we wouldn’t listen. Veilcorp was tearing her apart with gateway technology. She was starting to lose her fight, so we made you listen. Oeming and his followers thought they were above Gaia’s law, so we made them answer for their cruelty. 18-years-ago a small town in Iowa was forever scarred by Oeming’s arrogance. A small group of people from that town pointed out the obvious and made the world listen for a moment. Our mother is running out of time, so we made you listen again.”

Drakes had been working as a lift operator at the Veilcorp station in Lahaina for the past 3 years without incident but has a long history with law enforcement. Records indicate that he was arrested and charged with assault or other violent crimes 3 times. Neighbors say they are in shock over the arrest and claim that Ben was “a quiet guy who kept to himself.” When asked about his employment a Veilcorp spokesperson had no comment.

Friends and family acknowledge that Drakes had a troubled past but claim that he had turned his life around 10 years ago. While he struggled when he was younger, they say Drakes completed treatment programs and was taking online classes to earn a college degree. They claim to have no knowledge of his alleged involvement with Gaia Guard.

His mother’s attorney released a brief statement that reads, “The Ben we all knew and loved would not do anything like this. My son was a loving young man who enjoyed spending weekends working with his grandfather on his farm. Ben always put other people first in his life and would go out of his way to help anyone if he could. Like many, he had a brief struggle with substance abuse and did some things he was not proud of. As far as we knew he had turned his life around and was working towards a better future. The Ben I know is not a monster and is incapable of such a violent act. Our hearts and prayers go out to the families of everyone caught in this senseless act. We are fully cooperating with law enforcement and would ask the media to direct all inquiries to our lawyer.”

Details of the crime remain few. With the investigation ongoing, police aren’t saying much but acknowledge that others might still be involved. Drakes 5 page public confession provides little additional information. For their part, Gaia Guard has remained uncharacteristically quiet.

Veilcorp spokesperson Lisa Hunt released a statement this afternoon about the arrest that said in part,

“I’m thrilled that this monster is where he belongs, behind bars. It’s too bad that the justice system will undoubtedly show him more mercy than he offered his victims. While it’s important to remember the 10 killed and 39 injured in this cowardly act, we should be devoting our energies to rooting out every last one of these Gaia Guard terrorists. We can spend time in reflection after they are all behind bars and awaiting execution. I would encourage officials to take a close look at anyone claiming affiliation with the group before more innocents lose their lives over nonsense and propaganda. In addition, we should take a close look at VeilWatch as well. They have been baiting these animals for years without any repercussions. They may not have planted the bombs but it’s clear that they planted the seed for this act. It’s time for them to reap what they’ve sown.”

STORYLINE

Tracy and Alohi Oeming, Friends and Family, Died on May 4th, Aged 39 and 10

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It was Thanksgiving. The day of reckoning for her uncle Frank. The shed had been delivered in pieces months before and his procrastination had finally caught up to him. Her father and grandfather were out there too, feeling the tug of war between family obligation and watching the game on a warm couch. The first casualty in the shed war had been initiative. The second was the instruction booklet. Tracy watched the trio rummage through the lumber and hardware for hours. She listened to them argue and plan and could see that the shed would never be finished in time. Her aunt wondered aloud if it would be done before the first snow came or if it would have to spend the winter buried in the backyard. That was all 8-year-old Tracy had to hear. She grabbed her tablet and went outside to see what she could do. She quickly inventoried what they had and what they needed. She sent her uncle into the basement for some missing bolts and washers and sketched instructions for them to follow. Under her guidance the group not only finished the shed, but they finished in time to catch the last 5 minutes of the game. That was Tracy and that was the moment her family knew she was going to be an architect.

Tracy Sklodowska was born September 29, 2001 to David and Anna in Ithaca, New York. She was an only child who excelled in her studies from a young age. She loved working with her hands as well as her mind and would spend hours sketching buildings. In high school she developed a love of swimming and was talented enough to win a number of awards.

There were many offers after high school but there was no question about where she would go. Cornell had always been her dream and that is where she went on a full scholarship thanks to her swimming and grades. Never one to think small, Tracy decided that instead of focusing on individual structures she would focus on building cities. She started her graduate studies in urban planning at the University of Michigan and was planning her next 5 years when she ran into something unexpected, a young physics professor named Eric Oeming.

“A physics professor? Why couldn’t you find a lawyer or a MBA? What kind of future are you two going to have?” her grandmother asked when she learned about their relationship. Proof positive that wisdom does not always come with age. Tracy split her time in those years working on projects in Maui and spending time with Eric. She told me once that meeting Eric was like discovering you had another arm that had just been asleep for a long time. The two fell deeply in love and were married as soon as she graduated from U of M.

Those who knew Tracy well would be the first to tell you that she was never a big fan of relaxing, but there was something about the Hawaiian spirit that fit her. She fell in love with the Lahaina area during her studies and introduced Eric to the land that they would eventually call home. While we all know how successful the pair became, she was not a fan of the limelight and tried carefully to provide a “normal” life for herself and her family. I assume in the next few days the extent of her philanthropic work will come to light and people are going to be surprised that they hadn’t heard about it before. That was the way she wanted it. Tracy didn’t do the work she did for acknowledgment or accolades. She did it because she was able to.

While her husband and daughter were well known fixtures in Lahaina and my noodle shop, Tracy rarely walked around downtown, preferring to avoid the cameras and questions. The locals would recognize her but most tourists and reporters wouldn’t. One day she came in for a quick bite and there was a guy in front of her who had been enjoying one of our beach bars a little too much for his own good. He started talking loudly about how he was sick of that Oeming guy always talking about how great he was. He complained that he couldn’t watch the news anymore because the guy was always on and bragging. He said his wife must have an endless supply of earplugs and rum. Before I could throw him out, Tracy gave me a little wave of her hand and said, “I know! Forget him and his precious awards. They should give that lady a Nobel for having to listen to that blowhard every day. Imagine how much we’d have to hear him if he didn’t have a wife and family to come home to. They should make her a saint,” and sat down next to the guy without missing a beat. I don’t know that I ever laughed so hard in my life. That was Tracy. She was a smile that didn’t ask for anything and gave everything in return.

2030 was a big year for the Oemings. Their daughter Alohi was born September 27, 2030, only missing her mother’s birthday by a couple of days and Eric won his Nobel prize. When Tracy was very young her aunt asked her what she wanted to be when she grew up. The normally analytical girl uncharacteristically answered, “the sun, because it’s the brightest star.” Her family teased her about it often, and joked that they hoped her first born was a boy so she could name him “Sun”. Alohi means shining in Hawaiian, and man did she shine.

She was only a few months old when her family moved to Hawaii but she was born with an islander’s spirit. Alohi was an amazingly creative young woman who never shied away from a new experience, as if there was such a thing to her. When you’re the daughter of the man who invented a way to travel anywhere across the globe instantaneously, you end up visiting a lot of new places. Marco Polo and Magellan wish they were as well traveled as Alohi.

She had a passion for birds and loved walking the trails of the preservation zone on the hunt for rare species. She would come into the shop and tell me all about her favorite exotic birds and where she was when saw them. She kept a collection of their songs in her Ceremplant and could identify them all by ear. We used to play a game where I would pick one at random to see if she knew what it was. I could never stump her, not even once. But it wasn’t just nature and world travel for her, she loved making things with her hands just like her mom.

She loved going up to the local maker commune to see what those guys had come up with next. Let me tell you, talking to some of those guys would give anyone pause but not Alohi. She had seen so much in her brief time here with us that she never approached anyone or anything hesitantly. It never occurred to her that something might not be possible. It offers me some solace to know that she never will. If her mother was a smile Alohi was the feeling you got when you smiled. Being a part of her life made me feel proud somehow. I will always hold that honor dear.

Tracy and Alohi gave me many gifts in my life. The gift that I hold most precious was their friendship. The only thing I can give them now is a meager gift, my words. I’ve tried to articulate them as well as I could here, in the impossible hope that they could convey how truly rare and bright the two were. They had become part of my family and I feel immense sorrow that more of you will never have the joy of knowing them as I have. Goodnight my sistahs, memories of you will shine in our hearts forever.

STORYLINE

Eric Oeming Injured, Wife and Daughter Among Those Killed In Explosion

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All eyes are on Lahaina this evening as more information has been released about an explosion at a Veilcorp company luau this morning. It has now been confirmed that Tracy and Alohi Oeming, wife and daughter of Veilcorp’s founder Eric Oeming, are among the 9 confirmed dead. Other names are being withheld until officials can notify family members.

Eric Oeming himself has joined the official injury tally. That list has now crept up to 36, with many in critical or serious condition. Some of the injured were flown to Molokai General Hospital, Queen’s Medical Center, and the Straub Medical Center in Honolulu. Numerous outlets are reporting that Oeming is suffering from severe burns and significant head injury. Veilcorp officials confirm that Oeming was severely injured but would not comment on the details of those injuries.

An explosion rocked the annual Veilcorp ‘Innovators Luau’ this morning with hundreds in attendance. All available emergency services responded from across the island. For most of the day unconfirmed stories and details have been making the rounds in the media. It appears certain now that contrary to some reports, the explosion was not an accident. According to law enforcement officials the explosion was caused by the detonation of a catering vehicle that had been parked near the grill and serving area. Officials aren’t saying if the attacker is among those dead or injured, or if the bomb was remotely activated.

Agents from the Department of Homeland Security and the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency have taken control of what is now being called a crime scene. Those agencies had no comment about the incident and local police tell the Lahaina Advertiser that they have no suspects yet but are still gathering leads and interviewing witnesses. Although one anonymous officer told the Advertiser, “at this point it looks like an inside job.” They confirm that earlier reports of gunfire are untrue.

While officials aren’t saying much about who might be responsible, a number of fringe groups have applauded the attack, sighting a long list of accusations against the company and its dealings across the globe. Members of the radical environmentalist group Gaia Guard have been particularly vocal, and promise to release a major announcement regarding the attack later this evening.

Tim Durney, the founder of VeilWatch and staunch opponent of the corporation, was quick to distance himself and his organization from the incident, “I understand the anger that some feel towards Eric Oeming and his company, but this is not the answer. You don’t fight against injustice by blowing up a car at a company picnic. My deepest sympathies go to all the families involved including Eric. What happened here is a crime committed by cowards and a tragedy.”

Mayor Albert Cravalho will be leading a midnight vigil this evening and says,

“Things like this don’t happen on the island. Eric just isn’t a guy on the news to us, he is family. Just about everyone has seen him and his family walking around Lahaina at one time or another. I can’t tell you how many mornings I had a breakfast bowl with him and his daughter Alohi at Hula Noodle. We’re all devastated. My heart goes out to all the victims of today’s attack and I’d like to acknowledge the bravery of our first responders. This is a sad day for everyone and especially for everyone in Lahaina.”

Officials have opened a tip and information line and would like to remind the public again to use it and not 911. President Sawant will be making a statement about the attack within the hour. We will have reactions to her words after the speech and report any new developments as they happen.

STORYLINE

Explosions Reported at Veilcorp Luau

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Multiple reports have been coming in over the past hour that there has been an explosion at the annual Veilcorp ‘Innovators Luau’. First responders confirm that numerous people have been injured, many of them critically. They will not confirm or deny that there have been any deaths so far. Sources inside emergency services say that at least 30 people have been taking to area hospitals for treatment with many more suffering minor injuries.

Current estimates put around 300 in attendance at the Luau this morning South of Black Rock Beach. We can confirm that all area first responders have been called in as well as all reservists. Police have cordoned off the area.

There were many who were more seriously injured as well. Witnesses say that multiple Hawaii Life Flight helicopters have departed with emergency patients. We’re told that those flights are taking victims to the Molokai General Hospital, Queen’s Medical Center, and the Straub Medical Center in Honolulu. Sources say that these are the closest facilities able to handle multiple severe traumas and traumatic head injuries.

The cause of the explosions remains unknown with numerous conflicting reports coming in. At first we were hearing that a tank malfunction under a grill was the cause of the incident. Now we’ve had multiple reports that a catering vehicle which had been parked near the food area exploded. Officials on scene have not been able to verify either story. What seems clear at this point is that early reports of gunfire appear to be false. The Lahaina Advertiser has been unable to find any credible source for the earlier claims.

A full list of the injured has not been released as of yet but there is some speculation about the company’s founder and his family. Eric Oeming, his wife Tracy, and his daughter Alohi are usually present for the event but their current location remains unknown. Oeming nor Veilcorp have yet to put out an official statement. We have had a handful of reports that the family was among the group getting food during the explosion.

Numerous calls to Veilcorp have gone unanswered or provided little additional information at this point. We understand that some outlets are reporting that Department of Homeland Security agents have been spotted on scene marking the incident as a possible terrorist attack. The DHS office and the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency have as yet made no comment on their possible involvement.

We will be updating this story as soon as we have any new information. Police are asking the public to please avoid calling 911 if you are inquiring about the status of a friend or loved one. They will be opening an emergency line soon and we will provide that number as soon as its active. If you saw something or have personal information about the incident this morning please let us know.

STORYLINE

Update on the incident at Pine Bridge

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Good morning Dr. Oeming. As I’m sure you’ve already been informed, we had a possible security concern when some of the escaped R2137 or “Brisby” rats were discovered in the small town of Pine Bridge, Georgia. I’ve just completed a tour of the facility in which they had been living, recovered our animals and have left personnel to tie up any loose ends. Before I go more in depth, let me allay any concerns you may have about the incident. I am sure that I recovered all our assets (including some new pups), and I am confident we won’t be hearing anymore about the matter.

After the robbery of our Seattle facility and theft of some of the R2137 animals last Fall, you’ll remember that the decision was made to move all the rats from that lab to other, more secure locations. The process went as planned except for a group that was veiled to our Atlanta location. At some point in the move approximately 8 individuals escaped their boxes. An intense sweep of the building and the grounds yielded nothing and an alert was put out to our government partners to monitor the area. After continued searches of the facility found nothing, and no reports about large white rats acting strangely came from surrounding areas, we assumed they had fled outside and fell victim to natural predators. It appears that was an incorrect assumption.

Within a month the town of Pine Bridge, about 30 miles North of Atlanta, began to experience a rash of chicken disappearances. While it’s not unusual for a number of animals to prey on chickens, there was none of the usual signs of predation. They were simply vanishing. Despite the lack of blood, bodies, or feathers, the local Wildlife Resource Division took measures to cull the surrounding coyote population, thinking they were responsible. Even though they took in very few animals, the disappearances soon stopped and not much more was thought of it. None of the reports mentioned anything about rats and since chickens are taken all the time, it didn’t tip off any government monitoring software.

Then neighbors around the recently closed Murphy Poultry Farm began to call officials about strange noises coming from the property. Eventually the police responded when they received a call that the processing plant had started up one night. The responding officer drove up to the building but after a thorough search didn’t find any suspects. What he did find was over a hundred chickens and a number of large white rats. It was his call into the station that night that caught the attention of our partners and triggered the alert to us.

I was in Pine Bridge that following morning and began my tour of the facility around noon. The locals were told that the farm was being used by wanted Gaia Guard terrorists to hold stolen lab animals. They seemed happy with that explanation.

What I saw was truly amazing. In only a few months and without any tools, the rats had gathered enough chickens to start operations again. They even picked up a small gaggle of geese from somewhere. They had reconnected the water and electricity. Even the recycling and automated disposal systems were online, and most of the processing machinery was operational again.

I could see that a large female recognized me and was eager to show off what they had done. Not having enough feed for all the fowl, the rats would take turns herding groups of chickens into the vast fields outside so they could forage for food. I spent an hour watching groups of rats take turns escorting their wards to various foraging areas and keep watch over them like sheep dogs tending a flock.

I’m not an expert in animal husbandry or the raising of chickens, but to be honest, some of their innovations were remarkable. They made some improvements to the water recycling system to better accommodate the geese. I don’t fully understand it all but my guide seemed very insistent that I take copious notes. Her whiskers were a frenzy of excitement when we got to the chick sorting area. They had fully automated the process by chewing differently sized holes through the table screen. To be honest, it’s the most well run and efficient free range operation I’ve ever seen. If they were provided with the proper support, or were human, the business would be a huge success.

Of course after the tour we shut everything down, caged the rats, and disposed of the fowl. The responding officer doesn’t seem to know what he saw. Even if he did know the truth, I don’t think anyone would believe him. However, just to be careful, I’ve asked that his and all the communications from everyone in his station be monitored for the next several months. I honestly don’t think we have anything to worry about here.

I’m going to bring this bunch back to Lahaina with me just so there is no further trouble or mix ups. I think we might have to consider starting a little farm ourselves here. I’ve never seen the rats so happy.

STORYLINE

Veilcorp Transports Contaminated Animals To Lahaina Facility

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from: Dr. Robert Coney

to: Eric Oeming
date: Fri, Oct. 12, 2036 at 5:53 PM
subject: Update and relocation of 6th Generation R2137 “Brisby” Line

A little over 9-years-ago we successfully sent subject R2137, (aka: Brisby), through the gateway and discovered that the process had made some profound changes in the animal. At that time I theorized that some of the amazing abilities exhibited by the rat would be passed on to her young. As we now know that theory was correct. We have carefully bred the “R” line with limited numbers into the 6th generation and I will continue to keep you apprised of any new developments and issues as they arise. That brings us to the recent incident in the Seattle facility.

4 subjects in the Brisby line were taken by Gaia Guard radicals when they attacked the lab. We followed protocol by removing all sensitive information from properties nearby and alerting our government contacts. They have been taking point with local law enforcement and have had control of the public messaging. Unfortunately the animals have not turned up so far and no arrests have been made.

To be honest Eric, we haven’t heard anything in over a year so I think nature has solved the problem for us. As we learned firsthand, the Brisby line is very hard to keep in enclosures. I find it highly unlikely that anyone ignorant of their abilities would be able to keep them contained. Since we haven’t had any reports of animals grouping together in large numbers, or acting oddly in any other way, I think we might be safe. Knowing how much the rats love to tinker with machinery and control any other animals they come in contact with, I find it doubtful that they would have survived without acting out. We will keep working until we have a definitive answer of course, but I think we can breath a little easier.

It has been a few months now since we’ve relocated the rest of the line to the Lahaina facility and they are assimilating nicely. Not only has the move proved beneficial from a security standpoint, but the rats seem to be thriving in their new environment. The 6th generation retain many of the abilities and characteristics of their predecessors.

The rats seem to be able to share information amongst themselves. Teach one a task or trick, and the others become immediately capable of performing the activity. This communal knowledge seems to be passed on at birth automatically without any outward teaching. The generation 6 line has retained knowledge taught only to previous generations in this way. The animals are capable of typing out words in order to communicate wants or needs, and are capable of impacting the behavior of other animals. This ability seems less powerful in the 6th generation than others, with the rats being able to change the mood of other animals (passivity being most common) rather than the total control demonstrated in past lines. This still makes them too dangerous around other animals however, as a lab assistant learned in Seattle when confronted by a dozen raging rabbits.

Their love of building blocks borders on obsessive, and their urge to examine and fix anything mechanical (within their physical capabilities) is almost as strong. In addition, they remain big fans of instructional videos especially anything involved with food production. The newly installed vending machine has been a big hit and has led to some interesting new behaviors. We just got the latest model from Reality Machine which includes a recycler and the rats have gone nuts over it.

Because of the cost, we tried in vain to keep them away from it at first, but eventually let them examine it under close supervision. It’s ability to breakdown items, especially food, led to some excited chattering around here. I’m not sure some of the flavor combinations are going to take the culinary world by storm but they seem to like them. Past favorites include vanilla-broccoli-bread and peanut butter and herring bites, with cheesy-raspberry-chips being the snack of choice for over a week. Additionally, their need to have these creations photographed have allowed a bit of much needed levity to creep in around here. I’ve attached some of the pictures and there are many more hanging around the lab. We can take solace in the fact that they don’t seem interested in taking selfies yet but a few do insist on being next to their food when pictures are taken. I’ll keep you updated on any further events as usual.

STORYLINE

Dr. Eric Oeming Awarded Nobel Prize

The 2030 Nobel Prize for physics has been awarded to Dr. Eric Oeming for his work on Unbiseptium (127) synthesis and containment.

Oeming’s work began 8-years-ago under auspices of the Next-generation power authority of the U.S. Department of Energy in Detroit, and has led to the revolutionary Gateway technology. According to a statement, he plans on donating the eight million kronor prize money to a number of science and educational charities.

The announcement is perhaps one of the most controversial in Nobel history with critics pointing to accusations of reckless practices, environmental damage and government collusion with the Veilcorp corporation. The company vigorously denies these claims, saying they follow all applicable laws and regulations and take environmental concerns very seriously.

Unbiseptium research was briefly banned in 2023 after an accidental release of the particles destroyed crops and led to the mass evacuation of thousands in Iowa. Many called for a permanent ban on the experimentation but Oeming continued study under the supervision of the U.S. government through Veilcorp.

In the past 4 years the company has shocked the world with its amazing Gateway technology which allows the instantaneous transport of goods and people across great distances. The U.S. government’s involvement has only increased since the first tungsten cube was transported a little over 2-years-ago. The GAO says that almost 8% of government contracts are now fulfilled by the company. Oeming has been at the helm of the company since its inception.

Dr. Oeming brought his newborn daughter Alohi on stage to help him accept the award. He said, “This award proves that science is ready for the reality of this technology even if some others in society aren’t. We must not let ourselves be slowed or pulled down by the weight of doubt and small-minded thinking. This technology will create a new world for my daughter and the generations to come. It is important to remember that we must crawl before we can walk. This is the dawn of a new age and this science is no longer in its infancy. I will continue to do my best to help mankind walk through the gateway of understanding.”