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Under the Sea, a Newcomer Comes

Charaa

Ruler of the UNS, Guildmaster of the Mining Guild
Joined
Nov 3, 2021
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Syriella opened her eyes, the gentle glow from her cybernetic irises shifting as her senses came online, her mind pulsing with the new duty assignment transmitted to her HUD. She was inside a transport tank—an angular, cube-shaped vessel filled with water, her lifeline for the journey. The tank, tethered to the hull of a large seagoing vessel, was now being transferred to the open oceans of Prazoa, a vibrant world within the Secunda Major System known for its sprawling coral forests and teeming marine life.

A large mechanical arm secured to the transport vessel swung her tank over the railings. The water inside her transport shifted, splashing lightly against her. She flexed instinctively, feeling the weight of her biomechanical tail sway in response. Her tail, a marvel of synthetic design fused with cloned biological tissue a sleek blend of blue and silver scales interwoven with flexible cybernetic plating, shimmered under the dim transport lights. Syriella was a Neridia, an engineered being created by an affiliate of the Mining Guild. She belonged to a new generation of biomechanical mermaid-like entities designed to care for the Sakana, a biomechanical species requiring specific environmental care, and an underwater researcher, a calling she felt drawn to even as newly created as she was.

Despite her recent creation, Syriella’s mind held a complex repository of data, including marine biology, environmental management, and protocols for interacting with the Sakana. Closing her eyes, she allowed her HUD to fully engage, scanning her body and displaying its intricacies. Her form was a fusion of biology and machine—her body originated from a failed human cloning experiment combined with spliced DNA from various marine species, augmented further with cybernetic enhancements. Her scales were both biological and metallic, sensors embedded within allowing her to detect environmental shifts, chemical changes, and nearby biological signatures. Small mechanical gills adorned her neck, filtering oxygen and converting it into fuel for her cybernetic components.

As her tank descended, a welcome message appeared on her HUD from one of the senior Neridians already stationed on Prazoa. The words were warm and encouraging, offering her guidance and expressing eagerness to work together. Syriella felt a deep connection to her mission, as though it were woven into the core of her being. She had been made to dive into these worlds, to protect and study them, her existence tied closely to both her caretaking duty to the Sakana and her curiosity for the unknown realms beneath the waves.

With a gentle lurch, her tank touched down in the shallow waters of Prazoa, and the locks released. The water around her tank was teeming with the scents and sounds of life. As the tank opened, Syriella swam forward, feeling the water of Prazoa wrap around her, welcoming her. For the first time, she was truly in her element, ready to meet her fellow Neridians and explore the beautiful, mysterious oceans of Prazoa.

Her HUD lit up with coordinates, leading her toward a vast kelp forest, her first destination in Prazoa’s oceans. She propelled herself forward, feeling her tail move powerfully in the water, a perfect balance of biomechanical precision and organic grace.

As Syriella glided into the kelp forest, the gentle sway of the underwater flora created an otherworldly dance around her. She immediately spotted her kin—other Neridia—some of whom were focused on untangling a small biomechanical fish from the snaring tendrils of kelp. The Sakana was wriggling, its metallic scales glinting in the filtered sunlight that pierced the water from above. Her HUD automatically identified the creature and logged it for later study.

One of the Neridia noticed her arrival and drifted closer, her iridescent scales catching Syriella’s eye. She had an open smile, warm and welcoming, and her voice resonated directly in Syriella’s mind through their shared neural link—a form of cybernetic telepathy exclusive to their kind.

"Hello, sister," she greeted, her voice soft yet lively within Syriella's mind. "Welcome to life."

A wave of joy rippled through Syriella at the welcome, and she returned the smile, feeling a sense of kinship she hadn’t yet known was possible. Despite being newly created, she felt a connection to these other Neridians, each of them formed from the same fusion of biology and technology. Through their neural link, she could sense traces of their personalities and unique traits, an unspoken bond woven through their shared purpose and origin.

"Thank you," Syriella replied through the link, her mind still adjusting to the surreal sensation of direct communication. "It feels... incredible to be here."

The other Neridia introduced herself as Lyara, her mind voice carrying a playful warmth. "We’re glad you’ve joined us. There's much to learn, and every day brings something new. You’ll see," she said, gesturing toward the kelp forest teeming with Sakana and other biomechanical marine life.

"Come," Lyara invited, beckoning Syriella closer to where the others worked. "There’s always something to take care of. The Sakana need us, especially when they get themselves caught like this. They’re not always the brightest, but they’re important to this ecosystem—and to us."

Syriella moved alongside Lyara, watching as another Neridia skillfully untangled the Sakana from the kelp, gently coiling her metallic tail to keep the creature calm. She felt a strange surge of purpose, as though the instincts implanted within her were awakening, blending with a growing sense of individuality. This was her place—among her sisters, among the life of Prazoa’s oceans, protecting, observing, and learning.

In that moment, Syriella understood the magnitude of her existence. She was not just a tool or a caretaker; she was part of something larger, bound to these waters and to her kind by purpose and by choice. She turned back to Lyara, her eyes gleaming with newfound resolve.

"Let’s get to work, sister."

As the Sakana fish—known specifically as the Charaan Fish mother—finally freed itself from the kelp, it floated briefly near the ocean floor, its mechanical fins moving with elegance and purpose. Syriella and the other Neridians watched in silence as the Sakana dipped down, pressing gently into the sandy bed before releasing a clutch of eggs, each one shimmering with faint traces of bioluminescence. Within moments, the eggs nestled securely among the plants and rocks, safely hidden from potential predators.

"Charaan Fish," Syriella heard another Neridia say through their neural link, a note of relief evident in their voice. "Excellent, the species will not go extinct."

Syriella’s HUD confirmed the importance of what she’d witnessed, outlining key data on the Sakana’s role within the ocean’s ecosystem. The Sakana were, in essence, aquatic biological factories, designed to regulate biodiversity within the marine environments of planets like Prazoa. Each Sakana could adapt to produce different fish species, a built-in survival mechanism that allowed it to sense and respond to the needs of its ecosystem. The Charaan Fish specifically was known to play a critical role in controlling algae populations, preventing it from overwhelming the kelp forests.

Through her HUD, Syriella accessed information on the reproductive patterns of the Charaan Fish. These eggs would incubate for a few weeks, monitored by the Neridians, before hatching into larvae that would drift into the currents, spreading across the oceans to settle in various habitats. The Sakana's presence was essential to sustaining the delicate balance of life here, preventing any single species from dominating and ensuring diversity thrived.

Her purpose as a Neridia felt more tangible now. The importance of her role and her kin’s in guiding and protecting the Sakana went beyond mere caretaking; they were stewards of life itself, guardians ensuring the continued flourishing of Prazoa’s waters.

One of the other Neridians, Kairi, sent a soft pulse through the link, resonating with pride and quiet satisfaction. "We are here to protect this balance, to preserve life as it’s meant to be. The Sakana may not be intelligent in the way we are, but they understand this in their own way."

Syriella felt a warm current of connection flowing through her, bonding her to the other Neridians and to the ocean itself. Each task, each moment like this, carried a profound weight, a quiet beauty in the way they worked as one with their biomechanical charges.

Lyara gently took Syriella's hand, her grip both reassuring and firm as she guided the newly-formed Neridia through the kelp forest, their tails gliding in synchronized movements. The underwater world around them seemed vast and endless, alive with shimmering hues and the gentle pulse of biomechanical creatures who mirrored the ocean’s rhythms.

"You’ve read about the planet, haven’t you?" Lyara asked, a warm curiosity in her telepathic voice as it flowed through the link. "During your journey, did you learn how this planet was created? Prazoa isn’t just a natural world—it's artificial. The Mining Guild formed it fifty years ago, to serve not only as a buffer for nearby asteroids but also as a space for farming, habitation, and research."

Syriella nodded, the information aligning with the data stored in her HUD. "Yes, I studied it during transit. It’s incredible—an entire ocean ecosystem designed from scratch. The Guild really thought of everything. This planet’s placement also provides a protective barrier, helping to shield the Secunda Major System from rogue asteroid belts. It’s as if the planet itself has become a gatekeeper."

"That’s exactly right," Lyara replied, her voice filled with a mix of pride and reverence. "Prazoa may be artificial, but it’s alive, evolving. And we, the Neridia, are here to help it grow as naturally as any world could. This planet holds colonies above and below the water, many of which rely on the ocean's resources."

As they swam, Lyara gestured toward a nearby coral structure, a sprawling, brilliantly colored formation alive with small biomechanical organisms. "Even the coral here has been designed to adapt and endure. The Guild wanted Prazoa’s life forms to coexist and thrive, creating symbiotic relationships that support each other just like on a natural planet."

Syriella took in her surroundings with a fresh sense of awe, seeing the artificial marvel through Lyara’s perspective. The coral here wasn’t just a home for creatures—it was part of an intricate network, a living machine as much as it was a natural formation. Each piece had a purpose, each organism a role in the grand design of Prazoa.

Lyara continued, her voice softening. "Our part may be small in the grand scheme, but it’s vital. We’re caretakers, scientists, and guardians. Every fish we protect, every reef we tend to—it’s all to keep this world balanced and thriving."

Syriella felt a rush of excitement and pride swell within her. This planet was more than an assignment; it was a living testament to what her creators and her fellow Neridia could accomplish together. "I’m ready, Lyara. I want to help keep Prazoa alive, to be a true part of it."

With a shared sense of purpose, the two Neridia continued their journey deeper into Prazoa’s ocean, Syriella’s excitement renewed as she embraced her role as both a guardian and a part of this remarkable world.

Lyara’s pleased smile softened as she saw the excitement lighting up Syriella’s eyes. She led her deeper and deeper into the ocean’s embrace, where sunlight faded and the hues of the water turned a rich, serene blue. As they descended, Syriella’s eyes adapted to the shifting darkness, sharpening her vision to catch glimmers of life around her. Soon, an intricate settlement emerged, nestled within the deep-sea landscape. The homes were woven seamlessly into the environment, shaped from coral, shells, and shimmering bioluminescent plants.

Other Neridia moved gracefully around the settlement, going about their tasks. When Lyara and Syriella passed, a few paused to watch the newcomer with curiosity, their expressions warm and welcoming. Syriella felt a surge of belonging; she was home, surrounded by others who shared her unique purpose.

Lyara led her into a large cavern, the walls lined with softly glowing crystals and patches of bioluminescent flora that bathed the space in hues of teal and soft violet. The cavern felt alive, a blend of natural beauty and careful crafting. A collection of clothes lay along one wall, formed from the ocean’s resources—seaweed-based textiles, delicately woven shells, coral fibers, and scales from molted sea creatures, each piece a work of art that celebrated the ocean’s bounty.

Lyara called out, her voice echoing slightly in the open space. "Kai! Our new sister needs you."

A moment later, a figure emerged from a side chamber, her movement fluid and calm. Kai was tall and lean, with a wise yet gentle gaze that gave Syriella an immediate sense of comfort. her dark scales gleamed under the cavern’s light, and her long, flowing fins trailed behind him as he approached.

"Welcome, Syriella," Kai greeted her warmly, her voice resonating through the link with a kind and thoughtful tone. "It’s always an honor to meet a new sister. I’m here to help you find what you need."

Syriella looked at the garments with interest, marveling at the textures and craftsmanship. Each piece was unique, reflecting the individuality of its wearer while blending harmoniously with the ocean environment. Kai smiled, picking up a wrap made from finely woven seaweed and decorated with small shells, offering it to Syriella.

"We fashion our attire from what the sea provides," she explained. "Each garment is designed to flow with our movements and blend with our surroundings. Choose something that speaks to you; it will be a part of your identity here."

Syriella took the wrap, its soft, seaweed-based texture smooth against her fingers. She felt an instant connection to it, as though it were a small piece of the ocean she could carry with her. She draped it over her shoulders, the shells clinking softly in the water.

Lyara smiled approvingly, a touch of pride in her gaze. "It suits you, Syriella. Your journey here is only just beginning, but already you look like one of us."