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Level 1
The Chronobiologist: Good to see a friendly face. It’s been a while since I’ve had visitors. I’ll check your cargo right away. There’s barely any damage I can see. That’s great, really great. I can’t tell you how relieved I am that you got it here safe and sound. How did you manage to handle so many orders at once? That’s some efficient portering. I should have no trouble continuing my research, and it’s all thanks to you. Alright. Use your Q-pid to connect my shelter.
The Chronobiologist: I’m finally part of the chiral network… I’ve been looking forward to this moment. I should be able to conduct research at a faster pace than ever. Please accept this by way of thanks. I picked up this accessory in the UCA. You should try attaching it to your backpack. Who knows—it might bring you good luck. Oh, and in case you’re curious, the vargo you brought me contained a stock of cryptobiote variants. I’ve taken to calling them chronobiotes. They appear to alter your body’s internal clock for a brief period when consumed. Just another example of the many ways the Death Stranding is wreaking havoc on our perception of time. It’s introduced us to timefall and the Beach, as well as the EEs that brought about previous mass extinctions. You know, I can’t help but wonder if extinction entities are related to chronobiotes… Anyway—I’m glad you’re here. Especially with the strange incidents we’ve been hearing about laterly…
Sam: Strange incidents…?
The Chronobiologist: Well, the porter who used to come through here was attacked by something. It was bad enough that they gave up doing delivery work for good. They still managed to deliver my last shipment, but it was covered with strange dents and markings. When I asked what had happened, they just said it was the work of the “headless rider.” People have been talking about the rider for a while actually… and there’s this guy not far from here who’s dedicated to studying strange mysteries like that. I sent him some details, and he said he’d need to ask around for someone to lend him a hand. You should keep your eyes peeled for trouble until he figures out what we’re dealing with.
Sam: What’s so special about chronobiotes?
The Chronobiologist: They’re cryptobiotes that have become infected with chiral microbes—parasites that induce changes in the host. Chronobiotes can accelerate various processes within the human body. Simply put, eating one should make everything around you to move more slowly. Much like timefall, which ages everything… And the Beach, where time stands still… This disruption of the natural temporal flow is linked to the underlying mechanisms of the Death Stranding. Continued study of chronobiotes should therefore help us to solve the greatest mystery of our times. At least, that’s what I’ve come to believe.
Sam: Chronobiotes are related to extinction entities?
The Chronobiologist: So, I’ve heard a little bit about Heartman’s research via the Hydrologist. You know, the mass extinctions of trilobites, ammonites, and the dinosaurs… Apparently, all these ancient events were set in motion by extinction entities. I’m told there was a human extinction entity as well. And that EEs had umbilical cords linking them to the Beach, which could be why their fossilized remains were somehow unaffected by the passage of time. The parasitic chiral microbes that latch on to chronobiotes also originally came from the Beach. So, you could even think of them as another form of umbilical tether linking their hosts to the other side… It’s a pattern that shows we can’t discount the possibility that a new EE might yet be born. And the reason why I believe further study of these microbes could help prevent another extinction event. Now that I have a chiral network connection, this sort of research should finally be possible.
Sam: I’d best be on my way.
The Chronobiologist: I hope this isn’t the last time we meet. With no one else around to make deliveries, I was beginning to think I’d have to call it quits. Oh by the way, a sub order just got posted about those strange incidents I mentioned—you can check it on the delivery terminal here. It’s probably in your interest to find out more anyway, given how much time you spend outside. And who knows, you might even be able to convince them to join the chiral network, too. I just hope we can get to the bottom of things sooner rather than later. Thanks again, and take care.
Fragile: Well done, Sam. By the way, we have info on Neil Vana to share. Could you join me on the bridge?
The Chronobiologist: Oh, just the man I’ve been waiting for. The Metagenomicist’s main order is prepped and ready for you. We’d like you to capture the timefall-resistant emu I identified and take it to her shelter. You might find the capturing part tricky, but if you’re real quiet, you shouldn’t have too much trouble getting close. Now, this emu appears to possess certain unique temporal properties. It may well have some kind of connection to extinction entities, as well. The Metagenomicist might have different insights into its nature given her specialization, though. Personally, I’m hoping this might lead us to a major breakthrough. Also, there’s another order I want you to handle when you have a moment. It’s related to those strange incidents I mentioned earlier. They might not be occurring right on my doorstep per se, but they’re still very troubling. Help us out, Sam.
Level 2
The Chronobiologist: Lousy weather, huh? Thanks for coming in spite of it. Hold on a sec while I check the orders. How did you manage to handle so many orders at once? That’s some efficient portering. It’s always a pleasure when you pay me a visit. Have enough materials? I’ve made more available to you, if you need. I was thinking this might be of use to you, so take it with my compliments. Porters need a lot of energy to make deliveries, right? I made a little something that I’m confident will give you an extra boost. I can’t say for certain if the effect will be that significant, but you may as well try it out. Anything to make life easier, right?
Level 3
The Chronobiologist: Thank you Sam? Wow… thank you for working so late. I’ll check your orders right away. You took excellent care of this cargo, didn’t you? I like it when people take their work seriously. Oh wow, you found this? What a relief. I was all but certain it had been lost for good. I appreciate all your help. I don’t know where I’d be without it. Have enough materials? I’ve made more available to you, if you need. I was thinking this might be of use to you, so take it with my compliments. I made another trinket I think you’ll like: a special knot. It’s a charm that’ll help you form stronger bonds with the people you meet on your travels. Attach it to your backpack. Till next time, Sam.
Level 4
The Chronobiologist: Hey there, thanks for stopping by. I’ll go ahead and review the orders in the system. Not a single scratch. A fitting testament to your skill. Wait… Is that what I think it is? I can’t believe my eyes! I want you to know how grateful I am. I’ve made great strides in my research, and I owe it all to you. Please accept this as thanks. I’m willing to bet you could use more materials. Call it an educated guess. When you touch this sign, it’ll send out a call, summoning cryptobiotes from far and wide. There’s no telling what kind of cryptobiotes will show up, so it’s a lot like playing roulette. Let me know how it goes, alright?
Level 5
The Chronobiologist: Hey, Sam, you’re looking well. Your assistance is appreciated, as always. I’ll process the orders right away. Now that’s a lot of cargo. The best present I could’ve asked for. How did you manage to handle so many orders at once? That’s some efficient portering. Sam, you’re the reason I’ve been able to keep going. It’s hard for me to put into words, but hopefully this gift says it all. I’m willing to bet you could use more materials. Call it an educated guess. Thanks to you, I’ve been able to make an incredible amount of progress with my research. I just want to make everyone’s lives easier. Thanks for helping me do that, Sam.