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Level 1
The Metagenomicist: Thanks for coming. I’ve been looking forward to this delivery. Now, let’s take a look. Good job. Looks in perfect condition to me. Now this is something I didn’t think I’d ever get back. Guess I was too quick to give up hope. My research is going well, and I have you to thank for it. All that’s left is to connect me to the chiral network. I’m ready.
The Metagenomicist: I have something I’d like to give you. I hope it’s to your liking. All hooked up at last. And wow, I was able to finish my analysis of the emu you brought me in an instant. Turns out it was absolutely riddled with parasitic chiral microbes. It would seem their presence was enough to alter the emu’s temporal flow, which is probably why it didn’t grow older when exposed to timefall. This all but confirms what the chronobiologist has been saying. Hosts for these chiral microbes are subject to the timeless influence of the Beach. It’s still unclear how this might be related to extinction entities, but it’s a vital clue for solving the mystery of the Death Stranding. An extinction entity has the capacity to trigger the Last Stranding. And if that comes to pass, the end of humanity itself is assured. Higgs attempted to make use of one such entity back in the UCA… But I know you personally put a stop to his plans. Heartman told me everything about those events. It’s anyone’s guess what Higgs is trying to accomplish this time, but I believe in you. And that’s why I’m giving you these. EX capture grenades are invaluable weapons that work by leveraging the temporal properties of parasitic chiral microbes to great effect. In essence, they allow you to defeat weakened BTs in an instant by drastically destabilizing their intrinsic flow of time. But that’s not all—These grenades can give you the means to summon your own BTs to attack other BTs. Should work on all larger specimens. I’ve prepared a few for immediate use. There’s so much we can learn by studying chiral microbes, you know. They might even hold the answer to treating twenty-one minute syndromes like mine.
Sam: What’s the deal with these parasitic chiral microbes?
The Metagenomicist: While we’ve discovered plenty of chiral creatures that resemble smaller animals like rats and spiders…as their name might suggest, chiral microbes are even tinier. They’re parasitic by nature, and favor hosts from the world of the dead. They’re just an amazing discovery all around; The final missing piece I needed for my research.
Sam: Do you have a twenty-one minute syndrome?
The Metagenomicist: Yes. I’m also a member of the Twenty-one Minute Anxiety Association. The chronobiologist happens to be another member. We’re sisters, in fact. Our mother belongs to the group too. She’s a hydrologist working out of Heartman’s lab. Perhaps you’ve already met? We’ve all got similar conditions, but I’m not sure if genetics is a relevant factor. But, whatever the cause of our syndromes may be, we’re all trying to study the world and find answers in our own ways.
Sam: I can summon BTs and make them fight for me?
The Metagenomicist: Yes, next time you’re able to inflict significant damage on a large BT, try tossing an EX capture grenade into its mouth. Not only will you neutralize your foe, but you’ll find it also leaves behind a milky white chiral crystal. I’ve taken to calling these objects “BT crystals.” If you see one, make sure you don’t forget to pick it up. I say that, because if you’ve got one on hand, you’ll be able to use it the next time you encounter a large BT. The BT crystal will react with the tar and transform into a variant of the BT you captured! When activated, the crystal will summon a variant of the BT that spawned it, which will emerge from the depths of the tar. Ordinary large BTs will perceive this variant as a critical threat and proceed to attack on sight.
Sam: I’d best get a move on.
The Metagenomicist: In recent days, large BTs have been growing more active in the region to the south of this facility. It’s possible that this too could be a consequence of Higgs’s efforts. If you’re headed that way, you had better be prepared for the worst. Though that might also be a good opportunity to give those EX capture grenades a try. I just know they’ll prove effective. And if you’re interested in some additional work, I’d also like you to take the emu you brought me to the animal shelter. The staff there want to look after it, and I don’t have the proper facilities to give it a home here anyway. I’ve posted a sub order for this request. There’s no rush. You can pick it up from the delivery terminal here whenever you’re ready. Thanks again for all your help. I’ll probably be hitting you up again.
Charlie: Sam, your next destination is the F5 East Distribution Center, which can be found near the southeast shore of the lake close by. I’m told one of the staff members there is an old acquaintance of yours. Anyway, a main order has been entered into the system. You can access the delivery terminal here to undertake it. That said, another request concerning the animal you rescued has also caught my eye. Alternatively, you can undertake this sub order first, if you wish. I leave it up to you, Sam.
Level 2
The Metagenomicist: Thanks for coming in this dismal weather. I’ll review the status of orders right away. Just had to surprise me with this of all things! Thank you, I really missed it. Thank you. You’ve been a pillar of support. You can use more of my materials now. I hope you make wonderful things with them. I have something I’d like to give you. I hope it’s to your liking. Don’t freak out, but it’s exactly what it looks like. This hat is a living organism. I raised it here, in fact. It regularly emits cries that humans can’t hear. But when other chiral creatures hear the sound, they grow much more calm and relaxed. I’ve actually been studying the unique noises chiral creatures make as part of a joint project with the musician. And at some point, this little guy started copying what he heard in my lab. I don’t understand it myself yet, but the takeaway is that if you wear this hat, you should find it easier to pass through areas with chiral creatures. Put it on and test it out. And come back soon.
Level 3
The Metagenomicist: Thanks for coming in this dismal weather. I’ll review the status of orders right away. This is a shock. I can’t believe you were that fast. Now this is something I didn’t think I’d ever get back. Guess I was too quick to give up hope. You’ve really helped me with my research. Here’s a little something as thanks. You can use more of my materials now. I hope you make wonderful things with them. By activating this APAS enhancement, you’ll increase the amount of chiral crystals you can collect while out in the field. It should come in handy, especially if you go through a lot of those crystals. I hope you find it to your liking.
Level 4
The Metagenomicist: Thanks for coming in this dismal weather. I’ll review the status of orders right away. Look at all this cargo you brought me. It’s going to be a big help. Just had to surprise me with this of all things! Thank you, I really missed it. I’m so grateful for your help. The strides I’ve made in my research wouldn’t have been possible without you. I’ve increased your materials allocation again. I’m sure you’ll be able to put them to good use. I have something I’d like to give you. I hope it’s to your liking. This is another living hat of mine. Put it on to make nearby chiral creatures less likely to give you any trouble as you pass. Oh, and also… It can help you recover stamina more quickly—but in exchange, it feeds on your blood a little bit. It’s one of my favorites, so take good care of it. Till next time.
Level 5
The Metagenomicist: Hello Sam. You’re always welcome here. Processing order data now. This delivery looks just great. Hardly any damage. Just had to surprise me with this of all things! Thank you, I really missed it. These days, Sam, I can’t even imagine getting work done without your assistance. I’ve prepared a special gift for this occasion that I hope you’ll appreciate. I’ve increased your materials allocation again. I’m sure you’ll be able to put them to good use. My studies of chiral creatures are going incredibly well, and it’s all thanks to you, Sam. I’m forever in your debt. I only hope that my discoveries will make everyone’s lives better. Let’s both do what we can.