While most of the news from Animalia was about the events at the IAC, one of which was a test race comparing Human Athletes to Animalians, there was plenty of other news from the colony.
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One that generated a lot of interest, especially on the internet, was the apparent sighting of a bioluminescent mermaid in the Luminous Reef at Mieni Atoll. While it did generate a lot of interest, especially amongst "mermaid believers", it was (fortunately or unfortunately, depending on what you believe) debunked as a popular mermaid model doing a gig/publicity stunt while visiting Mieni Atoll. While there was a lot of people who were unhappy about it, it did help Mieni Atoll with some advertising.
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Esteban was called to the PR-MD offices, but why was a little mystery.
"It breaks my heart to tell you about this, but we've got a new donation." said the scientist who met him there.
"What does that have to do with me?" asked Esteban.
"It's a female alligator snapping turtle who got a plastic ring from a milk jug stuck around her midsection." continued the scientist, "She was found in a drainage canal in Louisiana, and the couple that did find her managed to get the ring removed, but her shell/vertebrae didn't develop properly."
At that, Esteban was greatly moved. He knew that plastics were designed to last forever and if animals got stuck in them, it would end up causing a lot of damage for said animals.
"We're planning on uplifting her to see if it would improve her shape and health." finished the scientist, "Would you mind helping her adapt to her new status?"
"Sure, no problem." said Esteban.
"Just so you know," said the scientist, "Her name is Mae West II, and she was named after actor Mae West."
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"So how is Roxanne?" asked a PR-MD agent of Anne before her track and field event.
"She's doing alright," confirmed Anne, "She might need reminders to take her medication every now and then, but the only result of people triggering her PTSD is them getting really bad haircuts. But apparently her notoriety drew the attention of a dad who wanted to punish his two sons for a couple of bad grades."
"I saw the video he made of the results." said a second agent, "It was clear that social media was divided. While some were mad at the public humiliation, others thought it was a good way to make them do better in school."
"I saw something similar in a cartoon I saw a long time ago," said a third agent, "The hairstylist in the cartoon's nickname was 'Fluke', and the main character almost got a pair of moose antlers for a haircut if he hadn't gotten cold feet and ran at the last moment."
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"So how is Mari?" asked a Horizon Scientist of Maggie before the IAC Fashion Show.
"She's the Macaroni penguin that joined up recently?" asked Maggie.
"She is." confirmed the scientist.
"She's fitting right in," said Maggie, "She also happens to be one of those who flatly refuse to take part in any R-rated shows."
"Probably due to the false assumptions spread about by internet artwork." said the scientist.
"Other than that, she's doing a great job being an active member of the Endangered Awareness group." said Maggie.
"So that's what they're calling themselves now?" asked the scientist, "Well it's better than what they originally called themselves."
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Meanwhile Mr. M. was taking a break from training Jeremy to send some emails to some of his old colleagues. He was already getting some emails back promising to take part. But soon he had to get back to his online college courses to get his personal trainer certification. He did have some scripts prepared for some R-rated movies, but they were kept under (digital) lock and key. Privately he was thankful for the advanced security programs developed by Horizon to keep the virus out of the wrong hands.
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With the upcoming Anniversary celebrations, there was plenty to look forward to, especially the Animalian safe anniversary cake.