While there were those who were more concerned about the death toll from the Coronavirus, there were reports that the number of new cases were finally leveling off in the major hot spots. While this was a good sign, it wasn't a time to completely relax just yet. Fortunately, there was plenty going on in Animalia and elsewhere to keep things interesting.
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Horizon was currently in contact with the medical authorities that was investigating the alternative health spa that had sent several of the newest members of Animalia to Project Phoenix. What was currently found by the investigators wasn't enough to get the spa shut down, but it was enough to mandate further investigations.
"Some of these so-called 'medicines' have herbal ingredients that are questionable/unproven at best." said one agent, shaking his head. "While some claim to be Chinese medicines 'based off of 2000-year old recipes', but these claims are dubious at best."
"While we can't get anything official, we'll continue to investigate." said another.
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There were often some things that were guaranteed to raise some eyebrows. While most of them were definitely the odd habits and/or beliefs that the newest members brought with them, there were those that were odder than most.
"So this woman on the low end of the 'rich' scale seems to exhibit traits of 'paranoid delusion' and 'deranged obsession'?" asked Dr. Jones, reviewing a new file on his desk and shaking his head at what the file contained.
"That's the scientific way of calling her." said the Horizon Agent, "In a less-polite-yet-accurate description, she's an 'ancient alien believer' as well as an 'Illuminati-conspiracy believer'."
"She certainly seems capable of functioning in normal society." said Dr. Jones, "I fail to see a rational reason why she'd join Animalia."
"According to her," said the agent, shaking his head as well, "Animalia seems to be free of 'Illuminati influence'. She's also convinced that someone is following her, planning to kill her."
"... Let her convert." said Dr. Jones after a pause, "We'll see if it does her brain some good."
"You should have seen the paperwork she had on the 'conspiracy' she was unraveling." Said the agent, shaking his head again. Really, Bermuda Triangle sharks being the puppet masters of the media? Seriously?
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Meanwhile there were those who were doing well after their conversions. "Slim", as he preferred to be called, was a little surprised to find that he hadn't actually reached his potential size in terms of musculature. While there were those who were a little confused as to why he was called "Slim" when he certainly wasn't, he was fond of telling them "'Slim', as in 'not fat'. So technically I am."
Joanne, meanwhile, was a little sorry that she had made some unfair assumptions about Animalia. As she learned more about Animalia, she was making more new discoveries that were otherwise normal to long-term residents. She was getting her servants sponsorship for their conversions in return for saving her life (as well as for their families, if they wanted it), but for now she was focusing on reuniting with her estranged daughter. While it was a little confusing that an established CEO was spending an extended time away from the office, she said that it was for 'health reasons', and with the Coronavirus going around, it was somewhat understandable.
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With the Coronavirus winding down, there was some exciting plans that had been delayed due to the outbreak, such as visiting certain colonies to see new discoveries. But it wasn't over quite yet, so it was something to look forward to.