1.259

Having triangulated the perfect position for the lure, you set it in the ground and watch as Tiella turns dials, flips switches, and moves sliders on its side. Then, with a whistled tone, it suddenly comes alive. Metal rods descend from the base and extend into the muck and the device emits a quiet hum. The dish at the top rotates left, then right, then left again. A light flashes from green to white to gold.

"That should do the trick," Tiella says, wiping her hands and sitting on a nearby log. "If our theory is correct, the lure should eventually entice the terravore to turn south, and return to its original course."

Complete the BOGGED DOWN mission. Record TERRAVORE LURED on the campaign tracker. Each Ranger soothes 2 fatigue.

If you completed OUT OF ITS DEPTH, go to 1.264. Otherwise, continue reading:

With the terravore's course changed, the biological outpost is no longer in its path. But the biomeld is still moving at a rapid pace, and those vines you've spotted all throughout the terravore are only growing more pervasive over time. Something must have happened deep within the terravore to cause all of this.

"There must be a root cause," Tiella says, echoing your concerns. "I don't believe in coincidences. Whatever triggered all of this, it's still unresolved."

You have no answer, and neither does Tiella. She smiles, despite herself. "A mystery for another day, perhaps. In the meantime, I think I'll head back to the outpost and let everybody know that relocation won't be necessary. Thanks for all the help. I couldn't have done it without you."

You shake Tiella's hand and exchange goodbyes. For the time being, the terravore should pose no more danger to the people of the Valley—and that's victory enough for you.

Complete HELPFUL BIOLOGIST (TIELLA) and return Tiella to the collection.

The terravore is no longer an immediate threat to the biological outpost, but the root cause of the terravore's behavior remains a mystery.