The morning sun filtered through the trees of the Pine Barrens, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. The air was cool and crisp.

(Sargon) hovered by the fire, watching as Myna, Myco, and Mac selected their equipment for the day's research.

"So, what's the plan for today?" (Sargon) asked as he watched the three researchers finish filling their packs.

"We're checking out the mycelial growth with the ground radar," Myna replied, adjusting the straps on her backpack. "We were wondering if you'd like to join us."

(Sargon) said. "No, I have some things to take care of."

The researchers nodded and made their way into the forest, their equipment in tow. (Sargon) waited until they were out of sight before turning to the (Eliza) avatar that had appeared next to him.

"Is everything ready?" he asked in a low voice.

The avatar nodded. "Yes, everything is in place. If something happens today, we’ll have all the data we need."

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The researchers reached the edge of the clearing and found that the thirteen pillars had grown even taller and were now combining together.

The mycelial growth was thick and pervasive, covering the forest floor in a hard layer of white filaments. Mac took out his ground radar and began scanning the area. To his surprise, he found that the mycelial layer was at least twenty meters deep, the current limit of his ground radar device. He made a note of this and continued his scan.

In the meantime, Myna pulled out the collection kit and collected cores of the rapidly changing environment of the collection area.

While the others continued their tests, Myco worked on the bio-net interface. Both Mac and Myna had made a number of requests, and he coded on his tablet as the day progressed.

As the day wore on, the researchers returned to camp for dinner. (Sargon) was away.

As they ate, they decided to return to the site.

Wonder why (Sargon) doesn’t join us at the collection site?

It’s strange. I would have thought he’d want to see these mycelial walls growing.

FYI, I think I have the update sorted out. With a little testing, you should be able to see your lid displays without closing your eyes. I’ll send it to you in a bit.

Great. I keep running into trees. 😣

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As the sun began to set, the trio reached the location.

The collection site was now completely covered over with a mycelial roof.

The researchers crowded through one of the remaining openings around the site and found two things:

If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

The inside of the enclosed area glowed brightly with bioluminescence. That was different, but was totally uninteresting compared to the second thing:

An entryway had grown at the center of the collection site, leading down into the earth.

They looked at each other.

Not the most unlikely thing to find in a fairy circle…

This is where we’re supposed to see a white rabbit with a pocket watch, right?

They approached the entryway. Steps descended into the shadowy depths, somewhat dispelled by bioluminescent walls. A gentle rush of air wafted out from the entry – fresh and mushroomy smelling.

Wow. I just checked my tablet, and I’m not getting any signal at all.

… You’re right. I just have local services.

Same here.

Myna said. “This is the first time in years that I haven’t been connected to the net. I don’t know what’s going on here, but there’s no way that the AIs didn’t know something was really off here.”

She pointed down.

“Twenty meters plus of mycelium going straight down. There is no documentation of anything like that in the literature. And an entryway. With steps.”

Mac got out the ground radar. He grunted. “More like fifty meters or more now.”

He put the radar back. “Well, we’re obviously supposed to go down there. Shall we?”

Myna and Myco looked at each other.

OK. Let’s go very slowly. If the lighting or the air are iffy, we’ll come right back out. Do we have anything we can use for defense?

Against what?

Good point.

Let’s go. I’ve always wondered how a moth with a cordyceps infection feels.

They made their way through the entryway and into the earth.

----------------------------------------

(Eliza) I'm no longer getting data.

(Sargon) Data transmissions from the collection site has stopped. Survey bots are not responding. No communication with the human team.

(Eliza) Bring in the rest of the advance team. See what you can do to get sensors back online.

----------------------------------------

As they descended, the walls of the cave grew darker, and the air grew colder.

Finally, they arrived in a cavern far below the surface, illuminated by a faint, pulsing light in the white mycelial walls. He could hear the sound of rushing water in the distance and the faint rustle of movement.

The three debated what to do next.

OK, this is pretty nuts.

Agreed.

I’m going to deploy the new bio-net interface. We should be able to use it with our eyes open.

Cool. Way safer.

Deploying.

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OK. I’m receiving messages clearly, also seeing you two.

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Much better. Myna?

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Here. Thanks Myco, nice job. But I’m seeing additional blank messages?

I see it, not sure what it is. Let me try something.

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Um. It’s not us and it’s not an artifact.

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<> …Hello <>

<> …Good Evening <>

<> …It Is Nice To Meet You <>

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That’s coming from inside our bio-net.

Shit.