TB’s Journal – June 5, 2097: The Lost Continent

 

June 5

For those who actually read the security brief, the message was clear: stick to the paths, don’t wander into non-green areas, and if you lose Matrix contact, retreat immediately. Simple enough in theory, though with the list of “phenomena and creatures to avoid” running longer than a bad night’s drink tab, I had my doubts about everyone paying attention to it.

We had our first in-depth briefing from Dr. Seraphina “Sera” Velasquez, the base’s semi-reptilian chief scientist with Tskrang-like ancestry. The crew—especially Kate—had already made her trending online with the hashtag #lowkeycutelizard<3. Velasquez’s metatype might not be one-of-a-kind, but it’s rare enough in 2097 to draw some serious attention.

Her main job today was briefing us on the Lost Continent’s artifacts. It’s all part of a VR stunt: models were set to “find” planted relics as part of their expeditions. Some obsidian tools, gold trinkets, stone figures—the usual ancient-world detritus. But Velasquez wasn’t just some showy academic. She explained a bit more about the island, its creatures, and the deeper mystery of how the land doesn’t just rise from the waves—it emerges from the Astral Plane through an unknown, deeply magical process.

As I listened, something clicked into place. The strange artifacts I’d come across in Seattle—they had to come from this place. The obsidian blade I’d seen there, the strange stone carvings—it all pointed back to this Lost Continent.

With the gimmick set, the VR models split into five groups to maximize ratings (and let Zara get her “special investigation” rolling without too much attention). Halo, Zara, Kate, Serj, and Luna each had their own armored ATV, rigged with everything they needed for their adventures. Halo’s personal security detail, Vanya and Blink, were with her, of course. I rode with her, too. Meanwhile, Fuzzy was on overwatch in a SunTalon Cobra, Tag and the Shiawase kid in the Quetzalcoatl gunship on QRA, ready to step in if things went sideways. The gunship has special magic shielding and astral sensors—I don't think you can buy that at Stuffer Shack.

The island itself was like something out of a dream—a lost tropical paradise from before times, untouched by the world and teeming with strange creatures. Most of them kept their distance, though there was always that sense that something far stranger lurked beneath the surface.

Of note for Halo’s group? We hit a series of enchanted locations. First, a waterfall where she plucked mana stones right from the waters. Then, a serene grove that literally expanded before our eyes, new land emerging as if growing from the Astral Plane itself, while tree spirits joined Halo in song. And finally, the weeping cliffs—a cascade of waterfalls and pools where emotions were cranked to 11. Most people felt elated, but when Vanya started to get that “I’ll kill you all” look, we had to send her back to the car.

The general public may not care much about Halo’s expeditions, but #lostcontinent was trending hard. The world wanted to see this magical place, and revenue was skyrocketing. Management was more than pleased. It was clear we needed to spend more time with #lowkeycutelizard—this whole Lost Continent angle was proving better than anyone expected.

We returned to base after dark, the crew tired but energized by the day’s discoveries. We decided to pay Dr. Velasquez a visit in the Arcane Lab. That’s when things took a turn.

While checking out a glowing stone artifact, I made the mistake of touching it. I barely had time to register the flash of energy before it flung me across the room. Everything went black.