The trek was not as easy as we thought. The conifer forest gets more dark and dense with branches as we get near the center of the biosphere. We did not spot any animals, although there are insects: forest ants and aphids. But we did not see any rodents or larger animals. Perhaps there are some in the patches of rye, but to keep ms. Ellur satisfied, we avoided those.
We encountered a few small creeks. But near the center, near grid E4, these creeks merge into a small lake, too deep to wade through. Mr. Firth and some others tried, but their guns started panicking and squeaking as the cold water level rose. Afraid that they may shoot their bullets from stress, the team returned to the shore.
Rounding the lake took a long time, and we passed through a beech forest on swamp land. The mud slowed us down considerably, and we had the unpleasant impression that the trees were closing in on us. But things went better as we reached good solid ground again, and came upon a field of blueberries. Most people ate a good few handfuls of them, and I was very sorry that my vulnerability would not allow me to take of my suit and partake.
We reached F8 much later than foreseen, and the team decided to make camp for the night; the roof of the dome dims the light simulating night, while it continues to harvest solar energy for other purposes.
It will be a very uncomfortable night for me, as I have to remain in my suit. Also, I avoid eating, but I cannot avoid hydrating. The suit's capacity to store liquids is limited to what is deemed useful for one night of partying. Perhaps I will have to expose myself for a short while to the pathogen at some point, but for the moment I am still keeping the seals intact.
