Earthbased Species, Part III

Gremlins

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Though rarely seen, Gremlins have been responsible for many disasters throughout human history, from faulty television sets to city-wide blackouts. Though its origins are unknown, Gremlins are thought to be an ancient species, perhaps originating from the Orient. Gremlins are actually the second stage in this extraordinary creatures lifecycle, the original stage being that of a Mogwai. A Mogwai is a small, mammalian creature which can often be described as "cute" (this may be a genetic characteristic to endear Mogwai's to potential protector species). Approximately 30-40 cm high, a Mogwai has large sensitive ears, large expressive eyes, three fingers on each hand, three toes on each foot, and short fur covering its body. A Mogwai's coloration is similar to most rodents, appearing in patchy shades of brown, cream and black.

A Mogwai is deceptively intelligent. It will naturally communicate in purrs, chirps, and burbles, but if exposed to other species it is very quick to imitate other forms of language. Though child-like in its behaviour, a Mogwai can sing, imitate sounds and notes (a Mogwai is naturally very musical) and is even capable of learning rudimentary English. Though they may appear totally harmless, Mogwai are extremely difficult to look after and require much responsibility. When caring for Mogwai there are three very important rules that must be followed: 1. Keep them out of bright light, especially sunlight. 2. Keep them away from water, and ensure they never get wet. 3. No matter how much they cry, no matter how much they beg, never, NEVER, feed them after midnight. It is very important not to break any of these rules, as they have dire consequences.

Due to their large eyes, Mogwai are extremely photosensitive. However, it appears that their sensitivity to light goes further than this and that their entire bodies are photosensitive. Exposure to bright light can therefore disorientate or severely harm Mogwai, and direct sunlight will kill them, reducing their bodies to a thick, slimy photochemical leftover. If a Mogwai is allowed to get wet it will reproduce. A Mogwai is asexual, reproducing by parthenogenesis rather than by mating with others of its species. When water is applied to a Mogwai, its skin will bubble painfully as the water activates cell division and multiplication. Once cell division and replication has reached a sufficient level, fur balls will "pop" off the Mogwai's body from the site of the water splash. These fur balls will then undergo further rapid growth, becoming full sized Mogwai in approximately four seconds. Unlike most species capable of parthenogenesis, the resultant offspring are genetically different from the parent, rather than direct clones.

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These new Mogwai, spawned from the original parent, are usually more mischievous and hyperactive, exhibiting a decidedly cruel streak, almost verging on malevolence. This may be due to some form of DNA or RNA coding error or mutation during the cell replication phase, leading to a mental imbalance. The main rule that must ALWAYS be followed, is that Mogwai must never be allowed to eat between midnight and dawn. If a Mogwai is allowed to ingest any food during this time, it will trigger a hormone release that will cause it to enter the pupae stage. The Mogwai, once eaten and hence stocked with energy, will curl up and fall unconscious. A thick, sticky substance is excreted from the pores of the Mogwai's skin, covering its entire body and solidifying into a dull blue green slimy, pulpy cocoon. Inside this pupil the Mogwai will undergo a metamorphosis for a period of approximately six hours, changing its form and appearance. The Mogwai's hair will be shed, it will grow in size, its limbs will elongate, sharp claws and teeth will grow and its face will sharpen and change its physiology. Ripping out from the cocoon, the Mogwai now emerges as a Gremlin.

Unlike the mammalian Mogwai, the Gremlin is reptilian in nature. With scaly, armoured skin, long, slender limbs and sharp teeth and claws, Gremlins are deceptively strong and intelligent. Like Mogwai's, Gremlins are also naturally musical and are capable of picking up rudimentary English. Gremlins are very inquisitive and mischievous in nature. Though they possess a definite nasty streak, Gremlins have a twisted sense of humour and are extremely playful. They like to sing, dance, smoke, drink alcohol, play cards, dress up in human clothes, watch movies and generally have a good time.

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Like its earlier Mogwai stage, a Gremlin is also very photosensitive and will die if exposed to direct sunlight or bright artificial light. A Gremlin will also reproduce if it comes into contact with water. Where the water contacts the skin, it will blister, cell division will begin, and a new Gremlin will grow within the skin blister, ripping out when it reaches a size of approximately 15 cm after a gestation period of a few minutes.

Given their volatile and aggressive nature, along with their speed of reproduction, Gremlins, though obviously fun loving, must be seen as a serious threat and treated with care. Researchers must ensure that they follow the three simple rules when handling Mogwai, and all possible sources of food and water must be removed from an environment before introduction of this species.

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Earthbased species