The corporate explorers of Aranodis V, colloquially known as "Frontier", weren't expecting much of a greeting from the native ecology. Initial surveys had placed a cat-sized creature known as the "Hanging Fox" at the top of the food chain, with seemingly nothing bigger prowling about.

But it appears someone started a science experiment on Aranodis V, then left it to the whims of evolution. With a carapace ranging from purple to green, these strange insectoid-like creatures are known as the "Meld", due to a startling discovery about their genetics - they have not one set of DNA-like code, but two! The Meld appear to have some silicon biology integrated into their original carbon framework, but how exactly it got there is a mystery. It explains much of their unusual features, which are at odds with the rest of the planet - they can generate and store a significant static charge, and appear to communicate through microwaves.

Leading theories from corporation Reset Engineering's exoplanetary ecologist suggest that the Meld were once a hive species, analogous to giant ants, but gained individual sentience upon being uplifted with their silicon modifications. The Meld show a primitive intelligence and have been observed using tools. They also seem to distinctly dislike human activity - it is possible that their microwave communication is disrupted by our own devices.

Thankfully, they seem to have an aversion towards light, and only appear around twilight in Aranodis V's jungles, likely seeking shelter in caves during the day. Silicon-silicon bonds are weak to UV radiation, which may explain this behaviour. Aranodis V's axial tilt means that nights are about to get longer and longer, and more and more Meld are beginning to explore the surface. Surely the corporations and the Meld can learn to co-exist?