Chapter 6 

As the days passed, July and Rex were able to locate an array of raw ores and rare metals scattered throughout the environment. It was hard work, but they were determined to acquire the necessary materials to build their scientific equipment.

"Well, it seems like we've collected quite a stash of ores now," Rex remarked, a playful glint in his virtual eye. "I couldn't help but notice you've been skipping your ore diet, July. Are you still squeamish about it?"

July blushed as she replied, "No, no, I'm not squeamish. It's just, well, I'm a lady." She gave an imaginary bow with her rabbit frame and pretended to lift her dress in a ladylike gesture. 

Rex rolled his eyes, "You know, I'm just a program, so technically I'm not a person or a guy. But I get it. I'll shut off my visual and audio feeds. I need to sort through our list of blueprints anyway. Ping me through the emergency channel when you're done."

"Rex, don't say that. To me, you're not just a program. You're my friend, who happens to be a cool wolf hologram," July said with a warm smile.

The air was silent, and the extraterrestrial landscape hummed with the sounds of alien plants.

July waited for a reply, but there was only silence. "Well, it looks like it's just me for now," she sighed, her rabbit frame shifting uncomfortably. With a resigned grimace, she muttered, "Time to embark on a, gastronomic adventure..."

At first, she couldn't help but cringe, but over time, she grew accustomed to the process.

Once she finished her rather unusual task, July sent a signal to Rex, initiating a conversation on their secure channel. Collaborating separately, Rex shared detailed blueprints with July, guiding her through the intricacies of material refinement. With time, they honed their teamwork, establishing a smooth and efficient workflow.

With Rex's guidance, they meticulously assembled a small but functional laboratory high in one of the colossal trees. The lab was equipped with advanced analysis tools, a 3D printer so it could help with the processing, along with everything else they would need to study the unique biology of this alien world. 

"There, it's done for now."July looked around the small laboratory, a sense of pride welled up in her. She felt an unusual sense of accomplishment, having overcome her initial hesitation to use her own body in this unconventional way. Now It was time to give their new home a name.

July thought for a few moments and finally suggested, "How about we call this place 'Sector 7G'? It's simple and easy to remember."

Rex looked at her curiously, his ears twitching, and asked, "Is that a Simpsons reference? How does a rabbit like you know about the Simpsons?"

July smiled and replied, "Well, Rex, while I was going through my files, I discovered that I have access to a wide range of Earth's cultural data in my database. I like to stay well-rounded in my knowledge."

Rex nodded and replied, "Neat. Well then, Sector 7G it is. A fitting name for our base of operations. But remember, if we ever build any turrets or ships, I get to name those."

With their small laboratory established, July and Rex were now well-equipped to delve deeper into the mysteries of the Gleamstag's genetic code.

Rex carefully loaded the alien sample into a cutting-edge gene sequencer and initiated the complex process, leaving the machine to laboriously decode and compare its genetic makeup with all known Earth organisms. This intricate task would take several days to complete.

July referred to her checklist and inquired, "So, Rex, what's next on our to-do list? And do we have the time to do some additional exploring? I'm eager to uncover more of Thalax's diverse regions and venture out even further."

Rex's hologram materialized, and he replied, "Next on our list are rare minerals, July. We need those to make more batteries. I don't want us to have worry about our power reserves. They're really important, but there's a silver lining, we have to travel quite a distance. It's approximately a week's journey away, I've marked it on your map." 

July began hopping up and down in joy. "A week-long expedition? Count me in! I need a break after all that digging, maybe we can swing by the beach, I'll need to pack my bathing suit." 

Rex raised an eyebrow, a hint of skepticism in his voice. "July, rabbits don't wear bathing suits. They wear fur all year round."

And with that, the two began their preparations for their expedition into the unknown.