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Wikitroid


Research Lab Aether is a room in the Glacier One base of the Phendrana Drifts. It appears in Metroid Prime.

Description[]

Research Lab Aether is a multi-level laboratory, containing many stasis tanks, panels, computer screens, crates and Space Pirates; walkways run between levels. At the top of the room, there are many orange Space Pirate panels to scan, and a Pirate Data scan is found at a computer terminal. The middle level, reached through the upper window with a Space Jump, contains crates and computer screens with another Pirate Data scan.

At the bottom of the room is a rectangle with many stasis tanks and one large one in the centre; the smaller of these can be destroyed with Missiles, and one contains an Energy Tank. There is an elevator to reach the upper levels of the room here, activated by scanning a panel. There are also two alcoves, one containing many computer screens with another two Pirate Data scans, and the other containing more crates and a door in the floor.

Role[]

On the first visit, Samus starts at the top, where Metroid BR5497 is held in a stasis tank; this is introduced through a cutscene. To continue to the lower levels of the room, she must release the Tallon Metroid with a Missile, then destroy it; afterwards, approaching a far window causes a Space Pirate to jump through it, giving access to the rest of the room. Alternatively, she can scan the Metroid, and a cutscene will show it breaking out of stasis.

Once the Thermal Visor has been collected, this room is dark and contains Metroids in stasis tanks on the ground level. Auto Defense Turrets and Shadow Pirates are also present.

Connecting rooms[]

Phendrana Drifts Screenshot (152)

Upper lab

Inhabitants[]

Before Thermal Visor[]

With Thermal Visor[]

Items[]

Energy Tank
This is found on the lower floor in one of the stasis tanks. Samus must break it open with a Missile to obtain the Tank.
Missile Expansion
A Morph Ball path above the lower floor can be reached with a Space Jump from the walkway halfway up the room. Navigating this to its end without falling off yields the expansion.

Scans[]

Samus approaches Metroid Aether 2

Samus encounters the Metroid species once again.

Metroid Studies
"Log 10.444.4
Initial transfer of Metroids to Tallon IV research facilities has been completed. Three were terminated in an incident at the landing site, but the others were pacified and transported safely. Initial Phazon infusion testing is under way. We are eager to observe the effects of Phazon on Metroids, especially their ability to absorb and process the energy given off by Phazon sources. Early research suggests a considerable growth in power and size. Whether the creatures stay stable thereafter remains to be seen."
Panel (1)
"Metroid brain scan results in. Studies show accelerated activity in parietal lobe during hunting cycles above 10° centigrade."
Panel (2)
"Internal organs of Metroid seem to be limited to nucleonic absorption cells and massive energy reservoirs."
Panel (3)
"The hooked mandibles of the Metroid penetrate the skin of its prey and siphon pure life force energy."
Panel (4)
"Metroid containment fields appear 100% effective after adjustments. Temperatures below 10° centigrade will render Metroids docile."
Computer screen (1)
"Containment temperature stable at 3° centigrade. Environmental diagnostics satisfactory."
Meta Ridley
"Log 10.891.0
The reconstruction of geoform 187, code-named Ridley, was recently completed. After his defeat on Zebes, Command ordered a number of metagenetic improvements for him. Though aggressive, we were able to implement these changes in a cycle. The metamorphosis was painful, but quite successful in the end. Early tests indicate a drastic increase in strength, mobility, and offensive capability. Cybernetic modules and armor plating have been added as well. We believe our creation, now called Meta Ridley, will become the mainstay of our security force, a job he will certainly relish."
Computer screen (2)
"Stasis tank B118 contaminated beyond acceptable safety standards. Removal Squad requested."
Computer screen (3)
"Phazon Infusion, Stage 6. Subject Metroid BR5497. Subject's mass at 180% of previous Phazon cycle. Increasing dosage by 4%."
Computer screen (4)
"Directive >> In the event of a Metroid attack, repel creature with Missiles set to maximum concussion."
Computer screen (5)
"All guards must use ice containment gear when transporting Metroids. This includes sedated specimens and those pronounced dead."
Phazon Infusion
"Log 10.957.2
Confidence is high regarding Phazon applications. We know enough about Phazon now to begin combining it with Space Pirate DNA. The code name for this venture will be 'Project Helix'. Preliminary studies indicate that Phazon infusion could produce radical new Pirate genomes. Benevolent mutation levels are high in current test subjects. Phazon madness is a concern, but refinements in the infusion process should reduce or neutralize the odds of mental degeneration."
Computer screen (6)
"As energy-based creatures, Metroids show immediate mass increases upon energy absorption."
Computer screen (7)
"Hunter Metroid ds is showing signs of increased instability and a heightened immunity to cold damping fields."
Computer screen (8)
"Motion near Hunter Metroid dg appears to trigger psychotic episodes. Personnel are to stay at least 3 meters away from stasis tank."
Computer screen (9)
"Metroids infused with Phazon Strain Vertigo are thriving. We feel they could be Class I Energy Harvesters if proper submission measures are employed."
Empty Xenome Containment Unit
"Empty stasis tank used for biological specimens. Latent radiation readings indicate extreme radioactive contamination."
Experiment 7526
"This tank holds the remains of experiment 7526. Conversion of Elite Pirate unsuccessful."
Computer screen (10)
"Stasis tank C012 is contaminated beyond acceptable safety standards. Remove immediately."
Metroid Forces
"Log 11.550.6
Studies of Metroid biology continue, though with limited progress. It seems likely that we will be much more successful using the Metroids for our means rather than trying to reproduce their powers. If they could be adequately tamed, we would have no need of a proper understanding of their metabolism. A small force of disciplined Metroids could wipe out entire armies, and once we find a way to shield them from cold-containment weapons, they will be invincible. Furthermore, if we could then harvest the energy they'd consumed, we would have a near-limitless source of power at our disposal."
Computer screen (11)
"East Quarantine Cave has been secured. Specimen remains in the Quarantine area. All experiments have been suspended pending pacification of area."
Computer screen (12)
"Quarantine specimen exhibits highly aggressive behavior. Its body structure, composed of Phazon ore, appears nearly invulnerable. This has rendered our efforts to train and discipline subject useless."
Metroid Morphology
"Log 11.420.7
Metroid dissection continues to provide more questions than answers. Our research teams have isolated the energy conduits that run from the invasive twin mandibles to the energy core in the creature's quadripartite nucleus, but the manner in which a Metroid actually extracts the life force from its prey remains an utter mystery. The victim does not lose blood or any other vital fluids, and yet the Metroid extracts energy; identifying this energy is our central problem. It takes no physical form, and yet without it, the victim dies. We will continue to research this matter, as the isolation of this life-giving essence could be the key to our ascendance."
Panel (5)
"Project Titan is suspended indefinitely. Security breaches resulting in massive casualties have occurred. Access is strictly prohibited until further notice."
Metroid: Alpha Type (NTSC only)
"This High-Energy Lifeform is a Metroid: Alpha Type."
Interface Module
"Elevator operational. Please step into the hologram."
Elevator hologram
"Platform active."

Trivia[]

  • Interestingly, the Metroid encountered here is kept in a stasis tank very similar to the baby's on Ceres in Super Metroid.
  • In the initial NTSC release of Metroid Prime, the Tallon Metroids in this room were designated as Metroid: Alpha Type. This was removed in all subsequent versions of the game.
  • This area shares its name with Aether, the planet where Metroid Prime 2: Echoes takes place.
  • The disassembled experiment 7526 in the large stasis tank in the center of the room is actually a scrapped enemy re-purposed as background fodder.
  • Interestingly enough, after obtaining the Thermal Visor in the Gamecube version, killing both Metroids will end the Space Pirates track, whether there are any Shadow Pirates remaining or not.

Gallery[]

Rooms in Metroid Prime
Frigate Orpheon Exterior Docking HangarMain Docking BayAir LockDeck Alpha Access HallEmergency Evacuation AreaDeck Alpha Umbilical HallMap FacilityConnection Elevator to Deck BetaDeck Beta Conduit HallBiotech Research Area 1Deck Beta Security HallBiohazard ContainmentDeck Beta Transit HallCargo Freight Lift to Deck GammaReactor Core Entrance
Save StationReactor Core

Deck Gamma Monitor HallConnection Elevator to Deck BetaSubventilation Shaft Section ASubventilation Shaft Section BMain Ventilation Shaft Section AMain Ventilation Shaft Section BMain Ventilation Shaft Section CMain Ventilation Shaft Section DMain Ventilation Shaft Section EMain Ventilation Shaft Section FBiotech Research Area 2Connection Elevator to Deck AlphaDeck Alpha Mech Shaft

Tallon Overworld Landing SiteCanyon CavernTallon CanyonTransport Tunnel ATransport to Chozo Ruins WestRoot TunnelRoot CaveArbor ChamberTransport Tunnel BTransport to Magmoor Caverns EastGullyAlcoveWaterfall Cavern

Temple HallTemple Security StationTemple LobbyArtifact Temple


Frigate Crash SiteOvergrown CavernTransport Tunnel CTransport to Chozo Ruins EastFrigate Access TunnelMain Ventilation Shaft Section CMain Ventilation Shaft Section BMain Ventilation Shaft Section AReactor CoreReactor AccessSave StationCargo Freight Lift to Deck GammaDeck Beta Transit HallBiohazard ContainmentDeck Beta Security HallBiotech Research Area 1Deck Beta Conduit HallConnection Elevator to Deck BetaHydro Access Tunnel


Great Tree HallGreat Tree ChamberTransport to Chozo Ruins SouthTransport Tunnel DTransport Tunnel ETransport to Phazon Mines EastLife Grove TunnelLife Grove

Chozo Ruins Transport to Tallon Overworld NorthRuins EntranceMain PlazaNursery AccessEyon TunnelRuined NurserySave Station 1North AtriumRuined GalleryMap StationTotem AccessHive TotemTransport Access NorthTransport to Magmoor Caverns NorthVault AccessVaultPlaza AccessRuined Shrine AccessRuined ShrineTower of Light AccessTower of LightTower ChamberRuined Fountain AccessRuined FountainMeditation FountainMagma PoolTraining Chamber AccessTraining ChamberPiston TunnelArboretum AccessSunchamber LobbySunchamber AccessSunchamberSun Tower AccessSun Tower

ArboretumGathering Hall AccessGathering HallSave Station 2Watery Hall AccessWatery HallDynamo AccessDynamoEast AtriumEnergy Core AccessEnergy CoreBurn Dome AccessBurn DomeWest Furnace Access


FurnaceEast Furnace AccessCrossway Access WestCrosswayCrossway Access SouthElder Hall AccessHall of the EldersElder ChamberReflecting Pool AccessReflecting PoolAntechamberSave Station 3Transport to Tallon Overworld EastTransport Access SouthTransport to Tallon Overworld South

Magmoor Caverns Transport to Chozo Ruins NorthBurning TrailSave Station Magmoor ALake TunnelLava LakePit TunnelTriclops PitStorage CavernMonitor TunnelMonitor StationTransport Tunnel ATransport to Phendrana Drifts NorthWarrior ShrineShore TunnelFiery ShoresTransport Tunnel BTransport to Tallon Overworld West

Twin Fires TunnelTwin FiresNorth Core TunnelGeothermal CorePlasma ProcessingSouth Core TunnelMagmoor WorkstationWorkstation TunnelTransport Tunnel CTransport to Phendrana Drifts SouthSave Station Magmoor BTransport to Phazon Mines West

Phendrana Drifts Transport to Magmoor Caverns WestShoreline EntrancePhendrana ShorelinesSave Station BIce Ruins AccessIce Ruins EastPlaza WalkwayRuins EntrywayIce Ruins WestCanyon EntrywayPhendrana CanyonTemple EntrywayChozo Ice TempleChapel TunnelChapel of the Elders

Courtyard EntrywayRuined CourtyardSave Station ASpecimen StorageResearch EntranceMap StationHydra Lab EntrywayResearch Lab HydraObservatory AccessObservatorySave Station DWest Tower EntranceWest TowerControl TowerEast TowerAether Lab EntrywayResearch Lab AetherResearch Core AccessResearch CoreQuarantine AccessNorth Quarantine TunnelQuarantine CaveQuarantine MonitorSouth Quarantine TunnelTransport to Magmoor Caverns South


Transport AccessFrozen PikePike AccessFrost Cave AccessFrost CaveSave Station CUpper Edge TunnelPhendrana's EdgeStorage CaveSecurity CaveLower Edge TunnelHunter CaveLake TunnelGravity ChamberChamber AccessHunter Cave Access

Phazon Mines Transport to Tallon Overworld SouthQuarry AccessMain QuarrySave Station Mines ASecurity Access AMine Security StationSecurity Access BStorage Depot AElite ResearchResearch AccessOre ProcessingElevator Access AElevator AStorage Depot BWaste Disposal

Elite Control AccessElite ControlMaintenance TunnelVentilation ShaftControl RoomOmega ResearchMap Station MinesDynamo AccessCentral DynamoSave Station Mines BQuarantine Access AMetroid Quarantine AElevator Access BElevator B


Fungal Hall AccessFungal Hall APhazon Mining TunnelFungal Hall BMissile Station MinesQuarantine Access BMetroid Quarantine BSave Station Mines CElite Quarters AccessElite QuartersProcessing Center AccessPhazon Processing CenterTransport AccessTransport to Magmoor Caverns South

Impact Crater Crater Entry PointCrater Tunnel APhazon CoreCrater Missile StationCrater Tunnel BPhazon Infusion ChamberSubchamber OneSubchamber TwoSubchamber ThreeSubchamber FourSubchamber FiveMetroid Prime Lair
Unused Engine RoomReactor Room
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