[OPEN][TEXT] khaara threat update: signs and symptoms

[inject]

I have information regarding the Khaara. Read attached form.



> Analysis of the disease contracted by the base in the months previous was undertaken with regard to the available information on the Khaara. Using these methods it was possible to conclude that the disease is in fact related to them. Similarities between samples of the disease in the lab and the Khaara on record are comparitive to a human to an ape - they share a common ancestor.

> Evolution in bacteria occurs over a much quicker time than in complex species. With this in mind, a century, perhaps two, can be hazarded as the amount of time it took this strain to develop. In that time, it adapted to the local environment by relying on the local species for survival rather than conquering.

> They are a collective. The samples reacted to each other in their culture dishes and grew as one entity.

> Distance is no barrier. A dish placed as far away as the other side of the base continued to grow in the same pattern as one in the labs.

> The illness makes local animals stronger. The Khaara samples weaken as it rearranges the animal DNA. It forces a rapid evolutionary process. The animals become violent. Key signs of infection, therefore, are aggression, weakness, and mutation. The illness can be spotted by previously detailed strengthening aspects.

> Both can be contained with enzyme blockers. Repeated booster shots are a must for treatment to be effective.

Now if you excuse me, I'll be going for a drink.

Comments

[inject]

[ DON'T REMIND HER OF BEING TRAPPED IN THE WATERY LEG CAGE. ]

Unless you're offering yourself to be modded to detect Khaara and their Pathogen cousins, then you're not needed near the med or bio labs when this topic comes up.

[showybusiness]

I bet I can detect them just fine. I have special eyes! And hands. And legs.

[inject]

You can't.

(lights, camera,) action

[showybusiness]

But Mettaton knows exactly what he can and can't do. And if Valentine is going to rebuff him, he'll show up anyway.

Reclined, on a desk. In her space. Smiling. Like an annoying cat.

[inject]

Valentine looked from Mettaton to her drink and back again. She strongly contemplated throwing it on him. That had never been her style, though, and instead she drank it down in smooth, even gulps. It let her keep him waiting.

But all good things would have to end, and she eventually put the glass down and fixed him with a look.

"What."

[showybusiness]

"Hi, sweetie. You were being grumpy with me, so I came to see how you were doing!"

At least he wasn't eating grapes or throwing rose petals. He just reclined there, lazily, watching. Sparkling.

[inject]

"I appreciate the concern." Her voice was so dry as to be an island in this underwater base. She leaned back in her chair, arms over the back, and crossed her ankle over her opposite knee.

"What do you actually want? Dirk's the robotics expert."

[showybusiness]

"Just to see you, gorgeous. Glad I could brighten your day!"

He rose, tossed one long leg over the other, and got up to shimmy his way out.

[inject]

"...Why?"

She was genuinely curious. Why did he like her so much? She wanted to mostly keep in his good books in case he did prove to be valuable for gauging the mood of the crew, but... it didn't make sense. What did she offer him? She had to know.

"I'm hardly falling over myself to be your fan."

[showybusiness]

"But you are, darling! Everyone is!"

He laughed, like that was the silliest thing he'd ever heard. She loves him. Of course she does!

[inject]

How were you meant to answer to that wanton denial? There was something slightly charming about it. For someone who wore so many masks she was almost afraid of being completely without one, seeing this plain, unambiguous self-centred assurance was strangely enthralling.

"... You are one of a kind, I'll grant you that."