[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

[splinten]

You're always where the party's at.

How often do we need to repeat the boosters? I need to give the Mountain Island set enough to go by for keeping themselves safe.

[inject]

I'm the life and soul of entertainment.

I would hazard monthly. If it proves to be more I might need to ask your brother for his time powers in extra synthesis.

[armoured]

[That's all fascinating.

He has no idea what most of it is about, but he devours the information all the same with a growing concern. So there's a virus on the loose here, and a dangerous one it seems.]

I sthere anythinf I can doto help? I have experienc ein a lab.

[Argh, this stupid text function.]

[bonomial]

Shell, what's next in the list of discoveries? It's like this planet just keeps getting crazier and crazier.

If the Khaara are related to the Jellyshroom sickness, is there some way to figure out whether the common ancestor is from Iniidae or somewhere else? I was working under the impression that Iniidae's lifeforms were always native to the planet, but doesn't this potentially throw a monkey wrench in that hypothesis?

[naughty_nurse]

How fascinating! I'd be more than happy to provide the shots.

[voice]

[inject]

[ The texting doesn't seem like a good indicator. Valentine switches channel. ]

And what experience would that be?

[inject]

Bacteria can evolve over a much slower period of time. It's entirely possible that the Khaara are an invading species who left when they found the planet unsuitable, and the remaining strand became what they are now.

That said, it's also entirely possible that the Khaara were originally a native species.

We simply don't know enough.

[inject]

Saves me having to do it for everyone.

[showybusiness]

Do you need your lovely and sexy assistant's assistance again, gorgeous?

[naughty_nurse]

Thank you so much!

[YOU MADE HER DAY]

[inject]

[ Oh god it's him.

Well, why not make him useful. She could tune him out if he got annoying.]

Well, you could give me a backrub.

[inject]

[ Someone wanting to feel useful? ]

We'll arrange a date for both the illness boosters and the Khaara if and only if they become necessary.

Those are being kept under lock and key.

[showybusiness]

Oh, no, I'm not available for those services. I'm too important to do that.

[inject]

Then you're not needed then.

[showybusiness]

Is it because I forgot my pink font? Please. You know I helped your patients with my beautiful presence before! And we had a nice bath together after!

[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.

[naughty_nurse]

[only all day every day 24/7.]

Oh, of course. I won't even look at them until necessary!

[bonomial]

Where I'm from, bacteria don't even have any kind of consciousness, so this is completely new. There weren't any signs of consciousness in the Jellyshroom sickness bacteria... how the heck did it happen in these alien guys?!

Or

[There's a long pause, as something very strange occurs to him.]

is it possible it's an emergent property?

[inject]

You can't.

[inject]

There were when I grew them in culture pots. I knew what I was looking for at that point.

[inject]

[ She'd feel more sympathetic if she wasn't a little annoyed that the only other nurse here was such a pushover. Silly as it was, she'd almost been hoping for someone like one of The Last Hope.

But she didn't need to say or show that. ]

It'll be a pleasure working with you.

[naughty_nurse]

[a pleasure... a pleasure... a pleasure... it echoes in her mind.]

I feel so honored, Miss Valentine!

[inject]

Honoured? You're a nurse. Why wouldn't you be asked for help?

[naughty_nurse]

But no one has ever said it would be a pleasure to work with me. It's amazing.