[Kana Charter]

1450
Kana's Office

Helping put the infirmary together had not been as simple as everybody had hoped and running it was just as smooth. The humans were working 48 hour shifts and Kana had been voluntarily doing 75 hours. If the humans would do 2 of their days then she would 2 of hers. Even when she wasn't on her shift she moved into her office and kept working. It was the same work she was doing before she'd come to this galaxy and she was no closer then when she started all those years ago. MDS was killing her mother and if she didn't make something work then it would start affecting Chiquita's health too. And maybe just maybe her mother wouldn't have to die just yet.

Needless to say Kana was exhausted, she'd tried her best to keep it from everyone, a combination of cosmetic magic and her usual "cheerful" attitude seemed to throw everyone off. She was sure Aear had given the eye once or twice but he hadn't said anything. When she started studying he would constantly check up on her and tell her to go to bed but he'd seemed to have given up some time ago. And a good thing too, Kana had plenty of work to do without his constant distractions.

Kana had fallen asleep at her desk, the usual routine, it was almost guaranteed that she wouldn't sleep unless she worked into it. Her head laid in her arms her hair hiding her face. A knock on her door woke her from her slumber. "Enter." she called pretending to rub her eyes to hide the reapplication of her cosmetic magic before sitting up straight. Maybe one day she'd be able to design a spell that stayed on whilst she slept. She shook the thought from her mind, playing with spells was Aear's job.

Tag: @roger

[Deleted]

1452
Medical Bay



Roger was losing his mind. He was sitting in some staff meeting, watching the hands on the clock tick away. Roger was much like a little boy in the fact that he couldn't sit still for a long time, outside of when he was headshrinking, but that was only becaue he LIKED psychology. He tapped his feet and clicked his pens. The Marine glared at him, and he sighed, falling silent. FINALLY, finally, it was over, and after a pit stop to the men's room, Roger headed for the clinic. He was excited to get back to work-he still had a few hours of his shift left, and then he had to catch up on his patients for the next day. He was going to start the morning with Miss Fiona, and then see one of the MPs, a young Mr. Brandon Hale later that morning. He would ask Kana and Sadie for the rest of his schedule later.

Miss Kana. She was still a bit of an enigma to him. His puny human brain was still adjusting to the idea of aliens, and even moreso to the idea of sharing work and living space with them. He, of course, had only had his encounters with alien beings via Tv-first, ET, then ALF, and finally Men in Black and Independece Day. The Brits were less alien-crazed than their Yankee counterparts, so much of his TV viewing had come after he moved to the US and most especially after his crazy silly wife introduced him to her DVD collection.

The door to the infirmary was shut tight. Odd. Roger kept a strict open-door policy; the only time a door was closed in there was while someone was chaning into a gown, or when he holed off the second room for a psych session, and even then, the outer office area was open. He never wanted for anyone who might need some help to think he was unavailable. Even if it was just for a band-aid, or moral support, Roger's Hyppocratic oath was serious business to him, and he took it so far as to mean "always be there, even if it's 2 am and you were just up changing a nappy." He'd had a few mornings like that.

He knocked. Kana's voice-lower than normal-came through.

Enter. Hmm. She must've been sleeping again. He opened the door, wide, and entered quietly.

Hello, Miss Kana. Did I wake you?! If you need to sleep, I DO understand...you may use the bed in the observation area if you don't want to return to your quarters. He said this firmly, but not unfriendly. He wasn't too annoyed, just concerned. Kana may be a junior doctor, but she was STILL a child.

[Kana Charter]

1450
Kana's Office

"Harrison?" Said Kana rubbing her eyes again to make sure the cosmetic magic was working properly. The man responsible for waking her from her cat nap was the leader of the medical team she had ended up working with in this strange galaxy. A Dr Roger Harrison, he seemed a lot like Aear in some respects, difficult to get to sit still and concentrate unless it was something they enjoyed doing. For Aear it was looking in some sort of machine and for Roger it was looking in peoples heads.

"Mhm!" Kana made a noise of disagreement as she shook her head. "I wasn't planning on falling asleep, but it has become a bit of a habit. Hence why I set the doors to automagically close." Kana picked up her medical device and looked at the time. Hour 86. It wasn't like she couldn't figure out the difference between the base clock which ran in 24 hours and Meowtian time which ran in 35 hours, it was just that her level of exhaustion often made such things far too tedious. Couldn't Aear and he's new friends in the technical team work something out for that?

Kana looked at Roger for a moment, she didn't mind his show of concern for her but she'd rather he didn't make it a habit. She found it rather patronizing and as far as she was concerned her childhood had ended a long time ago. "I AM capable of doing an equivalent workload you know." She said defensively.

Tag: @roger

[Deleted]

1453
Medical Bay

Kana looked at him, rubbing her eyes.

Harrison?...Mhm.I wasn't planning on falling asleep, but it has become a bit of a habit. Hence why I set the doors to automagically close. He nodded, knowingly.

It has. I am a little worried-is there something going on with your family? Something you'd like to discuss? Of course, it could simply be stress from the job-the were overworked, understaffed, and underappreciated, but he tried to spread the work fairly, not favoring anyone, but not giving Kana anybreaks because of her age. He realized that she was real doctor, and so he didn't let her off the hook too much. Maybe he was being TOO hard on her.

I AM capable of doing an equivalent workload you know... He nodded.

I know...but I also know that one must sleep in order to be an asset. Am I being too soft for you?

(sorry so bad...muse is meh today)

[Kana Charter]

1450
Kana's Office

It has. I am a little worried-is there something going on with your family? Something you'd like to discuss?

"Something going on with my family?" Kana stared at Roger for a few moments considering, she imagine he was probably asking if any of them were fighting, her family usually got on well. There was some friction between them sometimes but that was to be expected given their personalities. "My family usually gets on well." She said before pausing again and looking at the screen in front of her. She considered whether, despite his lack of knowledge and expertise in magical diseases, he would be able to help with her MDS research.

"I was just doing some research while I had some spare time. I'm something of an insomniac and working into my sleep helps." Perhaps it wasn't the most direct of approaches and Roger may not even get the hint but better for it to be open, besides it might be something he didn't want to get involved in.

I know...but I also know that one must sleep in order to be an asset. Am I being too soft for you?

Kana thought for a moment before she answered. "I guess I'm still not used to your 24 hour days, we have 35 hour days back on Ueda so maybe it's making me a little anxious." Said Kana putting her finger on her chin as she looked up still thinking about it as she responded. "I suppose I never really see you taking a break and if i've got time to be doing research, not that it isn't important mind you, then I have time to help you guys with whatever it is you're doing at the time."

Tag: @roger

[Deleted]

1455
Medic Bay



Something going on with my family?...My family usually gets on well. Roger nodded.

Righty-o. Ok, so then...what are you working on in your off hours? Something troubling you that causes you to sleep whilst on the clock? Roger wasn't mad, just seeking to help. He hoped his tone was just south of accusatory, more concerned. He hoped that soon, he could help the Meowtian family in the same way he helped his human colleagues.

He settled himself in front of his computer, and turned around to study the girl. He was looking for signs of distress-which was silly, because of course, Meowtians would probably express it differently than humans.

"I guess I'm still not used to your 24 hour days, we have 35 hour days back on Ueda so maybe it's making me a little anxious...I suppose I never really see you taking a break and if i've got time to be doing research, not that it isn't important mind you, then I have time to help you guys with whatever it is you're doing at the time. Roger nodded, giving himself time to respond.

I DO take breaks to eat and I TRY to sleep. I don't know what kind of family structures you have on your planet, but on Earth, we have partners we share romantic relations with. The females are called Wives, and I am missing mine. I also have a daughter, Minnie, who was born just before this trip. So I don't take breaks because when I do, my mind just goes to them, and it makes my heart hurt. BUT I know that breaks are important for memory and the phsychological well being, so I try my best. As for your research, I don't expect you to fill your every waking minute here in the clinic. If you need to do other personal things, take that time. Having a personal identity is the only way to not lose yourself out here. As for the 35 hour days, I am not sure how to help you, other than to say that it will take time to adjust. SO. If you need to take a break, just let me know. As long as we're not busy, you can do it then, otherwise I will carve out time for you to do so, and arrange to have miss Kelly stay a bit longer or something.

Roger hoped that some ground could be gained with this.

(is this an icky post, or is just me?)

[Kana Charter]

1451
Kana's Office

Righty-o. Ok, so then...what are you working on in your off hours? Something troubling you that causes you to sleep whilst on the clock?

"I'm not sure I'd go so far to say that it's troubling me..." Said Kana rather more quiet than her usual self. She usually came across as confident and in some ways rather like her brother. She had always been one to try and help others even when they protested profusely. She did however show all the usual signs of exhaustion that humans would normally show, at that was exactly why she kept her cosmetic magic on during her waking hours. She let Roger ramble on for a bit mildly amused at how he mentioned his family. It did make sense that he'd be something of a family man with how he seemed to try to take care of everyone.

"It's more that these things are personal time." Replied Kana pausing to think about how best to explain herself. "I spent all my free time studying to get to this position. After I finished studying I had a lot of free time and I couldn't really think of any hobbies that I like so I just work instead. I guess work has become my hobby. Maybe it sounds weird for you but it's not that abnormal for Meowtians."

Kana looked at Roger for a moment, she didn't know why but she felt like she could trust Roger. She wasn't the only one either, her brother had also seemed to bond with the man. Neither of them were able to trust others very easily.

"I wouldn't worry too much my sleep pattern has been strange for a long time now. I sometimes have to work into it just to fall asleep." Said Kana at an attempt at sounding like it wasn't anything major. In reality being a doctor and knowing what sleep deprivation was capable of made her worry about it even more. It wasn't like she hadn't tried Meowtian treatments and remedies. Maybe Roger might be able to come up with something but she wasn't going to get her hopes up. Tje sleep might be important but so was the work.

Tag: @roger

[Deleted]

1457
Medic Bay

Roger felt as if they were making some progress. That pleased him-helping someone. Even just a little.

I'm not sure I'd go so far to say that it's troubling me... Roger nodded, encouraging her to go on. He was pleased to see that she was revealing stuff-most people didn't open up this early. He was making EXCELLENT progress with her brother, but hadn't had a chance to get his hands on the middle girl. Oh, well. He knew there was plenty of time.

It's more that these things are personal time...I spent all my free time studying to get to this position. After I finished studying I had a lot of free time and I couldn't really think of any hobbies that I like so I just work instead. I guess work has become my hobby. Maybe it sounds weird for you but it's not that abnormal for Meowtians. Roger understood.

Believe it or not, I know exactly what you mean. When I was going through medical school, I was up for 24 hour days, four or five days a week. Eventually, it became easier to just work instead of be a productive member of society. My hobbies ARE helping people. I just get to do it for a job, too. Is there some way I can help you to do your research? He offered this. He didn't know if he could, properly, but if he could, he would.

Finally, Kana told him about her sleep habits.

I wouldn't worry too much my sleep pattern has been strange for a long time now. I sometimes have to work into it just to fall asleep.... Roger made a face, thinking.

Are you rather like your brother in that you don't fancy water? I can recommend some herbal remedies. Also, there are things called sleep hygeine skills. Make sure your room is the correct temperature-67* in Earth temperature is recommended. Then, it must be completely dark. I will look into the circadian rythms of cats. Then, if you cannot sleep, do not stay in bed. Get up and do otherwise until you feel sleepy. Nothing technology or lighted. Just boring, route things, like folding laundry and putting it away or organizing drawers. YOu can also try lavender essential oils on your pillow. Nothing too stimulating. Try not to eat or drink anything an hour prior to bedtime... He trailed off. Was he speaking too much?

[Kana Charter]

1451
Kana's Office

Believe it or not, I know exactly what you mean. When I was going through medical school, I was up for 24 hour days, four or five days a week. Eventually, it became easier to just work instead of be a productive member of society. My hobbies ARE helping people. I just get to do it for a job, too. Is there some way I can help you to do your research? He offered this. He didn't know if he could, properly, but if he could, he would.

Kana mused for a second, Roger having no experience in magic or magical disease might just work. "Actually a fresh head in the game might be just the thing I need." She had another magical screen appear in front of Roger with the basics of MDS on it. "I'm trying to figure a cure or at least a treatment for Mana Deconstruction Syndrome, or MDS. It's caused by the linker core virus 749QZ. You might not know anything about magic, but that could work in our advantage. I haven't explored any technological ideas so far as I just haven't had the equipment." Explained Kana.

Are you rather like your brother in that you don't fancy water? I can recommend some herbal remedies. Also, there are things called sleep hygeine skills. Make sure your room is the correct temperature-67* in Earth temperature is recommended. Then, it must be completely dark. I will look into the circadian rythms of cats. Then, if you cannot sleep, do not stay in bed. Get up and do otherwise until you feel sleepy. Nothing technology or lighted. Just boring, route things, like folding laundry and putting it away or organizing drawers. YOu can also try lavender essential oils on your pillow. Nothing too stimulating. Try not to eat or drink anything an hour prior to bedtime... He trailed off. Was he speaking too much?

"I know Harrison... I do know." Said Kana getting a bit defensive, she didn't like being treated like a child and it almost seemed like she was being drilled again. "I'm fine with water however. Actually most Meowtians are, I've never seen a Meowtian so adverse to water as Oni-chan but he does have his reasons. I eat my 4 meals a day and it's always at least 5 hours before I can even think about sleeping. I would like to try your remedies and also what exactly are essential oils?" Said Kana trying to compromise a bit. She knew she need sleep, and it would help with her stress levels. If it worked maybe just maybe she wouldn't have to wear her cosmetic magic so much.

Tag: @roger

[Deleted]

1452
Roger's Office
Medical Bay


Roger just nodded at Kana's request. Sounded reasonable enough.

Actually a fresh head in the game might be just the thing I need...I'm trying to figure a cure or at least a treatment for Mana Deconstruction Syndrome, or MDS. It's caused by the linker core virus 749QZ. You might not know anything about magic, but that could work in our advantage. I haven't explored any technological ideas so far as I just haven't had the equipment

Roger raised an eyebrow.

Well, once you explain what MDS IS, I might be able to help more...and you're welcome to use the machines during slow times. He smiled a little. It was nice to have someone clever and curious around.

"I know Harrison... I do know.I'm fine with water however. Actually most Meowtians are, I've never seen a Meowtian so adverse to water as Oni-chan but he does have his reasons. I eat my 4 meals a day and it's always at least 5 hours before I can even think about sleeping. I would like to try your remedies and also what exactly are essential oils?" Roger just chuckled lightly.

I know you know, and we all have our reasons, dear. Essential oils are plant-based oils that are normally distilled, or concentrated, and smell of the plant they come from. Different plants have different healing properties; for example, Lavender is calming whilst orange can be energizing, and tea tree is meant for skin irritation. He tried to explain. He hoped he made sense. They're best used with a carrier or base oil, like olive oil, or something, as they can be irritating themselves to sensitive skin. And don't ingest them, only use them externally. Well, I don't know, perhaps for YOU they'd work internally, but let's not try it on our own.

[Kana Charter]

1452
Medical Bay

Well, once you explain what MDS IS, I might be able to help more...and you're welcome to use the machines during slow times. He smiled a little. It was nice to have someone clever and curious around.

Well we've separated MDS into four stages. The first stage doesn't appear to have any symptoms so we assume the virus has to reach a certain level before it affects anyone. The second stage affects the linker core and the patients magic and casting. Stage 3 affects starts affecting the body, we've seen fatigue, disorientation and muscle atrophy. Stage 4 affects the internal organs and they slowly start shutting down. I'm aware that your technology can't normally detect linker cores however I can get you images of the virus and I should be able to get you a live culture.

I know you know, and we all have our reasons, dear. Essential oils are plant-based oils that are normally distilled, or concentrated, and smell of the plant they come from. Different plants have different healing properties; for example, Lavender is calming whilst orange can be energizing, and tea tree is meant for skin irritation. He tried to explain. He hoped he made sense. They're best used with a carrier or base oil, like olive oil, or something, as they can be irritating themselves to sensitive skin. And don't ingest them, only use them externally. Well, I don't know, perhaps for YOU they'd work internally, but let's not try it on our own.

Kana considered for a moment. "It's sounds a lot like the incense we use though i'm curious as to the effect of mixing them with oils... We can give it a go." Though Kana didn't sound too enthusiastic.

Tag: @roger

[Deleted]

Roger had spoken too soon.

Well we've separated MDS into four stages. The first stage doesn't appear to have any symptoms so we assume the virus has to reach a certain level before it affects anyone. The second stage affects the linker core and the patients magic and casting. Stage 3 affects starts affecting the body, we've seen fatigue, disorientation and muscle atrophy. Stage 4 affects the internal organs and they slowly start shutting down. I'm aware that your technology can't normally detect linker cores however I can get you images of the virus and I should be able to get you a live culture.

He nodded.

Well, what I would do would be to isolate the culture. Once you do that, you can inject it into a test subject, or even ask Miss Maccafferty to write a computer application for you, that will help you to demonstrate how the virus progresses. Normally, I would use rats or mice. He spoke matter of factly.

It's sounds a lot like the incense we use though i'm curious as to the effect of mixing them with oils... We can give it a go. Roger nodded once.

They're similar, except you don't burn essential oils. You might coat the incense in them, however, or use them when you bathe. Steam is a good delivery system. He hoped he was helping her at least a little.

(Sorry so derpy. Its getting close to the end, and I am barely hanging on to muse, let alone sanity. I hope Kana can work with this....)

[Kana Charter]

1453
Medical Bay

Well, what I would do would be to isolate the culture. Once you do that, you can inject it into a test subject, or even ask Miss Maccafferty to write a computer application for you, that will help you to demonstrate how the virus progresses. Normally, I would use rats or mice. He spoke matter of factly.

Ok I'll talk to Onee-chan about getting a live culture. Kana brought up a notepad on the magical screen in front of her and made herself a reminder as Roger continued. Oh you don't have to worry about Onii-chan's already done that. She said pointing the the main application on the screen. She imagined the magical virus would be unlike anything Roger had seen before, but that could be exactly what makes him a valuable asset in finding a cure.

They're similar, except you don't burn essential oils. You might coat the incense in them, however, or use them when you bathe. Steam is a good delivery system. He hoped he was helping her at least a little.

Bathing? Asked Kana. She was curious now, one of the reasons she'd got into medicine in the first place. I presume your people bathe in hot water then?

Tag: @roger

(No worries tbh it's hitting me too...)

[Deleted]

1453
Medical Bay

Roger just watched, incredulous, stirring his tea. He wasn't sure he'd made the right choice, then.

Ok I'll talk to Onee-chan about getting a live culture.... Oh you don't have to worry about Onii-chan's already done that. He nodded.

Well, once you get the culture isolated, you can then do diagnostic tests on it, to see where the virus originates. I am sure that your viruses are different than ours, but once you have it fairly narrowed down, you can, then, decide if it would respond to a medicaction, machine, or if it has to just run it's course. And remind Aear that medical programmes are different than one for applications. We need graphs, and charts, and things. He was certain she knew what was required in the Scientific Method. It was taught at basic junior school level science and maths.

Bathing?...I presume your people bathe in hot water then? Roger struggled not to spit out his tea. He smiled then, a twinkle of mirth in his eye.

Yes, hot water. Well, WARM water, unless you fancy dry, itchy skin. How do you...take care to keep clean? He was curious now.

Kana Charter

[Kana Charter]

1453
Medical Bay

Well, once you get the culture isolated, you can then do diagnostic tests on it, to see where the virus originates. I am sure that your viruses are different than ours, but once you have it fairly narrowed down, you can, then, decide if it would respond to a medicaction, machine, or if it has to just run it's course. And remind Aear that medical programmes are different than one for applications. We need graphs, and charts, and things. He was certain she knew what was required in the Scientific Method. It was taught at basic junior school level science and maths.

So far we're almost certain that it originates in the linker... Though we've no idea how it spreads or where it originates... Said Kana bringing up the applications raw data for the graphs and charts that Roger had requested as well as making the screen a little bigger. Letting it run it's course is completely out of the question! Said Kana quickly and sternly almost glaring at Roger. Did he not hear her when she said terminal? If he thought she was just going to wait whilst it killed her mother and incapacitated her sister he was gravely mistaken.

Yes, hot water. Well, WARM water, unless you fancy dry, itchy skin. How do you...take care to keep clean? He was curious now.

Well we don't normally warm our water... Not everyone uses water either, it's not good for the fur. Some people like to use magic but I find it's a bit on the excessive side of mana use for what you get out of it. Onii-chan also used to take sand baths.

Tag: @roger