Video

[lifescience]

[She's settled before she addresses the network at large, posture straight and hands resting in her lap. Jemma's still not entirely convinced that they've not been set adrift on a Hydra vessel or some other enemy of S.H.I.E.L.D., but one has to take risks eventually, don't they?

She even looks decidedly upbeat about it.]

I suppose we should start with a proper introduction, although it's been brought to my attention that I may have spoken to some of you before. It just seemed a bit rude not to, since I might not..remember you. My name is Jemma Simmons. I've just arrived, but can I say that, unanswered questions aside, I find this all to be a little exciting. The final frontier and all.

[Exciting and maybe just a little bit scary. But so far, so good.]

I've also applied to one of the Science Departments, but I thought I should mention it here as well, in the interest of sharing with the class. I specialized in biochemistry back at the Academy, but I could certainly lend a hand in medbay or anywhere else where an extra scientist is needed.

[One might get the impression that the way she says "science" should be accompanied by a heavy sigh and possibly hearts in the margins of this post.]

Oh, and if Fitz has already told you anything about a cat and its liver, please overlook it. He's a little bit sensitive in the olfactory department.

Comments

video;

[vdova]

A cat and its liver?

[ Yeah, that's what we're focusing on for now. ]

video;

[lifescience]

It-

[She starts to explain it, but how to really explain it without it sounding weird?]

It was for science. And the cat was already dead! That smell had nothing to do with anything I had done.

video;

[vdova]

If it makes you feel better, he hasn't mentioned anything yet.

text.

[brainsqueeze]

You're probably going to be the one sharing that story instead.

Does it feel any more real after a few days?

text;

[doggedly]

cat and liver and olfactory sensitivity


please tell me more please

video;

[lifescience]

Well, that's a relief.

[Jemma smiles, but then she takes a better look at the woman in the video. Is that-]

Are you - you were in the battle of New York, you're her.

text.

[lifescience]

I've never told it alone before.

A little. Not really. But I'll manage.

text;

[lifescience]

You want to hear more?

[That's somewhat rare, most people don't want her to tell that story. Unless-]

Are you a scientist?

video;

[cabins]

Lovely to meet you, Jemma. My name is Laura. [A kindly, middle-aged woman smiles assuringly at her.]

I work in the Comm department here, though I've been preoccupied with other projects. [The projects are called 'planning her wedding' and it's awesome.] Still, I wish to welcome you onboard Tranquility, and if you have any questions, I'd be more than happy to do my best to answer them.

[A beat.] Biochemistry? Impressive. [Please don't be awful and terrible like Baltar, please.]

video;

[vdova]

Yes. I'm Batwoman. [ The corners of her mouth tilt up. ] You said you were Simmons, right? One of Coulson's?

text;

[doggedly]

yes
so obviously absoltuely i want to hear more

[klutziness]

that's kinda a pessimistic way to think about it
the "final" part i mean

[video]

[blackmagus]

This is the final frontier?

[ Fortescue has an accent very similar to Jemma's, and a lack of context where space quotes are concerned. Primarily because Star Trek doesn't exist in her world. Not yet, at least.

There's also a black cat sitting in her lap, swishing his tail and looking unconcerned about the phone inches away from him. ]

text.

[brainsqueeze]

I don't know if Fitz has either.

Having something to do can help, or it'll distract you enough to stop you thinking about it.

video;

[lifescience]

Likewise, Laura. That means to me than I can properly express.

[Jemma practically beams. It's always nice to know that there's someone so kind and polite on board.]

It helps that I enjoy it as much as I do. Fitz used to tease me about it, but he had his nose in a book every bit as much as I did.

video;

[lifescience]

[Girlcrush commencing in 3..2..]

Ah, Batwoman! That's so clever. [Nervous laughter, pull your shit together Jemma. She clears her throat gently.] Right. So you know about Agent Coulson?

[The whole 'not dead' thing.]

text;

[lifescience]

Of course! You see, the cat in question had an anomaly of the gallbladder which caused its bile to be dangerously acidic - the poor thing. I suspect the bile is what Fitz actually smelled, leading to his dry heaves.

The liver itself appeared normal, but given that it produces and secretes bile, I thought it best to examine the organ, which naturally meant dissection.

[lifescience]

Oh. Oh, I didn't mean it like that! It's an expression from a television show. I'm sorry.

video;

[vdova]

I do. [ She'll just leave it at that. She is on a 'Nat' name basis with May, after all. ] You're one of the scientists, right? Fitz's partner?

text;

[doggedly]

oh dear that sounds horrible
his dry heaves or the cats dry heaves


was the cat still alive & secreting bile

[video]

[lifescience]

[Oh no, it's happening again.]

It's just a harmless expression, I assure you. It's from a television show about space travel.

And...your cat doesn't have anything to worry about either.

text.

[lifescience]

It will be nice feeling useful. And I imagine there's plenty of possibilities for learning. I'm sure it'll work out. I'm in good company.

video;

[lifescience]

That's right. Have you been on the Tranquility for very long?

[God, it almost sounds like a 'do you come here often?' line.]

text;

[lifescience]

Fitz's, of course. Unfortunately the cat had already succumbed to his condition.

[video]

[blackmagus]

[ She gives a small nod of ah, in understanding. TV. Gotcha. ]

He doesn't worry about anything other than the bugs in the Oxygen Gardens. [ Typical cat. ] Me, though, I'm thinking this frontier might not be so final. Or hoping, rather. Most people here would rather go home.

[ On the other hand, Fortescue doesn't want to. But only because it's worse for her there. ]