ataraxion | [ 001 ] [ Video ]

[ It takes some time and positioning, but he finally gets the com-device to where he wants it before double-checking that he's posting to the network at large.

The video starts and others will be able to see a small, blonde man settled in a chair, brows furrowed with a hint of mild concern. ]

Right, yes, hello.

I've been hearing a lot of talk on the network regarding those who have recently been altered to human bodies.

[ His lips pinch a little - to be honest, John is still having a hard time believing this is all real. ]

This is a real issue, especially concerning robotic, um, persons. I understand that those of you who have been affected are pushing for getting your original bodies back, but until that's possible, if that's possible, you need to be able to take care of the one you're currently inhabiting.

My name is John Watson - I'm a medical doctor with twenty years of experience. I'm offering my help to anyone who needs help getting accustomed to their new bodies. Again, I think this is especially important to those who formally had no need to eat or sleep, and may or may not be aware of the particulars of human hygiene or diet.

[ Some humans are this way, too, to be fair. Looking at you, Sherlock. ]

Since this is a personal issue, I'm open to making an individual appointment to see you. You can come see me at my flat or I can come to whatever venue you're comfortable with. Just please contact me and we can figure something out together.

Anyone else who needs medical assistance or advice may also contact me; I'll do what I can to help.

[ He cuts the feed and leans back in his chair to wait and see if good sense overcomes pride. ]

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Yeah, thought so. [ Mace leans back a little. The words aren't meant to injure; it's a purely contemplative statement. Even in his time—a few decades after yours, apparently—there aren't exactly a surplus of astronaut doctors, and the one they'd had onboard the Icarus... ]

I'm not really clear on the specifics, since it's not my area, but there's a lot of shit that can go wrong up here. And not just physical problems. [ He pauses, glancing away, then back. ] I don't think the medbay's equipped to deal with human mental illnesses, unless I'm missing something.

Think you can handle things you haven't seen before?

I'm not a psychiatrist, and have no intentions to be one.

[ He doesn't mean this unkindly. Seriously, he had a therapist back at home - he's not qualified to fill this job. ]

If you mean things that are other than human or trying to learn the machines in the medbay, I'm ready to try until someone more qualified wants to step up.

[ Worth a shot. ]

Looks like you'll have to. [ Sucks, man. But you're the only one remotely qualified, so it's not like anyone has much choice here. ]

[ We're not opening that can of worms. He's not offended, though. ]

...

Yes, it does.

[ He could object and say he didn't have to, but he'd just be argumentative at that point. Of course he was going to help - he wouldn't even joke like that at this point. ]

[ Mace isn't the most talkative—or even socially adept—guy around, so forgive him his lapses in social graces. Like maintaining an actual conversation.

After a short moment, he seems to return to the present, leveling an even gaze at John. ]

All right, here's the deal. I'm gonna make a list of everything I can think of—things like decompression sickness, barotrauma, the works—and I'm gonna give it to you. Look it over, keep it as a reference, doesn't matter.

I don't know how to treat for any of it beyond your basic pressure equalization, but we've been taught the symptoms. I don't think a lot of it's going to matter unless we suddenly lose whatever artificial gravity systems are in place here, but you're the only doctor on this ship, so it's only fair you know.

[ There's probably a lot of pressure on John right now. Mace doesn't envy him. ]

I'd be grateful for the help. I'll pass on any information I get and see if there isn't anything in the library here. The way it's shaping up, I'll be training some of the civilians here interested in the field.

[ No, he's not happy to be in this situation, but he didn't exactly sign up for the job expecting to have his feet up on a desk every day of the week, either. ]

Good. [ He pauses. ] Make sure they know what they're doing.

[ If some civilian fucks up because they weren't paying attention when they should have been, it'll be on all their heads. ]

[ He arches a brow. He would have thought that went without saying, and now it just sounds suggestive. ]

I'll do what I can.

Give me a ring when you're finished and I'll collect it, yeah?

[ Mace isn't used to trusting people outside of his crew. And even if they were both military—are, still, since that never really goes away—he's not the type to sit back passively. He likes to make his points—and reinforce them, if necessary, with repetition and sometimes shouting. But you seem like a decent man, and good at what you do. Mace is Cool with you. ]

Copy that, Doctor.

Mace out.

[ Video feed off! ]

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