✶「 transformation 」

[transect]

Given our current situation, I have taken the opportunity to study these "Calamity" creatures that appear in the last few days before the reset. It would seem that there is more to learn from this mutation process, and from what I've studied, I have reason to believe it behaves along the lines of what most of you organic life-forms would call a "disease process."

For those of you I haven't met yet— my name is Rutile. I am a doctor working out of Arito.

While this information may be helpful, it is unfortunately, useless unless we can make something out of it. Even though it has been a few times now, even without sleeping two to three days is not enough for me to be able to come up with some sort of vaccine myself, therefore... I am looking for individuals who take an interest in this sort of thing, or may have knowledge to share on the subject— so that we might come together in an attempt to come up with a solution.

I realize that there are some of you who are much more adept to dealing with the nature of biology and organic life than I am despite my studies since coming here, and your experience would be invaluable. Even the study of the animals at the reserve may be more helpful than we realize.

I will remain at the hospital in Arito at work should anyone be looking for me, with all lines of communication open. Perhaps together we may be able to find a cure

Comments

[einspine]

HAVE YOU SPOKEN TO THE RESEARCHERS AT THE NAH NAMI RESERVE YET? I IMAGINE THEY'D GREATLY BENEFIT FROM YOUR DISCOVERIES!

THAT BEING SAID, I, THE GREAT PAPYRUS, AM EAGER TO ASSIST IN WHATEVER WAY POSSIBLE. WE ALSO HAVE A POTENTIAL LEAD IN THE CALAMITY RESEARCHER FROM CLOUD CITY.

[Hope threadjack is OK]

[neverbeamemory]

Following Papyrus' message above, I'd be interested also in the details you've discovered. I would also encourage communicating with the workers at the reserve.

I'm not a biologist in the strictest sense, though perhaps I might be in possession of some limited knowledge from my Planet which might apply here.

It might be nothing, though.

[transect]

Of course, they're no secret, if there is potential for my findings to benefit anyone then they are welcome to it. It takes me a day to compile the reports again each time however, so that would be your opportunity to read them.

There does seem to be some kind of correlation between the infection process and the atmosphere, if that is anything like a similar sickness you have encountered before.

[transect]

I haven't, but that is an excellent suggestion. If you think they would be interested in my findings then I will send the information their way immediately, and every time there after to ensure they've received it.

More hands are always appreciated, especially those familiar with the scientific process behind what it is that we're dealing with. I would be pleased to have you along, if you can spare the time.

What can you tell me about the Cloud City researcher?

[einspine]

I'M SURE THEY WOULD!!! I ALREADY TRIED TO ASSIST THEM, BUT IT WASN'T ENOUGH. THAT'S WHY I THINK MORE HANDS WOULD MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

LIKEWISE, I'LL GLADLY CHIP IN ON YOUR END OF THINGS!

AS FOR THE CLOUD CITY FELLOW, FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND, HE SPECIALIZES IN CALAMITY STUDIES BUT THE WHOLE BAHAMUT SITUATION HAS LEFT HIM RATHER DISHEARTENED. WE'LL PROBABLY HAVE TO FIND A WAY TO GET HIM MOTIVATED IN SPITE OF THE BIG, SCALY ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM. OR, WELL, SKY. YOU GET THE IDEA!!!

[transect]

I will do just that, then. Just as I will gladly take you up on your offer of assistance.

I wonder, perhaps before he falls into despair, if this researcher would be willing to go over the results we find... Though there's an equal chance it may send him over the edge sooner versus if it is something that may inspire him to continue.

Hmm...

[einspine]

APPARENTLY HE NEEDS PROOF THAT WE REALLY ARE TIME TRAVELING. SOMETHING ABOUT FINDING AN OLD COWORKER WHO'D KNOW THE NAME OF HIS DOG?

I'M GOING TO REACH OUT TO JESSE, JUST IN CASE, BUT I THINK IT'S A GOOD IDEA TO KEEP ALL ROADS OPEN. I, FOR ONE, WOULD GLADLY SEE THIS POOR MAN INSPIRED TO PURSUE HIS SCIENTIFIC DREAMS!!!

[sonoftenebrae]

I am not a scientist myself, but I have some passing knowledge about magitek technologies, as you've seen with my prosthetic. If that could be of help, I am at your disposal.

[transect]

I wouldn't turn away any help offered, seeing as how it is such a limited window that we have to work with, thank you Ravus.

If you happen to make your way over here, bringing a Calamity monster or two in tow may even be of great help. I could always use more test subjects.

[sonoftenebrae]

I can manage that. Do you need the beasts incapacitated, or do you have someone secure to cage them?

[transect]

I have a method I have used the last cycle or two that seems to work well, but whatever is easiest for you is fine with me, as well. Some of them can be quite a handful, I understand.

[aerospacecommander]

Do you know which organic cells the mutation process targets first?

pls note im just making stuff up here, lmao.......

[transect]

Depending on its host it seems as though the process has the ability to prioritize different infection methods... though compromising the immune system in each is something I have noted.

Making science up ftw

[aerospacecommander]

That would be the easiest and quickest way for something to like this to spread. Target the part the organic body relies on to fight off illnesses and other things.

Destroy the body from within.

[transect]

Break down, destroy, then fundamentally change the organism almost completely, it almost seems to be.

But I haven't given up on trying to reverse, or perhaps even stop it from spreading in the first place. I believe this can be done.

[aerospacecommander]

Nothing is impossible. So yes, there should be a way.

By the way, I don't think I've introduced myself.

Starscream.

[transect]

Perhaps this assumption is wrong on my part, but the way you speak leads me to assume you are not an organic life form yourself.
Would that be correct, Starscream?

[aerospacecommander]

You are most certainly correct.

I'm a mechanical lifeform from the planet known as Cybertron. Humans would refer to us as robots. But we are so much more.

[transect]

I've found that humans sometimes lack a better understanding of such intricacies.
Some of them may call me a rock, for example.

[aerospacecommander]

Humans can be rather simple minded like that.

But why call you a rock?

[transect]

Because I am Rutile; primarily composed of titanium dioxide. What could also be called a "mineral" here, though we prefer "gem."

Of course, there are those that attempt to understand more than the surface allows them to see, so it can't be helped in some of their cases, I suppose.

[aerospacecommander]

Even if you were only a mineral, being a gem makes you much more than just a rock. Humans can be ignorant creatures failing to see the worth of what is directly in front of them. Which is ironic considering they are carbon based lifeforms.

I will admit to have never run into anyone composed of minerals, but the universe is a vast place and almost anything is possible. So I have no doubts.

[transect]

Of course I'm more than that.
It's just the same as when you say you're more than a robot— and I will also admit your kind was also foreign to me before I arrived in this place.

It is one of their flaws but— I suppose there is no species that isn't without them. Have you experience with disease processes such as this?

[aerospacecommander]

Not something that mutates tissue so much, no. I'm not a biologist though, so it's possible I could have missed something in my travels.

I do know how to turn my own specie's self repair system against itself, but while that shares some similarities with organic cell regeneration it's not the same at all.

[transect]

Yes, you're correct I'd say.
And while such findings may not help with this subset of research exactly... When there is more time, perhaps you can educate me more at length as to how your species works.
If you'll indulge me.

[aerospacecommander]

Of course. It would be my pleasure.

I'm curious about your species as well.

[transect]

Then, we'll make a point of it.
Once the world has finished ending, of course.

[aerospacecommander]

Of course. I look forward it.

[defenestraighttomyheart]

I have watched a lot of House M.D.. Does that count?

[transect]

I see. Yes, if you had the opportunity to study a medical doctor at your home then that would most likely be of help.

( a reference that's gone totally over their head, unfortunately... )