fade rift. inbox.

[propulsion]

"You have reached the life model decoy of Tony Stark."

sending crystal
written correspondence
private scenes

Comments

[okayimin]

Thank you for your contributions.
Saliva smear -> microbes referenced earlier exist in body fluids?

[propulsion]

[ laughs in science ]

oh yeah. it's a party in there.
you're not squeamish, right? you strike me as not squeamish

[okayimin]

Wouldn't be much of a midwife if I were squeamish.
More doubtful. One would think having tiny creatures in one's mouth would be noticeable.

[propulsion]

yeah well
pretty sure it took something like the microscope for the theory to become credible in my world too
like a few hundred years ago

[okayimin]

Is there a possibility that these creatures only exist in your world?

[propulsion]

I'd have entertained that notion for funsies at least if not for the fact Niehaus already did the legwork there
she's the one who wrote up the germ theory stuff. seems like they hooked in her expertise where there was some other sickness going around

[okayimin]

That does suggest similarities in biology across worlds then.
Could one use samples other than bodily fluids? Say the skin around a riftshard? Would it be possible to extract a sample of a rift shard directly?

[propulsion]

[ Finally, something interesting. ]

only one way to find out.

[okayimin]

[ One problem: ]

I'm stuck in Quarantine til the end of the month.
Would you be able to collect samples from other Rifters?

[propulsion]

I guess you would be setting a bad example if you were to sneak out early
or like for a half an hour

[okayimin]

Considering we would have to get the microscope from Provost who specifically set the time I was meant to stay, yes. It would.

[ GET BEHIND ME, SATAN. ]

[propulsion]

[ c'mooon ]

he already knows I'm working on rifter shard stuff. I'd be getting the microscope relevant to studies I'm already doing.

[okayimin]

[ Why must you make her suffer. ]

No.
There are certain errands I will need to run soon that necessitate my obedience now.

[propulsion]

ok well
I'll collect some samples
and let you know when and where I'm analyzing them
and whatever you decide to do then is between you and the Maker

[okayimin]

You're a wicked tempter, sir.

[propulsion]

there's an ancient proverb from my home world that applies to this situation and that is:
snooze you lose

[okayimin]

Weren't you the one who didn't want anyone ill near you?