thoughtformed | (no subject)

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Private text to Ben Mason

Would you mind coming in for a small biopsy today? I think I've finally got things set up to where I can actually get a proper look at what's going on with you. Would you mind if I had a colleague assist?

Private text to Sherlock Holmes

Want to see something neat?

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Sure, I don't feel like killing anyone anymore. Be there in 10?

Perfect. My colleague will be along shortly. I've set aside some time for you, so you're welcome to come whenever you like.

[ Ben shows up a few minutes later, looking very uneasy. ]

[ John, however, looks actually a little excited to see Ben, wearing a bright smile when he comes out to greet him. ]

Good. Glad to see you found us all right. How are you feeling today?

Better, thanks.

Um. Where do you need me?

Just in here if you wouldn't mind.

[ He indicates to one of the empty examination rooms behind him and led the way into one, shutting the door behind them. ]

Can you tell me how all of this began?

[He follows John to the room and just chuckles when he asks]

Are you asking about aliens invading Earth or specifically getting the spikes?

Well, I was hoping to get the story behind the spikes, but you can start at the very beginning if you like. Just take a seat up here if you like. [ He pats the examination table and moves to find a pair of gloves. ] Might help me fill in the gaps.

[ takes a seat on the table. Still looking a bit uneasy but that's normal for a kid in a doctor's office. ]

They kill the adults and take the kids, I was taken. My memories are kind of fuzzy after that, they took me somewhere I couldn't move, and I was harnessed. The harness is this... like giant bug? Biomechanics, I think. And we were part of a— it's kind of hard to think of the right word for it. Swarm? There's an alien in charge of a bunch of harnessed kids.

[ he stops momentarily to organize his thoughts ]

Anyway, tearing off the harness got kids killed. The body goes into shock, so to get the off they had to use a welding machine? While pumping us with drugs. So I'm thinking the harness was connected through the entire nervous system through the spine and... [ points at the spikes on his neck ] these stuck because it had been such a long time.

[ After pulling his gloves on, John turns to listen to Ben, very attentive to his story. There were a lot of things he'd have liked to ask, technical questions, but this was about Ben's health and the growths. ]

You said before that you don't really feel them... They don't hurt? Even when you lie on them? Have you noticed any other odd behaviours that might be associated with them? Though I know what kind of a question that is in a place like this, but I'm looking for consistency.

They're like... I don't know. Fingernails? Hair? I don't lie on my back because it's uncomfortable, but it doesn't hurt.

But it has been growing lately? Spreading? Have you noticed any other changes? [ He nods to Ben ] Remove your shirt, if you would, please. I'd like to do a quick examination before we begin. Blood pressure, all that.

[ Ben takes off his shirt. The spikes are probably a lot more interesting in person ]

It's spreading, but it's really slow. It's been months and it hasn't gone very far. I kinda hope it's like a delayed reaction and it'll stop eventually, like it did for the other kids.

[ As much as John really wants to look, he thought it might be best if he kept his professional head about him first. He did the standard routine, blood pressure, quick look at his eyes, ears and throat, and pulse before he dared a look at his back. ]

Blimey...

[ Yes. Much more impressive in person. With a somewhat timid hand, he reached out to touch the skin surrounding the protrusions and leaning in to look more closely. ]

[ There are protruding spikes all the way down his spine, one per vertebrae. And there is what could be described by hard skin around them, though it feels more like bone than skin. ]

[ John leans in close to examine the area, using his hands to test the pliability of the skin and finally to touch the spikes themselves. He'd never seen anything quite like it, and it utterly fascinated him. ]

It... It almost seems like some kind of carapace.. exoskeleton. And you said that this started happening after they removed the device from you?