46 & 2 Ahead of Me

Marcus Harris - Geneticist - 30 - First Ring

[mad-marcus-harris]

if-i-didnt-have-you:

Back pain. Mike nodded approvingly. “Genetic Engineer? Well, that explains the lab. I’m hunched over star charts all day. Mission Control Operator.” he smirked, “though we also have some standing room at the bridge.” He said with a chuckle, “And as far as this group fitness goes… I think your idea proves you’re the smarter one. This stuff is rough.”

“I’ve never researched the stars very much,” Marcus added thoughtfully, “I’ve always been interested in organic things, but when you live on a space station, all you have to work on is farm animals and people.”

He started to walk away from the park, heading in the direction he believed burritos would be. “Yeah, I’ve always hated it. I think I prefer being average... but happy.”

[thepowertobite]

Keep At It

[mad-marcus-harris]

mad-marcus-harris‌:

thepowertobite:

Ochaco pouted, if only briefly, before Marcus agreed with her idea of a dietitian. “hm… I sort of figured that. Little difficult on the station, but I’m sure I could pull a few strings. Replace “snack time” with a series of protein-bars we usually hand out to the outer ring. They’re not good, but they are effective.” She mused. 

Originally posted by imdancingintherain07

“They aren’t good, but I have been working on making them better.” Marcus had an entire plethora of projects he was doing. The average person would have been overwhelmed, but his brain worked a bit faster than most. Only because, he himself, was genetically engineered for higher brain power and functioning. “Speaking of, what do you think would be a better flavor, chocolate or bacon. Or... potentially both.”

[mad-marcus-harris]

What would you genetically change about humans to make them a better species?

“You’re asking that like it has a simple answer. The human body has so many issues it would take a day to explain all of the changes I’d make. Obviously, there are the changes we’re already making, like brain power and muscle mass, but... I think something I’d like to work on in the future would be something much more complicated: Better knees, and joints for that matter, removal of wisdom teeth... Things like that.”

[mad-marcus-harris]

What's your proudest accomplishment?

“Probably getting my Doctorate.”

[mad-marcus-harris]

Are you heading to the new planet? There has to be loads for you to study over there.

“Absolutely. In fact, I’ll probably be one of the first few to go. There will be a lot of research on locating diseases and viruses that the human body is vulnerable to. Once we have those, we will probably make a few vaccines and medications for people to take to prep for it.”

[mad-marcus-harris]

You think fondly of anyone in particular? Any loyalties?

“Fondly? Not really. The people I like, I often lose contact with. My nephew, Tommy, is a pretty cool kid, but I’m not sure if that’s what you meant. As for loyalties, High Council Member Edo has supported my research since she got into office. If she asked for something, I’d figure out a way to do it.”

[mad-marcus-harris]

What are you most curious or excited to learn about the new planet? What do you expect to find there?

“Lifeforms of any kind would be quite exciting. Even with single-cellular organisms, I can run through their genetic code and see if it’s similar to anything we have. Hopefully, we won’t run into any bacterial diseases or viruses down there. It’s definitely a risk when going to any new habitat.

As for what I expect... I don’t... know. I’m trying not to think about it too much in case I get my hopes up and it’s just oceans and oceans of algae and plankton.”

[mad-marcus-harris]

Do you feel like your outside appearance is a fair representation of the “real you”?

“You might have already noticed this, but I don’t put too much thought into my personal appearance. I’m fine the way I am. I’d rather be smart than pretty.”

[mad-marcus-harris]

What do you do when you need to calm down?

“I go on a walk. It’s a good way to clear your head and focus on your surroundings. Alternatively, I go on walks when I need to solve a problem. Those days I don’t pay attention to where I’m going and end up anywhere.

That and... Drugs. Those also help.”

[mad-marcus-harris]

What do you say to the haters that look down on you or judge you?

[mad-marcus-harris]

Do you think there is non-human life beyond the station?

“Certainly. Having the illusion that humanity is the only intelligent form of life in the universe is incredibly narcissistic and narrow-minded. The probability of that in the vastness of space is something that we’re actually /counting/ on. If we can’t find a planet suitable for life, then we don’t have much of a choice. Obviously, a planet that is suitable for life… is going to contain some forms of it.” 

[mad-marcus-harris]

What're you working on right now?

“A lot of superficial traits for the human body. You’d be surprised how many people want a tall, beautiful child, rather than a smart one.”

[mad-marcus-harris]

What's the most Frankenstein-ish thing you've ever created?

“Frankenstein-ish? Let’s see... I mostly specialize in plants and insects, humans being grouped in with the latter. I haven’t made a pig with three heads or anything, but since Frankenstein is a conglomeration of different body parts to make the “perfect” man, I’d say every patient I have is considered one. Instead of taking the body parts directly from someone, you just use their genes. Want higher muscle mass, brown eyes, red hair, and longer legs? You got it.”

[mad-marcus-harris]

Why do you seem so shifty?

“I don’t-  ... I seem shifty?”

[mad-marcus-harris]

Marcus is participating in ask day!!!

Ask away!!!

[watch-what-i-can-do]

This is Madness// Marcus & Tommy

[mad-marcus-harris]

watch-what-i-can-do:

Well that just wasn’t fair. You don’t just tell someone not to do something incredible and expect them not to do it. But as much as he would absolutely love to explore everything in his uncle’s lab, he respected the man too much to actually go around messing with everything he could. “Alright alright. I get it. No releasing any toxins or chemicals or wild creatures without your permission. That does beg the question though, what exactly are you working on in here that I could unwittingly unleash upon the station?” There was no way Marcus would tell him but Tommy couldn’t help but be just a bit cheeky.

Marcus new telling Tommy that there were secrets wasn’t the best move, but it was the truth. Mostly a warning. “Well, it’s a genetic laboratory. We have everything from spliced animals to diseases that could wipe out thousands.” Marcus commented and started to walk down the hall. He stopped and one of the doors and opened it up, revealing shattered glass and liquids all over the floor.

“This is going to set me back for months. It’s not fun telling the High Council that you’re late.” He commented, mostly to himself and grabbed a broom to start sweeping.

[watch-what-i-can-do]

This is Madness// Marcus & Tommy

[mad-marcus-harris]

watch-what-i-can-do:

Tommy grinned cheekily. “I’m far more resourceful than my parents would have you believe. Something about you encouraging me I think. My dad still blames you for all the shenanigans I get up to. But how I got here is not the point. I came here to help. And from the state of things I’d say it was a good call.” Another doctor ran by them screaming as little glowy things attempted to eat his hair. “It’s bloody chaos in here.”

“I’m sure they would bloody blame all their problems on me if they could get away with it,” Marcus replied, clearly having distaste for his older brother. At least the man’s son turned out intelligent... mostly intelligent. Marcus wasn’t quite sure if the common sense was there or not. “And fine, but don’t go wandering into places you shouldn’t. You could catch some sort of rare diease or... unleash something.”