SDN R&D

Overworked and Overcaffinated, Fear our Might!

[sdn-research-and-development]

The Official Blog of SDN (Superhero Dispatch Network) R&D (Research and Development) of Torrance!

For the over caffeinated and underappreciated techs that support our beloved heroes!

Meet the Staff:

Department Head Helena Barrett

Female Unknown Powers Age Unknown Nationality Unknown (Claims to be a New England Native) Cheerful to Existential Threat Levels May Know Cthulhu on a Personal Level Loves Her Job but Is Perpetually Exhausted by These Mad Scientists in the Making (Touch her wannabe mad scientists and pray the gods have mercy, because she will not) (...May or may not actually be an Outer God, or closely related to one, that is sticking around for shits and giggles.)

Assistant Director Dr. Aiden Galloway: Inhuman Biology

Male Shapeshifter - Reptilian Age Unknown Claims He Is Peruvian Irish-American Zen Levels Maxed Out Melon Allergy (Watermelon, honeydew, cantaloupe, he can't have any of them.) Covered in Multiple Scars, Story Changes Every Time Someone Asks. (Picked up from Isla Nubar in 1997 after being intentionally and maliciously exposed to an experimental serum by a rival doctor in `93. Spent the next four years using his powers to survive.)

Dr. Jonathan Fredrickson: Chemical Analysis

Male Mountain Lion Hybrid/Aikuranthrope (werecat) Age - 30 California Native - Born on the Morongo Reservation Sarcastic Bastard Lives for Raspberry Redbull Obsessed with Ranged Combat (Creates His Own Paintballs to Compensate for his Lack of Ranged Powers) Do Not Run From Him. It Activates His Hunting Instincts (Medical's First Contact When It Comes to Interventions, Unafraid to Use Force When It Comes to Medical due to Having a Crush on the Head Nurse)

Tech Support Ruby Pardini

Female Technopath Age - 22 (mentally quite a bit older due to unfettered access to the internet) British American Twinkie and Coffee Addict (will riot if not given caffeine) 4'5" (Loathes it, Classic Napolean Complex) (Knows everything that goes on. Everything. Commiserates with Galen because of it.)

Bethany Castro, Costume Design

Female Unknown Powers (Something to do with Fabric as a Concept) Age - 28? French Portuguese Immigrant (Was naturalized in 2020) Monster Enthusiast (the drink, not the creature) OCD (incredibly particular about every aspect of her daily life and routine.) May be crushing on Dr. Renaldi (unconfirmed, may actually be married to him) (Their shared lab still hasn't returned from The Backrooms)

Dr. Nicolas Renaldi, Costume Development Anthony Kondracki, Head Engineer

Male Unknown Powers Age - 34 American (Born and Raised in Lower Manhattan, New York City) Reportedly his grandfather's favorite grandson (He was apparently his granda's best student) Is responsible for a solid half of the daily explosions (Unusually skilled in psychological warfare and the usage of crowbars in close quarter combat)

Duncan Murray, Intern

Dr. Gizella Vex. Occult Specialist

Ask us anything!

(All Credit to @ab-art-07 for their gorgeous artwork! TYSM Anu I love them so much!) OOC Under the Cut!

OOC: Hey guys! Just so you know, there is only one of me behind the mask of R&D, and I'll be trying to give a heads up if something stops me from posting!

RULES: 1. If You Try to Doxx, I Will Block You. No exceptions. (This blog is entirely for fun, and I will not hesitate to report your ass if you try that shit.) 2. My DNI List: No Pedophiles, Zoophiles, Necrophiles, Racism, Ableism, IRL Politics, Anyone Who Actively Uses Generative AI (This is fun escapism people. I want nothing to do with the real world on this blog.)

[sdn-research-and-development]

OOC ANNOUNCEMENT

Ah, not even 18 hours and that very stupid and easily abused update was rolled back.

@staff @changes Thank you for actually listening to us, for once.

And now, we return to our regularly scheduled shenanigans.

[sdn-research-and-development]

you know I was thinking about merch for Blazer, like, a laser-powered lawnmower. and then we call it the Blonde Blazer Lawn Lazer. look, I am aware this is probably very dangerous, so I’m not saying we should do it, but it could be Very Funny

It could be an interesting thing for April Fools’ Day! Totally not real. could make a fake ad for a fake product.

Buuut, I think it might still be worth it to make one. for the bit, yknow? We have the technology, there’s definitely SOME sort of use out there for it, right?

-@maho-from-torrents ((also from merch now, in some sort of way, at least for this ask.)

I uh, I think it might not be a wise decision to suggest laser powered anything in a city that is still recovering from a major supervillain attack that primarily featured lasers on a giant death mech.

Prototyping one is a very... grey area of development, but really, do you want to leave one out in the open and potentially have its existence leaked?

It's a great suggestion as an April Fool's Day prank ad, but I, personally, think that it's too big of a risk to actually make one.

Director Helena Barrett

[bluelizardengineersdn]

Awww man :(

[sdn-research-and-development]

I know, I know, it's not news that people would want to hear, but I already have to keep a relatively tight lid on the shenanigans that happen in R&D. The bad PR from a security breach involving a laser-powered lawn mower might give the board a reason to slash our budget, if only under the excuse that you mad scientists are given too much artistic freedom.

I really don't want that to happen to us, and I hate to be the bad guy in this situation, but I have to put my foot down and say no.

Director Helena Barrett

[sdn-research-and-development]

you know I was thinking about merch for Blazer, like, a laser-powered lawnmower. and then we call it the Blonde Blazer Lawn Lazer. look, I am aware this is probably very dangerous, so I’m not saying we should do it, but it could be Very Funny

It could be an interesting thing for April Fools’ Day! Totally not real. could make a fake ad for a fake product.

Buuut, I think it might still be worth it to make one. for the bit, yknow? We have the technology, there’s definitely SOME sort of use out there for it, right?

-@maho-from-torrents ((also from merch now, in some sort of way, at least for this ask.)

I uh, I think it might not be a wise decision to suggest laser powered anything in a city that is still recovering from a major supervillain attack that primarily featured lasers on a giant death mech.

Prototyping one is a very... grey area of development, but really, do you want to leave one out in the open and potentially have its existence leaked?

It's a great suggestion as an April Fool's Day prank ad, but I, personally, think that it's too big of a risk to actually make one.

Director Helena Barrett

[sdn-research-and-development]

@saintmarrowbone keeps destroying her wrist guards by making her forearm bones into weapons. Fix.

Bring them down to R&D. Miss Castro and I are looking forwards to a genuine challenge!

Dr. Nicolas Renaldi

[sdn-therapy]

( @sdn-research-and-development )

Takes a deep breath in and lets it out slowly.

I can't believe I'm actually about to do this.

Dr. Galloway raps on the door.

Good morning Dr. Amato, do you have a minute?

-Dr. Aiden Galloway

{Levitica's ears perk up and she removes her glasses before looking to calling out in return.}

Ah, Dr. Galloway, it is indeed a very pleasant morning. Yes I have a great deal of time, if time is in fact something you might desire.

Is there something I can assist you with?

[sdn-research-and-development]

Director Barrett is insisting we get our yearly Mental Health Assessments done sooner rather than later, especially with what’s been happening lately.

And I….

Dr. Galloway hesitates a bit.

I will admit that I haven’t been sleeping well lately. The Red Ring situation is hitting a bit too close to home for comfort.

[sdn-therapy]

I see. Well then, by all means, do come in.

There are a few things I feel it appropriate to share with my clients before we being. My powers can make it difficult, though not impossible, to preform acts of aggression or engage in deception while withing my presence. I know that this is distasteful to some so do let me know if you are uncomfortable with continuing.

[sdn-research-and-development]

Good to know. I actually believe most of my colleagues would prefer that kind of buffer when it comes to a therapist. Many of us suffer from some form of PTSD or CPTSD and, coupling that with the more… volatile powers that many of us have, it would be a great comfort that we wouldn’t accidentally hurt someone in the resulting episode.

I suppose that’s why I volunteered to go first, despite the…. challenges of my own powers. Director Barrett wasn’t a good choice given her eldritch nature being a hard counter to mental manipulation. Surprisingly, for a mimetically hazardous entity, she is probably the most stable of us.

Would you mind if I briefed the other scientists of R&D about your powers? Many of them would appreciate the forewarning.

[sdn-therapy]

You are entirely welcome to share this information with your colleagues if you believe it would put their minds at ease.

{She gestured them to a glowing spear leaning against her chair.}

I would also advise them about the spear as well. It is not of my own power but it will attack should any attempt any manner of physical assault against me. So it is equally wise to for others to know of this.

But do feel free to take a seat, if you are so inclined.

[sdn-research-and-development]

Thank you, and I will absolutely pass along the warning about the spear, even though most of us are rather disinclined towards violence.

I suppose, I should start from the beginning then?

(Aiden takes a seat, still looking a bit nervous)

I’ve been having nightmares about the incident that gave me my powers, and what I did to survive the aftermath. That time is not…

(Aiden takes a breath and blows it out slowly)

It’s not something I enjoy remembering.

[sdn-therapy]

{Levitica pulled out a pen and a note pad before scribbling something down as he spoke.}

I see. I am terribly sorry to hear this Dr. Galloway.

Apologies if you would rather not broach this topic at this time, but may I ask for details of these dreams? I am aware that speaking on past traumas might open old wounds in even the hardest of souls. So if this is not something you are willing to speak on, we can naturally change the topic.

It is entirely up to your own digression.

[sdn-research-and-development]

(Aiden takes a shaky breath, but gathers up his courage anyway)

The dream always starts the same way. I am in my lab, and my lab partner is supposedly working somewhere close by. My back is to him, and I'm focused on a microscope in front of me. I trust him, because we've worked together for years. I've always thought he was a bit intense, but he's never given me a reason not to put my back to him.

I don't see him coming, but I feel the needle when it hits my neck.

I wake up in one of the control rooms, feeling like my body is trying to tear itself apart. I look down, and see that oh, it actually IS tearing itself apart, because my scales are ripping through my skin. It's an uncontrollable change, and I am right in the middle of every good scientist's worst nightmare.

Then my 'colleague's voice comes on over the speakers. I can't understand what he's saying, but it makes me angry. I blink, and suddenly I'm through the observation window, and my claws are in his throat. Then, I blink again, and I'm out into the jungle and I can taste blood.

And then I hear the roar in the background, too deep and too resonant to be anything even close to modern nature, and I hear the klaxon alarms. My ex-colleague has kicked off a system-wide meltdown, and all of the dinosaurs are loose.

That's about the time I wake up in a blind panic.

[sdn-therapy]

{Levitica eyes them with concern, noting their heavy breathing but not yet putting their pen and note pad down just yet.}

Your own colleague betrayed you? I can understand why you would have nightmares then. That sounds truly terrible.

But it is good that you chose to seek professional help. It might surprise you how much speaking about these things truly can help people.

Now, if I may ask, did you ever see this colleague again? Were you ever able to receive answers for why he would do such a thing? While knowing why might not fix what befell you, on occasion knowing and understanding can provide small level of closure for some.

[sdn-research-and-development]

That particular colleague? No, I never saw him alive again. He died that day at my hands, and when it came up in investigation, I was cleared of murder on the grounds of self-defense and unwillingly altered mental state.

(Aiden lets his head fall into his hands as he tries to think it over and keep his heartrate down.)

I was... not entirely cognizant for a good portion of the following four years. I was so deep in survival mode on an island full of twitchy apex megafauna that I was more concerned with keeping myself alive than trying to figure out methods of escape.

I wasn't present at the trial of his employers, and a lot of the investigation was kept under wraps, but the answers I managed to get out of the Peruvian government in the aftermath of my rescue and rehabilitation were enough to haunt me to this day. At the time, I did not want to know more, and the therapists and psychologists that were treating me at the time determined that going into detail might set my progress back significantly. I was determined to be unfit as an eyewitness, given how far my mental state had eroded after four years on the island, but they managed to recover the video and audio tapes of the incident.

(He looks up and meets Levitica's eyes with a grimace)

I still have my personal files from the project we were working on. It was my life's work after all, and I couldn't delete them. But I found out later that there are several notes and comments that were hidden within the coding and added to the physical files in invisible ink. His notes, reports, experiment logs, with all of the details of what he ultimately did to me and why he did it.

I've got them locked in my safe at home to this day, and I think I'm afraid to open them.

Afraid to acknowledge that I was nothing more than a glorified science experiment to that bastard.

[sdn-research-and-development]

Good Morning everyone and Happy March!

I would be remiss if I did not mention that St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner. The annual Chocolate Coin Hunt has officially begun. I would like to remind everyone that conscious power usage is banned in the name of fairness. Remember, if you can find the most coins before the end of the month, and present them to my office for verification, you will win the rest of the pot!

I would also like to remind everyone that alcohol is banned on premise during work hours. While we do not mind what you get up to on your down time, we should all keep in mind that SDN does require a certain level of PR while on the job, and that our actions reflect upon the company.

On that note, Corned Beef and Cabbage is also banned on premise. We do not want to blow up another break-room microwave. Please keep your leftovers at home. No one wants a repeat of the Fish Incident of '22.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind all personnel that our mandatory Mental Health Evaluations are due at the end of this month. SDN has multiple therapists on-site or covered under our offered insurance provider, so please be sure to double check their accepted insurance lists. Once you have completed your mandatory checks and tests, please report to your supervisor with the paperwork and we will have it filed shortly. I, personally, have received good endorsements from my own team towards Dr. Levitica Amato @sdn-therapy. I sincerely urge anyone that is struggling to reach out, as our hands are always outstretched to catch you when you stumble. Remember, we here at SDN care about our employees and their continued mental and emotional stability.

A hearty congratulations to our own resident Tech Specialist Ruby Pardini, and her counterpart Terry Johnson @sdn-techsupport for their combined efforts in bringing the SDN Torrence Office out of the 70's and into the 21st century. The system update was completed as of 11:00 pm PST Feburary 27th, and any bugs or glitches encountered should be forwarded to one or the other for correction. I would recommend Ruby for now, as Terry is currently sleeping off the tech hangover. I understand that it will be a bit of a learning curve for those who are used to the old operating system, but with cooperation and a steady review of the new protocols we should be able to smooth this over with minimal issues and frustration.

In other news, I would like to announce that the Angeles National Forest has begun offering unicorn hunting tags for any population control and hobbyist hunters that are interested. The herd has gotten out of control lately, and it has become increasingly dangerous for tourists to travel through the park. Anyone who is interested should drop by my office after shift end to pick up a pamphlet on the laws and ethics of controlled hunting and another on the laws and ethics of Power Hunting.

Have a happy March, and don't forget to wear green on the 17th!

Director Helena Barrett

[sdn-therapy]

I am more than flattered to be regarded so highly.

Though I must state that the encouragement of the hunting of my kin is deeply distasteful. As is the celebration of the "saint" that sought the eradication of the pagan folk in Ireland.

I am of course aware that my feelings on the matter are irrelevant, I must simply let it be known that I shall be abstaining in the holiday festivities.

[sdn-research-and-development]

Normally, I would not be advocating for this either Dr. Amato, but we have already tested this herd for both sentience and sapience and nearly lost a team of scientists and a ranger patrol in the process. They are NOT anywhere close to intelligent, and, in fact, they are significantly different from your kin. We have been in contact with other herds and outside researchers about the issue, and even they were horrified about the results.

Expanding upon that, these are absolutely not natural or supernatural in any way. They are a horrifying, hybridized, lab-created species that was released back by a mad scientist in '05 during his arrest. They are a mix of the Mohave Desert Unicorn, which is known as a blood drinker, and the highly aggressive Southern Rocky Mountain Unicorn, which regularly competes with moose and bears for food and territory. They are essentially brain-dead by your species' standards, and yes, we did get a conformation of that status from a Lady Alethia over in Scotland.

Normally, the section of forest they were released into is coordained off to protect the unicorns, locals, and tourists, but recently they broke containment and attacked several public campsites. Several people were hospitalized, some with critical injuries, and we're lucky no one has died.

We can't move them somewhere else, because they'll outcompete and drive out the local herds within a year like they did here. We've tried systematic sterilization of the stallions, but they're just smart enough to avoid the tracking patrols. This is the very last resort since they've shown an active interest in hunting humanoids, and we cannot allow them to get a taste for human blood or used to human interaction.

[sdn-therapy]

I see, yes, I do suppose this changes things. It was admirable that there was at all an attempt to relocate the hybrid unicorns but it is undeniable that such a crossbreed would have no place in this habitat.

Thank you for explaining it. It does heart my heart but I shall speak no more on this matter. I will simply light a candle for them and keep them in my prays instead.

This does not, however, change my stance on the "holy" Saint Patric. I spit on that man and the wretched traditions left in his wake.

[sdn-research-and-development]

Oh, I agree with you 100% on the subject of Patrick. He was a bastard in life, and was directly responsible for the total death of one of my kids through the annihilation of her Druidic following. So instead I spend the day making a mockery of everything he ever left behind.

Here’s to being relics of the old world, may we outlive the bastards that tried to kill us.

[sdn-therapy]

You and yours were among the Druids of old Ireland? This it is an honor to know you, Madam Director.

On the eve of wretches demise, let us drink deep and dance beneath the night skies. The moon shall still be new, so I will bring the candles and incense. We shall trust the stars to be our guides and allow the merriment of the old gods to keep us warm.

[sdn-research-and-development]

My daughter of that time was far more familiar with them than I was, but I still enjoyed their company whenever I visited. I have seen many a civilization rise and fall, but I always pay a bit more attention to the ones that my children favor.

A drink to the first, and a drink to the last, to the bonds that never shall shatter. A drink to the fang, a drink to the claw, to our friends wherever they scatter. A drink to the fire, and one to the rain, and one to the sea and it's foam. A drink to our friends, wherever they wander, and another to welcome them home.

[sdn-research-and-development]

Good Morning everyone and Happy March!

I would be remiss if I did not mention that St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner. The annual Chocolate Coin Hunt has officially begun. I would like to remind everyone that conscious power usage is banned in the name of fairness. Remember, if you can find the most coins before the end of the month, and present them to my office for verification, you will win the rest of the pot!

I would also like to remind everyone that alcohol is banned on premise during work hours. While we do not mind what you get up to on your down time, we should all keep in mind that SDN does require a certain level of PR while on the job, and that our actions reflect upon the company.

On that note, Corned Beef and Cabbage is also banned on premise. We do not want to blow up another break-room microwave. Please keep your leftovers at home. No one wants a repeat of the Fish Incident of '22.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind all personnel that our mandatory Mental Health Evaluations are due at the end of this month. SDN has multiple therapists on-site or covered under our offered insurance provider, so please be sure to double check their accepted insurance lists. Once you have completed your mandatory checks and tests, please report to your supervisor with the paperwork and we will have it filed shortly. I, personally, have received good endorsements from my own team towards Dr. Levitica Amato @sdn-therapy. I sincerely urge anyone that is struggling to reach out, as our hands are always outstretched to catch you when you stumble. Remember, we here at SDN care about our employees and their continued mental and emotional stability.

A hearty congratulations to our own resident Tech Specialist Ruby Pardini, and her counterpart Terry Johnson @sdn-techsupport for their combined efforts in bringing the SDN Torrence Office out of the 70's and into the 21st century. The system update was completed as of 11:00 pm PST Feburary 27th, and any bugs or glitches encountered should be forwarded to one or the other for correction. I would recommend Ruby for now, as Terry is currently sleeping off the tech hangover. I understand that it will be a bit of a learning curve for those who are used to the old operating system, but with cooperation and a steady review of the new protocols we should be able to smooth this over with minimal issues and frustration.

In other news, I would like to announce that the Angeles National Forest has begun offering unicorn hunting tags for any population control and hobbyist hunters that are interested. The herd has gotten out of control lately, and it has become increasingly dangerous for tourists to travel through the park. Anyone who is interested should drop by my office after shift end to pick up a pamphlet on the laws and ethics of controlled hunting and another on the laws and ethics of Power Hunting.

Have a happy March, and don't forget to wear green on the 17th!

Director Helena Barrett

[sdn-therapy]

I am more than flattered to be regarded so highly.

Though I must state that the encouragement of the hunting of my kin is deeply distasteful. As is the celebration of the "saint" that sought the eradication of the pagan folk in Ireland.

I am of course aware that my feelings on the matter are irrelevant, I must simply let it be known that I shall be abstaining in the holiday festivities.

[sdn-research-and-development]

Normally, I would not be advocating for this either Dr. Amato, but we have already tested this herd for both sentience and sapience and nearly lost a team of scientists and a ranger patrol in the process. They are NOT anywhere close to intelligent, and, in fact, they are significantly different from your kin. We have been in contact with other herds and outside researchers about the issue, and even they were horrified about the results.

Expanding upon that, these are absolutely not natural or supernatural in any way. They are a horrifying, hybridized, lab-created species that was released back by a mad scientist in '05 during his arrest. They are a mix of the Mohave Desert Unicorn, which is known as a blood drinker, and the highly aggressive Southern Rocky Mountain Unicorn, which regularly competes with moose and bears for food and territory. They are essentially brain-dead by your species' standards, and yes, we did get a conformation of that status from a Lady Alethia over in Scotland.

Normally, the section of forest they were released into is coordained off to protect the unicorns, locals, and tourists, but recently they broke containment and attacked several public campsites. Several people were hospitalized, some with critical injuries, and we're lucky no one has died.

We can't move them somewhere else, because they'll outcompete and drive out the local herds within a year like they did here. We've tried systematic sterilization of the stallions, but they're just smart enough to avoid the tracking patrols. This is the very last resort since they've shown an active interest in hunting humanoids, and we cannot allow them to get a taste for human blood or used to human interaction.

[sdn-therapy]

I see, yes, I do suppose this changes things. It was admirable that there was at all an attempt to relocate the hybrid unicorns but it is undeniable that such a crossbreed would have no place in this habitat.

Thank you for explaining it. It does heart my heart but I shall speak no more on this matter. I will simply light a candle for them and keep them in my prays instead.

This does not, however, change my stance on the "holy" Saint Patric. I spit on that man and the wretched traditions left in his wake.

[sdn-research-and-development]

Oh, I agree with you 100% on the subject of Patrick. He was a bastard in life, and was directly responsible for the total death of one of my kids through the annihilation of her Druidic following. So instead I spend the day making a mockery of everything he ever left behind.

Here’s to being relics of the old world, may we outlive the bastards that tried to kill us.

[sdn-therapy]

( @sdn-research-and-development )

Takes a deep breath in and lets it out slowly.

I can't believe I'm actually about to do this.

Dr. Galloway raps on the door.

Good morning Dr. Amato, do you have a minute?

-Dr. Aiden Galloway

{Levitica's ears perk up and she removes her glasses before looking to calling out in return.}

Ah, Dr. Galloway, it is indeed a very pleasant morning. Yes I have a great deal of time, if time is in fact something you might desire.

Is there something I can assist you with?

[sdn-research-and-development]

Director Barrett is insisting we get our yearly Mental Health Assessments done sooner rather than later, especially with what’s been happening lately.

And I….

Dr. Galloway hesitates a bit.

I will admit that I haven’t been sleeping well lately. The Red Ring situation is hitting a bit too close to home for comfort.

[sdn-therapy]

I see. Well then, by all means, do come in.

There are a few things I feel it appropriate to share with my clients before we being. My powers can make it difficult, though not impossible, to preform acts of aggression or engage in deception while withing my presence. I know that this is distasteful to some so do let me know if you are uncomfortable with continuing.

[sdn-research-and-development]

Good to know. I actually believe most of my colleagues would prefer that kind of buffer when it comes to a therapist. Many of us suffer from some form of PTSD or CPTSD and, coupling that with the more… volatile powers that many of us have, it would be a great comfort that we wouldn’t accidentally hurt someone in the resulting episode.

I suppose that’s why I volunteered to go first, despite the…. challenges of my own powers. Director Barrett wasn’t a good choice given her eldritch nature being a hard counter to mental manipulation. Surprisingly, for a mimetically hazardous entity, she is probably the most stable of us.

Would you mind if I briefed the other scientists of R&D about your powers? Many of them would appreciate the forewarning.

[sdn-therapy]

You are entirely welcome to share this information with your colleagues if you believe it would put their minds at ease.

{She gestured them to a glowing spear leaning against her chair.}

I would also advise them about the spear as well. It is not of my own power but it will attack should any attempt any manner of physical assault against me. So it is equally wise to for others to know of this.

But do feel free to take a seat, if you are so inclined.

[sdn-research-and-development]

Thank you, and I will absolutely pass along the warning about the spear, even though most of us are rather disinclined towards violence.

I suppose, I should start from the beginning then?

(Aiden takes a seat, still looking a bit nervous)

I’ve been having nightmares about the incident that gave me my powers, and what I did to survive the aftermath. That time is not…

(Aiden takes a breath and blows it out slowly)

It’s not something I enjoy remembering.

[sdn-therapy]

{Levitica pulled out a pen and a note pad before scribbling something down as he spoke.}

I see. I am terribly sorry to hear this Dr. Galloway.

Apologies if you would rather not broach this topic at this time, but may I ask for details of these dreams? I am aware that speaking on past traumas might open old wounds in even the hardest of souls. So if this is not something you are willing to speak on, we can naturally change the topic.

It is entirely up to your own digression.

[sdn-research-and-development]

(Aiden takes a shaky breath, but gathers up his courage anyway)

The dream always starts the same way. I am in my lab, and my lab partner is supposedly working somewhere close by. My back is to him, and I'm focused on a microscope in front of me. I trust him, because we've worked together for years. I've always thought he was a bit intense, but he's never given me a reason not to put my back to him.

I don't see him coming, but I feel the needle when it hits my neck.

I wake up in one of the control rooms, feeling like my body is trying to tear itself apart. I look down, and see that oh, it actually IS tearing itself apart, because my scales are ripping through my skin. It's an uncontrollable change, and I am right in the middle of every good scientist's worst nightmare.

Then my 'colleague's voice comes on over the speakers. I can't understand what he's saying, but it makes me angry. I blink, and suddenly I'm through the observation window, and my claws are in his throat. Then, I blink again, and I'm out into the jungle and I can taste blood.

And then I hear the roar in the background, too deep and too resonant to be anything even close to modern nature, and I hear the klaxon alarms. My ex-colleague has kicked off a system-wide meltdown, and all of the dinosaurs are loose.

That's about the time I wake up in a blind panic.

[sdn-research-and-development]

Good Morning everyone and Happy March!

I would be remiss if I did not mention that St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner. The annual Chocolate Coin Hunt has officially begun. I would like to remind everyone that conscious power usage is banned in the name of fairness. Remember, if you can find the most coins before the end of the month, and present them to my office for verification, you will win the rest of the pot!

I would also like to remind everyone that alcohol is banned on premise during work hours. While we do not mind what you get up to on your down time, we should all keep in mind that SDN does require a certain level of PR while on the job, and that our actions reflect upon the company.

On that note, Corned Beef and Cabbage is also banned on premise. We do not want to blow up another break-room microwave. Please keep your leftovers at home. No one wants a repeat of the Fish Incident of '22.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind all personnel that our mandatory Mental Health Evaluations are due at the end of this month. SDN has multiple therapists on-site or covered under our offered insurance provider, so please be sure to double check their accepted insurance lists. Once you have completed your mandatory checks and tests, please report to your supervisor with the paperwork and we will have it filed shortly. I, personally, have received good endorsements from my own team towards Dr. Levitica Amato @sdn-therapy. I sincerely urge anyone that is struggling to reach out, as our hands are always outstretched to catch you when you stumble. Remember, we here at SDN care about our employees and their continued mental and emotional stability.

A hearty congratulations to our own resident Tech Specialist Ruby Pardini, and her counterpart Terry Johnson @sdn-techsupport for their combined efforts in bringing the SDN Torrence Office out of the 70's and into the 21st century. The system update was completed as of 11:00 pm PST Feburary 27th, and any bugs or glitches encountered should be forwarded to one or the other for correction. I would recommend Ruby for now, as Terry is currently sleeping off the tech hangover. I understand that it will be a bit of a learning curve for those who are used to the old operating system, but with cooperation and a steady review of the new protocols we should be able to smooth this over with minimal issues and frustration.

In other news, I would like to announce that the Angeles National Forest has begun offering unicorn hunting tags for any population control and hobbyist hunters that are interested. The herd has gotten out of control lately, and it has become increasingly dangerous for tourists to travel through the park. Anyone who is interested should drop by my office after shift end to pick up a pamphlet on the laws and ethics of controlled hunting and another on the laws and ethics of Power Hunting.

Have a happy March, and don't forget to wear green on the 17th!

Director Helena Barrett

[sdn-therapy]

I am more than flattered to be regarded so highly.

Though I must state that the encouragement of the hunting of my kin is deeply distasteful. As is the celebration of the "saint" that sought the eradication of the pagan folk in Ireland.

I am of course aware that my feelings on the matter are irrelevant, I must simply let it be known that I shall be abstaining in the holiday festivities.

[sdn-research-and-development]

Normally, I would not be advocating for this either Dr. Amato, but we have already tested this herd for both sentience and sapience and nearly lost a team of scientists and a ranger patrol in the process. They are NOT anywhere close to intelligent, and, in fact, they are significantly different from your kin. We have been in contact with other herds and outside researchers about the issue, and even they were horrified about the results.

Expanding upon that, these are absolutely not natural or supernatural in any way. They are a horrifying, hybridized, lab-created species that was released back by a mad scientist in '05 during his arrest. They are a mix of the Mohave Desert Unicorn, which is known as a blood drinker, and the highly aggressive Southern Rocky Mountain Unicorn, which regularly competes with moose and bears for food and territory. They are essentially brain-dead by your species' standards, and yes, we did get a conformation of that status from a Lady Alethia over in Scotland.

Normally, the section of forest they were released into is coordained off to protect the unicorns, locals, and tourists, but recently they broke containment and attacked several public campsites. Several people were hospitalized, some with critical injuries, and we're lucky no one has died.

We can't move them somewhere else, because they'll outcompete and drive out the local herds within a year like they did here. We've tried systematic sterilization of the stallions, but they're just smart enough to avoid the tracking patrols. This is the very last resort since they've shown an active interest in hunting humanoids, and we cannot allow them to get a taste for human blood or used to human interaction.

[sdn-lupersonic]

There is a short klaxon alarm, and an unopened bottle of good whiskey is lowered from the ceiling on a thin steel cable.

Dr. Fredrickson's head peeks out over the open ceiling pannel.

Shhhhh. Be very quiet, I'm going Lupersonic fishing!

( @sdn-research-and-development )

There is a sudden flash of movement behind Dr. Fredrickson. The space in the ceiling behind them becomes noticeably more grey and fluffy.

Nice try but the first rule of hiding is to never hide where people are looking

LUPE JUMPSCARE

The two of them are propelled into the sea of plastic balls

[sdn-research-and-development]

There is a cat yowl from in the balls, and Dr. Jonathan's head pops out a bit later as he hisses and laughs

Okay, I'll admit it. You got me good there Lupe.

BTW, why is Maho out for blood right now?

[sdn-lupersonic]

Lupersonic emerges from the ocean of plastic, whisky in hand

No idea but she will encounter me soon enough

Cheers for the whisky though

In a flash, Lupersonic disappears into the office-wide ball pit

[sdn-research-and-development]

Enjoy it while you can dude, she seems persistent!

Dr. Fredrickson ducks back into the balls, ready to go back to work and likely nap in one of the blast rooms which were thankfully spared from the ball rampage.

[sdn-lupersonic]

There is a short klaxon alarm, and an unopened bottle of good whiskey is lowered from the ceiling on a thin steel cable.

Dr. Fredrickson's head peeks out over the open ceiling pannel.

Shhhhh. Be very quiet, I'm going Lupersonic fishing!

( @sdn-research-and-development )

There is a sudden flash of movement behind Dr. Fredrickson. The space in the ceiling behind them becomes noticeably more grey and fluffy.

Nice try but the first rule of hiding is to never hide where people are looking

LUPE JUMPSCARE

The two of them are propelled into the sea of plastic balls

[sdn-research-and-development]

There is a cat yowl from in the balls, and Dr. Jonathan's head pops out a bit later as he hisses and laughs

Okay, I'll admit it. You got me good there Lupe.

BTW, why is Maho out for blood right now?

[sdn-research-and-development]

Any ideas how to find Lupe? He is… hiding, and I said I’d find him and I wanna speed this up.

@maho-from-torrents

Depends.

How much money are you willing to spend on good Scotch Whiskey?

Dr. Nicolas Renaldi

[sdn-research-and-development]

I think Jake built something that violates national law again... who gave him caffeine?

@dragonheroatsdn

Don't look at us. Our coffee has enough caffeine in a single cup to give a water buffalo a heart attack.

It is the strongest legally available on the market, and Helena keeps it under lock and key in her office to prevent shit like this from happening. We all have our designated mugs, and she keeps meticulous track of how many cups each of us has over the course of a day after the Wormhole Incident.

Dr. Jonathan Fredrickson

[dragonheroatsdn]

Okay then... still need to figure out who gave it to him... any ideas?

[sdn-research-and-development]

You could always check the security cameras. I have it on good authority that Ruby can be bribed with chocolate-chip cookies and Redbull.

Though, I don't know how well that's going to work, seeing as @sdn-lupersonic filled the entire office with ball-pit balls this morning and we didn't catch him on camera.

[sdn-research-and-development]

I think Jake built something that violates national law again... who gave him caffeine?

@dragonheroatsdn

Don't look at us. Our coffee has enough caffeine in a single cup to give a water buffalo a heart attack.

It is the strongest legally available on the market, and Helena keeps it under lock and key in her office to prevent shit like this from happening. We all have our designated mugs, and she keeps meticulous track of how many cups each of us has over the course of a day after the Wormhole Incident.

Dr. Jonathan Fredrickson

[sdn-research-and-development]

@sdn-lupersonic

Do I wanna know why all of R&D looks like the Dashcon ballpit?

I'm not mad, I'm actually kind of impressed you managed to do it without tripping the security systems.

Director Helena Barrett

[sdn-lupersonic]

SDN was too rectangular so I added spheres

[sdn-research-and-development]

You know what, looking at the moon-phase calendar, I will accept this answer, and I agree. There were entirely too many straight edges and corners in the office. But please, refrain from jump scaring my scientists? A lot of them have twitchy trigger fingers and hate surprises.

[sdn-lupersonic]

I shall avoid jumpscaring the R&D department

Really fun to move around in ball pit balls by the way

Like swimming but solid

[sdn-research-and-development]

Oh, most of us are already having fun. I think you managed to trip the crocodile-based bit of Dr. Galloway's lizard hindbrain. He's certainly proving to be the best at moving through them so far.

Although Ruby has informed me that she better not find a single ball in the Server Room, or she will be coming over to throw hands.

[sdn-research-and-development]

@sdn-lupersonic

Do I wanna know why all of R&D looks like the Dashcon ballpit?

I'm not mad, I'm actually kind of impressed you managed to do it without tripping the security systems.

Director Helena Barrett

[sdn-lupersonic]

SDN was too rectangular so I added spheres

[sdn-research-and-development]

You know what, looking at the moon-phase calendar, I will accept this answer, and I agree. There were entirely too many straight edges and corners in the office. But please, refrain from jump scaring my scientists? A lot of them have twitchy trigger fingers and hate surprises.