PONID-21 Day 7 · 11:02pm Apr 21st, 2020
—private-message—
Lisa 1/12/2021 1:10 AM
You were coughing last night.
Karen 1/12/2021 1:13 AM
I thought I did better at hiding it.
Lisa 1/12/2021 1:19 AM
You caught it? What we have, I mean.
Karen 1/12/2021 1:21 AM
Maybe.
Lisa 1/12/2021 1:26 AM
I'm always free to hug.
Karen 1/12/2021 1:28 AM
You're doing that a lot, and people who I wouldn't normally ping as huggers are hugging back, too.
Lisa 1/12/2021 1:34 AM
Well, if it's another mental symptom, I'm okay with it.
What happened to Devon?
Karen 1/12/2021 1:35 AM
I can't say.
Patient-doctor thing.
Lisa 1/12/2021 1:38 AM
Got it. He's going to need a lot of hugs though, isn't he?
Karen 1/12/2021 1:40 AM
Yeah. Yeah he will. I can't say more.
Good night, Lisa.
Lisa 1/12/2021 1:43 AM
Night.
Lisa 1/12/2021 7:21 AM
You deflected last night. If you need a hug, my door's open.
Karen 1/12/2021 7:23 AM
Do you ever sleep?
Yes I deflected. It was late and I didn't feel like thinking about it.
How are you today?
Lisa 1/12/2021 7:41 AM
Let's see. I have gray, fuzzy ears on top of my head, more of the same fuzz all over my belly and chest. My breasts have shrunk and are visibly moving down my body (they're just north of my belly button now, tracing the milk line), everything between my legs is getting stranger (and after yesterday, I'm not talking to a doctor about that), I have a tail… Oh, right, and I have actual wings growing on my back.
Karen 1/12/2021 7:43 AM
That's quite the list. My right eye has changed color and is bigger now.
Lisa 1/12/2021 7:48 AM
Oh, and my right hand is now an actual hoof. That's why I'm so slow on this keyboard.
Karen 1/12/2021 7:49 AM
Right. It's easy to get distracted by my own problem and forget to see yours. You want to have breakfast and chat?
Lisa 1/12/2021 7:51 AM
OMW now.
*News reporter sitting behind desk*
"An anonymous source has leaked information about the promising anti-coronavirus treatment currently going through its second-stage human trial. While the animal testing and first stage trial went flawlessly, apparently things are not going so great this time. We warn that the following footage may not be suitable for all viewers."
*A bad quality image in poor lighting showing a malformed hand*
"As you can see by the pictures, the tests are not looking hopeful."
*Another image, this time showing a leg bending at odd angles, again shot with poor quality*
"Our source claims patients are being kept in inhuman conditions and are not being given access to the outside world."
*Cut back to reporter sitting behind her desk*
"We have, of course, passed all this information over to the police, and I expect we'll have more to report on shortly. I'm Barbera Caruso, and this has been a EEN news presentation."
#general
Lisa 1/12/2021 8:03 AM
You all seen the news?
Bob 1/12/2021 8:03 AM
Yeah
Mike 1/12/2021 8:06 AM
Yup
Penny 1/12/2021 8:06 AM
No duh, but it wasn't any of us.
Karen 1/12/2021 8:07 AM
You have proof of that?
Penny 1/12/2021 8:08 AM
Yes and no.
No) We're all using smart phones that can chat online and take high-res photos.
Yes) Okay, I lied, I don't have proof.
Lisa 1/12/2021 8:09 AM
That's right!
Karen 1/12/2021 8:10 AM
I'll pass this on to Dr. Howards.
Mike 1/12/2021 8:12 AM
Lisa says that if anyone has info on this, to pass it on to her, Penny, or Karen.
Apparently I just signed up as her secretary.
#day-7
Devon 1/12/2021 8:16 AM
I have wings! Not just those little finger-things, I have two, fucking wings! Feathers! It's awesome!
Oh, right, I also have two blue fuzzy ears on top of my head, the most awesome tail ever, and I freaking love this so much! Did you know you can use your wings to type with? My feathers are so amazing! Also, I'm a girl now for some reason.
Penny 1/12/2021 8:17 AM
No way, you're a girl?
#general
Penny 1/12/2021 8:17 AM
Shit, didn't mean to ask that in #day-7. @devon!!! You're a girl? What happened?
Devon 1/12/2021 8:21 AM
Kinda started yesterday. It… It seemed like a big deal, but after last night and the awesome dreams I had, it seems a lot less important, ya know?
Penny 1/12/2021 8:22 AM
So you have boobs and everything now?
Devon 1/12/2021 8:26 AM
Nope. Well, not on my chest. They're kinda small and between my legs, but yeah. I guess I have boobs.
—private-message—
Lisa 1/12/2021 8:31 AM
In general chat. That's what you couldn't talk about? He sounds super cool with it.
Karen 1/12/2021 8:33 AM
Yesterday he wasn't. Did you have any strange dreams?
Lisa 1/12/2021 8:38 AM
You think this has something to do with them?
My dreams were… I was flying, but I had a duty. I had to protect somepony, look after somepony else, and I… It was an odd dream.
Karen 1/12/2021 8:41 AM
I'd be amazed if the mental aspects of this started and ended with hugging, is what I'm saying. These dreams seem focused. Do they make sense to you as a person?
Lisa 1/12/2021 8:44 AM
Not really. I lived alone.
Karen 1/12/2021 8:45 AM
And you feel all this bonding with others and duty to protect them. The hugging, too?
Lisa 1/12/2021 8:49 AM
I'm still me. I kinda like being a bit more than I was.
Do you know what time the medical exams are going to be today?
Karen 1/12/2021 8:50 AM
Give me a few minutes to ask.
To: Dr. Peter Howards
Subject: Today's examsI'm talking to Lisa Trent and she's asking when you wanted to start exams today? Also, there's significant changes in several of them. Devon claims to have functional and feathered wings and almost all of them have lost a lot of hand flexibility.
That said, I would ask to be present for Devon's exam today.
—Doctor Simpson
To: Dr. Karen Simpson
Subject: Today's examsAs always, Karen, thank you for the heads up. Having you present for Devon's exam would be preferred. Is there a chance you could let the others know that your presence can be requested for them, too?
With some retooling of our exam process, we'll be ready to start at 9:30 sharp.
—Doctor Howards
—private-message—
Karen 1/12/2021 9:12 AM
Dr. Howards said about twenty minutes from now.
#general
Karen 1/12/2021 9:13 AM
If any of you want to have me sit in on your exams, please let me know. After a situation yesterday, we don't want to have anyone feel uncomfortable for these tests.
To: Dr. Peter Howards
Subject: NewscastI spoke with everyone about the possible leaker. Penny brought up a good point. Those pictures were grainy and in bad lighting. You've seen all the shots your patients are submitting, there's no way they took them with their phones.
—Doctor Simpson
To: Dr. Karen Simpson
Subject: NewscastI already suspected one of my staff after that anonymous message a few days ago. You know the test group best, are there any dependable techy types among them?
—Doctor Howards
—group-private-message—
Karen 1/12/2021 9:25 AM
Lisa, Penny, do either of you know of anyone who's good with computers?
Penny 1/12/2021 9:27 AM
I've been known to set a few microwave clocks in my time. How serious are you talking?
Lisa 1/12/2021 9:32 AM
What's up?
I'm just going into my morning exam.
Karen 1/12/2021 9:34 AM
Dr. Howards thinks Penny's right. He doesn't trust his own IT staff to look at things in case one of them's the one leaking it.
Penny 1/12/2021 9:36 AM
Lisa hasn't got the fingers to do the work and I don't have the brain. Do you have a blender spare, doc?
Karen 1/12/2021 9:37 AM
I'll wait to see what Lisa thinks.
Lisa 1/12/2021 9:55 AM
Penny knows enough to help me, for sure. Where can I meet up with the doctor so we can all talk about this?
Karen 1/12/2021 9:59 AM
If you two want to meet up and come to my office. Penny knows the way.
Penny 1/12/2021 10:00 AM
Ha! We'll see you there.
To: Dr. Peter Howards
Subject: NewscastLisa and Penny are going to help. Lisa's got the know-how, she says, and Penny has the fingers.
—Doctor Simpson
To: Dr. Karen Simpson
Subject: Today's examsPerfect. Bring them to exam room 3.
—Doctor Howards
Subject: Day 7 morning exam results
1/12/21
11:41 A.M.
Subject: 113822412021Michael Cooper has shown a new anomaly today, along with several others. He has grown a single horn from the upper-middle of his forehead. It seems to be conical and slightly spiraled, and near as we can understand it might have some kind of metal deposited in it, it makes a compass needle go wild.
He, along with several other patients, is showing signs that his sexual organ are flipping to their opposites. A small pair of breasts formed early morning, according to him, and have been slowly migrating down his milk-line toward his groin. His scrotum has pinched in and his testes pulled up, and his penis is shrinking noticeably.
For all our male patients that are experiencing this, we have offered to take sperm samples, but many have complained they are unable to ejaculate in their present state. The few who have have had their wishes honored.
—Doctor Howards
—group-private-message—
Karen 1/12/2021 11:49 AM
Thank you both. Dr. Howards is sorting through the information now and will weigh his options.
Penny 1/12/2021 11:50 AM
Figured. It's not like he can just kick out the ones leaking the info or they'll just leak more.
Lisa 1/12/2021 11:54 AM
That trap should work just as I explained it. He'll get a direct mail the moment someone tries to access that computer and upload images.
Karen 1/12/2021 11:56 AM
I don't doubt it. Should I ask how you learned all this?
Lisa 1/12/2021 12:02 PM
I do it for fun. Well, did it for fun. And money. Nothing illegal.
Penny 1/12/2021 12:03 PM
It was something else. I've seen malware before but that was mostly from the point of view of someone trying to remove it.
Lisa 1/12/2021 12:08 PM
Shh. Don't tell everyone or they'll all want one.
#general
Lisa 1/12/2021 12:10 PM
Going to lunch in the usual place. Hugs and good conversation are welcome.
Subject: Day 7 afternoon exam results
1/12/21
3:19 P.M.
Subject: 113823102021Robert Cowell is now eight feet and four inches tall as of the start of the exam, and eight feet and five inches as of the end of it. He has grown an impressive set of leathery wings from his back that defy any ability for what clothing fits him to restrain. I am lost as to how to classify his changes from here on out—he's no longer human. We tried to draw blood and broke three needles. Saliva from his mouth was measurably hot (143F), and melted the glass beaker we'd gathered it in.
I have no more words for how to test him, and have asked him to continue exams only to measure his size. What have we done?
—Doctor Howards
To: Dr. Peter Howards
Subject: Automated Message AlertHey, I got more pictures. You've gotta get me out of here. Shut this fucking place down or something. I don't want to end up like them.
*attached photos*
————————
Images adjusted to look fake: 🆗
Staff ID: 545732
Terminal: #3—DarkStockBot
To: Lisa Trent
Subject: AssistanceThank you for this. It's only been a few hours and the trigger has already fired. If I or my team can do anything more than we are already, please don't hesitate to ask.
—Doctor Howards
To: Dr. Peter Howards
Subject: AssistanceDon't sweat it. Honestly, if you could let some of us work in the kitchen it'd really help moral. I know you mostly have those ration packs and you have lackeys putting them together, but we have two chefs and a pastry cook among us and they all say they could do better.
—Lisa
To: Lisa Trent
Subject: AssistanceThat can certainly be arranged. Have them assemble in whichever cafeteria they wish to commandeer an hour before dinner and I'll see they have access.
—Doctor Howards
#general
Lisa 1/12/2021 3:49 PM@Petra @Steve @Suzy We got permission to run cafeteria two. We gotta be there by 5pm.
Petra 1/12/2021 3:59 PM
Alright! Time to put these hooves to the test!
Steve 1/12/2021 4:02 PM
Honestly, it'd be easier without hooves. Anypony wanna swap wings for a good hug?
Devon 1/12/2021 4:03 PM
No way!
Suzy 1/12/2021 4:07 PM
Maybe we could just duck tape a whisk to Petra's horn?
Petra 1/12/2021 4:10 PM
… thinking about it.
Penny 1/12/2021 4:11 PM
I could come help. Opening cans and packets is my dream job.
Bob 1/12/2021 4:13 PM
I can help too. Hey, @Ass, you good to bring your hands?
Suzy 1/12/2021 4:17 PM
Normally I'd tell you to get out of my kitchen, but a few pairs of hands will be great.
Steve 1/12/2021 4:19 PM
Hope you like getting yelled at.
Ass 1/12/2021 4:20 PM
Sure! I can help! I know nothing about cooking, but if you tell me what you want me to do, I'll do my best!
—private-message—
Penny 1/12/2021 4:22 PM
I know you said you'd try to be nicer, but this is a bit much. Are you okay, man?
Ass 1/12/2021 4:23 PM
Tell me about it. I just… I want to put up my walls and close up, but whatever this has done to me, it's made that almost impossible.
And trying to be an ass just reeks of effort.
Penny 1/12/2021 4:24 PM
If you'd rather not help, I can tell them you are doing something for me.
Ass 1/12/2021 4:24 PM
You're the best, you know that right? All I have to do to help is just not fight it, ya know? And if it gets me a good meal, fuck yeah I'll stop fighting it.
Penny 1/12/2021 4:25 PM
You're a nice guy, despite what you said last night. Don't let anyone tell you you're not.
Ass 1/12/2021 4:26 PM
Just don't spread the word too far or people might start to think I'm nice.
Penny 1/12/2021 4:26 PM
Then just tell them to fuck off.
Ass 1/12/2021 4:27 PM
When I just go with the flow… I can't.
Saw your wings, by the way. Looks awesome, but do you think you can fly with them?
Penny 1/12/2021 4:29 PM
No idea. Still hoping my tail turns into a tentacle.
Ass 1/12/2021 4:29 PM
I've seen enough hentai to know where this is going…
Penny 1/12/2021 4:30 PM
Eyy!
Tell you what, if I get a tentacle, you'll be the first to know.
Ass 1/12/2021 4:35 PM
You're on. Did you see my wings?
Penny 1/12/2021 4:36 PM
Cute little feathered things. Yeah I saw them. How's the other issue going?
Ass 1/12/2021 4:44 PM
You saw, huh?
Kinda fucked up, but like I said, if I just don't fight it, things work out easier.
Penny 1/12/2021 4:47 PM
Sounds like a drug. Be careful, man.
Ass 1/12/2021 4:51 PM
Thanks for calling me that.
Penny 1/12/2021 4:53 PM
Meet you there?
Ass 1/12/2021 4:53 PM
Sure!
—private-message—
Lisa 1/12/2021 8:05 PM
You're tight with Aaron. Is he doing okay?
Penny 1/12/2021 8:07 PM
You noticed that, huh? He's not exactly the most steady guy, you know, but whatever got in his head is…
Lisa 1/12/2021 8:11 PM
Perky. Nice. Happy.
Penny 1/12/2021 8:12 PM
Yup. Like a drug for him, and I think he likes it.
Lisa 1/12/2021 8:17 PM
Does he want someone to shout at?
Penny 1/12/2021 8:17 PM
I think he wants hugs more than anything now. It's been a pretty sharp slope for him.
Lisa 1/12/2021 8:21 PM
Then I'll ask if he wants a hug. Movie night again?
Penny 1/12/2021 8:22 PM
Whatcha got?
#general
Lisa 1/12/2021 8:37 PM@here Movie night again! If you want a snuggle while watching big buff men doing war-stuff, you know the pony to come see!
Penny 1/12/2021 8:38 PM
Oooh. I want in on that. Be there in a sec.
To: Dr. Karen Simpson
Subject: NewscastThank you again, Karen. If only I'd met you a year ago, you might have saved my career.
—Doctor Howards
To: Dr. Peter Howards
Subject: NewscastYou're welcome, Peter. Would you be able to add me to the examination process?
—Doctor Simpson
To: Dr. Karen Simpson
Subject: ExaminationI'll see to it myself, Karen. Tomorrow at 10.
—Doctor Howards
To: Dr. Peter Howards
Subject: ExaminationThank you, Peter. I am the first "community infection", after all.
—Doctor Simpson
So I do this "Ask X" thing. X can be any pony within the story. You can ask them anything and they will definitely, hopefully reply. Keep the questions appropriate to the age-rating of the stories, and they will answer the best question in the author notes of the next chapter. The more votes a comment has the more likely I will get it to the right pony to answer. Try to keep it to one question per post! They will pick one question per chapter.
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Awesome ponies who are already helping to keep me in keyboards and rum:
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Lab
The fact that the motion's visible makes me imagine a slide whistle that you can only hear if you watch the downward migration.
Oh crap. The news leak can't lead to anything positive.
Curious...
Also curious. I've seen magic interact with electromagnetism before, but it's always interesting to see... though I do have to wonder why there was a compass in the examination room to begin with.
Makes sense. To a dragon, you're basically trying to store saliva in a hollowed-out sugarcube.
It's so strange, this human disease called friendship. And, you know, the other infection going around. Looking forward to more.
Yay, we got our trusty mailmare to deliver the hug to every one in need.
Confirmed dragon variety. Will he become Garble or Ember I wonder?
For the Doctors: Looking around at the potential leaks have you considered that the doctor you just fired for bad conduct is a strong suspect for getting revenge on the study? You did after all recommend their medical license be suspended.
5247482
theres a diffrence between suspension, and revocation....at least they might be able to continue practice in a few months or years, if they breached doctor pation confidnetiatoy however on top of that, yeah theyed have there lissense revoked and but up shit creak
so lets see, Lisa is Ditzy do/derpy
penny is most likely a draconiqus, not nessiarly discord/eris but most likely
devon is becoming RD
we've got at least one confirmed dragon among the extras, and karan is an unknown though i still have money on nurse redheart
also for an ending ima bet penny reveils early on in the trail discord came to her in her dream and offered to spice things up...she accepted and the hwole hting is basicly her fault by proxy cause discord used her as a window to get his powers into this universe.
Though by that point they will be more likely to thank her then blaim her
5247669
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(credit)
5247697
SACRALEGE BURN THE PROFANE IMAGRY!!!
5247709
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(credit)
5247710
.....i wana hug her...i dont know why.
5247717 Now you see what Lisa has to deal with. Everypony wants hugs!
I thought glass is supposed to melt at 1000~1600℉? Some draconic magic in play, I presume?
5256920 There are ways other than heat to melt glass.