To: Space Biosciences Division
Cc: Space Science and Astrobiology Division
From:
Subject: CREW MEMBER HEALTH UPDATE: Watney, Mark R.
Overall, steady improvement has been noted, about as well as could be expected. Daily urine samples have shown nearly complete healing of the kidney laceration that was a result of fractured ribs from the MAV launch. The ribs themselves are healed, and lingering pain can now be effectively treated with non-narcotics. In addition, blood sugar continues to fluctuate, but is starting to have a lessened range of results. We estimate that continuing with an approximately 3,000 calorie diet will eventually bring blood glucose back within normal range. Given gastrointestinal sensitivities were sustained from extended malnourishment, the majority of these calories come liquids (protein shakes and similar), and limited bland solids supplemented with both oral and IV vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes, before a more typical diet can be tolerated. We expect this to happen within the next few weeks.
However, as previously stated, the patient has an excess of the hormone FSH, typically associated with testicular cancer. We produced the drug Etoposide in our labs, and treated according to protocol. However, two weeks into treatment, an abdominal mass was found as well. An ultrasound showed a humanoid fetus around six weeks of development rather than the expected fluid.
We ran what labs we can with the limited supplies available, on both the patient's blood and on soil samples. We found parasitic life in both. We have more labs running, but the best theory is that these parasites force replication of the host's DNA, essentially forcing the host to become pregnant with their genetic twin. It also seems that, in this case, the parasite entered the host when the host ate crops grown in the soil that contained this parasite. When the current labs are finished, more details will come.
We discussed the risks of carrying the pregnancy to term, and the available options. After several days of thought, the patient decided to continue with the pregnancy.
Psychologically,
Restating the facts had been easy. Reporting on the psychological state of his closest friend was a challenge that made Beck unbearably uncomfortable. It was a skill he managed delicately back in the hospitals he had used to work for, but in this case, it felt like a betrayal, a major intrusion into his crew member's private life. He stared at the computer screen, trying to gather his thoughts.
His instinct was to ask one of the more emotionally driven teammates for advice. Unfortunately, the entire crew was under orders to make sure he would take time off. A doctor who ran himself to the point of complete exhaustion would be of no help to anyone, Commander Lewis insisted. He had been writing the update when the rest of the crew finally thought he went to sleep.
In all honesty, psychological health went along, in this case, with physical. Meaning, it was as good as it could get. No one was surprised when Mark tried to hide the symptoms. Still, there were obvious tells that could not be ignored. Random quiet spells, panic attacks brought on by sudden noises, nightmares, intense separation anxiety... Luckily, the small vehicle made it hard to be left alone during waking hours. A second cot was brought into the medical bay so that someone could be there in case of a nightmare. The crew was kept on schedule of who would be there through the night. No one mentioned it, but it was obvious that Mark had the fewest nightmares when Chris was nearby.
Those key facts should have been easier to put into words. Frustrated, he turned back to the computer and tried to write. But only moments later, he was interrupted by the sound of retching coming from across the hall. It was six AM. Morning sickness, right on schedule.
Without thinking, Chris ran into the other room. Beth looked up from helping Mark with the airsickness bag. She shook her head. "I can handle this," she promised. "You go on back to bed."
"But-"
"Chris, listen to me," Beth said sternly. There was an edge to her voice unlike any he had heard before. She wasn't offering because she was worried. She was angry about something. "I can take care of this. You have to go." After several minutes of argument between the three of them, Chris sighed and left the room.
His worry wasn't coming from not trusting Beth. The entire crew had basic medical training, mostly for if something had happened to Beck. They never expected it to be because they had to offer care for so long.
Back inside the medical bay, Beth offered gentle encouragement through the vomiting cycle. It lasted another ten minutes before letting up in intensity. "Do you want to try taking some medicine?" she offered.
He nodded and struggled to sit upright. With Beth's help, he managed to swallow the pills with a few small sips of water. They new it would pass soon, but wanted to be careful with the fluids.
A moment later, the alarm on Beth's watch went off. Time for her to start work. She shrugged before turning it off. "I finished the next course change calculations last night. Couldn't sleep. You want to hang out in here for a while? We can watch some stuff from your files."
Mark perked up. "Yeah? Without anyone else, no bossy doctors, no one force feeding me?"
"Well, actually..." She smiled mischeviously as she pulled up an episode of Doctor Who on her laptop. "I figured out last night, we are back in range that internet communication is back in live time. So, how about this. Later on, when you're feeling a little better, if you finish one of those protein shakes, I can patch you in for a video chat with your parents."
His eyes lit up. "Beth? You can do that? You'd do that for me?"
"Yeah, yeah of course." She grinned and pressed play. "I know they can't wait to see you."