Honored Memories
By: Kryptonite
A/N: I am so, so, so, so, so, so VERY sorry. I just… couldn't think of anything to write. I'm sorry! *ducks all the rotten fruit thrown at her* Also, sorry this is so short but I'm (again) not 100% sure how to continue from here. I'll get inspired soon… I hope.
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" It's a side effect of the machine. It has to be. I mean, increased paranoia, the sickly tinge to his skin. We've seen this look in his eyes before. The machine is dangerous." Trance added, wrestling with her conscious about Harper continuing to build the replica.
" That still doesn't explain why he attacked Beka." Trance stood up straighter, fidgeting slightly.
" He wasn't in his right frame of mind, he wasn't thinking clearly, a-"
" And?" Dylan asked, sensing there was something else Trance wasn't telling him.
" And apparently the machine creates an effect that releases chemicals in the brain that are also released when… well…"
" Come on Trance, it can't be that bad." Dylan scoffed, crossing his arms over his chest and leaning against the wall.
" The machine releases chemicals in the brain to not only stimulate memories but all the feelings of those memories so that they seem real."
" Yeah, so?" Dylan could well remember. The few moments he'd been strapped in it had felt like he was actually living the memories, not just watching from a ship over three hundred and three years in the future.
" One of the chemicals released, I still haven't determined if it's accidental, as a byproduct, or if it's supposed to be secreted but-" Dylan interrupted her ramblings.
" Just… hurry up."
" One of the chemicals that Tyr's brain produces when he's on the machine is the same chemical secreted during sex. Every human, alien… every brain has a certain amount of dopamine running through their brain on a normal basis. Tyr's dopamine levels are dangerously low, along with his serotonin and norepinephrine levels. This machine's a lot more dangerous than we thought and simply letting Tyr continue to use it will eventually kill him." A long, low whistle was let out behind Dylan and he turned to see Beka standing in the doorway.
" Sounds fun. So, how do we get him off of this stuff?" Trance shrugged.
" The best and only thing we can do at this point is inject him with the chemicals he needs. I'm not saying it'll work and for all we know it'll just kill him faster but it's worth a shot. Not to mention I'd like to take a look at you as well Dylan."
Dylan's head did a whiplash effect as he turned to look at Trance. " Why me?"
" You used the machine as well. I need to make sure that you're chemical levels are as balanced as they should be."
" What about you? You used it to." Beka pointed out from her spot still at the door.
" Yes and I've already been scanned. I'm perfectly fine. And for all we know so will Dylan but we do not want our Captain to be acting on impulses such as Tyr's now do we?"
" No we don't. Try not to hurt me, okay?" Dylan said, plunking down on an examination bed, only half-joking.
" I'll try." Trance promised.
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Andromeda-Avatar- Thanks, you're the first person (that I can remember) telling me not to worry about taking so long.
anonymous- Hope you review again (and leave a name).
Natta- Yes. Yes he was.
Drakcir- Does that explain (partially) the Tyr/Beka thing for you? Or at least why Tyr did what he did? Again, partially? And you are correct, Harper hasn't had a turn yet. In fact at this point are genius engineer should be waking up in the machine shop.
Rommie's Voice- I don't mind complaining as long as you review (hint, hint) and depending on what you think it was then (most likely) yes.
Littleredhead- I know I don't need spoilers for peeps in the US – It's everyone else I'm worried about. Not much longer and no memories, sorry!