text;

[phdmotherfucker]

Is it common to have the most terrible migraine after the event? And if so, does it happen every time? The IBA should seriously consider handing out Excedrin with their business cards. Maybe a pamphlet of common side effects. Something more tangibly useful than their mission statement.

(( This is essentially the same network prompt as used on the TDM. Happy to transfer threads over or start fresh. ))

Comments

[consortofalderaan]

I haven't heard of anyone getting a migraine specifically from their memories. But sometimes things will bleed over from the memories.

I apologize if this is too personal a question, but could it be a by-product of the memory you received?

[phdmotherfucker]

That is certainly possible. I'm sure you understand if I don't want to divulge the specific details.

[consortofalderaan]

Certainly. Not everyone has a positive experience with their memories. For some, it is just an interesting past life. For others, the emotions, much less the physical manifestations, are difficult to parse.

[phdmotherfucker]

I suppose I'm glad to know it may not always be as intense, although I would definitely prefer if it never happened again.

[not_as_i_do]

I do remember having a splitting headache, though mine didn't veer completely into migraine territory. I've heard peppermint oil does wonders for those, too, if you're looking for unsolicited advice.

[phdmotherfucker]

Careful mentioning scented oil or you'll chum the MLM waters. Soon the aunties will be circling with blog posts and inspirational minions memes.

[not_as_i_do]

I'm sorry, I think I maybe understood about 40% of that. Enough on context, but ... I don't know what an MLM is or why slavery is inspirational.

[phdmotherfucker]

Multi Level Marketing. Pyramid schemes rebranded.

Minions are those cartoon yellow jelly bean looking guys in overalls all over Facebook. I haven't watched the movies they come from, but I'd bet neither have a lot of people who slap a slogan on top of a picture and pretend to be deep.

[not_as_i_do]

Over oils? They must really be getting desperate for concepts.

Oh, THOSE things, is that what they're called. I never really understood the appeal. But then again, they're probably just this generation's Looney Tunes, right? ... Clearly I'm showing my age. ... Martin Whitly, nice to meet you.

[phdmotherfucker]

Not just oils, of course. There are also leggings and "nutrition supplements."

My first instinct is to be offended you would disparage Looney Tunes with the comparison, but I do remember an awful lot of 90s hiphop Tweety Bird. So, quite apt actually.

I'm Harleen.

[not_as_i_do]

I'm sure someone at the ADA has nightmares on a regular basis about that last one. I wonder what the percentage of corn starch or sugar is in them...

I'd forgotten all about that, honestly. I'd thank you for reminding me, but sarcasm doesn't play well over text.

[phdmotherfucker]

It's a lot of filler ingredients and laxatives.

Sorry, this is kind of a weird direction for a first conversation to go. I spent most of the morning fighting about actual medical science on Instagram and I guess I've still got it on the brain.

[not_as_i_do]

Trust me, you're fine. I'm a cardiothoracic surgeon, so this is like talking about the weather.

I do admit that I didn't know people could fight about things on Instagram. Isn't it all just pictures?

[you're Anakin's age, Harley. you're going to suffer right along with him in teaching this Old Man about how the online world works, and he'd be sorry if he knew what a clueless pain he could be about it]

[phdmotherfucker]

There's a comment section under each picture which definitely makes the whole app worse. Honestly, I shouldn't spend so much time on it, but my bosses shouldn't be giving me so much bs busy work either so I feel like it all evens out in the end.

Sorry if this breaks the veil of anonymity, but are you the Dr. Whitly at Stuyvesant?

[not_as_i_do]

Oh. Comment sections. That's like reading the editorial in the newspaper, all it's going to do is make your blood boil.

[her next question takes him by surprise, but he's not mad about it. if anything, he feels a sudden surge of joy at being recognized. stronger than he used to, really. he wonders if it's the memories. he reacts so much more strongly to attention and compliments these days]

I am, indeed! I don't suppose you'd mind sharing how you recognized me?

[phdmotherfucker]

My office is next door to your practice.

[ She actually says "motherf-" out loud at her desk before biting her tongue. ]

... Please don't tell my boss the thing I said about being on Instagram instead of work.

text;

[traceofeffort]

Side effects may include unusual dreams, strong and unachievable ambitions, new and unusual behavior, mild disassociation, severe disassociation, and acquisition of strange objects. Stop interaction with other Different and seek immediate Bureau assistance if you obtain dangerous weapons or items, or experience significant changes to your biology. Ask the Bureau if being Different is right for you.

Not that they'd actually tell anyone yes, that is.

Re: text;

[phdmotherfucker]

Has everything on that list actually happened to someone?

[traceofeffort]

About half those have happened to me! Not the weapon thing, that'll be my boyfriend; not the biology thing, although I think that's happened to someone too. And, um, I don't think it counts as disassociation if you lean into it instead, does it?

Which is kind of important on the other end - all of this is what you make of it. I like the person I see in my dreams, so I'm giving her a little more room in my head.

[phdmotherfucker]

It definitely still counts as dissociation, but if you see it as a positive influence on your life and it doesn't impair you day to day then
I guess that's good for you?

Is every time as intense as the first one? I'm glad you like the person you see, but I can't say the same for me.

[traceofeffort]

That's more or less what the others tell me, yes. And I'm pretty sure I'm the only one that does. Like my other me, I mean. So I get that too.

The first time tends to be the most intense because you're not prepared for it, I think. That doesn't mean the other times aren't really crazy to experience, but it's not completely disorienting.

[phdmotherfucker]

Well, maybe she'll grow on me. I've only met her the one time after all.

Is there anything in particular that triggers these events? Is it cyclical? The support group was all about validating feelings but not so much on actual facts.

[not_as_i_do]

For such a big city, it really can be a small world, can't it!

[her second comment makes him chuckle aloud]

My lips are sealed. ... Is it the research facility? We've gotten a few referrals from you folks, haven't we?

[phdmotherfucker]

Yes, we've sent a few patients your way for cardiac stress tests. I'm actually supposed to stop in and drop off new referral files later today.

[not_as_i_do]

I'd love to take you down the corner for a coffee if you'd have the time.