Tharhome and it's solar system is learning to adjust to it's new location in the universe, as well as its inhabitants. After the initial shock has worn off, the other Chirr'T'Thar realize that being displaced intact to another galaxy was far better than being destroyed, but their feelings of gratitude towards the one who did this are clouded with their fear of someone who is capable of such feats. A shame they can't realize that he was only the focus, and the dimensional bag of Otto Skygazer and the ring of Heisenberg Uncertainty Stabilizers, powered by the horrid energies released in the war were the true agents of stellar displacement.
In the best hospital in Chareka, nurse Imbri has spent the last few days giving care to Copernicus in the Chirr'T'Thar tradition. She has also convinced a few of the other nurses to help off and on, and once they get used to the fact their regulator is actually a fairly nice guy and trapped in the body of a winged snow leopard, their normal enthusiasm for the job returns.
Imbri pads in, her left hand pulling the data pad from beside the doorway. Glancing at it once she turns her attention to the Chirr'T'Thar occupying the room and purrs, "Good evening, Copernicus... how are you feeling?"
Copernicus rolls over onto his stomach and purrs, "Much better thank you, and I've been seeing if it's possible to try your suggestion."
Imbri starts looking him over in the usual exam as she says, ".. and? Does it look possible?" An almost hope runs into her expression.
The male winged snow leopard does look healthier. His fur and feathers are nearly re-grown. After a moments thought he nods, "It does, though my control is going to be very minimal."
Imbri frowns a moment then perks her ears as she asks, "Does that lack of control possibly present a danger to either of you?" A quick dance of her fingers on the datapad. A few notes for later.
Copernicus flicks an ear as if making light of the question and purrs, "There will be no danger to Melora."
Imbri pauses then crosses her arms. "That, sir, is not the full answer."
Copernicus sighs, "It was only a fluke that I didn't disassociate every atom in my body with the last stunt I pulled. I'll survive this, and if it helps cure Melora, I'll do it regardless."
Imbri lets out her own breath then shakes her head, "I should have asked it earlier. I can't just let you do it, then. We need the regulator far more than ... well, anything, right now." That stubborn look, frequent across the last few days, reappears.
Copernicus says very softly, "I'm not that important now, the rest of the council will do just fine. And...if she dies, I'll go with her."
Imbri returns, in just as low of a voice, "We've no evidence she will die. Her, um, other treatment seems to be holding well."
Copernicus looks at Melora and purrs, "She's not getting any better, regardless of this mysterious treatment you keep talking about. She's pregnant. She's done nothing to deserve this. I want her to be able to enjoy life Imbri, not be a vegetable."
Copernicus purrs, "Anyhow, the effects on me will be pretty minimal."
Copernicus thinks . o O (Probably.)
Imbri flicks back her ears again then frowns. "And that disassociate every atom stuff? We can't bet on minimal effect, you do understand. You're just as much my patient as she is.." A glance towards the other felitaur and her features wrinkle with worry.
Copernicus chuckles and purrs, "I was channeling the energies around our solar system through me. I rather expected that to be the end of me. All I have to do is focus the remaining dregs of controllable chaos into Melora, assuming your theory is right."
Imbri puts her hands up and shakes her head, "I'm not an expert in magic. I just... guessed, because her state improved as suddenly as the solar system .. well, whatever you call it that happened." She pauses then says quietly, "If I lose both of you.. which is possible for that, can you imagine what that will do to my life too? Impossible theories... solutions.. imagining magic everywhere."
Copernicus pads up and nuzzles Imbri, "I won't die from this, that much I can tell you. But if Melora never gets better, I will never recover either."
Imbri's ears both wilt and she lets go of another sigh. "I know... " She looks away, again towards the prone body. A soft question resumes, "when would you want to try?"
Copernicus purrs, "I'm about as ready as I will ever be. I've been trying to get a feel of Melora's form as best I can. I've fed chaos energy into her before once, and the feel is wrong. There seems to be something extra, and it's not just the cubs."
Imbri looks curious a moment then frowns, "Your guess is as good as mine, in that. It could have been, perhaps... that nature of hers. We'd guessed she's being changed magically.. was that time before she began losing fur?"
Copernicus nods, "It was a while before that. However, I was very close to her before I brought her to Tharhome, and this seems more recent somehow."
Imbri rubs at her chin then shakes her head a little bit. "The best I can do is monitor her and, well, somehow get you to stop the process if her condition worsens. We.. I, well, know so very little about this magic energy field that we can only guess."
Copernicus hmmms, "Would it have anything to do with this treatment that you've refused to officially log? As regulator and Melora's mate, I have both the authority and access codes to pull her records, and no mention has been made of any treatment."
Imbri shakes her head, "No... not that I know of, and, well, officially the treatment didn't happen. It was a last ditch effort. I'm just glad it's at least partially working."
Imbri adds, "And no, it will not effect her should this theory work out after all. I can't promise she'll be exactly how she was before the collapse, but if she isn't, it's not due to that treatment."
Copernicus hmmmfs, "I need to have an idea of what effect your treatment might have on what we are trying to do here. I've only got a small amount of controllable energy left and I won't be able to try this again."
Imbri insists, "There won't be an effect. That treatment is in no way related to this chaotic magic energy field that you produce. I checked and rechecked those figures." And besides that, she thinks, it's never effected you a single bit in all these years... "You have my word on that."
Copernicus snorts and purrs, "Such confidence from someone who understands magic even less than I do? Fine, fine, I'll have to trust you I guess. What do you need to do before I attempt this?"
Imbri flicks both ears back, almost seeming, what, ashamed? then continues, "I'll need a couple monitors, one for her and the other for the cubs. The only other thing I could do would be having a crew on alert and keeping contact with her if possible to better read the reactions, if that's possible only, though."
Copernicus shrugs, "None of that should have any effect."
Imbri nods her head and asks once more, "When do you wish to do this, Regulator?"
Copernicus purrs, "As soon as possible. I've only have a limited resource, and maintaining stability is using it up. You and your staff have done a wonderful job of helping me heal, even despite my feeling guilty enjoying such pleasures while Melora remains comatose. Set up your monitors while I prepare."
Imbri nods just once, a bit stiff and pads out of the room once more for several moments.
A few clatters and a bit of a thump later and the nurse returns with a cart of differing equipment. Monitors, for heart and e.k.g. A monitor for the babies, one on each side and a few other undiscernable sensors. The mounting is easier, far easier than it should be as no fur stands in the way of the adhesives. No significant fur that is. Imbri then finishes a pre-exam, noting the figures away on the datapad.
Copernicus sighs and notes he didn't mean to upset Imbri, but can't help but be worried when someone experiments on his mate and refuses to tell him anything about it. He pads over and lies down next to Melora, curling around her as he spreads his wings. He uses a forepaw to touch Melora's side, wishing he had hands again.
Imbri touches a gem on her wristband and says quietly into it, "We're prepared up here. Monitor link into general system... I'll be watching up here. On my first word, or I'll have your hides, be up here stat the minute I call. Got it?"
Copernicus waits till Imbri shuts down the link and purrs, "I could call a board of inquiry to force you to tell me what you've done. For now I'll trust you, and hope someday soon you can trust me enough to tell me."
Imbri exhales, exasperated. "Listen, if I could tell you, I would. Sometimes there's more at stake than just a bit of knowledge." Both ears flicker back and she adds, "I would _never_ do anything to a patient that would put a life at risk. You can force me to that inquiry if you want, but know this: what was done was to save her, and right now it's all that holds her together."
Copernicus purrs, "I believe that you would never do anything to hurt a patient. That is why I'm not calling the board of inquiry. I like you Imbri, and I don't mean to upset you, but I do have a feeling there is a lot more to this than you are telling me . Either way, let me know when you are ready.""
Copernicus curls further around Melora, maximizing his physical contact with Melora.
Imbri forces both ears to swivel around, easing the tension in her back before touching her unique patient. One breath, two, then a gentle hand lays across the now swelling belly of the female felitaur. She nods over towards Copernicus, saying "Okay... your turn."
Copernicus nods and watches Imbri.
The nanites inside Copernicus are getting rather experienced with dealing with the bizarre things their host does to himself all the time. They have noted with relief that he's finally spending some physical time with other Chirr'T'Thar so they can talk with others of their race in different hosts. Sensing him against another being, they quickly recognize this as his non-host mate, name designate Melora. As a non-host, she is forbidden to colonize, but the cubs Copernicus sired are fair game, so they decide to communicate with them while they are in contact.
The colonies within the cubs respond, but an echoing signal responds from within the non-host. With a bit of exploring, something shocking is discovered. A colony of T'Thar are fully entrenched in a non-host!
Imbri looks up quite suddenly at Copernicus, her eyes widening just a margin then she looks down at the prone figure once more. She closes her eyes tightly, turning inwards and thinking/communicating, "Please, impart knowledge that those within patient Melora are resident voluntarily. Necessity to save patient and the children she carries. That no impasse was meant but to save a life and it was agreed by all. Please?" More hope than anything that she is heard.
The response back is less than friendly, and it basically translates to, "Total violation of treaty. Once colony established, no way to remove short of death of host. How did non-host agree when unconscious?"
Copernicus blinks as Imbri touches him. He could swear he feels...buzzing around where her hand touches.
Imbri resists flicking her ears back, thinking in very serious tones, "It was a decision to be made. Refuse the colony and mean death for her and the children. Create a colony and mean possible death on removal of the colony, of just her. Create the colony and mean a possible life. I .. in knowledge of the violation, chose the possibility of life than the assurance of three deaths, possibly four if your host took his mate's death badly."
Silence at the mention of the death of their own host. Knowing how much their idiot loves his mate, they know it's more than just likely. Finally, and very reluctantly, "Possible exception could be made. Complications severe. Our host was not slated to be informed, but to make exception, he must be informed...by us.
The nanite colony inside Copernicus seems less than thrilled at the prospect of contacting him, though several note they can finally give him their list of complaints, assuming they can get him to pay attention for about 12 hours.
The young female's ear flickers look to almost be concentration, not the communication that the represent. Her thoughts are quite regretful, ashamed as she continues, "We are not informed by birth and the application of a colony to his mate will not change his relationship with her should this treatment work at all. I will not tell and she will not know either."
Imbri asks, internally, "why need tell anyone anything? He will not pry of me."
The nanite equivalent of a snort is heard in Imbri's mind as they say, "And keep her from any intimate contact with EVERY other Chirr'T'Thar in existence will you? You know that such contact is part of the treaty, allowing us to communicate with other colonies, and the occasional silent one such as yourself. Next time she sleeps next to his host family, all of their T'Thar know."
Copernicus is slowly building up the remaining energies that he can control, and wonders at the slightly prolonged examination by Imbri.
Imbri swallows imperceptibly then almost sighs as she explains to the little ones, "Their T'Thar would know in any case, however, your own host would not be able to impart that knowledge to them. We do not talk of you. His knowledge of you, and of who is within his mate would offer no assistance to spreading the knowledge that this is a possible exception. Only you, and those within his mate, could spread that knowledge. We are silent, for a reason."
The T'Thar would be shaking their heads if they had them as they communicate, "Eventually to the other silent ones it would get, no matter our silence. Treaty goes both ways, and violations or exceptions of it must be dealt with properly, lest the wars begin anew. Proper way is to inform hostmate of colonized non-host of new restrictions involving his non-host mate. True, our host will be a poor addition to the silent ones, but no true choice we have now."
Imbri would also shake her head, if she could do it without alarming her other patient. Thoughts spread, almost anxious, "I do know the terms of the treaty, very well. I am responsible for this change in his mate's status, not he. He need not know. We do not know if there will be any effect outside accelerated healing. She.. is not like our kind. She would not be traveling to the outer reaches. We do not even guarantee her life at this moment and that is of the greatest priority?"
With a moment of pondering a final response is heard, "Colonized non-host mate's survival is present priority. Informing our host will be delayed until proper council of T'Thar and silent ones can be held. But treaty is clear, if a non-host mate is colonized, the mate must be informed, even if it requires creating a new silent one. This is so the mate can either judge the T'Thar or the Chirr' that violated the treaty, or both. Proceed with your treatment of the colonized non-host Melora."
Imbri nods her head then looks up at Copernicus, aware of the time it had so taken.
Imbri says softly, almost humbled, "proceed."
Copernicus blinks at Imbri, "Are you OK m'lady?"
Imbri takes a deeper breath and nods, "Yes, I'm fine." For now.. "Just needing to steady myself. This is all quite new to me."
Copernicus's wings are faintly shimmering with blue fire as he looks at Imbri and purrs, "Understandable, and I thank you again for all your help. From the looks of you, this is costing you a lot too."
The T'Thar within Copernicus console themselves with updating, collating and cross referencing their complaint list for their "beloved" host when he becomes aware.
Imbri whispers softly, "More than you know... " then says more loudly, "I wanted to help.. where others were afraid. Call me a bird with too much neck, I care too much."
Copernicus nods and purrs, "I'm in this form for the same reason. I have some pull m'lady, and am owed a few favors. I will make certain you are not punished for trying to help when others were afraid to."
Imbri flicks one ear backwards then says, with a bit more assurity, "Let's wing that when it comes... how about our theoretical treatment?"
The blue glow intensifies and finally spreads to the felitaur's normally silver gray eyes and he purrs, "I'm as ready as I'll ever be Imbri."
Imbri's hackles rise a bit but she nods, "Then do it... whatever 'it' is." The monitors tick just quietly, measuring away.
Copernicus's wings form a upside down parabola, with Melora at the focus. After moments of concentration, the swirling fractal blue patterns flow from Copernicus to the comatose fairy felitaur lying beside him. As he does so, his physical outline seems to ...waver.
Imbri almost leans forward, her eyes intent on both her patients. One of the monitors goes off it's beam, dealing with an unknown energy, but not urgent enough to be worrisome yet.
Copernicus pours the remaining chaos magic that he has into his mate, including the energy that he was using to keep his present form stable. As this continues, his form wavers more and more, like a poorly tuned vidscreen.
Melora's form seems to glow a silvered color, almost a dancing counterpoint to the blue haze her mate creates over her. The colors entwine, dancing almost eerily between the prone figure and the wings similar to an electric storm bubble. A small gathering watches near the still open doorway.
A small gasp comes from Imbri and she whispers, "That's enough... I think that's done it. She's... stabilizing on the cellular level."
The last of the energy pours from Copernicus into his mate and the connection shuts down. The felitaur moves away from his mate, and with a look of horror watches as his body loses the last of it's cohesion and his form bends and twists out of control. He gives Imbri a look of fear as he tries to cry for help, reaching out.
Imbri leaps up with a yell, "Med team!" and both hands reach out for Copernicus, trying to touch him, to do anything.
Upon contact with the uncontrollably morphing form of Copernicus, a nimbus of electric blue light can be seen around them, followed by a thunderclap and a blinding flare, and finally silence.
Copernicus staggers to his feet after a minute and puts his hand to his head, then blinks when he realize he has hands again and purrs, "I'm back to normal!"
Copernicus turns to share his excitement with Imbri.
Copernicus ruh rohs.
Imbri just stares for the moment, up... up?? at Copernicus. Her lower jaw is dropped and her, well, internal crew is just really confused. She sits, hard.
Imbri utters, "mew?"
Imbri stutters, "Don't tell me... *don't* tell me... I'm... "
Copernicus pads up and kneels down his taur body and holds Imbri's face and purrs, "You're like I was, and probably will be for a bit, but it's unlikely to be permanent. I can probably teach you how to change to your old form in a while, if you can stomach the fact that you are a magical being now too. And I know this doesn't mean much right now, but I would have died if you hadn't made this sacrifice. I owe you my life m'lady."
Imbri opens her mouth, then closes it again, then opens it up once more. Not too often is she speechless, but now.... "but... b'bu'but.." She looks down at the floor once more. "Short!"
Copernicus erms, "Well, you have just a feline head where your torso used to be, that shortens you several feet. But otherwise you're still the same size. Can you have your crew stop gawking and give me the readings on Melora? Then I'll take you to my home for a bit after you get a check up. My family will welcome you, they're getting used to this sort of thing."
Imbri nods her head a bit and, still shaking, says, "Get in here.. we need some readouts and obviously with my head where my belly button would be, I can't take them.... move it people." She looks up to Copernicus and says, quietly, "From what I could tell, she's stabilized..."
Copernicus snugs Imbri close, trying to calm her shakes, "I know it's scary. When it first happened to me I couldn't even speak at all. We'll have you in your normal form, at least part of the time, I promise."
Copernicus finally concentrates and examines himself, and finds that old instability is back. Ah well, such is life.
One of the emergency crew mutters, "So we've got another freak now" loudly enough to be heard.
Imbri thinks to herself, 'I suppose I did deserve it... considering all the trouble I'm shortly to be in.'
Imbri flattens both ears back and says, sharply, "No more than I used to be... but of course I *am* the one who keeps you on shift."
Copernicus whirls with a roar and leaps at the offending felitaur. As he does so his own form blurs again and the crew member suddenly finds themselves slammed against a wall with the fangs of a winged snow leopard around her throat.
Copernicus finally calms and releases his hold and growls, "She's saved my mates life, and my own, at great expense to herself. You will treat her with respect and not show your ignorance in public again."
Copernicus pushes the crew leader to the side and pads over to Imbri, now more or less looking at her eye to eye, "Can we have Melora moved back to my parent's home now?"
Most of the crew looks properly chastised, though several seem to have quietly agreed with Copernicus, and one mel is ever heard to say, "Personally, I think they both look pretty cute that way. Shame he's a hetero."
Copernicus's eartips blush at that.
Imbri takes a deep breath then sits up on her haunches to look a bit closer at the readouts. "She's stabilized on the cellular level... from what I can tell. We really can't do more than monitoring and basis care at this point- keeping her nourished, bathed and turned on a regular basis. Her cubs look healthy which they have from the start."
Imbri says, "With a bit of equipment, and possibly a nurse at station there for her for that care, and some training for you perhaps, I think we could do with moving her home."
Copernicus nods, then noses the armband on his foreleg and purrs, "Have a transport crew in ward 27 to move a patient to the Skygazer residence with proper care and monitoring equipment. Physician Imbri will be taking control of care for my mate personally. I also wish to recommend her for a promotion based on the work she's done. Her absence from the hospital for a week or two will in NO way affect her position here? Understood?"
Imbri flicks back both ears then manages to look away for a short while. If only *that* were what would happen. She goes over to lay her muzzle against the prone patient again, lightly.
A quietly muttered agreement is heard before Copernicus noses the communications closed and purrs, "So Imbri, want to take a flight over to the Skygazer residence? Don't look so glum, as you can see, my own form will still switch between the two, and I'll at least get you into your normal form on a half time basis, maybe better as you were not as exposed as I have been."
The T'Thar nanites in Copernicus add a few new complaints to their list.
Imbri purrs softly, "Purrhaps, Copernicus, but I'm not holding my breath on any accounts right now." She looks quietly down her muzzle at the bared skin then purrs again, gently, "You did know she'd been growing her fur back..? It's coming in a beautiful white."
Copernicus blinks and pads over and nuzzles his mate and blinks, "Well, I know she'll be happier with fur of any color, and she can always dye it to look like it did if she wants. Funny, I don't remember her having any fur when I was touching her just a few minutes ago?"
The transport crew rushes in, and after the momentary delay as they stare at the two winged felines, they hop to it when Copernicus growls a few commands.
Copernicus licks Imbri's forehead and purrs, "Come fly with me to my parent's home. You've had some big shocks today, and you need someplace to feel safe."
She finally shakes her head a bit and says, "her skin had been fuzzy the last few days... it's just now I noticed it was a white fuzz.... and yes, though right now I'm not sure what's safe anymore." Another sharp look about then a settling sigh.
Copernicus's whiskers droop and he purrs, "I'm sorry this hurt you so badly. You're being punished for doing what other's were afraid to do. I will find some way to make it up to you, I promise. Now, come with me, we can make sure to be ready for Melora's arrival, and I know you will be welcomed by my mothers."
Imbri nods her head a bit then adds, "Copernicus?" A pause then she continues, "before you make any promises... as to protecting me from my job and what I felt needed to be done, why don't we wait until we see what happens with what has been done? Many different things have yet to be seen... "
Imbri can't help but think.. will he want to kill me when he knows what my treatment for his mate was.. and the price it carries.
Copernicus cocks his head as he looks at Imbri and purrs, "Fine, I'll wait to see what happens. But I will protect you as much as I can m'lady, regardless. Now, shall we head out m'lady?" as he pushes against the roof control, causing it to iris open. (Being the regulator, he could get a ward on the first floor.)
Imbri nods her head, "after you, my lord." A slight bow of her head, the only thing left to really 'bow' with and the faintest of smiles encourages him.
Copernicus chuckles and leaps out the roof, hopeful for all three of them now, he waits for Imbri to join him then races her to his parent's tower.
Imbri takes a leap into her future, following Copernicus. She's yet to figure why she put so much into this whole thing, but it felt right and she's always headstrong. She races, but this time lets someone else win.
After arriving at his parents home, where the other Skygazers take Imbri's form in stride after all the weird things that Copernicus has done, his mother Nebula comes home and hugs Copernicus. For several seconds she holds rather still, and then looks at Melora's still form surrounded by monitors, and finally the pensive looking Imbri and frowns with a soft sigh. She wonders if her son is truly as open minded as he claims, and prays to the first mothers ample bosom that he is, for Imbri's sake.