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Sometimes, the things I read about biology gross me out.

But even then, they're really interesting. Like serum. Serum is a substance that regularly fills small blisters. It's a clear fluid which comes from damaged blood cells. It isn't red because it's a part of blood, but is devoid of clotting factors or blood cells. It's also sterile, provided you don't pop your blisters (which is gross, so don't do it).

Also, I want to see isolated L-theanine.

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That's kinda gross in a cool way...if I understand what you said anyway.

What's L-theanine?

L-theanine is derived from tea. Though I'm not interested in tea myself, I think that the random chemicals that affect human beings from the most innocuous places are really interesting.

Huh...like mutations and stuff? I remember on TV they did a report once about how spilled chemicals and stuff caused all sorts of mutations in people.

Not exactly. I mean how people react to things like... caffeine. Or how they react to medicines and that sort of thing.

Where I used to live, a lot of people got sick... but I don't really like to think about it.

Oh! I hadn't even thought about caffeine. I guess beer too. Medicine makes sense though.

At least you're here now. Where I came from there were monsters eating everyone.

I think about these sort of things a lot. For instance; L-theanine is supposed to affect mood and anxiety levels (for better, though I imagine some people might find an opposite effect). Now, I wonder if any of it is in the grey goop Stacy feeds people.

That's true. Where I was from, it was the same. I am really good at running and hiding from monsters, though.

I hadn't actually thought about what was in the goop...

You too? Neat. Running was totally my thing. I mean, I'm not really that good at much else but I'm working on it you know?

It's probably better that you don't.

My mom and dad see to it now that I don't have to worry about things getting me. But, they can only do so much, and I'm getting to an age where I like figuring thing out on my own.

Even if they are really frightening.

Ah, see my best friend protects me, he's totally strong and stuff.

But I thought it might be good if I could learn to do stuff like CPR and whatever you know? Healing.

So, you want to be a doctor?

Kinda, but I don't really think I'm smart enough to know all that medical stuff you know? I'm just kind of learning the basics for now.

You don't have to learn everything right away, you know.

I'll figure it out as I go...I'm ready to run into danger instead of away from it you know? I've done alot of that.

There's nothing wrong with running away from something. It's better to be alive than wounded and dead.

Yeah, you've gotta point, still...leaving people behind to suffer so I could live. It's not something I'm proud of.

What is that?

Serum or L-theanine, Vega?

Is that a trick question?

No, it's a question-question.

Both of them then. No laughing!

I have also enjoyed reading about animal biology. For example, parthenogenesis in monitor lizards.

They're also very cute. I would like to meet one.

It's interesting, but also kind of scary to think about. It would be weird if a human being did that.

I don't really like lizards, though I guess some can be cute?

I don't think it's really possible in humans, though it's likely there are humanoid species capable of reproducing similarly.

I like lizards, especially the smaller ones like geckos or anoles. But even the ones that aren't particularly attractive have interesting textures and behaviors.

What about cuttlefish? Do you like cuttlefish?

Maybe! I wonder if we'll ever meet anyone like that.

But they eat crickets. :<

I don't like things with tube feet, or sucker feet. But, if I don't think about their creepy feet, then they're kind of cute.

Perhaps we already have, without knowing it. But it would probably be rude to ask.

Well, even lizards have to eat something. I suppose if you kept one in captivity, you could feed it non-cricket insects...

But in that case, please examine this picture. I believe it looks like a cuttlefish of very discerning taste (http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6179/6176439998_ae71a443d9_z.jpg).

I guess that's true... still, it would be interesting to have them explain it thoroughly.

I suppose that's a worthy compromise.

Well, I definitely cannot see its creepy suckers. Maybe it's a modest cuttlefish?

It could be.

By the way, why were you reading about blood serum? Is this for a class, or for your own enjoyment?

Well, it started because I was thinking about wounded people. And then it just followed a natural course of thought for me about different sorts of wounds.

Then I was grossed out by some of them, so... I guess I was just interested in what makes some of us up.

There were quite a few wounded in that last battle, weren't there? The medics did a good job treating everyone. However, I understand that even medics are sometimes grossed out by wounds. One of them is a friend of mine.

Man, I was never any good at bio.

Hey, you're the little girl Leon's taking care of, aren't you?

Why? It's fun.

And Leon is my dad? Why wouldn't he take care of me?

I don't know, we just never got along. But then again, if I never walked into another lab again it'd be too soon.

I didn't mean it that way. I'm Ashley, and Leon's a good friend of mine. He helped me out of a tight spot not too long ago.