Humanity Persists

It's no secret that the last few months have been a bit stressful for medlab people. Actually "utterly hellish" would probably cover it. But the insanity has made me realise something that I needed to sooner rather than later so maybe it's not such a bad thing.

I've already spoken to a couple of people quietly about this, but it's time I - or rather we, since this covers Hank too - let people in on things. Basically? I'm taking up a job in Edinburgh, running the Foundation Moira and I started last year. It needs someone on the ground there to make sure things run properly and it's a great opportunity for me to expand my career. Hank's got some part-time research work, which means he'll have more time to devote to Billy and other things. We're leaving around the second week of December in order to do the family Christmas thing before leaving entirely, and we should be there for New Year's.

We've talked to Moira and Jean and the Professor, and arrangements have been made for a replacement medic to come in or for one of the teleporters to get either one of us in emergencies.

I know our leaving will upset some people and I'm sorry for that, but sometimes you have to move on and it's that time for me now. Thank you all for your friendship and kindness and remember, we'll be only a short 'port away.

I'm sticking around Seattle to help out with Scott and the other dozens of people hurt during the riots. I should be home in a few days. Classes - such as the ones I'm still actually teaching go - will be suspended until then. I've asked Wanda to break out the emergency reading kit I keep for these sorts of eventualities.

Everyone who was there did a great job. Yes, even those 'stuck' in the hotel. You have no idea how much of a relief it was knowing you guys were out of the mess.

Don't. I'm going to be sleeping, proper sleep in a bed and everything, for the first time this month.

Yes, there's good news. Shall pass it on (or someone can beat me to the punch) when less unconscious. And sweaty. Hazmat suits are the evil.

Get your priorities straight when you're off shift. Eat first, then sleep, and don't bother with the journal system. It'll only irritate you when you're already tired and pissy.

But is there a particular reason why there's a hurricane in the basement? I went down to see if Hank was down there working on the psi-proofing a certain impending arrival will need, and nearly got blasted all the way back up the stairs! Cain, has something gone horribly wrong somewhere?

Gah, soaking wet and you would not believe the mess my hair has tied itself into. Wanda, I think I may need your expert knot-untangling skills. If there's a person responsible for this... *stalks off, muttering*

Those of us who went along with Hank to his parents' farm are back. I can't speak for the others, but I'm feeling much more relaxed. Then again, it's been a while since my last break, nerve-wracking meetings and all. *grins*

Haroun? That's fine, we'll catch up next week.

Charles, I got your note. I'll be right there.

So, did I miss anything?

Wanda and I are back in the Land of the Sugar-Crazed, but the looks of it. Who on earth inflicted that much ice cream on the student population?

I'm planning to take the rest of the evening off since I have some catching up to do, but I'll be back on deck tomorrow.

Um, does anyone know where Nathan is?

As long and hard as it was, it was actually sort of nice to be part of bringing a new life into the world, especially when the medlab's usually for putting people back together. And William is just adorable.

Jean, bedtime for you. I've got things down here. And I think I'm going to go coo at William some more...

One of the things I like about this place is how little chocolatey treats appear in places you don't expect. Like the mud chocolate cupcake that showed up in my desk drawer. Cocolate makes everything, even silly men who like to bruise each other, much better.

And you're very welcome, oh chocolate fairy. :)