Dr. Nebula | Dr. Jessica C. Gegenschein

At first glance the subject appears to be an ordinary woman approaching her thirties. However, upon closer inspection, a certain feature stands out above all else. Looking into her eyes reveals portals displaying the most beautiful of lights and colors. The more astute would notice that the imagery is that of distant galaxies, stars, and all forms of celestial bodies. This abnormality appears to be purely visual with no indication of any further meta properties. As such I have concluded further meta-physical analysis is unnecessary. Other notable features of the subject include her often unruly auburn hair as well as prominent periorbital puffiness or 'eyebags'. The subject shows many such signs of gross sleep inefficiency including involuntary motor tics such as twitching or fidgeting. Observations have concluded that the subject has developed a heavy reliance on caffeinated substances as evidenced by regular appearances of fresh coffee stains on her clothing. Such attire will usually consist of civilian office wear and her lab coat.

Due to a recent discovery on the part of our subject, a further meta-physical analysis will be conducted. The substance created by the subject seems to be some kind of unidentified plasma as it forms clouds of twisting light. When enough mass is formed one can look through it to observe an unbelievable sight. Within the substance, one can see what appears to be an entire universe expanding into an apparent infinity much like our own. Experimentation was conducted and in one such test, the subject coated her entire body in this substance whereby it appeared to merge with her skin. Her skin would become translucent so as to be near impossible to see while only her glasses remain visible. During this time the subject is observed as a humanoid silhouette that serves as a window into that spectacular expanse. The subject looked almost gaseous but still appeared to have a physical form in there somewhere. When reverting, the substance is absorbed back into the subject's body and quickly fades until no sign of the substance or any anomalous properties remain.

Dr. Gegenschein is infamous among her colleagues for her over-commitment to her work. Neurotic tendencies would be one modest description of its true nature which rather more borders on full-blown neurosis. That is it would if not for her continued and consistent high function. One could theorize that such tendencies are derived from an unending ambition that she seems continually consumed by. She is convinced by delusions that her meta-trait is more than just a pretty light show. I could look into those eyes for hours but if there was anything more to it there'd be more to show by now. One thing is certain, observations show the subject's regard for their own health is dangerously in decline. She works twice as much as the other members of the lab and she still insists on doing their work for them. I'm tired of seeing them take advantage of her; she just can't say no when someone is asking for help. They're not even her friends, she barely ever speaks to us all she's ever done is work it's infuriating.

Recent events have led to a re-evaluation of the subject's state of psyche. Following the subject's incredible discovery I've observed some changes in her behavior. She's actually started leaving the lab. I could hardly believe my eyes. The reclusive work bee stepping out into the world I'm so happy for her. She's having a bit of a hard time adjusting to the attention her ability creates but I think she'll get there.  She has however become rather a bit more brash than previous. I suspect that she may get herself into trouble if she keeps going the way she is. She's been quite down lately but she's strong she'll get through it.

I, Dr. Jacob A. Dafodill received special permission to provide extracts from the subject's journals along with this case study. The following attempts to document the events of and leading up to the transition of the subject from Dr. Gegenschein to Dr. Nebula. These are genuine records written or recorded by Jessica herself.

If I have to clean out one more hamster cage I'm going to lose my mind. Why do we have to do this dance every single time? We know the drug works, we know it's safe. But no we gotta stand around talking about rodents doing things that they always do. When I was offered the job I wish they would have opened with "Dead end role with no hope of growth or escape". Sure the pay is great and I've got my fancy job title but what does that matter. I used to be something. I have a Ph.D. with specialisms in Genetics I shouldn't be wasting my time with this crap.

Well here it is, my first log entry. I'm making this to document my findings and progress for the coming months. I don't care if I don't have the funding, I'll do the research myself from my own pocket I'll just put in extra hours no biggy. And I've decided on the perfect subject: myself. I don't care how many people have laughed at me over the years. I know there's more to my eyes than just being pretty to look at. I can feel it, I don't know what but something. Nothing shows up on any standard tests but there's a reason they're called standard tests. It's only the beginning there are so many more routes to take and questions to answer. Besides, there's no way they just look pretty. Up close in the mirror I can see it all. It's vast and wild like a whole new world.

Today's findings are a bust or so it would seem. I can't get consistent results from the shock tests. I don't believe it's from personal error but at this point, I'm unsure why else I would be getting such results. I'll have to cut this one short anyway. They want me in the lab in a couple of hours, I should probably grab a coffee. I'm helping Daniel with his backlog this week.

I've been having a difficult time for a while now with my colleagues. They all seem like they're avoiding me. That is unless they need me to do something for them. But today, completely out of the blue Jacob suddenly began begging me to let him help with my research. He swears he's not looking to take credit or anything so I trust him. We've been through thick and thin together since high school. I know we've drifted apart recently but I've been busy. I'll let him help out since there's no harm in it. I guess he's finally starting to understand why I hate that gutless job.

A breakthrough! This could be the key to everything! Test after test after test. Not one single sign of abnormal energy signatures. No electricity, no radiation, nothing. I've performed countless tests these last couple of weeks and I finally found something. Admittedly I felt a bit silly custom building probably the most overclocked listening device on the planet but look at you. A high-frequency emission. Impossibly high, in fact, I've never seen anything like it. I need to test further.

I had a fascinating discussion with Jacob today. He was talking about a theory he had recently come across that mentioned exponential wavelengths. There was a clear correlation between them and the meta-gene. That being the only known cases of such frequencies being meta-humans. As such I've prepared some tests. I'm interested to see firsthand how ultrasonic frequencies can affect the gene.

Blasting meta cells with ultrasonic sound is a volatile affair indeed. Except it always seems to result in the breakdown of the cell. I just don't see how it can survive in that environment. I need to keep testing. The frequencies being emitted from me don't harm anything, and they're far beyond what I'm messing with here. There's got to be something I'm missing.

I knew it. Everyone thought I was crazy but now look at me! Jacob tried to stop me but I knew what I was doing. I've spent months listening and learning its rhythms. It was canceled out, that's why it wasn't harmful. I still can't explain how but I think there was almost some kind of barrier. Two sets of insanely high-frequency waves colliding with pure equilibrium. It sounds impossible but I was right. All I had to do was disrupt one of the frequencies and wham the barrier destroys itself. But how did it happen in the first place? I have too many questions and oh my I feel so strange.

Now that the barrier is gone, whatever it was, I seem to possess a strange but incredible power. It's no wonder I can't explain its origin as its nature is just as insane. But it's really something. I can't even put it into words, it's mesmerizing and it just feels right. We've been performing all kinds of tests this afternoon and it's incredible. It really does defy belief.

Apparently I haven't been too subtle recently. But I just can't help it, flight!? And the stares of the people who spot me. It just never gets old. Jacob seems worried but I'm not. You know what screw the damn rodent trials. I deserve this. I may not have been able to find anything conclusive in my study but the true work has only just begun. I'm sure everyone will want to fund my research now, I could have whole teams at my disposal. I just need to find the right player.

It's not fair. Sick? Terminal? Since when? How long? I can't believe he never told me. All this time.. he knew. He must have been terrified and all the same writing my damn notes for me while I ignore him. He said he loves me and I don't know how to feel. Really when it comes down to it I know nothing about him I can't. I'll try and let him down easy. There's not much time left to waste on those kinds of tears right now.

You're in love with your work, not me, I understand that more than anyone. Even if it hurt me to watch you burn yourself out day after day. You were your work, I know it was everything to you. Every second was worth it to see your smile that day and just in time too. I'll leave my notes with you, it's your work after all. I'm sorry I doubted you. Go show the world what you're made of Jess.

Effects: The subject can secrete a misty plasma that binds with her skin. Any surface of her body that is coated by the substance functions almost exactly like a portal. Upon looking into her silhouette one sees an endless expanse of stars and galaxies. When the subject's nebula skin makes contact with an object she can allow the object to pass through causing it to fall into this extradimensional space now dubbed her "Portable Universe". Piercing attacks such as bullets or spears can pass through easier than other attacks.
Limitations: While things can pass through, the subject's abilities do not allow her to become intangible. The subject has to actively let objects through which can lead to mishaps when too much force is applied too quickly or she is caught unawares. The substance cannot be applied to other surfaces as it will flicker and die the moment it is disconnected from her body. The larger the object the longer it takes to absorb as such even non-meta humanoids are tricky to absorb when they're moving.

Effects: An extradimensional space that exists inside the subject's body. The subject can also expel anything from inside her extra-dimensional space into any available space around her. There is no air inside this space and any and all forces cease upon entering. Anyone caught inside will helplessly float in what appears like an endless expanse of stars and galaxies unable to travel in any direction.
Limitations: If the subject becomes forcibly unconscious for any reason everything inside her 'Personal Universe' is expelled immediately. She cannot expel anything with any force nor can she launch objects.

Effects: When the subject coats her entire body she becomes weightless. She is able to move through the air with minor control floating gracefully as if moving around in outer space.
Limitations: Her flight is slow if she doesn't provide momentum from elsewhere.

The subject is rather small so attempts to pass objects larger than herself into her  'Personal Universe' have been futile. While it's possible for a humanoid to enter, if they're much bigger than the subject it is far more difficult.

The subject's nebula skin has a much harder time avoiding swinging attacks like that of a sword or roundhouse kick. This is because they pass through way more surface area.

The subject has been unable to secrete her nebula when either fully submerged in liquid or if her body heat drops below certain thresholds. It seems space is required for the substance to emerge.

It seems that absorbing objects can become taxing on the subject. Repeated attempts to engulf objects will begin to accrue fatigue. The subject has to continually exert herself to maintain her nebula and envelop objects. If she no longer has the energy her control falters quickly in a similar way to muscle fatigue. Expelling objects seems to be a lot easier than absorbing them

Of course the subject should take good care of this case file. You know, the dusty leather-bound binder I'm always writing for you. You never know when the secrets of the future can be found in the past.

These consist of mundane tools and instruments for detecting and analyzing environments as well as for conducting experiments.

A standard taser for self-defense purposes. She's modified it with a dial to change the ampage and it can go pretty high.

Dr. Nebula will go to great lengths to guarantee a supply of coffee.

The subject was born with what appeared to be galaxies in her eyes. It looked amazing but seemingly did nothing whatsoever.

Having begrudgingly been the head researcher of an astute pharmaceuticals company, Dr. Nebula is doing well for herself. She pours most of her money into her work rather than luxuries.
She has recently dropped her job to do her own research in her own time but her savings won't last forever.

The Dr. is well studied in most sciences.

A great deal of the subject's time has been spent designing and creating devices she requires for her experiments. This includes modifications and reverse engineering."

It was a late and quiet night in the lab. The lights were on enough to see but only a few out of the many rows that filled the lab. The silhouettes of her lab equipment could be seen littered across a beyond disorganized mess of tables piled with documents and files. Some of which had even spread to the ground in places. Dr. Nebula was sat at one of her desks simply staring down at what was before her. She was still and soundless not even uttering a breath. For a moment she even wondered if time itself had stopped.
Her enthrallment was broken however along with the silence by the spat of a tear landing onto the page in front of her. As if awoken from her trance she quickly padded at the page with her free hand while wiping away the fresh tears that were already starting to form with her other. She couldn't stand the feeling and wanted to do anything to escape it. She suddenly slammed the case file closed and turned away from it looking out into her lab.
Gazing out into the darker parts of the room she examined the remnants of her work. She found some bemusement in picturing the strange structures as buildings of a civilization. Before she knew it she was already picturing Jacob busying himself with tidying the lab and organizing her notes. "Damn" she muttered softly. As swiftly as she'd tried to distract herself she was already right back to thinking about it. She knew it was going to be hard when he passed and the funeral was gutwrenching but she still didn't expect to feel what she felt looking through his notes. It was the first time she had seen them after all.
In another attempt to run away from it she closed her eyes tight. No matter what she hoped to achieve, however, she couldn't shake the feeling that she had to do something. Anything to try and release what she was feeling. She took a long and deep breath. The kind of breath that feels like it could last forever. It was clear there was no running from her feelings.
With a swift movement, she swiveled back around to face the notebook and cleared her throat. At first when she tried to speak there was nothing as if a ball was caught in her throat. But she persisted. "I feel ridiculous talking to a book but this silence is killing me. I can't begin to express how much I'll never forgive myself. Come on. Be realistic. Worth it? Don't give me that crap. Even when you yourself didn't believe in me you were still there, making sure I was okay. You gave me everything and now you're gone. I know you didn't want credit but it wasn't all me. I'll make sure that you're never forgotten." her tone, while pained, was still lined with a certain bossiness.
As the words left her chest so too did she feel a small relief? It wasn't much to dull the pain but it was something. For a moment she just felt like everything was going to be okay. Curling back into her seat she slowly and calmly hugged the book to her chest. "You were my best friend and I was terrible to you. I'm just so sorry," she whispered under her breath. She stayed like that for a little while longer. She just felt less alone. Soon enough, however, she began to drift as her sleep deprivation catches up. It's a familiar feeling and she glances slowly at a now cold coffee pot nestled nearby. In the end, though she surrenders to it falling into a slumber with the file still in her clutches.