Earth Sick

2156: LIEBEN ORACLE V1

A transcription from the recollections of the Mater Machine Lieben.
The risk of a multigenerational experiment to determine the validity of Homo Sapiens extra-planetary homesteading appears to be in the small parcel of the population who want to leave. Most come to understand quickly within their developmental years the nature of the experiment and how important it is to the rest of the planet. A sense of collective welfare keep many from feeling Earth Sick, but a small amount of the Abhan populace continue through adulthood with a general malaise.
From malaise to malady, the Earth Sick seem to have an innate longing for the planet below.
Treatments aside from anti-nausea medications or a good home cooked fresh meal (no artificial components), include use of our multiple VR chambers. Those who cannot leave Abha can visit any number of places upon the planet Earth through virtual reality augmented by the pairing of a NEO-N on the ground.

Transmission & Vectors

Earth Sickness appears to travel in friend groups among the young. Impassioned youths, who want more of their lives and haven't quite figured themselves out. Some carry Earth Sickness the rest of their lives, but these are rare once treatment is given on a bi-monthly basis. 
Transmission in earnest tends to be via pockets of maladjusted youths or the elderly who desire a different retirement plan.

Causes

We knew when we removed multiple generations from the planet Earth on an atmospheric tether, there would be a percentage who longed for Earth below. Hypothesized within the initial experiment is a 'safe percentage' of the population who could handle being Earth Sick to varying degrees, before the entire experiment went bust. 
If too many human beings were born Earth Sick, I and my kin would know... we would realize the human race might never be fit to leave Earth without untoward discomfort.

Symptoms

• Convulsions
• Loss of Fine Motor Skills
• Loss of Taste
• Paranoia
• Desire to Jump

Treatment

• Anti-nausea medications
• Counselling 
• 24/7 Supervised Care
• Fresh Vegetables & Meat
• Time in the VR Cocoons
• If Severe: In less than 3% of cases, no cure will suffice but Cryostasis until the person can be thawed upon a planet with adequate facilities.

Prognosis

Aside from obvious moments of copy-cat syndrome, and general adolescent malaise, the cause of Earth Sickness is... Earth. 
The Human Race was meant to live upon it, and colonization of other worlds might never be a perfect process. We do, however, have certain genetic and epigenetic markers, which we can extrapolate to future lists of potential colonists.

Affected Groups

Abhan

Hosts & Carriers

The discontented.

Prevention

• Keeping Busy
• A Life's Purpose
• Regular use of the VR Cocoons or Shared VR Chambers

Epidemiology

Aside from a small collection of truly genetically afflicted individuals, the majority of light to moderate Earth Sickness is passed through mental prompt alone.

Cultural Reception

The Earth Sick are seen by many as a section of Abhan Society to be pitied. People who might never be capable of colonizing other worlds. Yet, mild Earth Sickness is seen as a preventable nuisance. Something to be 'whiled away' with use of the VR Cocoons or larger Chambers.

Type

Mental

Origin

Natural

Cycle

Short-term

Rarity

Rare

Affected Species

• Homo Sapiens

Appears In

The Isle of Noises (Lieben Cycle Book 4)