The Doctor is In (C 2.3, E 2.3, H 2.3)

Location: The Roost
Time: evening



Canary and Edmund / Syd,

After picking up the medical supplies from Dile and selecting some gear from what the Fountaineers had to offer and walking away with ten large, you head back to The Roost. The place is practically empty, with Merlin keeping watch over the sick until the rest of the gang returns. He greets you both and offers some food for your troubles. He seems eager to get meds to Aloe for Shrike's peace of mind. Of course, there's Parker to deal with, too. Syd, who do you attend to first?

Canary, your crew's excited about this new job, but urge you to wait for the first light of day. They also seem pretty hungry.

What do you do?

Returning to the Roost feels reassuring and somehow... disheartening at the same time. In the same way the floodwaters reflect an illusion of the truth - this sturdy chapel illuminates the same in me. Only, I realize I'm the reflection.

The Roost represents almost 80% of the relationships I have come to value. But there is something fundamentally different between what they have, and what I am. The bonds the Talons share, forged by both blood and battle; and the genes that tie Parker to Paisley - it's all so palpably real. Each is a beautiful web of reciprocity. Family to family. Lover to lover.

Every relationship I have is lopsided. Each has its own set of rules and expectations. Princy's family are my employers, and over the years each member has carved a space in my heart. Chiseled perfectly to know their needs and desires. But dare I call them family? Certainly not, for what am I to them? An Employee? A servant? Similarly, each of the Talons has welcomed me, each generously playing the role of host and savior, when I am what to them? A vagabond? A tool?

Compared to the irrefutable impact each of them shares in their web of relationships, I can't help but feel like a glimmer of morning dew, slowly gliding toward one node or another before fading. Only to reappear at a later time in an unending cycle. Or perhaps I'm the spider, using their relationships for myself.

It is with this in mind that I now feel like a shadow trying to strengthen its body. If I could take Aloe and Parker's ailments upon myself and drift to the icy depths, I would in a heartbeat. Instead, I have to decide who to treat first. A woman whose very essence occupies a portion of my heart, or the girl who lives with those who've risked so much to help me. If something goes wrong and I lose the first, will I even be able to work on the other? If something happens with my very limited supplies, will I be forced to make a choice? I wonder if the Talon's Grey Wing knows how things will turn out?

I'll take a moment to speak with both Aloe and Parker before committing one way or another. My solution somehow feels immature, like I should somehow know the correct one to pick. Timorous is a mantle I'm fine wearing for now.

I thank Merlin and consider taking something to eat, but nerves are churning my stomach. So I head toward the room in which I left Parker.

The crew need not worry. We've been largely at sea for days, and I'm not in such a hurry to take this job. I'm going to be triple-sure that our gear is right, that I'm not sending Dinero into terrible risk. That the ship is fueled and ready, that the crew is rested and on point.

No rush. I hand out some pay and urge the crew to rest and relax in whatever way they see fit. Come back morning after next, just don't come back drunk or broken.

Syd seems suddenly driven when we make land. I know he needed medicine that he's in a hurry to provide. I offer to go with, but also respect his private affairs. I'm a courier after all, and though I consider Syd a friend... I'm not poking my nose in where it's not wanted.

"Either way, Syd. You always have a place aboard the Refuge," I promise in so many words. I mean it.

Syd,

You head into the makeshift infirmary to find Parker asleep, her breaths shallow, her face pale and clammy. Paisley is asleep on the floor beside her, a small blanket thrown over her tiny form.

Canary,

Your crew takes a dinghy to head off for food and sleep. Merlin again offers you food, and invites you to come inside the Roost where Syd has gone to mend folks.

What do you do?

I gratefully accept the invitation. Time at sea needs to be punctuated with time ashore. "Thank you for your hospitality," I offer the surprisingly kind Merlin. Despite his appearance he's been good to me.

I've heard rumblings of unrest among the Talons, however... and I'm not too clear on what's what... so on the way ashore I venture to ask, "is everything all right with the crew, Merlin?"

I watch from the doorway for a moment while they sleep. Both of them have been through so much - but then again, who hasn't?

I quietly move in closer and crouch down beside Parker. Up close, her shallow breathing is even more evident than it was from the doorway. I'm grateful to have the tools to help this time.

I consider going to check on Aloe, but seeing Paisley - quietly curled on the floor at her mother's side - stops me in my tracks. It will be Parker first. For what it's worth, her procedure is a little less complicated, just topping her off so to speak.

I'll need to move Paisley. Not only to keep her out of the way, but if anything should go wrong I don't want her to see. I'll try to slip her into a different room so she can sleep, but maybe I can lean on Canary or Merlin if I have to. I squat down and slip my arms under Paisley, blanket and all, gently cradling her as I head back into the hallway. It has been years since I've had to pick her up, so it shouldn't surprise me, but she's heavier than I remember.

Syd,

Paisley doesn't wake when you lift and carry her into the room you've been sharing with Jackdaw. You set her down on your bed and return to Parker. You have the materials needed to perform the surgery, now it's just a matter of time and effort. You realize that the work would be smoother with someone to back you up and act as an assistant. Do you press on all alone or ask Canary or Merlin?

The light of the moon reflecting off the water dances on the walls of the hall as I walk down the hallway. A dim light ahead reminds me that Merlin and Canary are still around.

I pause for a moment as I think to myself. Wisdom would say that having another person present is the right move. Still, I'm pretty confident that Parker's procedure will go well, and I don't care to be around anybody if it doesn't. While the fear of something going wrong with Parker's treatment is daunting, I realize it is truly the fear of how intimidating the procedure for Aloe will be. Still, I should at least let them know I'm beginning, and the exposure can't hurt (hopefully).

"Excuse me," I say as I step into the dining room, "I'm going to start treating Ms. Parker. I wouldn't mind a hand to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible - should be pretty straightforward and good practice for Ms. Aloe next."

I thank Merlin for the beer and take a drink, but shake my head, "no, no complaining but... you know I'm all over the place in the Refuge. I hear bits and pieces. Seems like things're just a bit rougher than usual. Lots'a folks in trouble..."

I take another drink, "maybe it's just me. Yeah? All in my head?"

I stand as Syd enters, finding I'm more tired than I thought I'm a little slow to respond. I nod in appreciation of Merlin's concern, "you all right without me? Ain't much good for surgery, I think... 'less you need a pilot for some reason I can't fathom."

I go to settle back down, then raise my beer as Jackdaw enters, "drink with me, then!"

I don't stand or anything, just lean back on my chair and hold up my beer for him to clank his against mine.

"Ain't no more danger here'n on the waves, my friend!" I answer, looking the big man over as he sits across from me. "I been good. Takin' a little rest in this here safe spot 'fore another job. Gotta go diving." I acknowledge the danger of that statement with a small pause for another mouthful of drink.

I swirl my bottle, disappointed that it's past half empty already, "glad you came, little distraction'd do me good."

After greeting Jackdaw I consider giving him a heads-up about Paisley. For all his bravado, something tells me the young lady will have him wrapped around her finger in no time.

I head down the hallway with Merlin. During the walk back to Parker, I quietly describe how the procedure will go. "...and that should be it." I finish as we turn to face Parker. The hallway seemed so much shorter than it was a few minutes ago. "Sorry for just talking at you so much. Truly, thank you for being here. Any questions before I wake her?"

"Merlin, you did great. Is this your first time doing this, or are people and jet skis more similar than I thought?" I inquire playfully. After how well that went I'm inclined to move on to Aloe right away. "You comfortable moving on to Aloe, or want to take a breather?"

"Aqua velva? That stank is 'spensive to pour down your throat!" I laugh out loud, loving his bravado and throw down the last swig of the beer in my bottle, "I ain't got business for a day... you're on, my friend!"

I stand for a moment, shed my slicker over the back of the chair, and toss my hair back defiantly, "let's see how deep that belly is, then!" I look around for a bottle of something stronger than beer.

Canary,
Jackdaw hops up to grab a few bottles of liquor and you both get to work on drinking your fill. After fifteen minutes or so, you hear three jet skis return to The Roost. A few minutes after that, Shrike enters the kitchen and looks the two of you over.

Merlin's mindset seems to match my own again. "Let's go pay the little warrior a visit then."

Before leaving I head back to Parker one more time, taking a moment to make sure the blanket we draped over her covers her - shoulder to toe. I try to think of some kind words to say, or blessing to leave her with, but I'm just relieved the procedure went as well as it did. So I turn and meet Merlin in the hall so we can head to Aloe.

Syd,

When you and Merlin come into Shrike's room to find Aloe, you immediately know something is wrong. She's deathly pale. When you move closer to examine her, you find that she's unconscious. She seems to have worsened dramatically!

What do you do?

Sudden fear sets in as I realize the severity of Aloe's status. "We need to begin immediately!" I immediately begin setting up supplies and preparing Aloe's arm for the transfusion. Her limb is limp as I adjust her clothing and slide the needle in. I simultaneously direct Merlin as well, having him prep some supplies, and increase the light in the room. I make no attempt at calling for additional help - perhaps because of how focused I am on the task at hand, and I'm worried others would only increase my likelihood of messing something up. Maybe Merlin feels the same way, but I'll leave it up to him to call for back-up.

With Aloe in this condition, the blood that was supplied to us from the Fountains may not be enough to do the trick. I'm prepared to give what I have to when we inevitably run out. "Keep fighting Aloe! Please."

Way to rain on our fun.

"He's tendin' to the hurt... there..." I gesture towards the other way, where Syd went to take care of things earlier.

It's the drink, though, which makes me takes a couple seconds to ask, "there trouble?"

Syd,

With Merlin assisting, you work quickly to stabilize little Aloe. Grabbing the supplies you bargained for from The Fountain, you begin the treatment to cure her disease. How well does the treatment work? When will you be comfortable that she's "cured"?

My hands are shaking by the time Merlin and I finish treating Aloe. Supplies and energy - exhausted. Even if we had unlimited resources, with how far Aloe's symptoms have progressed - her time is drawing to an end. So much damage has already been done to her heart and lungs. Aloe will certainly appear in better spirits soon, but I know it won't last long - a couple of weeks, maybe months if we're lucky.

Do I let her and the Talons enjoy the false hope she will show soon, or do I let them know about her impending demise?

I smooth out a spot on the blanket next to Aloe and gently sit by her side. Her chest slowly rises and falls as she slumbers. Her pulse is so dangerously faint. I eye the few bags in the corner of the room that are now full of blood that used to be in this poor child. Where I would typically see a glossy crimson, instead they are filled with a tarnished, burnt umber.

Out the corner of my eye I see Merlin, and I'm reminded of the Talons again. This family they've built, and their faith. Before I know it, I start to whisper, "Grey Wing, I've never been much of one for gods, so if you're listening or here, I've done everything I can." I pause - even whispering my voice carries more than I expected. But that doesn't stop me, "I'm afraid it isn't enough. If there is anything you can do for her - and the Talons - please do." I blink the start of some tears away and delicately slide a small bunch of her hair away from her face.

I stand smoothly, taking care not to disrupt Aloe's sleep. A towel sits at the foot of the bed, prepared incase things got - messy. I grab it and move over to Shrike, draping it over her shoulders. I lean against the wall beside her and look back to Aloe, resting peacefully.

"The procedure went as well as it could have." I quietly try to clear my throat before continuing, "Still, so much damage has already been done. She was unconscious when Merlin and I arrived. I expect she'll be in pretty good spirits for whatever time she has left. Even walking may prove to be too hard on her heart and lungs though."

I look back to Shrike, and for the first time notice how injured she is. I push myself off the wall and begin looking her over, "What happened, are you okay?"

"Yeah... yeah I do..." something hurts in the tone of her voice. I don't keep her though, she's looking for Syd and not for a conversation.

I sit back down heavily with a sigh, and to Jackdaw, "feels like we might wanna keep what's left of our wits about us."

Shrike's response is understandable. I can't tell if her disappointment is pointed at herself, me, the situation, her god, or all of us. I give her a shallow bow as I make my way out down the hall, hoping to grab a quick drink before going to find Litch and see if he needs any attention.

I notice the fatigue setting in, making itself at home in my body, and not planning to leave anytime soon. Even the echo of my footsteps seems sluggish.

I make my way into the dining hall and smile as I notice Jackdaw and Canary still enjoying each other's company. "Can I get either of you anything while I'm up?" I ask the duo as I fill a clay mug with some water.

I stay seated at the others enter, but follow Syd with my eyes.

As Merlin sits nearby, "occasion is what we make it, my friend," I raise my newly-filled glass and down it, then pull out the chair on my other side, hoping Edward.... Syd... will take the chance to join us.

I ask quietly... encouraging, not insisting, "come on, Syd. You've had a day 'needs a drink."

Seeing Merlin join for a drink assures me that Litch must not be in dire straits, taking a breather doesn't sound so bad.

I reach back into the cabinet Jackdaw pointed to and grab a diaphanous, crystalline decanter filled with a caramel-brown liquid. I join the others at the table and fill any glasses that need to be filled. I raise my glass and say, "To making the most of whatever time we have together." I swallow the contents in a single gulp and am immediately embraced by a warmth that spreads from my sinuses to the very center of my being.

"Where is everyone else? You all doing okay?"

It occurs to me that I have no idea how to answer that, but I am a good half-drunk...

"Now that is an ominous toast, my friend," I call everyone friends when I drink, mostly they are, "I can only speak for myself, but things are looking up... how goes the doctoring?"

I begin to raise a glass to Merlin's toast, then almost drop my glass when Jackdaw chimes in about... me...

I laugh, "shliznak!" and drink... just a sip.

I'm going to slow down the drinking, while pretending not to. Not to cheat at the drinking game, but to keep my wits about me in case things go weird.

I pour myself another glass but plan to nurse it for a while. The thing I'm truly savoring is the company, alcohol is simply the invitation.

Jackdaw's positivity and appreciation for those around him permeate through the gaudy facade he wears.

Canary seems to be enjoying herself here as much as she does on her boat - again it is nice to see another side of her personality.

Merlin continues to surprise me as well. Having spent the past few hours with him, I witnessed his focus, attention to detail, and willingness to follow me into a stressful situation. I feel I can begin to see what Litch sees in his crew.

As I ponder about the Talons and Canary, I'm reminded of those I call family - even if it is just in my mind. Parker and Paisley are resting just down the hall, and Princy is hopefully recovering well back at the Tower. In the morning I will fix my attention back to Princy's situation and figuring out why everything went to hell.

For now, I smile as the laughter and playfulness of the others engulf the room.

I'm able to relax a little more, now, with Syd here... and knowing that Dinero has grown into his role so quickly and even now he's not left alone. The old-timers have a good influence on the young man.... young man? He isn't all that much younger than I am. Has the sea aged me so?

And here Syd is... finally pulled himself away from the stifling tower and he's becoming something of a life-saver. Isn't he....

I think about it for a good long time, then raise my glass again, "to finding where we belong."

As you're drinking and talking, Javan enters the room, but doesn't join you. Soon after, Helix enters.

Helix, you see Canary drinking with Jackdaw, Merlin, and Syd. They're in a good mood.

The expected suspects are here, except Canary who I didn’t expect. My eyes catch on her for a moment, remembering how things ended at the Belly, then I glance away. Canary saw me fail at sea, and it feels somehow that this is another black mark on my record.

Then I remember what I wanted to ask her at the Belly, what I didn’t get a chance to after Parcher plied to Prince with too much booze.

My eyes go back to her. "I didn’t know you were working with the Talons."

I swirl booze around in my glass, rather than drinking in a hurry. I like to listen to a room, overhear important bits.

Helix walks in and I can't help but straighten up a bit and follow her with my eyes. She looks at me like I'm out of place...

She asks, and I glance around the table before shaking my head, "just visiting. Not here on business..." a puzzled look on my face, "surprised to see you here, too."

"Me, too," I answer without offering additional explanation. "Are you staying the night?" I know that Syd is new to the Roost. How many warm bodies are they prepared to host at a moment's notice?

Hmm.

"Yeah, gettin' settled..." I glance at Jackdaw, "prolly sleep out on the water though... you here long-term?"

It feels like there's more we should talk about, but not in present company.

"You should see the Refuge again, Helix... she hasn't changed, a good boat'll remember you," an invitation to get away... if she wants to take it.

I catch the look Canary throws Jackdaw's way, so I playfully speak up. "Dibs on Jackdaw's room. You can fight me for it, but I don't really want to move aaalllll my stuff."

I smile at Jackdaw. I'm curious to see how he reacts. Will he feign frustration at me blocking a prospect - glad he can play up his playboy reputation; or tire quickly of my meddling? Does Plover enjoy his antics, or want him to settle down?

I laugh, "someone once told me never to pick a fight with the doctor!" I grin at Syd for a moment, then shrug, "all the company I need out on the water..."

But I look down at my glass and think to myself... crew ain't kin... not yet anyway. We'll see how this all goes with the dive. Tough jobs done oughta bring us together. Maybe it'll feel right, then.

I glance back at Helix, see how she's taking all this.

I don't know how to answer Canary's question about whether I'm here long term. I suppose I might be, if Litch still "can't let me go." Or perhaps I might be if I, like he wants, choose to return to the Roost each time I depart. My lips tense a bit, words unspoken as I meet her eyes, something serious there, but then the jovial nature of the room takes over again, sweeping away my unspoken sentences with slurred threats and laughter.

I go get myself a glass of water when I hear Jackdaw drunkenly refer to Syd as "Doc Edwurd." I turn, water in hand but untasted. "I thought your name was Syd," I say, my voice like silver among the cozy wool of their conversation. "Edward...is a Tower name, isn't it?"

Leave it to Jackdaw to botch that up. I quickly glance around the room just in case Dinero happened to be around. Not seeing him - I figure there is little harm in a true introduction with this stranger.

I stand and look over to Helix. "Miss Helix, I'm sorry for the late introduction. My name is Syd, but for over a decade now I've been going by Edmund Sterling. While I'm not a doctor, I am a loyal butler to Princy and his family - in the tower - as you rightly assumed." My demeanor intensifies as I continue. "Over the past couple days, the family I work for has been the target of a series of attacks. As they all seem to be out of harm's way for the time being, I intend to fully devote myself to understanding the truth of these attacks. And ensuring they don't happen again."

Syd...Edmund...whatever his name is...is not completely foreign to me as it turns out. I've heard talk of Princy's faithful butler, and now the servant of the elite is here among the rest of us. I felt like there was something off about him from the moment we met - perhaps the Whispers were nudging my conscience - and now I know why. My body bristles at the deception, something feeling very wrong about masks and lies. There is blood in the water around this butler, which means he is prone to attract sharks.

"And the Talons are assisting you in this task?" I glance at Canary too, wondering if she's involved, willing to risk the sharks for the potential jingle flowing from the Tower.

I see that look and raise my hands, "jus' contracting. Syd needs a ride, I'm there... but I can only do so much to solve the worlds problems..." I sigh... feeling the alcohol, "I mean. Syd... if you need me though. I'll do what I can."

Much like when Zephyr introduced me to Helix yesterday, I can almost taste the disdain that Helix seems to have for me. Her first words to me were, "Who did they send to kidnap you?", and now she is inquiring if they are assisting me. Likely trying to juxtapose her relationship with the Talons to my own.

"The Talons were essential in getting me safely out of the Tower, in addition to acquiring the supplies needed to treat those needing care here. While I will be eternally grateful for the support they've provided me up until now - I intend to do as much of the upcoming hunt as I can solitary."

I don't say that I will likely need a ride, but Canary's statement of support just a moment ago is reassuring, even if she can leave me somewhere as she heads to other jobs.

"Have I done something to offend you, Miss Helix?"

Canary, at least, is reliably practical, contracting out her skills, doing what she can, and promising nothing more. Even if I don't understand how she can trust Edmund enough to promise even that much, I can respect her stance.

The Tower Butler, though, is another story altogether. Listening to his formal presentation actually makes me miss the Sipps and when he asks outright if he has offended me, I lift my chin a bit.

"I do not trust the Tower," I answer after watching him for a long moment. "Or the people who work to help the prosperous prosper. But being offended would be a waste of time. Don't worry, Tower Butler. I'm sure Canary will drop you and the young Prince back on their doorstep when you tire of our world."

"Well I certainly trust the Tower. I trust them to be self-interested. To not watch where they step. To not mind who they hurt. You may think I'm helping the 'prosperous prosper'. I've merely been trying to do what I can to survive the way I know how while making use of what skills I have, I've never promised anything more." Though we appear to be close to the same age, I'm quickly tiring of her childish tirade. "Of course I've come to care about some of those that dwell in the Tower. While I don't know if I'll see them again after tomorrow, I will do what I can to keep them safe."

I reach over and grab the bottle of booze in front of Jackdaw, finding myself feeling defensive of Helix's dig at Dinero. "If you keep locking everyone into a role, you'll miss every opportunity to watch them grow, or change - for better or worse. The 'young prince' seems to be changing for the better. I may be changing for the worse." I pour a myself a double, and echoing Canary's earlier toast, "To finding where we belong." I down the drink.

Shrike enters the room and announces that Litch needs to talk to everyone. She starts shepherding everyone to the chancel.

End Scene