Twenty-Fifth Gate [Dictated]

[forsometimenow]

Everyone, this is Dr. Keller. I realized I should probably mention that the town clinic will be closed until further notice. I broke my arm, so I'm going to be down for a while.

I'm on bedrest in the castle clinic for now.

Private to Joel and Tess

... Thanks for saving me.

Comments

Jennifer, Joel

[dog_eat_dog]

You're welcome. [And then, almost teasing:] Good thing we owed you, huh?

Filter forever

[forsometimenow]

[She's a little surprised by the reply, but goes along with it.]

I don't feel much like you did owe me, but... I'm still grateful.

Filter forever

[dog_eat_dog]

Well, if that's the case, consider it an investment on our part.

And next time, don't stick around when you see spores in the air, let alone Infected hanging around.

[forsometimenow]

I can live with that.

... you know what that thing was? Was that... what happens when... [She can't finish the sentence.]

[focusrighthere]

But we won't hold it over your head.

[There's something light in his tone as well, something that implies actually intending to stick to the same courtesy she's shown them. She never refused them help when she could have, and not just because she was scared. That's the impression Joel has, anyway.]

Yeah. It was infected for a long, long time. [And much more grim, that part.] A real son of a bitch to kill.

[forsometimenow]

You're too kind.

[She's quiet for a while after that. No wonder Tess- hell, no wonder both of them were so screwed up, especially if Tess had been facing the possibility of turning into one of those before she'd been given a second chance in Paradisa.]

Did someone manage to get it, at least?

[dog_eat_dog]

[Joel's kind. On their end, Tess gives Joel an almost amused look, and she bumps his hip playfully with hers, even if she's not feeling particularly playful. You big dumb superhero.

But she speaks a little more gravely.]

Yeah, someone got it, and it sure as hell wasn't us. Jury's still out on whether the spores will turn anyone else in the coming days.

[focusrighthere]

[Yeah, yeah, she was being sarcastic, Joel silently communicates back. Tess gets a shoulder-bump in return, just a small one.

Serious criminals, gruff speaking.]

Considering how havin' one around went, that'd be some goddamn mess. [Chaos similar to the first days. To Jennifer:] I'd be prepared, just in case.

[ voice ]

[peacockherald]

OH, I am sorry to hear that Jennifer. How did it happen? It wasn't an attack of some sort was it?

_{[ Because if it was, he and his magical white horse might need to go kick some ruffian butt. ]}

[ voice ]

[forsometimenow]

It was, actually- some sort of creature appeared in the castle and started attacking people. It's gone now, from what I understand.

[forsometimenow]

I'm glad it's gone, but if more people are going to be infected...

[She sounds a little scared, then tries to sound confident.]

But Tess' infection never spread. I'm not going to rest on my laurels, of course- I know better than that now- but it makes me hopeful that anyone who inhaled them is going to be okay. ... I'll warn Simon, though.

Re: [ voice ]

[peacockherald]

Oh, I heard about that. I was you with Yfandes at the time, so I didn't get back til after it had gone. I am glad you were not more seriously injured.

[dog_eat_dog]

[Tess gives Joel an appraising look. This girl? Sarcastic? Either way, she's still happy to be using communication that isn't face-to-face. It lets her and Joel share these little moments even in the midst of conversation.

Jen's fear is almost cute.]

It could be in them but dormant because of the castle, or it just hasn't shown up yet. It takes a lot longer than a bite just because it has to break into the blood stream on its own, while a bite just gives it a highway to the brain. First signs could be in a few days to a week, I think. For perspective, my bite was only a few hours old when you looked at it.

[And you could have it, Jen.]

[ voice ]

[forsometimenow]

... Me, too. I got off pretty lightly, considering...

Re: [ voice ]

[peacockherald]

Yes. If you like, I can come and use some of my Healing Gift. I cannot outright heal it, but I can speed your recovery some.

[focusrighthere]

[He's still getting used to having that back, a system of communication that allows multitasking. He isn't a big fan of using the journals in general, but he utilizes it more than he used to.

Believe it or not. He shrugs.]

Warning your people is good. Chances are it won't spread around here, but who knows what this place'll decide to do. I was starting to think I'd never see infected again.

[She could definitely have it. Joel and Tess will probably be laying low for a while.]

[forsometimenow]

... damn. Then we could have another crisis on our hands...

[She's quiet for a bit while she thinks.]

What are the symptoms? It'll help if we have as much detail as we can. ... or the other medics, anyway. I'll be next to useless if anything happens to anyone who inhaled that stuff.

[forsometimenow]

I'd appreciate it. I already got some from Duke, actually, but more couldn't hurt. I want to be back to work as soon as possible.

[peacockherald]

I understand the feeling, but remember to let yourself heal as much as you can. There's no sense in damaging yourself again so soon, after all.

[forsometimenow]

I'll try. It just makes me anxious not being able to do anything for anyone...

[peacockherald]

I don't think that's quite true. Even with your arm out, you could still help advise people on what do for smaller illnesses, or you could get some books from the library and work on increasing your knowledge.

[forsometimenow]

That's true. I've been pretty lax on learning new things lately, now that you mention it. I need to try and keep up that habit more- I always made time for it back home.

[peacockherald]

I can grab some books for you on the way to the clinic if you want.

[dog_eat_dog]

[Tess hesitates. It's not that she doesn't know 'em all and can't rattle them off in a heartbeat, but rather just thinking about the symptoms makes her feel too self-aware, too anxious. She looks to Joel. You do it, she wants to say.]

We usually just shoot them.

[focusrighthere]

[Joel meets Tess' look with silent, grim understanding. He squeezes at her wrist, small gestures that nobody else has to see. The topic is shifting to pinch at the nerve that was flayed open when they left each other.]

You'll know it when you see it. [Helpful.] Skin discoloration, bloodshot or pale eyes. Won't be able to talk.

[It's like a light goes out and the person goes away, is the best way he can put it, but he hesitates. They're being professional and can continue to be, but this is all too personal.]