Interlude 1: Time to Heal Thu May 11 2000 >> Things have been surprisingly quiet in the Facility since the assassin and thief vanished...security is high, and the grim corpse of Dr.Thrise lies on a cold metal table in a back room of the medical area, but the workers and scientists seem to have released their collective breath. Meanwhile, in the more lively part of the medical area, Doctor LeBlanc is treating the injured. Shane sits on a flat bed, waiting his turn. >> Charity pats a guard on the shoulder. "There you go. I'll need to redress each day for a week or so, but you're good for now. Do you know where Jessamyn is? Er, Ms. Drake?" * Shane somberly rubs his shoulder wound. Guard: Thanks...no, no idea. I guess she's busy getting things back in order. * Shane turns over and over in his head the monumental stupidity that everyone showed jumping through an unstable warp-hole... Those things can cleave a man in two! ... * Shane then cringes, for what must be the seven hundredth time today, chastising himself for not being the first one through... Charity: Hmm. Well, okay. Take some time off. >> She consults a clipboard, making a few notes using the pencil attached to it with a string. "You three are okay...spend the day resting up, you can return to active duty tomorrow." * Shane, bored, looks longingly at his pack across the room, where it had been taken by an orderly when the nurse yelled at him for continuing to shoulder it. >> The rest of the patients file out, leaving the doctor and Shane alone. She checks her clipboard again, then walks over. "Okay...I'm very sorry to leave you this long...we're swamped at the moment...I don't even work here normally." ^^; Shane: That's okay... I really took care of the wound thaumaturgically a bit ago... I really don't need to be checked out. >> Charity shakes her head. "Never rely on magic alone...you never know. Can you take your shirt off?" * Shane gives the doctor a dissatisfied look. Shane: Magic has never failed me beore. * Shane rolls his shoulder proving to her that everything's well healed, but cringes at the tenderness at the apex of the arc... Shane: See? All hea..led. Charity: Heh. Who's the doctor here, eh, Mr.Arturis? *grins amiably* Ooh. Careful there. Come on, don't be shy. Shane: Ma'am, in all earnest... Shane: ... * Shane gives the woman a sidelong glare, and then looks at his shredded sleeve. >> She blushes suddenly. "Oh...er...I can get a...male doctor, if that's what you'd like." Shane: No... that won't be... Charity: Hmm...I SUPPOSE I can look at it through the sleeve, if you don't mind me handling you a bit. * Shane gets his pocket knife off of his belt, and uses it to cleanly remove the whole sleeve. * Shane re-cliips the knife and smiles. Shane: The shirt was ruined, anyways. >> Carefully peering at Shane's recently healed wound, Charity frowns. "It will scar a little bit, I think, but it's not infected." Shane: Scar? * Shane frowns. Shane: Is there a way to minimize it? Charity: Not really, now. That's the trouble with magic, sometimes it doesn't look nice on aggravated wounds. I think it's the poison, though. You got rid of it mostly, but it messed the skin a teensy bit. You'll live...nobody's going to be looking at your shoulder anyway, after all. ^_^ * Shane sighs... Shane: (m) Perhaps it's time more bio-specific magics were developed... Charity: Hey, cheer up, could have been much worse. Do you happen to have the weapon used? Shane: Err... yeah, actually. One moment... Charity: Careful... * Shane gets off the bed with a small leap, disregarding any opposition that may come, goes to his pack and opens a side pouch, procuring it. >> She reaches over to the instrument table and grabs a pair of forceps, with which she plucks the dart out of his hand and examines it. Charity: Hmm. *she sniffs it* Can I leave you a second? Don't go away. * Shane nods. * Shane sits on the table again, and looks around when he's alone. >> Charity zips off. * Shane hmphs... * Shane thinks back to the bloody plain he saw through the warp portal... trying to divine some landmark from the scene... Shane: Stupid uncareful... * Shane trails off mumbling to himself. >> Eventually the female doctor returns, dart in hand. "Here, you can have it back, we've got a few specimens just like this. I cleaned it off, but be careful how you handle it. It's the same poison we saw with the other wounds, but not the one that killed Dr.Thrise...that was something we can't figure out yet. At any rate...I'd like to give you a shot that should help cure any remnants of the poison from your system...sometimes strong toxins can relapse after magical curing." * Shane sighs, and nods. Shane: Arm injection? Charity: Yes...I've got the syringe right here. It shouldn't hurt. * Shane rolls of his good sleeve, and holds out his arm. >> She sticks him, leaves the needle in for a minute, then withdraws it. "That should keep you fit, but let me know if you experience any nausea or vomiting, or if the wound becomes inflamed. *she pauses, frowning* Well...I suppose you won't be staying, actually. What are your plans?" Shane: I... * Shane pauses. Charity: The ship'll be going back tomorrow...I suppose you'll be on it? Shane: ...I hadn't given much thought to it, actually... I've been running through my head how to track down where the thieves and their pursuers went, but I'm quickly running out of ideas... Shane: ... Shane: Not neccesarily... Jessamyn said something about the possibility of more work... and these facilities are much better than my shop... Charity: Ah! *she laughs merrily* Funny, that. You're looking for the thieves, but the facility itself isn't. * Shane blinks. Shane: The facility is not searching? Shane: A murder and a valuable piece of rare machinery lost, and no worries? * Shane looks blankly at the doctor. Charity: Well...I don't understand it very well - I'm not really in the loop, you understand - but from what I can tell, there were two separate crimes here. The man who caused all these wounds and kidnapped the visiting noble is the one they're pursuing...on the other hand, the acquaintance of Jessamyn's, Ms. Stricken, apparently stole the generator on her own. That's why it's so hectic...two crimes at once! But they're only pursuing the assassin... Shane: That's... odd... * Shane clears his throat. Shane: Doctor, am I done here for now? Charity: *chuckles* Leaving so soon? * Shane smiles at her. >> "Oh, let him go, Charity. He's as busy as the rest of us, I'm sure." Shane: I was hoping, if possible, to get to talk to Jessamyn. >> Jessamyn steps in, looking very haggard. * Shane smiles sympathetically at doctor Drake. >> Charity blinks. "Well, speak of the devil. I was wondering when you were going to come in...worried you were going to immerse yourself in administrativia until you fell dead." >> Jessamyn shakes her head. "No...just had some...things to take care of. It's been such a very busy day." Charity: Well, have a seat. I'm a bit surprised you came to see me, instead of one of the full- time Facility doctors. * Shane blinks at Charity. He didn't realize she was not full-time staff... * Shane ponders... was she on the boat with him before? Jessamyn: *smiles wanly* I trust you more than them, Charity. Anyway, I got hit here...*touches the back of her neck, where there's a bruise* And I think I cut myself. * Shane blinks his eyes a few times and tries to recall everything... something very weird is going on behind all of this. >> Charity explains to Shane as she looks Jessamyn over. "I'm one of the royal doctors...sometimes we're assigned to take care of dignitaries. The Facility was short- staffed..." Jessamyn: Also, nobody here is as good a doctor to begin with. I think I'm going to steal you. Shane: Ahh... a fellow Adlehydian. >> Charity laughs. Charity: So, Jess...DID you know Ms.Stricken? That's what they're saying... >> Jessamyn winces as her bruise is handled. "I thought I did...it seems I was wrong. It's just a shame this happened at the same time as Shrike." Shane: Do you think they were working together beforehand? Or was the escape just mutially beneficial? Jessamyn: They weren't working together. They fought briefly...and Sevena rescued us once. It's very confusing. *she sighs, brushing a few limp strands of dishevelled hair from her eyes* Sorry...you wanted to speak to me? Charity: I need to see your arm. Ah, that's not so bad. Let me just clean that cut out for you... Shane: It can wait if you need rest. You look a bit worn, for obvious reasons... Jessamyn: No, no. This is rest for me. Might as well talk to me while I'm free, I'll be very busy over the next week or so... Shane: I understand. Shane: Well... ah, first of two questions... Shane: Do you know where they went? Any particle emissions readings or magical divination as to the location of the escape? I would like nothing more than to recover that engine. And the aquantance of the young girl with the flying ARM. * Shane'd almost forgotten about that... He frowns at both losses, cumulative now. Jessamyn: *shakes her head* The engine's as good as gone, I'm afraid...we could trace the portal if there had been a source of strong magical energy nearby, and similarly we could probably confirm where the point of exit was if we were there to scan it for traces...but as it is, it could be anywhere where there's shrubland. I only got a moment's look...we're calling in a specialist, but he can't be here for almost a week, and by then the residual energy may have faded. Jessamyn: I suppose the princess will be rather unhappy that a prominent nobleman's daughter was kidnapped under my care. Princess...closer to a queen now, I guess. *she chuckles bitterly* Charity: This will sting a bit...hmm? There's a thought...do you think the kidnapping was related to the deaths of the royal family? * Shane nods, and listens. Jessamyn: *frowns* It could be...but it seems unlikely...that man has been identified as Shrike, a legendary freelance assassin. Charity: The Shrike...I've heard rumors that he's really Death. But I hear a lot of things...I guess you're probably right. The modus operandi are too different. Shane: There a lot of legendary assassins? I'm afraid I don't keep much up the news of planned murder. Jessamyn: Heh. Just those two, actually. They've been in the news more than once...anyhow. You had a second question? Shane: Yes... Shane: Well, if hunting them down is impossable at the moment... I was wondering if there was any way I could stay on here for research? I'm quite impressed with the facilities, and I modestly believe I have some good to contribute? * Shane smiles warmly. Shane: I understand it's hectic right now, but... Jessamyn: Actually...I'm afraid we don't have any more work for you here, but...I may be able to offer you a job elsewhere. You wouldn't have access to these facilities, but we can pay you as much as we did for this, and I might be able to get you access to the Metal Bird if you can solve this particular problem...*she frowns, biting her lip* I imagine the Metal Bird would have to wait until things have quieted down a little, though. * Shane's eyes open wide, but then calm when she says it'll have to wait. Shane: Work's work, and enigmas are always welcome... where would this be? Jessamyn: Saint Centour. Do you know it? It's where the Renaissance Cathedral is. Shane: I'm familiar with the name and the map location, but I don't recall ever being there... Shane: ...Might've when I was young, but I don't recall. Shane: At any rate, you can count me in. Will I need to arrange travel personally, or will it be taken care of? Charity: I have a cousin who lives there. Okay, I think you're all set, Jess. I'd tell you to take a day off, but... Jessamyn: ...you're not that dense. *chuckles drily at Charity* Basically, the story is this. Jessamyn: Saint Centour once had a powerful dimensional/spiritual weave which twisted space to repel soulless beings. This weave was damaged in the Second Demon War, and has been non-operational since. There aren't many soulless beings left on Filgaia today, but the government wants to get Saint Centour's barrier up again, and perhaps study its technology - we know precious little about dimensional science, and virtually nothing about spiritual. Jessamyn: I had someone else lined up for this job, but recent events have changed things, and I think I'd like to see what you can do there. Shane: ...was the recently departed going to examine this, by any chance? >> Jessamyn coughs. "Er...yes, actually. But...I'm sure you can handle it." * Shane looks down and nods. Shane: Was dimensional field theory Thrise's specialty? >> She nods. "Nonetheless...he didn't know much about the spiritual aspects of the ancient technology, and your success with the generator - despite the unfortunate end that affair came to - suggests to me that you may be able to accomplish what the past scientists who have examined the barrier haven't. *she smiles grimly* Looks like you've benefited from a tragedy...funny how life works, isn't it? Oh well. The fact is, it needs to be done. * Shane nods. Shane: ...I wonder if... hmmm... * Shane frowns. Charity: Terrible...*shakes her head* Shane: ...! Shane: Jessamyn... do you know if any of the departed's journals or logbooks were stolen? Shane: Really, unless Thrise was a noble, what other reason would there be to assassinate him? >> Jessamyn sighs, fingering her neck tenderly. "Life is terrible. We do what it takes to get ahead. Journals...we checked the office...everything seems to be intact, though we haven't done a totally thorough search. I just assumed Thrise was killed so that Miss Johansen could be kidnapped...but it's true, the assassin could have used a smoke bomb. Charity: Maybe at that point he still hoped to get in and out without witnesses. >> Jessamyn rubs her eyes. "I suppose...of all the times for this to happen. Ugh." Shane: It is unfortunate... I was hoping to get to know Thrise... He seemed quite intelligent, and eager to boot... but the more I think about it, his eagerness could've meant he was onto something big, and wasn't telling until he was sure... * Shane vocally sighs. Jessamyn: Hmm. I have a hard time believing he wouldn't tell me, but...we'll look into it. At any rate...are you interested in the job? I must warn you, we've had several people try and fail already, but either way we'll pay for your board, and passage there and back. Charity: I'm going to go to the other room, I think they still have a few patients in there needing attention. >> Jessamyn nods. * Shane switches into excited inventor mode, quickly... "Most definitely! This is quite a rare opportunity. Dimensional Science is hard to learn about, really... not many texts remain on the subject... So a chance to study apparatus that once manipulated the dimensions freely, operative or not, is a pleasure and an honor! Will I be allowed to read through Thrise's works before leaving, or on the journey?" Jessamyn: Some of his notes are very confidential...but I'll allow you access to what I can, provided you keep everything you read under your hat. Shane: Of course. Shane: I shall sign any confidentiality contracts you may require. Jessamyn: Very well, I'll have the paperwork written up for you tomorrow. The ship departs tomorrow evening. * Shane nods. >> She frowns. "You know, that's what bothers me most about this whole mess." * Shane looks up. "Which part?" Jessamyn: The teleportation device was Sevena's, - I don't even want to THINK about how she got that - but Shrike didn't have anything of the sort. He could have arrived on the same ship as us, but after kidnapping Miss Johansen he'd have no hope of escaping the same way, even with the ability to disguise his identity. You'd imagine he'd have a small craft stowed somewhere, for a getaway. But...we didn't find any small craft anywhere on the island. Shane: Lending it either to ruse and cooperation, or something we're overlooking entirely? Shane: ...! Jessamyn: I don't know...my gut tells me they weren't working together. But maybe that's just me thinking of the old Sevena again. Shane: If Thrise was actually a primary target, perhaps the assassin was hoping to aquire a dimensional transport of some kind... teleportation is part of dimensional theory, no? Jessamyn: Yes, but we don't have any functional long-range teleportation devices here at the Yggdrasil Facility...and...why would he kidnap Miss Johansen, then? *she rubs her temples* Nothing makes sense. I'm so tired. * Shane nods. Shane: Perhaps we all need some rest? Jessamyn: Unfortunately, I have a lot of work left to do...you go, though. At least someone should get some sleep. Shane: At any rate, may I have permission to study Thrise's books tonight? Shane: I'm afraid I'm a light sleeper in the best of times. I think I'll be quite an insomniac tonight... so best put the time to use? Jessamyn: Certainly. Jessamyn: I'll have them sent to a room for you. * Shane gets off the table, and offers a hand to Jess. Shane: Thank you, Doctor. Thank you for this opportunity. >> She shakes his hand. "My pleasure. I'm just sorry it came under such circumstances." * Shane nods in agreement. Shane: Good luck, Doctor. And try to get some rest. * Shane leaves. >> The room is left empty except for Jessamyn...she looks around quietly for a minute or so, then stands, turning on the tap and rubbing cold water on her face. Jessamyn: It looks like my life is a long string of failures and meaningless goals...but I suppose I have to...get back to work. >> She stares at her face in the sink mirror for a bit before departing.