The hospital cafeteria. One never knew what might happen in this place filled with tables, and old worn out chairs. The kitchen and serving area against one wall dominated the cavernous room. At a centrally located table, Mirandahh Asche Drachenn, otherwise known as Ash sat with a bowl of something hot in front of her. Her spoon did not move towards it. She merely sat there, staring down at it. It steamed, all benignly back up at her. The only one who might have the slightest inkling as to what it was would have been the cook, and he wasn't telling.
The soft whir of the parting elevator doors went unheard in the cafeteria as Bliss Lovejoy stepped out and made her way through the lobby. The cafeteria door opened for her and in she walked, making for the line. She gave Ash a casual greeting. "Evening Doc."
Ash looked up at the voice with a squint and pinched the bridge of her nose lightly. "Yeah. Doc ... What a concept."
Bliss served herself a few vegetarian items and some water before she made her way to a table near Ash's. "I am good at concepts."
"Eh? Then tell me this ... Why does everyone think I'm a doc?" Ash queried.
Bliss shrugged as she slid into a chair. "You work in a hospital, you patch people up. Honest assumption."
Ash frowned into her stew. "Yeah, I guess."
The attention she gave her stewbowl did not escape Bliss' notice. Even as she nibbled at a piece of fruit or vegetable, she was unsure which, Bliss asked, "Worried it's gonna jump out of the bowl and bite you first?"
Ash cast her a sidelong glance accompanied by a slight grin. "Nah. It's dead," she joked. "I killed it myself. I am only eating because I am being forced to."
A smirk was the reward she received from her companion. "I do believe that is the reason I am eating too."
The medic gave a sage nod, "Least they ain't feedin' you from a tube."
"Nope" Bliss responded, "But Terra threatened that if I didn't eat on my own."
Ash pushed the bowl of mystery meat ... or whatever it was away from her. She kicked her tired feet up onto the table, and eased back into a more comfortable slouch. "Sounds like Terra. She's a nice person, but motherly as all get out."
"I've noticed," answered Bliss.
While the women talked, a man stepped before the hospital doors. A magazine clicked. A boot heel ground down into the soil. Smoke traversed his face, the ember almost to his lips before the cigarette was retrieved and flicked aside at the outer doors. The quiet hiss of its death was lost in a squalid puddle of ... something. As Zachariah Dillenger stepped into New Rhydynn Memorial, the silent electic fans blew trickled the dust from his coat. His single indigo blue eye took in the almost serene scene within the lobby.
"She has also threatened to tie me to the bed if I didn't stay in it at least eight hours, with my eyes shut." Bliss continued with a frown. "Bossy woman."
Not to be deterred, the medic responded, "Terra knows her stuff, sister. I listen to her. Just make it seem like I'm not."
The computer squawked to life, admonishing Mirandahh. "Mirandahh, if you are not going to consume your edibles, please place them in the recycling tubes. Thank you." Elliott. The hospital computer who was so heavily relied on. Holding all the data necessary, and sometimes not necessary, to run the hospital, Elliott could always be counted on for logic and the common sense approach. Clearly he had been watching her watch her food.
Ash cocked an ear to a nearby speaker. "Ahh. Elliott, you are awake."
Being as unaware as he was of the more courtly manners of speaking, Elliot answered, "Mirandahh, I never actually sleep."
The click of Zac's heels against the tile floor was the only sound that announced his presence. His strong shoulder, oddly devoid of his rucksack, lowered to push at the door and his toe cracked against the kickplate as he entered the cafeteria. It was only then that the man who had just entered made his presence known. "I'll eat it."
Ash started slightly, her gaze that began first at the feet of the man who spoke and moved upwards, shielded the sly glimmer in her eye. "Take it." Not that it would have mattered. Her answer was not heard anyway, as Zac took the bowl from in front of her and headed to take residence at a corner table.
The door slammed back against the wall. Another poor soul stumbled into the cafeteria, his hands rubbing over his arms. It was Trizaeya, an oft seen person at New Rhydynn, though little was known about him.
"Brr!" He chattered. Mirandahh waved him to the food. He tripped over to the food, gobbling two handfuls of it, without regard for utensils or manners. "Look Ash! I can eat now!" he smiled to her.
"Congratulations. A feat never to be surpassed."
"My leg is still odd," he continued, "but I have my hunger again. This is good."
"It sounds like you are on the road to recovery, Trizaeya. I'm glad to hear it". And Ash genuinely meant it.
Zac rose from his now finished meal and made his way quietly towards Ash. He motioned to the lobby; a quick "Got a minute?" handed down, as he continued on without pause. A banter between Trizaeya and Elliot arose as Mirandahh followed Zac silently out of the cafeteria and into an exam room. Not a word was spoken as he proceeded to peel off his layers of clothing, depositing them on the floor. Ash leaned against the doorframe, watching, waiting.
Zac turned, raised his arm from his bare chest, and a long, deep slice, like that made from a claw, was presented to her. "Stitches" he said quietly. "Ten oughta do." The pain was not obvious in his set jaw, but Ash could read it in his gritted teeth and tensed muscles.
"Aw geez" she sighed, and moved in to the room, shaking her head. "What did you do?"
"Nothing" was his quiet response.
Somehow, she didn't quite believe that one, and stated so. "Right." As was typical of her no nonsense manner, she organized her equipment. "You gotta lay down. You adverse to anesthetics?"
He hopped onto the table. "No anesthetics."
Ash muttered under her breath as a couple of syringes were prepared. "All these tough guys running around." Ash went about her business of cleaning the wound, though she retained a gentle touch. She inserted the needle quickly and tied off the first stitch. "You're a lucky guy. Any lower and you would have been holding in your guts."
He shot her a look which couched a smile within it. "You gonna flap gums? Or play doctor?"
"You just don't move, right?"
He nodded as she tied off the second stitch. "Least I look better than the other guy." Successive stitches were begun and finished by deft fingers.
"Ahhh...another guy. Going out on me are you?" The fourth stitch was followed swiftly by the fifth.
Zac couldn't help the smirk that creased his features though Ash never looked up from her work to see it. "Blind dates," he muttered jokingly. "...used to hate those." Though he only needed ten, she proceeded with six through ten and just to be difficult added an eleventh. "Ow...hey...." He pierced her with an accusing gaze. "You jealous, doc?" He let out a rare but genuine chuckle.
Mildly, perhaps protesting too much, she said, "Jealous of what? Hmm?" She pressed a sterile pad to the wound, then followed up with a wrapping of sterile bandages. He needed both a tetenus shot and a dose of antibiotic. This discussed and done, she gave a mild smile. "I don't suppose it's too much to ask you to take it easy for a week or so."
"No can do," came his quiet reply.
She sighed quietly, pinning off the wrap of bandages. "Didn't think so." She administered two shots in his arm, and then went about cleaning up her supplies. "There. You're cured."
He shot a look at her. "Thanks, doc."
An unreadable look was thrown over her shoulder. "Yeah, well...don't make it a habit." The softer, "Stay healthy," made him cough while reaching for his shirt.
Complete again in his clothes, he brushed past her with a deliberate touch, a wink offered in passing. "Thanks again, doc."
The initial surprise was quickly replaced with her usual demeanor. "Yeah, well ... You remember what I said."
He nodded, smiling. "Nag, nag, nag," he said, almost tenderly, and left the exam room and the hospital itself soon after.
The flush in her cheeks was palpable. She waited a moment, while she regained her composure before heading back out into the hospital proper.
====
The doors to the hospital opened again, and Locutus strode in. He wore a broad grin that showed the tips of his fangs and a gleam in his eye as he looked about the room. Having moved from the cafeteria to a computer terminal in the lobby, Bliss was the first to notice him, and a look of disdain crossed her features, leaving her eyes narrowed. Her hand fell immediately to the butt of her gun. She had been noticed as well and the fanged one licked his lips. His eyes caught the movement of her hand and he chuckled. The gesture was met in kind; she was not the only one with firepower here. A tattered and foul woman who had entered before Locutus had gathered some food and ate by herself in relative silence. She was ignored, as was the ongoing chat between the small one and Elliot. Locutus had a far move favorable target in his sights. His step never faltered, the approach to Bliss continued. "You going to shoot me, little darling?"
A matter of fact tone hung in her voice, "If you get too close, yes."
The large man stopped and laughed at her. "You think you can pull that gun fast enough?"
That tone never left her voice as she replied, "I know I can." In the background, the quiet, reeking woman whom the computer addressed as Margarett scowled at the computer and Trizaeya when their continuing conversation turned to her. Bliss hardly heard the tone of Elliot's engaged silent monitor mode. Locutus had her attention as he continued his mocking pursuit of her.
"You actually believe that!"
Her eyes followed him carefully. "Yes." Almost before she was able to finish the sentence, he had crossed the last few steps. One of his hands wrapped about her throat and lifted her in the air. His other hand found the gun and unholstered it. Bliss' hand pounded on his arm as she hissed, "Let go of me!" That mocking laugh came again from his lips and his hand tightened its grip.
Trizaeya stopped his commentary to Margarett. "Do you hear yelling?"
Bliss' voice left her. Her body was raised at least a foot off the ground. Still, her eyes held not fear, but fury. Her feet kicked out at his body, each blow ignored as no more than a minor annoyance.
"You're feisty ... almost as feisty as Doctor Skye." Again, the crushing grip tightened further.
Bliss struggled for air as Ash veritably stumbled into their little encounter hearing Terra's name bandied. "Excuse me?"
Though the man did not relinquish his grip, he looked to Ash. "I'm looking for someone."
An aged man had made his slow way into the hospital lobby. His cloak was pulled tightly against him as shelter against the chill in the air. When he moved toward the cafeteria, he came upon the scene and cast a discerning eye. Yes, he knew what was going on here. The old man tugged his beard in thought, as though he had hoped for a more restful evening than the one that presented itself thus far. It was obvious to him that it was the large man who was on the offensive. The aged one, named Albertuss, scanned each face thoroughly. His gaze stopped for a longer moment on both Bliss' and Locutus'.
"Now look," began Ash, "We got enough injured that I don't need you adding anymore. Let her go." The light in Bliss' eyes had started to fade, and in a last ditch effort, her fist rose and connected with his throat. It had the intended effect. He released her with a swear. She rolled away to at least a temporary safety. Ash dropped to Bliss' side, and regarded her condition. Trizaeya had also come at the sound of the brawl. Ash quickly checked over Bliss, throwing a hurried, "I don't know yet Triz," in response to his rushed questions if Bliss was all right.
Above them, Locutus smiled down. "But I have other plans for you, little darling. None that involve your death...at least not right away." He grinned, and reholstered his weapon. Bliss snarled up at him, even as Ash tried to quiet her. After some doing, and no small amount of protest, she was able to lead Bliss to a recovery room. Locutus smiled, and his tongue played an aimless rhythm over his lips and elongated teeth. "I'll have your blood, little darling. I'll have it."
The old man knew this smiling big man from somewhere. Further appraisal was given as he approached him. A thought arose in his mind. "He is obviously not Freemen. He's also too lacking in tact to be Cult. Terrorists that many of them may be, the Cult exemplifies a degree of style." He cleared his throat and spoke. It was as good a time as any. "Why do you enter this place and raise a ruckus?"
The Reverend threw a grin towards Albertuss. "I'm looking for someone."
The sarcasm that trailed along the edge of the old man's voice was impossible to miss. "You have an unusual way of looking for people, sir."
A chuckle erupted from the larger man's chest. "I wasn't expecting my little darling to be here." He walked swiftly to the caned man and looked down upon him, as the next question was asked.
"Who is it that you seek, large one?"
"I seek ... a patient here."
The subtle moves of Locutus were noted as a silver brow arched. "Oh, a patient? A doctor are you?"
He looked again to Albertuss and laughed. "Do I look like a doctor?" Amidst this discourse, Trizaeya had attempted to chime in his two cents worth, but they went unheeded. He left the cafeteria in search of Mirandahh.
"And who is this patient your seek, sir?" Albertuss continued.
Locutus grinned and spoke with some pride. "Commander Garth Lowinn of the Legion of Freeman, Special Ops Division."
The wizened mage nodded. "Ahhh ... the mental case." A light chuckle framed the retort. "But he is more than that ... much more."
Something had caught Albertuss' amusement. A casual comment was given on the value reinventing one's self versus the value of an individual's natural origins , and Locutus had just stated that if an individual must reinvent himself...then he was nothing to begin with and would merely be doomed to repeat that process of discovering that he was nothing. "Nothing you say? I'll make note of that sentiment, sir."
Locutus laughed. "You do that old man."
A recounting of the barreled man's many kills was given, and Albertuss noted his prideful response. "And, convictions are indeed a greater enemy to truth than are lies, sir."
That indeed got a response. The reddened eyes were narrowed. "Are you calling me a liar old man?"
Albertuss merely sat there, undaunted. "Seek not glory or fame, such is fleeting. Seek zeroes. He is coming."
Locutus could not hide his irritation, nor his curiosity. "He is coming? And just who is he?"
====
Trizaeya had located Ash in her aimless wander of the hallways. Bliss was under the watchful eye of the doctor on call, and was not in any great danger. They spoke of her, mostly. How she was able to help people and that he considered her friend. An almost infatuated candor took on his speech, so thick did the lauds flow. If he did not stop this, she chided him, she might just start to believe it herself. He asked of her past. Her parents, her birth, and was surprised to learn that she was born here. In this hospital, and had spent the majority of her days within the same walls. This shocked him, as he had always been the wanderer it seemed. He spoke of his nomadic tribe from the North, and how a sickness from a foreign and mysterious plant had afflicted and killed his people. Compassion glittered in her misted eyes as she realized that he was truly all alone. He paid it very little mind at all, as though it had long since been accepted. He seemed to lose himself in his own tale, his hands stretched out, as if to catch the pieces of his former life that had so viciously been torn apart. An annoyed hand slapped Ash mentally that she had lost her detachment. A thought occurred to her. "Elliot keeps a picture of my parents on file. Would you like to ... see it?"
Triz obediently followed Ash to a computer terminal, having wished to see that picture. Her fingers clicked over the keys almost absently, as though it was second nature. A picture flashed up on the screen and held. It was clear that Ash was the result of their union. Each of them could be seen within her face.
With a trepidatious finger, Triz touched the screen. "Good to you?"
Ash nodded, her eyes locked to the screen. "They did their best."
A frown creased Triz's features as his finger paused on the woman's face on the screen. "My mother was the last one."
====
A bemused look lingered on the ancient man's face. "The beginning and the end, sir."
A statement of neck snapping had passed between the two men, and Locutus inquired as to why Albertuss would not take him up on it now. So sure he was of his own ability! Such the ego on this one. Albertuss shook his head muttering, having heard the condescending comment that he would never be on the bigger man's level. "Your level? So many scalps harvested? Is that a measure? Sir, I have thrown away a life that was far beyond your understanding. But to rely on that as a measuring stick of ones own prowess ... so ... shallow. Death is an art, destruction a grand mural. You engage in finger painting, child. But someday, my friend, you will understand the nature of art."
A snarl curled its way through Locutus' features. The old man had some nerve to speak in this manner, and it began to annoy him. His fangs flashed in the fluorescent bulb lighting of the room as the old man rose slowly and began to teeter back even slower towards the door. "I never said you could leave," he growled.
Albertuss turned slowly back towards the growl. "How impolite of me." He trembled in the doorway, and retched. What had resembled his breakfast ended up on the floor. A chime was heard to summon the maintenance department for clean up. The man, with a small smile, looked up to Locutus. "But you never did say that I couldn't vanish." And then he twinkled from view, the barest echo of his voice remained.
The last part of the insult to Locutus was missed by Ash and Triz, engrossed as they were in shared loss. They spoke of his mother being the last to die, and hers being the first.
Their hands clasped for a brief moment before Mirandahh pulled her hand back and choked back a sob. "I ... I don't know why I'm acting like this." Triz knew that it was because she missed, and he said so. She turned, and tried in futility to swallow the lump in her throat. "It was a long time ago." Triz blushed as he asked her for a hug. Ash nodded and found herself beneath the crushing grip of one who had not given in a hug in a long time. The embrace was severed gently, somehow leaving them both in better sorts.
Locutus had seen the entire tender interplay. The old man was forgotten, and some semblance of why he had come here returned. "Aww ... how sweet" he said in a mocking tone. "Disgustingly sweet."
At his words, Trizaeya headed back into the cafeteria and Ash's gaze flickered past Triz and landed on the big man. "Listen. Someday you'll end up here bleeding like a stuck pig. And you know what?"
A flash of light against his teeth as he looked at her. "What?"
She baited him further. "Me or someone else will treat you. Maybe save your life. And you know why?"
He leered at her. "Why?"
She turned on her heel to follow Triz into the cafeteria. "Because there's more art in livin' than in dying. Don't come crying to me when you're dead, cause I won't listen." The only thing she heard as the cafeteria doors closed behind her was his evil laugh. That horrible laugh as it rang out through the halls.
Chumba, having heard Elliott's call, had just exited the elevator, his janitorial cart before him. Locutus flashed him a grin. Chumba gave merely a nod and spoke mild greeting at him. "Evenin, Rev."
Narrowed eyes were his only return. "Why did you call me that?"
Chumba turned back to his cart and continued to push his way down the hall. "I'm sorry. I'm old, gotta forgive my slow mind. Just someone I knew from my days in the military."
Mirandahh had left Triz to the confines of the cafeteria in search of a warm bed and a good night's rest. "Yeah, right" she thought. She passed the cart-wielding Chumba in the hallway on her journey and gave him a rare smile. "Just in time. Big and ugly here made a guy puke in the lobby." There. She had performed her final duty for the evening. Well, almost the final duty. Sleep was all that remained.
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