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audio; un: loveless

I'd like to keep this as efficient as possible, so I don't plan on talking your ear off.

Call me Daan. I'm a doctor. That should about cover all you need to know about me.

So, first question: is there already a clinic arranged by someone here? Have there been any injuries on top of there being a willing killer out there? Illnesses or whatever else. I can probably help you, even a little.

Second question: who has been here since the start of this whole mess of being trapped in a part of this city? Ideally, I'd like someone who can be informative, but I'm not overly picky.

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It does, actually. May I note your name?

[And it is curious that a woman is a doctor, even for his era, but he doesn't question it. It's not like his circumstances are typical either. So, kudos to her really.]

I would appreciate any aid you choose to provide.

It's understandable. One probably wouldn't think to take note in a situation like this, disorientating as it is.

You can call me Shinobu. It’s very good to meet you, Daan.

You could say I specialize in physical rehabilitation, among other things. If you’d like we could go over the inventory I’ve taken note of so far in one of the clinics in District one.

It’s really quite astonishing… how much we’re allowed to take and use for ourselves. It’s almost as though they have a near endless supply of everything we need to survive here.

[For a long time.]

A pleasure, Shinobu.

Yes, that would be extremely helpful. I'm afraid most of my supplies is missing upon arriving here.

It's quite suspicious, but I would rather that than be forced to get creative with the lack of resources.

Oh, if it comes to that I’m sure we’d be able to make due one way or another. Plenty of willing participants to help out as well!

[SHE’S joking, she has to tease everyone she meets at some point lest the severity of their situation overtakes their conversation.]

I’m not sure if this device is capable of sending certain files types but I’ll give it a shot.

Did you see many patients before arriving here, Daan?

[He snorts, amused at that.] Oh, good. Then we don't have to worry.

Yes, several. The clinic never really closed, and even before I was being trained I did what I could for people. I'm afraid I also saw my fair share on the field during the Second Great War. Then after, of course.

And yourself, Shinobu?

[She’s tempted to ask about that— what kind of war is initiated between humans? It’s difficult for her to understand sometimes when the threat of man-eating demons still lingers in her world like a plague. Everything else seemed secondary.]

Back home I maintained an estate dedicated to rehabilitating members of a special organization. One I’m intimately tied to.

[And then, abruptly:] Are you worried, Daan?

Sounds like good work to have.

[There's a pause, mostly because he doesn't expect the question.] Depends on what. Mind clarifying?

That your services will be in high demand as time progresses here.

[Shinobu is a doctor within her own right, but she also— had a sword and won't feel safe until it's at her side again. It's also the reason why she didn't advertise her services here, but if Daan is willing to assist...]

I'll let you know right now that I don't anticipate our captors will make any moves against us anytime soon. It's been some time and they would have done so already if they wanted.

Most likely they'll sit back and observe us for a bit longer, perhaps even to see if we'll turn on each other. That in itself should be enough to frighten any credible doctor.

[She's just speculating but... yeah.]

There were not many medics during the Second Great War. Needing to make decisions in the span of a second for patients, deciding who went in what order. Who needed my attention first: the soldier bleeding out in his leg, or the one with part of his ear missing? I suppose that's a simpler choice, but you get my meaning.

...I'm not saying I will enjoy it, or that it will be easy. Hell, quite the contrary; it's a large demand and I'd rather just be by myself drinking somewhere. But it's something that needs to be done, and I can't afford to let those concerns weigh on me, even if I do think them.

Ehe, I see.

That tenacity is what makes humans so formidable… don’t you think?

Ah, there we go!

[A small file finally comes through, simply titled inventory.txt. It’s a basic list of items she was able to find and the quantity of them next to them, from medications to supplies. The allocation of the clinic is listed as well.]

Please take a look for yourself when you have a chance and stock up. In the meantime should you need any kind of assistance, know that I will make myself available.

Humanity can be. We can also be stubborn and frustrating, but it's not all horrible.

[Though that does beg the question--]

Is it rude to ask if you are human or not? I apologize, but my experiences with beings other than human has been... interesting, shall we say. And you sound quite amendable to aid.

In any case, I do appreciate your help in the meanwhile.

Oh, think nothing of it. In the end the best thing for us all is to help one another.

[That question… he can only hear her voice, of course, so she supposes it’s only expected. Should she say she’s a spirit of a butterfly, or that she’s been dead this whole time?

Hm, maybe in bad taste right now!]

I am completely human. Although I suppose that would also depend on who you ask.

Are you human as well, Daan? [She may as well ask.]

A fair answer, I think.

[A small huff, almost a laugh.]

Yes. I am. For better or for worse.

Then I hope we two humans get along from now on.

[She pauses.]

May I ask you a last question?

Likewise.

Hm? Yes, certainly. What is it?

How are your self-defense skills?

[Surely there must have been times when he needed to defend himself whilst waist-deep in the trenches of whatever place he was stationed in? She doesn’t want to bring up unpleasant memories, but her tone is one of genuine curiosity.]

If you don’t mind me asking, that is.

No, of course not. It's a reasonable question considering where we are, and the inevitability of violence and survival.

I'm adequate with a gun, preferably a handgun. I'm better with a knife, honestly. I prefer precision. Not much for fisticuffs. And with the right nerve application, you can force most people down.

[It seems they're more similar than she thought.]

Impressive! I'm glad to hear you can hold your own. You can't underestimate that kind of skill during times like this, after all.

And hopefully you won't need to use it for a long while.

[Probably wishful thinking.]

Is it safe to assume you can protect yourself as well?

In a pinch? [A chuckle then before she sobers slightly.]

I mentioned an organization before. You could say I belong to the highest order of warriors they have.

Unfortunately— like many others here— I arrived without my sword. Ahh, I at least hope our mysterious captors are taking good care of it.

Rude of them. They even took my scalpel and bonesaw. Honestly.

But good to know you're so formidable. I'll know to feel safer in your company.

[Daan you just had a bonesaw on your person before you arrived...!?]

In my world humans have a certain natural enemy which forces us to adapt far too quickly.

It certainly doesn't seem like that'll be the case here, but I'll be sure to defend you nonetheless. Just don't make it a habit, of course!

[LISTEN DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT]

I don't plan on picking any fights, personally. So I'll aim to not be too much of a burden.

[IT'S A LITTLE... worrisome... good thing he can't see her expression!]

I'm glad to hear it!✩

Just know if you do you'll need to hold yourself responsible.

[He makes a small laugh. Tired as it sounds, it's genuine.]

I'll remember to do that.

Thank you for your help. I look forward to working with you in the future. Hopefully not too often, but we'll see how people behave in this place.

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wingclip - 2023-07-14 05:53 (UTC) - Expand

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