Did we light too many matches? [ OPEN ]

[prorenataa]

Who: Adrien & Open
When: Jan 1 - 24, various prompts
Where: Mostly Floor One and outside the complex but I can do starters anywhere
What: It's been a very long couple of months
Warnings: Adrien's mental stability took a hard blow as a result of all that's been going on and then the slaughter on the second floor and then the disappointing news on fourth floor. As such his head is a basket of wet cats that could touch on suicide, genocide, murder and other dark topics.



A – Did we take too many chances | OTA [Jan 3 – 24]
[ Though there was no real need to set up the whole medical tent at this point, not to mention a lack of room, Adrien shifted standard first aid, immediate care and some surgical equipment out of the pacdisc and into a couple of crates.

He’d secured a spot, out of the way and on the first floor for the crates and one cot, just in case there were still some left over issues that people needed addressed. Otherwise … well the crew was better off than the poor fucks down on the second floor now, weren’t they?

(ooc: For any medical CR needs you might want/have. ]

B – "The fight is all we know" | Closed to close CR

[ Not far from where the little medical station was established, on the first floor, Adrien had set up his personal tent, tucked into as solitary a corner as he could manage. As was usually the case with the doctor, he didn’t spend much time there, only returning to grab a couple hours of sleep here and there.

At least until the discovery was made on the 2nd floor.

Adrien had gone down there, picking carefully through the carnage and the bodies as the crew had swept the area. All the bodies down there had been well beyond his skills and the stench was one that … didn’t leave a person quickly. Though the doctor had been stone faced and appeared unmoved by the death, he had also been decidedly more quiet than usual, when eventually surfacing back up to the first floor.

In the days to come, Adrien disappeared for long periods of time, returning the house just outside the inner gate to stand under the cold water until the shivering was so violent he feared for his teeth, even as he scrubbed his skin raw. Sometimes he’d go, shower, come back and within a half hour of being on just the first floor, he’d head back out for another shower.

Courser kept very close to the doctor during this period, the normally gregarious bahari focused on no one else, seemingly glued to Adrien’s left leg.

For close to four days, the doctor discreetly avoided sleep. The third floor had been discovered, with its distraction of audio files and then the fourth floor with its residents. In the beginning, at least, Adrien stayed back, letting those with genuine diplomatic skills take the lead in talking.

But as the fifth day drew to a close, and he realized he’s just read the same sentence for the sixth time in half an hour, Adrien accepted that he could no longer avoid sleep. Crawling into his tent, he only meant to grab a quick nap, a couple hours at most, but the body was fickle thing and as soon as he closed his eyes he fell into a deep, exhausted sort of sleep.

A sleep that lasted long enough for the subconscious to stir from behind its cage walls, whispering a siren song that coaxed all the darkness, held at bay by the conscious mind, to come out and play. A sleep that lasted long enough for the nightmares to sink into night terrors, for the horrors of a crying planet, playing children, wise and knowing eyes, and so much more that lead to the absolutely worst sound of all:

Silence.

It was the silence of a planet, once singing with life, snuffed out in a blink that set Adrien to screaming in his own mind, desperate for the sound of life. Unfortunately it also set him to screaming in the night as the night terror thrashed him ruthlessly in its grip. Courser, sleeping close by, jumped and tried to pull him to consciousness, going so far as to sink his teeth down into the doctor’s shoulder and dragging him. The motion triggered reflexes that were tied to pure instinct and Adrien snatched up the handgun he always kept close.

The screaming stopped as he rolled clear of the tent but as he sprang into a sitting position, the gun held in both hands pointing at threats he could see so clearly in his mind’s eye, it might be safe to assume that Adrien wasn’t fully conscious. Courser likewise had surfaced from the tent the bahari’s posture one of a low, predatory caution, tail stretched out and lashing back and forth as he simultaneously tried to get to his panicked companion and protect him at the same time.

(OOC: Reasons why Adrien doesn’t sleep. Please PM this journal or pPlurk me at laekhund to discuss responding to this prompt.) ]

C – "There's no way to go, no way to go" | OTA

[ Giving up on the whole sleeping thing, Adrien spent much of his down time pouring over the audio files. He’d carefully transposed each one into one of his sketchbooks and could often be found sitting on the floor, his back against a wall as he read the words over and over.

Ploiatos was obvious and the Bio-Nav mentioned, he was going to assume that was Mana. The Ingress Energy was the common thread and an obvious conflict with how Ploiatos was approaching it. Given what they knew of Ploiatos now, it was all too easy to take this account and blame Ploiatos for his meddling. But Adrien could often be seen frowning as he tapped the sketchbook with his pencil. ]

Why do I get the sense it’s not that black or white? [ He spoke and perhaps he was talking to the bahari who lay close but his voice was loud enough to carry to anyone else walking by. ]

D – "But straight through the smoke, straight through the smoke" | OTA

[ To those who knew him, the doctor might have been noticeably more quiet than usual; yes even for him. As discussions were had and the decision was made to move forward with re-booting the Ingress, he was a watchful but otherwise silent presence.

Now as the work continued down in the complex below, Adrien was up topside, just outside the doors of the Inner Gate, looking out across the desolate landscape. Courser stood beside him, on his left side, the bahari a silent presence, though he could be seen leaning against the doctor’s left leg.

Adrien himself was silent, a shadow that could easily be ignored by those with else on their minds. His right hand was closed loosely around the grip of his handgun, thumb flicking the safety on and off in a steady, almost pensive gesture.

(OOC: Warning, he’s in a philosophical and slightly fatalistic mindset here, so threads could take a dark turn onto the subjects of suicide, genocide, murder … etc. Please note in your comment if you’re okay with this or would rather stay away from any of those subjects. ) ]

Comments

A

[beautifulspaceraptor]

Nihlus gets up a… few days later than predicted.

The moment he’s sure he’s not about to puke up his guts at the sudden nausea of waking up from a drugged coma, the Spectre moves to get onto his feet. Or, well. Tries to get up onto his feet. He managed about halfway five minutes ago and is currently trying to sort out why his toes aren’t cooperating with the whole ‘standing’ thing. There’s also the IV drip currently attached to his arm that he’s gingerly trying to avoid jarring that, but it’s hard to do when you can barely coordinate your extremities.

Staring up at the spinning ceiling, Nihlus focuses on just breathing, trying to calm himself, trying to gather up the scattered bits of his molten, soupy brain. In the bleary middle-distance he can see someone moving against the light and he squints.

“I’m... up?”

That’s a sensible thing to ask a potential, smeary person-thing now, right?

[prorenataa]

For the record, Nihlus? That was more than just a day’s sleep there buddy.

As the second day had slid into the third, that was when the IV line had been set up, taking into account the unique needs for Turian physiology and then the steady rotation to ward off bed sores. Not that Adrien or any of the others had known if a Turian could suffer bed sores, but it seemed better safe than sorry.

At the sound of a rough voice there was a rustle of movement. It wasn’t rushed movement, still taking a few breaths before the doctor came into view, face expressionless.

“I am charging you rent.” He said by way of a greeting.

[beautifulspaceraptor]

"Oh," Nihlus says with a calm, meek acceptance. "Okay."

He doesn't seem entirely too sure what to do with the new tidbit of information for a while. Mostly, he's trying to turn his head to look up at Adrien's face properly, but his fringe keeps getting in the way.

The struggle stretches on for a bit, and then-

"... Does your bank accept Council Space currency?" he asks blankly, dead serious.

Yeah, still a little dazed there, sorry man.

c; no worries about dark subjects this child is All About That

[inconsequence]

[My, what a thrilling and compelling narrative regarding the folly of those who presume to know more than they truly do. What a wildly unprecedented turn of events. How terribly unexpected. Has anyone popcorn for their consumption while they give these audio logs a listen, a smile hovering about their lips in apparent dark amusement?

Evidently not. Someone offers up some inane commentary, and Chara pauses on their way along, hands folded neatly behind their back. Was he speaking to them? No matter; stupidity is seldom beneficial if left unchecked.]

Few things are.

[prorenataa]

I wasn’t talking to you.

[ Adrien remarked without either missing a beat or looking up towards the speaker. There was no heat in his tone, in fact there was no inflection what so ever.

He wasn't given to conversation at the best of times. These days did not come anywhere close to 'the best of times'. ]

[inconsequence]

And yet you should have anticipated an answer to your asinine commentary.

[A smile, then, a thin blade of it cutting across their features, curling into rosy cheeks with a smugness that befits their general disposition.]

Unchecked ignorance rarely benefits anyone.

A; I feel its probs about time...the Time has come

[brokeassgoing]

[it isn't as though This Task hasn't been on his priority list since-- well since they crash landed and everything. He's just been preoccupied with other things.

But he's here. Now. Poking his head in through the tent's opening, sniffling noisily through his very purple and yellow nose.]

Hey man, you got any painkillers?

[prorenataa]

What the fuck happened to your face?

[ It was rude to answer and question with a question but sometimes that’s the was the conversation goes. Seriously though, how in the … ??? ]

[brokeassgoing]

[Badou frowns]

That's some beside manner you've got! This entire situation happened to it, that's what happened. Do you got them or not?

D

[poolhall_killer]

[ooc: the darker subjects will be fine on my end o/


Venom had all sorts of things on his mind when they reached the fourth floor. Some were surprisingly positive with the way things were going with another, but he still had his realistic side. The leader within was very cautious, and it didn't take him too long to sense the presence of a particular doctor and his companions... and the unique noise he heard coming from his right hand.

He carefully approaches, not wanting to seem like he's sneaking up.]

Doctor? Is something a matter?

[prorenataa]

[ For a long moment there was silence, except for the soft clicking of the safety, a sound that didn’t abate, even when Adrien did eventually respond to Venom’s voice. ]

We’re trapped on what appears to be a dead world, in a facility that was rife with dead bodies. There are no answers, as we were promised and there is no way home from here. The best we can hope for is yet another leap into the unknown with the promise of home still being dangled; just out of reach.
[ He looked over towards Venom as he finished his comment, one eyebrow lifting. ]

I’d say there is good deal of something-s the matter, Venom.

[poolhall_killer]

[Venom's standing still, hands behind his back as always, his sling filled with a sleeping bat. At this point Venom's not sure he wants to go home, but he can understand the others' desire to leave.

The smell of death, however... He was all too accustomed.]

Ah. It does appear to be that way.

[A pause.]

My apologies if I upset you. I must remind myself that not everyone is used an environment such as this one.

C

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Because usually when things are that dichotomous, it causes a rift, which tends to lead to wars and the like. Truthfully, I prefer things more in a grey area. Makes coming to a decision a lot easier. You can never truly be right or wrong.

[Darin was rather aimless as of late. His passion for learning and working with all of the new technology around him had waned when the audio logs had been dragged into the light. Now, as curious as he was, he couldn't bring himself to get back to work on anything related to the Ingress. Hearing a voice go over the audio logs prompted Darin to go in search of it. That's when he came across the good doctor.]

Hey...good to see you're looking a bit better. Don't know if you remember me, but we spoke after the crash.

[prorenataa]

[ Glancing up from his work, Adrien sat quietly as Darin talked, letting the other man get his words out before he responded. ]

But can you ever be clear in your decision, living that way. [ It wasn’t necessarily a question, more rhetorical than anything and after a breath, the doctor’s eyes shifted back to his notes. ]

I remember you, Darin. [ He said, his tone giving nothing away. Though perhaps it was enough that he remembered the man? ]

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Nah, not really...

It's weird. A lot of people would hate the uncertainty but...in a way, I think it kind of makes life worth living. Predicting everything around the bend would take away all of the challenge, you know?

A

[neverheardofhim]

[It was the first time since the dwarf had wandered up to the fourth floor that Varric had descended. He'd received a tip, that perhaps someone might be able to finally remove Bianca from his back. It was a little late, but better to be useful now than never.]

[Approaching the makeshift medical center, Varric paused. He glanced over all the supplies, a collection of equipment that was definitely beyond the poultices and lyrium he was used to. Nevertheless, he cleared his throat and knocked on the nearest surface.]

I hear you might be able to help me with my divorce. [Varric reached up and rapped his knuckles against the butt of the crossbow.]

[prorenataa]

[ Seated on a crate, with his back against a wall, Adrien was pouring over a sketchbook. It didn't have any sketches in it, just written notes.

At the sound of a voice, he peered up and over the top of the book, recognizing the man he'd briefly spoken with over the network. The doctor's face wore a perpetual scowl, but his eyebrows bounced as Varric knocked on the butt of the crossbow. ]

How the fuck did you sleep with that thing attached?

[ As he spoke, he flipped the book closed and tossed it aside before hopping off his crate and motioning for Varric to come and take his place. ]

D ][ get as dark as you like tbh

[worn_wings]

More often than not Daryl strays outside, once the crew makes its way to the lowest level. There isn't much for him to do down there; lots of talking and he's never been one for that. It makes him uneasy, anyway; no one's talking about all those goddamn bodies, about the fact that they would've taken the Moira out, too, without a worry for the crew on it. At least, that's what he's guessing.

Daryl isn't sure he wants to follow that. He doesn't much wanna stay here, either.

Which leaves him to this. Pacing, wondering, deciding nothing.

He leans against the door, glancing over with a nod, quiet for a long moment before he speaks.

"You smoke?"

[prorenataa]

“Only when set on fire,” came the response and it might be hard to tell, from the tone at least, if Adrien was serious or not.

He hadn’t heard Daryl come within speaking range, which spoke to the doctor’s currently distracted state. The fingers working the safety of the handgun paused, but then continued their methodic motion.

“I suppose the polite thing would be to ask, ‘what brings you up here’ but I think we both know there are at least 4 responses to that question.”

D [sensitive topics okay]

[a_shadow]

[ She's been wearing her armor for weeks now, wearing it every minute of the day most days, using it as a crutch in a way—she's recovered from the damage done to her body after the first crash and the subsequent year-long coma, but she hasn't gotten back to full strength since that happened. She's in her armor today, too, but she goes helmetless as she makes her way from the facility where the machine is being rebooted to the outdoors. Their goal seems close at hand now, something she, for the most part, never expected to actually happen. She's made her commitments now and it's strange to think about the fact that she may soon be heading to a world where she's never been, abandoning the idea of heading back to her own world to bring those who are guilty there to justice.

Her appearance is, she knows, one of someone who's been pushing herself too hard. She has circles under her eyes, and she can't wait until they have a chance to catch up on sleep. She doesn't let that prevent her from approaching him when she sees him, though she also doesn't address him directly, not at first. Because of the direction she approaches from, she knows he's likely going to hear her before he sees her. She doesn't make a secret of the fact that she's there. It's a few moments before she speaks, simply standing there by his side, taking in the view he's taking in. She can hear him fiddling with the safety on his gun and wonders at it. He's usually quite cautious about such things, at least to her recollection. ]

Thinking about staying?

[ It's as good a beginning as any. It's not quite what she thinks he's thinking about, but she doesn't want to be direct in asking about the topic that she thinks may be on his mind. ]

[prorenataa]

[ For a moment, Adrien continued to toy with the safety of his gun, almost as if he hadn’t heard her. He didn’t look away from the horizon, but after a moment, he shook his head. ]

If you mean, staying behind here? Not in the least. Just resigning myself to yet more leaps of blind faith on my route back home.

B as discussed!

[cadeuces]

[ Angela has taken up a tendency to keep an eye on Adrien as they've worked together more frequently, occupying space within each other's orbit a little more comfortably as the months had crept by— though she was careful not to step too far into his business, not because of anything like his general demeanor or that he held others at length but simply to give him the peace of mind that she was not like to intrude when he needed space. That there is someone on the ship, in his vicinity, that would not pry when most others would. They can work together without those sorts of questions flying around, and sometimes he'll find some food or a hot drink waiting for him at his desk.

No notes. No 'get well soon' messages, no 'I'm here if you'd like to vent'. (Though quite honestly, were she to offer to put their heads together over a topic, she'd call it 'bumping heads' and leave him wondering for a moment until he got the gist. Idioms, multiple languages, etc.) Just the most basic and simplest of gestures. She's minding him and she's noticed if the weariness gets a little darker beneath his eyes, if he's neglected a couple meals in favor of some task or another.

Which is to say, she's noticed the increasing caginess and his tendency to slip off and return Clean. That Courser wouldn't stray from his side for expert ear scritches if she's in the vicinity, instead glued to Adrien's leg and watching him with all the concern and attentiveness possible in alien eyes. It's enough to keep her attentive, as well. But again, beyond their usual rapport, she doesn't pry.

It's easy to think whatever had jostled him would be laid to rest when he enters his tent and doesn't emerge for a few hours, certain he's done the same.

The screaming was enough to wake the dead freshly seen to outside, and she can hear him thrashing when she runs into the building even before he comes rolling out of his tent in the corner, Courser right on his heels. Adrien's shoulder bleeds freely from sharp teeth and the Bahari's body language is clearly wary, looking about them to protect Adrien from any who may approach while also minding the man and his gun shakily aimed at... she couldn't tell. No one in the vicinity, at least, few enough though there may be.

That was good. Better. Her approach is gentle with her hands up, pacifistic mostly for Courser's ease of mine, if he recognizes passive body language, and she's still about ten feet away when she first tries: ]

Adrien? What's going on...?

[prorenataa]

[ Angela’s body posture, for the moment at least, was mostly for Courser’s benefit. The bahari knew her as a friend and provided of excellent ear scritches, but at the moment his companion’s heighted distress overrode the tracker’s usually laid back attitude.

He didn’t attack, but he did move low and slink at an angle between her and Adrien. Perhaps it was coincidence or perhaps by design, but the young murder cat was out of Adrien’s line of fire. Teeth bared, Courser issued a low, scratchy ghost like scream in warning. Angela was, for now, only warned but the threat display was there as well.

As for the doctor, Adrien manually pulled back the hammer on the Glock, gripping it in a dual handed grasp as he held it steady. ]

Back!

[ He snarled a warning, aim steady even as his eyes were hopelessly glazed, locked in whatever nightmare had gripped him just minutes before. While Courser saw Angela, it was obvious that Adrien didn’t. ]

D, okay with any topics!

[notglitching]

[Discussions aren't Rinzler's function. Neither is repair. He's spent his share of time glowering at their new "allies" from a corner, and eventually decided his time is better spent scanning for threats. Maybe they'll get lucky.

Still, of all the others he'd expected to find watching... well, Adrien hadn't topped the list. Considering his chosen function, Rinzler would have thought the user would fit in just fine below. He approaches quietly enough, stopping just before the threshold of the door—though the ticking, constant rumble should be notice of his presence. If Adrien (or Courser) looks back, Rinzler's mask tips down to the gun before inclining curiously.

Is there a target?]

[prorenataa]

[ Adrien was starting to recognize the distinct, mechanical ticks and hums that came off Rinzler but Courser would almost always sense the program's presence first and foremost.

The bahari turned his head, watching the otherwise silent approach with a calm steadiness that suggested he was not seeing Rinzler as a threat assessment; for the moment at least. His colorful, barbed tail swept out in a graceful wave before it folded back over his paws.

The motion was enough to alert Adrien to the additional presence, and the doctor glanced back over his shoulder. He didn't immediately understand the curious tip of Rinzler's mask but he did offer a greeting. ]

Hello, Rinzler. Making the rounds?

[ His voice was calm, despite the flicking of the safety on the weapon, so perhaps that would be enough to answer the question about an immediate threat? ]