video | c.fraser

[nineteenfortyfive]

[This is one stressed, unhappy Claire Fraser. She wipes at her forehead with the back of her hand before looking at the screen, clearly torn between trying to appear professional and not giving a damn and doing nothing to hide her agitation. After moment, the latter wins out.]

If you haven't noticed, the bloody Sanctuary has closed its doors. Look miserable enough and you might be let in, but for now, I wouldn't go to them if you're in need of medical assistance. [Her way of helping--the less people banging at their door, the sooner they might relax. Unlikely, given the state of things, but she'll try where she can. Yet this has soured her opinion of the place, and Lysa.]

I've some things I've collected myself, and I'm sure some of you have managed to borrow supplies, so I suggest we all pool it together. Make our own temporary clinic until they allow us back in. A place to treat everyone, regardless of the madness in the streets. The residential district, preferably. Somewhere out of the way.

Ideally, no one will be hurt, but I don't think that's a realistic goal at this point.

[Looting, riots, vultures... no way blood isn't getting spilled.]

If you're a healer, and you'd like to assist, please do so. If you're hurt, let myself or someone else know. Someone can go to you or fetch you. We must rely on ourselves.

[She hesitates before adding:]

And I suppose if you feel like paying the Sanctuary a visit regardless, I can tell you where things are and what we could use.

[Not too long after this goes live, there's a text file attached with the address of a run down house not far from the starter homes, as well as a list of items that would be appreciated, including food.]

Comments

[nineteenfortyfive]

I suppose it would. [Would the Sanctuary consider that serious enough to let him in? She has no idea, and takes a moment to respond.]

I would stay put, if I were you. Assuming it's safe. Close the curtains, stay away from the windows, maybe stay with a friend if at all possible. It's not worth the trek to the Sanctuary to see if they'll offer you a place. I don't even know if this temporary clinic will be safe enough, yet.

[dendarii]

[ He's not actively ill, at least; he certainly seems in good health over the video feed, though his skinny frame extends to those cheekbones of his. ]

Then I shall stay put.

[nineteenfortyfive]

If there is anything you need, do let me know. And if things change [meaning there's more than one beefy man keeping the makeshift clinic safe] I will let you know.

What's your name?

[dendarii]

Thank you, my lady. I'll gladly keep you in mind.

[ He sweeps a low, aristocratic bow over the video. ]

Emperor Miles Naismith Vorkosigan, of the Barrayaran Imperium. [ A beat. ] Or just Miles.

[nineteenfortyfive]

[Her eyes widen a little at the long title. Good lord. At least he's not Daenerys.]

Miles, then. As long as you'll simply call me Claire.

[dendarii]

[ Well. He could spout a few more titles to keep up with Danaerys, maybe. But that would be overkill. ]

Of course. Where do you hail from, Claire?

[nineteenfortyfive]

[Always a big question.]

Earth, if you're familiar with that. And there, I've lived in a few places. England, originally. Scotland, and America. Boston, mostly. I [time] travelled a lot.

Yourself?

[dendarii]

Oh, that does sound lovely. I've never been to Earth, myself, but I'd like to go someday.

[ And to follow up on the obvious implications from that - ]

Barrayar is my homeworld. Lovely place, though a bit backwater.

[nineteenfortyfive]

The Storm seems to have taken multiple Earths.

[So, thinking about home is always so strange. All the places, all the history, all the people--gone.]

And you were royalty?

[dendarii]

[ Ah. Don't remind him about the Storm. Miles' face tightens a moment. ]

I was, yes. Still am, for those still slumbering above.

[ The handful that made it here, anyway. ]

[nineteenfortyfive]

I hope civilian life hasn't been too jarring, aside from this bloody mess.

[dendarii]

[ A snort at that. ]

I've already some experience with it. I'd run off to commandeer a mercenary fleet before this.

[nineteenfortyfive]

Not by yourself, I would hope. Don't emperors have people to do that?

[dendarii]

Yes, well. I wasn't doing a very good job at the time.

[ Mostly because he wasn't, in fact, the emperor at that exact second. ]

[nineteenfortyfive]

... I do hope this means you're not going to get into trouble during this.

[dendarii]

Me? Get in trouble? Never.

[nineteenfortyfive]

If I had a penny every time I heard that one.

[dendarii]

You're well experienced with troublemakers, I suppose?

[nineteenfortyfive]

They tend to find me like months to a flame.

[dendarii]

And do you join them, or are you a voice of reason, perhaps?

[nineteenfortyfive]

Guess.

[It's a Test.]

[dendarii]

[ Hmm. ]

You join them, but you try to steer them as best you can.

[nineteenfortyfive]

[He's not wrong.]

... I'll take it.