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]

That's sounding an awful lot like the Sanctuary. Anyone injured is going to be treated here. If that's not to your liking, Mr. Frag, then your assistance won't be necessary.

[ukase]

Wouldn't know, never been there. You treat even those who came to take your stuff and hurt your people?

[nineteenfortyfive]

I'm a doctor. I treat the injured. That's it.

[ukase]

So just break fingers. As you say, ma'am.

[nineteenfortyfive]

Mrs. Fraser.

And bloody well know what I mean. Don't you dare add to my troubles.

[ukase]

Dr. Fraser.

I'm there to prevent more troubles for you and your work.

[nineteenfortyfive]

[She rolls her eyes.]

I don't have time to keep you on a leash. [So, he'll get a text with the address of the shoddy makeshift clinic.]

If you end up being more of a hindrance than a help, you're gone.

[ukase]

I ain't a dog, ma'am. I offered assistance, but if it offends you that I might defend your little establishment, feel free to send me on my way.

[nineteenfortyfive]

If you're no dog, then you'll be able to show restraint.

[ukase]

More than you know. But defending is what I will do. I don't shy from hurting people who are coming to hurt what you have.

[stripebacked]

Defending is nae always hurting. Seems yer confusing the two. They are nae the same thing. There's no need to hurt scared people thinking irrationally.

[ Too Scottish for his own good sometimes. It's not the first time his wife has gotten into an argument with a large mysterious man. It's probably not going to be the last. ]

[ukase]

I know the difference, champ.

[That's some accent you got there.]

[stripebacked]

[ This bitch. But Jamie is too far back in time to realize what calling someone "champ" really is. ]

Do ye? Do ye ken the difference? Does nae seem like ye do.

[ He should come with a translator. Usually it's his wife or usually people just suffer. ]

Defense does nae require blood shed nor does it entail broken bones.

[ukase]

[Wow, all up in his grill for stating what his intentions were to the lady seeking help. Sounds like a personal bond if he ever heard one. Friends? Lovers? Probably won't be hard to find out when he has the inclination to look.

He is considering switching to Italian so they both don't understand each other but use the tone of their voices to indicate mood and intent, if he was talking. Grunting just didn't translate in text well.]

So you've never defended something important to you and caused bodily harm in the process, huh?

[stripebacked]

[ He doesn't know what he's done to protect the people in his life. What he's done to defend them. What he's endured to keep away from them. His scarred back is living proof of his dedication to protecting his sister's virtue when it comes to Black Jack Randall. His mutilated and healing hand (not to mention his destroyed psyche and mental stability) proof yet again of his devotion to keeping his wife out of the man's clutches.

Jamie doesn't like the question and it's written all over his face. He's fraying at the edges and it's obvious. But whatever discomfort he causes he tightens his jaw and pushes it all aside. ]

Aye. I've also endured bodily harm t' defend what is important t' me. Nae always about spilling blood, lad.

[ukase]

[This guy looks about ready to find him, a situation he is rather used to. He doesn't shy from it because where he's from, shying means weakness and weakness means one ends up in a shallow grave or ditch with a single bullet wound to the face and no fingers and teeth left.]

You think you're the only one that endures? If what I'm willing to do offends you and gets the hair on your back standing up on end, you can tell me to stay away from your gal.

[He's watching below after all.]

[stripebacked]

[ These days Jamie has a hairpin trigger. Wentworth has left him raw and ashamed. The shame usually mutates into anger and aggression when pushed beyond a certain point. If this had been during his first journey here he might have been a different man. Kinder. But these days it's difficult. ]

My wife. [ His voice gets sharper than he intends. Don't call her his gal. ] But ye will address her as Mistress Fraser or if yer in her clinic Doctor Fraser. Be a man and show her the respect she deserves.

[ It's not about that. Okay. Maybe it is a little bit. ]

What she needs is someone who understands excessive. Does nae seem like ye do.

[ukase]

[He doesn't even pretend to know where this guy is coming from, but the aggression is a bit tiresome. At first, he thinks it might be jealousy that is at play, but that seems far too simple. It's unlikely to take the strips off a guy laying out his conditions.

His gut instinct is to start poking around, to see what hurts this guy most, to see where the weakness lay.]

How have I not been respectful? I offered help; I laid out my plan to assist; I took the tongue-lashing she offered in return; I call her ma'am and doctor.

Are you riding me here because it makes you a better husband, champ?

[nineteenfortyfive]

Jamie. It's fine.

[He doesn't need to come defend her.]

[stripebacked]

I dinnae think ye should accept his aid, Claire. He'll escalate what yer trying to do here.

[ He's already really worried about this. ]

[nineteenfortyfive]

Unfortunately, I need the man power. [She says, knowing this is public.]

[stripebacked]

[ If he could make it private he would. Unfortunately Jamie took a while to turn off caps during his first stay. ]

And what of--

[ He's about to ask what of him when it hits him. He looks down at his hand still wrapped and his arm in the sling. ]

I see. There are plenty of able bodied lads here. Ye can say no to one.

[nineteenfortyfive]

[It takes her a moment, but twenty years has made Claire at least somewhat sharper. Sometimes. She inhales, realizing her mistake.]

I need you with me. Not standing guard.

[stripebacked]

[ Perhaps if they were having the discussion face to face he would be more receptive. But all it does is make him feel weak. ]

Aye. I understand. He's nae coming near ye or the people yer gathering.

[ He doesn't want to talk about it. ]

[nineteenfortyfive]

It's all right, really. You needn't scare him off.

[Maybe they do need an asshole.]