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Post by rileywilson on Apr 22, 2012 2:21:17 GMT -5
(Transferring from 'More Equal Than Some p. 41)
*I nod. Vico's right, of course. I don't know what's wrong with me. I'm used to thinking faster than everyone else, but now I feel... it doesn't matter. Nothing a pot of coffee can't cure. I get up and head for the elevators, automatically swiping my card and entering. The ride up is quick and we make it to the apartment with no incidents. I go over to look out the widow, down on the city. I lean ever so slightly on the glass*
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Post by Alexander Ludovico on Apr 22, 2012 2:23:31 GMT -5
Riley? *He's leaning against the window and doesn't respond right away, and I step forward and put a hand on his shoulder* Riley, you still with us? I've got some, ah, rather unfortunate news. Wanted to wait until we were out of the public eye. It's about those prisoners you mentioned interrogating...
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Post by rileywilson on Apr 22, 2012 2:45:16 GMT -5
*I bang the side of my hand against the window* They're gone, aren't they? *I rasp* Escaped in some unlikely and completely heroic manner. Goddamit.
*I turn, shrugging Vico off (he doesn't have the right to touch me anyway, no one does) and stalk to my computer, opening up files and ordering Analysis to begin going through the video footage. I want these killjoys identified and the holes they crawled out of in battery city plugged. For now, Battery City is safe, but that is not satisfactory*
Vico, go make us a pot of coffee, will you?
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Post by Alexander Ludovico on Apr 22, 2012 2:48:45 GMT -5
Er... not particularly heroic... *I've noticed his animosity towards the doctor, and I'm disinclined to add insult to possible injury, but it really can't be helped* They didn't fight their way out so much as, ah, kidnap a certain Dr. Fox under rather suspicious circumstances.
*I'm on my way to the kitchenette as I speak, and busy myself with the coffee. I keep an eye on Riley as I do, though, worried by how pale he's getting.*
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Post by rileywilson on Apr 22, 2012 2:55:02 GMT -5
*I wave my hand in Vico's direction* Probably works with him. Don't worry, we've got him bugged anyway.
*I stop for a second when my vision begins to blur, leaning back for a second, then go right back to work. We need to make Battery City more secure and simultaneously eradicate any and all threats in the zones. Plus, budget proposals are due and I need a significant expansion, especially in R&D. Hank is still a problem and I need to check on Orwell as well, see how he's doing... the list goes on and on*
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Post by Alexander Ludovico on Apr 22, 2012 3:00:56 GMT -5
*When the coffee's ready I fill two mugs and bring them to the desk, but set them down out of Riley's reach. He's far more concentrated on the screen than his tasks warrant, and is obviously having a hard time focusing.* Riley, stop. You're in no state to be working. You need sleep, and possibly a trip to the medical wing.
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Post by rileywilson on Apr 22, 2012 3:10:45 GMT -5
*I stop for a second, staring at Vico* I can't. My unit is out there, chasing the killjoys, hopefully done right now, and their leader cannot show weakness. I am the first one awake in the morning and the last one to sleep. This has always been my policy and it has served me well. I will survive, Vico, I always have before*
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Post by Alexander Ludovico on Apr 22, 2012 3:16:00 GMT -5
Yes, and look where that policy's gotten you now. *I don't break his eye contact, serious for once* You're a mess, Riley, and it's a wonder you haven't collapsed yet. You can't give orders to a Unit when you can't even focus long enough to keep track of what they're doing. You think sleeping shows weakness? Tell me that after you lead your unit into disaster, or pass out on the way to a meeting.
*I'm not sure how he'll react to my words, but I'm fairly certain he wouldn't actually hit me. I'm running out of ideas as to how to get it through his thick head that he can't keep running himself down without eventually hitting pavement.*
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Post by rileywilson on Apr 22, 2012 3:20:26 GMT -5
*I slowly get up, considering Vico's words. When I do speak I hear my voice get low, dangerous*
Get out of my office. Get out right-
*And then the world spins away and I fall into darkness. If this is hell, it isn't so bad*
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Post by Alexander Ludovico on Apr 22, 2012 3:27:55 GMT -5
*With the desk between us there's not much I can do in the way of catching him, but luckily he falls away from the desk; other than knocking over his chair, no damage is done. I kneel on the carpet beside him, one hand at his wrist to check his pulse - unusually fast, but slowing as the seconds pass - and it's not long before I see his eyes start to open* Riley, can you hear me? Don't try to get up, just answer.
*This is exactly what I was talking about, and despite my previously expressed sentiments, I'm actually more concerned than I thought I'd be. Forming attachments, are we, Alex? But I ignore the voice, focusing on Riley*
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Post by rileywilson on Apr 22, 2012 3:34:00 GMT -5
*The world swims into view as I hear Vico's voice* Ugh... why are you... still in... my office...? *I manage, but I feel like crap. What is wrong with me? Weak...*
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Post by Alexander Ludovico on Apr 22, 2012 3:37:21 GMT -5
*I grin when I hear his words* Because you're hopeless, love, that's why, and if I wasn't here you'd probably crack your head open or such. How do you feel? Dizzy? Can you sit up?
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Post by rileywilson on Apr 22, 2012 3:45:52 GMT -5
*I give up on trying to get Vico out of my office* I think so... yes- argh! *I try to sit up, but my head spins and I have to lie down again. I lay there in silence for a second. Finally, I give up*.
Call a medic, but only one. And DON'T say who it's for.
*I want to scream in frustration, but I don't know if I can at this point*
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Post by Alexander Ludovico on Apr 22, 2012 3:54:35 GMT -5
Right away. *I let go of his wrist and pat him on the shoulder, then stand and dial the medical floor from his office phone* Hello, there. I'd like to request medical assistance on floor 18, the last suite at the end of the hall. Symptoms are fainting, dizziness, and signs of exhaustion, part or all of which may be the effects of participation in the recent Tower defense. A name? Alexander Ludovico. Oh, the patient, of course! Yes, the aid is requested on behalf of Mr. -
*I hang up the phone, crossing the office to open the door before returning to Riley and perching on the edge of his desk* They'll be here soon, don't fret.
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Post by rileywilson on Apr 22, 2012 4:00:03 GMT -5
*I grunt and turn away from Vico, mortified more than anything else. I should be thanking him... The medic arrives and takes my pulse and blood pressure, frowning when he listens to my heart. He then takes several blood samples and begins to run them through the medical device he brought along, telling me it will take a couple of minutes. He checks my eyes and frowns even more. I'd ask for more information, but I'd honestly rather just see the results myself and interpret them. This medic, like most, knows not to make small talk with me. He sets up an IV drip of saline solution, which makes me feel better almost instantly*
*The results begin to print from the machine, and I see Vico glance over. Damn, why can't he just leave me alone?*
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Yes, I'm still running - sort of. But it is lonely out here. Haven't seen anyone else for a while.
//