#enneks

*Built only a decade ago, FAIR-CO’s Medical suites are none the less dulling. Ventilators whir, choked with dust, over thin ceiling tiles stamped with repeating texture. The room smells of astringents and thinned bleach. *There are a handful of Wards and Unwards reclining, medical notes clipped to rails of their beds. Fatigue, Exhaustion, Ward Flu. Then there is Will; separated from the room by a partition curtain. Nix is at his desk, amid open books and requisitioned resources.

*Fairfax walks into the room, announced by the clack of his formal shoes. He is followed by a slim Lieutenant in his panelled and undecorated military ADEF-FAC uniform who remains, on jealous guard, just inside the door; glossy black rifle lowered.

Fairfax steps forward, clapping his hands together greedily, and rubbing them. He glances to the sick, and frowns.

[Fairfax] … I thought we were discouraging idleness, Physician?

*The open book in front of him is hastily pushed aside the moment N_X hears the voice of his Facilitator. His expression almost resembles guilt by the way he hesitantly glances at both Laurence and the Lieutenant. He takes his book at hand, tapping a finger on the title. ‘The Historical Account Of Ward Flu Inoculated In A FAC Environment’

*N_X places the old, worn book down before any pages would fall out. Swiftly, he searches through his cards.

[N_X] - Hello Facilitator.

*Laurence glances at him in distaste.

[Fairfax] … Yes. Indeed. Well. I am reliably informed that we have new Intake.

*N_X nods; gesturing towards the drawn curtains on the other side of the room.

*Laurence glances, but before turning, takes the book from N_X’s desk. He turns it to read the rear.

[Fairfax] Nothing but Media Control Propaganda! There’s no such thing as Ward Flu. There are only malingerers, the wilfully maladjusted and the morally compromised. I don’t like the suggestion that it exists in my Facility, Mr. N_X. I don’t like it at all.

*He throws down the book casually and leans closely, confidentially, to Nix. [Fairfax] I don’t enjoy your criticism, Physician, these are the best Wards that social programming can create. I think they ought to be partaking of more healthful activities. Their assigned work, for example. Get them back to it.

*N_X nods without hesitation. His eyes dart quickly towards the Lieutenant and then back at Laurence.

[N_X] - My Sincere Apologies.

*Laurence nods faintly, and withdraws, stepping to the partition curtain where Will is strapped to the bed. He assesses him, curtly.

[Fairfax] So this is the terribly interesting young man who has been draining this department’s resources.

*Upon hearing the voice, Will raises his head to look squarely at Laurence and grins

[Will] Good… erm… what time is it exactly? Name is Will, Will Heggers. I’d stand up to introduce myself or offer to shake your hand but as you can see… they’re somewhat tied right now.

[Fairfax] For your safety and comfort, my boy. AGRI, are you? Of which Facility?

*Will’s face turns a little more serious

[Will] AGRI? I’m not one of your gardeners! I’m a machinist and engineer from the settlement out near the border. Been in a few of these facilities before, though from what I’ve seen, this one is slightly different.

*Will lowers his head and closes his eyes to think

[Will] Let’s see… there was the AJ-CO… my first days at the pleasure of the State, then another facility whose name eludes me but I think it's now another crater… I think for a brief while I was locked in an old silo as well…

*Will returns to lock eyes with Laurence

[Will] That’s my most recent ‘employment’ record as far as the State is concerned I guess.

*Laurence considers him. He approaches, clinically, rolling his sleeve to rest his knuckles on Will’s forehead and thumb open his eyelid to look closely into his eyes. [Fairfax] … We’ve a saying, in this Facility, my boy. The Useful Will Be Fed. So, how precisely do you propose to be useful?

[Will] Well, let’s see. I’ve a master in mechanical engineering and construction with a speciality in building automated systems. While I was a “guest” of the State, I mostly turned my hand to assisting in the maintenance of the generators and power systems throughout the facility alongside the facilitator’s… what’s the word you use… ah yes, assets. If you have any mechanical systems that need fixing up I’m sure I can take a look. I seem to remember seeing a copter buzzing around?

*Fairfax removes his hand from Will’s forehead. He smiles darkly.

[Fairfax] You’ve accrued rather a tremendous debt; the Functionaries have all of the details. You can see it all very plainly on your Document of Due Sum. I’m afraid you will be expected to settle the balance before leaving… *Laurence glances to the doorway. [Fairfax] You haven’t met my dogs, have you?

*Will raises an eyebrow

[Will] Dogs? No? Should I have? I’m not much of an animal person myself. Little cause for them in my homeland, far too cold. [Fairfax] Good, good. You’d rather not meet them, let’s say, in the entrance tunnel… If you happened to be running somewhere, my boy. If you were leaving without the correct approval and documentation. For example. I’d hate to even speculate what would happen.

*Laurence straightens his back, and smiles, knowingly.

[Fairfax] Something unspeakable, I fear.

*Will groans deeply as he awakens. Eyes still closed he slowly feels up the side of his abdomen unkeen at the prospect of what he might find. He pauses as he feels rough fabric where he was expecting… well he wasn’t sure but he didn’t want to dwell on what could have been.

*Opening his eyes Will is greeted by the glaring brightness of a strip light causing him to wince slightly and squint.

[Will] Hello? Is anyone there? *He tries to lift himself slightly to look around but notices a broad strap across his chest holding him to the table

*Looking around slightly Will sees a sterile looking room with the odd bed and privacy screen along the wall. The room fills him with a sense of familiarity… and dread…

[Will] Where *he groans* where am I? Hello?

*There is the sound of a cupboard closing. Paper being shuffled. Not long after; the appearance of the red-headed veterinarian who seems both surprised and relieved to see Will awake. And alive. He takes a few cards, a bit bigger than the size of standard playing cards, and holds one up for him to read.

[N_X] - HELL -

*He glances at his own card to check if it is the right side up. A look of surprise suddenly hits him. He removes his thumb from the card. [N_X] - HELLO -

[N_X] - My name is N_X. -

[N_X] - I will be your physician. How can I assist? -

[N_X] - Good day. How are you? -

*Will squints slightly, reading each card in turn feeling somewhat confused.

*Quietly Will whispers.

[Will] Am I being monitored? Where am I?

*N_X smiles faintly, not parting his lips. He shakes his head and lifts his chin, lightly touching the scar on his throat. Knowing it would take him too long to find the corresponding card, he simply taps his chest; makes the ‘blah blah’ gesture with one hand and shakes his head again.

[N_X] - Welcome to FAIR-CO -

*He approaches, taking a small piece of paper and pencil from the pocket of his blue medical scrubs. He writes.

[N_X] “What’s your name? What happened?”

*Will furrows his brow for a moment for as he attempts to process the gestures, half mimicking them.

[Will] Name? Er… W… Will, Will Heggers. There was an explosion? I think I saw Death? How did I get here? Wait? Did you say… I mean write… FAIRCO?

*N_X shrugs. Whatever happened, it was all too clear Will had been lucky. His abdomen, now bandaged, carries a freshly stitched wound; mostly numbed by a mixture of painkillers and plants commonly used by AGRI-wards. The back of his head now also sports a sutured cut. All other injuries are relatively minor.

*He nods, tapping the word ‘FAIR-CO’ again. He then points at the strap securing Will to his bed. N_X shows him another card. [N_X] - Sorry -

*Will gazes back towards the straps before returning back to N_X.

[Will] I’m guessing you’ve no intention of freeing me?

*Will slowly tries to flex his arms in an attempt to break the bonds himself. The straps creak a bit but refuse to budge.

*Almost instantly, Nix shakes his head and waves his hands. He gestures for Will to stay before taking his notebook at hand once more to write. [N_X] “You can’t leave yet. You’ll need to talk to the facilitator about your bill. You may leave once it is paid.” *He lets Will read before continuing. [N_X] “Sorry about the straps. Don’t want you running away.”

[Will] My… bill?

*His voice sinks and he pats the tattered remains of his jeans and coughs.

[Will] Erm... I must have left my wallet in my other pair of jeans… There’s no chance they might take an IOU?

*Nix’ expression is one of hopelessness as he shakes his head once more.

[N_X] - You will make yourself useful within the limits set by your … *The word ‘physician’ remains covered by Nix’ thumb. He shows a second card, revealing only one word. [N_X] - … facilitator. -

*Will closes his eyes and sighs deeply.

The muted silence of Level Four is broken by angry footsteps, and angrier voices, one struck through with not a little pain.

[S_R] This is – fucking – ridiculous.

*His teeth are audibly gritted, and as the bickering pair slowly descend the staircase, it is obvious that the Captain is the source of the sharpened breathing.  He is hunched awkwardly, gripping his right arm to his side with the opposite hand, and is visibly pale.

[C_K] No. Ridiculous is the fact that you decided it would be a great fucking idea to antagonise R_V.

*C_K’s voice holds the tone of an irritated father. One hand wrapping its fingers around S_R’s uninjured upper arm. Both to steady him and to make sure he wouldn’t just run off.*

[C_K] Ridiculous is the fact that you were going to try and set your shoulder back in with the fucking door.

*His pace quickens, as if he were afraid that the longer it took to get there, the more likely it would be for the Captain to do a runner*

[C_K] Ridiculous is the fact that you were going to forgo medical attention because of your fucking pride!

[S_R] I’m -

*He stops, choking a little on both the magnitude of the lie that his habitual ‘I’m fine’ would entail, and his own breath when his injured arm brushes against the wall as they step out of the stairwell.

[S_R] -nnghfuck-

[S_R] I am so - sick - of his bullshit.  And I know how to treat a wrenched -

*Another cut-short breath and S_R falls silent, keeping pace with C_K as they head towards the wide white door of the clinic.

*C_K forces a halt just before they make it to the door. Turning to look at S_R properly, but keeping hold of his arm. His voice a low hiss*



[C_K] And you think I’m not? You think I enjoy listening to that tin-toothed arsehole go on about his fucking exploits? You think I like hearing him talk like he’s better than us? No. I fucking don’t. But I need you in top condition because I am not taking orders from a fucking grounded spaceman!

* A deep breath and a gentle tug before he leads them through the door*

[C_K] Play nice… Just a little while longer. We’ll deal with him soon enough…

*S_R takes a few more breaths, his lips twitching violently, but then he nods.

[S_R] ...fine.  Let’s get this - over with.

*The medbay is, mostly, a quiet place. Mostly. Nix looks up with a slight frown from his desk and closes the files in front of him, placing them aside for a moment. The muffled voices from the other side of the door are incomprehensible, except for, for some reason, a rather loud: ‘...grounded spaceman!’

*Nix stands when the door opens. It takes only a few seconds to see there is something wrong with S_R’s arm.

[Nix] -Are You In Need Of Medical Care?-

*S_R’s eyes narrow and he takes a sharp breath as he reads the sign.

[S_R] N-

*C_K swiftly clamps the hand not holding S_R’s arm over his Captain’s mouth. A sharp look before smiling broadly at Nix*

[C_K] Had a bit of an issue in training the new guy, doc. Our good Captain got his shoulder dislocated and we’d really appreciate you popping it back in for him.

*S_R visibly snarls behind the hand - winces - than then deflates, nodding sullenly.  He settles for fixing Nix with a disparaging up-and-down glare.

*Nix’ face grimaces slightly, glancing at S_R’s shoulder. He points towards his examination table, leading the way. Nix looks back at S_R and gestures across the length of the table; ‘lie down’.

[Nix] -Please Remove Your-…-

*He keeps the rest of the card covered with thumb and tugs at his own shirt.

[S_R] Iffph hy cfan movhe

*The focus of his glare moves back to C_K, and he jerks his head against the restraining hand.*

*There is a brief moment in which C_K gives S_R’s jaw a warning squeeze. A narrow of his eyes and a cock of his head tells the other man to behave himself.*

[C_K] You need help removing your shirt? I’ll know if you lie…



*He removes his hand and takes half a step back. His tone stays low in an effort to keep the words between himself and his Captain.*

*S_R jerks away and stomps over to the bed, sitting down heavily.  There is an awkward few moments of pained wriggling before he relents, elbow wedged awkwardly in one strap of his vest.

[S_R] ...well?

*There is a brief moment in which C_K thinks he may start laughing. His facial features twist into something bordering on pain before he becomes carefully neutral.*

[C_K] Of course, Captain. Right away, Sir…

*The corners of his mouth continue to twitch in their losing battle against smiling as he approaches S_R. Hands gentler than one might think as he carefully removes S_R’s vest. Extra mindful of his injured shoulder.*

[C_K] He’s all yours, doc.

*A nod towards Nix before he goes to stand by the door. Both keeping guard and watching over proceedings.*

*There are already spots of angry colour on S_R’s face, even over the general pained palor, but now there is something more embarrassed about the expression.  His lips thin as he glares at Nix.  He doesn’t like the muted man.  It’s not quite personal, but there’s only so much sad-eyed silence he can take from some ill-assigned idiot who keeps looking unnerved that his patients can actually speak.

*Ultimately, he just objects to being sent to the fucking vet.  Maybe it's the best they’ve got, but that, in particular, is too close to the bone for him to be anything but prickly.

*Nix inhales deeply. He looks momentarily concerned when he notes C_K has removed himself from the scene by guarding the door. He can't blame him. Looking back at the tensing Captain, that is probably the best decision.

*Nix turns to S_R, wringing his hands in nervous anticipation. Fingertips barely touching S_R’s shoulder to assess the damage. After a moment of observation, he gently moves the arm in the starting position; the humerus parallel with the chest, the elbow flexed and the arm in a neutral position.

*He pauses. Perhaps asking for C_K’s assistance might not be such a bad idea after all. He looks up, still holding S_R’s arm steady; turns his attention from him to C_K as if he were about to ‘say’ something.

*Without warning, Nix turns S_R’s arm outwards, keeping the elbow in the same position. Two other swift movements follow directly after: pulling the upper arm up and then moving the lower arm back towards his chest. The shoulder pops back into place, as it should, and Nix takes a step back almost instantly.

*S_R has his head turned away from Nix’s attentions, lips pressed tight across his clenched teeth, as the silent Ward carefully assesses his injury.  He manages to keep most of his reaction to the contact down to a few sharp breaths, very deliberately ignoring the man’s turn towards C_K and -

*This time, he does scream.  Already-bruised muscle and bone jams hard, jolting back into place with a whiteout flare that freezes him in place, choking what breath remains after the initial howl.  For a few moments - heartbeat hammering in his ears - he can’t do more than hunch forward, clutching automatically at his abused arm and trying not to throw up, as nausea surges close behind pain.

*Nix waits a moment until S_R’s strongest reactions have all subsided. It’s only when S_R leans forward slightly to cradle his arm, Nix dares to come closer again. But before he does, he reaches out to a book on his desk and flips through the pages.*

*He places the book down in front of S_R. There is only one drawing to be seen: the muscle- and bone- structure of a horse’s shoulder. Nix points at the text next to the picture.*

-”Unless fixed, a broken or dislocated shoulder means an almost certain death for the equine.”-

*Nix smiles, tapping the word ‘fixed’ several times before gesturing at S_R’s shoulder.

*S_R manages to tilt himself up a bit, squinting at the proffered book with watery eyes.  He has gone very pale, and small muscles in his throat are still twitching.

[S_R] Do I - look like a - fucking horse?

*Nix makes a face and closes the book, taking it back to his desk.*

*C_K winces, and has to stop himself from charging across the room and knocking Nix to the ground. Hearing his Captain scream is unnerving at best and verging on terrifying at worst. That need to defend him crawling beneath his skin and making his fingers twitch. The glove muffled CLICK! CLICK! CLICK! of his fingertips snapping together as he regulates his breathing.*

[C_K] Depends on the angle…

*A weak joke, but it is all he can come up with his mind fizzed and rushed. Taking steady steps towards the table and quickly and carefully checking over S_R for himself. It isn't that he doesn't trust Nix and his capabilities, but he just wants to make sure.*

[C_K] Deep breaths, Captain.

*S_R winces a little as C_K touches him, reflexively tightening his own grip on his arm - which is a mistake.  The nausea clamps down again hard, and it is all he can do to hunch further forward, as acid surges in his throat and his stomach clenches violently.  He hasn’t eaten since breakfast, and there was never a lot of that, so the overall result is noise rather than volume; unfortunately, C_K’s proximity only serves to maximise that impact.

*C_K knew it was coming but it still doesn’t give him the time to move out of the way. A long resigned sigh as S_R empties the contents of his stomach over C_K’s shoes. He glances down and gives his Captain a look that can only be described as withering.*

[C_K] Really? I suppose I should be grateful that you exist on a mostly liquid diet, otherwise that could have been a hell of a lot messier. Have you eaten anything other than breakfast today?

*A step back and he shakes one foot and then the other, trying to get rid of the mix of stomach acid, bile and what little food S_R had actually consumed.*

*S_R hauls himself up, scrubbing at his mouth.  He’s still pale and tilts his head back, eyes closed, as he lets out a shaking breath.

[S_R] ...my pride, apparently.

*Nix does little to hide his expression of baffled disgust when the few contents of S_R’s stomach spilled all over his freshly cleaned floor tiles. He lowers his brow, giving both men a stern look.*

*As he decides to avoid stepping into something he’d regret, Nix quickly searches through his pile of cards while taking position on the other side of the table.

[Nix] -You Are Required To Remain Still For The Duration Of This Procedure.-

*He bends down, grabbing something from a drawer underneath the table. His smile is far more reassuring as he shows S_R the dark blue sling for his arm.

*S_R takes a few more moments, sightlessly staring upwards into his own eyelids, before he inches one open and looks over at Nix and what he is proffering.  Much of the prickling tension has drained out of the Captain’s stance, and right now he just looks tired.*

[S_R] Fine.  Shall I just write ‘R_V was here’ directly on the damn cast, or is it calibrated for maximum embarrassment on its own?

*He swivels himself around, carefully avoiding getting any of the mess on his own shoes, and scowls at Nix.

[S_R] Get on with it.

*Nix ‘laughs’ by breathing out through his nose in short bursts. He avoids showing his teeth but can’t help to part his lips just a little bit. On the back of one of his cards, he writes something in pencil.*

[Nix] -’I also have a dog cone if you prefer.’-

[S_R] Hah - fucking - hah.

*C_K lets out a short bark of laughter and turns to grin at Nix. Something very genuine in his eyes; soon hooded. Another shake of both feet before he steps back further out of the mess and out of S_R’s way.*

[C_K] I don’t know, S_R, I think you’d look kinda fetching in a cone. It’ll really bring out the spite in your eyes.

*Another appreciative glance at Nix, then he staunters over to the door. Notably more relaxed now that S_R’s arm was back in place.*

*Noise echoes around the Facility, the source of which coming from the music and chatter of the Blue Moon Ball beginning on level 4, I_O sighs to himself as he makes his way down an empty corridor towards the infirmary, the usual breather guards stationed around the facility had been relocated for more security around level 4.

*I_O pauses at the door and reaches into the small repurposed sack storing his letters, and from it retrieves a small pile of cards with numerous phrases written on them. Holding them tightly he glances over his shoulder before knocking twice.

*Everything has been double-checked. Tonight should be a busy night, if the previous events Nix has seen here in FAIR-CO are anything to go by. Apart from Nix and one Ward who had caught the flu and who is now fast asleep on one of the beds, the infirmary is empty.

*Nix buttons the top button of his white shirt. The collar not reaching high enough to cover the ugly scar on his throat. But this would have to do. He looks at the clock. The ball has just begun. He knows it would only be a matter of time before the first AGRI will need to see a doctor this evening. Two knocks on the door. Nix looks up and waits. Nobody enters. This could only mean one thing: An Unward.

Nix walks over to the door and opens it, a faint smile on his face seeing I_O. He raises his hand briefly. [Nix] -Hello-

*I_O returns a smile, he silently shuffles through the cards and holds up a card that reads “Hello, Welcome to the Blue Moon Ball!” and offers the rest of the cards to Nix*

[I_O] Hello Physician Nix, I’ve brought a resupply of cards along with the usual mail, sicknote requests from AGRI’s, you understand.

*Nix looks delighted as he takes the new cards into his hands, quickly flipping through them to see which new phrases have now been added to his vocabulary. He gestures I_O to follow as he return to the desk.

*There is a rotary index card holder stationed next to the medical files cabinet. All Nix’ current cards, alphabetically sorted.

*I_O steps into the room, closing the door quietly behind him, he places his bag carefully onto an unoccupied bed and turns again to Nix.*

[I_O] How are you keeping, Sir?

*Nix nudges his head towards the clock and then shows him the same card he had shown him, tapping his finger on -’Blue Moon Ball’-. He guides I_O’s attention to the many empty beds and shrugs slightly afterwards.

[Nix] -Disorderly behavior as a result of intoxication is prohibited in the infirmary.-

*I_O chuckles at the card and glances at the vacant beds around the room.*

[I_O] Same story as last year then, It won’t be long until the AGRI’s have drank themselves stupid...er. Will that be all then Physician?

*Nix exhales in a fashion which could only be described as a chuckle. He nods but almost instantly stops, raising his finger. He turns on his heels, leaning on the desk with one hand whilst grabbing a pencil with the other.

*On the desk, between the orderly arranged equipment Nix knows he’ll need later tonight, lays a piece of paper. A list. Medication, supplies and other provisions…. A summary of everything currently available.

*Nix ticks several of the boxes next to the names of a handful of necessities and folds the paper in half. On the back he writes the current date and his name before handing it to I_O.

*I_O takes the paper hesitantly, unfolding it to have a quick glance at the supply list, he sighs as he places it into the bag.

[I_O] H-How urgent are these supplies Nix? I-I’m not sure Sir will appreciate me disturbing him during the festivities… I’m not exactly his favourite person right now.

*Nix makes a face and opens the door of one of the nearby wall cabinets. There is an empty spot on one of the shelves and other supplies are visibly running low. Nix looks back at the Unward over his shoulder, closing the cabinet door again.

[Nix] -Please-

*I_O glances from the empty supplies to the empty beds before his eyes finally meet Nix’s again, he picks up the bag from the empty bed and throws it over his shoulder.

[I_O] Very well Physician, I do suppose I’m in your debt and besides - I may require some of the items on the list myself depending on the mood of Sir or the Clerks, if they don’t make me permanently disappear first that is.

*Nix smiles gratefully. He shakes his head to reassure I_O.

*I_O makes his way towards the door, he could already feel the cold beads of sweat with each step he took towards the exit, he pauses in the doorway and turns to Nix meet Nix a final time.

[I_O] You should find every phrase you may possibly need in case of emergency or relevance to the Blue Moon Ball amongst the cards I have delivered Physician, as well as replacements for damaged or stolen cards - Now if that’s all Sir then I must return to my duties.

*Nix ushers I_O to wait one more moment by raising his hand again. He nudges his head towards the younger man in a telling way before demonstrating a good posture. Back straight, chin up, deeply breathing in and out. A second nudge as he relaxes again.

[Nix] -Please remain calm-

[I_O] Thank you Physician. You always know what to… show me on a card…. uh - Good luck with the drunk and disorderly AGRI-Wards!

[R_V] As a newly instated member of the Mothermen task force I demand you forget seeing me in this condition.

*The guards ignore him and simply nod at each other as they approach the infirmary doorway, they each knock twice and disperse in sequence, leaving R_V facing the door alone, he slumps his weary body against the doorframe waiting for an answer.

*There’s some scuffling behind the door until it opens and R_V is greeted with the uncovered face of Clovis, she's already pulling him in the room before he can say anything

*Nix is sitting at their desk, still busy organizing the newly catalogued employee files. He looks up when the door opens, slightly tilting his head at the sight of this newcomer but remains when seeing Clovis has this one handled.

[Clovis] It took them long enough, I haven't seen you since you left to meet Fairfax. Sit down and I’ll introduce you to someone.

*R_V stumbles into the room as the physician pulls him, he feebly attempts to fix his posture as his eyes meet hers.

[R_V] Firstly Physician Clovis I must apologise, my actions and behaviour towards yourself and …. others is unacceptable and not to Mother’s standards.

*R_V  collapses onto a nearby bed, propping his back up against the wall as he sits there, his head hangs tiredly as his half opened eyes concentrate on Clovis again.

[R_V] My time in Isolation, albeit it brief - has adjusted my attitude. Sir has granted me a second chance. Tell me Physician, is Vesalius safe too? He must be protected.

*Clovis blinks and studies his face before checking his temperature with the back of her hand.

[Clovis] If I knew isolation would get an apology out of you I would have suggested it before hand, let's use this as a chance to start over then.

[Clovis] I haven't talked with Breyos yet but, I did catch a few glimpses of him around this place. Stay awake a bit longer so you can meet Nix.

*Nix looks up again when hearing his name.

[R_V] Very well Physician, introduce me to your… friend?

*Nix stands; one corner of his mouth curled up in a smile. He stays at a short distance, however, and reaches for the cards in his pocket. The first one is the one he shows to R_V.

“My Name Is N_X.” *The rest of the card has been crossed out, turning it impossible to read. Nix then returns it to the stack, showing a second card.

“I Am Your Medical Examiner.”

*R_V glances from the cards, to N_X and then to Clovis, a look of disbelief on his face.*

[R_V] Is this an Unward, Physician? Can he speak?

*R_V takes a deep breath as he sits himself up properly on the bed and lets out a deep sigh.

[R_V] Do not let my presence intimidate you N_X, you may speak - I am Commander R_V as you may know and I am required to be medically cleared for duty tomorrow - you both may now examine me.

[Clovis] He’s not an Unward, his vocal cords were forcibly removed so he speaks through those cards. He’s very capable and has been able to keep this facility running as best he could alone.

*Nix shows a soft, side-way smile when listening to Clovis. He never shows his teeth. His fingers search through his cards once more before showing another one to R_V.

“My Vocabulary Is Limited.”

*R_V eyes the card N_X extends as he stands up weakly ready for examination, he holds his arms by his side.

[R_V] Very well then Physician, if you trust this…. N_X, they must be somewhat medically capable. You may begin the examination.

*Clovis places a hand on his shoulder and persuaded him to sit back down.

[Clovis] No no, lay back down, I just wanted to introduce you to him. You're about to pass out so it would be a better idea to get some rest before you try to pass your medical examination. Enjoy an actual bed for once and we’ll do it in the morning.

*R_V sits back on the bed once more, carefully he strips down to his under-uniform and lays down on the bed.

[R_V] Physician Clovis, Physician N_X, I /must/ be medically cleared by morning and I entrust this rest instruction to be beneficial towards my clean bill of health.

*Nix nods and waves his hand to draw R_V’s attention for a brief moment.

“Your Request Has Been Noted.”

“WELCOME!”

*He inclines his head as a ‘goodbye’ to R_V before turning back to his desk, giving the other Ward his well-needed rest.

*R_V lays his head on the pillow and turns it to face up at Clovis, he yawns before speaking quietly.

[R_V] I am grateful for your work, both of you - I would however appreciate it if the events of this evening did not leave this infirmary.

[Clovis] We won't speak a word of it to others, wouldn't want them thinking you can say please and thank you after all.

*R_V turns away from the Physicians and finally closes his eyes as he drifts peacefully off to sleep*

*Nix looks over his shoulder from R_V to Clovis. He places his index finger vertically across his lips. Eyes narrowed in subtly pleasure and the corners of his mouth forming a smile. He then returns to the filing cabinet, collecting some blank forms in order to make a new document. But when he places his pencil on the paper to write R_V’s name… he pauses. He looks at the now passed out Ward in the bed and then back at the file… before handing both the papers and the pencil to Clovis.

*Clovis smiles as she takes the papers and thanks him before sitting down on the seat next to his and begins filling out R_V’s medical forms.

[Clovis] I’m just going to warn you beforehand, I don’t know how long that attitude of R_V’s will last. It’d be best if he didn’t know you were a veterinarian before this, he's actually a bit of a pain in the ass.

* Deep within the FAC, on level 5, two men stand before a doorway. C_C, in his crisp, short-sleeve plastic shirt, is beside a tall redhead in a light blue, v-necked medical uniform. C_C’s eyes narrow as the other man gently, nervously, preens himself. They are awaiting Clovis.

[C_C] The Person of Special Significance is overdue.

* There is no response from the other man, only a glance up the levels.

[C_C] Your Functionary recommends that you ready an appropriate greeting.

* From the breast-pocket of his scrub, the redhead takes a small stack of similar cards. Each one carrying a different sentence but all written and decorated with great care. He looks through them, finding the card that reads, in beautiful, looping script embellished with small blue flowers - ‘WELCOME’

* Clovis is descending the staircase. C_C, in a swift movement, slaps the cards forcefully out of the other Ward’s hands. They scatter on the floor.

[C_C] That is not appropriate. Your Functionary recommends that you use ‘Your Lateness Has Been Noted.’

* Two AGRI-wards pass FAIR-CO’s medical wing on their way to the staircase, one telling a story of her encounter with ‘the biggest rat of all times’. Being as unobservant as they are, she halts momentarily and shakes off a piece of paper stuck to the underside of her shoe; as she would a leaf. They continue walking.

* The redhead quickly kneels down to pick up the pieces of paper; throwing a glare at the backs of the AGRI’s in the distance. His blue uniform contrasts starkly with his hair. Block N, bed X; the tattoo on his nape states. He gently tries to smooth out the small dog-eared crease on the card he just picked up and sighs softly. ‘How may I help you?’, it reads in a beautiful, handwritten, calligraphic font. The dog-eared card is added to the little stack, near the front, and returned to his pocket.

* Black mud streaked boots walk into view from Nix's kneeling position and stop just before him. A gloved hand is offered to him.

[Clovis] Do you need help up?

* The Ward looks up at the extended hand but politely declines the offer by shaking his head. He stands and takes his cards at hand again, sifting through them until he finds the one he needs.

-‘Your Lateness Has Been Noted.’-

* After only a brief moment, the card is added back to the little pile and N_X proceeds to show her a second one.

-‘WELCOME.’-

* She huffs and pointedly stares at C_C when she reads the first note then extends her hand again for a handshake.

[Clovis] My name is Clovis. I’m sorry about the lateness, it was inevitable seeing as no one was with me to guide me to the infirmary.

* C_C turns his piercing green stare to Clovis for a moment.

[C_C] May I have your attention. This is Physician N_X. Due to previous regulatory infractions his speech has been permanently disallowed. Your citizen has consulted with Sir and an agreement put into action regarding your due sum. You are required to serve the Medical Unit and Infirmary until further notice. Are there any further questions?

[Clovis] Yes actually, what do you mean when you say his speech has been ‘permanently disallowed’? As well, I was never informed that I owed your Facilitator any payment.

[C_C] No further questions can be taken at this time. Your mandated work day begins now.

* C_C steps away from them. He glances back darkly and expectantly at N_X, then Clovis.

[C_C] The Physician expressed discontent with Sir’s lawful authority. Though he is no longer of this opinion your Functionary recommends that you do not Associate with him more than is necessitated by your duties.

* N_X keeps his doleful eyes averted as C_C speaks. His fingertips brush gently over the vertical scar on his throat. The line is crooked with signs of uneven stitching and is accentuated by the v-neck of his uniform.

* C_C smiles, an emotionless parting of black lips over white teeth. He leaves.

* N_X waits for C_C to turn the corner before looking back at Clovis. One corner of his mouth curls into an insecure but sincere smile. It slightly falters after a few seconds. He looks at her, eyebrows slightly raised as he nudges his head towards her; inquiringly.

* Clovis frowns and keeps her gaze leveled at C_C until he leaves and then turns back to N_X. Taking note of his scars, she sneers* This place is even worse than the one I left it seems.

[Clovis] Can you only talk with those cards or do you know any sign language? I know just one type but it would be easier to talk that way than the cards..

* N_X shakes his head and taps one hand on the cards in his pocket before he takes them out again. But after a couple of seconds going through his limited vocabulary, he realizes there is none that expresses what he tries to say. Only…-

-’My Apologies, Sister/Brother.’-

* Clovis smiles and nods tiredly then begins to look around the room*

[Clovis] No need to apologize, we can figure something out later. Could you give me a tour of your work area and any patients you have?

* N_X nods and looks around. He smooths his uniform before opening the door behind him, beckoning Clovis to follow.

* The medical room is spotless, as required. The tools are neatly arranged on one side of the room, in drawers and glass cabinets. The only form of decoration comes in the form of a poster depicting the nerve-system of a canine. On the other side of the room, there are a couple of beds; one of which is occupied by a big, sleeping AGRI-ward.

* Clovis nods, admiring the cleanliness of the place and pausing for a few moments at the picture of the dog's nervous system.

* N_X turns to Clovis, hands folded in front of him, wringing them in a slightly nervous manner; a bit uncertain of what to do. But then he shows a little smile again, gesturing towards the sleeping AGRI. A book titled ‘The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Human Anatomy’, carrying several bookmarks, is pushed aside on the small cabinet next to the bed; revealing the patient’s medical file. N_X picks it up and hands it to Clovis.

* The AGRI-Ward, a rugged, exceptionally large man with a scarred hoe-hacked face and a black ring of service through his nose, groans pitifully, his eyes closed. He clasps his stomach. His voice, when he speaks, is weak with pain.

[AGRI] … I got stomach-rot from them ground-cherries, I tol’ you, Doctor Nix. I ain’t fit to work.

* Clovis looks over the file and then back at the Agri-ward with another frown*

[Clovis] Could you get me the largest needle you have, It seems we need to… Take some brain samples.

* The AGRI-Ward’s eyes open suddenly. He stares at Clovis.

* N_X turns to his new colleague, eyes wide with disbelief.

[AGRI] … Uh, that ain’t gonna hurt is it? Hey, are you - one of them… Are you a… Person of special - magnificence?

[Clovis] I’m afraid it's the only way, from what you say I’m afraid you could have eaten something /very/ dangerous. And yes I am… one of those, I enjoy taking care of plants and people so I hope you’re not wasting my time.

* The AGRI shifts from the bed with a grunt and stands. He is a head and shoulders above them both. He wipes the ring in his nose with his wrist.

[AGRI] I’m, uh. Feelin’ much better… Ain’t no need to poke my brain. Turns out, them ground cherries were ground, uh … Berries.

* He pats N_X on the shoulder with a large hand.

[AGRI] Yer a good Doctornarian, Mister Nix.

[Clovis] I’m glad everything's fixed up then, please tell your friends to be careful about what they eat outside or they won't be as lucky as you.

* The AGRI gives a smirk, leaving.

[AGRI] Oh, sure. I’ll tell ‘em, tell ‘em the Doctor tol’ me. The real pretty new one. With teeth like a rake!

* He leaves, laughing.

* N_X slightly cocks his head with a disconcerted frown as he looks between Clovis and the AGRI whom he has treated as his patient for the last couple of days. He raises a hand to try and stop the other Ward from leaving but his back is already turned. He turns to Clovis, already flipping through his cards again.

-‘Please Explain.’-

* He taps the card and then points at the door through which the AGRI had left the room.

[Clovis] He wasn’t actually sick, he was faking it to most likely get out of work. I’m sure if I just said that he would try to deny it and get both of you in trouble in the process so I just scared him a bit. They’re less likely to start faking now, but, are you actually a Doctor, Nix? The way you and others act… is odd.

* N_X makes a face and exhales through his nose, softly but loud enough to be heard. He rocks his hand horizontally and then turns his torso to lift the right sleeve of his uniform. His furtherance is tattooed on his freckled shoulder in the familiar, conform State style. ‘Veterinary Sciences’.

[Clovis] You… you’re a Veterinarian. Things make a lot more sense now, they whine and talk about needing a Doctor when they put a animal doctor in the place of a human one. Well I’m glad to have someone else with me at least. You don't mind me calling you Nix right?

* There was a sigh of relief upon seeing Clovis’ reaction to the news. He shakes his head wholeheartedly and managed to show a shy smile again. Once again, he shows her a card.