Phase Eight: Recrimination

[emorangerpink]

[Laura's in the brig.

It's at her own insistence, as soon as she was awake enough to insist. Once the medics were okay with letting her out of their sight, she went in to a cell. She's staying there until as much has been done to confirm she doesn't have any more surprises buried in the back of her mind as was done for Cheng, and then some. And it's noticeable to anyone who's used to her appearance that her ever-present amplifier is not on her wrist.

If you want to talk to her, it might take a while. Aside from the exhaustion of the fight, she's spending some of her time awake curled up in tears or otherwise unresponsive. Still - if you're patient, or time your visit right, she'll be able to speak, if you have something to say.]

Comments

[emorangerpink]

[Laura's simply lying on her back on the bunk, exhausted. For the moment, she's cried herself out and is simply staring at the ceiling. Resnick's question is straightforward enough that she can actually answer it.]

I had some kind of programming. The enemy were able to... activate it.

I don't know what else they may have done to me, so until we can find out, I'm keeping myself locked up.

[an-alpha-wolf.livejournal.com]

[He nods] Programmed? Yet you are a human being...Your decision is smart. Many here would not have your discipline.

[emorangerpink]

It... something similar happened to someone else here, not long ago. I just did what I thought of for him, back then.

It... it's actually easier this way. I don't know what to do. While I'm here, I don't have to do anything.

[an-alpha-wolf.livejournal.com]

You are wrong. You have to figure out how to counteract this thing that has been done to you.

[emorangerpink]

I don't think I can. There may only have been the one trigger. For Cheng, we were able to confirm that. If there are more, still left... I wouldn't know where to start.

If there's nothing left now... I... I'll do what I can. I don't know what that'll be, but...

[an-alpha-wolf.livejournal.com]

Obviously you must enlist the help of a scientist and expose yourself to as many potential triggers as you can under controlled conditions.

Do not be vague. You speak of killing yourself, quiaff? That would be...dishonorable. You are an asset to this ship whether you like it or not. Removing yourself would be shirking your duties.

[Which is certainly because he's looking out for the health of the White Chalice as a whole, not because he's concerned about her, nooooo.]

[emorangerpink]

We have doctors. Newtypes. Shamans. They can... we can be as sure as possible. It's out of my hands. I just have to wait.

[His response takes her by surprise.]

I - no, I -

...I let those thoughts go months ago. Now... I just don't know what to do. Where to start.

[an-alpha-wolf.livejournal.com]

[He shrugs. A clan warrior certainly would have entertained such thoughts, before accepting their reassignment to a solahma unit or a lower caste.]

Then your chief problem is boredom.

[emorangerpink]

[Laura stares at him.]

...The clans don't think much of self-doubt, then.

[an-alpha-wolf.livejournal.com]

It is not unknown. I was trying to distract you from it until you could rebuild your confidence. Clearly it did not work.

[emorangerpink]

...Hah. No. But it was a good try. Thank you.

[an-alpha-wolf.livejournal.com]

What can I do to be helpful then, Laura Ericks?

[emorangerpink]

We need to find Dantoinne. We need to take the crystal back before he can use it.

...But I don't know how. Talk to Devon, Samus, ...Commander Jin. [There's a hitch in her voice where normally she'd name Frank.] To search, to plan an attack... there must be some way you can help.

And... thank you. For believing in me.

[an-alpha-wolf.livejournal.com]

I will lend my aid. You have my rede. [He's gonna wait a minute to tell her that Frank's dead.]

You do not need to thank me. I was simply reminding you of your responsibilities. [In other words "It's not like I was worried about your or anything!"]

[emorangerpink]

[She was there... it's why she named Hayato in his place.]

You assumed reminding me would do some good. That... actually helps, believe it or not.

[an-alpha-wolf.livejournal.com]

I am glad to hear it. Perhaps I could bring you something?

[emorangerpink]

...Yes. Please. Ask Lily for the textbook I've been reading. It'll be something useful to do when I'm awake, while I... wait.

[an-alpha-wolf.livejournal.com]

Aff. I will also tell the technicians to move a simulator pod down here.

[A pause while he thinks of what to say.]

I have confidence in you.

[emorangerpink]

[Laura manages to smile, at that.]

The pod won't be necessary. It's not my style. It's a good thought, though.

Thank you, Star Captain. I'll try to justify it.

[an-alpha-wolf.livejournal.com]

Ah, but if the triggers are combat related, you will need to test those in a safe environment, quiaff?