Charles Saville, MD, PhD (OC) (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
mattersofscience) wrote2016-05-31 10:57 pm
mattersofscience) wrote2016-05-31 10:57 pm
My Dear Charles,
I regret my sudden disappearance and hope it has not sown seeds of distrust between us. I have been informed that this is not an uncommon occurrence. Men and women will vanish, and then return at an unknowable time later.
But that is not what I recall. My nightmares returned to me as if caught within a fever dream, but it was no dream. I bear the evidence of my failure in the Arctic anew.
My man Jopson has returned to his former duties as nursemaid. Though, if you could implore him to consider an allowance of freedom outside a bed, I would be forever grateful. I do not do well confined, even during convalescence.
Sincerely,
F. Crozier
I regret my sudden disappearance and hope it has not sown seeds of distrust between us. I have been informed that this is not an uncommon occurrence. Men and women will vanish, and then return at an unknowable time later.
But that is not what I recall. My nightmares returned to me as if caught within a fever dream, but it was no dream. I bear the evidence of my failure in the Arctic anew.
My man Jopson has returned to his former duties as nursemaid. Though, if you could implore him to consider an allowance of freedom outside a bed, I would be forever grateful. I do not do well confined, even during convalescence.
Sincerely,
F. Crozier
There's no need to fear: I'm familiar with the way people vanish and return to this place at random. When you left, I'd hoped you'd returned to home and comfort, but I won't deny that it's good to hear from you again. Less so that you've come back ill and burdened, of course, but we can tend to some of that soon enough.
What ailments are you suffering? I can stop by and bring you appropriate medicine, and see what I can do about speaking with Mr. Jopson. However, if he's tended to you for some time, I've no doubt he has good reason to see that you stay abed.
What ailments are you suffering? I can stop by and bring you appropriate medicine, and see what I can do about speaking with Mr. Jopson. However, if he's tended to you for some time, I've no doubt he has good reason to see that you stay abed.
I am relieved to know I haven't lost your confidence.
The list is likely long. Scurvy, poorly nourished, phantom pains have returned with a vengeance from the hand I lost. Nothing Jopson hasn't tended before. However, I believe Dr. Valenti prescribed "pain killers" for the latter. Those wouldn't go amiss.
Now, how you will get past my Lieutenant, that is another matter. He is—how do I put this politely—territorial at the best of times. And this is certainly the worst of times.
F. Crozier
The list is likely long. Scurvy, poorly nourished, phantom pains have returned with a vengeance from the hand I lost. Nothing Jopson hasn't tended before. However, I believe Dr. Valenti prescribed "pain killers" for the latter. Those wouldn't go amiss.
Now, how you will get past my Lieutenant, that is another matter. He is—how do I put this politely—territorial at the best of times. And this is certainly the worst of times.
F. Crozier
I'll look into the painkillers Dr. Valenti prescribed last time and bring you a supply of those. Some vitamin C supplements also wouldn't go amiss for dealing with the scurvy. It can be dealt with through adjustments to your diet, which I'm sure you and your lieutenant are well aware of, but supplements will make for a faster and more targeted treatment. [There's a short pause in his texting as Charles makes a few notes for the supplies he needs to pick up the next time he's at the hospital.]
I'll be sure to handle the matter delicately. He clearly cares a great deal for you, and I'm sure your sudden arrival was as much of a surprise as it was a relief.
What's your address, and what would be a good day for me to drop by at night?
I'll be sure to handle the matter delicately. He clearly cares a great deal for you, and I'm sure your sudden arrival was as much of a surprise as it was a relief.
What's your address, and what would be a good day for me to drop by at night?
Aye, quite.
Currently I am under Jopson's roof for the coming few days. Whatever evening is most convenient will be fine. He will know to expect you.
Your help is most welcome and appreciated.
F. Crozier
Currently I am under Jopson's roof for the coming few days. Whatever evening is most convenient will be fine. He will know to expect you.
Your help is most welcome and appreciated.
F. Crozier
Of course. I'll send a text an hour before I arrive.
[A day later, and after Charles has finished one of his night shifts at the hospital, he arrives outside the address Crozier had texted to him. He's carrying a tote in one hand, and raises the other to give the front door a few sharp knocks. He isn't sure what to expect when the door opens, but he's anticipating something along the lines of when worried family members would accompany their loved ones to the clinic in London: worry, and perhaps a little tension.
It's normal. Something to be expected when a friend or loved one is sick.]
It's Charles, [he announces.] I've brought the medicine.
[A day later, and after Charles has finished one of his night shifts at the hospital, he arrives outside the address Crozier had texted to him. He's carrying a tote in one hand, and raises the other to give the front door a few sharp knocks. He isn't sure what to expect when the door opens, but he's anticipating something along the lines of when worried family members would accompany their loved ones to the clinic in London: worry, and perhaps a little tension.
It's normal. Something to be expected when a friend or loved one is sick.]
It's Charles, [he announces.] I've brought the medicine.
[ Some time ago, some four years ago that feels like four ages ago, Thomas Jopson had been described as being like a mongoose in taking care of Crozier. He had only been going through withdrawal at the time, and Thomas's affections had been so thoroughly contained with no dream of them ever being returned. Now, when he'd lost one of the dearest loves of his life only to have him returned again to him in that miserable half-alive state that he had once arrived in, to describe him as like a mongoose would be something of an understatement. Crozier's care is of paramount importance. He's cancelled appointments, he's taken time off work, he's gone full mother-hen to make sure he can get Crozier back to health again.
So, at the mention of a doctor coming to see him, Thomas finds himself glad. He knows well enough how to handle scurvy and starvation, as he's treated it in himself and in John Irving too, but he's no man of medicine. He's more nursemaid than physician, and he knows it. He welcomes the help, in this exclusive case.
What Charles gets when the door opens is a stern man in his rolled up shirt-sleeves who looks like he hasn't had much sleep, and yet has managed to keep himself tidy all bedsitting aside, not a hair out of place. Perhaps he combed it quickly before answering the door.
The stern look fades somewhat into a welcome but polite smile. ]
Dr. Saville, please, come in.
[ Once he's shut the door behind him, he starts to lead Charles through his modestly decorated but cosy home. ]
When the Captain told me someone was coming to help I'll admit I weren't happy to hear it, I can take care of him just fine myself you see, but once he mentioned you was a doctor that did change things. If you can help speed his recovery along, I'd be grateful for it.
So, at the mention of a doctor coming to see him, Thomas finds himself glad. He knows well enough how to handle scurvy and starvation, as he's treated it in himself and in John Irving too, but he's no man of medicine. He's more nursemaid than physician, and he knows it. He welcomes the help, in this exclusive case.
What Charles gets when the door opens is a stern man in his rolled up shirt-sleeves who looks like he hasn't had much sleep, and yet has managed to keep himself tidy all bedsitting aside, not a hair out of place. Perhaps he combed it quickly before answering the door.
The stern look fades somewhat into a welcome but polite smile. ]
Dr. Saville, please, come in.
[ Once he's shut the door behind him, he starts to lead Charles through his modestly decorated but cosy home. ]
When the Captain told me someone was coming to help I'll admit I weren't happy to hear it, I can take care of him just fine myself you see, but once he mentioned you was a doctor that did change things. If you can help speed his recovery along, I'd be grateful for it.
[Charles notes the tension in the other man's frame as Jopson greets him, but that alone isn't up to par for the word Francis had tacked onto this encounter: territorial. Perhaps more is coming, but this initial welcoming is about what he would have expected. For his part, Charles settles into his usual courteous and straight-backed formality as he's led through Jopson's home.]
That's the intention. He told me that Dr. Valenti prescribed him painkillers for one of his conditions before, and it's a potent medication. It should allow him to rest in as much comfort as possible, given what the city pulled him from. [He doesn't know all the details, but Francis' descriptions of an arctic expedition and scurvy were enough that he put two and two together.] That and the vitamin C supplement - I've brought the highest concentration the hospital had available.
[As they enter the room with Francis' sickbed, Charles offers the captain a polite smile, but not one without warmth. Making his way over to a small table in the room, the vampire wastes no time in placing down his bag, and beginning to pull out the various medications he brought with him.]
Hello, Francis. I'll apologize for the late hour of my arrival. [Both of them know it can't be helped, but it isn't ideal that he's keeping the other man awake at this time of night.] This shouldn't take long, and then you'll be able to have a comfortable, and hopefully painless, rest.
That's the intention. He told me that Dr. Valenti prescribed him painkillers for one of his conditions before, and it's a potent medication. It should allow him to rest in as much comfort as possible, given what the city pulled him from. [He doesn't know all the details, but Francis' descriptions of an arctic expedition and scurvy were enough that he put two and two together.] That and the vitamin C supplement - I've brought the highest concentration the hospital had available.
[As they enter the room with Francis' sickbed, Charles offers the captain a polite smile, but not one without warmth. Making his way over to a small table in the room, the vampire wastes no time in placing down his bag, and beginning to pull out the various medications he brought with him.]
Hello, Francis. I'll apologize for the late hour of my arrival. [Both of them know it can't be helped, but it isn't ideal that he's keeping the other man awake at this time of night.] This shouldn't take long, and then you'll be able to have a comfortable, and hopefully painless, rest.
[ He waves off Charles' apology with an impatient fling of his hand. Time is little more than a formality, a holdover of the civilized world, after three years under the tyranny of the Arctic's rhythm. ]
Good. [ His attention drop to his man behind Charles. ] Jopson, whatever he needs.
[ That's his one and only command for the both of them. Get on with it. ]
Good. [ His attention drop to his man behind Charles. ] Jopson, whatever he needs.
[ That's his one and only command for the both of them. Get on with it. ]
[ Thomas tenses slightly, bristles even, at the mention of a vitamin C supplement. He's had the reason behind the curative effects of lemon juice explained to him at some point over the last two years of his being scurvy-free, and he bites his tongue from immediately responding that, actually, he has the scurvy well taken care of, thanks to his own lemon tree growing outside for exactly this purpose. He only bits his tongue because he knows his place, even now, even here, because a doctor will always outrank him in matters of medicine. And he's to give Charles whatever he needs, at that.
And just what, exactly does Charles know of where the city pulled him from?
With a somewhat sour frown, Thomas nods. ]
I'll fetch some more water and lemon juice.
[ And he leaves to do just that, but he'll be back shortly. Enjoy the moment alone while it lasts. ]
And just what, exactly does Charles know of where the city pulled him from?
With a somewhat sour frown, Thomas nods. ]
I'll fetch some more water and lemon juice.
[ And he leaves to do just that, but he'll be back shortly. Enjoy the moment alone while it lasts. ]
My Dear Charles,
I am in dire need of a constitutional, somewhere far from my rooms. And then I recalled a promise to escort you around the Up for new clothes and other necessaries.
Please allow me the pleasure if you are still of a need.
Yours,
F. Crozier
I am in dire need of a constitutional, somewhere far from my rooms. And then I recalled a promise to escort you around the Up for new clothes and other necessaries.
Please allow me the pleasure if you are still of a need.
Yours,
F. Crozier
I could use a break from my rounds, certainly. It'd be a pleasure. [Cleanup at the hospital is still ongoing, and even with the new robot's help, it's been easy to let himself get bogged down in it. A walk around the Up with Crozier feels like just the thing to clear his head - and even better, it's a practical walk with purpose.]
Where shall I meet you?
Where shall I meet you?
I will meet you at the station if you are amenable. There will be less questions that way.
As will my companion, Jupiter. He needs fresh air as much as I do.
As will my companion, Jupiter. He needs fresh air as much as I do.
[Jupiter must be a dog of some sort. Crozier doesn't strike him as the type of man to keep a mystical creature the way numerous other people in the city seem to.
This might be... interesting.]
As a fair warning, some dogs aren't fond of me by nature. It's a one-sided animosity, but you may want to have him on a lead for his own sake all the same.
Beyond that, I'll meet you presently.
This might be... interesting.]
As a fair warning, some dogs aren't fond of me by nature. It's a one-sided animosity, but you may want to have him on a lead for his own sake all the same.
Beyond that, I'll meet you presently.
Understood, though I think you will be pleasantly surprised by Jupiter. He is not the most outgoing sort.
finally back on the tag brain train. sorry for the wait!
mattersofscience
2023-10-26 11:35 pm (UTC)(link)
[His back turned to Jopson and hands busy with readying the first doses of painkillers and vitamin C, Charles doesn't notice the less than enthusiastic response to his explanation of the cure he's brought. Even if he did, there's healing to be done.
Moving to Crozier's bedside, he presents the man with a small plastic cup with two pills in it.] For future use, it's best to take the painkiller with a meal. [He hands over the cup, and then settles himself into the chair at the man's bedside.]
When you're through taking those, may I take a look at your arm? [He gestures to the arm he knows the man was referring to in his texts - the one with the missing hand.]
Moving to Crozier's bedside, he presents the man with a small plastic cup with two pills in it.] For future use, it's best to take the painkiller with a meal. [He hands over the cup, and then settles himself into the chair at the man's bedside.]
When you're through taking those, may I take a look at your arm? [He gestures to the arm he knows the man was referring to in his texts - the one with the missing hand.]
are you free for a walk?
if not tonight then another?
( even though he'll have seen her around the hospital since the quakes he'll have noticed that she hasn't been in the labs at all since )
if not tonight then another?
( even though he'll have seen her around the hospital since the quakes he'll have noticed that she hasn't been in the labs at all since )
[He's a little surprised - but glad, relieved - she's reaching out to him after the way their last conversation went. Not seeing her around the lab hasn't felt right with how much time each of them both seem to spend there.
He's curious about what prompted the unexpected ask, but he decides to wait and see how things go before reaching for any conclusions.]
I can meet you in fifteen minutes. Largest park in the Up? [It's picturesque right now, with the remaining colorful leaves still clinging to the trees there.]
He's curious about what prompted the unexpected ask, but he decides to wait and see how things go before reaching for any conclusions.]
I can meet you in fifteen minutes. Largest park in the Up? [It's picturesque right now, with the remaining colorful leaves still clinging to the trees there.]
i'll be there.
thanks
( it honestly doesn't take her long to get there, adrienne already having been out for a walk, diverting herself from the streets she'd been in to move towards the park.
she's a little more dressed for the cooling weather, jeans and a looser sweater with ankle boots, a small satchel over one shoulder.
rather than wandering the park as she waits she opts to find a bench that's close to one of the entrances, looking out for him )
thanks
( it honestly doesn't take her long to get there, adrienne already having been out for a walk, diverting herself from the streets she'd been in to move towards the park.
she's a little more dressed for the cooling weather, jeans and a looser sweater with ankle boots, a small satchel over one shoulder.
rather than wandering the park as she waits she opts to find a bench that's close to one of the entrances, looking out for him )
[Two minutes before the fifteen he promised, Charles arrives at the park entrance with two styrofoam cups in his hands. Unaffected by the chillier par of the season as he is, he's nonetheless dressed in a tidy pair of trousers, and collared and long-sleeved white button down. When he spots Adrienne, he makes his way over to join her.]
Tea or drinking chocolate? [He offers, indicating the lidded cups in his hands.] Your pick.
Tea or drinking chocolate? [He offers, indicating the lidded cups in his hands.] Your pick.
( she stands once she spots him, a small smile ready for him )
Uh the chocolate.
( which she really hadn't expected )
And thanks for this. I needed to clear my head and thought company would be nice.
Uh the chocolate.
( which she really hadn't expected )
And thanks for this. I needed to clear my head and thought company would be nice.
[Charles hands over the cup of drinking chocolate, and then nods his acknowledgement when she thanks him. Any time, Adrienne.]
It's no trouble at all; I like going for walks at this time of year. [The nights are crisp and frequently crystal clear, and good for thinking.]
Did you have a challenging day at the hospital?
It's no trouble at all; I like going for walks at this time of year. [The nights are crisp and frequently crystal clear, and good for thinking.]
Did you have a challenging day at the hospital?
Uh, no.
( no more challenging than what any day had been since the flooding and honestly, as long as she stayed in the er and avoided the labs she could manage the day decently well )
But you did offer to go for a walk at some point so I thought I'd take you up on it.
( the evenings weren't her preferred time of walking but there weren't many options otherwise )
( no more challenging than what any day had been since the flooding and honestly, as long as she stayed in the er and avoided the labs she could manage the day decently well )
But you did offer to go for a walk at some point so I thought I'd take you up on it.
( the evenings weren't her preferred time of walking but there weren't many options otherwise )
I did. [It's difficult to tell whether 'clearing the head' means she wanted to vent, if she's more looking for a distraction, or something else entirely. Rather than get lost in attempts to read intentions that may not even be there, Charles decides to be direct.]
Was there something specific you were hoping to speak about, or is this more about letting the falling leaves and chill air relax the senses? [There. Can't be more direct than that.]
Was there something specific you were hoping to speak about, or is this more about letting the falling leaves and chill air relax the senses? [There. Can't be more direct than that.]
It's just a walk?
( she had mentioned about clearing her head but whether that would happen... it's take a lot more than just walk and she wasn't about to be open. not yet )
Sometimes they're nice, sometimes they're a better way to get to know someone.
( sometimes they're a good distraction when you don't currently want to think about what's clouding you. or have the capacity for it )
( she had mentioned about clearing her head but whether that would happen... it's take a lot more than just walk and she wasn't about to be open. not yet )
Sometimes they're nice, sometimes they're a better way to get to know someone.
( sometimes they're a good distraction when you don't currently want to think about what's clouding you. or have the capacity for it )
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