[h2][center]Xx---------------------------xX [u][b][color=DEBA5E]E[/color][/b][color=7CCD7C]x[/color][b][color=DEBA5E]p[/color][/b][color=7CCD7C]e[/color][b][color=DEBA5E]r[/color][/b][color=7CCD7C]i[/color][b][color=DEBA5E]m[/color][/b][color=7CCD7C]e[/color][b][color=DEBA5E]n[/color][/b][color=7CCD7C]t[/color][b][color=DEBA5E]a[/color][/b][color=7CCD7C]l[/color][/u] [u][b][color=DEBA5E]T[/color][/b][color=7CCD7C]e[/color][b][color=DEBA5E]a[/color][/b][color=7CCD7C]m[/color][/u] With a Cameo by Omar Xx---------------------------xX [/center][/h2] Location: Medical Facilities→ Cafeteria (Innocence Airship) Time: Day Time (Approx. 2 Hours Before the Meeting) [sub]Collab Between [@Fallenreaper] and [@Ryver et Rhine][/sub] [hr] Cade drifted in and out of awareness. His eyes fluttered but remained close as he floated weightless in the thick, liquid like substance used for healing in the fish tank. It had a greenish hue indicating it had been made through a combination of alchemy and science, both evenly mixed into a harmony that saved lives nearly too far gone. Thick restraints attached themselves to his wrists, waist and ankles to limit his movement so he wouldn’t scratch at the itching, healing flesh on his body during the last few days. The rawness during his struggles faded thanks to the accelerated healing and were nothing but a tormenting memory. Patches of whiter skin, both muscle and skin, had been grafted over the numerous holes across Cade’s torso, thighs, legs, arms and more. The most gnarled one rested on his neck and face, where the hook had penetrated under his jawline then bursted through his cheek. The medical team had to reassemble the broken bones into place with dissolvable mesh wiring and reconstruct what hadn’t been brought back. However, most would say he was lucky to even be alive with the damage he had sustained, but Cade would’ve disagree. Over the last few days, the Asylum’s mind flashed with images seared into his brain. [i]Cade edged into the meat factory. His hand pushed the dangling carcasses of frozen cattle, all butched recently for the next shipment. The blood dripped on his glove as he retracted from sight toward the nearest shadow. His wide eyes flickered from one direction to another, alert and ready for anything. At least… he thought so. A clinging sound erupted from his left and darted at him. His arm immediately went up to defend himself only to find the hook’s end latch into his flesh and deep into the muscle, penetrating the forearm’s center. Shock began to set in as the blood trickled from the wound and his attention stood fixed on the dripping crimson staining his parka. He held his breath in stun silence. Suddenly jerked it upright and back, his arm forced to bend unnaturally and the elbow stressed against the pressure. Cade screamed abruptly when another hook came flying out of the darkness. This one penetrated his lower jaw line and silenced his scream into gurgling sound. His feet promptly rose on his tiptoes to ease the pain in his face while it lifted up. Suddenly, more hooks began to claw and hook into him. A white haired man casually parted the hanging carasses with his arms, finally revealing himself. His eyes raised to reveal an albinism pink tint to them while he smiled sadistically at the Asylum caught in his metal web. He outstretched a hand then spoke, “A foolish little mouse you are, to merely walk into my little lair and believe you’ll make it out alive. Now… to find out if you’re alone or not.” With those words echoing in Cade’s ears, the hook attached at his upper thigh began to grind deeper into his wound. In a few painful moments, it then ripped free and exposed the bone. Cade inwardly screamed in pain, feeling his consciousness slip away.[/i] Cade jerked awake as the water sent up about three bubbles causing him to stir from his nightmares. The liquid’s level then began to drop lower and drained quickly, leaving his naked figure to feel the air’s chill for the first time in days. Gently, his back settled against the gel like seat and imprinted into it when gravity kicked in. He fought a raw, rough cough that rattled at the pressure on his chest. His nearly healed lungs inflated then twitched, increasing the burning sensation in his insides and caused him to stutter mentally in his awareness. A soft hiss came as the lower half split apart and flipped to the sides, the top part shortly followed as it jerked upwards. The chill increased in the air causing Cade to shiver and goosebumps to raise over his skin. Medical staff materialized into his vision as their hands began to examine the vivid white scars, poking and prodding them, drawing Cade to jerk at his bonds. The durable and cloth like materials rubbed gently at the wet skin at his wrists before he began to settle down. His eyes sting and head twisted away from the bright lights over head to shield himself, the medical staff’s manners reflected AMRO’s views over the asylum though they became better over the years. A nurse began to remove the wiring as the rest of the staff exited. One by one, they left the young Asylum alone to be retrieved by his partner. Cade laid there for several moments as he let time tick by. His fingers were the first to move and heavily reached up. He reached to weakly grasp the edge of his temporarily bed and pulled himself upright, breathing hard in his efforts. After being tank ridden for a few days, the Asylum knew getting back to working shape would be difficult and Samad wasn’t likely to be very patient about it either. Cade began to move again. His left leg was the first, the limp edged to the side then slipped over to dangle down several inches from the floor. At that moment, he knew mentally the drop would play hell on his balance and threaten to bring him face first into the floor. In the end, it wouldn’t matter because Samad would press the issue either way. Cade inhaled then flipped his right leg to rest beside his left and with one brave shove, he pushed off the bed onto the ground. His legs gave out from under him immediately. Gravity brought him down onto the cold tile as he gasped in surprise, the sound melted into a painful grunt when the wind was knocked out of him on impact. Right now he could easily relate to newborn deer trying to find its legs before a hungry predator ate him. The only difference, Samad seemed ten times worst than any carnivore Cade had ever crossed. Warm, brown hands lifted Cade up by his armpits and brought the unsteady young man back up onto the cool metal top of the open fishtank. Omar smiled kindly while offering the out of commission doctor a cup of warm chai. “You are as stubborn as ever,” the twenty-five-year-old chided. “I’d thought you’d have enough common sense to wait for Samad.” [color=7ccd7c] “To be honest, Samad can be ten times worst than any injury I suffer trying to stand. I don’t think he’ll be happy to learn I can’t even keep myself upright or walk,”[/color] Cade said weakly, his muscles more limp than he expected and failed to follow his wants to stand upright. He shivered from the chill and gratefully took the cup offered to him,[color=7ccd7c] “Thank you.”[/color] The weakened Asylum timidly took a sip, enjoying the spicy and warmth of the chai spilling into his being. His eyes turned up to address Omar as he said in a worried tone,[color=7ccd7c] “You’re not going to say anything, are you?”[/color] “Don’t worry,” he reassured Cade. “I won’t breathe a word to my brother. I think you suffered enough indignity getting those wounds.” Omar allowed Cade to take several sips of the honey infused, spiced tea before he motioned for the man to set the cup aside. Pulling out his stethoscope, the Iranian doctor began his short examination. First the heart, next blood pressure then the reflexes and finally the pupils. Satisfied with his conclusion, the younger Kian couldn’t resist teasing the American before offering his own professional opinion. “So, doc,” he spoke with a wry tone. “What would you recommend for yourself?” Cade chuckled, his figure still a bit wobbly, when he finally spoke,[color=7ccd7c] “Take it easy for a few hours and physical therapy, which we both know won’t happen. Samad won’t like this in the least. What have I missed while I’ve been out?”[/color] Cade asked, hinting toward how his gruff partner was doing since his admission into the tank. “Almost, but not quite right,” Omar acknowledged. He tapped his chin for a bit, wondering how skeptical Cade would be about his proposal. Both of them had some form of medical training before entering AMRO, but the use (and abuse) of technology and alchemy allowed mere humans to achieve much more than what is known currently by non-Alchemist. He had a sense that Cade hadn’t quite grasp that yet. The fact the younger man had suggested he needed physical therapy was proved that. “You should be up and running before your new mission,” he informed his fellow doctor. “Have a good meal to kick start your system again. Make sure you pick something with lots of protein, a decent amount of carbohydrates and drink lots of water.” [color=7ccd7c] “I will, but that’s if Samad lets me,”[/color] He answered as he stretched his arms a bit, trying to ease the pain dancing in them. After a moment or two, he tilted downward to the tank side and pressed a button. A slot from the bottom of the fish tank popped out with a hiss allowing Cade to reach in and withdraw his glasses. Listening to Omar, he popped open the ends then slipped it over his eyes. It took a bit of time to adjust as he blinked and let his vision straightened up. Omar continued talking in the same friendly tone as he walked towards the rows of steel and glass cupboards. He opened the nearest one and pulled out several bottles one at a time. Finally, he took one of the empty pill boxes from the drawers at the bottom of the cupboard and started filling it with the pills from the bottles he studied earlier. As he walked back to the open fishtank, he started keying in the prescription into the computerized lock sealing the box. “These will be all you need for the next two days. Mainly vitamins and nutrition pills to minimize the impact of your drastic weight loss.” The Iranian explained. “I’ve included a couple of pain relievers and some anti-vertigo pills as well. Take those at your discretion.” As he spoke the last bit, he narrowed his eyes at Cade for a bit. “I hope I will trust that you won’t abuse those. They can be highly addictive if not taken with care.” The patient sighed, his hand extended to take the bottles and adjusted his glasses. He leaned in to read the label then raised a eyebrow. His head shifted to look to Omar as he commented on the drugs,[color=7ccd7c] “These aren’t in the...testing phase are they?”[/color] Before Omar could answer, Samad’s figure turned into the doorway and entered the room. His hand on his cane as he limped in quietly despite his mental handicap. His rich voice spoke, breaking the moment between Cade and his brother, [b][color=deba5e]“Farid, you really should let him stand on his own feet or you’re going to have him become dependent on you. That’s not going to help anyone.”[/color][/b] “Hold that thought, Cade,” Omar spoke as he turned around to face his older brother. Smiling warmly he made his way towards Samad and pulled the man into a tight embrace. As the hugged, the younger brother kissed the elder on his right cheek as per the custom from their country. “Salam, dadash,” he greeted. “You’re the only one to call me Farid still. Maaman and Ysar have gotten too used to calling me Omar.” [b][color=deba5e] “Salam, moddate ziadi ast ke shoma ra nadideh am. And it’s your own fault for changing your name to keep tabs on Sahar,”[/color][/b] Samad commented, returning the greeting and letting a smile flick over his expression. He pulled back and leaned upon his cane as he focused on Omar. “Maaman,” Omar responded automatically, cringing slightly at the fact that Samad chose to address her by her name. “Maaman worries about all of us, so I do my best to put her mind at ease. It’s what a son does. But yes, it’s been awhile. I see you are in good health. Alhamdulilah.” The attending doctor stood before his brother with his hands tucked firmly in his pocket. His smile still unwavering. “He can stand on his own well enough,” Omar stated calmly not wishing to agitate his brother. “Surely, you remembered your last visit to the tank. You complained about having some dizziness … some numbness too, if I recall. I think putting Cade in a wheelchair for now would be fair, don’t you think?” [b][color=deba5e] “If he hadn’t been stupid enough to go out on his own and refuse to remain back, he would’ve not ended up in his current condition. He didn’t tell you [i]how[/i] he ended up like this did he?”[/color][/b] “I’m sure it’ll be a tale to tell,” Omar chuckled. “My concern right now would be to make sure you two are field ready in two hours. My sources say that Ante Mortem arrived not too long ago. I won’t be surprised if they are stirring up trouble again. They have a track record for that.” [b][color=deba5e] “I wonder if this has something to do with the information I got about a Bloodline having issues. How is ours?”[/color][/b] Samad asked, using the topic of Chrono and her partner to collect additional information about their own past. “Maaman’s letter arrived yesterday or so. Seems like we are both uncles-to-be and Ysar is well enough to resume his duties. Alhamdulilah. Maaman … I have my suspicions but I will let her share more with me in her own time.” Seeing a slight frown creasing Samad’s forehead, Omar felt it might be better to reassure his brother. “The letter was dated a month or so back, but I believe they’re fine. Maaman especially. We would have heard news otherwise.” He refrained from mentioning that Ysar or Sahar hadn’t been writing as frequently of late due to a series of strange killings recently. In fact, his mother only hinted their cousin’s and uncle’s deaths were only two out of a string of deaths that have been happening among the Bloodline families. “I have a feeling you and Cade maybe selected to investigate to investigate the deaths I mentioned last time,” he voiced thoughtfully, hinting at the disturbing news he had shared only with Samad. “I know for a fact that Minu and Bahar haven’t return from their respective missions.” [b][color=deba5e] “I hope not,”[/color][/b] Samad mumbled. He didn’t like the idea of being sent on what he saw as a suicide mission, his figure moved to lean against the far wall in order to shift weight from his leg. “We’ll see. I was informed to make sure Cade is ready to leave in two hours time,” Omar stated before leaving Samad’s side to retrieve a wheelchair from the far side of the room. As he approached Cade again, he noticed the man looked a little left out. He smiled apologetically and decided to bring the young doctor back into the conversation. “As for your question, Cade, no. I don’t want you collapsing out in the field. I gave you similar pills the last time and your body responded well.” He paused to fiddle around with the wheelchair. “Only the packaging changed because we are liaising with a different pharmaceutical company.” He shrugged. “Guess we have to keep things affordable somehow.” Cade nodded. He didn’t want to attract Samad’s attention to him, through every subtle shot at him hurt and made him aware of his shortcomings. It made sense since AMRO was a huge organisation and their priorities, staff and more changed when it suited them. Just another reason he wasn’t a big fan of them besides the fact his life was no longer his own. [color=7ccd7c] “Or the previous company fell on AMRO’s bad side,”[/color] Cade shifted and felt his stomach rumbled, his arm clenched to it in order to keep it quiet, He noticed something,[color=7ccd7c] “Where’s Zak? He returned from the mission alright?”[/color] [b][color=deba5e] “Yes, he wants us to meet him in the cafeteria. Which we should be heading to,”[/color][/b] Samad informed Cade then reached for a wheelchair, his attention then turned to Omar,[b][color=deba5e] “Can you help me get him in?”[/color][/b] “I can do one better! Let me help you wheel him there,” the other Iranian volunteered. He avoided bringing up his brother’s limp, sensing that Samad wouldn’t appreciate him pointing out the weakness in front of Cade. With things as they were between the Experimental Team, perhaps it was best to let Samad decide when to start opening up to the American, Omar thought. “He should be up and walking by the time the briefing starts, so you won’t need to bother about the wheelchair then.” Samad snorted in disagreement,[b][color=deba5e] “Mersi and I doubt that, he’s been known to take longer to recover than most.”[/color][/b] “I’ll make you some of Maaman’s bastani if Cade isn’t walking as promised,” Omar joked. “Cade’s a very healthy young man, so I’m sure he’d be more than okay. Right, Cade? That said, I heard from Hattie you are impartial to the lasagna. Beef, was it? No somthing like pepperoni was in it. Why don’t we get you that?” [color=7ccd7c] “Pizza bake. It’s like lasagna, but with pizza toppings in it and pasta instead of noodles. I’ll get my mother’s recipe if you want to take a stab at making it once. Unless you’re like Samad and hate to cook,”[/color] Cade offered, his head turned to Samad who huffed subtly at the mention of his least favorite topic. That was enough to make the wheelchair bound Asylum smile. “Well, that’s a topic for another time,” Omar declined as politely as he could. He enjoyed cooking but he never cooked for anyone other than his family. And, as kind as Cade’s offer was, it made him feel a little more awkward than he’d like to admit. He wasn’t sure if Cade was making a subtle request or the young man didn’t realise that he sounded a little imposing. “I think we better go before Samad decides to leave without us.” Samad was getting antsy as he helped his brother to place Cade into the wheelchair and secure the patient. When all was said and done, he strolled beside the two as they exited the room. Gently, the older Iranian paced his hand on Omar’s shoulder on the route to the cafeteria. Omar simply nodded in appreciation as he struck up a brief conversation with Samad in their native tongue. It was the only way he could convey more information about the Kians privately while aboard Innocence.