[audio] @riku; testing recovery limits [open]

[equinoctials]

Hey, this is Riku.

Between the ferry sinking, the loss of some supplies and a bunch of newcomers to get up to speed, I know we've all got a lot going on.

It could have been a lot worse. It wasn't because a lot of you stepped up to help. That's exactly what's going to see us through.

...So, thanks.

[ He pauses to rub his hands together, the resultant rasp could be anything. ]

Not to rain on our parade, but the crash got me thinking. Specifically, about dealing with injuries.

If anybody can teach basic first aid, I think everyone would benefit from learning.

[ There's a soft crackle, wind skimming across the tablet's microphone, a bit of a shiver in his voice: ]

For the ones using magic or other abilities to heal others, knowing what limits being here has imposed on those abilities is hard enough without finding out in the middle of an emergency.

I have an idea how we could test these limits in a pretty controlled environment. Contact me if you're interested.

[ He already feels like he's been talking too much, but there's a little more to say: ]

If no one's heard about it yet, we located an armory to the east over the river. There, you'll find weapons, knives and swords, stuff like that. In the basement is an area for training and target practice.

Aziraphale did most of the work, but there's a bridge over the river now. I left a torch at the armory. Should make it easier to find.

If anyone can figure out how they made that building practically invisible, might be worth putting it around a more central location in case of an attack.

That's all I got.


(Appended to the message is a list of respondents and skills they're willing to teach.)
Rosalind Lutece: first aid (lesson in exchange for 1 hr lab assist)
Soldier: basic field medicine
Jason Grace: first aid, improvised first aid kits
Clarke Griffin: advanced medicine, long term care
Matt: first aid
Daylight: Galateion first aid
Javert: wound dressing, stitching

Other stuff to think about
- everybody should carry first aid kits
- save rags & cloth scraps for bandages & splints
- central medical area?
- (Bruce) ask Will about an alarm for medical help

Comments

[equinoctials]

Potions and magic. That's all I used, mostly.

[ cough ]

Let's go in pretending I'm a clean slate.

[originallutece]

. . . all right. We'll begin with basic disinfectant, then, and bandaging others. We'll move on to things like stitches and setting broken limbs later.

How good are you with delicate work?

[equinoctials]

That depends.

[ If he'd known what to do about his wrist back when his battle against Roxas broke it, maybe he wouldn't have the trouble he has. Maybe.

Naw, he's pretty sure he would've ignored it anyway. He's keenly aware of how single-minded he gets when he's got a goal in mind. ]

I had to help a guy with his equipment, a lot of it was pretty advanced technology. Just show me what I need to do.

[originallutece]

Neatness is the most important watchword here. Come by this evening, we'll begin immediately.

In the meantime: did you bring any weapons back over the river?

[equinoctials]

[ Riku sighs. It's not a refusal, so guess she can expect him over later. ]

...Yeah, I did. Why, are you looking for something?

[originallutece]

A knife, I think. I'm not skilled enough in a sword to carry it around, but a knife has a refreshing directness.

Any recommendations? I'm afraid the world of weapons is one where my knowledge falters.

[equinoctials]

I picked one up. I was gonna use it as a tool, but you can have it.

I'm guessing you don't know your way around one.

[originallutece]

Beyond the occasional dissected corpse, no. Though I can't imagine basic combat is wildly difficult.

Do you? I'd prefer lessons in that over an hour in my lab, if you're offering.

[equinoctials]

[ Not that Riku's squeamish, but gross. ]

I know enough. Sounds a lot more interesting than cleaning beakers.

[originallutece]

Two hours, then. An hour of lessons for each of us. Is there anything I ought to do to prepare?

[equinoctials]

I can bring over some rags. I don't think we should waste our real bandages on practice.

[originallutece]

What an ominous reply. Do you imagine they'll be for you or me?

[equinoctials]

Weren't you going to teach me a thing or two?

Don't worry. The only thing you're gonna stab is a piece of wood.

[originallutece]

[Ah. That's slightly more of a relief than she want to admit.]

Be more clear next time. A pity: here I thought you meant you'd be bleeding out in my first lesson. Even I haven't yet driven away a teacher via stabbing yet.

[equinoctials]

Yeah, right.

I might not like it, but even I can tell I'm too valuable a lab assistant to carve into.

[originallutece]

Is that what you are . . .

Do you really dislike it so much?

[equinoctials]

[ Honestly, no. She indulges his curiosity, that itch to experience or witness something new and interesting in a way he can't scratch without a Gummiship to jump into and see other worlds.

But pretending it's a pain in the ass is part of this whole thing between them. ]

It's like science class all over again.

[originallutece]

It most certainly is not.

There's not a science class alive that's half as interesting as the most menial tasks I set you to.

[She's kinda joking but then again she's kinda not]

[equinoctials]

[ He hums, like this is even going to warrant thinking it over. ]

Guess you're right. Never built birds in class.

private;

[originallutece]

Speaking of which . . .

I have a new lesson for you soon. One I know you've never learned, because I invented it. It may come in handy for the town proper, but I'd like to keep it to myself for a while.

private;

[equinoctials]

[ Know what grabs Riku's attention? The promise of something new and interesting. It's not that he has a short attention span, it's that he's got a hunger that comes along with his wanderlust. ]

Annnd let me guess: no hints?

private;

[originallutece]

Now, why would I spoil the surprise?

Wear clothing you don't mind getting filthy. It's greasy work.

private; => Action

[equinoctials]

Great. Guess I'll see you later.

[ He could wear the clothes the fairies made for him, but it seems a waste regardless of how they remain nearly spotless. Jeans and t-shirt it is, then, hours later when Riku finally lets himself into the lab.

Sometimes he forgets that common courtesy called knocking. ]

[originallutece]

[It's fine. It's more efficient anyway, given she was waiting for him. They've a lot to do tonight, which is unusual around here, and thus all the more interesting. First aid techniques, fighting with a knife, and now this.

This, by the way, being a great deal of metal machinery scattered around the laboratory. It's in pieces, but that's where he comes in. Rosalind's already working at it, her hands spotted with oil, wearing trousers for once, and a white blouse that's probably seen better days. It's fine. It's her Work Blouse.]

There's a few things I need you to lift for me-- like that, there, please, right here--

[It's heavy and her muscles aren't . . . worth a whole lot, so come lift heavy shit for her, Riku.]

[equinoctials]

[ The strap of his backpack flops over the bulging sack as Riku pulls it from his shoulder and drops it to the floor with a woody thump. Most of its canvas carrying capacity is occupied by a circle cut from a log, some rags (from a former t-shirt, now too full of holes to wear) and of course, the knife from the Armory.

Much of Riku's initial silence is due to the lengthy stare he sweeps over what must be more loose mechanical parts he's seen in one place in at least a year. Not even DiZ... or the true Ansem the Wise did this. Half-built projects and ornate computer rigs took up corners of otherwise empty spaces. ]

What's this supposed to be?

[ A better question, as he picks his way over. ]

No- where'd you get this? Do I want to know?

[ Hopefully this doesn't end up as frustrating as it might be for a shorter person to see a taller one easily retrieving objects out of their reach, when Riku stoops to pick up the object with one hand. OK, ma'am, where exactly do you want this? ]