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WHO: Rhade, Kozak, and Perry
WHAT: Kozak is there to treat Perry's wounds and Rhade is mostly there to observe.
WHEN: Immediately continuing this thread.
WHERE: Perry's room.
WARNINGS & NOTES: Angst probably. Rhade might be a dick at some point. He's prone to that. Spam styling this bastard since I had a spam style post written up.

[He doesn't respond to Kozak's last message. He just sighs, picks up the items, and goes to find Kozak.

He doesn't need to ask what room Perry's in. He sees Kozak in the hall. He's mostly cleaned, but he still smells like blood. There's a cut across his forehead running into his scalp, but that will likely heal clean. He's wearing a turtleneck to hide most of the bruises and lashes, one hand is bound in a brace with purple tinted skin peaking through the bandaging, and misses his dignity which he's trying with some difficulty to cling to.

He suspects that Perry is having a similar problem. He was just forced out of his mind, made to fight, and might be dealing with the idea the "Perry" down there is still there and probably going to die in the arena.

He offers the medical equipment, and looks at Perry in the doorway somewhat flatly, even a little distant. He just saw his best friend die again (even if this one has the benefit of a death toll to catch him), so he's not entirely sure where his mind is at the moment other than grasping at rationality.] There are still murderers and predators that eat sentient beings aboard the ship. You should allow yourself to be treated so you're in optimal health in case of an emergency. [He offers practically. Other than that, he has no idea what convincing he can do.]

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[Perry doesn't have time to reiterate that Kozak leave now before suddenly his inmate has acquired unexpected backup. He turns his attention to Rhade with equally little enthusiasm as the interloper makes his case. It isn't terribly reassuring.

But then, Perry's always been able to appreciate the pragmatic approach.]

Fine. [He surrenders without further difficulty, pulling the towel from around his neck and turning from the door to make his way back inside, favoring his left leg as he does.]

[Kozak gives Rhade a once-over when he arrives, noting the injuries he can see. His nose twitches at the scent of blood, now from both wardens, there's so much of it. The medical bag is accepted with a nod of thanks.

The subtle limp is noticed and watches it as he follows him inside. Tired as he was a moment ago, he's suddenly rejuvenated with renewed adrenaline, that same rush of purpose he got in the lab and infirmary, and moves about his warden's cabin with confidence. He rubs his hands together, prioritizing a mental To Do list.]

Alright, abrasion first. [He nods decisively, then snaps his fingers at Perry.] On the bed. I'll bring out some towels for you. Rhade, uh, make yourself comfortable anywhere.

[Into the bathroom he went (which, he couldn't help noticing, was about ten times nicer than his own) to find said towels.]

Edited 2012-08-16 00:45 (UTC)

[Despite everything, Rhade is still prim as ever, and has a seat in the chair closest to the door with his hands resting neatly in his lap and legs crossed as he waits. And then generally looks around at Perry's room.

Then a quick smile and nod to Perry, before he settles in for what he assumes is a wait.]

[Perry only frowns when Kozak snaps his fingers at him, folding up the dirty towel he's already holding in his hands and turning his attention back to Rhade instead of doing as he's been told.

They'd never formally met before their brief conversation as prisoners within the Vanquish settlement, and in all honesty Perry isn't quite sure what that encounter actually qualifies as now that things are (more or less) back to normal.]

Sorry I didn't [care?] know who you were. Before. [He looks mildly irritated that he isn't sure how else to say that.]

[Kozak rolls his eyes at his warden's stubborness, but nonetheless continues in his search after setting the medical bag on the counter.

Jackpot! Several shelves of towels, each looking very similar to the next, texture wise. At least they were organized by color. He grabs a few of the dark blue ones, drapes them over his arm, and carries them out.]

Can I trust you to put these on the bed, or are you going to protest that request as well?

We were a little different at the time. [He gestures to his forearm with his good hand, indicating the boneblades that are back now, three very sharp bones sticking out of each forearm. He was a little less than himself, he'd felt.]

I gave you sufficient information for your altered state, though. I doubted you would believe any further explanation.

[He offers Rhade a short sound of acknowledgement (or agreement; he wouldn't have believed any explanation, hadn't when Kozak had tried) before Kozak re-enters the room.]

No, not those. Get the white ones. [He tosses over the badly bloodstained towel he'd already been holding, in example. And before the inevitable complaint can be raised, continues:] I don't care what stains, I'm not bleeding over two hundred dollars' worth of Egyptian cotton. End of story.

[Kozak opens his mouth to protest when suddenly a bloody object is hurled in his direction. An affronted sound escapes him, somewhere between a gasp and a screech, as he quickly jumps to the side to avoid it. He glares daggers at his warden, lips pursed.]

That was uncalled for, you know.

[He glances down at the offending item, then at the ones he's carrying, the ones he was just informed the value of, and grins. Daintily, purposefully, he drops one of the precious, Egyptian cotton towels onto the bloodied one and deftly wraps it up. The whole bundle is picked up between thumb and middle finger and held far away from him.]

Fine. I'll get the other ones, Princess.

[Back to the bathroom he goes, with a tail that has never swayed sassier. A few seconds later, he tosses three of the white towels to his warden, easy enough for him to catch.]

Edited 2012-08-16 07:09 (UTC)

[Oh no. There is a sassy tail sway. And the exchange- Rhade chooses a point in the room to stare fixedly at and covers what would have been a snort of laughter in a forced yawn. And then he tossles his good hand fussily through his hair.]

You seem to be doing much better now than you were. [He offers conversationally.]

[Perry simply hasn't got the energy to do anything other than scowl wordlessly at Kozak's brazen act of defiance, catching the new towels when they're thrown to him and using one to dry his damp hair as he turns back to Rhade.]

It could have been a lot worse. [He admits in response, trying not to think overly much of how, given how many prime examples there are in the infirmary at present. He'd had the benefit of only two days of capture and an imagined lifetime's worth of survival skills tailored to the environment they'd been in, meaning much of what he'd suffered had proven superficial in the end. In fact, most of the worst of it had come from the memory of events he hadn't even actually experienced; those wounds, however, he's buried deep.]

[The bundle of bloody cloth, still wrapped, is set on the floor after a few seconds' consideration. He'd deal with it later. After a moments of thorough hand washing and putting on gloves, he returns.

...Really. Hair-drying. Kozak rolls his eyes, because that's now a towel wasted, you jerk, but he doesn't comment.]

If you want to make this process - which, in case you forgot, is me helping you - go as slow as possible, then by all means, please continue to stand.

[Dammit, Perry, he's a scientist not a gymnast.]

I have ranged from a former civil war soldier in love with the local gambler to a poor stock clerk to a teacher of astronomy to the most venerated figure among my people to... [There's a pause. No, there was a time worse than where they were.]

It doesn't make it easier though, and I am sorry you had to experience that. Unpleasant memories of someone else's life aren't comfortable to carry around in your head.

[Rhade's assessment is met with another vague hum of acknowledgement; all he's really given time for before Kozak is nagging for attention again.]

Just savoring the experience of you in a charitable mood. [He replies, flatly. Then, to Rhade:] I'll be fine. And I'm glad to see you made it out alright yourself, at any rate. [Granted, currently the definition of the word may be working on something of a sliding scale.

With little more than that to add for the time being, he finally moves to actually cooperate with Kozak's ~~demand~~ request, though not without pulling the sheets off of the bed and throwing them aside first. The 'wasted' towel is good enough to sit on, fuck you Dr. Persnickety.]

[Kozak just scoffs at Perry's response as he finds the nearest small table to bring closer to his workspace. On it he sets out the items from the medical bag quickly. There's a brief attempt at sorting things into piles based on order of need.

This isn't charity - or concern, lest anyone get the wrong idea - simply the logical thing to do. An injured warden is no good to anyone, least of all himself.]

Just consider it a favor you'll owe me, and leave it at that. Here. [He hands him a cold compress wrapped in a cloth, pressing it lightly to Perry's ribs opposite the laceration.] Make yourself useful and hold that, will you?

[He carries the items he'll need with him, along with another clean towel, and gets on the bed from behind Perry. Everything is put down beside him. Once set up, he begins cleaning the abrasions on Perry's arm with a gentle efficiency.

Purposefully ignoring how close they are, he clears his throat and speaks up, glancing over briefly at Rhade.]

How often does the barge crash into planets like that, anyway?

Like that? Not often. [He settles into a lazy, charming smile at the antics, but nothing that can be pegged as making fun of them specifically.]

Changes in people happen regularly. At least once a month. ports happen every one or two. The first one I was involved in was a post-apocalyptic Earth type setting with raiders and giant beasts.

Sounds like a real vacation. [Perry grouses, mildly. Not that he'd been expecting a pleasure cruise, certainly, but somewhere between 'alien-conquered colony planet' and 'post-apocalyptic Earth' that detail ceased to matter much.

He's quiet otherwise, tolerating Kozak's ministrations with all the stoicism of a man who's seen and lived through worse injuries, uncomfortable though every movement may be.]

[With cloth and tweezers he removes every bit of the dirt and debris he finds. Movements precise as he focuses entirely on the task, though attempting to make the process as painless as possible.]

That's a great thing to look forward to. Wake up one morning to discover I'm not me. Every month. [To Perry:] I have something to help with the pain if you need it.

[One last patdown with gauze so everything is dry. Next is dressing and he's thankful the Barge has tegaderm. If they were lucky, maybe it'd promote faster healing. Starting at Perry's waist and working his way up, Kozak begins applying each one, rubbing the pads firmly so they stick.]

Have these... alterations to people ever, ah... repeated? Or is it a new one each time?

[Nonchalant question, just making conversation, though he's definitely referring to the breach.]

[The smile fades slightly as he raises his chin.] I was told that the other Barge was encountered before. Notably not mentioned, because people don't like to think about it or discuss it. The wardens there were meant to corrupt their inmates and often chose various forms of torture to do so.

[Then his brows raise as he considers it for less horrible reasons. There are actually some people he wouldn't mind encountering again.] It is possible, though.

By the way, I should thank you for the work you did to help repair the ship. If you hadn't, my survival during the escape likely would not have been possible.

[Kozak's offer of painkillers is met with only the barest hint of acknowledgement; he's not going to turn them down if provided, but he'll live without asking for them either. Instead Perry listens as Rhade describes 'the other Barge', considering the implications of such a thing for a moment or two before being drawn back to the on-going conversation.

He's heard of the work Kozak did in the repair effort, obviously, though not in any great detail. He opts for silence, thinking back over the last 'official' meeting they'd had before the crash and the deliberation with which he'd met the idea of granting Kozak any kind of access to the lab-- if recent events have accomplished little else, he has to admit Kozak's certainly earned a point in his favor there.]

[Kozak leans up and closer to apply the dressing to the front of Perry's arm, glancing now and again over at Rhade. A mirrorverse Barge, then. He's more than a little curious about it, but decides against imploring further. Now's not the time.

Dressing done, he moves back and gathers up the excess materials, pausing at the compliment. He blinks a few times, not used to his work being acknowledged; in fact, very much the opposite. That it actually helped someone he's reluctantly starting to care about makes it far more rewarding.]

Oh, um. You're welcome, Rhade. [A brief smile towards him, then he remembers that he still has work to do. So he's moving again, returning back round to his work-desk to gather what he'll need next.]

Much as I'd love to take the full credit, I can't. It was a small team of us. Wanda even helped provide the coffee.

[He tears open a small packet of four pills, equivalent to Tylenol, then removes the lid from a water bottle. Both he holds out in offering to Perry. Pills first, then the water.]

Funny that none of that has been acknowledged until just now, isn't it? All of us ignored while... what's-her-name plays the suffering glory hound.

Hopefully it will be acknowledged. A good many people are still in the infirmary and out of their good sense. But I think you acted appropriately. [He's not so lacking in manners that he would mention in front of Perry how frustrating his time as an inmate was- it certainly prevented him from taking sides early on.]

Wanda's a fine young woman. Once she gets out of here she has a bright future ahead of her. And she will get out of here, despite her doubts. [He's a cynic too, though, so he can't say much. He looks at the nails on his currently injured hand, narrowly avoiding grooming them.] When I was an inmate, I would have done no less.

[Perry accepts the offered pills without argument; washes them down quickly before taking a long pull of water simply for the hydration after too many long days without. The phrase 'suffering glory hound' earns a short, soft exhalation that might under different circumstances--less painful ones, certainly--have made up a chuckle, but otherwise he doesn't know enough about anyone who'd provided their assistance towards the repair effort to comment on their behavior or Rhade's response.

He does, however, know enough of his inmate to recognize the sort of indignity over a lack of credit for his contributions that his file is practically made of when he hears it.]

What did you do, exactly? [He asks Kozak frankly, communicating as effectively as he's able to wordlessly that he is genuinely interested in the answer.]

Edited 2012-08-18 04:10 (UTC)

['Hopefully' and 'acknowledged' used together in the same sentence? Kozak scoffs as he rifles through the supplies. Where's the equipment for sutures? He picks up a small box, reads quickly. Liquid stitches? ... Neat. A new toy! Much easier to work with, and painless, besides. He clears a space on the desk, empties out the box's contents, briefly stilling when Perry speaks to him. He's surprised by the question, and the genuine interest behind it.

Calmly he continues preparing the new item; meanwhile his tail began a vigorous wagging, pleased as punch he was getting attention.]

Well it's all very technical, I wouldn't want to bore you with the details...

[An embarrassed pause, and he clears his throat. His tail hadn't stopped, nor could he touch it with his gloves. ... Alright, fine, he'll just ignore it. Back to answering, with the usual excited gesturing Perry would be familiar with.]

Quite simply, I cracked the alien genetic code. Not alone, much as I'd love to claim full credit. Lore was an enormous help; it's quite mind-blowing how much knowledge of other species he has. In fact, I could listen to him talk all night. Or sing, whatever his perogative might be.

...Anyway, comparing the alien species' dna samples we had to a human's was, you can imagine, more than a little difficult. No one on the group was 100% homo-sapien. There was a mix of vampire, alien, mutant, and--well, me. But between Wanda and myself, we had enough to work with. Lore and I devised a formula that, essentially, made it so the Barge would bring back those it should, and none of those it shouldn't.

[Focusing his attention back to the liquid stitches, his tail finally begins to still, as he finishes preparing it. Once done, he kneels in front of Perry, between his legs. An abrupt pause as his mind catches up, and suddenly everything is very awkward and more than a little tense. But any thoughts pertaining to the suggestive position are soon thoroughly shoved to the side as he focuses entirely on his task.]

Edited 2012-08-18 07:51 (UTC)

[The explanation is taken in.] It actually sounds interesting. [Nietzscheans keep a careful history of their genetic lineage and the passage of favorable traits, so he's intrigued. But oh, then the tail stills, and he's dropped down between Perry's legs.

That seems awkward.

And Rhade doesn't know whether he should politely look away or make assy commentary.

In the end, though, he's aware of Kozak's own discomfort with sex, and Nietzscheans are not uncomfortable with it at all- enough so that he would have thought nothing of being in that position with bland and clinical intent. It still strikes him as a little bit lonely. He chooses to look off to the side and pretend that he didn't notice.]

In any case, it was appreciated. Thank you. [Though from the sound of it, he doesn't know if that would be enough.]

[Very tactfully ignoring the momentary awkwardness entirely, Perry sits up a little straighter and moves the cold compress he'd been given earlier to the side Kozak isn't presently working on.

The precise wording of his praise for Lore hadn't gone without a raised eyebrow, however, and Perry gives what he feels is an appropriately-long pause to preface doubling back on a topic before repeating:] "Sing"?

[One hand to hold the two separated bits of skin together, another to apply the liquid, progress only pausing when he wipes away excess blood.]

Don't get me wrong, Rhade, I'm glad everyone made it back alright, I really am. But when the entire team is ignored, without so much as a thank you [he pauses, realizing he'd pinched Perry's skin a little too hard.] - oh, sorry - it's just a tad grating.

[The deepest laceration is finished, and with extra liquid left, he uses it on some of the other cuts that look as if they need it.]

An android that sings--imagine that. He's surprisingly good... at it...

[Distracted, he trails off, now looking at Perry's scar. Why hadn't he noticed it before? Touching him seemed normal for now, as he had been doing so for the past several moments, so he thought nothing of reaching out and moving his index finger over the aged wound. He glances from it to his warden, meeting his eyes.]

What happened?

[It would not be immediately evident to him that those words, and the tone he spoke them in, were very similar to when he'd talked with Perry's port alternate.]

Edited (fuck you html) 2012-08-18 08:58 (UTC)

It's not unheard of. The AI of my ship had a very unique personality. [Though he knows that they probably would think that he was talking about the man in the moon. He is put in the mind of Una's lovely singing voice rather than anything to do with Rommie, and he smiles pleasantly to himself even as he's looking away.

But then there's that odd question, and he finds himself looking back to see which scar Kozak is referring to.]

[Whether it's the sudden lack of entirely clinical intent in Kozak's touch or the precise wording of his inquiry made in that particular tone that causes Perry to tense uncomfortably, fresh in his mind as that conversation is--and given the context of the scar itself, just how closely one story resembles another--it isn't a connotation he's capable of not making.]

Bullet. [He answers, tersely.] I told you that my job wasn't usually interesting, not that it couldn't be.

[That tone is definitely a warning, one Kozak hears clearly, and it makes him all too aware, again, how close he was. Not just physically, which was obvious, but emotionally as well. His innate curiosity had gotten the better of him. He glances away, uncertainly, and quickly gets to his feet.]

Right. Of course. Scars... should be expected.

[He returns to the desk he'd claimed, though hesitates just before gathering up the materials.]

Everything should be healed up within a couple days. A week at most. If not, or if there's any complications, then please go to the infirmary. Okay? Don't be an idiot?

[No, he doesn't actually care. Not even a little. Lets that hang for a few seconds, gloved fingertips tapping absently on the desk.]

I think I've tended to everything. But just to be certain... Is there anything I've missed?

He's correct. Be cautious in a place where some of the people can smell your blood and half would be interested in more of it.

[He isn't intrusive about the bullet wound. He's vaguely curious, but it's not as if they didn't take their share of licks. He's sure he's going to have scars himself this time. He takes it as his cue to stand, though.]

[The 'idiot' comment earns Kozak a mild glower in return. He may be feeling unsociable--which, given the last few days, is entirely excusable--but he hasn't been rendered entirely incapable of rational thought. If left well enough alone he would have probably limped his way to the infirmary sooner or later; he doesn't need to be told to should anything get any worse.]

Nothing I can't handle. [The rest he addresses to Rhade, being that the sentiment is so clearly lost upon Kozak:] I appreciate your concern, anyway.

[Despite this insistence, Perry still can't quite hide the grimace of pain when he moves to stand for himself-- but the last thing he needs right now is any more of his inmate's misplaced sympathy. Before Kozak can start fussing again, he interrupts.]

--Actually, while you're here, there is one other thing. [And what's the simplest method to getting rid of Kozak as quickly as possible? Perry affects his best air of pretentiousness, holds out his hand for examination and then lets it fall limp at the wrist:] Seeing as how you're the expert, Dr. Kozak...

[Kozak actually did take a step forward without even thinking about it, ready to assist Perry in standing. Clearly that wasn't needed, but his warden knew just how to draw his attention back again. The offered wrist is examined closely, too closely, and when it purposefully falls, he jumps back a little.

That little stunt earns Perry an annoyed eyeroll and, without the slightest hesitation, a light slap on the now-limp wrist.]

Is everything gay with you? [Starts to walk away, pauses, turns back.] Besides, expert? Really? I'd hardly say I'm the one to claim that title here. Between the two of us, I think your one night stands would far outnumber mine! Yours actually counted!

[There's an awkward pause and he glances at Rhade, realizing he might've just accidentally insulted him. Somehow. He doesn't understand relationships - or not-relationships, in this case. What even were they? Friends with benefits that never happened?

Which would imply that he considered Rhade a friend to begin with. ...Did he? Kozak, for once, actually looks regretful, apologetic even, but can't think of any words to actually say. So he returns to his supplies, quickly begins dumping them back into the bag as fast as possible, not even trying for organization.

It's done within a few seconds, and he quickly moves to the door, then stops and turns back to Perry. ]

And I'll tell you something else about my never-happened one night stand. It mattered. Professor Kozak actually cared for--maybe even loved Rhade. He'd found a mate he could be happy with. Could you say the same for anyone you've ever had?

[Maybe he had--no, he knew he went too far. But it was too late to take it back now. Whatever connection they'd made during the port was, momentarily, forgotten. Nothing else left to say, he lowers his gaze from the pair, and begins to leave.]

Edited (I have too many feels) 2012-08-20 10:36 (UTC)

[The thing with Rhade is that he's slept with several people aboard this ship, and none of them were known. He respects their privacy and generally thinks two things; it's no one's business what someone chooses to do with their own body, and no one should be ashamed of their sexuality.

As it happens, Professor Kozak was not Dr. Kozak any more than Professor Rhade was Sgt. Rhade or Commander Rhade. They weren't Kozak's choices and they weren't his body, so Rhade just decided that he had no ground for disappointment when he's reminded that it didn't happen. But then when the words come out of his mouth, the shame of having had any sort of homosexual encounter (some Nietzscheans won't even breed outside their subrace) and for half a moment he actually is disappointed despite himself; another person that is reluctant to admit a connection to him.

But then it tangents off into a place he isn't expecting and he raises a brow. He... doesn't know in what direction things are going, that Kozak told Perry about what had happened it sounded like? He opts in this case to reassure... he's not even sure.] I don't believe I count, Kozak. I wouldn't be insulted if I did, though. I come from a polygamous, sex-based culture.

[He purses his lips in a gesture prim as any of his others, and goes to hold the door for him.] I apologize [formally] for intruding, Mr. van Shrike. I'll make sure the medical equipment is returned.

[Perry's expression remains neutral throughout Kozak's tirade; whatever it is that's just happened, precisely, it still secures the hasty exit he'd wanted. The rest doesn't matter, and it's certainly nobody's business but his own if he has thoughts one way or the other about any part of it.

Instead he turns his attention to Rhade, offering a parting nod and a vague, dismissive wave.

Only once his cabin is empty of unwanted guests does he throw anything, and even then it's only a bunched-up towel that lands against the closed door with a deeply unsatisfying lack of impact.]

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I can't not tl;dr I swear >.>

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why are they so angsty and cannot have comedic fluff EVER D:

Whut iz happening Rhade doesn't even know.

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