Knightfall Emergency Care Center (CVnU Gothic)

Knightfall Emergency Care Center

Knightfall Emergency Care Center (KECC) is a not-for-profit hospital that is built in Gothic City where the once Black House stood. What once brought fear, death and anxiety is now a symbol of hope, life and peace of mind. Unlike other hospitals, this one specializes solely on emergency care. While an individual may be admitted for further needed care, there are no scheduled appointments here at KECC. This was decided due to the high trauma loads that have been coming through at Gothic General Hospital. Knightfall Emergency Care Center was built to take in the heavy loads of trauma injuries to help give relief to other nearby hospitals that may not be suited for gunshot wounds, crush injuries, burns, displaced open fractures, brain bleeds and more. The hospital is also built to be able take care of myocardial infarction (heart attacks) and cerebral infarctions (strokes).

There are four different levels of the KECC; Emergency Department, Surgical/Trauma Ward, Inpatient and ICU. From minor scrapes and bruises to near death traumatic injuries no job is too great or difficult for Dr. Knightfall and her team in the KECC.

The Emergency Department (ED)

The ED is where patients who have emergent injuries (gunshot wounds, deep tissue lacerations, broken bones, heart attacks, strokes.. etc..) are brought to for more emergent medical attention. The area will seem chaotic with nurses and staff running around and blood will be seen on the floor but that’s just an average day in the ED. While less minor injuries could also be treated here, the primary goal of the ED is to deal with higher acuity symptoms/injuries first. If you come with a cough to the ED, you’re most likely going to be waiting several hours in comparison to a person with multiple stab wounds.

The Surgical/Trauma Ward

The Surgical/Trauma Ward is where patients who require emergency surgery done for both traumatic and non-traumatic events. All patient's come from the ED for a level of care they cannot preform. From there patient's are normally found in ICU depending on the severity of the surgery. From shattered bones to ruptured organs, to removal of several bullets to reattach a severed limb, there is no surgery too great for this team.

Inpatient Care

Inpatient care means you are admitted to the hospital on a doctor’s order. You are classified as an inpatient as soon as you are formally admitted. For example, if you visit the Emergency Department (ED), you are initially considered an outpatient. However, if your visit results in a doctor’s order to be formally admitted to the hospital, then your status is transitioned to inpatient care. The hospital care that you receive is considered inpatient until the day you’re discharged. Test ranging from x-ray, CT, MRI, blood work and such can be done while you’re in IP (inpatient).

Intensive Care Unit (ICU)

The ICU is a special department that provides intensive treatment medicine. ICU cater to patients with severe or life-threatening illnesses and injuries, which require constant care, close supervision form life support equipment and medication in order to ensure normal body functions. They are staffed by highly trained physicians, nurses and respiratory therapists who specializes in caring for critically ill patients. Common conditions that are treated within ICUs include acute respiratory distress syndrome, hypertension, metastases and other life-threatening conditions. Patients are usually admitted to the ICU through the ED but are known to come from different areas of the hospital if they rapidly deteriorate or immediately after surgery if the surgery is very invasive and the patient is at risk of complications.

Security

There are security guards located all over the hospitals. Because of Gothic City’s reputation of violence, Ashley took it upon herself to hire either retired vigilantes or retired military personnel to be her guards. They drive around the campus, guard rooftops, and patrol the hallways. There are cameras located all over the hospital inside and out. All visitors must have their picture taken before walking into the hospital and have a visitors badge on at all times. All guests must be escorted by security to their destination. The only way around that is to have them ordered by Ashley herself not to escort them. They are armed with stun batons, pepper spray and knives if necessary. They are equipped with body armor and protective eye gear. There are also security dogs that roam more along the outside perimeters and rooftops but will rush inside if needed.

Staff

Aside from Dr. Ashley Knightfall, there are other doctors on staff who help carry the load when Dr. Knightfall isn't available. These staff members were chosen by Dr. Knightfall herself.

Dr. Amy Hladik

Dr. Amy Hladik is head of the ED when Dr. Ashley Knightfall isn’t around. She worked at Parkland Health and Hospital System in Texas which is known to be the second busiest hospital in the USA for the last 15 years. While she has a sense of humor, it can be rather twisted and dark. Dr. Hladik is not afraid to get her hands dirty and is normally the first one out of the ED staff to jump up at a code coming in. She knows how to save a life efficiently and quickly while using half the resources that most other ED doctors do. If you need something done stat, Dr. Amy Hladik is your doctor. Her Emergency Medicine knowledge rivals against Dr. Knightfall and it shows when the two are working together. Dr. Hladik is known to always bring a bag of sour patch kids, a tube of Pringles and three gatorades to every shift.

Dr. Vincent Cooper

Dr. Vincent Cooper is the Chief of Surgery and in charge of the Trauma area. Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore Maryland is where Dr. Cooper came from with 10 years of experience. Despite his stern looks and quiet demeanor Dr. Cooper is a rather lighthearted man who enjoys roaming around down in the ED to see if they need any assistance when he’s not busy performing surgery. He enjoys listening to 80’s rap, artists such as Heavy D. & The Boyz, LL Cool J, Marley Marl, Sugar Hill Gang and more… only downside to this is that sometimes Dr. Cooper will try to rap along… which he’s not very good at. It’s not difficult to admit a patient into surgery with Dr. Cooper as he’s always willing to take a patient even when he’s overflowed with work. Dr. Hladik is known to sometimes not call the on call surgeon and call Dr. Cooper directly because she knows he’ll get the job done without any fuss.

Dr. Anar Patel

Dr. Anar Patel is the head doctor of Inpatient Care. She is a doctor on staff streight from residency from Stanford University and is already in charge of her own area of the hospital. This is because (even though she is very young) Dr. Knightfall states she is able to fit the role of Inpatient Care Physician better than other doctors she interviewed. Dr. Patel is a headstrong and sometimes stubborn but is always looking out for the patient. She will not give medications to a patient unless she is 100% it’ll help them as she feels adding medications the body doesn’t need will harm them more than help them. Dr Patel is known to be very sympathetic with her patients and kind but is known to be a little more rough (but not rude or mean) with staff. She’s known to always talk with her hands.

Dr. Trevor Dickerson

Dr. Trevor Dickerson is in charge of the ICU of the hospital. He’s also a younger doctor but worked at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York for about five years at the ICU there. He is rather loud when he speaks and isn’t aware of the fowl language he uses when around patients and patients’ families until the words have already left his mouth. He is very passionate about his patients and (unlike Dr. Patel) will try whatever possible to get his patient’s better. He tends to talk things out to himself a lot and some nurses will mistake that for him giving orders to them. Dr. Dickerson doesn’t like sitting around and waiting and if his patient’s are doing will, he will go to one of the other levels to see if they need help. Dr. Dickerson always makes time to speak to patient’s families and explain things as simple as he can so they can understand what’s going on with their loved one. While his primary focus is the patient, the patient’s family is right up there for him.

Rules

• CVnU Rules apply

• No destruction of any part of the hospital without permission.

• No hacking into system without permission

• This is a medical center, so please no combat. If you do engage in combat with another patient or staff member be prepared to also fight off the security (who are trained for combat).

• All who are injured are welcomed into KECC (doesn't matter if you're blue, grey or red).

• All doctors and Nursing staff are NPC’s as of now. I’ll be adding more staffing in time but until then, I simply put up the lead doctors for now.

I never thought I'd see the day, LOL.

This is a brilliant thread idea.)

This is gonna be a busy spot for a city like Gothic

It only took me six months :P that's faster than how long it takes a REAL hospital up and running xD

Thanks

@catalina_liafador said:

we'll see lol looking forward to it if it turns out to be. Medical stuff is my jam lol

Great job. ^_^

This is fricking sweet! Fantastic job ^_^

Oooh, I'm excited! I wanna play with it.

June's not gonna be too happy about all those cameras and security.

Need any orderlies? Aside from a total lack of past work experience, no permanent address, and my only reference being a really sarcastic guy who runs a diner in Gothic, I think I meet the qualifications!

@mister_surreal: @paragonxxx: thanks guys

I'm not looking on bringing anyone's alts for this thread, at least not yet.

I figured she wouldn't lol but I'm sure she'll find a way around them LOL

@feral_nova: Excuse me? D: The correct response is "She has nothing to worry about. I'm printing her a 'June can do whatever she wants' badge at this very moment."

@feral_nova: This is seriously fantastic! Yet another vein to pump some life into Gothic City! Well done, truly ^_^

LMAO

June when security tries to stop her

But of course June gets a badge, that's without question

@captain_lambert said:

@feral_nova: This is seriously fantastic! Yet another vein to pump some life into Gothic City! Well done, truly ^_^

I'm hoping it does! We'll see.

@feral_nova: Oh my God I love you so much for that! I wanted to post that very gif except I'm on mobile. ❤❤❤

Feel like I should get some kickbacks fer all the business I'll be sendin' ya.

I hate the new mobile format, at least before I could put in pics/gif. Now I can't do anything!

>_> how about your next visit is on the house :P

@feral_nova: @ashley_knightfall: Also, do you want me to post here or back at Halo?

either or, doesn't matter to me, whatever is more convient to you

@ashley_knightfall: Convenience, or lack thereof, isn't even a factor for me with this.

But I guess I'll just decide when I get to it. Or flip a coin. Or just use this because it's your own shiny new thread with your name on it.

CVNU Grey's!

@phantomshell: how dare you. It’s CVnU Code Black!

In small, shuffling steps Juniper ambled toward the front desk, while around her noted professionals in their respective fields rushed past, assistants responded to urgent calls, and families of prospective patients waited anxiously for direction or updates. Several phones were ringing at once.

As usual her ever-present criminal subconscious made note of the security professionals, cameras, pathways and exit points, and antagonistic-on-principle desire to upset the establishment prodded at the veil in her mind. June marvelled at how similar yet different the KECC was to the Catholicon, while Valentina made note of potential marks—targets for any of the various antisocial plots hidden away in her mind. The Soul Lavaliere growled. This was a place where the delicate balance of life and death was always on edge; a place from which ripe fruit could be plucked, and no suspicion aroused whatsoever.

Before she knew it June was standing at the desk, a kindly brunette looking expectantly up at her with an expression that indicated she must've just asked a question. June cast one more look around the area, shuddering at the memories of her own traumas welling up within her, and leaned over the desk as she spoke lies that came so naturally they registered as physiological truth to her extraordinarily malleable brain. "Yes, hi, it's Junip–uh, June here for Dr. Knightfall? I know she's probably busy but she should be expecting me. About the case-study surrounding latent X-genes and their potentially significant manifestations in high-stress situations."

The woman's eyes went wide and with a not-inconsiderable note of panic she fumbled for the phone. June's expression fell as she meekly stepped aside. She hadn't meant to imply a threat, but the attachment to Dr. Knightfall came with the annoyingly (occasionally infuriating), perpetually inconvenient side of her busy schedule and workaholic dedication. In a place like this? She'd have to have an A-tier emergency to be moved to the front of the line.

@rosso:

“Now, I need you to promise me that you’re not going to be jumping off rooftops anymore and into an inflatable pool.” Dr. Knightfall spoke as she examined the cast that she placed on her patient’s leg.

The young teen sat in the wheelchair with crutches laid over his lap. His head sunk in between his shoulders as he nod his head in embarrassment.

“Well it looks like we’re all done here. I’ll put in your discharge paperwork and your nurse will be with you shortly to discharge you, ok?” She gave a small smile before standing up and walking out of the patient’s room. It was in that moment, her phone began buzzing.

“Dr. Knightfall speaking.”

“Doctor Knightfall, I have a June here in the front for you-”

Before the front desk could finish, Ashley interrupted her. “Oh wonderful! Tell her I’ll be right there.” She turned off her phone as she began walking towards the front. “Hey, Hladik, I’ll be back.” Dr. Hladik simply waved her hand to show acknowledgement of the statement as she was speaking into a microphone that was dictating her words for her into a patient’s chart.

It had been… a while, since she saw June. She had to admit, she missed her. While their friendship was not a usual one (or particularly healthy one if you asked anyone else who knew the background of how their friendship began) it was one that Ashley held dearly to her heart. Opening the door that separated the Emergency Department from the lobby The Knightfall Saint’s Cobalt blue eyes scanned the area until. Patient’s and family members of those in the ED sat and stared at the doctor intensely, as if waiting for her to call upon them specifically to take them to the back. Instead, her eyes fell upon the all too family face as she gave a small smile. Walking forward, gently pressing her hand against June’s back. “It’s good to see you June.” Ashley greeted her friend as she looked over to the front desk woman for a moment, thanking her for a brief moment before escorting June to the back with her.

“I’ve been waiting for you to arrive.” She spoke as she reached into one of her many pockets that her white coat held and pulled out a badge, handing it to June. It was labeled as a ‘Student’ badge with very basic information on it. It had the name of the facility, what department (ED), her name (June) with a barcode underneath. “This will give you access to the back without having to go to the front desk every time as well as to my office and to the other floors” As the reached the door to the back Ashley swiped her own badge against the digital lock as it beeped and a tiny light flashed green, showing it was unlocked.

The two began walking towards her office, but going through the ED in order to do so. Many staff members could be seen walking through, most of them in scrubs as Ashley continued to lead the way until they made it to her office. Opening the door for June before walking in herself. Her office (just like all of her others) had the bitter smell of coffee heavily in the room. Ashley walked up to her coffee pot with the black coffee still lingering inside it for the last who knows how many hours. “Would you like some?” She offered June, willing to pour her a cup of she wanted some.

“How have you been?” She finally asked, taking a seat at her desk and motioning for June to take a seat as well. “I haven’t seen you since our meeting in Halo Corp.”

@ashley_knightfall:

Dawdling absently in her phone until then, June's face lit up when she heard the familiar voice break through the rest of what had become pure background noise. Slightly concerned, she scanned Ashley's features for signs of distress. "Waiting for me? Sorry, I didn't know. I meant to come down but it's been busy getting back on my feet after...my accident." She also harbored silent fears by the myriad directions their conversation had taken, and the Lavaliere had suggested taking time away from the doctor to be sure she wouldn't wear out her welcome. The absence would make both hearts fonder, or at least allow her and the doctor to truly ascertain what they both wanted from each other.

"Thank you so much," she said with a bow as she took the badge. Her eyes fairly glinted as though she'd been given the key to unlock a bank vault by the owner of the establishment herself.

"Actually, bean water would be perfect! Thank you." And as Ashley poured, she turned her back and filtered several pills from an unmarked bottle, to be taken in conjunction with the beverage. "I'm...good. I think. Maybe great. Honestly, I've been...well, a little nervous after the last talk we had. But I'll be ready to start working again soon—that is, if my internship carries over from the Catholicon to here. But there's also something else I wanted to see you about as well."

@rosso:

Pouring herself and June a cup of coffee she walked it over to her, careful not to spill it. “Careful, it’s hot.” She warned her before handing it to her. Walking back to her chair, sipping her own coffee as she carefully sat in her seat, not wanting to spill her newest cup of coffee even though there was already a mug of stale coffee sitting on the side of her desk.

She couldn’t help but give a soft approving smile hearing that June was actually doing well. Then the last time they spoke came up. Ashley had actually been going over the last interaction the two had. June was very different now compared to that night. She couldn’t help but know that she was simply playing out her June persona now rather than the very different persona she saw that night… or the night of The Purge. Slowly, little by little, she was piecing together who Juno was. Or so she thought. But it wouldn’t be something she would bring up, at least not today. “That night was…” She cleared her throat, her cobalt eyes shifting away from June, remembering how upset she was that night and how poorly she spoke to June. How she triggered something in June to withdraw herself from her. It wasn't a fond memory. “a complicated night, let’s put that behind us and move forward.”

June then brought up her internship as the good doctor set her cup on her desk, still cradling it with both her hands as her eyes focused back on the young woman. “Of course your internship carries over. Whenever you’re ready just bring your badge and come in. I’ll most likely be here either on the floor or in here doing paperwork.” Then there was the other subject that June wanted to talk to her about. Curiosity was seen her eyes as she slightly tilted her head. “Oh? What is it?”

@ashley_knightfall:

"Oh! Do you...maybe have some ice for it then?" she asked, her visage the very portrait of innocence as she clenched her remaining fingers around the downers for concealment. Doing her best to mask her ambivalence, she offered a weak smile in response to Ashley's suggestion. She wasn't quite ready to just drop the night as though it hadn't happened, but if that was what Dr. Knightfall desired June was willing to oblige, at least for now. But her concern remained for the threat of the being who dwelled in the Black Hallows, the possibility that he might still be coming for one or both of them in time.

"I don'tthink," she mused, "I have ever seen you do anything but work. Are you even really human? Have you ever heard the word fun?" As if to demonstrate, in a showing more typical for her age, Juniper leaned back in her seat and kicked her feet up on the edge of the desk. "And at the risk of being a hypocrite...what I want to see you about is a favor. Well, aside from just seeing you. You see, I'm having a class trip"—it was the second time she'd used that codeword—"to a facility where Elsa Beremud makes her metahuman cure thing. They're allowing us to take home samples, and I thought it'd be really cool if you could analyze my samples to determine how it works...and possibly one more thing after that, which shall remain unsaid until we actually bring it back. Would you do this for me?"

I LOVE THIS!!!!! GREAT JOB NOVA!!!!!!!!!!

thank you :D

@rosso:

The thoughts of the monster that may be coming for her ‘pure’ soul still lingered in her mind. In fact… she still had the USB that held the video of the monster going to her Children's Hospital in Valor City killing not just her nurses, but patient’s as well. But what could she do with a creature like that? What could June do? Nothing… was it even worth mentioning? Right now… probably not. She took a sip of her coffee as June began making comments on her observation of the Doctors life.

"I don't think, I have ever seen you do anything but work. Are you even really human? Have you ever heard the word fun?"

Her brow arched as she watched her young apprentice kick her feet up on her desk. Getting comfortable? A new character development for June. She had never shown to be someone to do this before. Put her feet upon furniture. Some believed that putting feet up on a desk was implication of power. June on the other hand… aside from the couple of hiccups in the past where she let her true self slip, was more reserved. A small smile curled on the corner of her lip.

“Fun?” She said it as if the word was foreign to her. Placing her hand on her chin and thinking for a moment as if she was deeply thinking about it. "I don't think I have." She gave a light laugh as she placed her hand back at the mug of her coffee. "Do our meet ups count as fun?" Her blue eyes slowly moved away from June and down to her coffee. "I'm just a busy woman. I'm sure one day I'll be able to take a day off and go to a show or... just do what's call 'netflix and chill' without worrying that everything will crumble the moment I leave." But she dare not say that she drowned herself in work purposefully. Because if she allowed her mind to wander off on it’s own… it would spiral downward thinking of all of her past failures. Reality M, Brian,Quintus, Kellan, Catholicon… her eyes were staring out into nothingness for just a moment until June’s voice pulled her back.

"And at the risk of being a hypocrite...what I want to see you about is a favor. Well, aside from just seeing you. You see, I'm having a class trip to a facility where Elsa Beremud makes her metahuman cure thing. They're allowing us to take home samples, and I thought it'd be really cool if you could analyze my samples to determine how it works...and possibly one more thing after that, which shall remain unsaid until we actually bring it back. Would you do this for me?"

She blinked her eyes as they shifted up to June, questioning her motives without saying anything. Ashley stayed silent for a moment. “Cool?” she repeated as she adjusted her posture to sit up more straight than she already was, feeling as if she was beginning to slouch. “Hmm…” Of course she wanted to say no. It sound shady and she didn’t want her name to get involved in something like that, not when she had just gotten KECC up and running. But at the same time… if she didn’t, then June would simply go somewhere else. At least if Ashley did it herself, she would know what’s going on. Why June wanted the samples, why she wanted them analyzed and why she wanted to know how it worked. She smiled, giving a single nod of her head. “Sounds 'fun'. Of course June, anything to help with your studies I’m more than willing to help. When shall I expect you back with the sample?"

She didn't know much of Ms. Beremud, mostly because much like Ashley, Elsa didn't have time for fun. She was strictly business. But unlike Ashley, Elsa seemed more cold, at least that's what appeared in the few interviews she had. Elsa had also inherited her fathers work, which meant she had more to prove to the world than Ashley did. She wasn't a woman to be toyed with, yet June wanted to steal from her. Why did she want the serum? She would find out in due time.

@ashley_knightfall:

"Do our meet ups count as fun?"

"Not yet, Doctor," she said matter-of-factly. "Given the circumstances, our meetings almost always involve life or death circumstances which are stressful for one or both parties. But maybe someday, Net Flicks and chilled drinks. Maybe someday I'll introduce you to my idea of fun." She grinned a devious grin and her eyes flared, tracing down and back up smugly as though they held the power to see clear through the desk – and other physical objects.

"But you know, I hope you never say that when your workers can hear you," said June saucily as she raised the mug to her lips. But as she placed it on the desk hers was an expression of genuine, alien curiosity with a hint of concern. "'Everything will fall apart any time that I leave.' A remark as this is easily taken for disrespect. As if you don't trust their competence, that they can do their jobs." She felt with almost complete confidence that this was not the case. Ashley, apart from being shrewd and decisive with all things pertaining to her craft, would never deliberately disrespect those working under her in such important endeavors, just as she would never employ anyone whose skills hadn't been thoroughly vetted. But that was the game. "Banter," as played in Madripoor, almost always implied high stakes, and one year abroad could not undo a lifetime of conditioning for the Ruby of the South Pacific. Prodding was done with a knife as opposed to a finger, all to gauge reactions and cement one's place in an invisible hierarchy. Occasionally, to drop helpful hints with a dose of venom. Or just to watch someone else squirm.

But whatever hint of sinister existed beneath the surface was not to be found, because June's face lit up with a giddy, girlish delight at Ashley's agreement, and she nearly tipped herself over in her excitement. "Aah!" She hissed as hot coffee sloshed and spilled on her t-shirt, but never missed a step as she rushed around the desk to give the doctor a squeeze. "Oh, thank you thank you thank you! I can't say when the trip exactly is. We've still gotta figure who all's going and figure out everyone's contribution—paying dues, and all that. But I really appreciate it! And I'll let you know when I'm expecting to be back, for sure.

"But there is one more thing..." Stepping back, falling back into her natural demure self, looking away with a nervous smile. "Do you...have anymore of that 'limiting enzyme' and if so, could I possibly maybe borrow some?"

but never missed a step as she rushed around the desk to give the doctor a squeeze.

O_O

The air grew colder, the setting Sun painted the water of Gothic Harbor red, and the Mad Strix loomed over the forgotten city. The hours swept by, it grew dark, and the once bustling streets were now empty in the dead of night. It was a cold night, people shivered, attics shook and trees creaked loud and sharp from the wind. Something hung thick in the air, as though the night itself were watching every man, woman and child slumber. Yet as time passed, the morning Sun returned with the glow of a new day.

Children raced to their buses and hurried to school, and adults groaned their way to the jobs that sustained them. In the KECC, security guards reviewed surveillance footage from the night before, and sat pale-faced at what they saw. Their hearts clamored inside their chests, and their bones chilled. Somehow, all the guard dogs on patrol and the men and women primed for any and every situation, had missed the woman in the footage.

She was tall, bloated and hunchbacked with short and stubby legs. Her arms were long and thin, and her twiddling fingers short and bony. She waddled through the hallways, naked with skin as pale as moonlight. Her black eyes were squinting, featureless things, and her long black hair stringy and wet. She giggled as she waddled, and waddled as she giggled. She was wide-mouthed, unnervingly so, yet even as she giggled, her mouth never opened.

There was only a grin. It was subtle yet changed her expression entirely. It was permanent, as though she seemed incapable of anything else.

Her giggle was a sweet, wet sound, but her eyes looked as though there was something she wanted, something that had been stolen from her. She twiddled her thumbs, turned a corner, and drool glistened down her plump chin as she met eyes with the door to Ashley's office. Her fingers grazed the cold door knob, pushed it open, stepped inside, and shut the door. She never emerged. And as security rushed down the halls to search and scour every inch of Ashley's office, nothing was found.

But it had been there. It had corrupted the office with its madness and dread. And it would soon torment Ashley and many others.

The Black Hallows was nigh.

I WASN'T THAT READY

@rosso: @ezra_strix:

"Given the circumstances, our meetings almost always involve life or death circumstances which are stressful for one or both parties. But maybe someday, Net Flicks and chilled drinks. Maybe someday I'll introduce you to my idea of fun."

Her cobalt eyes caught sight of her emerald eyes examining the Good Doctor up and down from behind the desk. Ashley gave a light, airy chuckle as her eyes had to drift away from June for a moment. Her way of trying to keep her poise even though she could feel her ears grow a bit warm. How dare her mind even go in that direction. She tightened her jaw as she cleared her throat. She had to assume she was talking about going on a mission with her… or go on a ‘class field trip’ as she calls them. “I’m curious to what you think fun is.” Doctor Knightfall finally spoke up before turning her attention to her coffee and taking another sip.

It was then she realized what she had said about her co-workers… may have came off poorly. She pressed her lips together, disappointed in herself for the poor choice of words. “I didn’t mean for it to come off like that.” Setting her cup down once again she took in a sharp breath. “I chose the staff because I trust they can do everything I can and more. I’m just… so used to being solely responsible for my own projects that… it’s hard to let go and to let others help.”

June then let out a shout of excitement as Ashley’s eyes widen in surprise, her body leaning back in her seat, completely caught off guard at June’s reaction. As she ran around the desk and to Ashley to give her a hug, the Knightfall Saint was unprepared for it even more so as her body was completely stiff for a moment. This had never happened before with June. Her body relaxed, for a moment, as she returned the hug, giving a soft pat on her back. “S-sure.” She spoke up as June pulled away, this time asking for something more.

“The LEASH?” Concern was heard in Ashley’s voice. “June… I made that specifically for a mutant with a rapid healing factor. Using that on someone with a lesser healing factor or none will kill them.” She spoke about The LEASH with June when she pressed her for a plan to take down Kellan back during his attack on Gothic City. However Ashley was willing to take responsibility for putting him down. Ashley knew how dangerous it was. Even with her own healing ability, The LEASH would kill Ashley within minutes. But to give it to someone else? To give something that dangerous to her without knowing who it was going to be used on?

“June… I don’t think-” In the peripheral vision of her right eye, she saw something. A vile creature of some sort. It looked like a heavily bloated monster with stringy black hair. She couldn't get much detail, but it was enough to strike fear. Her head snapped the direction where the coffee pot was as her heart fluttered in panic for a moment. Her muscles tensed, her mouth dried, pupils dilated as she took in a sharp breath. Cobalt eyes were alarmed as she then realized… nothing was there.

If June was trying to speak to her, Ashley didn’t hear it. Her face was slightly pale. Her mind still focused on what she thought she saw. She swore something was there. She saw it. Didn’t she? A chill ran down her spine as she blinked a few times, pulling her attention back to June as her eyes fell to her desk. What was that? Anxiety? A panic attack? Why? Too much stress? Maybe June was right, maybe she was working too hard. Maybe she did need to get out of Gothic… just for a day, yeah… a day is good.

“Sorry.” Ashley rubbed her eyes as she took in a deep breath. “I, I must have had too much coffee. It’s making me jumpy.” She gave faint smile as she set her mug off to the side. Though she know that wasn’t the cause. Her healing factor kept the caffeine from any substance at a controlled level. It doesn’t affect her the same way that it does with others. She was going to have to run some tests. But it was clear she was still feeling uneasy. “I… I think I need some fresh air, care to join me?”

Oh.

@ashley_knightfall:

At anything less than a direct agreement June's jovial and appreciative manner slipped off and she stared at Ashley for a few moments in simple bewilderment. The change in mien as she said "The LEASH" alone was enough to suggest how this was about to go. June's mouth hung open, preparing to bear her own querulous protest even before Ashley'd even said anything else. But she hadn't yet worked out the details of a proper response.

Her impulse response—the truth, in fact—was that Valentina didn't care in the slightest. The ability to kill was precisely why she wanted the LEASH but she doubted that would make Ashley any more inclined to help her.

But she was not so caught up in her own selfish plight that she couldn't register the odd shift in Ashley's behavior. Following Ashley's gaze, she scanned both with her own eyes and the paranormal sight of the Soul Lavaliere. In that moment a threat to the security of Ashley's office was also a threat to the Shadowrunner's own plans. She was inwardly grateful to herself for thinking to speak in code even within the confines of Ashley's office.

Meanwhile, making use of the distraction to think more of her approach to her inquiry regarding the LEASH, it was tough to keep from smiling as Ashley seemed near the point of handing control of the conversation to her. June's face became a diluted mirror of Ashley's expression--genuine, somewhere in the back of her mind. Though she'd seen nothing of her own accord, it'd never been thus far difficult to see through Ashley's lies. Despite the reassurance, Ashley was definitely not reacting to an excess of coffee and not even the doctor herself believed that. But there was nothing and no one else in the office. Yet if Ashley swore otherwise, that alone was cause for one form of concern or another.

"S-sure thing, whatever you need," said the intern, gathering up her things to go. "I have...I-I mean, if you...need to...take the edge off, I could..." She trailed off, leaving the implication. Eager to get back to her request but never wanting to appear callous to Ashley's needs.

@rosso:

Ashley stood up from her seat, less graceful than she normally would as she didn’t even take her tablet that was sitting at her desk that she normally took everywhere. She knew nothing was there, she knew it, nothing in sight and June didn’t even become startled by anything. But The Good Doctor could still as if something was… here. It was like those times you swore someone was staring at you, only to have no one around you, but this was a stronger sensation. It felt as if it was looking deeper inside her. She needed to get out here.

June’s voice caught her attention once more as her cobalt eyes looked over at her. But she didn’t catch what she said, only heard her the tone of her voice. “I- uh- I just-” She didn’t finish her thought as she walked pass June. But as her fingers reached for the doorknob, a giggle, sweet and wet caught her ears. Ashley’s head quickly snapped as she turned her body. Her eyes searching the room only to find June gathering her things. Confusion and fear could be seen on the Knightfall Saint’s face as her eyes began blinking more frequently, one of the many signs of fear and confusion. She turned her body back to the door as she ripped open the door and walked out of her office, not saying a word.

She walked quickly down the hallways, anyone who tried speaking to her, were ignored. Pushing the door open to the stairwell as she began climbing each step. Her heart racing from panic and Adrenaline as she walked up the five flight of stairs. She didn’t stop if anyone called out for her, not until she pushed the metal door open that lead to the rooftop. The moment the door opened she took in a deep breath of fresh air, or as fresh as air could get in Gothic city. Closing her eyes tightly as only the faint sound of the busy city below them could be heard.

The Knightfall Saint could already begin to feel relief as she tilted her head up towards the sky. The stars couldn’t be seen because of the dense smog and bright city lights, but it was more peaceful than her office. She was quiet for a few moments, simply taking in the dark night sky. “I’m sorry.” She apologized again her head coming back to level with her body as she looked over at June. “I… I don’t know what came over me. I just needed to get out of the office.” Anxiety, lack of sleep, overly stressed, PTSD… maybe psychosis? What was happening to her? Could it be… because this wasn’t her universe? Could it be that it was finally catching up with her? A misplaced speck of sand in the universal sandbox finally being singled out?

She adjusted her white coat and failed at trying to smooth out her iconic messy bun. "What were we talking about..?" Forgetfulness wasn't something that the Knightfall Saint experienced often, at least not when it came to work, or June for that matter.

@ashley_knightfall:

Juniper said no words as Ashley made her departure, apparently focused intently on gathering her things. "Oop!" she exclaimed as she knocked a stapler onto the floor, attempting to buy herself a few extra moments. And as she left she turned and stole one final glance at the office, scanning for any place in which sensitive materials like the LEASH might be stored but certain she could play it off as one last check for any additional presence in the room. Finally, with one last look at the stapler, she shut the door and followed Dr. Knightfall tearing through the halls, falling behind a bit as she offered meek apologies to those Ashley brushed by.

"What were we talking about..?"

It was normal to, when engaged with Dr. Knightfall in any capacity, become (or at least feel like) the center of her world. Ashley was uniquely capable of making a person feel significant, listened-to, but now she seemed completely air-headed. June made a monumental effort to keep herself from plainly showing her annoyance, but managed to succeed in merely looking extremely exasperated. She took a few extra moments between breaths heavier than she really needed, conducting herself as one who was still primarily concerned with Ashley's mental ordeal over her own wants, and was forcibly tearing herself away from it only to use her comparatively lesser concerns to put Ashley at ease.

In reality, she was also using those moments to read Ashley's face, just to be sure she had the doctor's attention before wasting her breath...again.

"W-we...the limiting enzyme," she said meekly, her shoulders slumping characteristically as she once again broached the sensitive subject. "Elsa's 'cure,' the class trip...We were talking about maybe you letting me borrow some of it—th-the enzyme, that is, I mean..."

@rosso:

As June explained once more what they were talking about, it took Ashley’s entire concentration to focus on what she was saying. Why was this so hard? What was going on? Her long white coat swayed a bit behind her from the chilly winds of the city. Her cobalt blue eyes focused on June. Elsa’s cure, right, yes, she wanted the Limiting Enzyme. “Yes. Yes of course the- The LEASH.” She responded without even thinking it through. It was as if she completely forgot her original answer from moments before.

“The enzyme, it’s um…” She paused for a moment, her scattered brain having a hard time trying to come up with an answer for June. “It’s in the laboratory.” She finally answered. “Do you need it tonight?” She asked, just trying to focus on something other than the anxiety that was starting to crawl up on her back once more. “We can go there now if you need it now.”

@ashley_knightfall:

It took everything within her, as Ashley's tone - her entire response - changed, to keep her face from breaking into a manic grin. Carefully, she reminded herself. It's as good as ours. Don't fumble it now. Although the doctor seemed quite distracted, to the point it may not have even mattered. But, she knew, underestimating the mental faculties of one's adversaries was the surest way to lose.

But now Ashley'd gone from a virtual rejection to offering it outright, on the spot! This was too good to pass up. Composing herself, June still wore a concerned, apprehensive expression, though Valentina was silently thankful for whatever had caused Dr. Knightfall's dramatic shift to confused and scared. "Y-yes I do, tonight—if you can, that is! I-I'd appreciate it," she said, appearing apprehensive but smiling on the inside. Valentina had yet to even meet with the first of her intended co-conspirators but there was no way she'd risk giving Dr. Knightfall the time to reconsider.

@rosso:

Ashley gave several small nods of her head as if she understood. “Right, ok, the lab, lets go.” She spoke as she tried to refocus herself. But she couldn’t. It felt like… like a chalkboard was screeching in the back of her mind and she didn’t know how to get rid of it. Maybe if she just did something to distract her. Like get that thing for June. What was it again she wanted? Ugh, it was so hard to stay focus. What was going on?

She closed her eyes for a moment as she took in a deep breath, letting it out as she stretched her neck. She needed to get home as soon as she could. But first, the lab. She lead the way, moving much more calmly than before. But her eyes, that were normally focused ahead to their destination, were focused on the ground. Where she was normally on her phone or tablet or even making conversation with June, she was quiet, and to herself. Even nursing staff that passed by her she would simply give a forced faint smile and a light nod.

The two went down a level below the ED where it was much more quiet. It was obvious that there were no other workers. As they turned the corner a heavy metal door was seen before them. It was the lab. But it wasn’t any lab, it was her personal lab where she had many of her own works held. She pulled out her badge and scanned it against the digital log only to have a panel open above that to scan both her iris. She moved forward to the biometric iris scanner. It was the process of using visible and near-infrared light to take a high-contrast photograph of a person's iris that was similar to that of scanning someone's fingerprint. A couple of beeps and the sounds of locks releasing could be heard as Ashley reached the door handle and opened it, leading the way in.

The lab was cold, both physically and aesthetically. Everything was carefully organized to Ashley’s preference. Every test tube, dropper, beaker, flask and such were clean and placed accordingly to how frequently she used them. The microscopes placed on different tables for different testing and a computer on the other side of the room where she could access and input all the data. But most importantly (for June) was the rather large Biomedical Lab Refrigerator that stood against a wall. Behind it’s locked bullet/shatter proof glass were several tubes that had different colored concoctions inside. No one working in this hospital, aside from Ashley, had laid a foot in this lab and now, June. It was too dangerous to allow others inside.

Taking off her white coat she normally wore she grabbed a white lab coat, one that was clean and sterile from the germs of outside and slipped it on while handing an identical one to June for her to wear. On the wall next to the door was auto dispenser of hand sanitizer. Slipping her hand underneath its sensors a generous amount of the foam like substance was squeezed into her hand as she began rubbing them together and even moved up to her mid forearm until the sanitizer was completely dry. Then she grabbed a couple of packets of sterile latex gloves and handed one to June. Everything was sterile here and she meant to keep it that way. “This is my lab.” She said with an almost prideful smile as she went slowly, step by step so June could observe how to properly put on sterile gloves. “I don’t get to play down here as much as I like… but…” She finished snapping the gloves on. “I’m proud of the work I’ve managed to create here.”

Kinda wanna rob her >_>

@feral_nova: But like, in a good way.

@rosso:

Intense