Thirteenth Gate [Video]

[forsometimenow]

Who: Jennifer Keller and you
Broadcast: Fleetwide
Action: Wonderduck if you wish
When: October 10th

Hello, everyone- for those who haven't met me, I'm Dr. Jennifer Keller of the Wonderduck. Given how the Fleet is a little short on medical personnel right now, I'd like to remind everyone that I offer basic first aid lessons if you're interested. Also, given that there's talk on the waystation about ships having a tendency to crash into the planet's surface and how the Fleet's instruments got scrambled briefly on approach... now might be a good time to make sure your ship's medbays are well-stocked. If you don't have one, I can help you assemble supply kits. There should be some kits on the Iskaulit as well.

[She takes a deep breath before smiling.]

I know we're all eager to explore, but... be sensible, please. I AM here to patch you up if need be, but being cautious never hurt anyone.

Comments

Action

[survivalistcookbook]

[Not too long after the announcement goes out, there's a knock on the door of the lab, and Eugene pokes his head in - something that usually only happens on the odd occasion when he needs to grab a handful of painkillers.]

Hey, Doctor Keller?

Action

[forsometimenow]

[Jennifer gave Gene a wave and stood up.]

Hey. You here for the usual?

Action

[survivalistcookbook]

The perks of being a regular.

[He settles in the door, figuring he might as well stay out of her way.]

That, and I'm heading down to the waystation. Apparently there's some cool salvage down there - anything you want me to keep an eye out for?

Action

[forsometimenow]

[Jennifer went for her medication supply and began measuring out a dosage.]

You know... why don't we go down together? I need to stretch my legs, but I've also heard it's dangerous to be there alone.

Action

[survivalistcookbook]

[Not exactly the response that Eugene was anticipating, and he has to rein in that old reflex response of 'I can handle it,' the one that's only grown tougher and more stubborn since being one limb down put him on the receiving end of so much unasked-for consideration.]

You don't- I mean, if you want to, sure. I'd love the company. But if you're busy I'm sure I can fall in with one of the other shopping expeditions.

Action

[forsometimenow]

[Jennifer turned back, stopping to get a cup of water before handing the medication over.]

No, it's no trouble. As you can see, I'm not exactly drowning in patients here... and since I'm not exactly keen on trekking through the woods to that shipwreck, I'd much rather get a better look at the waystation here.

Re: Action

[survivalistcookbook]

What, you mean tromping across an abandoned planet to investigate a mystery distress call isn't your idea of a great time?

[Eugene gives a flash of a smirk, though it's interrupted when he accepts the medication and water and throws it back gratefully - thinking, like he does every time he does this, that he really needs some kind of exercise regimen to keep little things like increased work hours from beating him up this much.]

[forsometimenow]

[Jennifer chuckled.]

Honestly, I don't know how I'm resisting the temptation. I went on SO many offworld missions back home, why, it's unusual for me to want to stay behind, but I'll take one for the team. Watch the ships, make sure nobody tries to make off with them.

[survivalistcookbook]

Man, I wouldn't mess with a doctor. When push comes to shove, you guys are a lot less 'squishy academic' than you'd think.

[A lot more 'I know where all of the major arteries are,' honestly, but it seems a little grisly to just toss that out there.]

[forsometimenow]

[Jennifer stifled a laugh behind her hand.]

Well, it's kinda true... I know how to make people hurt. Really, though, I'm not much of a scrapper. I learned how to spar and shoot a gun and all, but other than that... I'm much better at fixing the damage. Which is why I AM a little afraid to leave the ship on my own.

[survivalistcookbook]

Oh, no. Can't have that. Especially when you're already a pro at the whole 'exploring alien worlds' thing.

[He turned to go, gesturing over his shoulder.]

Tell you what, I'll meet you in the cargo bay just as soon as a grab a crutch. That way if anyone messes with us at least I can smush their toes.

[forsometimenow]

Sounds like a plan to me. And yeah, there's little that happens in this Fleet that can faze me by this point... I've pretty much seen it all back home already. Or heard of it from my friends, at least.

[survivalistcookbook]

Heard enough to know leaving the ship solo probably isn't the smartest idea?

[forsometimenow]

Mmhmm. When there's unknown territory to explore, going it alone can be risky. We always went as a team, even if we knew the terrain, and I always had at least one soldier or fighter with me.

[survivalistcookbook]

[Might as well walk while they're talking - Eugene figures he can duck into his room and grab a crutch on their way, and gives a little head-nod as he turns to go, trusting that toe good doctor doesn't have much left to wrap up in the lab.]

Now why exactly were your people running around discovering strange new worlds? Or is it one of those 'if I tell you, I'd have to kill you' deals.

[forsometimenow]

[Jennifer took her cue and got up to follow, laughing at that last part.]

Well, I had to sign a list of non-disclosure agreements a mile long, but I figured here, I'm probably not going to get in trouble for it. Ever heard of the story of the lost city of Atlantis?

[survivalistcookbook]

I think I'm familiar with the basics. Super-advanced ancient civilisation, sinks below the waves never to be seen again?

[forsometimenow]

Mmhmm. Where I come from, Atlantis is real, except it didn't disappear, it's in another galaxy. Long story short, the U.S. military discovered a way to quickly travel between planets and galaxies, and once they figured out a way to get to Atlantis, they sent a scientific expedition there. I was their head doctor.