New Boundaries

[Guest]

It felt like it hadn't even been an hour since her appointment with Mr. Inividia when the phone rang once more in the hospital wing of Fort Briggs. The young doctor sighed heavily as she placed the folder down on her desk, lowering her feet back down to the floor so her boots made a soft thud. The receiver was cold against her ear, the voice sudden and jarring to her ear. "Dr. Nikita we have a new emergency patient for you. He needs a check-up." Well hello to you too whoever you were.... Cora raised a solitary eyebrow with a slight turn of her wheely chair, wishing that the person could see her expression right now. "Ok. Can I get more details than that? Because judging from your tone, this clearly isn't someone who is dying so its not necessarily an 'emergency' as you call it." Aiya, she was being snarky.

"His name is Major General Murazar Dauthi and he just recently received automail limbs. Since you are our resident doctor, you are the one to go to in order-" What? Automail? "Woah, hold on. Automail? I've never-" "Those are your orders Dr. Attend to your patient." Ok, now they were just pissing her off. "Now wait just a-" A dial tone greeted her from the other end, leaving her once more in the quiet of her hospital ward. Arrogant son of a.... Who the hell had that been? Were they some kinda newbie? Man, so few people managed to actually piss her off!! She hadn't been this annoyed since that Dr. Reed with Nika Alkaev's case. Oooo she still wanted to change that mans outlook on life in some rather unpleasant ways. But whoever this jerkwad was, he was right. She had a patient, and regardless of how much experience she had when it came to automail parts.

Straightening up out of her chair, the young looking doctor with her pouty lips slid back into her white doctor's coat, brushing her short dark hair aside. Alright. Time to prep for his Major General Dauthi. Why did she know that name..... Oh well, no time to waste pondering that for now. Fixing herself a fresh pot of coffee, she let a nurse know to prep one of their stalls for use.

[Murazar Dauthi]

Murazar was dressed in one of those blasted gown things they had. His hair was still short and had turned back to his blonde-white state. He was pale as he hadn't been outside in a long time. Lanky too. He was laying down on a bed, not restrained anymore but he hadn't moved much in a few hours. He hadn't slept since the surgery. He raised his hands up and stared at his automail hands grimly. He seemed resigned to death to take him.

He had only just been starting to react to people who brought him food and tried to engage him in conversation. He used to ignore his food. Lately he had been getting used to the feeling that he was just an insignificant ant. Someone who was needed, but could easily be replaced. Maybe they wouldn't be as good as him, but it was better than nothing.

His file was probably right outside his current room, a copy of it anyway for anyone to read when he enters it. It was a vague description of a suspicious accident that seemed to be covering something up of how he lost his hands. The psychological evaluation was apparent in his intial suicidal tendencies, extreme depression, no -reaction whatsoever to anything until lately and many other analysis's.

He stared at his hands. The souls in his head that no one knew of screaming, gurthangs gutteral laughter in what seemed to be miles away and his own thoughts torturing him. He was still trying to make sense of everything, it all seemed backwards. He just knew that at the moment all he had left was his job and a handful of friends. At the moment he knew he wasn't well, but he had to get out of this facility and get back to his jobs. They could run without him temporarily, but not permanently. The faster he was back, the better.

He stared at his hands, the secret of the gate and unforgiving truth burned into his memory like all the rest of that damn knowledge. He finally laid them down and got up, it had been exactly eight hours ten minutes and thirty four seconds since he had gotten off that bed. The last time was out of hunger like everytime before that. He scooped up the food left behind and ate it methodically before setting the leftovers where it was. He hadn't gotten sleep in about four days. He hopped onto the desk next to his bed and let his feet dangle.

[Guest]

Ahhh coffee, you truly were the lifeblood of mankind.... She was about to pour that delicious hot liquid into her mug when a hand came down in a shake upon her arm. The vibrations went down her arm and it took a decent amount of effort to not spill any of those scathing hot contents. Cora whipped around with a bewildered look on the nurse that she had just sent off, blinking in confusion at her current state. "Yes, yes, what is it?" "It's Murazar. He's.. erm... He's already in a bed here." Well, she almost flat out dropped her mug at this piece of news, her brows furrowing rather intensely. "What?" The word was in a low tone, this whole situation starting to damage her calm.

"I know. Apparently he was set up there by someone else and they hadn't quite-" Cora didn't even bother listening to the rest as she put the pot of jo back down in its place along with her mug, taking as long a stride as she could to get to his bedside. What the hell was going on with today? Had everyone decided it was best to rush her about now? Honestly she missed her previous patient already and his manners. Things had been so simple with him. A simple bullet removal. But automail? Hell if she knew what this was on about. She'd just have to do what she could since.... well... it wasn't like she had any other option. She couldn't just leave him in the dust after all. That would be wrong. Whoever that person was who called her was right, he was her patient at this point and she did have to take care of him.

After a few quick moments of maneuvering through her own hospital ward, Cora found his file waiting outside his room in the plastic container, flipping through it rapidly since she had no idea how long he'd been waiting already. It was rather.... vague. Who the hell had taken these notes? Were they daft? Her slight frown was deepening into a grimace as brown eyes scanned the page, tilting her head ever so slightly before the file closed with a soft 'fwip.' Ok. Deep breath.... exhale slowly.... The breath whistled out softly before her hand went to the door knob, the door swinging open slowly to let her in. "Greetings Major General. I apologize for the wait, there was a bit of a mix up in communication." Flashing him a warm, friendly smile, the young doctor walked up to him with her hand extended. Was it rude to still shake hands given his recent operation? She had to hope that he wouldn't take offense at this point since the motion had already been made, her fingers tightening a little on his file in her other hand. "I'm Dr. Cora Nikita. How are you feeling today?"

[Murazar Dauthi]

He didn't even turn around as this doctor entered the room with her hand extended. He turned around as soon as she was done. His eyes glanced from her eyes, her face, her posture, her hands, the file and her feet before settling back on her face. His entire expression seemed a combination of analyzing her and resigned some kind of fate. He took her hand and lightly shook it. He couldn't feel her hand, his hand grimaced lightly before letting go. His touch was like ice.

He spoke softly, as if in a whisper to her. He looked like shit in the terms of not sleeping, not moving much, a seeming pained look on him and an obvious distrust of her. "Three things. One, dont refer to me by titles or ranks, just my first name or a shortened version of it will suffice. Two, are you here for a psych eval or a physical eval? Lastly, I look like hammered shit straight out of a jungle. How do you think I feel? On second thought, dont answer that. "

He in short terms was very hostile, which if she had any smarts about her would figure out why he was hostile in the first place when he normally shouldn't be. He was personally hoping it was only a physical eval, even if he knew otherwise. After, whatever happened to him on that dossier she had. A psych eval was necessary. He wondered just how much information was on it about his "accident". Or if it was the truth. Who knew?

[Guest]

The atmosphere was almost stifling as she stood there, managing to maintain the warm smile and general welcoming demeanor as he seemed to examine her in her entirety. She could tell that she wasn't exactly his favorite person right now, but that couldn't be helped. She had to do her job. The moments were stretching by and just as she believed he wasn't going to shake her hand, he reached one forward to give a slight handshake in return. Right. Metal grip. Ok... She could totally do this. Just gotta work past that whole distrust thing. If a doctor and a patient couldn't trust each other, there would be problems. It would be... awkward.

Like now. At the moment she was doing her best to recall facts and details that she knew of automail, her eyes moving down to the new hands that he bore. Some pain would last as the nerves aligned and adjusted to the new make-shift limb, adjustment of movement like with any prosthetic... She made a note to possibly assign him some pain meds. "Three things. One, dont refer to me by titles or ranks, just my first name or a shortened version of it will suffice." Noted. This was... going to go just swimmingly wasn't it? A sweatbead like in anime's was forming on the back of her head, focusing now on maintaining her calm and neutral expression. "Two, are you here for a psych eval or a physical eval?" She would wait to give him an answer since it was clear he wasn't done just yet. "Lastly, I look like hammered shit straight out of a jungle. How do you think I feel? On second thought, dont answer that. "

. . . Oh boy. Cora inwardly took a deep, calming breath, taking the time to gather her thoughts for just how to answer him. It really didn't help that she didn't know him as well as say, Viktor, Jet, or Dai. "Very well Murazar. I'm here for your physical, but if you feel comfortable enough I would also like to do a psychological evaluation as well." Pulling up a stool, she placed his file down on a nearby counter, folding her hands in her lap as she looked at him, tilting her head ever so slightly. "I apologize for the fact we didn't get to know each other before this. I usually make a habit of meeting everyone who might end up my patient due to whatever circumstances life throws at us," she began, brushing a few stray dark hairs from her features. Licking her lush lips slowly, the young doctor pushed herself up and clapped her hands together, striding over to a nearby dispenser to pull out some blue gloves. "So we'll just have to catch up while we work hm?" She spoke as she turned to him, a soft slap signaling that she was prepped to go. "I could read your file all day to get answers, but if its alright I'd like to just ask you instead. Are you ok with that?" She paused at his bedside, not grabbing his arms yet since she would rather have some sign of permission to given his current hostility towards her.

[Murazar Dauthi]

He spoke roughly again and rather much irritated as he sat on the desk behind him. He even leaned back crossing his arms to increase the hostility in terms of body language." How much of a physical eval? Also could I possibly be cleared today so I can get back to work if I let you do a psych eval?" In reality he'd have at this point couldn't have cared less if he did or didn't go back to work. He just knew it would be better for him to get back to something to do other than sit around.

He raised an eyebrow. Personally getting to know him? She must have lost it. No one knew him personally, not Reila, Dai or even Xan. He spoke up once more, even more irritated." Well if you were around the past two years, the most you'd get to know me would be from my several comas and my automail eye transplants after me and dai almost killed one another." He was intentionally trying to rouse her to at least talk more informally.

Why was the formal nature of this pissing him off? He normally was formal himself and kept it like it, now he hated it. Hated anything to do with formality. He spoke to her last statement and question,"Before you so much as get within striking distance of me, you better say outloud every single action you do before you do it. Otherwise my response will be quite...unpleasant. I would apologize, but i've done nothing wrong yet and frankly. Your formal nature and the fact you apologized for something you haven't done is kind of pissing me off a bit. Also, you can go ahead and ask me your questions."

Truthfully he felt as if he was being hard on this women who was only trying to help him, she was just so damn formal! It was like scratching chalk on a chalkboard. He couldnt feel whatever pain there was after the surgery. It was drowned out by those damn screams and gurthang. Well, that and he was kind of pissed off. The obviousness of that made to even the lowest idiot.

[Guest]

" How much of a physical eval? Also could I possibly be cleared today so I can get back to work if I let you do a psych eval?" Cora paused as she stood there, staring at him as he moved to the desk, her eyes never leaving his face though she could see his positioning as clear as day. This.... was going to be just greaaaat. "For your physical, I have to be absolutely sure you are ok to return to work. No rejections, sudden flying parts, blood clots, all that fun stuff. As for the psych eval," here she smiled sweetly to him, "No. Not with that kind of attitude I'm afraid. Not unless you prove to me that its safe for you, and your coworkers for you to be working again. Don't try to fake it just to get out, ok? That won't help anyone, especially yourself." There was strength behind her words, almost biting at him like he was biting at her. Just because she was a doctor, didn't meant she took shit or backed down.

Given his initial reaction to her, she was hardly surprised to find him even more resistant to her normal procedures, the sweet smile fading back to her calm and neutral expression. Did he think that being snappy with the person who could possibly save his life at a later date was a good idea at all? Maybe she should tweak with his muscles a little.... Noooo, no... That certainly wouldn't help anyone at all. That wasn't her way no matter how tempting it might sound. " Well if you were around the past two years, the most you'd get to know me would be from my several comas and my automail eye transplants after me and dai almost killed one another." If she had... Ok. Cora's expression became impassive as she stared at him evenly, the rumble of her agitation immediately dissipating as it tried to rise up to her features. She would not play any childish games, nor participate in any dick-measuring contests. "That is an extensive record Murazar, but you are in the military. I'm not surprised." The words came out cooly, even, and surprisingly gentle. He was trying really hard to piss her off, wasn't he? Had he realized that she was already evaluating his psyche even now? Sure some people could work through things via their work, but she wasn't so sure about him. So she would wait and see as they spoke, see if he would change during his physical examination at all.

"Now-" "Before you so much as get within striking distance of me," She paused as she was about to take a step towards him, letting her hands come to hang at her sides. "You better say out loud every single action you do before you do it. Otherwise my response will be quite...unpleasant. I would apologize, but I've done nothing wrong yet and frankly. Your formal nature and the fact you apologized for something you haven't done is kind of pissing me off a bit. Also, you can go ahead and ask me your questions." Oh was that all? And she thought she was already being so informal. She made a mental note to pull whatever stick was up his ass out during his evaluation. Though maybe she was being unfair hm? "Fair enough. Wouldn't be the first time I've dealt with a jumpy patient." She began, sighing lightly as she smirked with a light shrug, taking a moment to ponder how to proceed from here. "You haven't even seen me formal Mura. So why don't you just sit back down on the bed, get more pissed off, and relax hm? Or should I say calm down? I get the feeling that'd just make it worse." She had to chuckle a little as she stepped up next to the hospital bed, patting it lightly for him to return to. Cracking her neck, she rolled her head about and held her hands out in a slightly relaxed motion, ready to take hold of his arms. "I'm going to look over your arms first ok? I'll be focusing on your hands, the point of connection, muscles, and tendons. So do you have a girlfriend or anyone like that Mura? Friends, punching bags, elephants in the corner?" The question was sudden, staring at him expectantly with this almost quirky sort of smirk on her lips.

[Murazar Dauthi]

Lovely, just lovely. Maybe he’d have to break out of here... No no, Reila would just take it out of his paycheck. He replied in a slightly cooler tone, ” What co-workers? My jobs confined to being in countries that usually want me dead or captured or reviewing final products of reports. The closest I get to actually working with someone is out in the blasted field of battle and even then all that happens is people die because of me.” He was the head of intelligence. Everyone who died, died because of him ultimately. His intelligence gained or not found risked peoples lives. If one minute detail was not found, it killed at least one soldier or civilian.

He chuckled lightly as if amused more by her reaction than lack of one. His tone held conviction in it,” Im not a soldier. I’m guessing you only glanced at the information on that dossier you have there.” He pointed at the dossier that was decently thick since it excluded exact details of many of his operational experience. He continued,”Im just a contracted specialist, I paid for my own health and expenses. I’m not like you, Reila, Dai, Jet, Stalin or anyone else here in Briggs.” He was an outcast, he was one of the few that was not a soldier, but a mercenary. He had betrayed briggs once before and killed his entire previous staff before almost letting Houka kill him after provoking her to do so.

He raised an eyebrow before retorting in return, ” Jumpy doesn’t begin to cover it when you have assassins and spies surrounding you and you don’t know who is who. Then again thats the game I chose to play, so i’ll just have to try and live with it.” It was a private joke, live with it. When you expected to die at any moment or be captured for torture by an opposing nation or even the underworld. Living was a gift with a time bomb inside it.

He grinned as she smirked and joked around, even if it was more like jabs and stabs it was funny to him. Odd sense of humor he had and kept at his side. He gave her a once over before laughing, albeit grimly. His body relaxed only a hair before he complied by moving over to the bed and taking a seat, he also put his metal hands in hers. Then he spoke up his tone carrying a tiny bit of respect and less hostility to it,”Thats more like it, doc. Also you would be right, telling me to calm down is a terrible idea. “ At the very least she was chuckling and smirking. Which oddly he felt more comfortable with than just cheerful idioticness.

He continued as his hands laid in hers, ” Very well, go ahead. Any idea why you got to me with a half-ass dossier, no idea that I haven’t slept in over forty-eight hours which is probably why im snappy and that somehow we’ve never met? “ It was a question that was phrased with all of her lack of information and weak points from only what she’d had said to him in the last...what, ten minutes at most? Sleep deprived and he was still very proficient at what he did. Although his personality was taking a huge hit for it.

He raised an eyebrow and laughed out loud to her questions in a friendlier manner, his tone belayed the same thing.” No girlfriend, One person i’d count for as a friend other than Dai and Reila who are close to as friends as they’ll get simply because I have no idea who they are now. Only who they used to be. No stress relievers other than combat, elephants in the closet or corner. I’ve got plenty of my secrets. Most would make you reevaluate that entire Dossier.” He grinned at that, his soul alchemys side effects for starters on that area.

[Guest]

” What co-workers? My jobs confined to being in countries that usually want me dead or captured or reviewing final products of reports. The closest I get to actually working with someone is out in the blasted field of battle and even then all that happens is people die because of me.” Er... Cora's eyebrow twitched ever so slightly at the flood of information she was receiving about him, wondering if she should have taken more time to carefully look over his file... Not that she had really noted anything extraordinary over her initial scan. This was why it never paid to rush things. She had to grimace slightly though, so he clearly suffered from some heavy guilt. Which may specifically be survivor's guilt. She made a mental note to check into that further. That wasn't anything to laugh at in the least. So he was alone with a high priority job.... Lots of stress.

But then the walls began to come down for he actually chuckled at something. Good. It was better than snapping. ” Im not a soldier. I’m guessing you only glanced at the information on that dossier you have there.” She started, appearing a bit uncomfortable as she chuckled nervously. The young doctor nodded once and cleared her throat, relieved that he continued. ”Im just a contracted specialist, I paid for my own health and expenses. I’m not like you, Reila, Dai, Jet, Stalin or anyone else here in Briggs.” Hah.. Stalin... It was weird to hear someone call Viktor by his last name instead of his first. But still.... He... suffered a lot of stress. It was no wonder he was rather cranky. Well, that and getting little to no sleep as he said. See, but even though she was bumbling about and making a bit of a fool of herself via her lack of information, she was at the same time, getting better info about him than if she had just read his file. She got to see how he would phrase things, his opinions and views, and maybe truths as opposed to the falsities that could occur in paperwork.

She remained quiet as he spoke since she found no need for words, taking the time instead to gather her thoughts into a comprehensive file for him. ” Jumpy doesn’t begin to cover it when you have assassins and spies surrounding you and you don’t know who is who. Then again thats the game I chose to play, so i’ll just have to try and live with it.” That... was a fair point. "This is very true. It sucks when you can't even trust your bedroom wall." She finally murmured softly, waiting patiently for him to make his way to the bed. Hopefully he would take that as a joke as opposed to an insult, her bracelets tinkling together softly as her wrists shifted upon his approach to the bed. She felt the cold greet her gloved fingers, immediately testing the location where flesh met metal. That was sturdy enough, good. Her eyes watched for any shifts in his expression as her fingers gently pressed and slid across his flesh and new hands. As far as she could tell given her limited experience with automail this was well-made and properly attached, but that was only so far. She still had to get a sense for other factors.

”Thats more like it, doc. Also you would be right, telling me to calm down is a terrible idea. “ Chuckling softly, she shrugged lightly as she leaned closer to look at his hands, checking the intricacies behind the mechanics. From a doctors point of view, it looked good. ” Very well, go ahead. Any idea why you got to me with a half-ass dossier, no idea that I haven’t slept in over forty-eight hours which is probably why im snappy and that somehow we’ve never met? “ Her hands slid to the connection point once more, extending her feelers for the Dragon's Pulse before diving into her alkahestry. Blood flow, normal. Muscles, slight stress but normal. Bones, normal. She didn't answer him until after her brief examination of his faculties, her ears jingling this time as she raised her eyes back up to his features. "Well you see, I got this phone call just after finishing with a patient before you and I was ordered to come to you immediately. I was given no details, no warning, and no background info. So thats why I have no real good info on you. As for the never meeting, I have no idea how that never happened." She spoke with a light shrug, deciding that honesty was better than something flowery and ridiculous. After all, she could have made something up that sounded less like an excuse and more political, but she was a doctor, not a politician.

"I'm just going to test some motions with your hands." Her grip shifted now to move his hands in certain ways, one doing the moving, the other holding different parts of the arm to get a sense for how things moved and whatnot. ” No girlfriend, One person i’d count for as a friend other than Dai and Reila who are close to as friends as they’ll get simply because I have no idea who they are now. Only who they used to be. No stress relievers other than combat, elephants in the closet or corner. I’ve got plenty of my secrets. Most would make you reevaluate that entire Dossier.” Oh? So Dai and Reila had changed since he knew them. That was a good thing to know considering how she had seen them during that war in Drachma. Or hadn't really seen them... IN ANY CASE. She had to tsk softly as she switched to his other arm to do the same thing she had been doing. "Well, guess its a good thing I haven't really read it yet hm?" She chuckled softly as she turned her gaze to his eyes, smirking faintly to see him grin so. She would rather see a patient smiling than not. "But its not good to be unable to relieve stress! You clearly accumulate large amounts of it in short amounts of time, aside from whatever guilt and worries you carry with you. That steam needs to be let off. What things do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Besides work. That doesn't really count." She asked him as her hands moved away, letting his arms relax.

[Murazar Dauthi]

He chuckled lightly at her comment of not even being able to trust the bedroom walls. He commented on that statement ever so slightly,” There some stories I could tell you of a guys bed exploding when he laid down to sleep. Trust this, when you see the most innocuous items, places and times for when stuff explodes and kills someone or almost kills you. You get rather paranoid.” It was the truth and yet it sounded like a joke, albeit a dark and grim one at that.

He watched as she inspected his hands before furrowing his eyebrows as if concentrating, then his looks became normal as if he figured it out. It happened in the span a second, ” Alkahestry, good skill for a doctor to know. Unlike my alchemy completely.” His alchemy was death, destruction and your very afterlife being stolen from you. There wasn’t much more that scared people than that ability. Who wanted to fight someone that could take your soul?

He smiled as she conveyed complete honesty, that was something he liked to hear and so rarely ever heard. He replied to her answer,”Guess we’re meeting now then, if under rather more unpleasant circumstances.” He didn’t like the circumstances although he figured he enjoy her company as a good friend in the future perhaps. Hopefully the next time they met it wouldnt be under bullets or him wounded. Although this time he just completely screwed up.

He raised an eyebrow, spare time? He rarely had anything like that. When he did, it was usually burned on something productive. All the joy in most things in life had already faded away to dust and ashes. He looked puzzled while answering,” I rarely have free time anymore and I dont enjoy anything much anymore either. Im the head of intelligence at briggs and I own the Black Company. The largest elite mercenary organization in the world. Theres not alot of time to do anything anymore. Unless of course thats an invitation?” His slight teasing flirt towards her held no weight just by the feel of it. It was just a playful jab to her.

[Guest]

"There some stories I could tell you of a guys bed exploding when he laid down to sleep. Trust this, when you see the most innocuous items, places and times for when stuff explodes and kills someone or almost kills you. You get rather paranoid.” Cora had to chuckle and shake her head a little, feeling for his muscles beneath the skin. "I can only imagine. When you study biology and all that fun stuff for long periods of time, it can be hard not to become paranoid about diseases. Am I showing this symptom? Could this be an epidemic? What if this mutates and we can't cure it? Oh the list can go on." She spoke softly, her eyes focused upon the task at hand. She didn't even notice his moment of deep thought upon what exactly it was that she was doing. "Alkahestry, good skill for a doctor to know. Unlike my alchemy completely.”

She had to admit, few could usually detect when alkahestry was being performed, especially if they were alchemists. Their disciplines were rather different after all even though they achieved the same effect. But it was odd for him to phrase it like that. What exactly was his alchemy then? "Yes, some were skeptical about applying it alongside my knowledge, but they were idiots to begin with." Another chuckle escaped her before she continued, glancing up to him before moving his hands about to see the reaction. "What exactly is your alchemy then Mura? Considering your phrasing, it must be something Grim Reaper-esque." She asked before placing his hands gently in his lap. Everything was working as it should as far as she could tell. But now for the rest of his examination.

It was good to see him smiling at least since it meant he was opening up more and more to her. Good. Made her job a helluva lot easier. "Alright, you're hands pass the test. I'm just going to test your blood pressure, breathing, heart rate, yada-yada-yada the usual deal. Ok?" She flashed him a smile and walked over to the wall, taking down the arm band, turning to see him appearing rather confused at her. Was it something she had said? "I rarely have free time anymore and I dont enjoy anything much anymore either. Im the head of intelligence at briggs and I own the Black Company. The largest elite mercenary organization in the world. Theres not alot of time to do anything anymore. Unless of course thats an invitation?” ..... Ah. That would explain the look he gave her. She didn't know how some people did it. Be presitigious positions in two organizations. She already had her hands full being the main doctor for Fort Briggs. It was only when she had a slow day that she may, MAY venture out to the North City hospital and help out there.

"Unless of course thats an invitation?” His tease echoed in her mind as a reminder, chuckling as she gave him a coy smile, slipping the band around his arm while placing her stethoscope in her ear. "Oh baby, you know it." She jabbed right back at him, listening as she increased the pressure about his arm, the blood pulsing at a constant rate in her ear. Strong. Constant. Just as it should.

{{ OOC: Sorry. >< Crappy post is crap. }}

[Murazar Dauthi]

He chuckled lightly at her small talk of biology, it was interesting to be sure and he never knew it like that before. He never started an education after high school, he never had the time nor use for it. Why get a degree when you already have much of your life going smoothly? He decided some sort of reply was in order so he gave it in an amusing tone,”Never does to worry needlessly if there’s absolutely nothing you can do about it. If there is something you can do about it, then there’s no need to worry once you’ve done it. Right?” Worry was like a rocking chair, it kept you busy, but it got you nowhere.

He smiled softly and sided with her on her judgment.”Ignorant more than likely, everyone is to very great degrees. Although I did not sense it or anything, i’m not that good mind you!” He laughed lightly as he jested with her. He didn’t really believe himself to be good at anything beyond his work. He raised an eyebrow at her question before his whole mood seemed almost to sour and darken,”I blow things up with fire and steal souls. The stealing souls as an afterthought was a completely terrible idea considering the massive side-effects they cause versus their low and non-diversive benefit. “ He figured, why not be honest? If it caused him harm later, who cared? He didn’t have a whole lot to live for anymore.

His mood seemed to brighten more at her casual talk of the rest of it, he chuckled lightly and replied to that with wit.” You get too close my blood pressure might start rising rather quickly.” He had to flirt, even if it was just jokingly. She was rather good looking, but he wasn’t interested in her like that. He also wondered if she felt the same. She seemed like a rather good friend to have.

Her light returned jest made him smile in a pure way that spoke of complete relaxation. He was still quite like a cat ready to bolt into action, but he seemed to be lazing about whole body was taking a more relaxed and slouched posture. He winked back at her with a dashing smile on his face as he spoke charmingly. ” Careful, if you steal my heart away. Other women might get jealous.”

[Guest]

Minute by minute, second by second, Cora could sense the tension that had once permeated the air begin to dissipate inch by inch. The inclination to murder her as opposed to letting her get close was slipping away from him, and he was letting her in more. Words could never express properly just how much of a relief that was to her. Especially now that she was chuckling at what he was saying, ”Never does to worry needlessly if there’s absolutely nothing you can do about it. If there is something you can do about it, then there’s no need to worry once you’ve done it. Right?” Boy was that the truth. "Precisely. It's one of the things they warn you against in med school. 'Don't self-diagnose. You'll just become paranoid.' And then who will you help hm? No one. Some people had a harder time letting it go than others." Shaking her head slightly, the young doctor smirked to herself, making a note in his file at where his blood pressure was at. Relatively normal given the factors that could have affected it. The lack of sleep, stress over this situation, etc.

”Ignorant more than likely, everyone is to very great degrees. Although I did not sense it or anything, i’m not that good mind you!" Her hands had moved on, allowing the pressure to leave the band around his arm as a light laugh flowed from her. So he hadn't sensed it then. How had he known what it was? The focus she had suddenly acquired? Or had he noticed her jewelry? Usually people could tell by her jewelry since it wasn't like they were THAT discreet. Earrings, bracelets, and a necklace all bearing forms of a pentagram? Oh no, that wasn't obvious AT ALL. Hehe. The velcrow ripped through the air as she placed her stethoscope about her neck, turning to place it all back on its rack. "Truth. Ah but people will always be hesitant to accept new ideals. Just a piece of human nature is all. I can't exactly blame them for that." It was good to hear his laughter ring out behind her, her smirk softening out to a smile as she pulled another gadget from the wall. Time to check his ears and eyes~

Well, at least she was going to until he explained his alchemy and a cloud of DOOM seemed to pass over them. That kinda put a damper on things. ”I blow things up with fire and steal souls. The stealing souls as an afterthought was a completely terrible idea considering the massive side-effects they cause versus their low and non-diversive benefit." Uh-huh.... Cora stood there for a moment staring at him, her expression rather difficult to read before she finally nodded once. Ok. Soul-stealing. "Guess that answers some theological questions people have eh? I bet ministers would just love you." She murmured softly with a chuckle, shaking her head at the thought. They probably would love her about just as much. Whatever, she had crossed that bridge long ago and she hadn't even bothered to look back. "Alright, I'm just going to shine this in your ears and eyes. Just look straight ahead please." She spoke softly, quickly shining the light in a horizontal line across his eyes. She went back and forth twice, watching his pupils, performing this for both eyes before that was exchanged for the proper tip for his ears.

"You get too close my blood pressure might start rising rather quickly.” She had just leaned over to check his ears, peering past the light and into the depths. She chuckled softly, "Ooo baby." Excellent. He was even up to flirting playfully with her. Maybe she would be able to let him go at the end of today after all. A-Ok there to. Straightening up, the lights were flicked off and replaced on the rack, placing her stethoscope back into her ears as she turned back to him. The smile that greeted her did give her pause, but the good kind of pause. He had utterly transformed in the brief time that she had been in there with him. The hostility was gone completely (unless she stepped on the wrong topics), and instead they were already well on the way to becoming friends. Most excellent. She softened further and her smile grew, only able to chuckle at the wink he flashed her. ” Careful, if you steal my heart away. Other women might get jealous.”

Oh-ho-ho, that so eh? Hah... She decided she liked Mura now, easy flirting was always just so much fun. And she could never really accomplish it with those that she'd like to. "Oh and we can't have that. What'll the neighbors say?" She gave him a wink of her own, her hands starting to reach for his clothes before stopping. Right, warning him ahead of time. "Time to see just how steady that pitter-pattering heart is. Sorry if my hands are cold. Deep breaths please, slow and steady." Pfft. Like that really mattered. They were in Briggs for heaven's sake. Sliding the stethoscope beneath the fabric, listening to both his lungs and his heart with each deep inhale, and exhale he took. So far so good, he was in fantastic physical condition. After a few listens she slid her hands out and moved to his back to listen from there, moving to different places on his back. "So you said you are the head of a mercenary group. Care to share any light on that?"

[Murazar Dauthi]

He smiled and nodded casually before replying to her comment.”Aye, if you dont make sure you’re in good shape and ready to go at a moments notice. Then how are you going to help anyone at all? A lot of people would be better off if everyone knew these things.” Knew them and followed them. Knowing something was quite different than actually doing it. He was starting to like this woman, smart, wise, good looking, casual now anyway and seemingly trustworthy.

He noticed her thinking upon more than likely how he had figured it out. He smirked lightly before joking with her,”Lordy, I figured out you had alkhaestry from how your inspecting me. You have some little tidbit habits to avoid using some equipment entirely and relying less on other equipment than other doctors need to normally. Those symbols could be attributed to either alchemy or alkhaestry. Although I wouldn’t use them as a basis for it considering you could just have a blowing shit up type of alchemy.” An assessment that required both experience with doctors and a good perceptive nature.

He nodded lightly before answering the elephant in the room questions, the ones more than likely anyone would have just tingling their curiosities. Some of them anyway, answering all of them would be deadly.” Well, it answers no more questions than say a Homonculous or a Philosophers Stone would for those religious folk. “ He grumbled to himself in a low tone of an entirely other language,” I wonder if I could remove it and retain my skills I gained from it. I’ll have to test that theory with Pride.” He chuckled as she shined light into his automail eyes,”My eyes are automail by the way, I think you’d be better off with a mechanic if your trying to test them.” He pointed with a single index finger towards the near invisible circles outside his retina’s. They were so far the only tell-tale sign of it being automail. Quite good work.

He grinned in an almost adventurous manner as she flirted back in a friendly manner, it was always fun to do this with friends. Mmm, she was a friend now he guessed then? A good one from the looks and sound of her too boot. He saw the pause and it softened his smile towards approval that she remembered to speak her intentions first. He took deep controlled and relaxed breaths, sort of like a sniper would before shooting a target. One of his hands wrapped around her wrist gently as she listened to his steady heart-rate. He spoke softly,”I think I can deal with cold, although one of these days someone’s going to ask to do your physical.” He gave a wink to accompany that flirt before letting go as she pulled her hand back out. He raised an eyebrow at her asking of his company.

He replied with some mystique and charming nature,”The Black Company, largest and most elite private military corporation in the world. We’re contracted from time to time with Amestris and we’re expanding to some other countries to go international. We hire only from the cream of the crop and best of the best. We offer just as much honor and commitment if not more than any standard military does. We offer more money and some benefits the military doesn’t give out. We offer stability, security and understanding. Think of it as an elite smaller military that is like a brother or sisterhood where even if you and another black company member hate each others guts. You will save each others lives, not out of just duty like in the military, but out of respect, honor and loyalty to those that watch your back. “ He took on a thoughtful demeanor for a few seconds before speaking again,” I do believe I have a head of medicine spot empty, the position is called Gai’Shain if I remember correctly. Interested at all?” He smiled, his eyes held seas of curiosity and interest in them. The offer was genuine, but it was an offer to leave the military quite yet. Just an offer if she wanted to explore that option.

[Guest]

”Aye, if you dont make sure you’re in good shape and ready to go at a moments notice. Then how are you going to help anyone at all? A lot of people would be better off if everyone knew these things.” Heh, precisely. She remembered how her class had been moving through a hospital one day. What she hadn't known was that there were people there looking for interns hidden amongst the group observing them. So when a monitor began to blare a warning nearby, Cora and her sister had leaped into immediate action that ended in them saving the patient. Hehehe, and chewing out the idiot who had neglected medications and their warning labels. It was a rookie mistake that he shouldn't have made. It was safe to say that the two of them were chosen for that internship despite getting chewed out for interfering in affairs and making the man look like an idiot. A person's life had been saved, that was all that had mattered to them.

Though that did bring them back to the whole alkahestry thing. While she had started on bones, her sister had chosen a different route and you could say their instructors had been less than pleased to learn of this. ”Lordy, I figured out you had alkhaestry from how your inspecting me. You have some little tidbit habits to avoid using some equipment entirely and relying less on other equipment than other doctors need to normally. Those symbols could be attributed to either alchemy or alkhaestry. Although I wouldn’t use them as a basis for it considering you could just have a blowing shit up type of alchemy.” Cora raised an eyebrow as a smirk spread across her lips, chuckling at his teasings. "Nice observations. Most think nothing of it. I better work on my masking of it just in case I run into anymore close-minded idiots." She mused softly, continuing with her examination.

” Well, it answers no more questions than say a Homonculous or a Philosophers Stone would for those religious folk. “ Now that was interesting. He made a valid point, religion remained an ever slippery slope no matter what you threw at them. So she merely tilted her head slightly as if to ponder his words while she looked into his skull. It was odd to her when he suddenly switched to an unfamiliar language though she made no comment upon it, only making note of the tone in which it was said. There was a darkness in there that hadn't gone unnoticed to be sure. Now that was odd... ”My eyes are automail by the way, I think you’d be better off with a mechanic if your trying to test them.” ... And that would explain that. Straightening up, she blinked a couple of times and checked again, leaning in a little closer until she noticed the circles on his eyes. Well, well, well... Now wasn't that a surprise. "I don't have many coming in here with automail eyes. Impressive. Whoever made those is a master at their work." She spoke softly as she pulled back, the flashlight flicking off.

He really was an enigma. So he had automail eyes and hands, and his alchemy dealt with fire and souls. What an interesting fellow. She could see how ladies might be drawn to him for these battle scars, if not for the mystique that he held about himself that was mixed with his paranoia. And he really was quite healthy. No odd sounds from his lungs, a steady heart beat that was strong-- Cora paused at the sudden contact from his hand, the gesture registering as more than just friendly for about two seconds. Her eyes raised to look him in the eye, ”I think I can deal with cold, although one of these days someone’s going to ask to do your physical.” . . . Yeah. A charmer. The young doctor found herself chuckling in her amusement, shaking her head slightly with a hopeful sigh. "Ahh now wouldn't that be the day... That'll be an interesting event I should think." For more reasons than one. It would mean her finally having success in her quest for a significant other. HAH, that was a joke. Had to be. No, she remained content in single-dom.

Her work done, her hands and stethoscope withdrew, letting it hang from her neck as it had before. Removing her gloves, she threw them in the appropriate waste basket and made a few notes while listening to him explain the "Black Company" to him. Rather morbid name eh? Though that would depend on who you asked she supposed. Folding her arms over her chest now, she turned to face him, leaning against the counter behind her. So it was an elite mercenary group basically that valued honor and family highly. Hahahaha, one could say that was like the Italian mob, with some discrepancies obviously. So she was quite surprised at his words when he spoke next, ” I do believe I have a head of medicine spot empty, the position is called Gai’Shain if I remember correctly. Interested at all?” It was her turn to slowly raise a singular eyebrow, unable to deny that her interest was now piqued. Head of Medicine... But there were questions of course. "I'm assuming if I accept, that means I would have to resign here? Or do I maintain both posts?" She began, straightening up with a light sigh, her arms falling to her sides. "I won't lie, I am interested Mura. However, my obligation is to the Amestrian military and Fort Briggs first and foremost."

[Murazar Dauthi]

He smiled briefly before questioning her on that issue with curiosity,”Why hide something your capable of? For starters, I only notice because I have to be acutely perceptive so few other people would notice as well. Its something you should be proud of, not something you should hide for others ignorant benefits. Lastly, it would probably be better to just throw it onto your job title or description so it alerts people ahead of time. Might as well show it off so people that dont like it can totally avoid you and if they love it then choose you over other doctors.” He shrugged that was just his observations and two cents thrown in. He seemed to be talking from experience to some extent on his suggestions.

He nodded ever so slightly, just enough for her to register the motion. Almost as if he knew to keep still, but to let his body do its natural postures and expressions even if it had to minute. ” I never knew who did make the eyes for me. I just put in an emergency request for my eyes to be removed and replaced with automail ones. I suppose someone could have healed my blindness with a philosophers stone, but those are rare, few and far in-between to find one and a healer who would dare use it on me. “ He almost felt some regret, should he have talked about philosopher stones as if not only they existed, but that he knew from experience they did? Oh well, far too late to take it back. Only to push forward.

He winked and chuckled lightly before asking in true curiosity, one that didn’t seem to falter.” I guess that means i’ll have to find you someone. Let me know what your after and i’ll go searching while im close, far or abroad. I might surprise you.” He winked again, he had no doubt he could at least give it a good shot. Hell he might know someone for her if she wouldn’t mind it. That all depended on what she was after and if she would accept a bit of matchmaker help. Hell he might get Reila or Shula into the matchmaking biz at this point.

He seemed to almost freeze as if not only watching her, but analyzing her entire being and reactions. Then almost as instantly as it was there it was gone when he answered with his charming smile and friendly demeanor.” You wouldn’t have to resign your post, lately i’ve had to change some of the rules to allow things like that. However, I would expect obligation to the black company first. Honestly, we’re more than likely not going to end up against Amestris unless they bring the fight to us. I would also expect out of a head of medicine a sort of ’The flag of who the person belongs to doesn’t matter so much as their injury’ type of mentality. Its up to you, the position will more than likely remain open for quite a while considering how few experienced doctors or leaders of doctors there are in the world that would take the job. No pressure or rush. Aren’t I such a nice guy?” He had to grin playfully at his comment, for someone in such a militarial environment. It was almost impossible to have a choice that didn’t have a ASAP and immense pressure attached to it. It was like a small private joke between those that worked in or with those in the military.

[Guest]

”Why hide something your capable of? For starters, I only notice because I have to be acutely perceptive so few other people would notice as well. Its something you should be proud of, not something you should hide for others ignorant benefits. Lastly, it would probably be better to just throw it onto your job title or description so it alerts people ahead of time. Might as well show it off so people that dont like it can totally avoid you and if they love it then choose you over other doctors.” You know what? He was right. It was because of idiots like that Dr. Reed who refused her idea's about how to treat Nika Alkaev that the medical field hadn't excelled thanks to any information that could be gained from the Xingese. Her people. Now, she wouldn't go about broadcasting it, but no REAL reason to actually TRY to hide it like some terrible secret. She wasn't sacrificing children after all! Now that would be something to hide hehe...

But she was digressing.

It was good he didn't respond poorly to any of her motions since she could only imagine how much it would hurt to get ones wrists crushed in automail or something. No... No she didn't want or need to perform her own alkahestry on herself. Talk about irony hm? ” I never knew who did make the eyes for me. I just put in an emergency request for my eyes to be removed and replaced with automail ones. I suppose someone could have healed my blindness with a philosophers stone, but those are rare, few and far in-between to find one and a healer who would dare use it on me. “ She blinked and paused, staring at him as she thought that over for a moment. "They are indeed rare. I can only speculate what would happen at that meeting of power." A Philosophers stone meeting a man whom dealt with souls? No... That couldn't end well.. could it? But she continued, "You could have also probably looked for an alkahestrist who specializes in such matters. I do believe my sister in south was looking into that, but no matter. Whomever created them is very talented." With a nod, she straightened up, placing her stethoscope away along with any other tools of hers that were lying about.

She did catch his wink before she turned away from him, her smirk only growing a little as she shook her head slightly. So his next words did surprise her a little bit, ” I guess that means i’ll have to find you someone. Let me know what your after and i’ll go searching while im close, far or abroad. I might surprise you.” Turning rather quickly, both eyebrows were raised as a chuckle alighted in her throat, growing into a light laugh before fading. Yeah, she might as well tell him eh? He HAD offered after all. "Well, if you can find me a pretty lady whose got smarts, a sense of humor, and a captivating smile that isn't straight, do let me know indeed." Chuckling once more, she sighed heavily, trying to refocus upon the matters at hand. Could he return to active duty? That was the main question at this point.

His suddenly freezing up made her instantly raise an eyebrow, the smirk and humor gone to be replaced by impassivity. It was as if they kept flipping back and forth with who had the smile and charm in a given moment, his smile returning as he answered her concerns, "You wouldn’t have to resign your post, lately i’ve had to change some of the rules to allow things like that." Well that was good. "However, I would expect obligation to the black company first. Honestly, we’re more than likely not going to end up against Amestris unless they bring the fight to us. I would also expect out of a head of medicine a sort of ’The flag of who the person belongs to doesn’t matter so much as their injury’ type of mentality. She had that covered. But she wasn't sure how she felt about where her sense of obligation should stand. Of course any leader of an organization of militants (of sorts) would tell a potential subordinate to put them first and foremost. What in the world would Reila say if she knew this was happening? Or Dai for that matter? "Its up to you, the position will more than likely remain open for quite a while considering how few experienced doctors or leaders of doctors there are in the world that would take the job. No pressure or rush. Aren’t I such a nice guy?”

She remained there with her hands at her sides leaning against the counter for another moment as she just stared at him, weighing his words one more time. Although... She finally relaxed and sighed heavily, making one last note in his file before flipping it shut and straightening it up. "Oh of course, giving me time... How generous of you." She smirked, her free hand brushing some hair from her features. "I'll think about it. But Mura, you are good to go. You can return to your work, however, I'm instructing you to find some way to relax that doesn't include doing more work. Ok?" Her tone grew very serious, almost dangerous. Don't mess with your doctor. Especially not when she knew how to mess with your muscles, bones, and blood. But now she smiled sweetly, holding out her hand to him, "It's been a pleasure Mura. Take care of yourself." And with that, she left after shaking his cold hand, the smile fading slightly as her thoughts whirled all about in her head.

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