Co-matose (D4 Evening)

[Efren Lanville]

“If I were in charge you’d have it.” He said with a smile.

“God knows we need it.” He said with a bit of his confidence showing cracks. The debriefing before started working on him now that it had time to distill.

“I’ve never really had to think too much about higher politics like that. My training kicked my butt enough on a day to day basis that it didn’t really seem all that important.”

He looked in on Sinsei again, “Looks like those days are behind me…”

He then smiled softly and looked over to Cuyler, “If there’s anything I can do to help with your efforts. I’ll gladly do it. Not too many people listen to a half-jungle native bastard… but I’ll vouch for you until I’m blue in the face.”

[Cuyler Gray]

"I appreciate that. But, I am the one who owes you her life, without question." She smiled. "So, let's just agree to remain friends and help one another when we can."

[Efren Lanville]

“Nothing is owed between friends.” He said with a smile.

Efren nodded. Friend… he didn’t have too many of those. He was happy to add one.

“It’s likely that I won’t be able to go out with you to collect Sinsei’s effects for a couple of weeks…” His tone hinted at some lingering concern.

“I’ll be leaving tomorrow for a short while… Perhaps not coming back. If that is the case, you’ll need to go yourself.”

[Cuyler Gray]

"We'll see what happens." She shrugged. "I dud have a conversation with the heir earlier. I'm certain there will be more. Until my House recalls me, at least."

[Efren Lanville]

He smiled, “Then you already have the best ear to have on Caladan.”

[Cuyler Gray]

"For the most part, I have found Caladan to be a very welcoming word. With good people."

[Efren Lanville]

“It is a good place… And it welcomes good people like you.” He said with a soft smile.

[Cuyler Gray]

"How is the village?" She asked. "It wasn't affected by our battle with the cartel, was it?"

[Efren Lanville]

He smiled, "It's still there and its people. They'll be safer than they have been in quite some time."

He let his mind wander a bit, "That doesn't mean it wasn't affected of course... The village elder passed and my mother rose to take her place. The men who climbed the mountain with us... also are bound to change. How and in what way... I don't know yet."

He looked over to Sinsei, "I was hoping to talk to her about the jungle a bit to be honest... Get her advice on what could work for the people."

[Cuyler Gray]

"That's... I'm sorry." She said in regards to the death.

She looked at Sinsei again. "It is a very unique environment. I'd be interested in foraging for more food to experiment with."

[Efren Lanville]

"How about starting with those damn electric rays?" He said with a smile.

“Some ray over an open campfire…”

"They certainly have it coming to them." He continued the joke for another line.

[Cuyler Gray]

"I would definitely be interested in trying that." She nodded. "You might be shocked by the results."

[Efren Lanville]

“Hey!” Efren smiled and shot a playful finger gun in Cuyler’s way.

“If you can make food that will knock thopters out of the sky. You’ll have reservations coming in from all over the empire.”

[Cuyler Gray]

She shrugged. "I am fairly certain they are edible, but they would likely be very chewy and perhaps a bit bland. It's hard to say, though."

[Efren Lanville]

"If there's a way, I'm sure you'll figure it out." He said with a smile.

Just like our friend here... He thought to himself as he looked over towards Sinsei.

He kept his eyes fixed on Sinsei as his mind wandered to watching his mother work on healing the man with the ailar poisoning in the village. He couldn't really imagine Dr. Suh's treatments would be any worse... but wondered what other path there might be.

"We'll have to ask the Muadh if they have any good recipes when we go to get her things. Manta ray or otherwise..." He said.

[Cuyler Gray]

She was watching zsinsei as well.

"Any wisdom they might share would be valuable. They know that region better than anyone."

[Efren Lanville]

Efren leaned back slightly in his chair, taking in the quiet presence of the infirmary... listening to the sound of Sinsei's slow breathing. The weight of the day, the mission, and the lives that were impacted by it all pressed on his shoulders. But Cuyler’s company lightened the load, even if just a little.

He glanced over at her, appreciating her resilience, and her efforts to do right by Sinsei. “Cuyler,” he said softly, his voice reflecting the gravity of his thoughts, “You truly have something special about you. You help lighten the burdens of those around you.”

He paused, his gaze drifting back to Sinsei. “As for Sinsei, I know she’s tough. She’ll pull through this, and when she does, she’ll see how many people were looking out for her. How you kept your word and more...”

He stood up, feeling the need to stretch after the weighty conversation. “I need to get some rest before tomorrow. But before I go, I want to say thank you, Cuyler. For everything. For being here, for your support, and for your friendship. It means a lot.”

He offered her a sincere smile, one that carried the warmth of someone who’d found a true ally. “Take care of yourself, and if we don’t see each other for a while, know that you’ve got a friend in me. And if you need to head to the village without me, you have my full support. Tell them Sinsei and I sent you...”

Efren gently placed a hand on Cuyler’s shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “Goodbye for now. Until our next meeting.”

[Cuyler Gray]

"Stop by the kitchen. I made dinner for everyone." She said waving him off with a smile.

[Efren Lanville]

"How could I not?" He said with a smile.

With that, he gave one last look at Sinsei, then at Cuyler, before turning to leave the infirmary, feeling a mix of determination and the bittersweet nature of farewells.

/exit