by Thunder » 05/12/2015 5:23 PM
Just as Alicia said, Jack was well enough to depart from the hospital only a day and a half after his admittance. There was no need to remove the stitches -- they would naturally absorb into his body -- and that cut down on his stay time. The Purines had kept his briefcase in a safe place and returned it to him before he left. Alicia also stayed true to her word and provided him with her contact information.
She personally saw him off when it came time to go. The two stepped outside of the facility and were greeted by a bright, sunny morning totally devoid of the mists Jack had fled through. The grass was sprinkled with dew, and the temperature was on the warmer end but not at all uncomfortable. Jack had never been so happy to see the light of day. He breathed in the air and it filled him with hope.
"Where will you go now, doctor?" Alicia asked.
The Kuhna paused. He hadn't really thought much of it. All he knew was that he'd have to go into hiding, which would be difficult since the continent they were on, Lambastia, was the Imperials' land. Not that the Purines' home turf, Barakka, was much better with the Imperials invading constantly. He needed a job too; he didn't have much on him and would need some more money to survive. Going home or returning to Medicai seemed out of the question as well; if the Imperials came looking for him, they'd surely check there first.
"I don't know, to be honest," Jack sighed. "I figure I'll wander until I find somewhere to stay, unless you have some pointers."
"This may be a stretch, but I heard there's a small group of medical personnel who defected much like you hiding out near Lya Pointa. I'm sure they'll take you in, if you can find them."
"Lya Pointa, huh? Ugh, that place is creepy, but I guess that deters people from going there. What about you though, Alicia? Have you ever considered working unaffiliated?"
The Soveris tilted her head. "I have, but I think I can save more lives staying here. If they refuse to treat a patient, I can threaten to leave and they'll turn their decision right back around. Should a second war come, though...I think I'll go unaffiliated, then. You inspire me, doctor, risking your life trying to save that Purine."