thefinaljedi | Appointments

She would know better than anyone. Does know better than anyone.

[There was a prominent undercurrent of respect, almost reverence when she spoke of the woman, now. She knew better, understood that woman's place in Luke's universe and gave the respect she was due. She'd screwed it up once- never again.]

He appeared in my bed. I woke and...I thought Rick had returned to the village. He'd been pulled from a tumultuous point in his life and thought I meant him harm. He didn't hurt me, but he did restrain me until I assured him this was nowhere he'd be in danger.

I wouldn't go that far, Grandmaster Odan Urr, her teacher might know more. And Master Yoda is considered by many to be nearly her equal.

[Luke smiles, fondly remembering the old Jedi and his quirks]

Another strange, violent gentleman waking up in your bed. Adele, whatever are we going to do with you?

Edited 2012-10-07 07:26 (UTC)

I would be the last to argue against Master Yoda.

[She huffs a soft laugh.]

Honestly? I think I'm just going to have to become accustomed to never sleeping well. Or waking well. At least when we woke together at the end of the experiment a few days ago he was good humored about it.

[A beat.]

We thought ourselves married.

I think he'd like you, honestly.

[Yoda...liked most people, Luke felt. But something about Adele's sense of humor made him think the quirky old hermit would appreciate it]

Did you really? That is...horribly unfortunate. I...I'm sorry, I shouldn't laugh, but, isn't that the second time something like that has occurred?

I think I'd enjoy his company as well.

[There'd be something horribly compelling about the wise old master. A playfulness and wisdom she found somewhat echoed in a much milder sense in Ben.]

The Malnosso enjoy using me to play house. [She snorts a laugh.] No, no. I do not mind the laughter. At least Clint is a more considerate Ex-Husband than Robert. I worry more for how Ben handled it but he seems well enough. Though how he'll take my leaving the village so soon after the experiment, I can't say.

Honestly? I can't fault you. I think it'd be better for you to be away. Doing medical or research work. If you think I'd allow you to go into a combat mission you've got another thing coming.

[Luke laughs, crossing his arms and leaning against a counter.]

The post I am most likely going to sign up for is a two week field medic position. Far from the front lines- I'll be in no danger.

[She shakes her head with a wry grin.]

Luke- I am stressed, not suicidal. I will never intentionally put myself in a position where the only choice is to fight. It's a last resort for me.

Good. Thats the best way to see things, honestly.

But with you? I never know, what to expect sometimes. You have self-destructive tendencies when you get stressed.

...I have tried to become better about that. I have. Though I must admit these visions have me taking greater risks as of late. I thought myself mad when the experiment began because the night before I wished to sleep without being woken by night terrors and had myself on a steady drip of sedation. It's not something I would ever do for a patient but I wanted to rest so very badly.

Adele.

[Luke gives her a worried look]

That is incredibly irresponsible. You could have died, you know? Please, let me resume helping you with that. I won't have you taking risks like that. I hadn't known they'd been getting worse, or I'd have taken care of it.

I thought they'd been waning but...stress brings them back. Between Lupin, Willock's departure, Clint's arrival and the utter mess with Loki that's left me at odds with Stark, Steve, and Pepper?

[She hangs her head, rubbing at her eyes.]

Tonight I'd appreciate the help as I'll be leaving in the morning. But after...Saori has found a ritual that will remove Apep's influence on my mind entirely. It will be a slow thing but...it's better than waiting this out.

What...exactly happened with that Barton guy and Stark and Steve? How'd that put you at odds with them? Also, who's Pepper?

[Tony he'd worked with, Steve he knew personally. The last name was unfamiliar]

And of course. And I'm glad she's able to help. Definitely better you get that treated by someone who knows what their dealing with.

Clint Barton is a member of a group in Stark's world known as the Avengers. When Clint took a shot at Loki in front of a child there was something of a bloody conflict. Loki extracted recompense by cutting Clint's arms and I...I treated Loki rather than Clint.

I wouldn't have been able to treat him. He looks too much like Rick. While I treated Loki I did what I could to convince him that Stark and Steve had not ordered this attack. The fact that I apparently have taken a side with Loki has left me somewhat at odds with them.

Pepper is...Stark's girlfriend, secretary, and nanny. We are, we were, friends. I do not know if we are any longer.

You treated their enemy, then and they might see that as an act of betrayal? Is that what you are worried about? Forgive me but that sounds a bit absurd. Steve and Stark do not seem the sort to begrudge you doing your job. I assume, too, that Barton is alive and well?

I'm well aware of Loki's connection with the Avengers. Before he left, Coulson explained the situation to me, including the circumstances surrounding his death.

You've no need to fear reprisal though, at least from Stark and Steve. They'll understand, and if there's trouble Obi-Wan and I can handle it. I've begun working with Loki myself. He's...not that far gone. Despite what the Avengers may believe.

Edited 2012-10-08 04:16 (UTC)

I don't know for certain how they view me. The discussion was...tense. And I could not say everything I might have wished to on the matter. Pepper was present and would not leave. As we were in her home I could not ask more than once. Barton is well. He's healing- Sue Richards and Billy had a hand in his mending.

[She scrubs her face with a hand, rolling that afternoon around in her head.]

...Loki fell through a black hole, Luke. I can't- just thinking about that gave Apep's influence an entirely new flavor of horror to work with. He's bitter and scarred and when I checked in with him after the shift he was in such pain.

I don't know...this is far, far too big for me. This is the most I've been in over my head, ever. It's part of why I'm leaving for two weeks. I need to be elsewhere.

[Luke listens to Adele quietly, his lips shifting into a frown. He had hoped for better from Stark and Rogers, honestly. To involve Adele in such a manner, and to take issue with a doctor doing her job to a patient? Sure, it was good that Barton was on the mend, but he'd seen firsthand the damage done to Loki. And in front of a child? Was that the sort of man that should be called a hero? It sounded more like a Mandalorian than any hero he could recall. And falling through a black hole? Well, he certainly could believe that, given the theories Seinar Systems scientists had put forth.

Stiffly, the Jedi nodded, honestly wishing that he and Ami had been here, to at least mitigate some of the damage.]

By the Force, Adele, you really have had a rough few weeks. I really regret not being here, if only so that Ben and I could have mitigated the damage somehow.

I don't like where this is leading. At all.

Edited 2012-10-08 04:48 (UTC)

...what is, is. What has happened cannot be changed. I don't blame you for being away Luke, really. This is their mess that has spilled out into the village unduly. I warned Clint not to attack Loki the first hour he was here. I told him it would not end well.

[She sags back against the counter, weary. Worn. But resolute. She'd done what was in the best interests of those not at all involved in their conflict. However Steve and Stark saw her now, however Pepper looked at her? Didn't matter. She'd done what she could to protect those she was able, for whatever it might have been worth. She'd kept her word to Saori, to Loki, to Clint. Balancing obligations and keeping her good name was difficult without a longstanding reputation.

Somehow she's managed. She hopes.]

This is something you and Ben are far better suited to handle than me. I'm a surgeon, not a diplomat, not a hero. It is not my place to be involved. It worries me that Pepper seems so very intent on leaving herself in the middle of this as well- I know Stark is the man she loves but this is beyond dangerous, especially for her.

Adele. You did everything you could. I will handle it if it comes up again. Should I speak to Stark, Barton, and Steve?

[Luke slips an arm around her waist and pulls her into a hug.]

I get a feeling that Pepper is going to get herself killed, but I don't know. Is she...just a secretary?

Barton? Perhaps. If only to keep him from attempting to overwork his arms while they heal, and to point out the futility of attacking Loki here since he did not listen to me the first time. Stark and Steve- no. If there's something else to address with them I'm more than able to do so. They...mean well. They're just occasionally utter shit at managing what it is they intend.

[It's easy enough to lean on him, accept that support and return the hug.]

A C.E.O. A businesswoman. A civilian. I do not want to have to put her back together should she come to my operating table because of this Luke.

Adele, I'm friends with them as well. I may, if the chance comes up. I'm a bit farther from the situation than you are, truth be told. Don't worry, I'll be diplomatic. Barton I do not know, but I may, all the same.

[Luke nods and pulls her tightly in]

I'll do my best to keep an eye on her.

It's not what you would say that worries me, Luke. It's how they'd react. They take most anything involving Loki very...personally. It's not without cause but...I don't know.

[That's the core of it. She has no moves to make- doesn't know enough to make a good call. Doesn't want to know enough to make a call.]

Thank you.

Adele, do you think that matters to me? Steve and Tony are decent people, but hardly people I desperately feel the need to seek the approval of. They'll like it even less when they learn that Loki and I have been working together.

[Luke chuckles and lets her go]

I'm used to working with people like Han, Kyle, and Mara. Lets just say I find them to be a poor substitute in a crisis. Not that I don't like them, they're good people. I just...I don't know what to make of them.

They're not accustomed to compromise. It rankles Stark, at least. Steve does what he can.

[She takes a half step back and rubs the bridge of her nose.]

...Is Ben in? I should probably inform him that I mean to leave.

We'll sort this all out.

[He shakes his head]

No, he's out. What's in the basket, anyway?

Fritters and danish. I wanted to make certain I still remembered how to bake, after the last shift. It must seem silly but after what I heard of Kin'corrans having lingering effects from shifts I can't help but worry.

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