Entries tagged with † victor s court

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[ ᴠᴏɪᴄᴇ ]

I have a question about nanites.

[Said casually, but with a certain amount of self-importance. Clara Oswald opens conversations as though they were great doors to be flung.]

They're what bring us back when we die, yeah? They repair what's malfunctioned, like... like a pit team. [She thinks that's what they're called, at least.] But what if nothing's there to fix? That's what I want to know. If there's no body left, there are no nanites left, so the Porter just... rematerializes you? Plops down a backup file? If there's too much damage to fix, what exactly happens?

[It's all asked in a very matter-of-fact, academic tone. Clara could maybe use a lecture on morbidity from her past self.]

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mirror network || encrypted, anonymous - backtimed to early morning

[The below posts to the mirror network around 3am on the morning of November 26th, the election of the Heropa ambassador.]

Greetings, fellow imPorts.

As you turn out to vote today for our ambassador of Heropa, our single sole voice of representation in this great nation, we urge you to ask yourselves: who is your neighbor?

Your vote is a empty gesture. A gesture designed to help keep us complacent, to make us feel that we have a part in a body, in a nation, that has nothing to do with us. These elections are coordinated by a government who does not care about you. These elections put into place the newest figurehead, in a series of figureheads, whose power is rendered meaningless by the very fact that we who live here have no rights. No control. We are brought here and we are taken out again.

So trust your neighbor, imPorts. They are the closest you have to a constant.

But we suggest that you trust your neighbor only if you know your neighbor.

Your candidates show one face. We show you now, LIVE, FROM HEROPA, some OTHER faces of 3 of the finest, to teach you, imPOrts, to be wary, and beware. Be wary of the rich who give from guilt, the men of means who claim to care. Beware the criminals who got off easy and now ask YOU to behave. Be wary of the cronies, the vote-buyers, the campaigners who seek not to enrich your lives but to profit, to increase their means and their research, to increase their bottom line off your backs. Beware the institutions, Big Med and Big Industry and Big Brother. Beware those who would see us as tools. Beware the socialists who would join the democratic machine. To enter into that game is to succumb to it.

To the candidates: we urge you to LISTEN TO YOURSELVES. Heed your own words and take your own advice. If you must participate in this dog and pony show that the government has constructed as a distracton, then participate by our rules, the rules of the imPorts. You should tear this fabric. You should not worry about playing the corrupt game. You should worry for your fellow imPOrts, and worry about us. We have the power.

And remember: it is in our hands to decide. Not just today, fellow imPorts, but every day. IT IS IN ALL OF OUR HANDS. You must pay attention. Don't make us pay attention for you.

[Following the text is a series of links and soundbytes, reposting the above for emphasis.]

heropadebate.wav
guiltygiving
socialistmenofmeans
gooddogbadlawyer
cronyismisaliveandwell
heneversaidno
candidateoftheinsitution
wearetheirtools
compromisedmorals

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3 ☄ Text

On my arrival, I asked myself two questions likely shared by others;

How are our worlds connected?

And whence came the power to steal us outside of time?

You have probably waited patiently for an answer to these questions; or took it upon yourself in desparation to find answers. Do you consider that it is very, very probable the porter has linked hundreds of worlds though they exist leagues and years apart?

Let me conclude. I expect all of our worlds are linked together by some means. Shall there not exist people who believe the same as me?

And I would also like to hear about your systems of magic, if you can graciously spare the time.

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audio;

[ It's late at night when Cullen makes the post, the time of night when people would probably text something like this. But typing on the phone is still too much of an unnatural struggle for him to default to it.

He sounds relatively normal. Maybe just a tiny bit tired. ]

What is it you do when you cannot sleep and there is no work to be done to better utilize the hours you spend awake?

[ There's a tiny pause. ]

I am no stranger to sleepless nights, yet in coming here, I've now naught to do with mine.

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video

[ Oh, look, it's Kitty Jones. She seems a little tired - though you'd only know it by looking at her. Her voice is unchanged from normal. Indeed, she speaks with her typical firm bubbliness - a cheerful, kindly tone and an adorably youthful London accent obscuring the fact that her speech is (as usual) a bit on the manipulative/calculating/forceful/aggressive side. ]

Hullo, all. First, a job offer. I run a charity garage. It does pretty good work - we fix up and build really, really good cars, and sell 'em to the richer members of the local populace, and then the proceeds go to fund public transit in Heropa. Anyway. I recently... [ Just a little flicker in her smile. ] Lost an employee. So if there's anyone out there who's good with cars or mechanics or whatever, I definitely want you.

[ And now to the less businesslike portion of her announcement: ]

Anyway. Obviously there's been a lot of talk of elections lately, and there's also been a lot of cynicism about the whole electoral process. For obvious reasons. Since there are some politicians who are lunatic idiots. So I guess I just wanted to throw this out there, 'cause all of you have so much different experience from different worlds.

Who had power, where you're from? What was the government like? And were they good - just - or unjust? What do you think's the best form of government? How much power should the people in charge have?

And if you could build a government, build a country from scratch, what would it look like? Would you limit the freedom of the press, or would everyone have the right to speak? Would you build social programs, or would you leave people to fend for themselves? Would you go after warfare and expanding your borders, or would people live in peace?

[ These questions are a little bit leading. Perhaps. ]

Anyway. Share your thoughts, please.

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Voice

My apologies for the interruption. [Lithia pauses for a moment, as if she's not quite sure the communicator is working as it should. Her world may have such technology, but it certainly isn't handed out so freely or so commonly used.] Well, I certainly hope this is actually working.

First, how trustworthy are the people who wrote those pamphlets and files? [She's just a bit creeped out by the amount of knowledge they had, plus the people who know that sort of thing either wouldn't tell or are trying to kill her, so it's a valid concern.] They certainly have some rather classified information.

Second, how safe are the things they embedded in us? These nanites I think they were called? [She's still wondering also how they accomplished that, her skin isn't exactly easy to pierce.]

And my last question, what sort of work could a person who has powers that heal and can make technology using those powers do in this place, besides apparently being a cat groomer?

Thank you for your time. Oh, I probably should also introduce myself so as not to be rude. My name is Lithia Spodumene, but I can just be called Lithia. [She knows her last name is a pain to spell and pronounce. Also, if any characters are particularly knowledgeable about geology they can certainly put together the fact that she's named after two related minerals.]

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4 ● VIDEO

[The video feed opens on... something that looks suspiciously like a commercial. Aerith is standing in the middle of her "garden" - or what anyone else would call a giant field of flowers. Strangely, though many flowers and plants are dying in the fall cold, Aerith's flowers look healthy as ever.

(The video is unmistakably taken with her phone on a selfie stick.)]

It's finally October! We all know it's an important month! We think about Halloween first, of course, but did you know October has a second holiday? One even sweeter than Halloween.

Sweetest Day!

A very important day for those of us with sweethearts~ Sweetest Day is the time to remind the people you're sweet on just how much you care. In fact, why not say it in flowers? I grow just about every kind you can think of, and no one else has fresher flowers than me. That's a guarantee!

[WINK~]

So come visit me right here in Nonah 06, or catch me in Maurtia Falls on weekends, Heropa on Mondays and Thursdays, and De Chima on Wednesdays.

But, you know~ Halloween lovers shouldn't worry! Because guess what~

[The video cuts off for half a second and is spliced together with what's clearly a shot from later in the day. Aerith, still in her backyard, is standing in front of a pumpkin patch. It's not big by any means, but she's got about two dozen pumpkins ready for the picking.]

I've got pumpkins, too! Whether you want to carve them or make them into a pie, stop right here at Nonah 06 and you'll be set for fall in no time!

See you all soon~

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2 ☄ Video

[The video opens on a guy with a mass of long hair that's being tied behind with both hands. The feed captures his medical coat, and the dim blue hue of monitors to his back. Their light reflects off the metal shelf by his right, whilst his desk sits in darkness, save for a lamp pointed down at the papers on its surface.

Machines hum in the background; together with the ticking of a clock and nearby footfall. He takes a hasty glance and, unsure of how to begin things, shuts his eyes. Does he introduce himself? Does he jump straight to his question? His fingers pull the tie taut then tap his sides. Last month's events were a strange twist of fate - a collapse of logic - that did not allow them peace. Alas! They had raised a question he could not solve alone.

It takes a moment of thought before he talks. His voice is calm but his speech? Noticably slow.]

On examining the situation with the rise of native superheroes, as you call them, I find myself puzzled. We beheld those who were ordinary become capable of the extraordinary. I request you answer one question that's on my mind:

What is the place of imPorts in this world now?

Video

[ This was not the route Charles wanted to take with this. But his attempt to handle it privately and internally had been met with the same level of dismissal as the conversation he and this version of Tony Stark had back in April.

Which was to say, complete dismissal.

After speaking with Peter, Charles had spent a few hours on the top of the roof considering his next move. Tony was … Tony had been his friend. One of the first he’d made upon coming to this new world, second only behind Erik and at times a support for him when Erik had been … Erik.

He didn’t want to have to do what his gut was telling him needed to be done, but if Charles had learned anything from tangling with En Sabah Nur; if he’d learned nothing else from Raven, Hank and Erik … he’d learned that he couldn’t just bury his head in the sand and hope for the best. Hope was important, hope was vital but it could be just as destructive when not balanced with the resolve to do what needed to be done, when innocent lives were on the line.

Though he had now been awake for almost two days straight, a fact that might be noticeable to anyone who knew him well, the professor was sharply dressed (three piece suit and all) and looked resolute from behind his desk. He had been busy, from well before dawn and up to this point.

He had shifted pieces all across the chessboard and while he did not delude himself in to believing that Tony was even in check, Charles knew the next moves would require aid from the imPort community as a whole. ]

Good morning.

It is with great regret and sincere apology, we must announce to the world that an internal investigation has revealed that the StarkTech “4” application is an abomination and an expression of the weakness and failure of its creator; Mr. Anthony Edward Stark.

[ Peter Parker is standing behind Charles and to the right, leaning slightly on the desk to keep himself in frame. Where Charles is dressed to the nines, Peter looks like he’s come straight from the lab--rolled-up sleeves, goggle hair and all. He sways forward as though he’s about to cut in, then just as visibly bites it back before he waves Charles to continue. ]

( Non IC cut in which it comes to light that Tony Stark is an ass. An even bigger ass than usual )

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015 ♍ VIDEO ♍ backdated to monday evening

[ The feed opens on a video that looks like it was recorded by something much higher quality than the standard imPort communicator, as a dark-haired woman walks down a runway in a very colorful drape dress. The colors blaze across the fabric in a way that seems both orderly and wild, passing from the hottest pinks and yellows at the shoulders to a blues and purples at the hems, mixing and mingling in the middle like the angriest possible pastels. A few of the colors even hit hues that don't look like they're naturally occurring, at least not on this planet.

It's the centerpiece of the Maryam Spring Collection, being showcased tonight in New York.

But, as the model nears the end of the runway, she looks disconcerted for a moment, as if suddenly struck by indigestion. She does her best to keep going and playing it off, but eventually she has to stop and turn her head toward the ceiling...as she burps out a large puff of flame. There are sounds of awe and shock from the audience as everyone's phones start flashing and snapping away, and the model turns back to walk as briskly as she can back behind the curtain.

The clip ends, and the video cuts to a frazzled Kanaya, broadcasting from her communicator backstage. She's wearing the biggest, fakest smile her fangs will allow, eyes wide and distressed. Behind her, the same model can be seen in the changing room, still wearing the dress, guzzling bottled water while steam pours out of her mouth. Kanaya glances back at her, smile unwavering, and the woman is clearly very upset that she can apparently breathe fire now.

Satisfied that the extent of the situation has been conveyed, Kanaya turns back to the camera, letting only one word escape her grit teeth. ]

Help.

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video

[The Major is gazing into the camera, looking as focused and intense as ever.]

As many of you know, my body is completely prosthetic. Back home, this is relatively common, making replacement parts and even entirely new bodies easy to obtain.

But here? Having a body constructed of technology beyond what is readily available poses certain challenges.

[She folds her hands in front of her and leans forward.]

I've reached a point where I need more than just a few spare parts here and there. I'm proposing a joint research project to construct a prosthetic body. It's going to require expertise in engineering, biology, physiology, and neuroscience. I can provide the software solutions, but I don't have the ability to actually construct the prosthetics.

I can provide some monetary compensation, but the real benefit will be the technology itself. After it's completed, you or your company can feel free to use it as you see fit. There are clear medical and military applications. Of course, I'd prefer that it be used for the benefit of humanity, but I won't really be in any position to make demands.

I imagine that if there's anywhere where someone can develop brand new technology on a short timetable, it's here. If you have the ability and facilities necessary, let me know. I'll be thoroughly vetting anyone interested.

[She leans back again. She'd prefer that the technology not be utilized by some Import megalomaniac, after all.]

I'm also contracting out as a cyber security specialist. If you have a personal or corporate network, I can make it virtually impenetrable.

[Prosthetic bodies aren't cheap, especially on an arcade repairwoman's salary.]

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1 🐍 ᴠɪᴅᴇᴏ ( action for housemates )

[ When the feed comes to life, Hemali is seated on a couch, her legs drawn up and shoulders and neck hunched over. On the coffee table is a small bottle of nail polish, which she goes about applying with precision over her toe nails.

She doesn't glance at the camera right away, letting the silence linger until she's finished painting the nail the way she wants. Then she finally looks up and smiles, but it isn't one offered up in apology for making anyone wait, not that she believes she has anything to apologize for. ]

Isn't this all interesting? I've never seen a device like this or heard of one that could shuffle people from across the universe.

[ Her eyes light up at the thought, masking any concerns she has about the fact there's something with far greater power than she might ever have. ]

Nor have I heard about machines that could grant people power. What I find most strange having looked over this network, is that so many people would give up these powers if it meant leaving this place? I had always thought people preferred being special and having that kind of security. Does your power not provide that?

[ A contemplative pause. ]

Maybe I am a little excited to travel for once, personally.

[ Not completely, but who needs to know behind a calm affect is a woman who feels threatened by the Porter? She goes back to painting her nails, interested in hearing what these other imPorts have to say in response. ]

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VIDEO ☠☠ 001

[The first image you'll get to see on this particular video feed is pretty much a real detailed view of someone's eyes. They're way too close to the screen and you can almost see the individual flecks of deep brown when the image isn't blurred thanks to this guy moving more than a little bit. The individual responsible for such a sight is trying his damndest to figure out how the hell this thing works, how you can send messages or even videos on something that's very pointedly NOT shaped like a snail, and how you even know if it was working or not.

Eventually it seems like he's stopped caring, or decided that on sheer force of will alone that it's working. Because the feed pulls back and you can see this very 'good dog' expression on a very simple-looking man. A scar under his eye, and a rather ratty old straw hat perched atop his head.]

The food's really good here! And I wasn't even yelled at when I ate a lot, either, and I like that. [The crowd hadn't been the most fun, but who needed fun when there was food involved.]

An' yanno what? I don't like being away from my crew an' home, but if there's an adventure--Nihihi, then I guess I don't mind stayin' around! [And then that 'good dog' expression melts, as if exposed to heat very suddenly. A frown on his face.]

But there's so much land everywhere! And the ocean is so far away! There's too many buildings and I was told that there aren't any pirate ships here??

[Seriously.]

What's up with that??

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1 ☄ Text

I would be happy if you'd do me the honor of answering a few questions.

First, I would have it known how a doctor sets about establishing their license to practice. Is it the case that such legality is established upon entrance to this world? I highly doubt any sane medical council would permit an unlicensed physician to remain in post, as negligence is surely as endemic in this world as anywhere else. Pertinently, what funding is available for research fellowships, or starting one's own practice?

Second, might those of you with an appreciation of medical science be willing to permit me to make an account of your state of health? A physical examination with all that's entailed. Were I so fortunate as to receive your participation in medical screening, I dare say that it would assist the future treatment of everyone.

Please do me the honor of withholding your response if it fails to address either point in question. You have my gratitude, in any case.

[Do reply though. That's just his ego showing.]

video

[ The video on this is slanted sideways - and not showing anyone in particular at first. Only after some shuffling and mild cursing (in Greek? is that Greek?) does the video focus on a rather sallow boy with a mess of dark hair. He looks like he hasn't slept in a month. And there's a faint, dingy quality to his outline in spots, like he's not entirely solid.

He also looks suspiciously like he's never used a cell phone in his life. That's because he hasn't. ]

Why isn’t this … I haven’t messed up this badly for ages. [ His voice drops to a mutter for a moment: ] Did it break me? Are my powers broken? I need to know where I am. The people at that machine weren’t at all helpful. Babbling something about heroes and … I don’t know what else.

Do they mean that line about wanting superheroes? From everyone? I've read enough comics to know that superheroes don't like hanging out with dead people.

[ And Nico knows that offers of help - however well-intentioned - often come with a catch. ]

OOC: If you have a character who's died in MoM or canon, please see Nico's permission post here!

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02 ✯ Text

[Initially, Victor had opted for a video post to explore how the function worked. Now he's settling for text because he prefers the slower pace of the medium, and doesn't feel as pressed to immediately respond. Writing gives him time to think on what to say, and time for other people to respond. Audio gives him a pressure to reply, and he doesn't feel eloquent about what he's saying. This technology is new. It makes him feel ignorant and like he's bumbling through a conversation.

And he personally finds it harder to tell what a person is saying from their voice alone. At least with a video recording one can see someone's lips moving and their facial expressions.

It's a simple enough task to switch to audio, but he won't because he simply hates it. People are free to respond however they like. He doesn't mind if people want to reply slowly or not at all, and is happy enough to be afforded the same courtesy. This is a small problem and he's got other things to worry about, right now.]

Forgive me for interrupting. I would like a minute of your time, if I may.

Upon entering this strange land all of us were given powers. I am eternally grateful for retaining the use of my transmutations, but I fear my third gift requires your consent. The fact I have dedicated my life to saving another has not gone unnoticed by our hosts. They are likely accurate with their description of Power Amplification. But surely they cannot expect me to conduct myself in hit-and-miss experimentation without seeking your consent.

Alas, two words were all they gave by way of explanation. I must say it's a troubling thought that we arrive blind to our capabilities.

This will not do.

Would anyone be so kind and willing as to help me develop this gift?

Thank you.

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text; ID reads Trevor Zeitlan

Here's one for you. What do you call a man who is still three weeks from his doctorate when the multiverse kidnaps him? Mister.

In any case, hi, I'm Trevor; Mr. Zeitlan to some of you. I was recently employed to a posting at Xavier's, and as you can imagine there's not a whole lot of accessible material on my subject, which covers abilities of every kind. I'm putting together an encyclopedia of powers based on my extensive experience in my own world and what I learn here, but there's all sorts of teaching materials I'm having to fake as I go along. Incidentally, if anyone would like to help with that, I have afternoon office hours at the Institute, and you're welcome to drop in. I teach mornings.

Okay, so killing two birds with one stone, I have a couple of questions; if you could take a moment to reply to them, or just answer one, you'd help me out no end.

First of all, what was your first experience of using your power? Was it intentional or accidental? Any details about how you felt, or the consequences of using it would be helpful, as I'd like to use other people's experiences to build confidence in my students.

Second question is a little bit of fun, really: If you didn't have the powers given to you by the porter, which abilities would you like to have had instead?

[OOC: If anyone wants to handwave or plan classes/sessions, or teacher/teacher interactions with "Trevor", throw me a PM. These can be backdated to assumed CR if you like ("Trevor" comes off as knowledgeable, but there's an edge of creepiness to him that anyone could pick up on, and no, not just because he has giant eyebrows though that doesn't help his case one bit.]

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♻ 006 | text

[Historically, Tiffany opts for audio or video when making open network posts, because her typing leaves a lot to be desired. Right now, though, she's feeling some anxiety over the way the sign-in ceremony had ended (not to mention the way that protestor-interrupted presentation had ended), and she doesn't want that to show through her voice.

So text it is.]

You know if you want to meet cute guys and get flirted with alot, all you got to do is wear a nice dress, cuz I mean wow. It works! Really well. I did'nt get a ton of numbers like I did that one time but thats OK. Import guys are sweeter. :) I will not name names but you know who you are. ;)

O hey but while I just happen to be on the subject of the swearing in ceramony.

[What a smooth, natural transition that no one could ever possibly see through.]

What do yall think about what they said about the war and comunists and everything? Pretty crazy right. Cuz I noticed everyone is talking about that guy who spilled the beans on people's secrets, but I have'nt heard alot about the other stuff or maybe I've just been talking to the wrong people. Do you think we'll go to war? Real war I mean. Its just so weird to think about.

I've got healing powers if anybody needs a healing. They work great. I guess thats what I'll do if there is a war.

[She kind of also wants to talk about what had been done to the protester, and how uncomfortable that had made her. But she doesn't know who's watching this feed, and she doesn't want to appear disloyal or ungrateful - so she just stops there.]

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01 ✯ Video

I have a few questions for everyone, if I may.

[Due to the events that preceded his arrival in this world, Victor's voice is quiet; he's unable to subdue his fatigue and his speech is reluctant and lethargic. The slow atmosphere reflects in the home he's carved out for himself. He's dressed in his long, white coat with decorative weaving on the sleeves, and wears a black shirt and red tie, which has a white stripe on the bottom and in the centre of the knot. In the foreground of the video feed is a well-furnished round table. A white doily characterised by floral openwork serves as a mat for a blue vase painted with white lilies, filled with white aster. Then behind it a white china teapot with an elegant pink floral design, with two matching cups and saucers. On the left is a glass jug filled with water, with an upended glass on its lid. Behind them is today's newspaper.

Victor is playing with the cuffs on his coat as he speaks. Then his brow creases and he glances away from the camera for a while. In general he would shy away from discussing the issues he's about to raise. He'd always had Victoria to place ahead of his own needs; acting independently had never crossed his mind. At this thought, he begins playing with his cuff a little more roughly. Then he rubs the back of his wrist as he begins to speak.]

Do you truly believe concern lies in the hearts of those responsible for our continued existence here? Why must we wage war on their behalf? They didn't so much as ask our consent. They provide those who acquiesce with nourishment and shelter, and welcome us into their cities and grant all the gift of hospitality. This must be why some of you place such faith in them, and it is why I believe I must be grateful. Yet I fear this begets my next question. If you had the opportunity to leave this world in some way, would you? I ask myself: how many of us would return home, were such action possible? I would humbly ask for your opinions on this issue.

[Now he rubs the back of his neck and furrows his fingers through his hair. Turning away his head, he wrings his ponytail in frustration whilst he holds his breath. His shoulders lift and he holds a hunched position over the table for a short moment. Then he reaches for the jug and pours himself a glass of water, his fingers gripping both tightly as he fills the latter to the brim.]

Secondly, I used to believe my world's medical technology was formidable, but I confess I find myself growing increasingly confused by this realm's array of treatment. Science and medicine in my land advanced greatly with the use of white magic. Here there are endless remedies - ones not based on the amplification of life's essence but with ingredients and chemicals created synthetically. How is such a thing possible? I would be grateful if a medical professional explained the process to me.

[His eyes constatly stray from the camera as he talks; to the ceiling and the floor. He appears distant, more than the camera would indicate, and doesn't smile - but he isn't calm, either. There are plenty of things he'd like to do at this moment. Stop speaking. Start sleeping. He closes his eyes to have a mental break. One long moment later, he shakes his head, avoiding eye contact.]

Regardless, I am a Doctor. If you require treatment during any circumstance, I am willing to mend your wounds. I would humbly ask only for your consent.

[A pause. Finally, he's done.]

The decision is yours.

[With a drink of water, he cuts the feed.]