On the Rim, Ch 39: Captain Archibald, Multi-Purpose Security Professional
Story by comidacomida on SoFurry
Welcome to Chapter 39 of "On the Rim"! This is a short story series based on a computer game I am playing called "Rim World". Rim World is a really cool indie game that accommodates an amazing array of mods that allow me to create a setting very similar to my story world in which several of my stories take place including "Fathom's Phantoms", "The Farlight Initiative", an "Paid in Kind".
Readers of the last chapter voted to see how the Captain was doing after his loss, so here he is! At this point we should see who will be leading the PoV for next post, and here are the options:
A) Kurta spends the morning with a timber wolf and brings him back to camp. A little time is spent supervising a meet and greet with the other 'pets' before he's named and integrated.
B) Doc continues to deal with the patients but takes a short break to spend some time outside the cave system in the fresh air... and has a long talk with the Captain.
C) Missy awakens to a wonderful morning with Grizz then spends most of the day scouting around, during which time she makes an interesting discovery.
D) Sandra handles administration activities, watches the med-bay while Doc takes a break, and handles an incoming message with some interesting details from a local LLC.
E) Myra recovers from the flu and goes back to the food prep area, which is in horrible disarray.
Voting won't be available long and no, the decision won't change the events of the story, just how they're presented along with who we get to learn more about via their point of view. As with this post, expect three chapters in the next update.
Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoy "On the Rim"!
On the Rim, Ch 39: Captain Archibald, Multi-Purpose Security Professional
2020 copyright comidacomida
Archie rarely if ever dreamed, but that night he dreamed of Ben. It wasn't some hot and heavy dream; it wasn't some dramatic moment in which their lives had turned out different and the Wolf was still alive; it wasn't even some alternate reality in which they had come together somewhere in the core systems and were living in bliss on a corner lot in some suburb inside a house with a white picket fence. No, the dream the Dog had just involved the two of them in the main room of the cave system sitting at the large table there eating breakfast without saying a word, simply enjoying one another's presence. He woke up, and cried.
Many years prior when he'd been going through corp sec training one of his supervisors had told the class that love was overrated until you found it and underrated once you lost it, but, in that moment, all Archie could think about was how horrible it was to see it sprout, and then have it uprooted before it had a chance to grow. Those thoughts and more were forced to the back of his mind as he forced himself to get his day started. Heading out into the main hall, however, he refused to look at the table.
The morning started off much the same as any other had as of late; everyone ate breakfast while the Overseer planned out the day and provided assignments, but, unlike most days, the table seemed slightly barren. The Dog wasn't the only one to notice. Grizz, who was trading off bites from a single plate with Missy looked around. "Hey... Claw and Leo aren't here for shift assignments."
Doc came out of the kitchen carrying a second round of food. "I have Claw and Leo both in sick bay... Myra too. That's why I'm preparing breakfast today."
Kurta sat up a little straighter. "Them too?"
He nodded to the NHH. "They showed up just a little after you did with Lizzy..."
She frowned. "Oh... how's Duct-Tape doing? Any better?"
Overseer Simpson was all business, and interjected. "Elaborate please. What haven't I been told?"
Dr. Zimmerman spoke up to give the requested report. "Duct-Tape came into the med-bay this morning just as I was getting set up. He was complaining of trouble breathing, cough, runny nose, congestion, and general lethargy. Kurta brought in Lizzy a short while later-- similar symptoms, but also tail sensitivity... common for Cytkus with a viral illness."
The Overseer nodded. "And Claw? Leo? Myra?"
The Human motioned back to the medical bay. "All similar symptoms considering their respective races and physiology. Although I haven't run a full check up for everyone I'm fairly certain the results will be the same: a Planet A strain of influenza."
The Captain's ears raised. "The flu?"
Doc nodded. "I've already identified in the virus from Duct-Tape and Lizzy; I used the medi-scan to fabricate an inoculation for everyone present. Breakfast was prepared with the vaccine so we will all be fine. In the meantime, everyone in sick bay will need time to recover."
Ms. Simpson took the information in stride. "Alright. What can I do to help?"
Dr. Zimmerman looked to her. "You? Nothing... but I could use Captain Archie's help this morning. He has some basic medical training, and right now what will be most useful is another body there to assist with the operations involved with caring for five patients."
The Overseer nodded, then looked at Missy. "Can I count on you to help pick up the slack on watch if I move the Captain over to the med-bay this morning?"
The Lynx got down to making a deal. "I'll do Captain's morning shift if you give Grizz noon and afternoon, then the Captain takes evening shift and Grizz gets it off. Fair?"
Ms. Simpson glanced to Archie, who shot a glance to Grizz, then back to the Overseer. In truth, the Dog didn't have the energy to argue. "I'll make it work."
After breakfast, the Captain joined Doc in the med-bay. Although his limited knowledge of medical terminology and procedure did come in handy, the majority of his time was spent doing menial tasks like getting food and water, fresh blankets, or recording patient information onto physical charts; apparently Dr. Zimmerman didn't want to waste technology resources on patient medical data.
The one benefit to being so absorbed in patient care was that Archie was able to get outside of his own head and set aside the continued emotional turmoil he felt. The distraction continued until Doc lowered the light level in the med bay and told his patients that he was going to give them some quiet time; there were call buttons if anyone needed, and the Human then brought the Captain out with him. Once they were alone in the hall, Dr. Zimmerman turned to the Dog. "That's settled... so, Archibald... how are YOU doing?"
Although the Captain had a feeling he knew what Doc meant, he chose to answer it in a different way. "It may be pretty menial work, but it's less boring than guard duty."
Chris folded his arms over his chest and gave Archie 'the doctor look. "We both know that wasn't what I meant. I know you and Ben were... getting close."
The slight hesitance at the end of the otherwise firm statement told the security officer a lot. "What did you two discuss, exactly?"
The Doctor shrugged, immediately switching to a slightly less professional and a much more empathic tone. "Nothing you're probably not aware of yourself. He was really into you... and I think he finally got the courage to say it... didn't he?"
The Captain felt the tears begin to well up again; it wasn't a conversation he wanted to be having. "I have to get back to my regular shift. Fair to assume you'll be okay from here on out, Doc?"
The Human was immediately full-professional voice again. "Will you?"
It wasn't a question Archie felt like he was required to answer, and so he didn't. Choosing that moment to excuse himself, the Dog made his way out into the main hall, hoping that he had some reserve of luck that would help distract him further into the day; apparently he did, because the Overseer located him immediately. "Captain... I need your help."
He was all too happy to assist. "Yes, Ma'am. What can I do for you?"
She motioned back to the comm station. "I reached another orbital trader. They are going to be sending down some clothing, precious metals, and some medication to help out with our flu problem, but I need someone to help move the trade goods. Cole is handling our first harvest from the hydroponics and I have Kurta butchering some kills from yesterday that Myra hadn't got around to handling."
The Dog didn't need the explanation. "Just point me in the right direction."
The trade took less than a half hour from start to finish, but the event was preceded with moving the items outside for transfer. All in all, the distraction was good for just shy of an hour, and that meant that Archie was almost ready to relieve Grizz of his station. The Dog had made it through another day and, if the clichés were to be believed, every day it would get a little easier.
Claw was the first of the patients to recover, and did so with surprising speed; he was up and about that evening as if he hadn't been under the weather in the first place. The Badger's improvement was helpful since it would make the following day's assignments easier. By the time dinner rolled around, Captain was still at watch and was brought his portion by Missy. She said nothing, except to give him a pat on the shoulder. "Thank you for giving me and Grizz a little time together tonight... it's not always easy being apart so much."
The Dog turned to regard the Lynx and offered a reserve smile. "Don't worry... I get it."
He really did.