hadriel | Entries tagged with simon tam

[video]
[It's been a little while network, hello. Here's your resident licensed medical professional, looking fairly tidy still if a little shaggier than he's used to. A quiet clearing of his throat, and he begins.]

Ah, hello. This is Dr. Simon Tam, recently of the Hadriel clinic. I know we've had an...eventful past month or so, here in the city, which is why I'm making this broadcast. You all know, or should know, that the clinic staff is here to assist you as best we can with any injuries or illnesses you might face. However, it isn't always feasible for you to come to us, or for us to come to you. The situation may be too urgent, there may be dangers between here and there that can't be avoided. [Like zombies, or fire-breathing dragons.] This is largely part of why we'd like to start offering a rotating course of first aid and medical care courses again, as Doctor Banner has done previously. During these courses, myself, along with he and other trained clinic staff, will teach you the basics you need to survive, if the worst happens. Death may not be an entirely permanent situation here, but that's no reason to seek it out.

If you're interested, please come by the clinic tomorrow for our first course. Basic information, the importance of cleanliness, caring for minor scrapes and cuts, and how to assemble a small home first aid kit. I sincerely hope most of you won't need it.

[spam]
[Clinic staff, and those who come by the clinic, may note a small note posted on the wall of the front room. Simon is spending a good portion of the day out there himself with one of his large medical journals, clearly still reading, cross-referencing, and planning. After all, it's not like they get much down time around here.]

feelslikeimspilling

Why won't you work the way I want you to?

[ The video was mostly accidently, Will laying in his bed fiddling with the buttons on his phone. Will had been trying to dial numbers from home, all to no avail. He'd tried turning it off and then on again, hoping that resetting it would give him the means of calling home... Not that he had anyone to answer but still. Failing that, he was checking the contact list every 5 minutes, just in case another name was added that he might recognize, or the possibility that his own would vanish. ]

If I take you apart and you break...

[ He sighed and the video feed cuts off for a moment. It next returns a few hours later, after having accidentally, privately called a few people only to hang up quickly after having realized he was calling. As his finger lingered wearily over the connect button, having fallen into a light sleep while trying and testing his methodical and repetitive act. His finger pressed heavy with sleep and called the network, only to show the ceiling of his apartment, the uttered mumblings of his sleeptalking. ]

I wasn't... Thinking straight... I was... Upset... Angry...

[ The feed cuts off as Will's palm enveloped the device. Until a few hours later that is.

The feed seemed to be swinging, Will still holding his phone down by his side as he walked slowly into the night. Clues of his whereabouts in the City came in small sections as the camera swayed in motion with his steps. It was dark and a thick fog seemed to roll in from out of nowhere. Then the noise began. A loud and steady siren, yet Will remained calm. A dark blur moved passed the camera of his phone, steam from the breath of a large animal puffed out the nose and directly on the screen. It was anightmareish stag that dislodged the phone from Will's hand, becoming clear to those viewing as it leaned down and gave a snort from its nose.

Will swayed in his slumber where he stood, then took to walking again, just a few feet in front of the device, he was seen barefoot and dressed in only a sweat soaked t-shirt and boxers, the stag followed close to his side as other motions and shadows from the fog began to emerge. Human-like forms with their arms bound across their chests held in place with a sheath of discolored skin, yet Will continued to sleepwalk towards them. Ash started to gather around the small lens of his phones camera, distorting the view, yet just before it was covered and the screen went a static white and gray, something else from Will's deepest, darkest dreams, scooped the phone up before dropping it suddenly, knocking it hard enough to crack the screen and switch to audio only. Will's trembling, cold, voice in the near distance, speaking out softly as the sirens continued making it harder to hear. He sounded almost as if he was coming around from his slumber, confused and tired. ]

... I brought you a gift... Then thought better of it... I had no idea you were here... Abi- !!

[ Suddenly the sound of fast movement and heavy thudding. He'd fallen? Been pushed down? Something wasn't right at all. Nothing but the sounds of labored breathing and slight grimacing. Will felt out and found his phone in the thick settling ash, holding it up to his face to use as a light. The cracked screen flickering in and out of static and feed, showing a rather disheveled and confused looking Will who had no idea he was broadcasting this whole time. ]

She was just here... Where'd...

[ The screen showed Will's face as his eyes searched the blinding darkness of blackest night and ashfall. Though he was not alone. Something was lurking behind him, just over a shoulder, just at arm's length away. ]

hippocratical

[One day in, after conversations with the guard and various others, Simon finally makes his broadcast. The man on screen is well-dressed, despite his collar being unbuttoned and sleeves rolled up to his elbows; his hair is carefully combed back, even if it looks like he did the job with his fingers. He clears his throat, and when he speaks it sounds like he's careful to modulate his voice, that of a doctor giving bad news to a patient. Diagnosis: grim.]

Ah, hello. I'm Dr. Simon Tam, one of the medical professionals at the clinic. In my previous residence, I was a trauma surgeon. I have years of medical training and am here to help in whatever ways I can with the usual injuries one acquires through violence or accident.

As I'm sure you're all aware, Fear--I'm presuming--has brought in a new kind of creature, one that appears to previously have been human. I'm reluctant to use the word 'zombie,' but that will have to do, I suppose. I want you all to know we are working on studying these zombies and trying to find what created them, whether it's a virus or something less mundane. Anyone who has had experience with beings like this in their previous worlds, please reach out to your clinic staff, any information can be helpful.

For those of you who have been wounded by one of these zombies or have had close physical contact, please report to the clinic. We may be able to help you--and if we can't, maybe we can help keep you from hurting anyone else. I'll do my best to make sure it's the former.

survivethis

[The video feed turns on, immediately following this announcement, and shows a blonde woman with light blue eyes. To say she looks strong or capable might be an understatement. She has the look of someone who's been a cop or in the military, or maybe a bit of both. She smiles a little into the camera, but the smile is thin, since there's grim business to discuss.

This is a new thing for her; visiting another world, and she's brand new here. The only benefit of such a visit would be getting away from zombies... haha.. hah..]

Hello. My name is Jill Valentine, and I'm one of the new ones here. [Introductions are generally a good way to start.] I'm also a new member of your city guard. Where I come from, I'm in an organization called the BSAA. [More like a founder.] The Bioterrorism Security Assessment Alliance. It's a world-wide organization that's trained to deal with... well, monsters. Zombies. Biological weapons.

It's my mission to protect people from things like that, and since there have been zombie sightings here recently, let me tell you what I know about them.

Now, I can't guarantee these monsters work exactly the way they do where I come from, but a few of these tips just might save your life.

[She reaches for her knife and lifts it.]

You'll want something to protect yourself. Back home, it's bullets, but I understand the armory is limited here. Luckily, zombies like these tend to be slow moving. In my world, they're created through a virus that shuts down all life systems of the body except for motor function and an unending hunger to consume flesh. If one of them bites you, it's just a matter of time before you become one of them. That's how the virus spreads. It can also spread through contaminated water, so make sure you're mindful of what you consume.

[She taps the flat of the knife against her palm and lifts it again.]

Stabbing one won't do any good. They don't feel anything. The only way to stop them is to go for the head. Once the brain has been damaged, the zombie is done for. You can also use fire. If you can't do either, go for the legs and get the hell away as fast as you can.

[As for other survival tips...]

Honestly, I'm a little worried. There's never just a few zombies. Typically, they move in groups. It can be easy to be outnumbered and overwhelmed. You can lock your doors, but enough of them can break down doors, bust through windows... there's even some viral species that can put up ladders. I would advise you to stick with a partner. Watch each other's backs. High ground is the best tactical position.

If you need help, just call on me or any of the city guard. I'm not saying you can't take care of yourself, but if you feel the need, don't hesitate, and we'll report to your location right away.

[She about wraps it up, but remembers one last thing.]

Oh, if you see one that's turning... red? Set it on fire immediately or get away from it. Once those are on their feet, they just might outrun you. Feel free to ask me any questions you might have.

mismanagement

[When the video feed starts it shows two figures standing together. It may be a familiar a sight to long term residents: Maketh and Henry at the Guard HQ.

Henry is dressed in full plate armour and mail, from gorget to sabatons: if its design looks like a god's not-quite-accurate replica of a fourteenth century harness, that's because it is. His sword is sheathed at his hip and his heater shield strapped to his back. He stands straight and proud, his expression focused. Just off to his side is a table. On the table viewers may glimpse a crossbow, an english longbow, and a collection of bolts and heavy arrows.

For her part, Maketh is dressed in her regular uniform, a hunting jacket and long pants, aggressively ironed, and a set of homemade body-armor. A rifle is slung across her shoulder and a short sword clipped to her side.]

Guard, report in. Be aware that we shall be turning on our emergency app.

[He dips his head in a curt nod of greeting as he then proceeds to address the wider audience.]

Residents of Hadriel. If you can, find a defensible position and strengthen it to withstand assault. Prioritize your safety over engagement. The Guard shall be out in force: we will patrol the streets, and dispatch force wherever we are needed. If you find that your position is swarmed, we shall send a force to clear them. We can transport supplies and provide escort. Our purpose is to risk these dangers on your behalf.

Let us know here, and one of ours shall immediately aid you. Or approach us while we are out in person. Do not hesitate.

We would especially like to hear from the clinic: how may we best assist you?

[Here Maketh steps forward, voice calm and commanding. She fully expects her advice to be followed.]

Our priority here is survival. The situation is what it is, and we will endure it just as we have endured everything else the gods have thrown at us. Do nothing foolish and it will pass as the others have. The guard will maintain fortified positions as best we can, but know that if you venture outside, we cannot guarantee your safety. Be practical and calm. If you require aid, ask for it and we will come. Protect each other and endure. We are stronger than this.

[Yet Henry is not done yet. He takes up a crossbow – the medieval kind found in the armoury – and shows it to the feed.]

There is one more thing I want to discuss. This is a crossbow. Unlike guns, they are stocked in the armoury and bolts are in good supply. Unlike bows, they require only minimal training to use and no strength or conditioning. They are good ranged weapons for those without martial skill, though one should be aware that they are comparatively slow to prepare for firing. Allow me to demonstrate how to wield one.

This is how one loads it: a simple tool known as a windlass.

[He demonstrates how to attach the windlass, crossbow held vertical and downwards facing, braced on the ground, and makes quick work of winding the pedals to draw back the string. The string soon catches on a nut which holds it taut. He removes the windlass, setting it aside, and raises the crossbow.]

Once pulled taut, the nut keeps it that way. Your first shot, at least, you may prepare in advance.

[He takes up a bolt and slots it in.]

Simply place the bolt when you are ready to fire. And here is the trigger. Point and shoot.

[He doesn't fire, however, and instead removes the bolt, before setting the whole weapon aside. That done, with considerable cynicism, he dryly adds:]

Please be responsible and aim only at that which you are prepared to kill.

[Finally, he rounds off with one last announcement.]

One of our new members, Jill Valentine, is a veteran of these... 'zombie' infestations. She will follow this message with advice for us all. Take a look, and make the most of her expertise.

[Maketh nods once.]

Stay alive, Hadriel. The tools have been provided to you. Use them wisely.

enchangement

the music is gone and with it
the small favors and familiars they brought
do you miss it?
do you miss them?
the colors were brighter
the sounds were louder
and some trick of the mind forgot
we were in a cage
or didn't and just
observed the decorations on the bars

amos_moses

[At first there is a confusion of sound, before it becomes clear it’s music: a little bit tinny from the mp3 speaker nearby, but the song has a fast tempo and a rolling rhythm. The low male vocals are smooth and light.]

[The opening picture of the video is something oddly textured and unrecognizable at first, until the jabberjay pulls its head back and examines the screen with one beady eye. It blinks, pecks the screen, then hops away, bored. The crazy angle of the screen reveals one of the tower apartments: and it belongs to Amos, as evidenced by both the bird and the fact that Amos is in the middle of the main room, dancing to the music.]

[Shirtless, he’s only wearing shorts and a pair of socks: the socks are knee-high and an eye-searing combination of neon green and electric orchid stripes. Short and close-knit, Amos is lean-muscled like a dancer or a gymnast, and he moves with the same careful and precise grace. He has a few scars scattered across his skin, visible in glimpses as he dances without restraint, joy written all over his face.]

[At first the dance moves are slower, classical training showing for those who can recognize it, ballet and ballroom. But as he warms up, Amos mixes it up, pulling from all kinds of dance: contemporary, the street hip-hop and breakdancing, the sensual steps from bars and nightclubs….and more, with martial arts kata stirred in, and tumbles and leaps from gymnastics, flexible and quick. He’s moving for the sheer unbridled joy of moving, the pure physical pleasure of throwing his whole body into expression. It’s a little wild, more than somewhat childish as Amos gives in with abandon. He delights in the push and burn of exertion: dancing is something he’s always loved.]

[He’s in constant motion until the song ends: then he staggers to a halt and flops over into a nearby pile of pillows: all brightly coloured and none of them matching. He laughs, breathless and full. Oh that had been fun!]

Hey sugar!

[Amos rolls over to sit up, hair messed in every direction, as the jabberjay calls out to him. It hops back over to the phone and pecks it. Amos bounces to his feet and over to the phone himself.]

Ain’t good to eat, leave it alone, mon choux.

How’d you turn this thing on anyways?

[Amos scoops up the phone and turns it off, oblivious to the free show he’s just given the network.]

bekommen

[Nick is infinitely more sober than the last time she appeared on the network, though the location is, perhaps unsurprisingly, the same. The only difference is that this time, Nick is standing behind the bar, not sitting at it with a drink in hand. She appears slightly uncomfortable, no doubt due to regret over her past broadcast. She clears her throat and nods at the camera.]

So if you didn't already know, I'm working at the bar now. Delight asked me to help out, and it's what I used to do back in Chicago, so.

[She shrugs. Obvious connection is obvious.]

I know I said a lot of shit last time I talked to everyone on this thing, but as I'm sure you all noticed, I was pretty fucking drunk. [She sighs, rolling her eyes, mildly irritated with herself.] I didn't mean most of it, and I'm not gonna, like, poison anyone's drink while I'm working. I also don't drink when I'm on the job, so you don't have to worry about any more dumb bullshit like before. I'm a professional, OK? Just so we got that out there. And yeah, that does mean I'll cut you off if I see you acting like an asshole.

[She reaches over to kill the feed, then remembers she has one more thing to say.]

Oh yeah - leave your fucking pets or whatever at home. I know we don't got health inspections to pass or anything, but that shit still ain't sanitary.

[There, now she's done. She hangs up, but will respond to any replies in between serving patrons of Delight's bar. Perhaps you're even one of them?]

lingeringfear

Ah... don't mind the lights. I thought they might set the mood a little.

[Fear smiles into the camera. His face is eerily lit by some type of hanging lamp above him, which seems to sway gently in the nonexistent wind. The smile is predatory, the tone is light, yet sinister.]

To all of you new humans, my name is Fear. I opened the Door, and now I've decided to stop your light that has been so generously provided to you since your arrival. For this next few days, I'd like to promote a contest: whoever can scare their fellow friends the most, be it through stories, jokes, or bodily harm- will receive a blessing from me. I'll only give out three blessings.

[There's a pause.]

-ah, and you have five days. Good luck.

[The feed shuts off there. A few minutes later, a new text post from Fear arrives on the network]

Once upon a time, there was a little boy who was afraid of death. Whenever he went out to play, he would hide in a small cave near his home and hope that none of the predators came to eat him up. One day he found a small pathway in the cave, just big enough to fit his body through. He thought he heard the thump of footsteps from outside so he forced himself into the pathway. It twisted and turned so much that light no longer shone through and he was alone in the dark- or so he thought.

He began to hear a soft thump in the wall that he was pressed against. And again. And again. And it came louder and louder, faster and faster. The boy scrambled backward, trying to get back to the surface of the cave, but when he reached the entrance, he only found another wall. In complete darkness, with the thumping sounding like a giant drum in his ears, he screamed.

Some days later, a search party finally found a trace of him when they found... a human heart, still thumping on the ground next to a crumbling rock wall!!!

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The city of Hadriel

The city of Hadriel

Entries tagged with simon tam

Video + Spam Option

[Video & Voice] cw: for mild gore

video, backdated to the 15th

[Video] also backdated to the 14th

[Video] Backdated to the 14th

one ☆ text

Three: Candid Camera?

fifth; video + action (give me a shot to remember and you can take all the pain away from me)

four ☠ video

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