REFURBISHED [Morbitia Renovarse]

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

Reader Version to Be Added Soon
 

File 1-1: The Package

 

[image description: Two people in the room. One is masked and wearing robes. Two sets of arms, one coming from the sleeves of the robe resting lazily and the rest through the chest, smaller in frame and shape, Savvy, the protagonist, is a vague humanoid muzzled furry with a bit of a melancholic expression. Their gaze shifts away from Despina, the previously mentioned robed and masked sorceress who's mask is in permanent smile.  ]


You’d spent the last hour or so pretending to sleep, the familiar footsteps of neighbors pacing in and out of their apartments flowing through your ear.  

Wasn't too long until you were given a knock on your door.. usually a good sign you spent too much time in bed. You've got a bad habit of sleeping in.

Stiff bones and tired muscles make the temptation to rest longer strong.. you shake it off regardless. Frantically fishing around the apartment for something to wear, you manage to piece things together.

Crack open the door for the sorceress, their mask smiling as always.

Despina: Finally awake..  you sleep okay?

 
Savvy: Good morning, best I could.
 
Despina: Good afternoon actually… thought you were sick…  
 
That’s the third time in a row…  most people would get the slip for that...
 
Just talk your way through this, 'Spina’s understanding enough.  
 
Savvy: I’m fine.. Promise I’ll make up for it-  
 
Despina: Make up for it?  
 
Savvy: Yeah, let me think of-  
 
Despina: Relax. You’re not being punished.  
 
Savvy: No?  
 
Despina: Course not.  
 
There was a long pause.  
 
The sorceress places a front hand directly under the lip of their smiling mask, a serious cadence betraying the face they hide behind.  
 
Savvy: Something else wrong or…?  
 
Despina: I’m concerned..  
 
Savvy: Over a little too much sleep?  
 
Despina: It’s been recurring, are you staying up late?  
 
Savvy: Not really..  
 
Despina: Honest answer. Not that I doubt you just…  
 
Savvy: You want to be sure.  
 
Despina: Mm.. hate to be intrusive but I need to-.  
 
Savvy: You’re fine, went to bed around 12 last night.  
 
Despina: I see.. We should call a doctor, get someone to evaluate you. It’s been a bit after all…  
 
Savvy: I guess.. It’s not that big a deal honestly..  
 
Despina: Maybe. Could you show me your hand?  
 
You hold out your left arm, detached and yet held together by phantom fibers that flux in their physicality. They take it gently with a frontal hand and give your palm a squeeze with their thumb.  
 
Despina: No further degradation, but hardly stable either… any pain?  
 
Savvy: Always a little, but not more than usual.
 
Despina: We'll figure out something to help manage it long term..  Going to be good for work today?  
 
Savvy: Yeah, if you got details lay them out.  
 
Despina: A delivery job. Nothing too complicated but stay safe as always..  
 
They place down a large guitar case next to your bed.  
 
Savvy: We smuggling a gun?  
 
Despina: No, but close. Don’t go opening this up in public spaces. You know how it is.  
 
Savvy: Gotcha. Metal detector safe?  
 
Despina: Not at all.  
 
Savvy: Noted.  
 
Despina: Once you leave the sanction, straight to the courier site immediately.  
 
Savvy: This a solo job?  
 
The witch shrugged at you.  
 
Despina: Maybe.. I’ll ask someone to meet you halfway. After that it’s out of my hands.   
Savvy:  I can work with that.

Despina: Wouldn't ask if you couldn't but.. you know.

The witch took a moment to pause and look round the room a little

Despina: Ah good! You've managed to get the analog radio installed!
 
Savvy: Yeah well.. kind a hassle if I'm honest.

Despina: Yes well.. it's traditional. Everyone who works in our field should know how to operate one.

Savvy: Most people got phones for that..

Despina: You don't want to be making pacts with odd devils through a phone, it's inviting them far more...

Savvy: Yeah, I know. It's been handy for my testing at least.

Despina: Mm! You have anything in mind?

They pause and take a look at the brain on your counter.

Despina: Should I be concerned?

Savvy: Guy volunteered as long as I don't break anything.

Despina: And who or where is that "guy" exactly?

Savvy: I dunno, probably chilling. It's fine, they offered.

Despina: Mm.. I'll have to check in on that then.

Savvy: I can stop.

Despina: Trust me this is tame. Just.. wasn't anticipating you to dive in so quickly to the mad science aspect of this career.

Savvy: When in Rome.. that's a place, yeah?

Despina: It is.

Despina looks over at the clock on the radio.

Savvy: Time to go?

Despina: Soon as you can. If you're unable, I can find a sub-

Savvy: Should be fine. Any last minute job details?
 
Despina: No, the less the better.  If you must, you can take a look inside the case but I can't really inform you more than that.
 
That’s… not a good sign.  
 
You were tempted to ask for more details but from experience, that’s a sign of probing and cognitohazards being something to watch out for. More common on the job than anyone liked to admit.
 
You’ve pushed through weirder...

Despina:  Also....
 
Savvy: Meds?  
 
Despina: …If you could.  Running low.
 
Savvy: I’ve seen you without them, not taking any chances. Leave things to me for today.
 
Despina: If you’re sure.. And of course you’re always welcome to opt out-  
 
Savvy: Nah. Told you I'd be fine. Want to get something done today.
 
Despina: I know..  
 
Despina reluctantly lets go of your hand.  
 
Savvy: I’ll handle it quickly, grab your meds, maybe bring home some pizza or something.  
 
Savvy:.. Does sound nice actually…  
 
Despina: Now uh.. Out of my room for a bit, yeah? Gotta shower, prep, you know.
 
Despina: Of course.  I'll see you at the lobby?

Savvy: Yeah. Soon.
 
They quickly scuttle through the door, closing it behind.  
 
You let out a noise of relief and take a moment to organize your priorities right now. Breakfast, a shower, quick visit to Huevo's...