Getting a tip (hospital)

(follows later in the afternoon of "Dry cleaners and stains" )

Kyle's stomach grumbled in between his shaking spells. He checked his watch. 'Wow, 6:30pm.' The sun was just starting to set in Nachton as Kyle decided to grab something to eat.

He had been running down tips all day to keep his mind off of drinking. The assistant district attorney's death proved interesting although he couldnt glean any more information from the coroner, Dr. Ava Kaufmann. With legs up to her eyeballs, his efforts to secure her phone number were met with cold resistance. He had heard she was dating some bigwig...or at the very least fucking him senseless. Dejected he ran down some other possible tips.

As he walked along the food corridor of The Strip, his hands went into his pockets as he decided what to eat. Kyle fingered the piece of paper in his left pocket and pulled it out.

'Ahhh,' Kyle smiled. Carol's phone number. Perfect opportunity to...then his cell phone rang. He checked the caller ID and considered not answering but thought better of it.

'Yes, Grant.'

'Got something for you,' said Grant Thorps, he's editor.

'Ooh, give give. I've had nothing but road blocks all day on that assistant DA murder.'

'Well, it's nothing more on that, but we just heard that Marthinus Steyn of Duibne Industries had a heart attack, maybe 2.'

Kyle sighed, 'What, you want me to write the obit for it? Am I getting demoted?'

'Idiot, he's a Nachton icon, benefactor and CEO of the larget pharmecutical company in the city if not the eastern seaboard. He's at Nachton Hospital, 8th floor. GO.'

'Yes, yes,' Kyle said and hung up his cell phone. The day turned into dusk as he hailed a yellow cab with a sharp whistle. It pulled up to him and he jumped in.

'Nachton Hospital,' and the yellow cab sped off.

Lastly, she pictured to herself how this same little sister of hers would, in the after-time, be herself a grown woman; and how she would keep, through all her riper years, the simple and loving heart of her childhood: and how she would gather about her other little children, and make their eyes bright and eager with many a strange tale, perhaps even with the dream of Wonderland of long ago: and how she would feel with all their simple sorrows, and find a pleasure in all their simple joys, remembering her own child-life, and the happy summer days.*

Nova rested the book on the side table and smiled down at Marthinus.

Guess maybe I'll have to get another. Sure would be nice if you would wake up and talk some; this might come as something of a shock but hell, I'm runnin' out of things to say here. Little help man? She shook her head, still smiling. Well, doctor says you're picking up. Even so, I sure as hell ain't leavin' again after what happened last time. You'll wake up when you're good and ready I guess, don't let me push you into anything.

Nova reflected for a moment on what "anything"Â? could entail, and sighed. Perhaps they had more time to make this choice, but in spite of Marthinus's encouraging progress, she had her doubts.

The Doctor had acted...strange...when he told her how her friend was faring, and she didn't like the direction of her thoughts. Reading seemed a good distraction from that, and helped her to get her mind off wondering where Simon was, and the current condition of Hillman. She had been there since just before sunrise, either raising hell in the waiting room when not permitted to see the CEO or quietly reading in Marthinus's room when she was. She guessed that the nurses and staff had figured out which Nova they would rather be dealing with, and didn't give her too much grief on the matter of visiting hours. The result of that, though, was that Nova had run out of books. She would have brought more if she were thinking straight, which she wasn't.

Hey, I'm gonna walk over to the gift shop and see if they got anything descent for us, alright? I'll be -right- back.

With that, Nova slipped quietly out of the room.

/ooc *Alice in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll

'Uh....' Said the Dr. Taylor, the nervous and aware doctor for Marthinus. He was reading over his patients blood work results in his office. It was a surprise but it wasn't. The high levels of white blood cells and sudden regeneration of his heart. Dr. Taylor rested his head on his desk.

His master must've given him vampire blood.

Dr. Taylor printed out the results and made a mental note to burn the paper copies as he deleted the results out of the computer. He'd have to cover this trail before this leaked out. There would be reporters and people trying to get into the system.

Dr. Taylor pounded his head onto his desk several times.

****

Tucking the papers into his pocket and nursing his sore forehead, Dr. Taylor set out to find Marthinus guest, Nova. He peeked into Marthinus room quickly to check his vitals.

Strong heart beat. His lips puckered. He walked back out and instructed the nurses to take Mr. Steyn off his life support, he reasoning was littered with medical jargon. The nurses looked at him blankly and then set off to their task.

Lips puckered, Dr. Taylor searched the floor and could not find Nova. The gift shop maybe, he thought to himself and pressed the down call button for the elevator.

Kyle managed to grab the elevator just as the doors were closing. Slipping inside, he adjusted the white doctor's coat he had snagged from the laundry room in the basement. It took him a few minutes to find a name tag sitting on the counter of an empty nurses station. He watched the numbers light up as he travelled upwards. Kyle thought a moment about who he was going to see.

Marthinus T. Steyn was a known familiar, probably the highest ranking familiar in his particular clan. He was still iffy about how many clans there were in Nachton, but he knew of at least 2, maybe 3. He was CEO for Duibne industries which, he had found after much toil, was linked to his family. It would appear that each generation of Steyns served in some capacity with the company name Duibne. Marthinus was important and him dying was interesting nonetheless. He'd have to check on his descendants, to see if they were moving to replace him at the helm of Duibne.

The elevator dinged and opened its door. He nearly ran into a nervous looking doctor who was charging in.

'Excuse me,' the other doctor mumbled.

'No problem,' Kyle said, stepping aside to dodge the man and exiting. Kyle made a note of his name, Taylor, as the doors closed silently. Turning around, he checked the area. The nurses station was cleared.

Too easy.

Kyle realized why as he approached the station to find Steyn's room number hopefully noted on the wall. He looked to his left and saw the bussle of nurses taking equipment out of a room. Two were pushing what he assumed was a breathing machine and the other taking some blood samples in the other direction. The floor was completely cleared. Looking again at the dry eraser board they used for noting patience, he saw that Steyn was in 801, the room the nurses had just come out of.

Kyle straighened his jacket again and walked right into Marthinus room.

'Hmm...John Grisham...no...Steven King...no, I think not...think Marthinus might be a bit beyond Goosebumps and Babysitter's Club...damn. Yeah, don't think we need The South Beach Diet.'

Nova thumbed through the rack of books, mostly paperback bestsellers, looking for something reasonably appropriate. She rejected a batch of bodice rippers completely, though she snickered at a few of the titles, and passed over the horror titles with a grimace. She finally settled on Charlie and the Chocolate factory, done up with a somewhat creepy cover based on the new movie.

She pulled her wallet out of her cargo pocket and went up to the register to pay, stopping to grab a package of bubblegum on the way. At the door chime she looked up, and set her purchases on the counter, letting the clerk ring her up while she spoke with the doctor who had just entered. Somewhere in the back of her mind she wondered if Dr. Taylor was on break or something, and maybe it was a little rude to harass him right this minute, but...eh, fuck it, it's his job.

What's the good word doc?

'What's the good word doc?'

Without a word, he shoved the papers into Nova's hand. He knew Nova was medically trained, they had enough conversations about his health in the past 24hrs to know that. He let the documents speak for themselves.

He spied the bubblegum, 'Can I get...?' and opened the bag, grabbing a piece.

Nova reached out a hand and swatted absently at the doctor's arm, missing by a mile but not really sweating it. She didn't mind sharing, even if Dr. Taylor -was- a little weird for just reaching into her bag like that. She spoke a little too loudly as she read.

Yeah go right ahead, help yourself why don't you?

Freakin' weirdo.

She paged through the paperwork, reading briskly. 'Damn. Thought he might be getting better on his own.' Nova sighed. She had, of course, known better, but it had been easier to read children's books and dream of revenge. 'Man. I hate this.'

Marthinus getting hooked to the blood was just about the last way Nova wanted to see him. She couldn't even imagine her friend reduced to that state, and didn't figure Marthinus would find it all that pleasant either. It was somehow too...undignified for the man. Better turned than this, by far.

She knew it wasn't her place to question. But damn. What was Simon thinking?

As soon as she asked herself the question, she thought she understood. Simon was very likely having a hard time facing this choice. It was easier, for the moment, to delay making it. She could sympathize, in all fairness, even if it saddened and frustrated her.

She gave a grunt, pushed the papers back into the doctor's hands, and walked off to be with Marthinus again.

That's a seriously yellow phone.

That's the the clerk was thinking as he held the yellow cell phone in his hand. It was just delievered via a courier with instructions to find this 'Nova Piestewa'.

With a whistle, the clerk picked up his phone and dialed the number for the overhead speaker. 'Paging a Nova...Pie...stew...ah?' The clerk shook his head. 'Paging a Nova Pew...stewa to the main lobby front desk, please.'

Not. That. Hard.

God.

Nova made her way at her usual fast walk to the main lobby, wondering if the page signaled another visitor for Marthinus. Once she rounded the corner, though, she could see even from a distance the reason for the call. She picked up the pace and approached the counter, grinning.

That would be mine.

She snatched the phone away from the clerk and turned it over in her hand. Her "may cause drowsiness"Â? sticker was peeling at one end and it looked like maybe the whole thing had been dropped in a puddle or something, but it was pretty much unharmed and it wasn't like Nova took especially good care of the thing to begin with.

She shrugged and checked the phone for messages. There was one waiting, from Simon.

She dialed as she passed through the double doors leading to the ambulance bay.

Simon sat in his Domicile office waiting for Nova's phone call. Her cell phone should've been delivered by now. He leaned back in his chair, his office lights off and his hazel eyes pierced the darkness. He rested one elbow on the arm of his chair and he tapped his lips with his index finger.

His sleek, new cell phone sat in the middle of his large desk. Closing his eyes, he tried to focus his mind on Nova. She was one of his last personal turns before he started to designate other lower vampires. Not as old as Ellis, it was beginning to be an issue of his blood creating abnormally stronger vampires. He was very picky about whom he turned, but there were always a few that took the new powers and immediately drew attention to themselves.

Those vampires were executed quickly.

Nova on the other hand. She warmed his heart. He knew he could trust her with Marthinus and thru her, he got to know Marthinus for the respected man he was. Marthinus was close to dying...he'd have to make a choice. 'I cannot let Ellis treat another Huntington descendant like property. Why has it suddenly come down to this day, this hour?'

Suddenly his cell phone rang. He quickled reached out and answered it.

'Nova?' He didnt wait for her answer, 'How is Marthinus?'

Frowning in an attempt to gauge Simon's current mood, Nova spoke carefully into the phone.

He is improving. Hasn't woken up yet, but the doc assures me he will soon; he's in a natural sleep now, they aren't calling him comatose anymore, and if he's not off life support machines already he will be very soon. I just saw the papers myself. Vitals are looking better, if not perfect yet. She smiled into the phone. He looks good, considering.

She chewed on the inside of her cheek, wanting to say more but feeling it best to let the good news sink in if only for a moment.

Hell, it's been a moment.

Simon...I know that -sounds- really good, and it is and all...but I would be a shitty friend to Marthinus if I didn't tell you that you two gotta use this borrowed time to make a call on what you two wanna do. Now I told Marthinus, and I'll tell you...I'm behind you, whatever you decide.

I'm sorry man. I know this is a hard choice for you, particularly this late in the game, but it's got to be done.

She stopped her pacing and braced herself for Simon's reaction. She didn't like being a hardass, especially now, but hell, Simon had asked her to stay with him knowing who she was and how she worked and she would live up to that. Simon needed honesty, and Marthinus needed someone to stick up for him.

'I'm sorry man. I know this is a hard choice for you, particularly this late in the game, but it's got to be done.'

Simon leaned forward in his chair and placed his hand where his cell phone had been sitting. He put his hand flat on the surface, then turned it over to look at his palm. His features had not changed in hundreds of years. Was he ready to inflict this kind of sentence on someone close to him? His flesh and blood?

Softly he said, 'I know, Nova.' He tucked his hand back, hanging it off the desk in front of him. 'Ellis has made it quite clear that she has no plans to turn him. Jacob is on his way to assume Marthinus' position.'

Simon recalled the hate in him as Ellis, in no uncertain terms, claimed Marthinus' life as her property. Again he closed his eyes, trying to focus.

'I have been told that this is not my choice to make.'

Nova winced, and took a steadying breath before further treading dangerous ground. She deliberately slowed her speaking as she raised her volume.

Simon. I'm going to say this once more.

Whatever -you- and -Marthinus- decide. I'm with you.

Got that?

She was way out of line and she knew it, and her creator had every right to lay the smack down for what she had just said. But if he had intended to go along with Ellis's wishes, why bother with the vampire blood?

Damn good thing this talk is over the phone.

She bit her cheek again, and decided it would probably be good to shut up now.

She wondered vaguely if she had a death wish.

Look, just...for God's sake, don't dick around with this. You're only making it harder on both of you by yo-yoing with his health, it's not fair to Marthinus and it's not fair to you either.

Just this once, you've got the time you need.

Simon's forehead crinkled. 'What are you talking about? Yo-yoing with his health?' He stood now, 'Is there something going on?'

He was frantic now, but confused. He was doing well but he had two heart attacks. Why was that bad, he was doing well now. Simon's jaw gaped open.

'Was he given something, Nova? Is someone using Eternity on him?'

Oh dear god. Not Eternity. Who would give him Eternity? That would prolong his life and in fact regenerate him tremendously but too much of it would make him hopelessly addicted and not near the man he once was. Would Ellis? No, why would she? She could care less about my feelings about a member of his family. Oh god...how much had he been given already? Simon thought frantically to himself.

He broke out into a cold sweat as he waited for Nova to answer.

Kyle squinted his eyes and cursed himself for not getting his vision checked in the past 2 years. God damn small print, he thought to himself.

He tabbed thru Steyn's overall condition and saw that he was improving. Recent lab results indicated that he would be fine off the life support. He tabbed back to read the lab results.

Deleted by Dr. R Taylor.

Taylor. Kyle looked up, confused. Why is this name familiar? Suddenly he snapped his fingers. The doctor coming into the elevator when he came out. 'I have to talk to him.'

He looked back and read over the exisiting lab results. They were all grim looking, his systems slowly down and having to be carried by the life support, but now...he was sleeping, albeit deeply. Kyle took a step closer to Steyn. He looked incredible for his age. Fifty something?

Curious, Kyle thought.

Nova hesitated, confused and suddenly not knowing what to say.

Uh...yeah?

Oh, brilliant thing to say. Still...it was pretty obvious Simon had no idea Eternity had been used.

I mean, I don't have photographic evidence or anything, but the charts indicated either Eternity or an act of God. And...fuck, don't think I don't see the appeal of holding onto him a while longer while you guys make up your minds...but...shit, what's going on? If you didn't give it to him, and I sure as hell didn't, who did?

Nova frowned.

I was operating from the assumption that the person who did this, er, you to be specific, had Marthinus's best interests at heart.

Now I'm not so sure.

'Well who else could it be? Who else knows that he's been admitted?' Simon thought back, the list was short. Carol? No, she wouldnt dare risk Ellis' wrath. Alafrinn and Thaddeus? Why would they, to help me maybe? Nova, myself and...

'Jacob. His son. He must've had someone do it.' He ran his fingers thru his hair. 'It had to have been during the day? When is Marthinus left alone?' Nova was there but she had to be outside or near the exit. That could only mean that he was alone right now.

'Go, Nova. I'll find out what I can.'

Though very confused, Nova caught Simon's meaning and snapped her phone closed, walking back into the hospital briskly.

So it wasn't anyone malicious...just a stupid kid who didn't know what he was playing with and only knew his daddy was dying. She found herself sort of hoping Simon wasn't too hard on him...but she was far more concerned with making sure this sort of thing didn't happen again.

She waited about ten seconds for the elevator before giving up in a fit of impatience and taking the stairs two at a time all the way up. She flung the stairwell door open, nearly collided with the nurse's station, and slowed down just as she reached Marthinus's door, which she opened much more gently and quietly in spite of the fact that she had made more noise than a herd of elephants just outside.

She forgot her efforts at quiet at the sight of a stranger in the room, at the computer station.

Who the fuck are you? She approached the man, glaring. What did you do to him?

She turned to regard Marthinus, taking in the sudden lack of life support machines.

You're not supposed to be here. This is Dr. Taylor's patient. Who sent you?

'His name is Kyle Evans and he's a reporter from the Times.'

Marthinus had expected his voice to be much weaker. He felt fine, much to his amazement. The pain in his chest was gone and except for some lingering soreness, he was able to sit himself up in bed to look at his loud visitors.

'Mr. Evans here is a conspiracy theorist, our city's finest, Nova.' He sat full up and his posture was as keen as ever. He straightened his dishelved gown, trying to look respectable and somehow...Marthinus T. Steyn achieved it. Marthinus continued his introduction of Evans. 'He also believes in vampires, Nova.'

He paused, giving Evans a rigid smile. 'Imagine that.'

Kyle took a step back, looking for a quick escape as the well built woman came in and demanded to know who he was and who sent him. He had begun to reply when Steyn did it for him.

'Imagine that,' said Steyn.

Kyle's jaw dropped as he watched Steyn sit up without any help and properly introduce him. He pointed at the supposedly bed ridden man, 'You...' he shook his head, taking a step closer to Marthinus.

'You're part of them, aren't you?' He waggled his finger, accusing Marthinus. 'You're a familiar, I knew it.' Then he pointed a finger towards Nova and his face became sad. 'How...did you do something to him? That computer's earlier tests results say he should be dead by now.'

Kyle circled the foot of the bed and approached Nova, looking at her. Suddenly he lowered himself to look at her eye level, then peered at her mouth. He imagined he looked like an idiot but he knew they would know what he was looking for on Nova.

'Where are they? Show them to me.' He straightened and again pointed a finger at Marthinus but addressed Nova. 'I know he's not, but I know you are. The fangs, show them to me.'

Kyle half pleaded with her. This was potentially the closest he had ever been to a high ranking familiar, much less a vampire. He couldnt tell exactly if the woman was one but they wouldnt leave a human to guard their CEO. He had to know he wasn't as crazy as everyone said he was.

Nova's heart leapt in her chest at the sound of Marthinus's voice, and she could not help but be elated at the sight of her friend sitting up, speaking clearly, simply being...

Marthinus. You're awake.

Then his words registered. A reporter? Here? Why of all the bottom feeding low life scum sucking bastard pieces of...she forced herself to snort at the suggestion of vampires, though she sounded less amused and more like an angry bull about to charge.

She took a step forward, her gaze menacing, when Kyle's wild accusations made her stop in her tracks. She shot Marthinus a look of denial before the reporter focused his attentions on her.

Her arm twitched, but she spoke quietly.

You will refrain from pointing that finger at Mr. Steyn or I swear to God you will not get it back.

Get. The fuck. Out.

Between the invasion of Marthinus's privacy, the malicious accusations, and the purely idiotic behavior of the man in front of her, Nova's blood was boiling.

She reflected that it was a good thing for Mr. Evans that they were in a hospital.

Marthinus smiled and put his hand up. 'No no, Nova. I've always wanted to speak to Mr. Evans.' He watched the taller man. Evans was slightly pale but his eyes are alert. Marthinus looked down at his hands.

They were shaking.

Marthinus had decided that either Mr. Evans knew what kind trouble he just walked into or...he was an alcoholic on the wagon. He had seen many famliar go thru the agony of alcoholism. Either to take the edge off of their Eternity addiction or their guilty conscience of selling their soul.

'Tell me, is it true, what they say about you and your theories?'

Kyle gave Marthinus a hard stare.

'Is it true,' Marthinus began, 'that the liquor makes the theories easier to write?'

'I see you have not remembered what the right thing is yet, Marthinus.' The hair on the back of Marthinus neck stood on end as he recalled the voice of Dr. Oliver, his philosophy teacher. He suddenly remembered his dreams. His eyebrows furrowed as he heard himself speak coldly to Evans. In his mind he wept silently.

The right thing would be too painful, he knew this, but being the man he should be meant weathering even the darkest of nights and the worst evil. Evil that had watery green eyes and the devil as her slave.

The right thing frightened him to the core.

'Is it true,' Marthinus began, 'that the liquor makes the theories easier to write?'

Kyle knew this type of shame well. He clenched his hands when he realized they were shaking again and it wasn't out of fear. He was now going on about 48 hours of no drinking and now with being caught between the proverbial rock and a hard place, it was only making his need for it more intense.

'Low blow, Mr. Steyn,' he managed to say. He faced Steyn, shoulders back, trying to scrape up what dignity he had left. 'Explain to me how a 50 something year old man who's suffered 2 heart attacks and was in need of at least a double bypass if not a new heart, is sitting up in his bed looking peachy fucking keen?'

Kyle looked at Nova. 'And nice attitude, sister. If you didnt do something to him, then some other vampire must have because NO ONE recovers from that type of heart damage in 24 hours.' He was on a roll now, considering he would either walk out of this alive and into another embarassing news article over his accusations of a CEO being a familiar and labeled a crazy or he'd end up dead. Why not bring out the big guns?

'Why is Duibne Industries be lobbying for blood cloning, I wonder?' He walked up to Marthinus and smiled, 'It doesn't take a sober man to know that Duibne will have the market on synthesized blood and I'm certainly not stupid enough to believe that you healed on your own. I'm just stupid enough to hide the stark reality with alcohol.'

Kyle took off the doctor's coat and put it on Marthinus bed. He straightened his jacket and waited.

Nova raised one eyebrow at Marthinus, concerned that he may not be feeling up to the stress of putting up with fools, but figured he was a big boy and could make up his own mind on that. She really would have preferred the reporter left the room so she could explain about the Eternity and his son and Simon; he was probably wondering what was happening to him, and in any case they needed to talk, soon. Not to mention the fact that this Evans jackass pissed her off enough to start swinging.

Instead of hitting him, though, she took satisfaction in imagining with relish what she would do to the reporter should Marthinus give the slightest indication. She crossed her arms and did her best to project her violent thoughts with a nasty glare. Though she had to admit that the CEO was delivering the verbal beat down pretty well on his own.

Her snort at the attitude comment was slightly more amused this time around. Yeah, that about sums it up.

Seeing as how her friend had pretty much asked her to ease off a bit, she thought it best to speak to Marthinus rather than Mr. Evans. It was just a little too tempting to hit him when she looked at him for too long.

He's awful cocky for someone this close to losing an appendage. She held out her thumb and forefinger, spaced an inch apart. Yeah, 'Doctor' Evans knows sooooo much, doesn't he?She snorted again and muttered to herself. Vampires. Well he certainly is creative.

Jan wandered through the hospital dodging nurses and patients with half his attention, the other half of it focused on the piece of napkin with his hastily scrawled room number and hospital name.

He had stopped off at the bookstore in the mall for the requested books and had three of them under his arm. Jan smirked, Nova might not approve of his choices but you take into account the messenger when you do these things.

The assurance was that Marthinus was doing better, though better than nearly dead still didn't sound good to him. Jan wondered how Simon was holding up, His creator was normally a calm man and the thoughts of him being in a panic was frightening to him. In a way, he relied on Simon to the voice of calm reason among the Tacharan so that was part of Jan's unease and the other part was that someone that put together was likely to break in some massively destructive manner. The guy must be going through hell. Hopefully Nova could tell him how Simon was also when he got there.

Finding the right number and checking the name on the wall, Jan pushed the door open and looked inside. He didn't know who the strange man was but he'd seen that look on his sister's face before and wondered if the man knew how close he was to getting his ass kicked.

"We having a party here?" Jan sauntered into the room and headed to Marthinus's bedside. Smiling down at him, He reached out a hand and gave the other man's a gentle squeeze.

"Good to see you're still around to make things work right around here, Marty, It'd go to hell and hand basket without you."

Turning around, he handed the books to Nova and then let his attention fall on the stranger.

"Did I hear someone say something about vampires?" Smirking, he said in a cheesy Transelvanian movie accent. " I'm a creature of the night." Jan widened his eyes melodramatically and grinned, showing fangs.

Oh great, what now?

Nova's hackles were up, and in that state she tended to notice little things like footsteps approaching the door. She tensed, but immediately relaxed at the familiar sight that greeted her.

Hey, you made it!

She pulled Jan into a rough one armed hug before snatching the bag from his hand.

Thanks bro! Whadya bring? She rummaged through the bag and read the covers on the books one by one.

Last of the Mohicans, Indian in the Cupboard...I'm sensing a theme here...She looked up at Jan, trying to keep a straight face. Man...that's just -wrong-. She broke into laughter halfway through the statement. Lemmie just go get some live rattlesnakes and face paint, we'll have ourselves a -real- party then. Oooh, Treasure Island, I love this book!

She quieted down as Jan extended his greetings to Marthinus, still shaking her head in amused disbelief at her brother's nerve. He was a good sort though. One could almost believe their sibling relationship originated in their human lives if not for the obvious physical differences. Plus it was still confusing as hell to remember she was looking at her -older- brother.

He's got you there, Marthinus. Though don't let him worry you. I think your -son- has things -well in hand- while you recover.

She let that statement carry what weight it could with Evans standing around listening to everything they said.

Grinning at Jan, she picked up on his act, though she would freely admit that her accent was pretty terrible. She wiggled her fingers in the air and approached Jan, still smiling.

I'm going to bite your neck and drink your bloooood!

She cut it out after a moment and jerked her head in Evans's direction.

Naw, Mr. Fake Doctor Hack Reporter Evans here thinks vampires are for real, we better not give him any ideas. She gave an exaggerated roll of her eyes.

Kyle watched with a bored stare as the woman Marthinus called Nova and this younger 'vampire' cut it up at his expense. Oh well, he thought. Might as well make it interesting.

He looked around and found what he wanted. One of the hospitals attempts at decoration was sitting on a table next to him. It was a glass ball with bubbles of air floating in it. Probably the size of a softball but 50 times as heavy. Kyle took a step back and put his hand on it.

'Yeah, I get it. I'm the crazy one,' he mumbled thru a forced laugh and heaved the glass ball as hard and as fast as he could at Nova.

What the f...

That was about all Nova had time to think before reaching around to the back of Jan's neck and pulling him down to the floor with her. She heard a loud thunk as the flying object soared over their heads and crashed into the wall, landing on the floor with a crack, but by that point she was seeing red.

Somewhere in the back of her mind she thanked her perception for catching that little stunt, but she was mostly focused on lunging at Evans, grabbing him in a choke hold and kicking the little table aside to pin him to the wall.

Anyone want to give me one good reason I shouldn't tear this fucker's throat out?

Her mind caught up with her body as her nostrils flared in anger. She hoped she hadn't hurt Jan when she had pulled him to the floor...and then realized that in her eagerness to make sure her brother didn't get hit, she had forgotten one simple fact.

She probably should have caught that.

/ooc permission to move Jan and Kyle.

Kyle often wondered what it was like to die. He did not consider it good luck to be experiencing it now.

He clawed at Nova's hand, trying to pull her hands away but they were like steel. He was not surprised. It all happened very fast. Kyle is fairly certain that Nova could've caught the ball and actually anticipated that she would. Instead she moved her and the kid out of the way and in the time it took for Kyle to blink, had him up against the wall. He began to laugh.

Nova relaxed her grip on Kyle just enough for him to take a breath and say something.

'Nice....reflexes...'

((permission to move nova))

Seeing that Evans was actually taking her half rhetorical question literally, she lightened up just enough to allow him to speak before grunting in response and slamming him back into the wall, hard. She kicked his feet apart enough to put one knee between his, then lifted the reporter a couple of inches off the ground by his neck.

She was close enough to feel his breathing, and reminded herself to do the same, as she leaned forward tilting her head up to speak in his ear.

Are you sure you want those to be your last words, Mr. Evans? You're crazy alright.

But so am I.

/ooc permission to move our poor reporter friend :(

Marthinus liked Kyle. It took some moxy to actually throw that globe and be so sure it wouldnt hit her. Granted in a blink of an eye, he was up against the wall, feet dangling. Nova was not mincing words with Kyle at the moment. Marthinus figured he should stop Nova from breaking the man's neck.

'Nova, I think Mr. Evans has proven his point. Although I'm not sure what he thinks he'll be able to do with this bit of information since being right does not provide body armor.'

Marthinus knew that no one would believe Evans even if he reported this, but why would someone go to great lengths to be right when it meant being dead as well? Curious.

Nova took in Marthinus's words, feeling her quick temper cool, but her stare did not leave Evans. She smirked and looked down at her conveniently placed knee.

I dunno about that, Marthinus. I might just break my knee on the cajones this guy's got. She met Evan's eyes once more. What're they made of, steel?

With that, she abruptly released her hold and stepped back, watching him warily.

She made a mental note to ask Marthinus later if her temper was worse than usual. It was quite possibly a side effect of the Starbursts, and she realized with a start that even if she didn't -feel- hungry, the drugs might be suppressing her appetite without actually benefiting her as much as she had believed. It was hard to tell, being under this much stress.

I was totally provoked just then. Right? Right. Still, this test run might be a wash.

/ooc permission to drop Kyle and let him land as he may.

Jan had gotten himself to his knees and then decided what the hell, he was missing the show. Leaning against the side of the bed railing, he propped himself up to watch as Nova dangled the guy off the floor.

"Knew he was going to get his ass kicked."

Marthinus called her off though, such a shame, if ever a man deserved a beating this one had it coming. Nova had called him a fake doctor and a reporter, so this guy obviously wasn't supposed to be here and he was messing with Marthinus and trying to give people hell about vampires at a time like this? That's grounds for draining him dry right here. Then he had the gall to throw something at them

"Aww come on, Let her have him. He deserves it and its entertaining, far better than Treasure Island and you can't even find shows this good on cable."

With a resounding THUMP, Kyle hit the ground coughing, fighting for air. What the hell was he trying to do here? He closed his eyes and forced himself to breath slowly as he cleared his throat with violent coughs.

Being right had been the holy grail for him for years. As he sat on the cold hospital floor, he had it finally. Well, he thought, no one had come out and admitted it, but Nova's speed wasn't human...or her strength. Kyle was 6'2 and at least 200 pounds, outweighing her by at least 50 pounds.

No, that wasn't human.

He reached up and grabbed the foot of the bed, pulling himself up painfully. 'Honestly? Yes, I know no one will believe me, Mr. Steyn.' Kyle tried, unsuccessfully, to smooth out his crumpled suit. His face was red and every 5 seconds he cleared his dry throat. 'When being right is all I have, it's worth the price of my dignity.'

When Kyle walked out...if Kyle walked out...he would go home, eat a rack of lamb and then email his report on Mr. Steyn. Recovering and doing well, he'd say. No one would believe the rest so there'd be no point. He sighed and looked at Steyn.

'I can look at my life and have no regrets, Mr. Steyn.' He paused a second and shrugged, 'Well ok I regret being a hardcore alcoholic, but other than that...I'm good.' He brushed his sleeves and pulled his jacket down.

'Can you say the same, sir?

Marthinus considered how much of the truth he wanted to share with Evans. This reporter was already walking on a dark path on borrowed time. Tacharan knew exactly who Kyle Evans was and events that led up to his quest to uncover the vampire conspiracy. Marthinus could easily have Evans found face down in the gutter, smelling of whiskey, dead from his over boozing.

Whether that was true or not.

Marthinus, however, was trying to remember what the right thing was. The right thing Dr. Oliver had suggested he should find. Did he want to find that missing holy grail?

He knew exactly what happened to him. It was Jacob that had sent someone into his room and given him the Eternity. It wouldn't have been Simon, but he had been here. He felt him here and felt his rage. Comas have a way of giving you nothing to do but listen. Marthinus would have to talk to Jacob and thank him for giving him another chance to do the right thing. Recognizing that right thing that his son had obviously already done.

The Tacharan reign over the Huntington clan was coming to a close.

'Can I say that my life will be a legacy to my family and era?' Marthinus shook his head. 'No, Mr. Evans. It has not...but I aim to change that.'

Marthinus lifted his hand in the air and waved it slightly. 'Change is coming, Mr. Evans and if I can have your assurance that you will put your quest on hold, I'll give you a story worth dying for.'

Nova was fairly close to flying off the handle yet again when Evans decided to make his little speech, but was stayed by Marthinus's next statement.

Marthinus, you are one of the finest men I have ever known. Whatever else happens, know that much at least.

And you, she turned to glare at Evans, are a weasely little dick that doesn't deserve to be in the same room with him, so you can take your thoughts on regrets and shove them up your ass.

She lowered her voice, muttering darkly.

Still say the bastard needs to die. Or at least lose a limb.

Not that Nova had any intention of just letting Evans go. Simon would be getting a phone call about that menace, and no doubt the reporter would be tailed from here on out.

Because god help him if she ever encountered him alone.

What person with any shred of decency asks a man who has been in critical condition and still laying in the hospital bed if he has any regrets? Jan didn't think you got much closer to death and still remained aware of it. Marthinus has likely had plenty of time to think of all things he hadn't done, should have done, and might never have a chance to do without some jackass bringing it up.

Tilting his head to the side,Jan regarded Mr. Evans.

"You know, I don't know who you are or how you got in here but it obviously wasn't on brain power or your empathic way with people because that was about the shitiest thing I've heard someone utter in a long time."

Jan stood brushing the dust off his black jeans and grinned at Nova's suggestions.

"You know I think I could help with that. He's a writer, right? Leftie or a Rightie?"

He stared at the ceiling a moment looking thoughtful.

"Hmm, as I doubt you'd tell us the truth, probably best to just take both. You must have been real charming from the start to make her this mad, you know. As a reporter you might want to work on your people skills. "

"As a reporter you might want to work on your people skills."

Kyle looked at the younger man. 'Yeah, I get that a lot.' He turned to Marthinus.

'You have my word, Marthinus, but mostly because my conspiracy theories aren't raking in the monies as of late. So, unless someone else wanted to threaten my life one more time,' he looked at Nova and on a whim, gave her a quick wink. 'I'll be on my way.'

Kyle headed to the door and opened it. 'Maybe later you can tell me if being a familiar is worth it Mr. Steyn.' He gave a final look at his lovely audience and took his leave.

((Kyle out, pending responses.))

Nova pulled back her upper lip and snarled in response to the wink.

You're even stupider than you look if you think I won't take great pleasure in backing up that threat. And contrary to popular belief, I don't need an invitation to fuck you up where you live. You're alive because Marthinus is a decent human being, you'd do well to remember that.

I myself don't so much trouble over decency.

She looked to Jan, still irritated.

Stick around a minute, alright? I got a phone call to make.

She turned to Marthinus. I don't trust that idiot's word any further than I can throw him. She took a moment to reflect on just how far a distance that might be, smirking at the mental image of Evans flying through the air and bouncing on pavement. Not even that far.

With that, she unclipped her mobile from her beltloop and headed out the door. Evans must have made a quick escape in spite of his bravado; he was nowhere in sight.

Jan turned away from Evans and found himself a chair.

"Don't let the door hit your ass on the way out."

He reached over and picked up the first book off the top of the stack. Last of the Mohicans...good book. Flipping open the pages,Jan thumbed through it, not that he planned on reading or anything,it was simply something to do.

Answering Nova's request, He said.

"Sure thing."

Looking back at Marthinus, he asked.

"So... got the -good- channels on that box?" He winked and looked up at the TV "I haven't had a chance to sit down and watch cartoons in ages."

Marthinus watched Evans go. The anger was thick in the air and he could not help notice a good portion of it left with Nova. Her swift actions towards the reporter were impressive but disconcerting. He wondered if Nova was aware of it as well.

Turning to look at Jan, Marthinus smiled. Another one of Simon's children. 'Very good to see you again, Jan.' Jan was so young and a very handsome man. Bit wild but a very good heart.

Speaking of which, Marthinus looked down at his hands and flexed them. He felt much better. Unnaturally so. He did not feel the prickly sensation of addiction from Eternity so he assumed he had only been given a big enough dose to help his ailed heart. Duibne would have to spin the story correctly.

CEO of Duibne Industries collaspes, stress related. Over night stay. Something like that. The computer files would have to be taken care of as well. Marthinus rubbed his face. The stubble was beginning to make him itch. He must look like a fright.

Again he addressed Jan, 'So how goes it, young Jan? Staying out of trouble, are we?' Marthinus knew better. Jan was tameless soul, one of Simon's more interesting turns. Some day he would have to ask Simon about why he does the things he does.

Some day soon, hopefully.

Carol was watching porn. Ok, well it wasn't really porn, persay. Two of the Tacharan vamps had discovered each other. Ok, it wasn't really home, persay.

She watched the male and female vampires make out in the elevator doing some rather circus style positions.

'Ok, they MUST have agility.' Carol tilted her had to the side as she watched the wall monitor. She almost fell out of her chair trying to watch the couple in their upside down trist when her desk phone rang.

'Fuck,' she mumbled and reached back for the phone, but kept her eyes on the monitor. 'Carol here, what the fuck, I'm watching porn. Who is this?' She knew it wasn't Ellis or Simon, they had her cell phone. It had to be another Tacharan.

Jan waived a hand in dismissal and made a face. "Oh, -absolutely-, I'm a saint, Marthinus, you know me. I never cause trouble."

He grinned then and thought back to his latest nights out trying to think of anything of interest.

"I met a couple of Anantya earlier tonight. One was a music lover, redeemable quality there. She was also in the House of Pain so perhaps there is hope for the fossils. The other was a large man who didn't say much, might have been too much work.. I don't know. They seemed to have issues with each other."

Jan shrugged. "A while back I met an Evenhet in Club Eternity, he seemed decent enough though I'm not sure what he was up to... heard him speaking to someone that wasn't me, unless he was talking muttering answers to himself. I thought he was wired and it was a possible set up so I lit out of there."

"So what about you? Aside from the unscheduled visit to the large Doc in a box?"

Weird girl. Well, guess we all gotta do somethin' with our free time.

It's Nova. Listen, we got a problem here at the Hospital; some motherfucker came in and started causing trouble. He's a reporter an' seems to think he knows an awful lot about Marthinus. Trouble is he's right. Claims he'll keep mum at Marthinus's request but I'm not so sure.

Think you might be able to see your way to getting a tail on him, make sure he doesn't try any bullshit? He started a fight with me, and you know I woulda finished it but for Marthinus saying to back off.

His name is Kyle Evans, reports for the Times.

She realized that Carol might actually want to answer at some point, and so refrained from elaborating on the bastard's disposition.

'NOVA!' Carol yelled into the phone happily. 'Darlin' how are you settling in? What can I get you? What's up? What's wrong? Is something wrong? What happened?' Her demeanor went from deliriously happy to forlorn and sad. Carol was a woman of many bi-polar moments.

She had the forsight to stop and let the other woman answer.

Nova took a deep breath. Did anything she just said scan? Maybe she should slow down.

Well what with Marthinus being sick and all...haven't had much time to settle back in, honestly. And this Evans guy...yeah, he's causing some problems. Coming up to Marthinus's room, upsetting him, throwing stuff at me...he's trouble, Carol, needs to be watched.

I was just wondering if you might have someone up to that task.

She frowned at the sound of sirens and walked further along the curb just as two doctors rushed out the sliding glass doors.

Carol started to type at her computer. There was already information on this Kyle Evans. 'Yeah, we've had a tail on him off and on actually. Oh I've heard of this guy, he's that reporter from the...' Carol's voice trailed off as she scrolled down to the picture of Kyle Evans.

'...Oh. Hmm.' It was tall, dark and sweaty from the dry cleaners. The honey dew blonde smiled and tapped her lips with her fingernail.

'Yes, Nova. I can put a tail on him immediately.' She leaned back in her chair, her office filled with the sounds of humping vampire screeches of passion. 'I'll see to it personally.'

Nova smiled in relief.

Thanks so much Carol...one less thing to think about. Though do give me a call if he needs to be...taken care of. I wouldn't mind finishing what he started in there.

Anyways, I better get back inside. Supposed to be keeping an eye on Marthinus and all.

With that, Nova snapped the phone shut and hooked it back to her belt loop. She watched as the paramedics and doctors pulled an obviously injured patient out of the back of the ambulance and rolled him through the doors before following herself.

She took the stairs back up, but only one at a time. Now that that mess was over, at least for the time being, she was back to thinking about Marthinus's choice, and wondering if she could draw any conclusions from what he said to Evans.

Well, one way to find out.

"So what about you? Aside from the unscheduled visit to the large Doc in a box?"

'Oh,' Marthinus started thoughtfully, 'well...the usual. Blood, murder, mayhem. All business, I'm afraid. I am considering taking a break.' He chuckled.

'Golf maybe.' He sighed. 'Yes, I should like to golf again.' His family home back in South Africa had a golf course nearby. It was quite high born to have a private golf course. 'I used to golf as a teenager. We were quite lucky to have so many riches and luxuries growing up.'

He recalled his benefactor visiting him in his childhood, checking him over like a piece of meat or...invested property. Yes, property. Lucky him, Marthin thought darkly.

'Yes, lucky me.'

'Mr. Steyn?'

Marthinus had not noticed his doctor open his door.

'Mr. Steyn, you're free to leave, if you wish. Your stay here has been...taken care of, per your company.'

Ahh, Marthinus thought, the good Dr. Taylor had been debriefed, so to speak.

'A miss Carol Hedley has called and your car is enroute to collect you.'

'Thank you, Dr. Taylor,' Marthinus put his hand over his heart and gave the doctor a smile. He watched the doctor bow nervously and backed out of the room. He would have to remember to have the doctor handsome rewarded for his patience and ability to keep things quiet. Speaking of which, Marthinus wondered how Mr. Evans was fairing, especially his column that will no doubt come out in the morning.

Marthinus did the only thing he could do during his search for the 'right thing'. He watched cartoons with Jan until Nova returned.

Nova scowled suspiciously at the doctor as he slipped out of Marthinus's room, deliberately knocking into his shoulder a little as she passed. She opened the door quietly to see two of her favorite guys watching cartoons together.

In a rare moment of sentiment, she reflected that it was kinda cute. Funny that no one would guess that the one who looked like a kid was the oldest in the trio, and she the youngest.

And all kids at heart, to some extent. She tried to picture Marthinus as a kid, and snorted. But who could say? Maybe Marthinus was a little hell raiser back in the day.

Doc wasn't giving you any problems, was he? She peered over at the television. What're you guys watching?

Jan looked over at Marthinus and smiled sadly.

"I think a break is a good idea. Let the old gal do her own dirty work for a bit, she enjoys it enough. We can hang out.. go to some clubs, dance and party.. you'll be stress free in no time. "

He chuckled at the idea of Marthinus dancing and drinking at the House of Pain though stranger things had happened, several Anantya were there just tonight. Amazing!

"Golf sounds better than stick ball which is what I played as kid. Nothing like hitting it into a merchant's cart and getting chased through the streets, of course that -was- part of the excitement."

Jan smiled at the remembered game, it was rare that he had time to play anything as kid, mostly he was doing what he could to make money to eat because he certainly couldn't count on his mother for food. He was lucky she fed him until he was old enough to walk. Jan could pick pockets like a pro at the age of 5 but when he started working as a messenger and started taking care of horses he knew he wanted something better, Jan wanted to be one of the ones riding the horses and drinking at the taverns, not the one mucking a stall or crawling under tables to cut loose a few purse strings.

They found the rare treat of some of the older cartoons and were busy watching tv when Nova came back into the room.

Turning at her question, Jan replied.

"Only the best, The Coyote and Road Runner. I always felt sorry for the poor guy though, you'd think he'd get a chance to catch it just once. A talking coyote has got to be smarter than a silly bird that just meeps, right?"

Jan gestured to the other chair and said. "Marthinus was thinking of taking a break and we were discussing what kind of wild parties to throw. You want to help?"

Marthinus smiled at Nova, 'No the Dr. Taylor was bringing good news. Apparently, my heart attack was a horrible rumor that was leaked.' He winked and swung his legs slowly over the side of the bed. He expected it to be sore or experience some pain, but there was none. Still, he cautiously stepped onto the cold hospital floor.

'A car has been sent, we should leave quietly now.' He walked over to the dresser and pulled open a drawer, finding his clothes. Gathering them up, he exited to the private bathroom. He dressed quickly and considered not tying his tie, but then he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror.

If he didnt know any better, he would say the drug took about 5 years off the wrinkles on his skin. He could see how addictive the regenerative properties of the drug would be mentally, not just physically. Who wouldnt want the fountain of youth in a bottle?

That made him pause. How long would the drug keep his ailing heart at bay? They had researched this drug inside and out. He knew it was only a matter of time before his heart failed again. The drug had a built in return service guarantee. Marthinus began manuevering his tie into a Windsor knot. When that day came, would he take the drug again or just let death happen naturally?

He did not consider the alternative.

Splashing some cold water onto his face, he opened the bathroom door.

Nova snorted at the television. Apparently even vampires half a millennium old could still appreciate good old fashioned entertainment. She wondered what sort of things would be amusing to her when she got to that age.

Stupid coyote.

She grinned at the news and began stuffing the various books and accumulated scraps of paper and oddities into the shopping bag Jan had brought with him. After a moment's consideration, she opened up the various drawers and cabinets and threw in whatever miscellaneous medical crap she could find as well. It would be good to get Marthinus home, where choices could be made in privacy, though part of her worried that the matter would lose its urgency.

She would just have to make sure that didn't happen.

Bet you can't -wait- to get out of here. And yeah, welcome home party for sure!

She watched Marthinus exit quietly to dress, and turned to Jan.

Man...I didn't know if I'd be seeing him up and about again after he collapsed like that. Don't mind admitting he gave me a bad scare. Gave us all a fright, Pops was just...I've never seen him like that. She untied her ponytail and gathered up the loose strands before pulling it back once more. Sure is good to see him walking and talking again.

Thanks for coming, really. She smirked. Hope the entertainment value was worth it, even if Evans didn't end up in quite the condition I would have liked.

Thinking about Evans still grated on her nerves, and she took a moment to ponder exactly what state she would have liked to send the reporter out of the room in before Marthinus returned. She clapped her hands together.

Alright, let's roll!

Jan looked over at Nova and flipped off the tv.

"Yeah, no doubt he was worried something fierce. You know how he loves his family. Not having one save you guys, I have to say that I both understand and I don't, you know? I know I'd be pretty out there if something happened to him and he isn't my birthfather. Some people say that matters and some people say it doesn't."

He shrugged and stood.

"Yeah, well I think Evans better watch himself. Any rumors starting to fly about what happened here and we'll know who started them. His life won't even be worth the birth certificate his doctor printed out for him but you slamming him up against the wall was fun to see."

Jan smirked at his sister and began to help her get things cleaned up.

Turning to Marthinus as he came back in, he said.

"So what would you like to do now?"

'I should like to go home.' Marthinus rubbed his bald head wearily. 'There are things that need to be tended to concerning our missing property.'

Grabbing his jacket out of the small closet in the room, Marthinus opened the door for his companions.

((Marthinus out pending responses))

Nova grinned smugly, pleased that at least Jan had seen the humor in her antics. She also held the opinion that maybe Jan understood the whole family thing better than he thought, though she kept that to herself.

She nodded her head grimly at the mention of 'missing property', though she kept her disposition cheerful enough at the thought of getting her friend home. She shook her head at the sight of the CEO holding the door open for them, still not quite believing how well he had bounced back to being the same old Marthinus.

Ah, back to business then. But you are -so- taking a nice break the very minute you can.

She held out one arm for Marthinus, the other, with the shopping bag still draped over it, to Jan.

Shall we, gentlemen?

/ooc Nova outie

Jan nodded at the idea of going home, taking one last look about the room to make sure they cleaned everything up but noticed Nova had done a thorough sweep of the place.

Shaking his head and laughing quietly he came and took her other arm.

"Alrighty then, we're off to see the wizard."



((OOC: Jan out))