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[moon_in_her_hair]

[She's still trying to determine whether this is wise, but the offer had been a saving grace for her. She wanted anything that could remove her from the mountains and the horrors of war. This may not be what her father intended for her with her life, but this life was her choice.

That at least would comfort at night.]

My name is Alice Munro and I am new to this ship. [Ship. That in itself would take time to grow used to. It wasn't like the ship that brought her to the colonies at all.]

Those that are wardens, if you would be so kind to offer me advice perhaps on those here assembled? I know why I am here, but I would like to be made aware of what I am in store for. I do not want to be caught unawares. Not again.

[She hesitates before addressing the inmates.]

Those that are imprisoned, if you also have any information about the ship itself, I should be grateful.

Comments

[chaotica]

General caution will serve you well; the pasts of our inmates are not public knowledge.

I am Hugh Cambridge, doctor, and head of the Infirmary. Can you tell me what year it is you're from?

[moon_in_her_hair]

[The mention of an infirmary had more warmth returning to her face. That was familiar to her, compared to the large shock of the ship.]

1757. I was given to understand that time is a bit different here?

[chaotica]

1757. Colonial era in the Americas.

Yes. You will meet individuals from many times and places, some from places where things happen that you think are impossible. It takes a broad mind, and it may be quite difficult.

I, myself, am from the 2380s, six hundred years into your future.

[moon_in_her_hair]

Yes, that is where I was when the offer was made for me to come here.

How is it that you sort out such...bizarre things? [600 years? It made her head spin]

[chaotica]

I remind myself that just because I've never laid eyes on magic doesn't mean magic doesn't exist; I remind myself that in some of those places, magic is more real than the natural laws I've studied for my whole life.

I also remind myself that I don't know everything, despite all impressions to the contrary.

[moon_in_her_hair]

[She can agree with the last one. In the past few days, she's seen strange and frightening things. Barbarity and true kindness. She doesn't know what is right anymore and what is natural.]

Magic, but certainly that is a fairy story? Magic doesn't truly exist, does it?

[chaotica]

Here, fairy stories can be quite real.

[moon_in_her_hair]

It might be presumptuous to ask, but I should like more to do than simply act as a warden. I have some experience in infirmaries, helping my father's unit over the years. I would be glad to assist somehow in the clinic?

[chaotica]

I'm very unpleasant to work with, you'll want to assist Morgana or Merlin.

[moon_in_her_hair]

Anyone, so long as I am able to be of some use.

[chaotica]

I'm sure you can be. You'll be given a bit of training in the development of medicine since your time. ...oh, I suppose I'll be doing that. But experience and calm around the injured and ill is something that cannot be taught.

[moon_in_her_hair]

Yes, I remember. It was particularly important to learn that skill while under siege. The patients were already rattled and we needed to help keep them calm.

[chaotica]

You've done war medicine.

[moon_in_her_hair]

Yes. Though I would like to learn medicine as a whole.

[chaotica]

Well, my estimation of your bravery just went up.

[moon_in_her_hair]

[She isn't sure "brave" is the word, as much as pragmatic.]

As I said, I want to be of use to this ship.

[chaotica]

[ Bravery tends to be very pragmatic, in his experience. ]

You already are, as a warden. Much beyond that, it's your choice.

[moon_in_her_hair]

This is what I want. Truly.