To Find the Face Within

[Oversoul]

The time spent in quarantine was unbearable. Shut up in a room with nothing to do, few people to talk to and the horrible pressing knowledge that he had failed, that his beloved was fighting a loosing battle with a sickness that was threatening to steal him away and he was once again powerless to do anything to stop it. About the only thing that he didn't mind was the company; he had never much minded Major Barrow's company. The two of them had a sort of knack for saying a great deal to each other without ever having to say many words, and there was a sort of comfort in the other man's presence. But that didn't change his restlessness or what was waiting for him when they finally peeled back those doors and finally let him free. It was almost unbearable to look Sesha in the eyes and tell him what had happened.

He made sure his rage, frustration and desperation was spent well outside of Sesha and Robin's view. Sesha must have known, since he knew his mate so well, how he felt and what he did when he disappeared for a few hours in the morning or the evening or at midday and appeared afterwards looking somewhat more worn than he had before. In their presence he kept himself cheerful, hopeful. He never spoke of what might be, barely dared to let himself think about it.

But it hovered over his shoulders like doom looming on the horizon. A towering reaper waiting to reach out his skeletal hand and take away everything that Domerin held dear. He tossed and turned at night and the bags beneath his eyes grew ever deeper. As time wore on he began to sense that even those who had maintained some manner of hope were running out of reassurances to offer. Selene, after weeks of work, had started to look at him with sorrow in her eyes, like she was begging him desperately to forgive her for the fact that she could not find an answer. But it wasn't her he blamed.

He was sitting in the hospital room where Sesha was undergoing their latest attempt at treatment, forcing himself not to say anything about the future, forcing himself to look bright and happy while he spoke about the weather and what he'd done that day and what he might do tomorrow. But every word felt empty and hollow. "Maybe if the weather clears up a bit we can get the doctors to at least allow you to go outside." He said as hopefully as he could, while inside he knew the chances of it happening were highly unlikely.

Sesha had laid no blame on Domerin or the Major when they'd returned empty handed, he'd well known it was a possibility and though it had been a blow to him he'd taken the news well enough and hadn't brought it up after that. He tried his hardest to keep his spirits up, though each day he found himself just a bit more tired out and his activity level had noticeably dropped off, though whenever

Domerin or Robin were with him he somehow managed to smile. His body had always been weak and he knew it better than anyone else and because of that he knew perhaps better than anyone what was coming for him and a current of fear took him at times in the night, though he thought more of leaving those he loved than of himself. It was why he'd been working here in his sickbed, having recruited the help of Selene when he wasn't able to do so himself, to possibly save his own life. He'd had the thought in the wee hours one morning, when he was all alone and the place silent but for the monitors and he'd debated if it was not a selfish thing of him to ask, but deciding finally on his course of action. "Domerin..." He was propped up in a sea of pillows, unable at the moment to hold himself in a proper sitting position. "I want to talk to you." Though what Domerin may have expected did not come from Sesha's mouth. "There still might be a way to stop it."

Domerin hated to see Sesha like this, looking so week and fragile against his backdrop of pillows and hospital blankets. Everything in this room, save of course Sesha, bothered him. It was too crisp, too sterile. Nothing was quite purely white. The floor had a slight tinge of green if you looked hard enough, the walls a hint of grey, the blankets and hospital beds a faint hint of blue. Sesha didn't belong here among all these not-quite coloured things, among the sick and the dying. He belonged among the living, full of the life and vitality that was now being slowly sapped from him.

When Sesha said his name like that, he turned a pitiful look on him. It was there for only a split second but it would show the man a glimpse of what his partner was thinking. He recovered himself quickly and shook his head. "Look, Sesha, you know I don't want you talking like..." But the other man's words brought him up short. In fact he was so surprised that, for another brief moment, a flash of uncensored, wild, desperate hope flashed across his face.

He sat forward and planted his feet on the floor. If he had been an animal he would have been alert, his tail poised behind him, his ears perked up and tilted forward, the hackles on the back of his neck standing on end. But he was a man, and the level of attentiveness he displayed manifested itself in much subtler ways. "What are you talking about?" And then, in a very slightly accusatory tone - because at times like this Domeirn often like a child in many ways - he added, "And if you knew this, why didn't you bring it up sooner?"

Sesha knew what Domerin had meant by that, he was a realist and had had all the cursory meetings that one would in this sort of situation, even if Domerin hadn't liked it. He didn't blame the man for his question though he did have his reasons. "I didn't want to get your hopes up in case I couldn't find him." He spoke rather softly these days and to much at one time sent him into a coughing fit so he took it easy. "I've been working for about a week now but I've managed." Before Domerin could ask who 'he' was Sesha went on. "There is a doctor," and before his partner could protest that they'd tried doctors already he lifted a hand to hopefully forestall what he he knew what coming. "I worked with him in Thailand before we met, he taught a course in field medicine. I believe he can cure me." It was unlike Sesha to put faith in wild ideas, though at this point perhaps he too was willing to try anything, but he must have meant what he was saying. He indicated a folder on one of the tables beside his bed, which may have been overlooked as a medical chart. "He often partners with the MSF so it can be troublesome to find his whereabouts but Selene has helped me to track him down. He's in Angola."

Sesha did indeed know his partner very well. The first time Sesha forestalled him, Domerin already had his mouth open to protest. When it became clear that Sesha had a great deal to say, however, he bit his lip and kept quite until he had finished. He knew very well what it cost for Sesha to say so much, and he knew the other man wouldn't waste words in this sort of situation. But when all was said and done, he still couldn't help but blurt out several questions. "MSF?" He asked, blankly, apparently not recalling the organization, though it sounded vaguely familiar and trying to place the acronym was driving him crazy.

Then he shook his head slightly as if to free it from that thought and added, "I'll accept that you think this doctor can heal you. I don't think you'd go making up wild stories just to make me feel better, but that's an awfully long way to go, and I can't just pull military strings on someone who's with another organization without causing all kinds of trouble. What makes him different than all the other doctors we've tried? What makes you so sure that this time would be different?"

"Medecins sans Frontieres." Sesha had worked briefly with Doctors Without Borders early on, though mercenary life, and a certain someone that came along with it had captured his attention somewhere along the way. He knew his idea was far fetched but it was all he had left at this point. "We've kept in occasional contact since we worked together, he's been something of a mentor to me so I hope he'll come without you having to pull strings." He was silent a few moments after that, not sure exactly what he should say, or how much to tell Domerin. "I have absolute faith that can heal me." That was something strange coming from Sesha, who was overly rational about everything and didn't subscribe to arguments based on faith in something. His faith relied on facts and absolute truth.

Domerin sighed. He remembered now. Doctors Without Borders. Much as he wasn't a fan of doctors, he had always approved of the work that they did... especially those who went to far off places and worked under poor conditions to bring healing to others. It would be nice if he didn't have to pull any strings... doing so always came with consequences, but he still hesitated to agree. He reached one hand up to run it through his unruly black hair and shook his head.

"That's it? Leap of faith? Sesha... you know I love you. And you know that I would normally do anything for you - within reason - and you know that I would jump at anything that has even the remotest possibility of saving your life, but if I'm going to fly to Angola and mess with the MSF to drag one of their doctors over here you have to give me a little bit more than leap of faith."

Sesha had hoped Domerin wouldn't ask him why, would trust him on this, but he understood his need to know; even if it was his life on the line there were other's privacy to think about and though he loved Domerin more than anything diplomacy was not his strongest suit. He gave a soft sigh of his own but relented. "He is ascendant. He has the ability to heal." He fixed Domerin with one of his looks. "It's not something that's widely known, so please don't break this confidence."

Domerin turned his dark eyes on Sesha and for a brief moment he looked slightly hurt. "Who do you think you're talking to here?" He asked, but there was no anger in his tone. "Of course I can keep my mouth shut. I would think you should know by now you can trust me with your secrets." For a moment it seemed he may have had more to say but he closed his mouth determinedly. Of course Sesha must know that he could trust Domerin with anything. He imagined it had taken alot for Sesha to admit as much as he had and he felt bad that he had demanded it. But if he was going to start calling in favours...

With another soft sigh he slid out of his seat and crossed the short distance between them, enfolding one of Sesha's pale hands between both of his. "I'll go. I'll make the phone calls. I'll do whatever it takes. I won't tell him you told me. I'll just tell him that you asked me to get him to work on your case, that you insisted it had to be him. If he's your friend then he'll come, right? Easy." But something told him it wouldn't be that easy, or Sesha wouldn't have waited this long to bring it up.

Sesha felt bad after Domerin's admonishment; though he trusted him to keep all his secrets it wasn't just his own this time. Still though he covered his eyes just a moment with a far too thin hand until he felt his other taken and he broke just the smallest bit. He held tightly to the hands surrounding his own, as tightly as he was able in his state. He'd worked with the man, he knew how he saw the world, and that was what made this such a gamble on his part but there was nothing else that could be done. Whatever thoughts were plaguing him he worked to pull himself together to show a strong face for Domerin. "If anyone can bring him here, it's you Domerin."

Domerin actually smiled. Unlike all his recent smiles, this one was not forced. There was real humor in it and it actually lit up his eyes for a moment. It was true, Domerin would go to great lengths not to lose Sesha, especially now that he had some small hope to cling onto again. He would do whatever it took to get the doctor to come here. But what he said in response was, "I promise not to hog tie him and drag him here without his permission." And he gave Sesha's hand a reassuring squeeze.

Sesha did everything his could to be optimistic but it had been harder and harder these days but when he looked up and saw Domerin smile in that real way he'd come to love he felt his spirits lift. He even managed something of a smile himself to the mans words, though the day Domerin could not raise a smile in him would be a dark one indeed. "Thank you love."

[Oversoul]

Sesha had not been lying when he said the doctor he'd sent Domerin to find was hard to locate. Any digging and it almost seemed like the man didn't exist at all in any of the proper databases, though how exactly he operated was a question that had to be left since time was so short. The trail did lead to Angola, in particular a small village in the south of the country that was still a developing area and in need of aid. The MSF had an operation set up in the closest good sized city and it would be there Domerin would have flown into. It would be more than half a day riding in a jeep to get to his final destination, given the state of the roads. It was slightly hard to believe there were still places like this in the current day and age but there was a communications tower and signs of MSF activity here, recent skirmishes still breaking out over the region.

In the end, Domerin had had to pull some strings to get here after all. The destination was too remote, and after all he had a job... he couldn't just pick up and leave without permission. Luckily he still had enough clout with his superiors that he could slip in a favor every now and then. He was going to pay for it later, he knew, when they wanted him for some special operation or another and there wouldn't be an opportunity for him to say no. But if it saved Sesha's life, he didn't care.

He was used to planes enough by now that he had simply slept for most of the duration of the flight, the sounds of heavy metal drifting to his ears through the headphones he'd kept firmly in place the entire time despite his dozing. He'd awakened to the soft touch of a flight attendant asking him to remove the headphones for landing, and he had blearily taken in his surroundings.

Of course, the further he traveled, the less pleasant it was. He had expected that though. He hadn't spent much time in Africa recently himself, but he knew that DJ had spent a great deal of time there after the break up of the old team, and he'd made sure to ask him a few things before leaving. The hot sun beat down on his dark skin and hair but he did his best to ignore it. It wasn't like he hadn't endured worse... hell the jungle he and Greg had tracked Blight through had been worse.

Still, by the time he reached his destination he was weary. He wanted a cool shower and a semi-comfortable bed to sleep in. He was well aware that such things would have to wait for the time being... especially since he wasn't even sure yet where he would be lodging while he was here. He just hoped he wasn't going to be staying long. "Is this it?" he asked his guide. "Is this where I'll find the doctor?"

"Sounds like the one you're looking for." There was a base outside the city where he'd landed that had contacts with the military and had taken him out, a good cover considering the region was not the most stable. The town he'd ended up in was much smaller than the city he'd just left and it's main purpose was in farming the land around it, the stores making it a target. There was a very small defense force stationed there alongside the MSF encampment and it would be there that his guide would stop the jeep and lead the way to the town's small hospital, in reality just one of the buildings that had been modified for the purpose, though it was larger than most of the others. "This is where he'd be if he's around. I need to report in, let me know what you find."

Domerin thanked his guide before turning and heading into the small hospital building. Being in a place like this really made him appreciate the arrangements that Sesha had for his treatment. He didn't even have to go to a real hospital and he managed to get a private room and a team of the best doctors in the world to look out for him. Ironic that he had to come to a place like this to find someone who could save his life.

Luckily, Domerin didn't need to depend on modern luxuries to survive. He'd crawled through the wilderness enough times that he could appreciate a few walls, a half-assed mattress and some clean water without bemoaning his existence.

He strode lightly through the structure, looking around for someone, anyone who could point him in the right direction. Since he'd never met the man he was looking for, he imagined he would have some trouble finding him on his own. When he finally found someone who looked like they worked in the hospital he came to a stop and politely waited until a moment when he could catch the person's attention. "Hello," he said, when he felt it was finally safe to interrupt. "I'm sorry to bother you. I was wondering if you could help me. I'm looking for a man by the name of Seibel Abolan."

The hospital was mostly quiet, which was probably a good thing at the moment which meant that there wasn't a crisis going on. There was also a noticeable lack of the constant beeping and buzzing that surrounded Sesha in the far more modern hospital he was staying in. The person he found was a young woman taking stock in a store room and must either have been a nurse or someone studying here but she stepped out when Domerin spoke, giving him a smile. "Dr. Abolan is just down the hall with a patient. I'll go get him for you. Can I give him a name?" She would wait for him to tell her before disappearing down the hall. She was gone a few minutes and when footsteps could again be heard approaching it was a man that rounded the corner to meet Domerin. He was older, probably late in his 40's and his hair curled tightly about his head. The white coat he wore was open to reveal a crisp looking button up shirt and a pair of dark slacks, his clothing seeming just the slightest bit out of shape. When he reached Domerin he stopped and looked up at the taller man with mild grey eyes, though he seemed to be looking Domerin over with a slightly critical eye. "I'm Seibel Abolan, what can I do for you?" His voice was soft but held his authority in it and it was marked by a decided accent.

When Domerin gave his name, he gave his full military title. He didn't usually go around as "Major Domerin Lorcasf" when he didn't have to, he preferred not to carry the baggage. He supposed, however, he was here in some sort of military sense so it seemed best. Besides that, it seemed more logical for a military major to come looking for the doctor than some random civilian.

When the doctor reached him he simply allowed the man to look him over, weathering the critical gaze without allowing it to bother him. He was taking stock of the other man at the same time anyway, he was just careful not to let it show on his face. He didn't want to start off by making a bad first impression, not when he was basically here to beg the man to go back state side with him.

"Doctor." he said respectfully and held out his hand for the other man. He must have looked a fair sight himself. Since the military had brought him here, he had come in uniform, though not the formal type of uniform he wore for official functions but the kind of uniform one wore while they were on duty, with the greenish coloured pants of the army and a grey tee shirt with the army insignia above the pocket. His hair was tied back at the nape of the neck, partly to keep it out of his face and partly to help keep him cool. He'd traveled light, but he'd already left his small duffel bag with the soldier who'd brought him in the jeep, imagining he'd be lodging with the soldiers for the duration of his stay here.

"I'm sorry to interrupt if you're busy. I'm Major Domerin Lorcasf, US Armed forces. While the task force here has graciously offered to put me up, I must admit I'm here on personal business. I've come to see you at the behest of someone who's worked with you in the past. He assured me you'd remember his name; Sesha Liatos that is."

[Oversoul]

Whatever the man thoughts might be of him none of it showed on his face and he at least listened politely as Domerin stated his case. Oddly though he didn't seem surprised when the man explained who had sent him here to seek him out. He did, however, give a small nod. "It would be impossible for me to forget the name of one of my finest students. It is somewhat of an oddity to me that he would send someone on his behalf. Why then has he sent you here?"

If Domerin had been a man more in touch with social niceties he may have found a more delicate way to state his task. Had he been gifted with words he likely would have found a way to say what brought him here without it sounding like he was dropping a bombshell. But Domerin was none of those things and he had never been the sort to beat around the bush. He was simply a blunt man. There was no need to mince words when the facts were plain and simple. He may have avoided accepting this reality for as long as he possibly could, but the fact was both he and Sesha knew the truth, even if neither had allowed the other to speak it. "He's dying." He said simply.

The doctors reaction to the unpleasant news that Domerin bore with him was perhaps not what he might have expected, especially after the man had just praised Sesha's abilities not moments before. He hardly seemed moved, mild surprise but little else. But it would be his next words that would frame what was to come. "We are all dying Major Lorcasf." It was so calm, the way he said it, it was almost disturbing. "But I take it you mean that there is an immediate chance of death. Explain."

Domerin felt a small chill run up his spine at the doctor's words. It may have been even more unsettling had he not had similar thoughts himself at times in the past. After he had seen something particularly bad, or after he'd come back from a particularly rough mission. Still, it was a foreboding thing for a doctor to say, and he found himself wondering what the man had seen that gave him such a morbid outlook on life when he had devoted his life to saving lives. He grit his teeth against a hasty response and glanced at the hallway around them before he answered, "Is there somewhere more private we can have this discussion?"

It was something of an odd thing to say but this man was a doctor and he faced mortality every day and was able to say such things so easily, though perhaps it was something else entirely. "We are alone here, but if you insist." He would lead the way back toward the front of the building where a small office was, somewhat unkempt but well worked in, as if it's owner spent quite a bit of time going in and out of it. It fit it's surroundings, the desk small and the other furniture looking as though it had been scavenged from elsewhere. He indicated a seat across from the small desk for Domerin to sit, and he took up the other chair. He gave a nod, indicating for him to continue.

If the doctor had known the sensitivity of the information Domerin was about to reveal to him, he would have understood why it was so important. As it was, Domerin was struggling with what to say. He couldn't reveal himself as Oversoul, but he almost had to come out and admit it. When they reached the office he glanced around, wondering if perhaps this man spent as much time at work as Sesha did. He hesitated for a moment, uncomfortably, before he finally decided to take the offered seat. But he sat on the edge of the chair, clearly somewhat agitated, as if he were ready to jump up and leave at any moment.

"Forgive me, Doctor." He said and his tone was sincere. "I wouldn't normally say as much as I'm about to to someone I hardly know. But Sesha has asked me to trust you and whoever Sesha trusts, so too do I. He would be... disappointed in me, I think, if I wasn't honest with you from the outset so I will tell you as much as I can.

"Sesha and I work together. The nature of our work is dangerous. It involves the confrontation and incarceration of rouge ascendants who have chosen to use their abilities to harm others. Please don't ask me to say more about it than that. Please also don't mistake my relationship with Sesha. It is true that we are partners in a professional manner but we are also partners on a personal level. I'm here as his life partner, not his business partner.

"Several months ago we were tasked with bringing to justice a rogue ascendant by the name of Blight. This particular ascendant possessed the ability to infect others with viruses he had created. He was basically a... a walking biological weapon. You can imagine why we wanted to put a stop to something like that. While we were successful in putting him in jail, Sesha was infected by one of his creations during the struggle. The disease has, since then ravaged his body. It is slowly sapping the life out of him and nothing we have tried for treatment has stemmed the tide of the illness.

"Let me assure you that I have done everything in my power to see to his care. He has been seen by the best doctors probably in the world, considering we make our current home in an ascendant research facility. It took the work of an up and coming bioengineer to even diagnose the disease. But none of them have been able to offer any hope for his survival. I will be honest, Doctor, considering the circumstances I do not know why Sesha has asked me to seek you out. He has asked me to trust him and you, however, and when Sesha asks for my trust it is always given. He believes that you can save his life. If it is in your power to do so, then I am asking you to help him."

The doctor sat quietly on the other side of the desk, listening quietly and allowing Domerin to finish without interruption. His face remained mostly impassive though once or twice a dark brow raised slightly as if his interest had been piqued by something the man had said. When he had finished Seibel was silent a moment, contemplating, though his first words were perhaps not overly reassuring. "Something unique, I see." And again fell silent for a short time. "I find it a bit surprising that Sesha would send you to find and return with me. He is well versed in medicine and knows this is how life is. In the end, it may simply be his time."

Domerin grit his teeth at the doctor's response. He hated doctors. He thought they were full of bullshit. He'd had to put up with enough doctors and their bullshit enough times over the years that he had a long lasting hatred for them and their methods. But this doctor didn't sound like any doctor he'd ever spoken with before. In fact he didn't even seem to have an interest in saving lives even with all the usual 'procedure' crap that came with it. He found himself biting back an angry response.

"Sesha may be well versed in medicine, but he can't save his own life. Nor can the team of doctors from around the world who he's got practically at his beck and call. He sent me here because he assured me that, despite the fact that the best medical researchers in the world can't figure out how to save him, you can. And when Sesha tells me things like that, I believe him." He paused a moment and gave the doctor a look that was very hard to read. Then, despite the fact that it went against his better judgment he added, "He spoke of you as if you were his friend. You don't even sound like a doctor."

If he took offense at Domerin's words he was very good at hiding it but there was almost something like a malaise hanging around the man, something quietly cold in his grey eyes. "I do consider myself both those things." He gave Domerin a rather long look, though he wasn't trying to anger him even if it was the effect that came out of it. "And I was merely stating that he likely knows what I am saying to you now. Outside of the philosophical questions there are the practical to consider. I have this entire area under my care, and as I doctor I must weigh leaving the people here without my care to go to the aid of one."

[Oversoul]

Domerin literally had to bite his tongue to keep from snapping off a 'you could have fooled me' retort to the doctor's announcement that he considered himself both Sesha's friend and a doctor. He needed this man and it was best if he didn't insult him... at least not right off the bat. "That's not what it sounded like to me," he said, doing his best to sound calm and not angry but there was a cold sort of tinge to his voice as well. "What I heard was 'maybe it's just his time'. There's a huge difference between that and I have other people in my care to consider."

"I cannot, will not, accept that it's simply the end of Sesha's life and let him go. I cannot do that. I won't do that." And there was an edge of something barely controlled in Domerin's voice... well hidden desperation beginning to slip through the cracks in his defenses. He couldn't even begin to handle the thought of what would happen if he lost Sesha. "And if you were willing to do that, if you were asking me to do that, then you wouldn't be the man I took you for." Certainly he would never have imagined Sesha could have been friends with someone like that.

He let his words hang in the air for a moment, not caring if it came off as a threat or an insult. But before the doctor could interject he continued. "If it's responsibility that makes you speak that way then speak plainly about it. It may be selfish for me to demand you simply walk away from everyone here to save one man, but luckily for both of us, that's not a demand I have to make. If you need another doctor to replace you... well that's something I might be able to provide."

Seibel watched him closely, perhaps catching some of the desperation that was beginning to leak into Domerin's voice. Perhaps it moved him slightly too for when he spoke next his voice was softer, though it may not have made his words any more welcome. "I do speak from responsibility but that is not the only reason I have said such things to you. I am speaking a truth of life; whether you want to accept it or not is your business. Moreover-" He was about to say more when there was a beeping from his side and he looked down, pulling a small pda from his pocket and glancing down a moment. "There has been an injury out in the fields and they are bringing the wounded back here. I need to be ready, excuse me." There was something in him now and he was already standing up and heading for the door, calling to the nurse with more emotion in his voice than Domerin had yet seen from him. In a moment he was around the corner though his voice calling out orders could be clearly heard.

Domerin was about to snap something about how he didn't need a lecture on the realities of life. He was a soldier. He saw life and death practically every day in his line of work. He'd watched good men die. He'd tried his hardest to save his companions only to loose them. He'd been standing next to men who were shot dead. He'd taken more lives than he could count any more. He knew all about the facts of life. That didn't mean he was just going to lay down and let his lover die.

But before he had a chance to say anything, he heard the beeping of the pager. Being a person who'd been on call in the past himself - who still was in certain respects - he would never have dared to stop the man from responding to the page. He didn't even say anything as the man made his way out the door except to nod in acknowledgment that the man had to leave.

For a moment after the doctor had left the room, Domerin stood, uncertain of what to do next. Then he muttered a curse to himself. If something was going on in the field then it could be soldiers who were wounded, and it could be that they needed some help. Being a soldier, and a damn good one at that, he should offer some help if he could. He made his way out of the office and did his best to trace his way back through the hallways to the exit without getting in the way.

He would eventually hear the man's voice again and be able to trace where they were, he and the nurse quickly loading up a jeep that was parked behind the hospital and he glanced at Domerin a moment as he made his way out to where they were. Instead of dismissing him though he waved a hand toward the back seat. He climbed in the passenger seat himself and the nurse took the drivers side. Once they were all in she took off; at the speed they were going it would not be a particularly gentle ride.

Their destination was a small quarry a few miles away and there was quite a bit of activity once they arrived, one of the workers speaking in his native tongue and the nurse translating that a few men had been caught in a rock slide and they were attempting to dig them out.

When they motioned for Domerin to join them, he was quick to do so, jogging to the jeep and leaping into the backseat as if this was something he'd done quite often. He wasn't bothered by the uneven terrain or the way it jostled the vehicle either. In fact, completely unaware of the kind of trouble they were walking into, he felt it best to be prepared. He took the time they were in motion to prepare himself to that end, drawing a hand gun out of a concealed holster and sliding an ammunition clip into place. The gun had an odd look to it, almost as if it had been made of plastic.

When they reached their destination, he slid out of the jeep along with everyone else. He had to listen carefully to the translation because the local language was not one of the many he understood. Even someone as well traveled as him couldn't speak the language of every place they'd ever been too... and Africa wasn't a place he frequented very often. He wondered if it was the same language that Nick was always babbling in.

"How thick is the rubble between here and where the workers are trapped?" He asked as soon as they had some idea of what the situation was. "And how unstable is the rest of the system?"

Neither Seibel or the nurse said anything to him about the gun he pulled out, though considering there was a garrison close to the village it must have been a common enough sight to see soldiers with guns. The doctor rode out the rough road without complaint, even managing to keep his rather archaic looking fedora from flying off. A rather odd habit, taking just enough time to grab his hat before running out to do his job.

The nurse translated without having to be asked and it turned out the situation could have been worse, the blockage made up mostly of smaller stones, though it was still dangerous. All three of them were ushered quickly down and from the looks of it the slide had collapsed the edge of a ridge that led into the side of the quarry. Other men were already working to clear the rubble. Seibel paused with the nurse for a moment, taking off his white coat and hat and hat and handing them to her before going to help the other men while she set up the medical supplies.

Domerin slid down the ridge carefully, proving quite nimble on his feet when he needed to be. His eyes seemed to be darting everywhere, taking in every part of the situation before he took any action. He approached the place where the workers were trying to clear the rubble and laid his hand upon one of the stones for a long moment as if contemplating what might be on the other side. Then he turned to the doctor, assuming that he too must have a way of communicating with the people there. "If the rubble is shallow and light enough, then the right amount of explosive force, properly applied, would clear a hole to the other side, or at least disperse the rubble enough that it wouldn't be hard to get through. I assume time is of the essence here. If we used that kind of force, could the rest of the structure hold?"

[Oversoul]

The doctor had stopped near to the rubble and seemed to be concentrating on something, so much so that he didn't immediately respond to Domerin, though he meant to disrespect by it. "They are alive, but we must be swift." How exactly he knew he did not explain, though Domerin may have had some knowledge of how already and the foreman who was with them seemed to accept it without question. That man did speak English and he seemed to be considering the options, calling over a few others for their opinions, though they eventually decided on Domerin's suggested course of action. But there was a problem, they would need to go to get the dynamite from the garrison back in the town.

Domerin didn't question how the doctor knew that the men were still alive. He suspected it had something to do with the ascendancy Sesha had mentioned, but he had promised not to let the man know that Sesha had said anything. And in any case, it was none of his business if it had anything to do with his ascendancy or how it worked. Glancing between the doctor, the foreman and the wall of rubble, Domerin had to make a tough decision himself. But they were practically in the middle of nowhere. Surely it was safe enough here... if he was careful.

"No." he said firmly, shaking his head. "There's not time for that. I can do it faster." To which he added in a tone that warned it should not be questioned, "Just don't ask and forget you ever saw anything that's about to happen."

With that he spun and once more surveyed the rubble. He bent and picked up a rock. It was a little larger than the size of a baseball. He squinted at the rock wall. "I need about five more of these. Then I want you to all get back out of the way. This isn't going to be quite as exact as using explosives, but it'll have to do."

The men had been about to go when Domerin stopped them. Seibel gave him a slightly questioning look but he nodded and then looked to the foreman. "Have your men do ask he asks, then have everyone get back." At least he was affording Domerin the same courtesy that he was extending.

The men worked quickly, finding what he asked and then moving themselves back and away from the man. The doctor took his order too and waited where it would be safe.

Domerin worked quickly but carefully. He had been in worse situations than this and he knew by now that hurrying sometimes made the situation worse instead of better. If he misplaced one of the stones or dropped one after he had charged it, there was just going to be one more injured man to treat and no one was going to benefit from his efforts. He scaled the wall of rubble just enough to lodge five of the stones into groves in the rubble where there were cracks just large enough to hold them in place. He had to chose their locations carefully because his plan wouldn't work if they weren't all close enough to each other.

When he was satisfied with their placement, he almost seemed to pause, simply hanging onto the rubble. It looked like he was waiting for something. What he was actually doing was charging each of the rocks. Eventually, the two rocks his hands rested on began to glow faintly red. It may have been hard to catch in the bright sunlight, but the five stones he had placed were distinctly different than their surrounding rubble. He had to be careful to put the right amount of heat energy into each one without risking exploding it while his hand was still laying on it.

Then he slid down off of the rubble, fled to a safe distance himself and held up the final stone, the one he had originally picked up. Again he almost seemed to stop and wait until the last stone had begun to glow. He felt the heat of it against his hand, strong enough that it was going to leave behind burn marks. He didn't care. He'd been burned far worse than this and there hadn't been time to go looking for his gloves before he'd left. He should have known better than to go off without wearing them in the first place.

Finally, he was satisfied that the last rock was ready and he glanced up again, gaging his aim carefully. Luckily, Domerin knew how to judge this sort of thing. He'd learned it when he'd gone through sniper training. He may not have been the best sharp shooter to ever live, but he could throw a rock and hit a target pretty damn decently. He threw the heated rock in his hand. When it impacted against the rubble, it exploded. The exploding pieces of the rock were just large enough that they caused the five other charged stones to explode when they impacted. The resulting explosion was much like a small explosive or grenade. When the smoke and rubble cleared it proved that Domerin's estimation had been accurate enough that they would have little trouble reaching the injured men on the other side of the rock slide.

The men watching him were tense, no doubt worried for their friends and wondering what it was this man could do, though in this day and age even they well knew the sorts of abilities that could come with ascendancy. Breath was held as the last rock was thrown and then impacted, not brought in again until the dust had cleared enough to see that there was a straight path now and they hurried forward once it was safe enough to work on extracting the trapped men. Seibel moved among the small frenzy as the three men were pulled out, taking command of the situation and getting them moved to where the medical supplies were and working with a single minded focus. He had seemed heartless before but as he examined each man, staunched the wounds and stabilized them he looked like any doctor might as they saved lives. Even so, despite what Sesha had told Domerin about the doctor, everything he did seemed to involve no use of any sort of ability other than natural skill.

Domerin did his best to help. Wiping dust and sweat out of his face, he helped to move the last of the rubble and carry the men to the waiting medical supplies. He was strong and he hadn't been at work all day, and though he was tired, he was not so weary that he couldn't throw his muscles into something that needed them. When there was no more he could do he stood back. Eventually he went to sit in the back of the jeep, silently watching the doctor while he was at work. It was obvious to him that the man was a good doctor... but he still wasn't sure he liked the kind of man he was.

Eventually things came under control and the injured men were loaded up in the bed of a truck so they could be driven back to the hospital in town. Seibel and the nurse brought their supplies back to the jeep, both of them looking sweaty and slightly worn but there was a positive air considering how badly things could have been. She took up position in the drivers seat again while he took the passengers, turning now to look at Domerin. "I'm sure the villagers will want to thank you properly once we have returned to town. You did them a great service by helping to save those men." His eyes shifted downward, fixing on his hands. "You've burnt yourself."

Domerin was feeling drowsy by the time it was all over. He probably would have dozed in the back of the jeep except that he was careful not to fall asleep in such heat. Too many times he'd been in situations where his life depended on staying awake. Those instincts were embedded to deeply in him to release him even when he knew he was in no real danger. He jerked fully awake and back to the present when the doctor and the nurse climbed into the jeep and shook himself to get rid of the last of the drowsy haze. He tickled the roof of his mouth with his tongue and it helped him to focus more clearly.

He turned to face the doctor as he spoke and shook his head at his words. He felt like people said this to him too often. He didn't, he never had, need to be given anything in return for what he had done. "It was nothing. I was able to help so I did. I would think... I would hope, that anyone else in my position would have done the same." At the doctor's last he seemed almost confused before he too looked down at his hand. "Huh? Oh..." he flexed his right hand ever so slightly and felt a small bit of raw pain from the pink, burnt flesh where he'd held the rock. Then he glanced up again and shrugged. "It's not the first time. It won't be the last either. I'm sort of used to it."

The doctor was giving him a slightly curious look but seemed to decide to hold his tongue if he indeed had any comment in return for Domerin's words. He was not sure what to make of this man who'd been sent to find him but the picture was slowly shaping to be a positive one. "If you can bear with it a short while I have some burn ointment that will ease the pain back at the hospital." But he left the choice up to Domerin.

The nurse would drive them back, there were beds to prepare for the coming injured.

Domerin actually chuckled. He'd burnt himself far worse and gone for far longer without having anything to help ease the pain. This was almost like nothing to him. "It's fine doc, I've had worse, much worse. Besides, I've got a spare hand." And he lifted his left hand and flexed the fingers. "But I suppose I'd better let you treat it when we get back, or Sesha will be cross with me." His mirth faded then and he fell silent, turning his head to glance at the passing countryside, even if it wasn't much to look at.

Seibel left him to his silence for the rest of the trip back, turning around in his seat to face forward once again. He must have understood what Domerin felt, what sort of man could be a doctor and not have it within him? Once they had returned to the hospital he helped to unload the jeep, his hat finding it's way onto a hook next to the back door, and then was back at it again. He worked to help prepare the beds for the injured workers and still managed to find time to deliver the burn ointment to Domerin. He would be kept busy for several hours after that will follow up and there would only be glimpses of him.

Domerin did his best to help despite his burnt hand. He proved to be just as capable with his left hand as he was with his right. He lingered only long enough to receive the burn ointment, to have his hand treated and carefully wrapped so that the raw skin could heal, and then he made his way out of the hospital and back to the barracks to report to the commanding officer on duty. He'd seen enough of Seibel both in the field and in the hospital to understand why it was that Sesha had taken to the man as a mentor, but he'd seen no further sign that the man possessed any ability that might allow him to save Sesha's life... nor that he would actually be willing to do so.

[Oversoul]

Domerin had been offered accommodations with the local contingent of soldiers who were staying near the village or the option of staying in a room offered by one the villagers, who were very willing to put him up after the help he'd given in the quarry.

No matter where he decided to stay the next day with Seibel would be much the same, at least until the doctor invited him to supper at the home he was staying at. It was an odd offer, considering how stand-offish the man had been during their interactions in the daylight hours. But it was still there and he'd been given directions to a small house near the hospital where he was staying and being cared for by a small contingent of the local women since he was always on call and generally worked late into the evening. One of them always came by to cook for him and then left him to his own devices until it was time to clean up. He didn't each much but he'd asked for extra portions for the guest he was expecting that evening.

Domerin had chosen to stay with the soldiers in the barracks, though he'd been quite careful when he turned down the villagers, insisting that he appreciated their offers but did not want to impose. It was true, and so not very hard to impress upon the villagers, but the full truth was that he just felt more comfortable among the soldiers. He was one of them, after all. Not only that, but he felt he owed it to them to help out as much as he could while he was staying there. The military had gotten him here, after all, and he was using their resources while he was here and he felt he needed to at least do something to give back to them.

He had left the doctor alone the day after the incident. He wasn't sure what to say to the man and he didn't want to come off overbearing and insistent. He needed some time to think of what to do next. He was keenly aware that his time was short, but he worried if he made a single wrong move he would ruin his chance to save his beloved's life. Instead he threw himself into working with the soldiers for one day, sharing their tasks despite their mystification that a Major of his standing would lower himself to such menial tasks.

He was surprised when the dinner invitation came. He didn't think the doctor was particularly interested in talking to him, let alone sharing an entire meal with him. But he accepted the offer, not wanting to insult and unsure how else he was going to approach the doctor about coming back to the states with him. He was nervous as he approached the small building, not sure what was expected of him or what he should say or do. He paused for several minutes before finally reaching out and knocking on the door.

Silence answered him for several minutes before there was a pattering of footsteps behind the door. A moment later it opened and Domerin found himself looking down into the face of a teenaged boy, his hair framed by unruly blonde curls. The young man peered up at him for a moment, blinked his blue eyes and then smiled. "Are you here for dinner?"

Domerin was surprised by this particular turn of events. He hadn't expected to find a child answering the doctor's door. He blinked a few times and finally managed to reply, "Er... yes. This is Dr. Abolon's residence?"

The young man nodded and stepped aside to allow Domerin to enter and he shuffled nervously into the house, uncertain if this really was the right place. The young man ushered him inside to the proper room and motioned for him to make himself comfortable before he ran off to another room, calling, "Dad! He's here, the Major you were talking about!"

In all of the interactions that Domerin had had with the doctor he'd never mentioned, of even alluded to, having a family of any sort. He didn't even seem the sort of man to be able to have the proper emotions for one if their first meeting had any bearing on things. But Domerin would not have to wait very long before the doctor appeared, still dressed just slightly too well, in shirtsleeves and slacks even in the evening's dissipating heat. He offered a somewhat more pleasant greeting than the one they'd shared the day before. "I am pleased that you were able to make it this evening. Mrs. Abioye cooked extra tonight and after finding out who it was for I believe the local ladies put something special together."
For all the important position that he carried in the town the house he was staying in was very much like all the others and he shared with them simply. He didn't seek out special favors or amenities just because of what he did.

Domerin greeted the doctor once again when he appeared, even offering his hand for a handshake if the man so wished. He felt awkward and out of place but did his best to hide it. He almost felt like he should shove his hands in his pockets but he resisted the urge lest he look like an insolent child. "I understand that everyone is quite... eager to offer me some thank you. I wish I could convey to them that there is no need, but I don't wish to be rude. Perhaps this will make them feel a little better about the whole thing."

The young man returned on the heels of his father, smiling up at the Major and looking him over like a curious child, interested in something that he hadn't quite the nerve to talk about. Finally it seemed he was bursting too much with curiosity and he blurted out, "I heard you blew up a whole wall of rock without even using explosives!" He gestured excitedly. "One of the other kids said he saw it, but I don't believe him. They never let us near the quarry."

Seibel did take the offered hand, shaking in in a firm but not overbearing grip; his hands were surprisingly soft considering the kind of work he did and where he did it. There did seem to be something different about the man here in his home with the young man professing to be his son in tow; perhaps it was some of the ice he'd greeted the Major with the previous day. But it was hard to focus on that with the curious young man so close at hand. "Now Cael don't pepper the Major with so many questions before supper." His tone was not overly stern, just a gentle warning to be polite. They hadn't even been introduced yet, after all.

Cael practically bit his lip to keep from bursting out with more of the interesting things he had heard about the major. He always tried to be a polite boy, after all, his father had taught him his manners and after a slightly disappointed glance at his father he said politely, "Sorry."

Domerin shook his head to indicate it didn't matter to him. He felt sort of out of sorts around the young man. It reminded him of when he'd first met Robin and he'd been completely unsure of what to do when she had latched on to him. Why did kids like him so much? "It's okay. Don't worry about it. And Domerin is fine, by the way. There's no need to be so formal. It was my understanding this was a personal visit rather than a business one." Though it was clear by the tone in which he said it that he was trying to be sure, not wanting to make assumptions of the doctor and inadvertently end up insulting him.

Seibel wasn't very used to calling others by their first names when he didn't know them well, nor of allowing his son to do so with his elders, even when it was not business. "Yes, I had intended for this to be a personal visit, Mr Lorcasf." He looked down to his son. "Perhaps while we eat the Major would be willing to recount the details of the story to you." He liked that his son was curious about the world and what went on it in, he had a keen mind but even on a personal visit there was protocol to be followed too.

[Oversoul]

The young man looked so hopeful and excited by the prospect that Domerin couldn't find it in himself to turn the boy down. He didn't think it was really all that exciting a story, but he supposed to a young man anything out of the ordinary was interesting and exciting. "Domerin is really fine." He insisted. Mr. Lorcasf reminded him too much of his father. "And sure, I guess... though there really isn't that much to tell." He shrugged his shoulders lightly. "It's nice to meet you by the way..." He left it hanging, arching one midnight eyebrow.

"Cael!" The young man filled in, clearly somewhat mortified that he hadn't supplied the name earlier. "It's nice to meet you Major Lorcasf." He added, offering his hand for a handshake. Clearly his father had taught him well for he had a similar grip, firm but not crushing. "I'll set the table!" He added, and hurried off, apparently eager to get the whole affair started.

Seibel watched from the sidelines but as the young man hurried from the room to go set the table what could have possibly been a smile quirked the edges of the doctors mouth. Was it possible he knew how to smile? He was truly proud of his son either way. He turned to Domerin when they'd been left alone for the moment. "My son travels with me when I'm on assignment. He is a good boy. Worry not, he will keep your secret should you tell him."

Domerin cleared his throat because he was somewhat uncomfortable with the prospect. Still, it was possible to tell the story without revealing who he really was, though he supposed it was still possible for someone of a young age to infer it if they were sharp enough. Instead of giving a direct response to Seibel's statement he said, "I have a daughter about his age, actually. You can imagine that I can't take her with me when I do my work. It's hard on her when I'm away, but she understands the kind of work I do and why it's important."

If the doctor seemed surprised by that bit of information, given Domerin's partner, he made no mention or outward show if it, merely giving a nod. "That is a good trait for a child to have." He quieted then, as if his fodder for conversation had already run its course. He did not tend to waste time on idle words. "Would you like anything to drink?"

"She's a good kid." Domerin said, and it was obvious he was proud of her. Then, he answered Seibel's unspoken question, apparently not all that embarrassed by the circumstances. "Not that I can take all that much credit... I didn't meet her until she was fourteen.." He fell silent then too and was quite relieved when Seibel offered him a drink. Most people had a little voice in the back of their heads that warned them when they shouldn't do something. When it came to drinking, that voice in the back of his head was Sesha's. But considering the circumstances, it was nearly impossible for him to turn it down. "Yes, please. I would appreciate that a great deal, actually."

"Very well." The doctor seemed to be terribly formal, even when he was out of the office. "There is water, of course, along with all the usual beverages. I also have some wine from the next province over if you would like that." Anything Domerin asked for he'd get and though he was not much of a drinker himself he was a good host. He didn't continue to pry into Domerin's private life, however, at least for now leaving it at that as he went to go and fetch the man a drink.

"Wine sounds fine." Domerin said, though what he really wanted was a stiff whiskey or a hard vodka. The Sesha voice in the back of his head warned him that it was a bad idea to get started down that path right at the moment and this time he was inclined to agree. He waited patiently for the doctor to return, glancing around his home and trying his best not to look like he was being nosy.

About the same time Seibel returned with the wine, Cael returned with a grin to announce that the table was set and everything was ready when they were. Then he politely fell silent and waited for the two adults to take the lead once more.

The place was not overly decorated, at least not with any personal effects. It more looked as though it had been decorated before and the doctor had not bothered to change anything around, it was homey but individualized and had what any other of the houses in the village would have contained. When he returned he had two glasses, one for Domerin and the other containing a bit of wine for himself, the bottle in hand to take to the table with them.

"Thank you Cael." He would lead the way into the small dining room that was separated from the kitchen by a small doorway that was covered by a curtain instead of an actual door. "Please be seated." He would allow Domerin and his son to sit first before he joined then. He hadn't been lying when he'd said the local women had prepared a small feast for them. "When you are ready feel free to begin." He did not say a grace and once that simple permission was given the meal could begin properly.

Cael waited patiently for the Major to seat himself just as his father had taught him. Domerin looked from one to the other but felt that there was no point in trying to make this whole affair less formal. He sat down quickly so that the others would not be waiting long and stared at the amount of food that had been laid out for them. He wouldn't have imagined a place like this would have so much food to spare. But he was always hungry and he would do his best to make sure none of it went to waste. When it was clear that the others intended for him to help himself again before they would do so, he was quick to put a little of everything on his plate, and waited until the others had filled their plates before beginning. He filled the time instead with sipping his wine and nodding his appreciation of the taste.

Cael seemed just as eager to eat as he had been to do everything else, but he was careful to wait his turn and mind his manners and though he dug in with zeal when it was finally time he was careful not to make a pig of himself - they had a guest, after all. He ate with all the gusto of a growing boy and commented on how delicious he thought every thing was, to which Domerin often agreed.

"You'll have to help me thank the local ladies for their generosity." Domerin said after he had sampled everything laid out on the table. "They really out did themselves."

Seibel gathered a far smaller amount of food on his plate than Domerin or Cael, though he didn't seem to mind the amount that either of them took. Though this was a personal visit as he called it the doctor seemed to be something of a formal person by default, the way he spoke even belayed something almost old fashioned about him. But he too did not wish for the food to go to waste and if the two of them could handle that then he would have no complaint. "Yes, they did. They are a very tightly knit community here, they watch out for each other. The quarry employs many of the men but it is a dangerous profession even for the skilled workers."

When the subject turned to the quarry, Cael didn't seem to be able to contain himself any longer and he once again blurted out in his excitement, "Can I hear the real story now?"

Domeirn once more found himself glancing between the two of them but then he nodded and did his best to recount the tale. He didn't think it was all that exciting himself, and it had been a bit of a dire situation, but the boy listened with rapt attention almost seeming to hang on his every word. When he was finished, Cael seemed quite awed.

"It sounds just like Oversoul. I learned about him in school. In a bunch of schools, actually. He's really important to history, that's what we were taught. Did you ever meet him? I heard he works with the military!"

[Oversoul]

To this Domerin cleared his throat again, once more feeling highly uncomfortable. He wondered if the doctor, who had seen his abilities in action had his suspicions about who Domerin really was, but if he did, he didn't want to say anything to tip him off. Then again, both of them were being so kind to him that he didn't want to outright lie so he simply said, after a moment, "Er... Yes. Well I mean I've worked with him a few times. He's pretty good at what he does."

As with his admittance of having a daughter whatever the doctor knew about the man, or suspected, was kept carefully out of sight. "I have heard quite a few stories about Oversoul myself." After all he was old enough to have been around when 01 was active and didn't have to just hear about it from history books. "He is quite the hero." Again it was impossible to tell exactly what Seibel actually knew or thought, his tone simply conversational. "It was also a heroic thing you did at the quarry, though you may simply call it duty."

Cael was in practical awe of Domerin once he admited that he knew Oversoul, but he was mindful not to ask too many questions and went back to his dinner though he listened closely as the adults carried on the conversation.

Domerin felt he was waking close to a dangerous edge with Seibel. He almost felt as if the man were searching for the answer to some question he didn't want to come right out and ask. He almost would have preferred it if the man had just confronted him directly. One thing he wasn't comfortable with was being treated like a hero. He didn't think of himself that way and he doubted that most of his old team mates had ever thought of themselves that way either. But he couldn't simply dispute that Oversoul was a hero; that was how most people felt about him.

"He's a fine soldier." He said, recalling something someone else had once said to him after having fought along side him in his Oversoul guise. "I'm not so sure he'd label himself a hero though. As for the quarry, I was able to help, so I did. I think anyone in a position to help others should do what they can. If good people simply stand by and watch things happen, then bad people will be able to do whatever they want." He sipped from his wine again, almost as if he hoped it would wash the conversation away. "Or maybe I just think that because I'm a soldier myself."

Seibel did not like to pry into other peoples lives, it wasn't polite, but this situation was a little out of the ordinary and he was interested to learn more about the Major, though he would leave his past to the past. He had he suspicions but he didn't so much care if he was Oversoul as he did what kind of man he was when he was Domerin Lorcasf. "One would hope that a person would hold such convictions whether they were a soldier or a civilian. This world would be a great deal better if more people subscribed to that idea." He thought much the same way himself.

Domerin offered the doctor a wan sort of smile and a light shrug. He didn't think he had any noble ideas about the world. To him it seemed rather plain. It seemed to him that the world would be a lot better place if good people stood up for what was right and more people lived their lives according to what was good rather than what was profitable. But he had also learned a long time ago that one person couldn't change the whole world. "Perhaps so, though I suppose soldiers often end up with a different way of looking at the world than civilians have. Ours is a world that exists in shades of grey, never solid, simple blacks and whites." He fell silent for a moment and then cast a glance back across the table, feeling it was his turn to learn something of the doctor. "I'm curious about your relationship with Sesha. He spoke very highly of you. How did the two of you meet?"

Seibel knew very well what Domerin spoke of, he'd been a soldier himself though he kept that information well to himself. But it was very true, war and battle changed the way you looked at things and though it might start out as black and white, us versus them, it never remained that way forever. He canted his head slightly to the question, feeling he owed enough to answer it. "Several years ago I took on teaching a course on field medicine for the MSF in rural Thailand. Sesha was one of my students at the time and he remained for some months after the course was over."

Domerin listened as carefully as the doctor had listened to him. It was only polite, after all, to be a good audience when someone else had done the same for you. Not only that but he was genuinely interested in what he perceived to be a rather strange relationship between his lover and this doctor. "I'm curious, Doctor, and forgive me if I'm prying; when was the last time you actually spoke or corresponded with Sesha?"

He paused a moment with his wine glass in hand, looking down into the dark liquid as he thought about the question. "I believe it was about six months ago. We are both very busy men and he understands that contact is not always possible. We exchange letters somewhat regularly, however." He was being somewhat vague but still felt that what went on between himself and Sesha was just that, private.

Domerin didn't mean to pry into the doctor's personal life, but where Sesha was concerned there was very little he didn't know about the other man - or so he thought. He was quite shocked to learn that he had been exchanging letters with someone he'd never heard of so frequently that the last time the doctor had received one was only a short six months before. He was practiced at schooling his expression, however, and none of his shock was given away. He did, however, arch one eyebrow curiously and add, "I'm curious as to whether or not he has ever mentioned me in his letters to you. If you are as close as I have been lead to believe, it would surprise me to hear he had never once mentioned our relationship, considering we've been together for quite some years now and our relationship is nothing if not quite serious."

It was not his business what Sesha told his partner but he did gave a nod, feeling it betrayed nothing to speak of this. "Yes, he has mentioned you to me. He, of course, has never gone into any intimate detail, as that is a private affair. I did however know your name when you arrived here. I am sorry if you feel this brings you up short."

On the contrary, Domerin was quite pleased by the doctors response. He had to admit he would have been a slight bit offended if Sesha had simply neglected to ever mention him. He shook his head ever so slightly, not allowing a grin to come to his features but allowing a small smile to brush his lips. "Not at all, Doctor. In fact I would have been highly surprised if he had never brought me up. I merely ask because, surely if he has spoken to you of how things are between us, you must already know how close the two of us are, and how deeply my commitment to him runs." He was ever conscious of the fact that the other man's son was in the room and he was quite careful not to directly speak of loving another man, not quite sure how the man felt about his son being privy to that sort of knowledge... there were still some people in the world who weren't comfortable with that sort of thing. His own father, for one.

Seibel sipped at his wine, silent for a moment while he did so, never seeming to hurry their conversation. He well remembered the first reference to the now Major sitting across from him, just something in passing, though ones after had contained quite a bit more. Truly he was glad his student had found someone suitable. "Yes, I must admit I kept expecting each new letter to mention a wedding." He was rather old fashioned in some ways, but surprisingly modern in others. He glanced over at his son. "You remember Sesha Liatos, do you not? The Major is his partner."

[Oversoul]

It took a moment for Cael to recall the face that went with the name. For a few moments his young face was a mask of concentration as he went back in his mind through the people he had met in order to find the right one. Then suddenly his eyes lit up and another wide grin split his face. "Oh yes! Of course I remember him!" He turned the grin in Domerin's direction. "Doctor Sesha is really nice. Are you going to marry him?"

Domerin was brought up short by the sudden turn in the conversation, both because Seibel seemed so at ease with it and because marriage was a topic that not even he and Sesha had really ever discussed. He felt a slight flush creep into his cheeks and had to clear his throat once again to regain his composure. "To be honest, marriage has never really seemed necessary. I'm not a religious man and neither Sesha nor myself have close ties to our families." He shrugged. If you didn't have a family to share the occasion with and you didn't believe in the religious aspect, there wasn't much point in the ceremony, was there?

"We share every aspect of our lives with each other. We live together, we work together. We have no secrets." Or at least... mostly no secrets... "I consider him my mate, my partner, my life bonded... soul mate, whatever you want to call it. Marriage has always just seemed like a pointless formality. It wouldn't change our relationship in any way."

He felt a small stab in his chest when Cael turned that smile in his direction and he couldn't help the expression that twisted his face. Sorrow and grief were present for a short while before he got himself in control again. He hated to take the smiles away from children. He hated even more the thought that, should marriage have been something Sesha wanted all along, he would likely never have a chance to have it now. "I'm afraid I might not have a chance to." He answered the young man's question softly, trying to keep his voice from trembling. "He's very sick."

Cael's face fell, the smile gone almost instantly.

Seibel was fond of the idea of marriage though he was not a particularly religious person either, not in a traditional sense anyway, but it just wasn't the way things were done anymore. But this man did seem to be very devoted and was surprisingly versed in his views on his relationship with his partner, which he had not expected. He found it mildly refreshing.

His expression remained neutral, though it was not cold or devoid of emotion, and he turned his eyes to his son. "It is likely a fatal illness." It seemed the doctor did not believe in shielding his son in soft words, being as truthful with him as he was with Domerin earlier.

"Oh." Cael said quietly, looking down at his plate for a few minutes before he spoke again, apparently recalling whatever memories he had of Sesha. But his father had taught him the importance of understanding the bigger picture. While it may have seemed that he might ask why his father didn't do something about saving the other man, or questioned why it was that such a bad thing would happen to such a good person, he instead responded simply with, "That's sad."

Domerin felt that was a colossal understatement. He didn't blame a child for not being able to say anything particularly useful to the situation... or at least to him, but he couldn't help but grit his teeth ever so slightly at the statement. The major was not as he had been several minutes before. He was not the cool, calm, collected man he had always seemed to be since his arrival. He was not angry either, though his hand had been pressed very hard against the table, his fingers curled ever so slightly as if he were trying to dig his nails into it, and his fingers pressed so tightly against the wood that the knuckles were turning white. His expression was not even the carefully schooled mask it had been moments before.

It seemed there was an internal war being waged inside Domerin Lorcasf. This was not a war to find words to express emotions. Nor was it a war to determine how he felt about the situation. It was a war over his own composure. The horror, the desperation, the sorrow that were released in him by that single statement was so deep, so strong that it hit even his carefully built walls so hard he couldn't hold them. For a moment he felt he was adrift in a sea. With every moment that passed the violent waves threatened to throw his head so far under the liquid's surface that he would not be able to bring it back to the air. He fought, kicking and scrambling, dragging his way back to the surface over and over. He was so nearly over powered by the strength of his own feelings that, for the time being, he could no longer keep them from showing, on his face, in the tension in his body.

Domerin had been to war. He had been trapped in the jungle. He had run through fields while men fired at him. He had been a prisoner of war. He had been tortured for information. Beaten to within an inch of his life. Cut to ribbons. Shot more times than he could count any more. And he had never, never felt as helpless, as vulnerable as he did in that moment. This was not his life he stood to loose. This was his soul. The thought of it was blinding, terrifying. Domerin was not a man that shed tears, but he could almost feel them stinging the backs of his eyes.

Then he did something he had done a thousand times; something he had trained himself to do so that he could do it in a single instant without any thought. Instinct kicked in and he cleared his mind blanker than blank, pushed all of his own thoughts and emotions into the back of his mind and locked them tightly in a very deep chest. He had trained himself to do this on the battlefield so that he could channel in any situation. He wasn't channeling now, but it brought him the single moment of relief he needed. The war ended. Most of the tension leaked out of him. He breathed and it felt like the first breath he had drawn in years.

That calm, careful exterior was back. The whole thing had happened in mere moments, yet it felt like an eternity. And it was enough, it was enough to betray that something dark and desperate lay just under his surface if one knew only knew how to find it. It was a weakness, and he knew it, but it wasn't one he could be rid of. Not at the moment. His eyes focused again and he gave the doctor a shrewed look. His voice was back under his control now, but there was a new edge to it, almost as if his question was more of a demand than a request. "Why did you ask me to come here tonight, Doctor? What is it you want from me?"

When Domerin next looked at the doctor though there was something different about him too, though he always sat very straight there was something attentive about him now, honing in on the Major, something in his eyes that sought something within those far darker ones. He was not touching the man but even sitting across from him he'd been able to feel the almost overwhelming swell in the rhythms of his body; it had been so intense that he'd been ready to grab his son and draw him away so concerned for his safety in that moment was he. And then it had all gone away in an instant, some tactic the man had learned no doubt and he wouldn't question him on that. But he was still reeling slightly from what he'd felt, he knew it, the crawling panic, the despair; he'd felt it once before, just like that, and what would he have done had his hands not held the ability they did. What would he have done if he'd lost son to that war when it wasn't his time? He was a terribly rational man, he saw such a wide picture, a swath of life itself. But sometimes he forgot. The edge was still there and he spoke with a soft voice, treading carefully for perhaps the first time. "My only goal was to get to know you a little better. There is nothing I want from you, no bribe. But I am sorry, I believe I have treated you poorly. I will contact the regional MSF office to see if a replacement for me can be found." It was what he wanted, just like that.

[Oversoul]

Cael had not felt the Major's emotions in the way his father had, but yet he too had been afraid, briefly. He had shrunk back in his chair, unable to keep from staring. There were some things that it didn't take telepaths or any other kind of special abilities to feel. Cael may not have understood the emotions, but he had understood that they were very strong, and that the Major had been very close to something... something he couldn't put words to and he didn't know what would have happened if he hadn't become himself again. The Major, the man who had saved the men from the quarry. Cael didn't ask about anything. He figured it was one of those things he would 'understand when he was older'. But he did understand what his father was saying. "Are we going to go see Sesha?" He asked quietly.

By the time Domerin asked his question of the doctor he was angry. He was mostly angry at himself for allowing himself to loose his control while in the presence of another person. He knew better than that. He was a soldier. He'd even been trained to block those kinds of thoughts and feelings from telepaths. Yet he'd allowed this doctor, this man he barely knew, to crawl under his skin and reveal feelings he'd kept locked deeply inside him for several weeks now. It didn't sit well with him. He had a hot temper, he knew that of himself. Sesha was the one who usually cooled it. The last time something bad had happened to Sesha, Greg had been there to keep him from shooting someone he would have regretted shooting later on. And Robin had been there to anchor him. None of those people were there with him now. And there was a child present. He should have been more careful. Domerin Lorcasf was a dangerous man when he needed to be, he cringed to think what might have happened if he'd lost control.

Luckily for them all, he had never been in any danger. He might have lost control of his emotions, he might have yelled or cried or raged, but he probably wouldn't have hurt anyone. Still, he couldn't help but be slightly angry at the doctor. He had known, somehow, the right questions to ask, the right buttons to press. He couldn't help but thinking it had been intentional. But it seemed that the doctor realized, in the same instant he had, that he had pushed too far, and Domerin's anger evaporated in an instant. It was replaced with surprise, and a small bit of suspicion. He had been ready to beg the doctor to assist his partner and yet... now he was giving him exactly what he wanted, just like that? No strings attached?

"That's it?" He asked, his voice once again carefully neutral, the edge gone. "Just like that? Yesterday you gave me a lecture about how important it is for you to stay here."

Seibel was still watching Domerin far more closely than he'd seemed to up until this point; though he had not meant to push him so far he'd reacted in a way he never would have imagined and it pushed something to the very heart of himself. He did not fear the mans rage, so much as he could understand what he must be feeling, and there were things he sometimes forgot. He would be breaking some of his own rules but he had already pledged his help and he would not take it back once given. He knew it must sound somewhat suspicious, but his answer had not come out of fear or an attempt to appease an angry man even if nothing had happened. "It is very important for me to be here. Think, if I had left with you right away the men you saved yesterday would likely have died." He was not attempting to use it as an excuse for his behavior but it did illustrate a point. "But we humans are selfish creatures." He fixed Domerin with a look that unfortunately gave very little away. "At times it is impossible to objective." He was partly back to his old ways again. But before Domerin could say much else he glanced over to Cael. "Yes, we are going to see Sesha. Now, if you will excuse me, I have a few calls to make." He moved to stand, seeming to intend to do this right away.

"I'll go pack." Cael said and slid out of his chair without another word. He didn't have much to pack, really. He traveled lightly since they didn't tend to stay in one place very long. He knew this kind of situation well enough and he was well versed in what to bring with him and what to leave behind. He hurried out of the room then returned half a minute later with an apologetic look on his face. "It was nice meeting you!" He called to Domerin by way of farewell and then disappeared again.

Domerin was confused. His head was fairly spinning. Yesterday the man had seemed unwilling to even consider the possibility that he would leave this place and assist a dying man. Now he was ready to pack up and leave, just like that? It didn't make sense to him. He found this man strange and it put him off center which made him feel on edge as if he needed to be on guard every moment. He gave Seibel a narrow eyed, searching glance but then apparently decided he wasn't willing to question getting exactly what he wanted. "Thank you." He said. For a moment it seemed that was all he was going to say but then he got to his feet. "If you'll excuse me. I think I should leave. But before you make those phone calls, let me make one of my own." He made sure there was no sign of Cael before he added, "I suspect after yesterday you have some suspicions about me. I can throw around a fair bit of clout from time to time and I've got a few favours I can call in. It might just get your replacement here faster."