"I know you would've," she said as they slipped out into the street. "And I'm not saying that he wouldn't have deserved it. But I'm glad you didn't. Your hands would probably be damaged even more if you did."
"Not too badly," she said, her voice soothing. "I'm alright." They moved quietly through the streets together, with Poppy's gaze jumping to every movement from the shadows.
"Hm. Alright. How did you escape, anyways?" he asked, walking near her protectively, his eyes leering at alleyways and passing bystanders.
Poppy bit her lip thoughtfully. "Well," she said, rubbing the back of her neck. "When I came to, I was leaning against this wall on the floor. I started looking through the pouch for anything I could use. I don't think I was supposed to be awake though. Mr. Jeremiah saw me and ordered one of the officials to knock me out." She frowned, and dropped her hands to her side. "The guy hit me with his gun again and I almost passed out, but somehow I managed to hang on. I pretended I was unconscious, and Mr. Jeremiah left the room, probably to go see you. I managed to get one of the darts out of the bag, and the guy who knocked me out picked me up and slung me over his shoulder. I think he was taking me to a cell or something. Anyway, I jabbed the dart in his neck and went to find you."
He nodded. "I'm glad you're alright. I can't wait to get back inside the ship. (Oh right, he probably sprained one of his wrists.)
( (( Poor Francis!) "Me too," she murmured. "I'm worried about your hands. We're almost there." They turned the corner and their ship loomed into view.
"It's alright. They're fine. The pain is... It's nothing to worry about," he said smoothly, his pace quickening a bit as he saw the ship.
They quickly got to the base of the ramp and began to climb it. Poppy frowned at him as they walked. "I can tell they aren't fine," she said sternly. "But we're almost to Phos. He'll be able to help you." They entered the ship where there was chaos. Agents were moving quickly through the main room, and the chattering was loud and panicked. When Poppy and Francis entered, however, the room went silent, and the people all turned to look at them. "Mr. Craw? Miss Abernathy?" one agent asked. "How.. how did you get out?"
"Miss Abernathy found us a way out, no thanks to you all," he said bitterly, finally starting to feel the adrenaline wear off.
"We only just got the ransom notice an hour ago, Mr. Craw," another agent said reproachfully. "We've been devising a plan to come and save the two of you." Poppy sighed and spoke quietly but clearly. "Mr. Craw and I need to get to the lab to get medical assistance," she said sternly. "I would advise that our ship departs immediately." The agent watched her for a moment, and then nodded and the crowd began to disperse, their chattering more muted now. Poppy turned back to Francis. "C'mon," she said. "Phos is probably still in the lab. He likes to stay late."
"It won't be like that next time, you know," she said, rubbing out the knot in his back as they walked. "They'll be more careful."
"I'm sure," he said calmly, though his tone was spiteful. "I'm just glad we're officially out of there."
"Me too," she said, nodding her agreement as they entered the lab. The lab was mostly dark, save for Phos' work lamp. He was hunched over a project, his tongue sticking out of the corner of his mouth in thought. He glanced up at them when they entered, and his expression shifted to one of concern. "Francis! Poppy! What happened?!"
"There was a mishap at the meeting," he said, a bit urgently. "Could you help? It.. it kind of hurts."
"Of course, of course," he hastened. "Poppy, could you please go grab container F14?" He sat Francis down and poked a spot. "Does that hurt?" (How severe is the sprain?)
He poked and prodded some more as Poppy returned and sat next to Francis, her shoulder lightly brushing his. Finally, he sighed and unscrewed the container. "Francis, it looks like you have a grade II sprain on your right wrist. Your left one seems to be fairly badly bruised. Here." He spread the medicine around his wrists, and it instantly relieved some of the ache and all of the stinging.
