Scene #6243: Making Sure 17 Survives

Owner	Pose
Orchid	After the fleet returned home, and all the noses were counted, the fates of those missing had to be determined. They had seen what had happened to Haguro, but Android 17 couldn't be found. Thankfully, Orchid's drones were in the area long enough, and watching enough, that despite the flashbang 17 created, she was able to get a good idea of his departure vector. So, borrowing a speedboat, she headed out to find him, using her radio at regular intervals to try and get him to respond. As always, she's well equipped with the tools and supplies needed for field medical care.
Android 17	Seventeen did not respond to radio contact. Though a last heading would have gotten something after the bang. He flew roughly east, towards the landmass he knew was there. Going that way, and a little fanning out would reveal the crash sight of something. Probably 17 because it was small, not too large from the impact, and NOT full of blood. This is likely because the tide would have come in and out by then...and the hole did have the signs of this. However, looking around would reveal the signs of feet dragging and blood leading away. If it wasn't him, then someone else needed help...so either way there is no penality for going this way. Following the tracks.. Well, to his credit 17 had a lot of stamina to push inward like this. He did not simply wait on the sea...and to be fair given their enemy it was probably smart. Of course, the sea water hitting his wound might have had something to do with that. The interier of the land was more trees than anything, not tropical of course. Eventually blood would lead into a cavern. More blood and tracks would be found near the site...animal tracks. Inside, however, a fire was built. and something was burnt cooking over it. Probably left on too long. In one corner of the room was 17, using the fire to keep himself from suffering shock, while the remains of wolf were in one corner. It appeared he had to fight to defend himself, and was going to use the meet and furs to keep himself going. Right now, the wound was patched with makeshift bandages, his own shirt, and leaves nearby. He was apparently asleep or passed out.
Orchid	Even without the trail, Orchid would likely have found 17 relatively quickly, her spider drones fanning out into the jungle; if there are any more hostile creatures out there (or hostile ANYTHING) the Reploid wants warning. She carefully moves into the cave, making enough noise to announce her presence. "Well, I can hear your breathing, so I don't think you're dead yet," she comments, kneeling by 17 to inspect him for wounds, at first visually. Her hands retract into her arms, coming out a second later covered in sterile latex gloves. "Any known allergies?" she asks, as she tenderly probes his skin.
Android 17	"No," he says, perfectly awake. Infact, he likely woke up around the time she was at the mouth of the cave, from the looks of the skidmark near his leg, but had decided to play it cool. He does sound though as he's trying to keep himself collected, and straining to do so. "The process from Gero made sure that we didn't have any allergies or 'imperfections'." he says, perhaps a touch too bitterly. He doesn't push the Reploid away or deny her help. He's smart enough to see that he likely won't last long like this. Though likely his goal was to call for help once he had gotten stable enough...and once he was sure he wasn't being followed. "Did everyone make it out?"
Orchid	A sigh. "All except Haguro, yes. A couple of the others will be in dry-dock for a while." Her fingers are gentle, and contain loops of wire that she is using to look for shrapnel, also probing a little harder to see if there are any broken bones under the wounds. "It looks like that fight took a lot out of you. I wouldn't suggest moving yet." Orchid's voice is calm, professional, a good bedside manner for the nurse she sometimes acts as. "Can you tell me much about Gero's... modifications? At least in terms of what I might need to look for." She can tell that the topic is difficult for the man, and doesn't want to get him worked up.
Android 17	She can start to tell quickly... His body is tougher than it has any right to be. That strike would have easily split anything less touch in two. The skin itself is tough, examining it would reveal filimates similar to a Reploid's synth skin through it. His bones were reenforced with various nano-constructed compounds. His body was trying to heal, but even it was having a hard time because of all of the damage he took. Internally, there were 'power sources' that seemed to run all of the extra effects. He was closer to a cyborg than a android. Infact, large chunks of his skeletor were outright replaced with metal. "No. It was painful. That's all I know. I'm tougher, I never run out of stamina.." he says, but that doesn't mean he doesn't get injured. There is a long moment as he reguards her words about those who didn't get out. "I should have said something sooner. I thought if I could spring the track before you got too close in, I'd be fine. Speaking over that radio was likely to backfire, because she could hear...but.." he sighs. "So that's on me."
Orchid	"It was a group failure," Orchid counters. "I was looking in the right direction, but my sonar system had too much noise for me to see in time. You learn from your mistakes, you do better next time. Besides, Haguro may not be lost forever. This may sting," she warns, as she applies antiseptic compounds around the wounds. "So try not to flinch. I don't see anything more deeply wrong, but you should do what you need to recharge. As for radio... have you considered joining the Hikari Alliance?"
Android 17	To his credit, Seventeen does not flinch, though he sucks in a hiss of air as it is applied. Of course, his breathing returns a bit later, normal as the pain subsides. "I don't need to recharge. I /never/ run out of energy." He says, calmly. It's not arrogance or boasting, but rather a matter of fact thing. Superior Endurance, yo. "Fair. What tipped me off was the fact that the thing was just there waiting. Scating around infact. She did not speak when we got close...I figured at that point it was a trap." he hisses again, "What I didn't expect at how carefully exicuted it was." "I'm not sure what this organization is. If you are asking me to join the Paladins, that's a hard no."
Orchid	"No, the Hikari Defense Alliance is all of those ship-spirits, and those that help them, who fight against their abyssal sisters," Orchid explains. "Also dealing with pirates, and other threats to peace from the water." She finishes up her work. "Recharge or not, your system took a beating, and I can tell that you are using a lot of energy to try and recover. Now, I'm not a doctor," she adds, applying some bandages, "But I'd still recommend giving yourself the time to heal. Eat something filling. Just recover. At least until the next round of trouble comes around."
Android 17	"I see," Seventeen says, rubbing the finished work. It did not hurt so bad, "Yes I will likely not be at peek fighting capacity for a while. So I'll do my best to stay out of trouble and take my medicine." he says, a bit sassily, but in good humor. Apparently, trying to make a joke. "Maybe not, but this should help me get to one. Beasts my original plan." He takes a moment to listen about the Alliance, "Our initial meeting was not a favorable one. I am also not of the opinion that all of the other side are horrible monsters." a beat, "Though those that are, I have no problem dealing with." There is a long pause, "As long as I have no obligations to the group other than what I am doing now, then I could accept such an arrangement. Fair warning now, I tend to ignore orders I don't like."
Orchid	"It's up to you, and I can't really make the offer," Orchid notes. "I'm not even a member at this point." She strips off the used gloves, putting them into a box labeled 'bio-hazard' along with the other scraps of litter from the bandage packaging, gauze, and other bits. "I mostly suggest it so you can get an encrypted radio, so we can talk plans without tipping hands. Anyway, can I offer you a ride back to civilization?" she asks, smiling at 17.
Android 17	"Mm...fair enough," He says, calmly. He stands up, slowly, and maybe with help. He looks down at himself. Yeah, he was going to need a new set of clothes, and probably a look at a doctor. Followed by a nice, long hot shower. He moves, kicking dirt onto the fire. "I'd appreciate that," he says, with a smile. There is a long moment, and then, "Thank you."
Orchid	"Part of what I'm here for," Orchid says with a smile, leading the way to the beach and the speedboat. "And you're welcome."