Shell Shock (pt.1)

Writers: Eimi
Date Posted: 1st May 2009

Characters: T'mahl
Description: Things don't go well as T'mahl prepares to lead his first Threadfall...
Location: Dragonsfall Weyr
Date: month 2, day 6 of Turn 5

T'mahl stood on his ledge, eyes scanning over the plains below. Riders
were already starting to gather there, grouping automatically into
wings, though the people were milling about. Some were chatting with
friends, other checking straps. Weyrlings were beginning to fill bags
at
the massive piles of firestone. Off to the side he could see some
healers begining to set up tables - triage for the wounded who came in.
Suddenly as he watched them carry the stretchers out he felt his world
spin ever so slightly and he reached out to steady himself against
Uluruth's hide.

A sudden flash of memory played in his mind.

***

Looking up at a brilliant blue sky, interrupeted every once in a while
by a fluffy white cloud, or a bloodied face, or a dragon falling from
the sky. It was strange what his mind had thought. Perhaps it was the
pain that coursed through his body and his mind. **It's just not right.
How can the sky be so blue on a day like today? It's not right. It's
not fitting. It should be grey like Thread, or red like blood. Not
blue. Not so beautiful as that...**

***

T'mahl took a deep breath, feeling his palms begin to sweat.

}:Don't think such thoughts. That day is over. You shouldn't think on
it anymore,:{ his bronze whispered gently softly.

The Weyrleader's eyes traveled upwards to the sky. **I just wish today
wasn't such a beautiful day, is all.**

Taking one final breath he turned around and walked back through his
Weyr. He had a sudden urge to go down to the infirmary.

}:Where are you going?:{

**I need to talk to the Healers.**

}:Don't forget your meeting.:{

**I just need to make sure the Healers have all the supplies they
need.**

"I have to be sure they have the supplies they need," he whispered again
outload. "I have to check their supplies. They need supplies or they
can't work. They need supplies..."

The Weyrleader startled a couple apprentices as he flung open the door
to the infirmary, his face red and his eyes darting around the room.
"How are you on supplies?"

"Sir?" they asked, unsure what he was refering to.

"Your supplies! How are they?"

"Well," they looked one to the other, not sure how to answer that
question. "I think they're fine, sir..."

"You _think_ they're fine?" T'mahl asked, his breathing coming a little
faster as he could feel his hands tremble. "You can't just think
they're
fine. You need supplies. If you don't have supplies you can't work.
You can't work without supplies. Tell me where you keep them. I'll
check them myself."

"That would be in the supply room. I'll take you there, sir." The
apprentice looked more than a little nervous as she lead the way.
"There are supplies for anything you might need in here, sir, but
perhaps I should get someone to help you find what you're looking for."

"These are the supplies?" He wasn't even listening to what the boy was
saying.

"Yes, sir."

"Is it enough?" T'mahl asked in a comanding tone. He wanted a staight
answer.

"Enough for what, sir?" The apprentice wasn't sure which scared him
more, the tone of the bronzerider's voice or the wild look in his eye.

"Don't play with me boy!" the Weyrleader growled, grabbing him by the
arms. "I asked you a question! Is it _enough_!"

"I... I... I don't _know_, sir!" Tears of fear and pain began to fill
the boy's eyes. What did that man _want_?!

"Then I will count them myself! Go make yourself useful! People are
dying out there! You're no use to me here! I'll count them myself!
I'll count them myself!" T'mahl began pulling down boxes, not noticing
as the apprentice ran out of the room.

He looked at the side of a box before pulling it down. It was marked
"bandages". **No. No. Bandages we have. Bandages we have. I need
the supplies. I need to find the supplies..**

}:T'mahl, what are you doing?:{ Uluruth could feel the fear and urgency
in his rider and it was upsetting him. }:What are you doing, T'mahl?:{

**They need more supplies. I have to find them supplies. They can't
work if they don't have supplies... They can't work. They need
supplies or they can't work. They can't work...**

Last updated on the May 10th 2009

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Shell Shock (pt.1)