The hand that heals

[jxie93]

Deck A-2, Conference Room C

By the time Ashley has arrived on the deck back from her duties, Felix has already set up in a comfortable corner at the far side of the conference table. The relatively large conference room was only half lit due to a recent power surge caused by Cryer's energy hungry equipment next door, resulting in a poorly illuminated corner Felix has settled in.

The door slid open with a small swish. Ashley, though exhausted but still stunning to casual eyes, walked in tapping on a data pad. The room was silent, except from the occasional chirps from the pad itself. Ashley looked up, realising she was directed incorrectly, frowned and was about to drag her tired self back out.

"Over here, Ashley" A voice came from the dark side of the conference table.

"Felix, is that you?" Ashley turned and approached the barely visible silhouette in question, which shrouded itself in relative darkness.

"It's called tactical camouflage," The figure, now recognised as Felix, leaned towards the light and spoke with a half hearted grin, "One day you'll thank me for all the techniques I've taught you on concealing your emotions."

"Very funny," Ashley rolled her eyes and replied, "This is no time for your mind games, Lix, we've got a gathering of all representatives and you're to give a concluding statement on behalf of Cryer."

Felix grinned again, this time even less convincing. He fetched a flask from his suit jacket and took a sip.

Felix looked up at Ashley, who stood still in front of him, and said "Well? Didn't you say I have a presentation to give? Start preparing the materials then!"

Ashley turned around and muttered "Right away sir", under her breath.





It wasn't long until the conference room was populated by people from all involved sides - Cryer senior coordinators, Medic doctors and staff of the Hawaii.

Amongst the speakers, there was also the liner's very own Captain Frial and chief Medics physicians Doctor Whitesun, Exogenis' Frosthearth, and Dr. Ross. The only personnel that seemed to be missing was, the self proclaimed medical expert from ExoGeni, Julian. A quiet hubbub was generated as soon as the communion of powers was gathered in this moderately sized conference room.

Still half hidden in the shadows, as usual, Felix carefully observed each individual's facial expressions and mapped them against his own mental database of face reading in attempt to assess any potential frauds or threats. So far everyone seemed genuine.

Another ten minutes had passed, until a bemused Julian staggered awkwardly through the doorway.

"Hmph, just as I thought." Felix said to himself, "amateurs."

He stood up and cleared his throat, politely gaining the attention of all in the room. Then he stepped into the light, revealing his whole self.

Felix gave a short beam, this time unnaturally convincing as though it came from a close friend. With a short pause, he began his lengthy conclusion to Cryer Pharmaceutical's quarantine and treatment operation onboard Luxury Liner Hawaii.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for coming to the executive representative gathering for the joint operation onboard Luxury Liner Hawaii.

I'd like to begin by concluding that, from Cryer Pharmaceutical's point of view, this operation was an overall success. With the superior quarantine conditions established and maintained throughout by our elite Emergency Response & Control teams, we've effectively minimised the potentials for casualties during this period of confusion to a below average but still acceptable figure of 3.67%.

Furthermore, with some small help from Medics and ExoGeni, the distribution and administration of medical treatment directed at this specific pandemic – now officially recorded as C2-819118-Hw for our convenience – is now complete. With the last known cases of said condition eliminated, our medical experts will be able to share their findings with you if you wish. As we speak, Cryer's recovery and finalisation operations are already in motion. We'll ensure that any traces of the viral agent are eradicated and any material that came into contact with it reduced to sub-atomic particles.

However, as you may have already known, our brief time here was not at all uneventful. According our logistics accounts, a total of 8 deaths and over 20 injuries had occurred since our arrival. 3 of which involving our very own employees. Our private investigations show that most of them occurred under accidental circumstances, therefore the Hawaii will not be held responsible. I wish to express my profound condolences for those and their families who paved way to our success with their precious lives. For more detailed information, please ask for our chief logistics manager's personnel reports.

To conclude, I'd like to thank you all again for your participation in this operation. I'm pleased to announce that Luxury Liner Hawaii is no longer under Cryer Pharmaceutical's quarantine and supervision. Our humanitarian presence onboard will terminate in approximately 12 hours. Your assistance was greatly appreciated by all. You all performed excellently under this particularly stressful environment and I commemorate your perseverance. It's been a pleasure working with you.

I'm Executive Coordinator Felix Cabulb and Cryer Pharmaceutical's influence officially ends here. Thanks you for listening."

A round of applause followed as Felix retreated back into the corner and sat back down. Ashley, who stood beside him and provided presentations throughout the speech, whispered.

"Nice one, sir."

Without a word, taking advantage of the illumination, Felix extended his hand towards Ashley's direction to grab her hand and caress it gently. The couple enjoyed this simple act of affection in silence.

---

*Signature Walkthrough* | *deviantART Gallery* | *Graphics Repository*