2020-01-26 - Stop Glowing

It's no class Sunday at Vivid Dreams which means that things are cleaner than ever before. In fact, there's little to no pet hair in the place as Hera has been using the broom what it's intended use.....to sweep. No ghosts have come across so there's no need to chase them down and the dust pan is safe, for now. It's then that she considers some of the deer meat that Devlin brought her for Christmas. Hey, tis the season for giving so she decides it's time to actually learn cooking. There's no stove in the main area of the gallery so she goes upstairs to get a few pots from upstairs. The pottery kiln, for all intents and purposes, could be rigged up to make a good place to cook some venison. Wonderful idea! So she gets to work on that. The burners start to sizzle and she puts the frozen meat into the pot. "I do need to learn how to cook." She says, "Seriously. I guess this would be good practice."

It's getting to a habit for Kim to drop into Vivid Dreams. The small woman comes in the door and smells meat? She takes a look around to see where it could be coming from. The door to the upstairs left open for some reason? Well Hera should know or the place is on fire. It doesn't look like it is. Her eyes fall on the owner and waves at her "Hera! So were you cooking upstairs earlier?" she calls out as she starts to walk over to her. Kim is at least looking better today.

Hera waves to her friend and says, "Actually, I decided to cook it in here. I don't know, just felt like being among the paintings and such. There's not as many paintings upstairs." Because of course, there's a LOT more here that can be a bit....interesting. "Are you hungry?" she asks, "I don't think I could eat all of this by myself. Lately I've been so hungry. I guess that's what I get for not eating much of Jessica's wonderful cooking. I was" she blushes, "More focused on her."

Kim closes the distance "Cook it here huh? Is that safe? Having all the paintings around is nice..." there are now images of the lovely art burning up. "I am sure you know what you are doing." she says looking a bit nervous. "I could eat a little. Didn't manage to catch much of a breakfast after...okay I'm stopping myself there. Wait, wait did you say you didn't get much to eat at Jessica's, food at least. So you did, didn't you?" She goes over to hug Hera "That's great no wonder you look less tense. Good on ya."

Hera blinks and looks around as Kim poses the question, "Well, I would guess so. I often fire up the kiln for the pottery classes and all." She then blushes and says, "Well uhm, it's a fairly good assumption that we well, got closer, I think. She stays pretty busy with the paper though. I wish she was here so I could cook for her. I'm a horrible horrible cook." The meat goes sizzle sizzle and Hera doesn't notice that not too far off is a container of paint thinner, hmmmm maybe Kim is onto something there?

Kim the voice of reason that no one listens to. "Right so it gets very hot. Probably not the best for cooking." well what is the worst that can happen? There is a fair more interesting topic at hand "Look you don't want to kiss and tell or other things and tell that's fine. I am sure that she'll find time for you." a eyebrow raised at the cooking comment "I doubt you are a horrible cook. I could teach you a few recipes. You or Jessica may not like them as they are traditional. Other cooking not so much, but that is why the heavans made doordash, ubereats, and every other..." the sizzling does make her look over to the kiln and oh paint thinner she knows. Talk abandoned she goes to try to shove the container away.

Hera blushes more and more at the mention of Jessica. On that, she winds up in 'la la' land which leaves Kim to save the day. Falling in love, it's so distracting but she manages to overlook the fact that Kim had to spring into action. Kim does manage to shove the container out of the way but the lid comes off and some of the thinner begins to spill on the floor. That leaves, problem number two, can the cooking fire reach the chemical, or is it still far away where everything is 'safe' or, is Hera so ga ga over Jessica, does she even notice all the action?

"Damnit!" Kim really should have never skipped as much gym class as she did way back when. With the spreading liquid she goes back to grab Hera by the shoulder "Call Hans now! We have to get out of here." there is another alternative but given her not so great control over this new stuff she isn't about to risk it. She is already trying to tug Hera towards the door, so the woman can live another day to be all googly eyed.

Well, not all is lost yet. She did have the sense to get fire extinguishers and she rushes over to toss one to Kim. Fortunately she is smart enough where she doesn't hit Kim upside the head with it. "Grab it, move fast!" she says, yeah, there's a fire sure enough about to happen but maybe this will give them enough time to prepare. There's animals and paintings to keep safe here after all!

Hey at least she didn't throw the extinguisher at Kim's head. Kim does pause and turn to try to catch the thing. Her eyes turn to watch the progress of the liquid at the last moment. With a loud thud Kim goes tumbling down to the floor. She isn't getting up anytime soon, she could still be conscious...just maybe but concussions aren't fun.

Well, there's always a need to keep the medical community employed and looks like this may be one of those occassions. Poor Kim, she really really tried and BOOM a fall like that, yeah, the Asian gamer will certainly need to be checked out. Hera reacts quickly though. She sees where the burner is still one and she manages to turn it off before it hits the fumes of the paint thinner. Crisis one seems to be averted though and no paintings were harmed in the making of this chaos. That leaves poor Kim, poor poor Kim. "Damnit!" she shrieks, "Where is Devlin where I need him?" Always there....Devlin is almost always there when she calls but, tense moments cause her to speak first in that regard. "I really need to get some medical training." She then goes to her friend's side and tries to nudge her, "Kim....Kim...are you ok?"

Kim's head is ringing something bad. Fire there was fire, is that bad? There is a voice now and she tries to focus her eyes on the source. It's all blurry, probably because her glasses got knocked off "Yeah I'm all watermelon. Chisai tori." she tries to push herself and fails. Flopping back to the ground "I'm going to lay here. Is thing okay?" she's likely just dazed. So hard to tell without medical help though. At the very least she is going to have a huge bruise on her forehead for awhile.

Hera looks worried and she also looks like she wasted no time in getting her cellphone. Fortunately, she's able to text fairly fast and she keeps things calm. "I don't know if you should lay there. I'm going to get help, everything is going to be ok but, don't...I mean I don't know what to do." Yup, first aid training, she might need it.

Kim is fine to just lay on the ground despite Hera's concerns, it isn't like she could get up right now. Oh trying to move her head towards Hera hurts. "Okay." at least what Hera is saying makes some sense. Just stay still on the not so comfy floor. Things will have to get better.

Hera heaves a heavy sigh and just shakes her head. Fortunately, she is able to shake her head and not worry about it. "Yeah, Stephanie should be on the way." She says, "Just, let me get you some water. Whatever you do, do NOT pass out, ok? Take a deep breath and relax. Help is on the way." She then goes to get a bottle of water for her friend. "Think of your paint class, think of how wonderful it will be." Hopefully it doesn't hurt to think.

"Water is good. Wine be better. Not going to pass out, I might close my eyes for a bit." Kim is at least now more able to string words together. "Oh everything is so fuzzy. Thoughts is hard. Painting is nice. Mac is better. Way better." head hurting and trying to keep Hera in view. At least one of the Hera's she sees "My head hurts Hera. Can I close my eyes now? Just until Stephanie here."

Hera shakes her head and says, "Nope nope nope, no wine for now. That's not happening. So we got your visions checked out, that's ok. Now we need to get your head checked out. Wine will only make things worse in this condition and whatever happens, I am definitely /not/ giving you vodka. Trust me, then you will pass out, remember how I made a fool of myself?"

After Stephanie gets the text from Hera, she decides to call it in officially, ready to go. Driving towards Vivid Dreams, Stephanie tries to remain cool and composed, as she always does. "Why don't people call this in? It's not like we're terribly busy ALL the time, we'd get there right away," she mutters to herself as she focused on the road. She's still several minutes away, but she's on her way.

Another on the way is Jessica. After some texting with Hera that had her more and more concerned afterwards, she rushed through her planned interview and was now rushing towards Vivid Dreams in her (original) VW bug. Running may have got her there quicker.

Kim starts to make a frown at Hera's refusal "Ouch wine would...make better less pain." still struggling with words "Head not good. Vision? There are two Hera's.My...glasses where?" the words vodka get her shattered "Yes vo...vod...that would help not hurt. Wouldn't pass out...just hurts Hera. Not fool you are."

Hera looks relieved when Stephanie finally gets there, and thrilled that Jessica can make it. Fortunately she doesn't hear Stephanie's muttering but she goes over to hug her sweetheart. "Oh I'm so glad you were able to get away from work." she says, "Kim, isn't making much sense, it sounds like she's in pain. I don't think she would have wine in her situation." Staying next to Jessica, she looks over at the medical professional. While she's certainly tempted to hug her for a while, she's clearly concerned for her friend. "Tell her Stephanie that she shouldn't have any alcohol right now."

Quickly dispensing with the formalities of greetings, Stephanie moves towards Kim, seemingly on autopilot, making her initial assessment. "I've had to call it in, I can't just slip away from the station in between calls," she explains as she scans Kim's head to find any bumps or any spots bleeding. When Hera continues talking, the paramedic simply lifts a finger up in her direction as if to signal, 'just hold on'.

“Kim, my name is Stephanie, and I’m here to help. Just checking your head.”

Jessica hugs Hera tight in greeting. "I should have come right away" she apologises before looking concerned at Kim. "Alcohol rarely helps in these situations" she nods before making sure Hera stays out of the way while Stephanie works. "You okay, Beautiful?" she whispers to the redhead. "Help is here. Everything will be fine."

A quick scan of Kim's head shows no bleeding, but a very large bump from a point of impact. Mostly red with some purple on the side. Now there are more people here with one above Kim examining her "You glow. I glow! Help..yes head...it...it...hurts." flopping her hand trying to point at Jessica "Hera's girl...you glow." granted she hasn't been making much sense before now. "No wine. Okay."

Hera sighs as Kim still doesn't make any sense whatsoever. "Yes, she's beautiful, she's a very beautiful woman so of course she glows." She bites her lower lip as she looks at Jessica. "See, she's, delusional. I mean, she's really not making much sense, not any at all. Devlin didn't seem to indicate that she needed a psych evaluation. Stephanie, what do you think?"

Stephanie frowns slightly at Kim's comments. She knows people can sense her Glimmer, but she hadn't used any of her abilities yet, in front of these people in particular, so they have no confirmation. Was she about to reveal herself in front of everyone? She was getting mildly irritated at Hera's constant chattering but is trying to tune it out.

"We glow?" Jessica knows all about the glimmer...well, as much as anyone truly knows. "Have we glowed before?" Quickly realising she' starting to sound a bit crazy herself to those not aware, she clears her throat before correcting. "Of course I glow, I'm in love." If that doesn't quiet Hera down she adds, "Hera, honey, let Stephanie do her job."

To those who would notice, Stephanie's hands start to glow a translucent blue as the paramedic examines her patient.

Kim isn't sure about the frown. Everything is so fuzzy and really she isn't all there right now. At least it's like trying to think through a layer of molasses and she's trying to express herself. "Not..de..del..not crazy. Just things hard." she seems to be messing up all this new stuff again. At least maybe? She doesn't really know right now. Shutting up seems like the best thing to do. She is being helped after all. Catching the blue glow. Nope say nothing.

Hera bites her bottom lip again to show her nervousness, but when Jessica politely asks to let the professionals work, she falls silent and reaches for her girlfriend's hand. She doesn't notice any glowing but, for now, she just stands and watches in silence. Seems like both she and Kim decide that 'pleading the fifth' is not a bad idea now, though for obviously different reasons.

Kim is still very much concussed and in need of the hospital, but she starts to feel the pain dull a little, as if she'd been administered something for the pain she was feeling. The relief is temporary, but at least it's something. "All right, all right, just stay calm and relax. We'll get you to the hospital soon enough," she says soothingly.

Jessica sees the glow and offers Stephanie a knowing look. "You're in good hands, Kim. Everything will be fine." She takes Hera's hand, giving it a firm squeeze while offering her a warm smile of support. "Stephanie knows what she is doing, Hera."

Days off.. as they say.. those do happen. Devlin comes walking in to the Gallery and pauses, "Problem?" He moves up in the direction of Kim and Stephanie. Not interjecting himself into things, just yet.

Stephanie says, "Ask Hera," was all Stephanie said about that, then she added, "We need to get her to the hospital. She hit her head hard.”

Hera has heard 'Kim needs to go to the hospital' and her eyes go wide. The last thing she wants to have happen is one of her friends hurt, especially at her place. She's nervous but to maintain her silence and not be that much of a distraction, she slaps her hands over her lips. Then when Devlin asks if there's a problem she nods her head and mouths the words, "Mmmmhmmmm." She's trying to be a good girl but, things are a bit tense. Maybe if she could see a glow things could be better....or worse.

With the pain less it is a comfort to Kim. There are still problems of course and hearing she'll have to go to the hospital she gives a small nod. As much as she can without making the pain flare up again or the fuzzy feeling too much. "Calm yes. I will...will calm yes. Hera it okay." and now doing her best not to move or really think about things too much.

If Hera could see the glow then there certainly could be a more frank discussion to help Kim out but, yes, would that be better or worse. A nod of greeting to Devlin from Jessica as she loses Hera's hand to shock. "Hi, I'm Jessica." She gives her girlfriend a warm smile. "See, Kim is fine." Even if she is talking like Yoda. "And she will be even better once the doctors at the hospital have seen her. How about we help Stephanie get Kim into the ambulance and then I'll drive you up there?"

Devlin nods to Stephanie and starts the point by point checks for concussion with her. His note pad seemingly coming out of no where but he is known to carry one. He just records as Stephanie verifies. "Best to get you to the specialists that can determine if you have a concussion. Nasty things concussions.. they can sneak up on you later in ways you would not imagine." He then nods as the suggestions to get Kim to a doctor.

"I called it in, it's just a matter of waiting," Stephanie glances at her partner, "Can you get her to the hospital? I can update dispatch if you do."

Devlin says, "Best for both of us to go. I have my notes for the hand off. Not safe to just have a driver. Someone needs to watch her during transport."

Hera takes a deep breath and begins to steady herself more. "I just hope she's going to be ok." She says and, of course, what a time for everyone to introduce themselves, "Cousin, this is Jessica, my girlfriend. Jessica, this is Devlin, my cousin. He's very good at his job and, naturally, that's his partner there if you didn't already know."

"Good point, I'll watch her and you drive. We can't take her in my pickup." Stephanie looks around at those present and sighs before grabbing her phone to update dispatch. "We're taking the patient in ourselves. Yes, I know. It's faster this way. Thanks, Celia. I know. Yes, Thursday. Okay, bye." She looks to Devlin and adds, "Ready when you are."

Kim wants to say she's okay, but it's clear even to her that she isn't. "Don't sleep in concussion. I would be...ok in ride." it isn't any easier to try to speak. Infuriating is what it is and if only this ringing would go away. Well they are the professionals here and Kim isn't in any state to protest too much. Turning her head a bit to Hera and Jessica "Things will fine." still not able to fully focus her eyes.

"Nice to meet you, Devlin, I wish it could be in better circumstances" Jessica smiles to Devlin before addressing Hera. "Kim will be fine. Promise. And I keep my promises, remember? They're both good at their job and they are taking brilliant care of Kim as you can see. Is there anything you want to grab before we follow them to the hospital?"

Devlin nods, "Kim, just wait here. I have a litter in the jeep. Just wait here and I will go get it from the jeep." "Hi Jessica.. horrible timing as always for me. May be later." He then heads out side to go get the litter for kim.

Hera relaxes a bit more and when she hears Jessica's words she nods, "Yes, yes you do. Thank you for coming I, just need to make sure Queso didn't run out of the room with everyone coming inside, then my purse and, that's it. This isn't, keeping you away from work is it?" She asks that to be sure after all, a career is a career and she already knows how dedicated Jessica is to her job.

Stephanie stays with Kim to keep an eye on her patient and keep track of her symptoms and any changes. As far as any diagnostic assessments are concerned, it doesn't seem like there are any other injuries to be concerned about, but the sooner Kim is at the hospital, the better. Stephanie sighs.

Kim really isn't in much of a position to even try to move. Her limbs just aren't doing what she wants them to do. She gives a small pained laugh at Devlin's comment "Yes..." Everyone saying she'll be okay does help with her anxiety. Then again if she was able to think more clearly she'd probably be in full panic mode right now. So there is that at least. Plus being thankful that there at least people still with her.

"Don't worry about my work" Jessica assures Hera. "Besides, I could always do a story on the brilliant responders we have in town and their eagerness to help out." She takes Hera's hands in hers and looks her deep in the eyes. "Besides, there are some things more important than work." Jessica never thought she'd say that and she surprises herself. Hopefully no diabetics around. A quick kiss to Hera's lips. "Go grab what you need."

Devlin does not take long before he returns to the gallery. Good guess ran or jogged there and back. He has a couple of blankets under his arm along with a litter. "Back with the gear, at least the back seat split will allow her to lay flat all the way through." He smile to Kim, "Hey.. you'll be the first person to use this. And with a couple of blankets, you'll be snug as a bug in a rug." He unfolds it with Stephanie's help and the pair are able to get Kim positioned comfortably. He chuckles, "You're in good hands and great shape, Kim.. not important enough to warrant a bird."

Hera sighs happily and naturally returns the kiss with one of her own, her lips staying on Jessica's a few seconds longer than they should given the circumstances. She then kisses her on the cheek and mutters, "Thank you sweetheart." Then, on the hunt for Queso. It takes a few moments. Cats can hide in various places when they're scared but Hera knows his hidey holes pretty well. "Found him!" she announces then she also finds her purse, "Watch over the gallery Hans, I'm leaving everything in your capable paws." Of course the dog just gives his alpha one of those 'huh' looks and wags his tail. "Your Uncle Leon and Aunt Kim will get the security up and running as soon as they can but in the meantime, it's all on you boy." Fortunately dogs can't understand complicated human talk, but he probably gets the message.

Stephanie quietly works to assist Devlin in getting Kim comfortable, calmly sliding into the background as her partner seems to take charge a little more. She doesn't mind it though, and is simply following instructions at this point. She's done her job with the initial assessment. "Ready when you are," she tells Devlin.

A few hours later, the group returns to the Gallery. Of course the usual ER treatment wait was shortened a lot by the fact that a pair of off duty paramedics bringing her in. Devlin leads the way back to the gallery but keeping an eye on Kim. "You are looking and sounding better, Kim."

Just another Sunday? Just another Sunday. It wasn't always the most exciting and it wasn't always convenient, but Stephanie's willingness to help and her passion to heal always seem to override whatever else was going on. She was lucky that Celia, one of the dispatchers, was so willing to accommodate her 'off book' runs, though she didn't need a truck that time so that helped.

Kim can walk again and her speech is better, as most concussions go people recover a lot within a few hours. Fair less of the word salad or as Jessica mentioned sounding less like Yoda. Now if this buzzing and fuzzy head feeling go away "Yeah it's a lot better than just after having my head booped. Is it loud in here? Feels like it is loud. Also that is the fastest I've ever gotten out of a hospital." being back she can begin the hunt for her glasses. With some luck they weren't broken.

"I'm just glad I can call in favours with dispatch, I guess working in this town for almost a decade as a paramedic has its benefits," Stephanie comments casually. "Celia actually used to babysit for my family, so that helps too." She's following Devlin and everyone else.

Hera comes back in with the group looking relieved. "Wow, I'm glad that went better than I imagined. Hospitals are not bad places, but they aren't the best ones either." She then offers Jessica a smile and leans in to kiss her on the cheek again. "Would you like some wine? I think we have something to celebrate now that our friend will be ok. She is going to do a painting class too, you should come! She's a fabalous artist."

"A painting class? Umm...sure" Jessica shrugs, a smile still on her face from the kiss to the cheek. "Are there any crayon stick figure classes? That's probably my level at the moment. Wine sounds good." Letting Hera wander off she makes her way over to check on Kim. "What are you looking for? Oh...glasses?" She will help in the search, stopping breifly to check a phone message that makes her frown.

Devlin says, "Just sit and relax, Kim. We'll look for your glasses for you." He then looks to Hera, "Where did she hit her head? Good guess the glasses are near there." He does crouch down to look across the floor from a lower view. "Art .." He smiles, "Not my forte.."

"I feel like, maybe it's not the best time to teach, you know, overexertion and all that. Maybe you should rest." Stephanie suggests as a follow up to Devlin's comment, as she too looks around for the glasses.

Kim with all of the help she is able to locate the pair, she isn't sitting this out. Some scratches on them but intact, something went her way today yay! "You know you two make such a great couple." commenting to Jessica as she puts them back on "So kawaii! Don't worry about your current skills. It's a beginner's class and I don't expect masterpieces until the second one." she jokes with a smile. She shakes her head to Stephanie "Oh I shouldn't move my head so fast. It wouldn't be for a few weeks and I think I can get a few days off of work. Ah so hey anything I said when I was really bad...sorry. Things are a little hazy but pretty sure I offended." giving a glance "I'm okay to do basic stuff. If I get dizzy I'll sit and I...just check your phone later. I'll be sending you a attachment."

Stephanie continues to have a concerned look on her face but it's her day off and she's not about to argue with Kim, though she'll continue to keep an eye on the girl until she leaves the gallery. "Don't worry about it," Steph says quickly in a dismissive tone, "It's fine." She lets out a faint smile.

Hera winks over at Jessica, "No no no, I won't take that as any other answer. You will do a wonderful job with anything, and I do mean anything, that you do." She goes behind one of the counters and pulls out two bottles of wine, one is a rose and the other is a red. "This place is meant to inspire all levels of creativity and, well, I think I know I shouldn't take a moment to try to cook anything like, maybe ever, ever again. I'm good at cleaning though!" Bringing the bottles in, she looks around for the closest set of glasses. There are always glasses around here.

Jessica blushes a little at Hera's words. "This place is certainly working. Your creativity is quite...exceptional." A frown as she pockets her phone. "Been an explosion in town." If only she could sound surprised. "I might be called away" she warns before her smile returns. "Don't worry, Hera, I'm happy to cook if you seriously want to clean."

Devlin hmms and takes a glance at his smart phone. "Must have been a small one. No mass disaster call out." He is clearly relieved to see that has not happened. "Hopefully the talks they had me give on concussive blast injuries help the team out there." He takes a breath.. yeah.. easy to see that he wishes to be there on the scene.

Kim does take a seat she isn't going to risk too much. Getting a relived look on her face at Stephanie's words "Alright. I just hate to think I offended the woman who helped me out." she pauses before going on "Hera. You should try to cook again, maybe just not in a kiln again though okay?" she hhmmms "A explosion? Anything serious? Well at least I hope no one got hurt."

Stephanie gives Devlin a glance as he looks at his phone. "What's going on?" she asks, looking at her own phone and then the look of realization sets in.

Hera smiles widely at Jessica's praises but the smile is short lived when she hears of what is going on. "I don't mind cleaning at all sweetheart but, that's beside the point. An explosion, that can't be good." Two main EMTs are right here though so the fact they're not rushing, that might be a good thing, "If people are hurt surely you both would know, right?" She pours too glasses of wine and offers Jessica one. "Do you like Rose? This one is from France."

Stephanie says, "They seemed to have already taken care of things, Celia must have sent the ambulance after I called her," Stephanie mused, thinking about her call to dispatch several hours ago. "Well, a couple of young guys are on shift right now, hopefully they know how to handle themselves. If backup is needed, they'll call." There was a pause. "You tried to cook in a kiln???" she gave Hera a look, like WTF???"

Devlin smirks, "Nothing wrong with that in theory.. I cooked over burning C4 a few times.. Jumped out of perfectly good aircraft while in flight into complete darkness.. Just to mention a few things." He smiles a bit as he moves to get some coffee for himself. "Sometimes crazy is the way.."

"Thanks" Jessica smiles as she takes the offered glass and enjoys a sip. "I like this Rose. France? I'll go there one day." Another sip before a shake of her head at the explosion concern. "They've got it in hand like they said." A nod to Stephanie and Devlin. "I get to do lots of follow up for the reporting side. You know, try and trick my way into a hospital room to interview anyone hurt that they're trying to hide. That kind of thing. But I'm sure that in this case it was a simple accident."

Kim puts her hand up to the non bruised part of her forehead. Seems like not so great ideas run in the family "Over burning C4. I don't know anything about explosives, but that seems like a terrible idea. Could you get me a cup of coffee while your up?" she asks of Devlin, seems good after questioning his life choices.

Stephanie raises an eyebrow at Jessica as she says, "You never know in this town..." She shrugs, her voice trailing off, with the implication of things left unsaid. She looks down to her phone, considering who she might be able to contact to get more information.

Hera gets a bit of a wistful look on her face and says, "Yeah, it's cliche I admit, but I always wanted to go to Paris. I don't speak French though. I guess that would be a bit of a drawback. Bordeaux now that's some incredible red wine, if you like the dry flavor that is. But, yeah, I've learned my lesson about the cooking thing. I guess I can use my microwave without much of a problem." She looks over at Kim again and asks, "You still feeling ok?"

Devlin says, "Not hard to learn a new language. I am fairly good at Arabic.. thankful that I didn't need to work to much with .." He pauses, "I think Dari? is the right way to pronounce what they speak in Afghanistan. Just have to apply yourself Hera, a lot of resources out there to use. Oh, thank you for that attachment Kim. I'll give it a read later. I'll have to hook you up later with The Doc.. she's the one providing the evals keeping the assholes at the state house happy where I am concerned." He takes a breath, "I would love to see Gomez have just a week as hard as what he put me through for months.""

"I don't know French either" Jessica sighs, "But I do know Arabic and Spanish. There's something to put on the list, Hera, learn French. I'm all for talking dirty in as many languages as possible." Oh...yeah...there are other people nearby. The reporter blushes a little and hides behind some wine sipping.

It's at this point that Stephanie gets a little quiet as she moves towards a nearby window, the sounds of conversations blurring in her mind. Something didn't sit right with her about this explosion. She knew that enough weird stuff happened around town that there was a chance it wasn't just an accident, just like some of the deaths she'd seen were not just straightforward deaths. When she gets a text message, the brunette frowned.

Kim tilts her head over to Hera "Things are a still a little off. I'll be okay though. Don't worry about it. I needed a excuse to take a few days off and you know fire extinguisher to the head is the best excuse ever." she does wonder at what Stephanie meant about you never know in this town. Maybe she'll inquire another time. "No problem just thought it would be something you'd like." she replies to Devlin "Sounds like she'd be a person I'd like to meet." she's pretty sure that comment was for her. She blinks at Jessica and then gets a grin "I can teach both you and Hera some very choice Japanese words to use as well. Really they don't even sound dirty."

Hera winks at Jessica and says, "Now I do know Spanish mi amor, the streets taught me that much, even if it was another place another time." She moves to wrap her arm around the pretty reporter but she catches Stephanie out of the corner of her eye, "It's none of my business but, are you ok Stephanie?" With that she gives Devlin a bit of a look, wondering if there's a reason to be concerned.

Giving Hera that huh? look in return. "Life takes us into different places, Hera.. some unexpected." Devlin then chuckles, "Well.. at one point, I knew enough to get slapped hard due to what I said in about a half dozen languages.. " He then smiles, "Better though was knowing how to order beer in eight.. and good bourbon in more."

"Yeah, was just getting updates about the explosion from a friend, I was right about the ambulance being sent out...nothing specific though. Still waiting on a friend at the hospital to see if he'll tell me anything about any patients who've come in," Stephanie explains quietly to Hera. Mentalists in the room can feel some mild stress radiating from her.

"Tus besos encienden el fuego en mi alma" Jessica purrs to Hera before a little smirk at Devlin's slapping escapades. "You were in the forces, Devlin?" A grin as she points to Kim. "I like this idea. Yes please, Kim. I need to know all the Japanese phrases too." When she looks over Stephanie's way, she seems concerned about the vibe from the EMT. Though Hera's whispering has her smile quickly returning. At least until her phone buzzes again and she checks the message. "I'm gonna have to go, hon" she grumbles with definite disappointment. "Make sure Kim is okay and I'll call you later, okay." A proper kiss to say adieu with. It is a long, long goodbye.

"Hey, if you hear anything about explosion, let me know?" Stephanie calls out to Jessica.

Devlin says, "Take care Jessica.. short answer.. 12 years in the 82nd.. 4 tours."

Hera kisses Jessica goodbye and also waves to her as she goes out. "Well, thank you my friends. I think everything has somewhat settled down. Kim, you're more than welcome to sleep here for the night if you want. I think I need to check on Hans and Queso myself. Devlin, if you and Stephanie have to go, be safe out there."

Devlin nods, "I'll behave Hera.. well for a paratrooper.. that is. Kim, need a lift home? I can get you there. May be later with another person arrange to get your car home too. About time for me to head back to the apartment.. I have a few people to ass kick in Call of Duty.."

"I probably should, have a goodnight, Hera," Stephanie offers with a hug, then she says with a glance at Devlin, "I'll see you tomorrow." To Kim she says, "Take it easy, try not to overexert yourself."

"Sure Devlin. I shouldn't be driving right? My hotel isn't terribly far away." getting up to offer a hug to Hera after Stephanie "I don't want to interude on you. Devlin's nice enough to offer and I'll be back tomorrow for my car." and finally waving to Stephanie "I promise I won't overexert myself tonight."