Day 3
"Seems like comms are restored," said Agent Tasha.
The group holed up at the airport had managed to scrounge up an above-decent meal to start the morning out, but it didn't take long for tempers to start flaring when the discussion topic became that of the vast number of unconscious people around them and across the island. Half of the contingent had wanted to try to reach their families now that the main threat to their safety appeared neutralized, however there was a vociferous section that preferred to stay isolated until BADGE, the police, the military, whoever, showed up. At one point, several demanded for Tri-blade to come clean on some conspiracy theory involving subjugating the populace for the meta humans to take over the world, but Tri-blade quickly disarmed the thoughts by correctly pointing out that BADGE certainly would have appointed more well-known or at least more notorious heroes in this area. Eventually, they decided to wait a little while longer. The appearance on the TV screens of a live broadcast - from the island of Barbados, not too far away - was a surprise, but met with cheers and joy.
"Maybe whatever Ren Tech had schemed up got overwritten," said Tri-blade, "and hopefully that Chorad fella or whatever his name is, will be getting their just desserts soon."
"Something we haven't thought of," said Agent Tasha with worry in her face, "these people, they're unconscious, but not in suspended animation or anything like that. We have no idea what their vitals are. They're going to need hydration and who knows what else?"
Tri-blade nodded, then called out to everyone, "Any doctors, nurses, anybody with any medical knowledge?" Three people stepped forward, hands raised.
"We're all based at Victoria Hospital nearby," the oldest of the three nurses said, "and you're right on treatment. But we can't go out to every comatose person and give them IVs, feeding tubes and ventilators. It's impractical and close to impossible."
"I have a hunch," said Tri-blade, "that the Ren-tech may be keeping their brain functions active. Remember how they were acting before they shut down. That probably also means they're keeping the breathing and blood circulation going as well."
"That still means they need some kind of feeding tubes, no to mention preventing skin infections. Even if we had a full staff of medical professionals... getting equipment out to everyone? Impossible!"
"Nothing's impossible! After all, the word itself says 'I'm possible'!" called a voice. Everybody turned to see a blue-skinned creature wearing a black dress, a 1950's style beehive wig, and holding a novelty cigarette holder to his mouth.
"Nice dress, Audrey?" asked Tri-blade, torn between laughter and confusion.
Strange Quark snapped his fingers and the dress and cig holder disappeared instantly, revealing Quark's regular outfit. The wig, however, remained present.
"Well scored, Tri-blade. Ten points to Gibbendorr!" Quark said as he strutted out to the group.
"Appreciated, Quark." He gestured to the others. "Everybody, Quark. Quark, everybody. Formal introductions on pause, for now..."
Quark nodded sadly, suggesting to Tri-blade that things were truly in a rough patch.
"What can you tell us?"
"Firstly... do not try to remove the RenWear. While it's sort of kept the brain functions active, removing it will sever everything. They'll be lost forever."
"Oh my lord," said Agent Tasha, covering her mouth.
"Secondly, everybody will starve if we don't keep them going. How many people do we estimate are in St. Lucia?" Quark continued.
"Probably in the two hundred thousand range," said Tri-blade. "and that's just one island in this chain. We have no idea how many conscious people are in the other islands..."
"We've yet to have contact with any other agents in the region," Agent Tasha added.
"If we can get as many people together in one area as possible, it'll save us a ton of time," replied Tri-blade. "Quark I already know you're required all over the planet... how much time can you give us to help teleport folks over?"
"Not much, Tri. Torrik's working non-stop state-side, and I'm supposed to be at the India-Pakistan border 985 seconds ago. If I hurry I can get anybody I see in the eastern part of the country -"
"No, go south, please. The Grenadines. Anybody there will be isolated. Get as many as you can to Victoria Hospital. If you happen to land in St. Vincent, please do a check-in and let us know the situation. Everyone here who can drive will try to collect people and bring over here. C.F., Quark."
Quark's eyebrow raised, then he nodded. "Two other things of note, Tri."
"Yes?"
"Thirdly, based on availability, we're going to send at least two BADGE robots to assist. You and Agent Tasha should be able to command them accordingly."
"And lastly,... we've got Nova."
Surprising Tri-blade and Quark alike, a cheer went up from the crowd who had gathered around to listen in on the dialogue.
"It'll take some time for him to get fully up to speed, but with him alive, we know we have a shot at this," Quark smiled as he vanished in a spark of light.
After the group divvied up assignments to head out and gather as many of the unconscious as they could to bring to the area hospitals, Agent Tasha took Tri-blade aside.
"Um, what's C.F.?"
Tri-blade puta a hand on his friend's shoulder as he softly said, "Children first."
[Tri-blade] [ID: 10879]
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