Page 132 of The Gathering
“Oh, of course, that’s what we’re here for.”
“One of the uh, swamp members is in need of basic daily therapy. An hour.”
“Okay, what is this in regards to? So I can connect them with a qualified sister.”
Bishop switched tactics, going with full transparency. “It’s for Morgue. The soldier that came with Sinrik. I reprogrammed his Directive Stack and gave him a conscience gate but he’s starting from scratch with basics, like emotions and thinking for himself, making choices. It’s all new for him and the first seventy-two hours of his experiences set the roots. He needs somebody qualified to help him navigate and properly catalog these basic human experiences that are happening very quickly.”
“Oh, yes, it must be terribly overwhelming,” she said, her sympathy identical to all the other sisters. “What Hatch is he in? I’ll find a sister close to make it convenient.”
“My Hatch,” he said.
“Okay, hmmm. Sister Beatrice would do but she’s a bit… excitable and he’ll likely benefit with a more neutral temperament.”
“He mentioned Sister Anna—”
“Oh yes! Yes, yes, she’s perfect. Almost too neutral but I think in his case it may be a good thing. Her listening gifts are quite extraordinary.”
Nice. “I’d like them to start as soon as possible.”
“I’ll call her immediately.”
“I’ll let him know. He’s relieved for the help and will submit to whatever is asked.”
“Perfect!” she said. “He’ll be hearing from her.”
“Yes, thank you.”
“You’re very welcome,” she sang. “Goodbye!”
He called Morgue back and he answered halfway through the first ring.
“It’s done,” Bishop said. “One of the sister’s will be in contact with you today.”
“Oh damn thatwasfast,” he said. “Great, thank you.”
“I’ll be in touch soon.” Bishop said, deciding to withhold the identity of the helpful nun. “Gotta run.”
“Thank you. Again.”
“Was all my pleasure, mon frere.”
Eye For AFuckingEye
Bitch King
Bishop made his way to Seer’s room, ready to face the mud.
He paused at his door, trying to get a reading on what he was walking into.
He knocked softly after hearing no sound.
Still nothing.
He turned the knob and peeked in.
His eyes snagged on Seer. Breathing on his own but with respirator mask help. IV fluids, crash cart nearby.
It was thestill as deathpart that Bishop couldn’t get past. In his head or stomach.
