(no subject)

[gabriel_tam]

It's been seven years since the passage of the IIGA. Seven years since the assassination attempt. Seven years since Vincent Navarro had given Gabriel Tam his professional medical opinion and warned him in no uncertain terms what the results of his remaining in office would likely be.

He doesn't regret his choice.

Still, things are becoming more difficult, these days. He does his best to cooperate with Navarro's continued recommendations, working with his ever-efficient assistant Mark Jiang to make time for the additional treatments and the now-compulsory pulmonary rehab sessions (which take place in his office, in secret, as much as possible), to listen to Regan and reassure her as much as he can. Even so, it's difficult sometimes. Today was one of the harder days - and there's still a dinner party to endure tonight.

Gabriel makes his way slowly into the bar and to an armchair seat by the fireplace. He'll just rest a bit here, before he goes. Just for a while.

Comments

[wolflord_andain]

"Gabriel."

Galadan settles himself in the armchair catty-corner to Gabriel's, shifting the tails of his duster out of the way as he does so.

When in Rome, after all.

(Or rather, when out in the Rim . . . )

"Dare I hope medical science is proving capable of assisting you?"

[gabriel_tam]

"It has so far," he replies, wryly, and fights back a cough.

"Vincent's very determined. Ni hao, Galadan."

[wolflord_andain]

"As he should be."

Galadan's observation is dry.

He leaves out what he thinks of the evidence of success.

So far.

[gabriel_tam]

"You'd understand that sort of thing."

Equally dry.

"How are you?"

[wolflord_andain]

Galadan's smile is very slight.

"I require no medical miracles to continue to exist. Much to the disappointment of others, I'm sure."

[gabriel_tam]

"May they continue to be disappointed," he says.

"As for myself, I'm not looking for miracles. Only standard treatments."

He's already had all the miracles he's likely to get.

[wolflord_andain]

"There are some who might wish you to find a miracle, regardless."

None of them are sitting here, of course.

[gabriel_tam]

"And I'm sure some who don't, as well."

Gabriel smiles, a little ruefully.

"I'd not turn one down, mind you. I just don't think it's likely."

[wolflord_andain]

"That is part of the standard definition."

If it needs to be said.

[gabriel_tam]

"You have a point," he acknowledges.

"Can I stand you to a drink?"

[wolflord_andain]

Galadan lifts one eyebrow.

"Certainly, but only if you don't stand."

He raises one hand in a peremptory gesture, summoning a waitrat.

It seems simplest.

[gabriel_tam]

He chuckles, and tries not to wince as it turns into a cough. Gabriel wipes his mouth with his handkerchief, and says to the rat,

"Whatever Galadan wants, on my tab; as for myself, I think I'll just have green tea this evening."

[wolflord_andain]

"Mead will do for me, I should think."

He nods at the waitrat, who skitters off about its business.

It will be back shortly.

"Though I do hope you will tell me if you need a fresh handkerchief while we're talking."

It's only polite.