Giving Back

In this Our World story, Dr. Dash, Nezumi, and Hannah volunteer in the aftermath of the Illumina incident.

This is a transcript from Discord.

## Story

```
Back in the city, just two days after what quickly became known as the “Golden City Disaster” Dr. Dash has taken time away from his lab to help the people of the city more directly. Using his connections he was able to round up some food and is now, along with other volunteers, at the community center distributing them to people in need. Joining him are Hannah and Nezumi. (Though neither are currently all that enthusiastic.)

Nezumi:
*Nezumi is apathetically handing out provisions.* “Dr. D. I know I said I wanted to help people, but I kinda meant in a way that involved less ya know…” *Nezumi lowers her voice.* “people.”

Dr. Dash:
“Come on, Nezumi. These people have lost everything. Volunteering is the least we can do.”

Nezumi:
“I disagree. Mathematically speaking, we could be doing much less.”

Dr. Dash:
*Dash gives her a disappointed look.* “Could you at least try to be more invested, please? You don’t see Hannah complaining.”

Nezumi:
“That’s because she isn’t conscious.”

Hannah:
“I’m a little conscious!”
*Hannah puts on a smile as she hands stuff out.*

Dr. Dash:
*Dash starts to realize something’s off.* “Are you alright? You’re normally more focused than this.”

Hannah:
“I’m really tired.”

Dr. Dash:
“I could tell, you’re trying to give away the entire donation box.” *Dash grabs it from her and apologizes to the person.*

Hannah:
“...”
“Sorry sorry!!”

Dr. Dash:
“Do you think you could give us a moment, Nezumi?”

Nezumi:
“...”
*Nezumi gives a prolonged sigh.* “Yeah, yeah. Just don’t be long.”

Dr. Dash:
“Thanks.” *Dash takes Hannah aside.*
“Okay, you’re normally a lot better with people, what’s going on? Is all your training starting to get to you?”

Hannah:
“That’s not helping… but that’s not the only thing. The night after the mission in Bootstrap Butte, I had this really bad nightmare, couldn’t get back to sleep. Happened again last night.”

Dr. Dash:
“A nightmare…? Do you want to talk about it?”

Hannah:
“I don’t remember much. But even though I don’t remember anything specific… it felt so real… I was alone… I was trapped… I felt like I was burning…”

Dr. Dash:
“...”
“Sounds to me like you’re being overworked. Why don’t you go help Nezumi? I’m going to talk to Flame about cutting you some slack. That sound good?”

Hannah:
*Hannah smiles.”
“Yeah, thanks, Dad. Sometimes I’ve thought about telling him myself… but those conversations never leave my head. I can’t tell him I need a break, he’s just gonna tell me to get stronger.”

Dr. Dash:
“I’ll take care of it, don’t you worry. Now, you better get going. Nezumi looks like she’s getting restless.”

Nezumi:
*Nezumi is mouthing the words “help me”.*

Hannah:
*Hannah puts on a smile and goes to join Nezumi.*

Dr. Dash:
*Dash takes off his glasses and rubs his face.*
*He eyes Hannah with concern as he pulls up his phone and dials up Flame.*
“Hello, Flame. I just had a concerning talk with Hannah… Did she tell you anything about having nightmares?”

A few minutes later, Dr. Dash returns with a smile.

Hannah:
*To her knowledge, Hannah hasn’t messed up again.*

Dr. Dash:
“Okay, so I was able to convince Flame to just have you on call for the rest of the week. You just have to take some [time?] to exercise.”

Hannah:
“Yeah, I can do that. Thanks.”
*The prospect of time off improves Hannah’s mood.*

Dr. Dash:
“If you really want, you girls can just head home. It’s up to you, but I can handle things from here.”

Hannah:
“You sure?”

Nezumi:
“Of course he’s sure.”

Dr. Dash:
“You two did good already. You can take a break.”

Nezumi:
“I concur. Hannah?”

Hannah:
*Hannah nods.*

Nezumi:
“Okay, then.” *Nezumi locks arms with Hannah and makes for the door.* “See ya, Doc! Thanks for the character building, but we’ll be going now. Byyyyeee…”

Dr. Dash:
*Dash’s smile slowly droops into a frown as he watches them leave.* (I’m not sure how much longer we can protect her…) *Dash snaps himself out of it and does his best to smile as he returns to helping the needy.*

And though this story ends it seems there is a larger story going on… Answers for another time perhaps…

```

## Characters

*In order of appearance:*

* Nezumi Numanaga
* Bradley Dash
* Hannah Dash

## Participants

* Pip9766
* HannahDash