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Post by Claudia O'keefe on Jul 10, 2008 15:46:38 GMT -5
Claudia sat under a tree at the end of a row of pale yellow bungalow style homes. The grass was sparse underneath her, leaving her shins damp and muddy as they rested on the warm ground. It would have been a strange scene, the sight of the odd girl, in an odd stance in the middle of a terribly odd island, but it mattered little, for there was no one here unaccustomed to these strange going ons, at least there hadn't been in some time.
Claudia flipped the leaf in her palm a few times and brought it closer to her face. It appeared to have fallen from the tree towering over her, it was the same small fan shape, and identical in size to the rest still attached to branches above. What interested Claudia was it's color, for some reason it had turned a purplish hue which was not common at all, not even during the cooler seasons, these trees, as most jungle varieties did not shed their leaves.
Claudia gently tucked the mysterious foliage into a small bag, and looked out to the nearby hills. She would take the tiny treasure back to her house and work with long into the night if necessary, she already knew, yet she was not quite ready to go. She stayed put on the dirt and stared at the green hills just in front of her. The sun was hanging heavy and low in the sky, and it was nearly red, never a good sign, not as bad as a red dawn, but for superstitious people it never brought good tidings. Claudia smiled, she was not one of those people....at least not today. She breathed in and out waiting for the sun to make its way behind the mountains.
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Post by Ben Linus on Jul 10, 2008 22:01:26 GMT -5
Ben was making his way down to the end of the block for the final time that day, on his usual evening walk. Oftentimes he was accompanied, either by Richard or Tom, getting reports on the happenings on and off the island, but tonight he was alone. It was peaceful, if not a bit lonely, but made it all the more welcoming when he came upon a young woman kneeling on the ground in front of him. It was Claudia, the girl who had come here under some interesting circumstances. Ben was fond of the girl, and nodded to her as he approached.
The grass was little and broke under his step. He stopped and looked at his resident botanical expert. He looked up at the tree and then back down at her. "Anything interesting today Claudia?" Ben looked at the dark red omen in the sky and took his bag off his shoulder anyhow and put it on the ground, sitting next to it in order to get down to Claudia's level.
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Post by Claudia O'keefe on Jul 10, 2008 22:25:29 GMT -5
Claudia didn't have to look to know who's footsteps were approaching from behind. She knew his immediately and she didn't even bother to open her eyes. She prized herself on coming to useful information before anyone else, it was a contest within her own head to guess things like that, she enjoyed it, but to some it added to the collection of weird things she did. Ben never seemed to be bothered by her quirks, but she didn't actually know, she'd never asked him or anyone else about their feelings regarding such matters, and she was not about to start now.
She turned to Ben and fished the purple leaf from her own bag that was the exact copy of his, only smaller. She lay the thing gently in his hand and waited to see what he would say. She wanted to see if he would make any of the same observations as she, and if he was at all disturbed. Ben was always her favorite science project, his face gave her as many questions as answers and she loved it.
There were times when she was younger that she had been afraid of the angry look in his eye, but that time has passed. As of late she often found herself deliberately putting herself in his way. Claudia looked down at the leaf and realized she still had her hand over it and pressed into Ben's, she removed it quickly and stared at the top of his head as he was left to examine the leaf.
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Post by Ben Linus on Jul 10, 2008 22:33:27 GMT -5
Ben looked at the small purple leaf with a thoughtful, appraising glance. Interesting shade, and the purple, like the red Sun, was also said to be a sign. He wondered if Claudia knew the story and decided to tell her. "The ancient tribes of this island used to tell a story, Claudia, I don't know if you're familiar with it or not. They said that once there was a lizard who wanted to be like the albino bear. It tried it's hardest but could do nothing but turn purple. The other lizards all loved his purple color, they said it was the most beautiful purple ever seen, never equaled, but it did not matter to the lizard. One day, as he was turning purple, a large hawk swooped down and grabbed him in his claws, killing him instantly. The hawk was only able to see him in the grass because on that particular day, the lizard had finally accomplished his goal. He had turned white amongst a field of violets."
Ben looked at Claudia to make sure she was taking in the story as intended. He enjoyed how she thought, could almost see the gears clicking so quickly together. "Their's a moral there, and you don't have to look so hard to find it." Ben smiled and wondered if she enjoyed this explanation as much as the possible scientific reason behind it. "Of course, the leaf was probably just caused by some bacterial growth. We should make sure it doesn't spread to the rest of the tree. Let me know if you see anything like this anywhere else, hm?"
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Post by Claudia O'keefe on Jul 10, 2008 22:58:45 GMT -5
Well, of course it's a bacteria that caused it, the question was if it was THE bacteria, Claudia thought, and she knew Ben did too, though neither said it. None the less she;d find out in her makeshift lab tonight. She smiled a bit. She hadn't heard the story Ben recited for her, she wondered if he had made it up on the spot, she understood what he was telling her, and appreciated that he gave it to her in story form, even though he very well know she'd poke holes in it for hours once she was alone.
Her thoughts drifted to the "albino bear", realizing it had been some time since she had run into him. She opened her mouth to ask Ben about the animal but then closed it again, she had caused some trouble the last time she was alone with the bear and wasn't quick to relive it.
" I'll keep an eye open for anything else pointing in the same direction Ben," she said quickly. It was only recently, well in the last few years, that she had stopped calling him Mister Linus. Though 18 when she arrived, she was very unused to people and kept things formal, with Ben and with everyone else. Now most of these people were her family and she had grown very attached to them, even if not outwardly so. It was why she worked so long and so hard, she was determined to not let anything happen to them, especially Ben.
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Post by Ben Linus on Jul 11, 2008 12:31:21 GMT -5
"Thank you Claudia, I'm sure you are very capable of handling this... situation. I have full confidence in you." He put a hand on her shoulder briefly and squeezed giving her a genuine smile reserved for only a few souls left on this Earth. "Remember though. Life isn't all work. I know you like to pick apart every last equation until it's solved, but it's important to stop and breathe once in a while. How are you personally? Has everything on the island been to your liking? I want to make sure everyone here is as happy as humanly possible after all."
Ben pulled his hand back and stood again, towering over her, which was rare, since he wasn't very tall to begin with, but she was downright short. His mind drifted over everything that had been happening, and he wondered what Claudia had heard of it.
"Claudia, is there a chance this could be caused by outside forces? Like a new contaminant being suddenly brought to the island?"
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Post by Claudia O'keefe on Jul 11, 2008 14:07:21 GMT -5
Claudia nearly laughed at Ben, nearly. She hadn't seen him smile in a very long time, at least not like that. It made her want to run back home and unlock the mystery of the leaf just to make him proud, to show she was as capable as he thought she was. Talking to Ben had become surprisingly easy, and she actually looked forward to it, he was the only one she voluntarily gave information to, though she knew if Ben wanted to know something he found out regardless, but still. She smiled and cocked her head, looking up at him standing in the slight shadow left by the ever crimson sun behind him.
" It's entirely possible, I think the infection is definitely from an outside source, but I believe it arrived long before the plane," she was hushed and reserved about the crash, she knew it was a sore subject, it was a very large problem and no one knew exactly what to do, and she knew Ben was most uncomfortable with that feeling. Her mind kept turning and she wondered how she could help fix it, she wanted to ask Ben if she could help, but she didn't want to push the issue, she'd work out something on her own. The gears in her head were working overtime and she realized she was staring up at Ben without saying a word.
" Sorry, I was just thinking." She slung her bag over her shoulder once again noting Ben's and how they wore it the same way. She was fond of connecting details, she believed everything was connected in someway and that was the key to every secret, finding how and why things were related. She thought of his comment about being all work and nothing more, knowing full well he at times was a bad as she. She hadn't heard the piano from his house in weeks, which made her sad, and gave her an idea.
"Your piano needs tuning, I'll fix it tonight, and I already fixed the television, we can get three channels now. I thought you might like to know. I meant to tell you earlier, but I got caught caught up in the a...leaf." She looked at her shoes and then began to walk towards Ben's house, if he said no hers was only two doors down so she wouldn't be going out of her way, and she'd just work onthe leaf, no harm, no foul.
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Post by Ben Linus on Jul 11, 2008 14:26:46 GMT -5
Ben moved his mouth to speak, to tell her it was okay, that she didn't have to, but she was already on her way, and he would be glad for the company, if nothing else. The piano probably was a little off anyhow. He hadn't played since... well, it had been a while certainly.
"Yes, ok. That would be lovely, Claudia." He said, catching up. He tried to sound as if he had expected her to offer. He didn't like being caught off guard, but found it happened more often around her than anyone else. Ben found himself looking down at the ground and wondering if Alex was home or over at Karl's, and finding it hard to keep his mind off of Claudia and the strange hat she seemed to wear everywhere she went.
"So, what else have you been up to, Claudia, if I can ask. I feel like we haven't talked in some time." Ben knew the question wasn't all that intriguing, but he was still catching up with all she was doing, a situation he did not often find himself in.
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Post by Claudia O'keefe on Jul 11, 2008 15:08:20 GMT -5
"Oh well, umm let's see...I wrapped up the sea urchin project, I moved most of the population to the other side of the island, which in now inhabited by the crash survivors so I am hesitant to call it a success, but I'm not calling it a failure either, more tests will tell, of course. Also the mapping of the newer southern shoreline is near completion, which is thrilling to Karl, he's tired of helping me, and I must admit he's not really one for cartography in general. I rewired his turtle night light as per your request, and he's is now the third channel that we get on your television, but only you and I will know the way to access it." Her cheeks flushed under her furry hat that she tugged on. "Well I mean you're of course free to tell whoever you like, but I mean I will show you how to get to it."
She knew she was rambling but she was hesitant to stop now, she was excited to tell the rest of her workings and the talking now would take the focus off of what she just said. " I had to have an awkward conversation with Karl, about why I always requested him to accompany me on my ocean research, that it was most certainly not because I liked him that way. He's getting slightly suspicious but nothing to worry about. Oh, also I have a new batch of innoculations ready for the children, and one I think you need, but the leaf might indicate yet another reformulation."
As the pair reached Ben's house Claudia stopped talking and waited for Ben to open the door. She pushed past him as he held the door for her, her arm brushing his, once again almost eliciting a giggle. Neither were the most physical of people, Ben she knew had lines no one crossed, just as she did, but those lines were slightly blurred now and then, at least it was so for her. She immediately sat at the piano and opened her bag. She didn't need much for the job, no tuning forks, she had a record of every note in her head, she also remembered every key Ben had played the last time he sat in her very spot, so she already knew what needed work. She opened the top and leaned in, the thing almost enveloped her whole small frame, she struggled to keep her footing as she worked quickly. She was too eager to hear Ben play, but then there was no stopping her now.
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Post by Ben Linus on Jul 11, 2008 15:17:06 GMT -5
Ben watched as Claudia went to work, knowing there was no stopping her. She was like a machine, a technical wizard. He had no doubt she already knew each note and the problems with it, whether by memory or by seeing it now. He watched in awe of her work for a moment and then moved to the connecting kitchen, calling back to her. "Would you like anything to drink? Or eat? I think there's some leftover lasagna."
Ben puttered around the kitchen much in the same way she tuned the piano. He was familiar with the kitchen, at ease, and it helped him forget all that was going on around him when he was working here. He pulled out glasses and poured as he whistled softly, something by Geronimo Jackson, or The Mamas and the Papas, he wasn't sure.
He wondered how Claudia was coming along, but felt no need to bug her either. Of all the people on his side of the island, she was the one he had to worry about the least. She was efficient, she was smart, she was amazing. The word stuck in Ben's head. She was wonderful, like the Wizard of Oz. Some of the things she did even Ben was unsure about. As he re-entered the room he saw her still bent over the instrument and it made him smile, watching how committed she was to a project once she began. He said nothing, only watched, and waited, for her to finish.
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Post by Claudia O'keefe on Jul 11, 2008 16:25:24 GMT -5
She nearly fell out of the piano as she finished. She felt Ben's presence near her, which didn't bother her a bit, but it did make her work faster, if that was possible. She wiped her forehead of perspiration and reluctantly removed her beloved hat. There was a long story behind that old hat, and one she wasn't about to tell this evening so she just lay it down out of the way on a side table. "All done," she said with a slight smile. She clapped her hands on the tops of her legs as she stood up. "There's only one way to be sure that I got it right though." She said tentatively hoping she wouldn't have to beg him to play, though if she was honest, she would do so.
Her stomach rumbled in the brief silence, and she was slightly embarrassed. She was accustomed to just eating quickly alone lately, she had so many projects going on, and wondered if she should just run back to her lab now. She did miss the large group dinners that had been put on the back burner since the crash, but she understood, and was most comfortable with talking to herself anyhow. She was reluctant to go though, and Ben had offered leftover lasagna, which as everyone knew was better the day after, it had to do with the acidity of the tomatoes....Claudia was once again rambling within the confines of her own head.
" Maybe some lasagna would be nice," Claudia said happily, once again standing beneath Ben's gaze above her.
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Post by Ben Linus on Jul 11, 2008 16:53:23 GMT -5
Ben smiled as she accepted his offer and moved to the piano as she had subtly suggested. He had been meaning to play but the days seemed to be growing shorter and the list of tasks at hand longer. He sat at the small piano bench and stretched his arms slightly before laying them on the keys to play a more contemporary piece he had heard earlier in the week. It was a Dark Waltz, befitting its name, and Ben played softly and slowly, his fingers moving as the notes played perfectly in to the air.
"It sounds perfect." He said softly whence he had finished. "Thank you Claudia, you are truly a wonder." He smiled and motioned for her to move to the dinner table, where they would partake in their meal of left over lasagna. As they tucked in to eat, Ben talked a little more about the crash, somewhat to himself, somewhat to her.
"I mean, it's remarkable it even happened. Nothing like this is supposed to be able to happen. Jacob said so. So why were they allowed to come if not for some divine reason? I need a spinal surgeon, and one drops from the sky. This is truly proof of a higher power at work." Ben wondered what Claudia would think, how she would take his words, being a scientist first and foremost. He was never sure she truly believed in Jacob's power, even if she told him she did. He dug his fork into his meal and brought a new bite to his lips, pondering what would come out of the woman across from him next.
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Post by Claudia O'keefe on Jul 11, 2008 19:31:13 GMT -5
Claudia's head was still tinkering the perfect melody of the perfect waltz that Ben had played while they ate slowly. Mathematically the piece was nearly perfect, notes, pitch, timing it was all written and played with a careful balance, until the end. There was one note that Ben and perhaps the composer meant to fall just behind and harder than the rest, she had watched his left hand just to make sure her ears were not making it up, and decided then and there it was her favorite, and would remain such for quite awhile. The imperfection made it sound beautifully 'off'. She listened to Ben speak, and guessed the words were as much for him as they were for her. He didn't seem to need reassurance, but he did need something, a step back from the puzzle perhaps.
Claudia finished a bite of the warm lasagna, which she adored, and she told Ben more than once that he was an excellent cook. She liked the way he seemed to love to be complemented by her, though she didn't mind annoying him either, not that she wanted him mad, but she just loved to watch the range of emotion and in-emotion on his face. She swallowed and watched Ben intently as he spoke of the crash and the need for a spinal surgeon, and the power of Jacob.
She sighed slightly. Jacob. She had never fully seen the power that Ben had spoken of to her on more than one occasion, but she had seen strange things all her life, and knew that not every question had an easy answer, also though she was a scientist, she was an artist of sorts, and was open to belief in bigger hands at work than her own. The one thing she knew for sure was that she believed Ben, he meant what he said, when he said something about Jacob, of this she was certain.
She nodded to him silently at first, and then pursed her lips. " I'm sure you'll figure it out Ben, you always do, " she offered first not even knowing why she said it. She didn't really care to give empty assurances, but she was sincere, so she shrugged it off. " I'm sure Jacob has a reason, and more than likely you are on the right track, maybe we need these people for something, or perhaps they need us, it's too early to tell. " She ate a bit more lasagna and took a large drink from her glass before treading on the next subject that was sure to raise an eyebrow. " Ben, what do you need the surgeon for," she asked quietly.
Her hands were shaking a bit, her fork tapped slightly against the china. Juliet knew the answer, Tom knew the answer, she wanted to know the answer. Not only to satiate her own unending curiousity but she was worried it had something to do with the man across from her who was now staring back at her. Ben knew everything after all, so he had to know about the chip that had been implanted deep within her own muscle tissue at the base of her spine when she was thirteen, the chip she wanted removed, the chip that held her last link to her parents. She hoped he knew, she didn't really want to explain, but once again, she knew if he asked she'd tell.
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Post by Ben Linus on Jul 11, 2008 19:46:44 GMT -5
Ben chewed on his food thoughtfully while she spoke, and looked up at her wide eyed when she asked why he needed a spinal surgeon. He hadn't even thought of what he was saying. He gulped a large sip of his glass of milk and then put it down. She would think it was for her. Idiot. He wasn't thinking. How could he have slipped like that? How could he have slipped around her? Ben looked down at his plate and spoke. He spoke the truth.
"I have... cancer... I'm dying Claudia. Unless I can get operated on I mean, I will surely die. I know there is something you would like as well, and it was also my hope that we could accomplish that, but you see... it was going to be a surprise." Ben's lips slowly curled into a smile and he reached his hand out across the table for hers. "Jack Shephard will cure me. He will save my life. And with his help, we can finally find yours."
He had worked through all the options in his head. Everything he could say to her. With Claudia, though, a lie had very little chance of success. Ben knew that Claudia knew a liar a mile away. Pupil dilation, sweating, looking in a certain direction, it all contributed to just one more skill she had which Ben had often exploited. So he told her the truth. In the end, he realized it was what he had wanted to do anyhow.
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Post by Claudia O'keefe on Jul 12, 2008 19:39:52 GMT -5
Claudia's hand shook inside Ben's as she gritted her teeth together and let his heavy words pound their way home in her head. Sick. Her least favorite word, and most favorite person. Ben was sick. She felt the flood of tears push against her, but she pushed them back, without realizing she was also squeezing Ben's hand rather tightly. She hadn't cried in front of another soul since her parents forced her onto the boat that night, and she wasn't about to now. Crying meant it was over, and this certainly was not over.
She made an immediate list in her head. It was long and detailed, as all good lists were. She locked down every explainable variable she could. explaining them away one by one, and then moving to possible solutions to each equation. She had remained silent too long, she knew, it would have made anyone uncomfortable. Ben was different , the two had sat in the same room in utter silence once before and it was anything but forced, still she suddenly felt the need to speak, but when she opened her mouth words she had not chosen spilled out, which was every word that had just ran through her very full brain.
" You're not sick. Who did the biopsy, Juliet? Goodness knows she's not the be all, end all in medicine, not that she doesn't know her way around the human body, but still, I think you should have some more tests done...you should just tell Jacob to fix you....There's some promising research with the sharks, they don't get cancer you know, and we think we finally have the gene locked down...but ...but maybe it's all wrong. Your're not sick Ben. You can't be."
With the last word Claudia stood up quickly and prepared to run, she had no idea where or why or how but she would fix Ben if he really had cancer. Which he did not. It was not possible. Claudia almost stomped her foot in childlike anger and defiance. She had lost every soul she had ever been close to, come hell or high water she was keeping Ben.
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