Starter with @enemyhero for Salim and Eric!
Quarantine’s a hell of a time. Certainly not Eric’s first time, probably not his last. But there’s something about this time that’s so different from anything that’s come before; no chemical spills or noxious gases, no potential parasites or illnesses. This time it’s something bigger, and the hazmat gear on the people who pass through and study them, interrogate them, talk to them like it’s a normal conversation to ask about what happened in an underground temple filled with blood-sucking creatures, feels like this is bigger than anything that’s come before.
Nighttime seems to be the only hours when it’s quiet. There’s still people awake, scientists and businessmen and, of course, the security detail making sure none of them slip through the perimeter set up around the crumbling building Rachel’s crew had set up base in. But the only peace is when the sky is dark, as if the US military respects the setting of the sun enough to keep it down.
Eric finds Salim as close to outside as he can get, standing between two pillars in the walkway surrounding what Eric thinks might have been a courtyard once. There’s a breeze out here, a bit of chill on the wind that doesn’t ease the tension surrounding them all. They’re all nervous, but Salim has more reason to be than any of them. That fact isn’t lost on Eric as he moves to stand beside the other man, leaning against the waist-high wall and crossing his feet at the ankle. No bulletproof vests or gun holsters on now; just jeans, a t-shirt, sneakers, his watch. It makes him feel vulnerable.
“Sorry about all of this,” he says, and it isn’t the first time he’s apologized for what’s happened, as if he had any control over what would happen when air support saw them come out of that house with what most would deem an enemy soldier. Lieutenant colonel only goes so far until he isn’t calling the shots anymore. “I’m going to make sure you see your son again.” However much a promise like that can mean at a time like this. Still, he says it, means it. “I know Jason will help, too.”
The American base might only be a few hours drive from his home in Bandra-Mandali, but with its the hours long interrogations, all in English of course. The white sheets covering every surface of the hallways and the American soldiers and people in hazmat suits not giving him a moment of rest they may as well have taken him to a different country entirely.
He’d almost rather have stayed down in that cursed temple. At least there he felt like he had some form of control over what was happening to him. Prisoner of war he’d heard them call him. Yesterday he thought the war was over. What a joke.
They left him to his own devices when the night fell. With everything that’s happened, to say Salim is exhausted is an understatement. Despite that he’d had no illusions about even getting a moment of sleep. And he needs a breath of fresh air almost as desperately. He’s not sure if he’s even allowed to be out on the open courtyard, but none of the many soldiers he passed have started shooting at him yet, so that’s probably a good thing.
He’s staring off when Eric approaches him. He’s so tired he doesn’t even notice he’s there until he speaks up. It startles him. But he quickly relaxes again when he realises who it is.
He doesn’t harbor any grievance towards Eric or his team for how this has all played out. He knows much too well how little the individual can do in the face of their government. Still he doesn’t respond to the apology. When he mentions his son, however, he sighs deeply. There hasn’t gone a moment by in this place that he hasn’t thought of Zain. He’s demanded to see him more than he’s said anything else. Has tried to make plans to escape even more. He’s not stupid, though. He knows that running now will just turn him into target practice.
“ He must think I’m dead . “ Salim concludes morbidly. “ But you are right . I will see him again . Ancient vampires didn’t stop me and these people won’t either . I just hope he doesn’t do anything stupid in the meantime . “
He finally turns to face him as he continues. “ You say you wish to help me . But what can you do ? From what I’m seeing they’re trying to keep you here same as me . I’m the enemy . I understand . But aren’t you supposed to be the same side ? You have as little freedom as I do right now , don’t you ? The only difference is they’re more open about taking mine . “ He argues, and raises his cuffed hands to make a point. But sighs again and shakes his head quickly thereafter. “ I’m sorry . I don’t mean to antagonise you . I know it isn’t easy for you either . I’m just ... really worried . “