Editing TheStarsAreRight:CarlNote3 (section)

=='''Cabin Fever'''==

'''REDLAND'''

Julian hands Jack a couple of aspirin and he sits up and holds them in his hand confused. She mimes putting them in her mouth and he blankly follows her lead. Carl hands him a glass of water and he takes a couple of sips with a strange expression on his face, before collapsing back no the bed.
 

Carl and Julian try to make him comfortable by situating the blankets and they place a damp cloth on his head as he lies back. Jack moans a bit restlessly before drifting off into an uneasy sleep. This gives Carl a perfect opportunity to liberate the watch from Jack's pocket.
 

[On the 'mystical' front, I'd guess that Carl can detect in Jack some mark from the Dark Pharaoh, a mark from the King of Life (hey, that's you!), and possibly something from the Fae, though that might not be around anymore. That's probably everything. As to what is causing him to be ill, it appears to be something natural.]

'''CARL'''

Wow – it’s been too long. 
 

Poor Jack.  And poor Carl too; he is at a loss to do more than he has, in a case like this.  Neither he nor I have ever seen someone react quite like Jack, whether the cause be from fever or something deeper … and if it doesn’t have an occult cause, the King’s abilities don’t seem to be any help.  So all Jack can do is suffer, and all Carl can do is worry about him.
 

Which is not to say Carl won’t remove the watch.  He doesn’t trust the Pharaoh one bit at the best of times; and that watch is like a chain of servitude as far as Carl’s concerned.  Jack’s choice, sure – but not one Carl likes or approves of.
 

So he’ll remove it, and look at it, and dislike it, learn what he can of it from careful observation without “poking”, and then wrap it up in a handkerchief and put it in a drawer or something.   Likewise, he’ll glance at Jack’s open journal book enough to see what’s on the open page – hey, he’s human – but is scrupulous enough not to flip around or read anything else.   At least that’s his intent. :)

'''REDLAND'''

[Since I'm going to be without email from Thursday to Sunday (and I'm also going to miss the game on Sunday), I'll try to put this into a place that doesn't leave you hanging before the next session.]
 

On the open left page of Redland's journal, there appears to be the ending portion of some musings on 'agency and sacrifice'. This section has some ponderings on the 'world soul' and cognition.
 

Below this, are the beginnings of a table. The left-side column says 'centralization strengths', with the word advantages lined out and replaced by the word strengths. Underneath it has three data elements: 'short-term coherence', 'focused resource direction', and 'tax collection'. The right-side column says 'decentralization strengths'. It has one element underneath: 'local knowledge'. It appears he intended to come back to the chart later, as he has left some space before starting his next entry.
 

On the right page of the journal, it looks like he's started an entry describing how he was mugged in New York. The entry likely continues on the next page.
 

Jack's style seems to shift a lot between the two main entries. The one on 'agency and sacrifice' reads somewhat like he's writing an academic paper, whereas the New York mugging entry reads as conversational.
 

At some point when Carl's in the room (it's unclear when this is to Jack, as his sense of time is a bit messed up), Jack stirs and speaks urgently.
 

"Carl. It's imperative that we don't waste anytime dealing with the Lady. I know you probably can't spare Rebecca, but when we get to the port, could you have Elwar bring me to a hospital?" Chuckles. "Maybe he'll have time to read to me some of his crummy story. You won't need his assistance at Bailey, will you? I'd rather not be alone, but if you think you'll need him, I understand. I can catch up to you later if I recover."
 

While he's speaking, Jack seems to be searching something, patting around with his hands.

'''CARL'''

So sorry, Rob!  My office was closed yesterday – so despite your best intentions, I didn’t get to read the post until Thursday anyhow.  Do have fun on your trip!
 

The chart is fascinating, of course – and I really delight in Jack’s ability to ponder and organize these things.  So many others don’t bother!   As for the rest of the theory musings, you’re such a tease…. J
 

Was Jack mugged in New York?  Hmm.  Note to self – ask Jack about this later.
 

When Jack speaks, once again (quite clearly) referring to another time, Carl responds in a gentle tone.
 

“Yes Jack, you’ll be fine.  There’s a doctor on the ship – we’ll get you to a hospital if necessary.  I need you all at Bailey; but we’ll adapt, if we must.  We always do.”