Absolute Reality

The Worst Date Ever in the History of this the Planet of Earth

At 5:30 AM, the prediction had been clouds. At 7 AM, the weather services upgraded to rain. By 8:15 AM, thunderstorms loomed. And by noon, the rain was already upon them, and the predictions had turned to gail force winds, hail, possible tornadoes, and dangerous lightning. Jude's frown had deepened with every update, and once the thunder started, she came to two difficult decisions.

She went to Arden first. Found him in his basement office doing...science things. She'd knocked hesitantly, never knowing quite what to expect. "Just a moment," he called. She waited, hands in habit pockets, swaying on the balls of her feet. The door swung open with an obnoxious creak. She winced. "Sister Jude!" His voice was pleasant. Welcoming. He gestured her inside. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Pleasure indeed," she smiled. "I imagine seeing my face at this point brings a cringe of what's to come, Dr. Arden."

He chuckled, wiping his hands on a suspiciously stained towel. "I'm always up for a challenge. Please. Sit."

"I'll only keep you a moment." She looked to the pig dissected on nearby table. It seemed to be connected to electrodes of some sort. "As I can see yar...busy."

"A minor experiment, I assure you."

"Ah." She gathered herself. "I assume yar aware now of the gathering storm, doctah?"

"Yes. It does pose several concerns."

"Well, my first concern is far our rambunctious patients. If this storm is to last several days - as projected - I fear their mindsets becoming dangerous ta themselves and othahs."

"A practical concern." He nodded, thinking. "Do you have a plan?"

"I wanted to consult you. The professional. The scientist."

Arden smiled. It was almost disconcerting somehow. "I appreciate your gesture, Sister. And...I suppose I do have a bit of a contingency plan, if you're amenable."

"I'm all ears."

"A gentle sedative. Dispensed in their drinks in a small dosage throughout the day, then increased this evening to aid in their sleep."

Jude considered. That actually sounded...quite rational. "I think that's an excellent idea, doctah. Very compassionate."

He shrugged. "Just enough to get them through the extended storm. And still effective even if we should lose power for any amount of time. God forbid." He raised his hands, then grimaced. "Forgive me, Sister. I don't mean to blaspheme."

"Not at all. I hope God does forbid that happening."

"I'll leave the prayers to you, then. The professional." Arden winked.

Jude nodded, smiling at his joke. "I'll do my best, then." She turned to leave. "I'll let you partner with the head cook. I've already told her to try to work through as much food as possible in case we lose refrigeration. So there will be copious amounts of fresh squeezed orange juice."

"Perfect." Arden saw her to the door. "I'll measure out the proper amounts."

"Thank you, doctah."

"Sister."

She turned on the basement step. "Yes?"

"I think we're going to make a fine team."

She blinked, a nod before rejoining the upper seven circles. She wasn't quite completely sold on that team just yet...

"Mary Eunice!"

Her assistant scampered to her side. "Yes, Sister Jude?"

"Have we completed the laundering?"