"Now?" He frowned, and looked over as Luke returned with the pitcher and the cups. He thanked the Runner before he took them all, sitting up to balance the cups on the bed against his leg and then filling each one carefully. It was true--the wound had looked flushed, and the heat coming off of it was concerning. He'd seen the pain in her expression just walking to him and even now she was clearly suffering. Riding the Growler with him would be painful for her, he knew. He sipped his cup and handed hers to her, then stood. "Wait here. I won't be long." He reached into his belt and came out with a small handful of pills, most of which he put back. He put four in her hand. "Take those. They're painkillers--that many will just about knock you out. You won't want to be awake for the ride back."<br/><br/>He stepped out of the room, still mostly in view, and called Luke again. "Round up the Runners. All of them in town. You're to lead them to Central--the map that shows the way is still here, unless one of you used it as kindling. Prepare today and then set out as early as you can tomorrow morning. Expect the trip to take a full day--avoid open spaces, take your time if you have to, and above all else avoid any Strider that isn't me. I'm taking Malia back. Hurry to it." He turned away without waiting for a response and went into her closet, digging through until he found a cloak and hood that seemed waterproof. He turned back to her and got busy helping her sit up and slip it on, securing it around her before he lifted her in his arms and made for the front door. Max frowned as they came out of the hall.<br/><br/>"Carson, buddy, you're not gonna wanna go out there in this. The rain's falling heavy."<br/><br/>"I don't care." He paused by the door and looked over at the thief, loaded with stolen weapons and gear. "When Luke sets out tomorrow, make sure you're with them. I want you at Central with the rest of the Striders if you're going to wear our equipment."<br/><br/>"Oh, hell no. No way, man. I'm not going there. You can't make me."<br/><br/>"Fine. Then next time I see you I'll just kill you." Carson left without waiting for a response, his back to Max as he blinked and his mouth worked soundlessly. He carried Malia, bundled tight in the cloak, all the way back to the gates and outside. When he got to the Growler he whispered an apology for the wet seat, then slid her into place and got on behind her. The rain had his hair flat against his skull, the dirt road muddy and messy, but he ignored it as he fired up the bike and turned it around, getting them moving back the way he'd come. He kept her between his arms and against his chest, close and secure, whispering the whole way back that it would be okay, that she would be safe and sound and healthy soon.<br/><br/>When he got back to Central he wasted no time in carrying her into the bunker, past surprised Runner Trainees--Nat was calling them Initiates--and down the halls until he could turn down into Medical. He ignored the questions, the comments, the eyes, his only focus on getting Malia to the T.R.I.M.-os table. Once he got her there he took away the cloak, still dry on the inside, then stripped her down to nothing and closed the cover around her, allowing the old world machine to do its job.<br/><br/>He only entertained the questions when she was laying on the bed back in General Quarters, wearing a pale gown like he had been after TRIM had finished with him. Sunny and Natya both were there, and he explained how he had left to apologize, been taken aside, and discovered her alive. Her injury, what had happened to her since, and how bad off she'd been since. Once he'd satisfied all their questions they left the two there, and Carson stayed at her side, his hand in hers, waiting for her to wake back up from the medicine and TRIM's own treatments.