Meyer waved her hand nonchalantly when Isa asked if he could ask Pontiff Gregorius to stroll through the private garden at night. "Of course, there won't be any problem. His Holiness is already informed of your presence in the colony, and is also very grateful for the service that MFE is going to do with our medical staff. He will undoubtedly be delighted to share his nightly walk in the garden with you, don't be afraid."
"And we can go see a Cretan clothing store after the visit to the Medical Center, certainly." Mac added, smiling. "I think there's one a few streets over from the school, it's right Greta? Does it sound familiar to you?"
The monsignora scratched her chin thoughtfully. "Yes... there is a small fashion store there, and it's run by a Cretan family. But they do not import clothes from Crete, but rather they design, sew and make them themselves. I've looked at it sometimes, although I've never bought anything, Cretan clothing is... too colorful for me." Then she glanced at her black clerical uniform and smiled. "Furthermore, I rarely have the opportunity to dress in civilian clothes. But there's a good chance they have something you like there, Isa, and their designs are heavily influenced by Hispanic and Cretan culture."
Mac was glad that Isabella didn't mind that she took advantage of her visit to the Medical Center to make one last round of her patients. She was very meticulous with the rounds, also because her neuropathology specialty treated complicated diseases that she had to constantly monitor to avoid unforeseen worsening. "I've almost everything under control, really. Knowing that I was going to be away for a long time and that I will not be able to personally attend to my patients, I've left everything well tied up during my absence, but I've a patient under observation with early Parkinson's due to prolonged inhalation of mercury vapors that I diagnosed today before meeting with you, and I would like to supervise the start of treatment before I leave with you."
Warned by Meyer, Mac and Isa could see Antonio approaching the table, bringing the three plates with dessert. He delicately served them in front of each diner, with a bow of his head. "Dear señoras, Monseñora, I hope the food was to your liking." The restaurant owner smiled broadly at the three women. "Here are the famous torrijas, a recipe that is my mother's pride, and which has been passed down from generation to generation of my familia, since Earth times. I assure you that you haven't tasted such an exquisite postre as much as my name is Antonio Garzón de La Hoz."
Mac had never tasted that dish. She looked at her plate as she picked up the fork. What she had in front of her was some kind of soft toast, coated with egg and sugar. She cut off a small piece and put it in her mouth, tasting it carefully. It wasn't hot, nor cold, and the first taste that came to her mind was a mix of sweet sugar with some cinnamon and a distant citrus touch. The outer coating was clearly egg, fried, and the core was a milk-infused bread. The overall result was a delicate and creamy texture, with a mix of sweet flavors that went together perfectly, and made Wilson feel almost like home, like family, although she had no idea what that could be like, because she I had never been to Crete.
The neurologist raised her head and looked at Antonio, who was watching her with an almost apprehensive smile, waiting for her verdict. "It's... delicious, Antonio, my congratulations."
The man smiled even wider and visibly relaxed. "Oh, I thank you very much, doctora. It's a magnificent dish, whenever I make it it reminds me of my childhood, and my origins, but unfortunately I'll never be able to make it as well as my dear mother, may Deux have en Su Gloria." Antonio made the Sacred Gear sign on his chest. "When I serve it I'm always a little scared that I haven't followed the recipe instructions correctly, and that I've disgraced my mother's name."
Meyer also praised the Cretan's dessert, although she had already tried it before, and soon there were only the empty plates in front of them, which the waiter, who could be Antonio's son, quickly removed. The clergywoman asked for the bill, after which Antonio brought a datapad which he handed to Greta. She hovered over the top of the screen with her handheld communications device, and handed the datapad back to the restaurant owner, who bowed his head gratefully. "It has been an great honor to have received you in my casa, my dear señoras and Monseñora, and is a great honor too that you have been kind enough to taste my humble dishes. Can I offer you the complimentary glass of liquor and a Cretan handworked cigar, si les place? It's included in the price, por supuesto."
Meyer smiled and shook her head. "No, thanks Antonio. On another occasion I would not refuse a good cocktail of rum and fruits to wash down the meal, and I would even smoke one of those spectacular cigars that you import, but I think that today is enough for us. We must get going and continue with our visit, or else we will be forced to take a nap before we can do anything else."
"Ay, a good siesta after lunch fixes everything, so you can continue with the day, Monseñora, I always say that." Antonio smiled, looking at them with an expression that indicated that it was very likely that he himself would go to sleep after that. "However, I will not insist. Vayan con Deux, my dear ladies, and come back whenever you want. You're in your house."
When the Cretan left, the three women got up from the table and left the restaurant towards the street, led by Meyer. They noticed that there were a few more people walking down the street, most of them office workers who had left work during the mid-day break and were on their way to have their meal in some public canteen or restaurant, or were heading to the elevators that went down to the highway, to go home to eat. The streets were not crowded, which was impossible given the small population of the settlement, but there was much more movement than before they entered "The Hispanic Spoon."
The group returned along the same path they had taken before on their way to the restaurant, almost reaching the elevator of the Pontifical Palace again, but before arriving there, they turned to the left along a wide street that led to a small circular square. In the center there was a statue about four meters high, made of metal, with the symbol that represented Deux, a large cybernetic eye inside a gear, spinning slowly in the top. On the other side of the square, among the buildings that surrounded it, you could see a medium-sized square building, six floors, made of cement, with the façade covered with smooth rectangular metal panels, and with many wide glass windows.
It had a wide entrance, disabled-friendly, up to which reached also a fork of the service lane that existed on each street, and above this main entrance you could see a cyan hologram that said <<Medical Center>>, next to a medical cross of the same color. Above the roof were metal rails that ascended to the roof of the cave and higher, through a hole in the rock, and were undoubtedly the supports for an elevator that ascended to the surface, where there is more space.
Without stopping walking, Mac pointed towards the building, addressing Saito. "Well there it is. It has eight floors, two of them underground. It isn't very big, but currently it's sufficient for the flow of patients we have. However, when the colony grows it will need to be expanded, and it is likely that it will probably be relocated to the surface, in one of the two new biodomes. It will also be something positive for patients that when looking through their room window they can see sunlight, and not a holographic projection."
The group crossed the square and reached the entrance, next to which had been parked a vehicle painted dark blue, marked with insignia on the doors that said <<Pontifical Gendarmerie>>. Leaning on it, two agents, dressed in a dark blue uniform, black bulletproof vest and armed with holstered pistols, stood guard. Passing by them, the three women climbed the few steps that led to the large sliding glass door, which opened automatically as they advanced, leaving aside the ramp for disabled persons. The three women entered a reception atrium, decorated in a modern and functional style, with walls painted in white and with cyan lines at mid-height, far removed from the neoclassical style seen in other types of buildings in the colony, and illuminated with luminous panels on the ceiling that cast a neutral light over the entire room. A few meters in front of the door there was a large white counter, with some cyan decorative lines, behind which what looked like two nurses were sitting in front of computer terminals, wearing a uniform consisting of a white medical overalls with some cyan-colored details on the shoulder pads and on the sleeves. There was a seating area against the wall, which must have functioned as a waiting place, in which there was a single person sitting, looking at a portable communications device, and they were able to notice the presence of another armed Gendarmerie officer, watching the room from a corner.
Meyer stopped and looked at Mac. "Well doctor Wilson, I think it would be better if you lead the visit here. It's your workplace, and you probably know much better than I what things might be interesting for Isa to see."
Mackenzie smiled and nodded, looking at Saito. "It will be a pleasure." Mac took a look around and continued talking "Well Isa, this is our humble Medical Center. The 2 underground floors it has are dedicated to a morgue, an autopsy room and some testing laboratories, so I don't think you'll be very interested in visiting them. Then there are 3 floors of standard shared hospital rooms, in which we can accommodate about 250 people. We also have an Intensive Care Unit floor, right down here in the emergency care area." Mac looked to a double door to the left, above which was a sign reading <<Emergency & ICU>>. "Then we've two more floors, at the top, that share areas specialized in rehabilitation, and operating rooms for scheduled operations." Wilson pointed her finger toward the ceiling. "We also have a direct elevator from the Medical Center to the surface, but we use it mainly for patients arriving to the emergency room, when there is a serious accident outside."
Mac gestured for them to follow her and headed towards an open double door on her left, above which was a sign that read <<Medical Consultations>>. The door opened onto a wide hallway along which there were several rows of seats near the walls on the left and several doors on the right, next to which were small signs with the names of doctors. Along the way they passed several people, mostly civilians, but also a couple of doctors wearing the same white coat that Mac was wearing, and another armed agent who was watching the hallway leaning against a wall. A few dozen meters further across the hallway was a medium-sized waiting room with glass walls, in which there were two or three people sitting.
In general, the appearance of what they had seen so far of the medical facilities seemed quite clean and orderly. However, if you looked closely enough, the white paint on the walls was starting to peel in places, the white tile floor was cracked, and the cyan felt on the patient waiting seats was worn and discolored due so much use. In the waiting room, one of the screens on the glass walls that indicated the patient's shift was blinking because of some error.
Wilson pointed to the doors lined up along the hallway. "This is where most of the work is carried out, in medical consultation offices where the primary care tasks are carried out for patients who arrive sick, when they aren't in serious condition. I myself have an office here, because even though I'm a specialist doctor, I've to spend hours dedicated to primary care medical consultation, since fortunately there is much more work on this than on more serious things, and it's necessary to have staff available." Mac waved her hand and with a smile indicated the hallway that continued beyond the waiting room. "If you follow me here, we go around the building through the primary care wing and I'll show you the emergency wing, where we receive the most serious cases."
The group continued walking down the hallway and turned the first corner to the right, continuing forward toward the emergency zone. They left behind several treatment rooms, more consultation offices, a couple of staff rooms and some bathrooms. They crossed two more corridors, leaving the chrome doors of an elevator on the left, until they reached red double doors on which a sign once again indicated access to the ICU and emergency areas. When they went through it, the three women found themselves in another corridor with several doors, and at the end a large room where there were about twenty medical boxes around a central counter where there were several nurses. From the room another hallway opened to the left through a door to the ICU area, and to the right were several resucitation and trauma rooms. Continuing towards the back, attached to the wall were visible the metal doors of a large elevator with a sign next to it that said <<Surface Elevator>>, and at the very end, on the wall that faced the street they could see the wide doors with direct access from the street, for urgent entry from emergency vehicles.
The atmosphere was quite calm, and the medical staff were sitting at their posts, except for 4 nurses and a doctor who were caring for two people who were lying on stretchers in two of the boxes. Both appeared to have bleeding bruises on their heads, although they were conscious and complained of pain while they were being assisted. Two Gendarmerie officers were present in the emergency room, one observing the injured from a slightly secluded place, and the other chatting amicably with one of the medical staff in the counter. As the three women walked through the area, they could see that the appearance of the area was the same as in primary care, with white floors and walls, although here the lines painted halfway up the walls were red, instead of cyan. As before, an observant eye could notice that, despite everything being clean and tidy, the equipment on display was quite a few years old and had seen better days. The stretchers were worn, and some even had tears in their upholstery, showing the interior filling, and the resuscitation devices, vital signs monitors, and systems for obtaining radiographic images in the trauma rooms were several generations old.
Mac and Meyer greeted a doctor standing near the counter, who introduced himself to Isabella as Dr. Azarian, head of the hospital's Emergency Department. "It's a pleasure to meet you Dr. Saito. I'm really grateful to your organization for the help you're going to give us with the training of our colleagues. Believe me when I tell you we need it." The doctor, a short, bald man, made the Sacred Gear sign on his chest. "Deux gives us strength every day to face everything that this planet throws at us, and little by little we are taming it. You can't imagine what this was like when we arrived here. But your help will be essential to improve the health care that we can offer to the colony." He looked quickly at one of the stretchers on which one of the patients was lying and made an apologetic gesture. "I beg your pardon, I must attend to these people. Nothing serious, fortunately, just a small accident in urban transport, but the injuries are very scandalous." He gave Greta a respectful look and bowed his head as a sign of farewell. "Monsignora."
As they watched Dr. Azarian go away, Mackenzie adressed Isabella. "Mainly two types of cases are usually treated here. Small domestic or urban accidents, and quite serious work accidents. The first are quite common, and the second not so much, although they happen much more often than I would like." Mac glanced sideways at Greta, who blushed slightly. "Before your arrival, I was precisely speaking with Greta that we had to talk to the Ministry of Industry about the safety protocols for our workers, especially those who use heavy machinery. Lately there have been many accidents that could be avoided by investing a little more in more exhaustive inspections."
Meyer raised her hands in apology. "It's true, I already told you that I have to talk to Monsignor Patel about this." The clergywoman looked at Isabella, with a certain embarrassment in her gaze. "It isn't true that the Government neglects safety protocols, but indeed recent accidents in the tunneling of new galleries, during our colony expansion works, indicate that we have to improve some aspects of safety inspections. And Mac, as a doctor, insists that I, as head of the Ministry of Science, and head of the Health System, be the one to put pressure on Industry to improve these aspects."
"Certainly, and it is something that I hope will improve quickly." said Wilson, with an expression of annoyance and some anger. "We already have enough with the accidents caused by sand storms among the workers who are dedicated to the exterior maintenance of the biodome, and the filters of the air pumps for the undergound colony"
The monsignora protested. "Oh but that's practically unavoidable..."
Mac interrupted her friend with a wave of the hand. "I know. That is why it's so important that we worry about other accidents that are really avoidable."
Mackenzie didn't intend to attack her friend, she knew that it was not her responsibility to put a stop to the high workplace accident rate that existed in the tunneling work, but she knew that Greta could be very insistent at the Concilium when she wanted to. That's why she poked her that way, to somehow force her to complain to the Minister of Industry. She felt a little bad for insisting so much on the clergywoman, but after all she was a doctor, and her role was to save lives. And the best way to save them was to prevent them from suffering accidents.
Wilson realized that Isabella probably didn't know what they were talking about, and decided to explain it to her. "I put so much effort into preventing accidents in tunnel tunneling work because, in fact, we already suffer enough serious disasters in outdoor work." Mackenzie moved her head upward, as if she could look through the hospital ceiling and the tons of rock to the surface of the planet. "Our beautiful and precious biodomes are splendid, but they need regular maintenance on the outside to combat and repair the effects of sand storms, especially the harshest ones. Also the air pumps that blow air from outside into the underground galleries have filters in their mouths that eliminate sand particles, and which must be changed from time to time. Not to mention our underground factories, whose chimneys poke through the surface and expel harmful gases to the outside. The constant gale is very good since it immediately disperses the smoke, but the sand carried by the wind quickly erodes the chimneys, and they need to be repaired. All of this work is done daily by people who run a terrible risk outside the protection of the biodomes."
Mackenzie settled in, leaning against the nurses' desk as she tried to find the words to explain the dangers of the planet's surface. "As Greta already told you, Pygar's problem is not its atmosphere, whose composition is perfectly breathable, nor its soil, which isn't sterile, but its climate. In the midst of constant electromagnetic sandstorms, it's impossible to survive without proper equipment and masks with filters that prevent you from suffocating from the sand and metallic mineral dust that invades the air. And that's only for the mildest ones, because in the middle of a big storm nothing can survive outside. You would fly like a leaf and the force of the wind would crush you against some rock. Or simply an extreme gust of wind would launch millions of razor-sharp sand particles against your suit and it would disintegrate it with you inside." Wilson paused briefly, so that Saito could mentally process how strong the wind could be to be able to do something like that. "To make the situation worse, these types of storms on the planet are quite... unpredictable. We can look at historical weather patterns and build a sort of storm calendar, but it's not precise. On many occasions the damn planet surprises us with a violent variation in the pattern and catches our maintenance teams off guard, which usually ends in a catastrophe with serious injuries, and sometimes deaths."
The neurologist fell into an awkward silence, which Meyer broke with hard voice. "However, it's absolutely necessary that work crews be outside to make the aforementioned repairs, it's a matter of survival of the entire colony." She looked at Mac, who looked back at her, but without denying the monsignora's words. "Without maintenance, the biodomes would collapse in a few months, the filters would become clogged and stop supplying clean air, and the machinery and instruments on the outside, necessary for the correct functioning of everything, would break down. And no, we don't have drones or machinery adapted to these conditions that can carry out these tasks. Believe me, if we had them, the Church not hesitate to use them instead of sending our people to do such work." Greta looked down, sad. "I'm afraid that this is a danger, which for the moment the workers of our external maintenance teams must face. We provide them with the best suits we can provide, and we have acquired pressurized armored vehicles so that they can move on the surface relatively safely, although sometimes the systems fail due to the electromagnetic characteristics of the storms. But when they have to go outside to work, they risk their lives, and at the moment there is nothing the Church can do to prevent it."
Mac turned to Isabella and extended her hand towards the psychologist, pointing at her. "That's why among the study requests that we sent to MFE we had some for paramedic training. Since we cannot prevent these accidents from happening, our chief medical officer Dr. Finch believes that we then have to improve our emergency team for outside rescue operations. And this involves acquiring two powerful fully mechanical tracked armored ambulances, without any electronic system, and forming an efficient paramedic team that can go out at full speed to rescue our workers, as soon as our scanners detect a strong storm by surprise."
Meyer opened her mouth as if to say something, but at that moment a loud alarm began to sound through several speakers in the ceiling of the entire emergency area, while flashing red lights came on at the nurses' desk, and next to the surface elevator doors. Everyone stood still for a second, while one of the nurses typed something into a terminal at his workstation. He then screamed. "Four are coming from outside! Two unconscious, one unresponsive, head trauma, critical erosions and a possible amputation of a lower limb!"
The three women were able to watch Dr. Azarian curse horribly and order the nurses to prepare four trauma rooms, while shouting for more doctors through a communicator on the wall. Mac paled intensely. "Isa..." Wilson swallowed and looked gloomily around the emergency room. "I'm afraid you'll be able to observe personally just what I've been telling you."
Isabella was Relieved as she heard that His Holiness had no Problem sharing his Garden with her and allowed her to take a walk there at night. She would Like to meet the man himself as she was curious about him, but she didn't want to force herself on him and disturb him in his Rituals. She knew how important those Rituals were for People Sometimes keep a Counterbalance
to a stressful and responsible job. And she could imagine that there was no Job that was more stressful than to be the Leader of a Colony like Faith Haven and its Religion.
She would then smile at Mac and look over to the woman whom she already Considered a Friend while she Listen to the things she had to say about the Clothing store and the Family that owned it. She was happy that there was a possibility for her to Wear the Clothes of her father's Culture, even when she hated the man from the bottom of her heart. But she had long ago Decided that she would Separate the man and the Culture from each other. She wanted to Experience the Nice things about Creta and it looked like she had Hit the Jackpot with the Colony of Faith Haven for this Goal.
Isabella: I am thankful that His Holiness will allow me to use the Garden. He Really sounds like a wonderful person, and I hope I might meet him one day. She smiled at Meyer.I would Love to Visit the Place with you and Buy some Traditional Clothes. And that they are colorful is something that I like. I love Friendly and Colorful Clothes because are they Pleasing to the Eye and also can Benefit my work as a psychologist. I try to Avoid Wearing Doctor's Coats as much as I can. Some patients are hesitant to open up when they are wearing a doctor's coat, that's why I mostly try to Wear Civilian Clothes with Friendly Colors. It shows them that I am nothing better than them and I think that it makes you seem a little more human.
She smiled and looked then at Mac as she sipped from her wine and nodded friendly as she talked about her Patient before she had a a compassionate facial expression as she heard about the Mercury Poisoning of her Patient. Isa Knew how hard this could be for someone to cope with and adjust to the Recovery Process and that it takes time to get back to full functionality if that was possible at all. But she was sure that Mac was a Good Doctor and knew Perfectly Well how she could bring her Patient back on his feet.
Isabella: I am sure you did what you could for your Patient. Should MFE help you in any way then feel free to ask me, and if it is just be up to date with his Recovery. Parkinson's is a nasty Disease, but I think Mercury poisoning is Cureable Right? I am sorry but my Study of Normal Medicine was a while ago. I think I should take a Refreshing Course at the Academy.
She Said with a little chuckle as she admitted that she might have some Gaps in her knowledge when it came to normal Medicine. But to be honest she was also not a normal doctor or a Surgeon, she was a psychologist and dealt with the Diseases of the Mind and not with Diseases of the Body. But all of her thoughts were blown away as she saw how the Desert was brought to the Table. She smiled at Antonio and made a little Bow to show him how much she appreciated it.
Isabella: Don't worry Antiono I can tell you that your Food is Super Delicious. But I also know your dilemma, I also have a Recipe from my Mother that I never thought I could make as good as she did. Her Tangerine cheesecake was simply the best thing ever in my Childhood. I try to make one from time to time, but it is never as I imagined it in my Childhood.
Isa would smile and make a happy little Moan as she felt how the Taste of the Delicious torrijas. She had never tasted anything so Delicious before and It was like this food would Take her into a new World. It was a world that had many different tastes it tasted Sweet and savory, and she could almost Imagine how Litle Antonio would watch his mother in the Kitchen while she made this Dish for the Family. This Dessert was something that would warm her Heart and what people would call "Soul Food". Once she had started she couldn't Stop Eating till every little bit of the Dish was Eaten and she had Every Taste. Isa was happy and Full after this Meal and would need a Second or Two before she got up then she would Hug Antonio and kiss him on the Cheek as she was so happy after this meal.
Isabella: You can be Proud of your Meals Antonio and I am sure that your Mother is Proud of your food as well. Our Loved ones never fully Leave us, something of them always stays with us. She gave you the Tools to become the Great Cook that you are today. Whenever you Cook her Recipes you will also Cook together with her, then she is always on your Side. As long as you Cook with the Love that I could Taste in your Dishes you can Never Disgrace your mother. You showed me pieces of my own Heritage today that I never had known I was Missing. I thank you for this Antonio, I thank you from the bottom of my Heart.
She wasn't sure why but she had a feeling that Antonino had a Tendency for Self Doubt even when he did not need it. His Cooking was Flawless and she could feel how much love he had for his Meals. She wanted to give him something back for this small insight into the Cretan Food Culture, something that was more than money. Isa would never be a True Cretan herself but she wanted to do what she could to understand the People and the Culture of Faith Haven. Then only when you understand someone you can truly help them. Isa understood that many of the people were in their work clothes, or would wear the Church Uniform out of Religious beliefs. But she could also Observe some Individualism and people who seem to enjoy sticking out of the masses.
She would smile as she saw the Hospital, she wasn't sure why but the sight of a Medical Building had something Calming to her. It was a place that she knew well, a place where she felt Secure and at Home, a place where she could help others. She could see the place and the Windows and had an already a first idea for improvements as she walked through the <<Doors of the Medical Center>>. But for now, she would follow her hosts deeper into the Building and look around the main area and the waiting room.
Isabella: This hospital is really a nice place, but I have a feeling that it is a bit Sterile and Cold. I mean that is nothing bad, it is Efficient. But please put yourself into the shoes of your Patients. They come here on probably one of the Worst Days of their life, they are Scared and maybe in Pain. Then they see a Sterile place that feels cold and Reminds them of all the bad things they might have heard about Hospitals. If you want my advice then I would say to Hire some Artists to make some Wall Paintings and to Replace the White and Grey of the Concrete with some Friendly Colors. This will not only benefit your Patients, but it will also improve the Mood of your Employees when they are in a nice environment. There are even studies that show that this has a Psychological Effect on their Recovery and Healing Chances. It can not only help the patients but also their families and Loved ones, a Friendly Waiting Room and Station can heighten belief in the Competence of Doctors and Nurses, and therefore they are more Relaxed and it can Reduce Unnecessary Discussions about the Treatment.
She smiled and followed Mac Deeper into the Complex and noticed the <<Gendarmerie>> Again. She wasn't sure why so many of them had to be Placed so Prominent in the Building so that everyone could see them. She knew that Policemen and Women were important in every society, but to see them so Prominent in a Hospital felt a bit odd to her as she walked through the Hospital.
Isabella: Is there a reason why so many Police Officers are in the Hospital? I know that they are important to keep the Doctors Safe, I mean Family Members and Friends can sometimes become Emotionally Unstable and attack Hospital Staff when they get bad news. But to have them so Prominent at the Stations can also make people Uneasy. At the Healing Heart, we have our Security personnel wear a Similar Uniform to our Doctors and Nurses so that they aren't that visible at first Sight. Of Course, they are in their normal Uniforms in all other areas of the Healing Heart.
Isa would follow Mac to the emergency room and liked how Professional and Dedicated everyone was for the Patients that were cared for till they could be moved to the Dedicated Stations. She was impressed by the place itself and the Designe who had thought about all the necessary things that an ER would need, like Short Ways and many Beds for Patients to take care of them. She blushed deeply as she was greeted by Dr. Azarian and praised that much.
Isabella: Don't make yourself so small Dr. This place is already pretty Impressive and I can see how dedicated your personnel is to the care of their patients. And we are glad to help you, when I Return Dr. Wilson to you then you will have a Competent psychologist. I am already Deeply Impressed with your Hospital and all that I can advise might be a couple of Friendly Colors here and there so far.
Isabella would listen to the description of Mac and Meyer about the Safety Hazards that the Planet of Pygar throws at them every day. Isa was sure that it must have been a Nightmare to find the Colony and to keep as many of the Colonists Safe as they could. Isa would make sure to do her best to help them and make sure to give Mac the best education ever and she would also make sure that the Colony would Receive Regular Medicine Shipments from her Mobile Medical Factory. She knew how hard it must have been for the Church to put their people at risk for the Greater good of the Colony.
Isabella: I know very well how hard it can be to Prevent any Accidents. Just last week we had one of our maintenance workers getting a Strong dose of Stelar Radiation as they were on a Routine inspection on the Outside of the ship's hull when we were surprised by Solar Storm. The ship Shielded him from the worst as we only do Hull Inspections on the Side that points away from the Sun, but still, he got Injured by the Radiation. Thankfully we could Put Cony through Radiation Therapy and he will be making a full Recovery. But even with all the Preparations and Care that we made we couldn't prevent our Employees from getting Hurt. You can never be 100% Safe when you work in a Natural environment. We can only try to be as prepared as possible.
She listened to the Plans to get an Armored Ambulance for the Colony and was impressed by the idea. She would have not had an idea like that. But now that she thought about it it would make sense to have a vehicle that could Withstand the Harsh Environments of Pygar and especially the Electromagnetic Storms. She was sure that such Vehicles could Save many Lives among the Maintenance Crews. It was good that they sought Improvements and to make the Lives of all Colonists more safe.
She looked up as she noticed the Alarm and got into Emergency Mode immediately. she would look around and listen to the announcement of the Nurse, as she sought a Lab Coat, and walked to Dr. Azarian.
Isabella: I am here if you need my help Doctor. I can take care of the Family Members for you in the Waiting Room and make sure they are Informed and at Ease while you save the lives of the Patients.
She then looked at Mac and nodded at her as she noticed how nervous Mac was and then back to the entrance of the Emergency Room. She knew that Bad News Spread Fast and that the Family and Friends of the Patients would soon Reach the Hospital as well and would Demand answers and information about their Loved Ones. And even when she wasn't a Doctor here she knew the best how to deal with such psychological emergencies.
Isabella: Will you come with me Mac or will you stay and Help Dr. Azarian?
Mac was deeply grateful to Isabella when she inquired about Matt Brennan's health, and offered her help.
"Parkinson's is a disease that we can treat, yes, and curable with the means we have if it's detected in time." Wilson mentally recalled Brennan's medical history. "In this case, my patient, Mr. Brennan, in addition to lung damage, has serious neurological damage due to the continued inhalation of mercury vapors due to a failure in his filtering mask. The problem is not the appearance of Parkinson's itself, which is only the effect of the damage, but rather that mercury is a metal that is deposited in the brain and continues to damage it, even if the patient is no longer exposed to the source. However I am treating it with an intravenous solution of synthesized ethylenediaminetetracetic acid, which is infused into the bloodstream and causes the mercury particles to adhere to the solution and be eliminated by natural ways. I've high hopes in this treatment, but I'm very grateful to be able to keep in touch with MFE in case things go wrong. I'm sure you've much more advanced means than we have at Faith Haven."
Mac couldn't avoid smiling as Saito stood up to hug and kiss Antonio. She realized that Antonio appreciated the gesture, and became slightly moved. Wilson thought that Isabella really was a person who had no trouble expressing her feelings physically. That was something that in many cultures could be shocking, but for the Cretans it was not. Without a doubt, that characteristic in her way of being that Isa had, came from her Cretan heritage.
Already at the hospital, Mac nodded as Isabella advised her about the cold appearance of the hospital, and gave her recommendations on how they could improve the appearance of it, to make it more patient-friendly. "It's true what you say. When the Church built this Medical Center, it did so thinking exclusively about efficiency, that it functioned correctly, and that it had a professional appearance. Normally, from a medical point of view, those of us who work here imagine that a cold, impersonal appearance gives a feeling of professionalism, which is what we believe patients expect. However, that is not what patients expect, but what doctors would expect if we were patients in a hospital." Mac smiled, amused, while making a gesture of approval. "You're very right when you say that patients come here scared. As doctors, many times we completely forget to put ourselves in the shoes of the people we care for, we only see things from our cold and professional perspective. However, for someone without medical knowledge, a place like this is something unknown, where a kind of "magic" is done to heal the injured and sick, and where people only go when something bad has happened. We should add more color to the walls, and even make some nice murals, as you suggest." Mac looked around, noticing the paint peeling in some places and the cracked tiles on the floor. "Furthermore, a review of the general appearance of this building would not hurt, the truth is that it is a bit neglected."
Wilson noticed that Isabella was paying attention to the large number of Pontifical Gendarmerie agents in the hospital. It was normal, the neurologist also thought it was absurd, and she was not surprised when Saito made reference to it.
"Well... I'll tell you that this isn't regular." Mac twisted her face in displeasure. She also didn't like seeing so much armed presence in a Medical Center. At least the Gendarmerie was not equipped for a pitched battle, like the Guard, but it was still disturbing for her so many armed personnel in a place dedicated to health. However, she tried to play it down. "There isn't usually so much presence of the Gendarmerie, neither here in the Medical Center nor in the streets, just as the presence of the Pontifical Guard that you are seeing isn't normal either. These are special measures established by the general alert decreed due to the Corsair threat."
Greta intervened, with a strained smile. "Oh, this is like when the Guard escort that followed us all the way to the Palace. The Field Maestre is nervous, he's worried that the Corsairs might be interested in invading Pygar. He's afraid that the Corsairs may launch some advance attack with commandos to take this settlement or others by surprise, or that they will send spies to prepare the ground. Honestly, I share his fears, they aren't unfounded, but I also think this is excessive." Meyer seemed a little embarrassed that Isabella had noticed the extraordinary security measures. "Apart from our fight against the Nomad enemy, we are a peaceful people, we seek concord and harmonious coexistence with those who wish to live equally in peace. However lately Faith Haven seems like a military barracks, and personally seeing so many armed people everywhere bothers me. But I must admit the situation is exceptional, the Corsair threat that looms over us is real, and I cannot blame the Minister of Defense for doing his job."
Mac nodded, an expression on her face that was equal parts disgust and resignation. "Yes, I guess that's how it is. Now we just have to wait for all this to pass without causing damage, and everything returns to normal in Faith Haven. However, the idea that the Gendarmes and Guards dress in a less... authoritarian way, and with their weapons less visible, when they serve in the Medical Center, seems very appropriate to me. Maybe yoy could mention it to the Field Maestre, don't you think Greta? I think they can do their policing job just as well without having to display their weapons so obviously, and without wearing those blue uniforms."
The clergywoman twisted her mouth. "Yes, I can talk to the Field Maestre, and try to get him to evaluate that proposal, but I can't promise anything. He is a very serious man, very upright, and very stubborn too. He will probably tell me something like that the visible presence of the Guard helps the population feel safer, or that those who have nothing to hide have nothing to fear. In any case, I will not miss the opportunity to reason with him, to see if it's possible for the Gendarmerie to be less visible, at least in medical areas."
They continued their visit, showing Saito the emergency room and talking to Dr. Azarian. Mac noticed how Isabella was paying close attention while they told her about the problems with the storms on the open surface of Pygar, and she was grateful for her words of encouragement and understanding about accident prevention.
When the alarm began to sound throughout the emergency room, and the medical staff ran out to prepare everything for the imminent admission of the wounded, Mac watched as Isabella calmly, without saying anything, found a medical coat, put it on and immediately went to Dr. Azarian to make herself available to the head of the emergency room. Mac couldn't help but admire the professionalism of the psychologist, who after noticing that the room was entering a state of critical emergency, had automatically prepared to face the situation without the slightest confusion or doubt, despite being in a strange place, surrounded by people she didn't know. But it was clear that for Saito, who is a doctor is always, and everywhere.
Dr. Azarian was shouting for a traumatologist and a surgeon into an intercom on the wall when Isabella approached him. He turned briefly when Isabella spoke to him and smiled gratefully. "That would be perfect Dr. Saito. As soon as we know the identity of the injured, we'll proceed to notify their families. It's a matter of time before they show up here very nervous asking for information at reception and we'll need to give them answers in the calmest way possible..." Azarian was interrupted when someone answered him on the intercom indicating that they were sending the people he had requested. The doctor thanked him and looked back at Isabella, trying to remember what he was saying a few seconds ago. "Oh... as I was telling you, doctor, the families of the injured will come to reception soon. The nurses there have some training in dealing with them, but it would be really helpful if you could go there to support them when they arrive, given your specialty. I'm going to notify reception so they can let us know when the families start arriving." Azarian hesitated for a few seconds and added. "And doctor... I really appreciate you doing this. Based on the report we've received from the paramedics, it's likely that some of the injured will not survive."
Meyer had retired so as not to disturb, since she was not a medical doctor, and had placed herself in a secluded corner near the two Gendarmerie agents, who had also quickly gotten out of the way so as not to interfere with the work of the medical professionals. Wilson, however, had approached the central nurse's desk and was glancing at one of the nurses' terminals to read the paramedics' preliminary report. She was caught off guard when Isabella asked her if she would stay there or accompany her to deal with the victims' families, although she liked the idea immediately. She could start learning from Saito even sooner than expected, right here in Faith Haven itself, and besides from the preliminary report she had been able to read on the incoming patients, they weren't going to need a neurologist, but rather surgeons, trauma specialists, and all the strength Deux could provide them.
"I'll go with you to receive the relatives when they arrive, Isa." Mackenzie stated with determination "The sooner I start getting used to performing the tasks of a psychologist, the better training I will receive. Also, I 've seen what the paramedics have sent us, my specialty knowledge will not be needed here"
The doors of the surface elevator opened, and four ambulance repulsor stretchers emerged levitating, handled by eight paramedics clad in green-red environmental suits, covered in orange sand. At the same time, three doctors in white medical coats and four more nurses ran into the emergency room from the door that the three women had come to earlier. Mac gently took Isabella by the arm and they both moved out of the way of the medical staff who were heading to meet the stretchers. The alarm and flashing red lights were suddenly silenced as the stretchers entered each one in a trauma room and landed on the medical bed. Wilson could barely see the patients as they passed her on the way to the trauma rooms, but when they entered inside, she approached with Isabella, interested in the patients' condition. They both stood in the hallway, outside the rooms, next to the paramedics, who had left to let the teams of emergency doctors and nurses work.
The injured were three men and a woman, dressed in the electric blue environmental suits that outside workers usually wore. Mac remembered at the time that the color had been chosen on purpose because it was more easily visible and locatable by rescue teams in the middle of a storm. Wilson doubted the gender of one of the wounded because he was still wearing the full helmet of his suit, which was cracked in the glass-steel screen, but she was able to identify it as soon as it was removed.
Only one of the men was conscious, and was screaming in pain as if he were possessed. His screams were so horrible that made anyone's blood run cold, which was quite understandable because he had the right half of the top of his suit literally disintegrated, exposing his body. His skin was savagely eroded to the point where you could see damaged and bleeding muscles, and even the bone itself in some places. The most terrifying part was the pectoral area, which was so destroyed that it exposed several ribs, and beneath them you could see the lung, moving and trying to work. It was clear that the paramedics had tried to apply self-sealing patches, but the damaged area was so large that they were barely able to stop the enormous bleeding.
The other three victims were unconscious. The man with the cracked helmet had a horrendous traumatic brain injury, which caved in the front of his skull, exposing his brain matter. The woman's left leg was crushed at the level of her kneecap, to such an extent that the bone had been squashed and was only held together by a piece of flesh. The last man was the one who seemed the most physically intact, but he didn't seem to be breathing or have vital signs, and they were injecting him with IVs and giving him electric shocks.
"It has been terrifying, this has been one of the fast and strong ones that you don't see coming." Mac turned around and saw that he who spoke was one of the paramedics, who had taken off his helmet and was running his hand over his sweaty face. "We had this work team monitored, they were changing the fastening bolts of a section of Biodome 2. Fortunately they were the only ones who were outside... " Mackenzie didn't know if the man was talking to them, or if he was mumbling to himself. He was looking into one of the trauma rooms, but his gaze was fixed on nothing. "There was only a grade 3 storm, it was predicted... Suddenly we saw on the radar weather that a type 7 front emerged from the northeast, appeared out of nowhere... We immediately left the station in the ambulance, and it took us just 15 minutes to arrive, but the storm arrived before. They had tried to climb down from the biodome wall and run towards their armored vehicle, but the gale caught them before they reached it. We heard them scream in terror over the radios..." The paramedic was silent for a second, and then he shook his head, as if waking up from a bad dream, and looked at the two women. He then sighed and pointed at the three who were unconscious. "The damned storm threw them into the air, and those three were damn lucky to hit the vehicle, leaving them out of action, but the vehicle covered them from the worst gusts of fast wind." He looked towards the door of the trauma room where the terrifying screams of the one who was awake were still coming from. "That poor devil was not so lucky, and passed in front of the vehicle, lying with half of his body exposed..." The man covered his face with his hands again for a moment, and when he uncovered it again Mac observed that several tears fell from his eyes. "We had to wait another 3 or 4 minutes until the force of the wind died down and we could go outside to help them. We had to wait sitting inside the ambulance... listening to the poor guy on the radio screaming while his arm was disintegrating, unable to do anything... May Deux help him..."
The paramedic shook his head and retreated towards the central counter area, followed by his colleagues. All of them had taken off their helmets and showed on their faces the dismay that what they had witnessed had produced in them. The neurologist turned to Saito. "This must have been one of the very bad ones. Isa, these men are paramedics used to going out there to rescue workers. It had been a long time since I had seen one of them so affected. I think we would do well to try to help him in some way."
Meanwhile, emergency teams seemed to have managed to stabilize two of the injured, the man with the head trauma and the woman with the almost amputated leg. Dr. Azarian ordered that they be immediately transferred to operating rooms to begin emergency surgery. One of the nurses shouted from the counter that they had a clear way to operating rooms 3 and 4, and the stretchers of both injured people left the trauma room towards the elevator, handled by four nurses and two doctors. In another room, resuscitation efforts on the unresponsive man were finally successful and his vital signs stabilized, so Azarian left him in the hands of two nurses, who transferred him on the stretcher to the ICU, connected to a portable respirator.
The last man, however, didn't appear to be responding to the efforts of the medical staff who crowded around him and worked on his horrendous wounds. He had stopped screaming and complaining, probably thanks to the sedatives that had been injected into him, although he was still conscious and looked around him with fear painted on his increasingly deathly pale face. Azarian entered the room and looked over the shoulders of his doctors at the patient. Mac could hear the clicking sounds of the medical laser welders trying to cauterize the wounds to stop the bleeding, while applying more self-sealing patches to the larger areas. She could also see the medical robot attached to the medical intervention bed, which worked autonomously with its multiple arms on the patient, spraying synthetic coagulant on the wounds while using laser welders with precision, while constantly scanning and identifying damage and monitoring vital signs.
Wilson saw how one of the doctors looked at Azarian, with a desperate face, and the head of the emergency room put his hand on his shoulder, shaking his head. He then left the room, passing near Mac and Isabella, and gestured to Meyer, who was still in the back corner with the Gendarmerie agents. When the monsignora approached, Azarian addressed the three women. "There's nothing to do. The damage is... horrible. His internal organs are also perforated in a thousand of sites, he is bleeding at full speed and we can't do anything. We are transfusing him with blood but we cannot close all the wounds in time... He has minutes to live but he is still conscious, he is terrified... He has asked to see a clergyman. The cleric assigned to the Medical Center is just around the corner, but since you are here Monsignora, if you don't mind..." Azarian seemed a little embarrassed asking Greta for that. "You probably comforts him more..."
Meyer interrupted him with a wave of her hand and the determination reflected on her face. "It's my Sacred Duty, doctor." The clergywoman then entered the trauma room and approached the medical bed, as the medical team moved away, and the medical robot stopped working.
The poor man was pale as wax. He was a young man, no more than 30 years old, dark and with sharp features. The medical team had removed his environmental suit to treat him, cutting it up, and Greta could see the carnage that was his body. He was covered in blood-soaked self-sealing patches over the wounds, and the living room floor was littered with more used and discarded patches. The medical bed was filled with blood, to the point that it was dripping to the floor. The man was still alive only because a pump continued to inject him with blood plasma, but Meyer could see the light fading in his eyes.
When he saw the clergywoman, he weakly raised the arm that he could still move towards her. "Monsignora, please..." He said with a thin voice "I don't want to die..."
Greta stepped forward and took his hand. "What is your name, my son?"
"Dante..."
Greta smiled the most reassuring smile Mac had ever seen her show. "Well Dante... unfortunately I'm afraid it's time to die." Greta's voice was warm, and although she spoke of the certainty of death, hearing her say it didn't seem like such a terrible thing. "However, Dante, you are a believer in the Faith de Deux. You know what happens when we the believers die, isn't it true?" Dante nodded faintly. "Death is nothing but the beginning of a transcendence for those who die in Grace. You have done your part, you have worked faithfully to bring about the Sacred Mandate, and Deux will do His. You will merge with Deux, you will reunite with our brothers who left us before you, and you will look at us smiling forever from the infinity of space, from the very eyes of Our Lord." A tear rolled down Meyer's cheek as she gazed at Dante fervently.
Dante stared at the ceiling, his expression calmer. However, something disturbed him again. "My family... my children... my..."
Greta gently squeezed Dante's hand and caressed his face. "We'll take care of them Dante, we always do, remember? When one of our own leaves with Deux, those of us who stay take care of those he leaves behind. Don't fear death, because it is the logical and natural step that comes to all humans. This is how we are, and this is how Deux loves us. Go calmly, without burdens, free yourself from your weights... Deux is here, with you, and you will soon be with Him. Do you want to pray with me, Dante?"
The man finally smiled, at peace, and nooded. Greta then began to recite a prayer in a low voice, slowly, and Dante moved his lips whispering it, until finally he breathed his last. The monsignora continued at her side until she finished the prayer, and then remained in respectful silence for a few seconds. She then sighed, placing the hand she was shaking on the deceased's chest, and stood up, leaving the room.
Dr. Azarian handed her a paper towel to wipe the blood off her hands. "I'm very sorry for forcing you into this situation, Monsignora. I..."
Greta looked at him with a questioning look and a serious expression. "Situation? What situation? I'm the Minister of Science, doctor, but first of all I'm Minister of Deux. Any member of the clergy of this Holy Church should consider comforting a dying person not only as a duty, but also as an honor." Greta pointed angrily toward the interior of the trauma room, still fixing her eyes on Dr. Azarian. "That brave man died today working so that this settlement can continue standing one more day, and so that the message of Our Lord can continue to live, for the good of Mankind. The least I could do for him is help him in his most difficult hour."
Mac realized that Greta was furious, and she was taking it out on Azarian, who seemed to have shrunk a little under the monsignora's gaze. The neurologist placed her hand gently on Meyer's arm, and she blinked slightly, looking at Wilson. Then the clergywoman exhaled, wiped her hand over her face, and addressed Dr. Azarian again, in a much more measured tone. "I sincerely apologize, Dr. Azarian. I... I don't know what happened to me. I guess I'm not used to seeing so closely the... consequences of the risks our workers face in the surface. It's one thing to talk about it, but another... is to see it live." Greta looked at Mac and Isabella and offered them a small smile, a little forced. "I think... I'm going to get out of here for a moment. I need... to clear my head. Please don't wait for me, I'll catch up with you later. "
The monsignora left through the corridor that led to the exit to the street. She clearly wasn't okay, but Mac thought it best to give her some space to calm down and later they could talk, in private. The neurologist looked at Isa. "I think we should go to the reception in case the families of the accident victims arrive. It seems that this man had children... We'll have to talk to them."
Dr. Azarian supported the idea. "Yes, please. I haven't told you anything so as not to interrupt, but while Monsignora Meyer was with this man, some of the relatives of the affected workers began to arrive. If you can take care of them I will be very grateful."
Wilson and Isa walked through the hallways again towards the Medical Center reception, and soon reached the front desk. Several people crowded there, demanding information from the nurses about the injured. Mackenzie approached one of the nurses at the desk and informed him that they would be in charge of talking to the relatives.
The nurse nodded, visibly relieved. "I wish you luck, we haven't told them anything yet because Dr. Azarian told us that you would take care of it." He discreetly look at the people gathered there and told the doctors who they were. "The red-haired lady is the wife of Pedro Alonso, the man with the head injury who is in the operating room right now, they have no children. The tall, older man is the father of Ayleen Watson, the woman who is also in surgery while they try to save her leg, and the blonde next to her is Ayleen's wife. The two women on the right are the sister and wife of Daniel Morrison, the guy who is in the ICU, and finally, the young woman who is sitting in the back seats, is the wife of Dante García, the deceased. The two little boys next to her are... the couple's children."
Mackenzie turned to Isabella. "I don't think we should attend them here, in full reception, visible to everyone. If it's okay with you, my primary care consultation office, which is nearby, is empty right now. We can take them there to have a little more privacy."
Isa Listed the Conversation between Mac and Meyer about the Mercury Poisening of the Worker and was not surprised that Mac would do everything she could to Treat her patients with the Equipment and Medicine that the Colony could Provide. She was happy that she would have such a Compassionate and Motivated Student. She really seemed to Live by the Oath of Hippocrates the same way that Isabella Did.
Isabella: Yes we have some other methods as well, but it is always best to start with the least Invasive Solution which is not burdening the Patient too much. But if you ever need us you can contact MFE for more. But I also have to Admit that this isn't my Area of Expertise. But thankfully we have enough Specialists that can help you then.
Isabella smiled as she heard that they Reacted Positively about her idea for Colors on the walls to maybe make the Place a bit more Friendly and welcoming. She was happy that Meyer and Mac were that open to these ideas as she knew that there were Doctors and Hospital Staff who would see such ideas as an Attack on their Profession and Honor. That sadly was because some Doctors and Professionals had a Huge Ego and believed they knew everything better because they always did it like this.
Isabella: I would advise Hire Local Artists who know the Heart and Soul of the Colony. Maybe you could do some sort of Art competition or Exhibition where the Citizens of Faith Haven can Vote for the New Decorations? Like this, the Colony might feel more Attached to the Art and Relax some more when they see it. It Can also serve as a Source of Pride for the Colony as well when it was done by one of their own. Oh, and there should also be a Dedicated Area for Children, maybe with some Toys or Plushies so they can Distract themself from what happens around them. So something with that is Child Friendly and such.
Isa would Listen to the Explanation about the Police on the Hospital Grounds and now she could understand why they were there and that the Colony was really worried about the Cretans that conquered Freeport 9. Isa understood the Security needs of the Colony and that they wanted everyone to be safe and Protected. Sadly they might be right with all of those Preparations and the Careful needs for Security. MFE had also some worries for the Academy that was in the Omicron Theta System as well. They had Emergency Plans to Evacuate the People of the Academy if necessary as well.
After they got the News about the Wounded and how Grim the Situation was, and her Talk with Dr Azarian. After he approves of her taking Care of the families she would Grab a Doctors' Coat from a hook on the Wall and would watch over the Emergency Room. Right now it was like they were in the Eye of a Storm and everything was Calm. But they all knew that this would soon Change, and then all Hell would break lose. And then it happened as the Paramedics brought the Patients into the Emergency Room and the Nurses and Doctors Jumped into Action to Fight on a Battlefield that would Decide between Life and Death for those under their Care.
Isa would watch as the Wounded would be brought into the Emergency Room and would be shocked by the way they were Injured. She had Experienced the Power of the Storms firsthand as she landed her ship, but she never thought it could be this bad. She would then notice the Paramedic and how shocked he was. She knew a Traumatized Patient when she saw one and would Take his hand and Lead him away from the Horrible Scene and make him sit down where he couldn't see it anymore. She would then go and bring him a Cup of Coffee, not so much that he had something to drink, but more so that he had something in his hand.
Isabella: What is your Name Sir? I am Isabella I am here to help you.
Colin: i....I am Collin, but you don't....I should be the one that helps...
Isabella: Yes you did help them, but now it's time for you to get some help. You did your best out there and Saved the Life of 3 people. I know as Healthcare Professionals we want to Save everyone, but there are times were you can't save them all. And that is okay, you did your best out there, but you can't fight against Mother Nature, She is too Strong.
Colin: i....I could....I could hear him.....this Screams.....I could hear him Scream in Pain....I should have....I should have saved him...I wasn't good enough...
Isabella: This is not true and you know that. You have done your best out there. If you had tried to Reach him you would lay right next to him and we would have mourned your Loss as well. You Safed 3 Lifes today and that is what you should be Proud of.
Isa would take the man into her arms as she could feel how he started to break down and that the Damm that held back his Emotions would Burst open. The man started to Cry immediately and Isa would let him, she would only say some calming words and let her hand glide over his back as she tried to mentally stabilize the man. She would sit with him like this for about Ten minutes till he would calm down a bit, and then she asked the nurse to bring her a light Sedative that would let him sleep for a while so his mind could calm down a bit.
Isabella: I will give you a Medicine now that will let you Rest, You might fall Asleep but don't worry it will be one without a Dream. I will look after you in a couple of hours and then we decide what we will do further down the Line okay?
Isa could see how all of the Energy left Colin´s Body as he nodded, she felt that he knew that he didn't have to be Strong anymore. He looked totally Exhausted and tired as he sat on the chair. Isa would smile at him all the time as she injected him with the Sedative and could see how the man began to Relax and drift into a Light Sleep. She usually would have taken more Time for a Patient like him, but she also could feel that he needed the Rest now. And she also had lots of work ahead, She would wave over one of the Nurses and Speak calmly with her.
Isabella: This man has A psychological trauma, probably PTSB. He needs rest, so please take him to a Room and Let him Sleep. I will look later after him and then we decide if we Transfer him to an MFE Mental Health Facility.
The Nurse would nod and would Bring Colin up to a Station where he could Rest. Isabella would inform Dr, Azarian and the Leader of the Paramedics about this. Both of them were shocked as they heard this.
Isabella: Every Man and Woman has its Breaking Point, the Human Mind can only endure so much before it breaks or uses measures to protect itself. For Colin, this Point was Reached now. He needs some rest and then we will see what happens next. This doesn't make him less good as a Paramedic, or less Brave. He did his best out there in a situation that was pure chaos and Horror. The best you can do for him now is to show him that you still see him as your friend and and Companion. Don't Make him feel that he is a burden or Weak. He will Torture himself with that thought enough already.
The Leader of the Paramedics seemed to understand this now after he was a bit Reluctant at first. He nodded as he let his hand run through his face in an Exhausted and Tired Gesture. She could see that he Deeply Cared for his Team and was a good man who had simply trouble understanding a Really different situation.
Eduardo: Gracias Doctora, the Team and I will wait at his Bed and be there for him when he wakes up. And whatever you decide is best for him we will make sure that he does it. He can be pretty estúpido and Stubborn when he should take a step back and care for himself.
She smiled and Lay a Hand on his shoulder as she looked into his eyes and could see that he was also pretty Exhausted and needed a Rest. He had experienced the Same horror that Colin had and just because he hadn't Broken down yet it didn't mean he would be spared from the Effects in the Long Run.
Isabella: You and your Team need the Rest as Well. Talk with each other about what happened, Dont try to sweep this under the Rugg. It might help you for a short while, but then it will only come back Stronger. It's like when you try to Fill a Suitcase with more and more things and it will be harder and Harder to Close it, till it bursts open like a Bomb because it can't hold back all the things that are inside.
Eduardo would think about the words that Isabela spoke to him and would nod as he would take his team and they would move up to the Station to be there for Colin and be with him when he would wake up. Isa would then sigh in relive as she noticed that her little speech had the desired effect and would maybe prevent even more Harm.
but while she still thought about the Paramedics she noticed the Outburst of Meyer and how she looked. She didn't understand at first what had happened but then she saw how one of the Nurses covered the Body of one of the Patients with a Blanket. Isa sighed and walked over to Meyer and Laid a hand on her shoulder to get her Attention.
Isabella: You did something Great for him. Something Better than I could have ever done. But this doesn't mean it doesn't have any effect on you. And this is totally fine. Even as a Servant of Deux you have the Right to be a Human as well. Take your time, you can Leave the Rest to me and Wilson. No one will think less of you because of it. And once I am done here I will come and we will talk if you want.
She spoke calmly and friendly to her and her voice was Calm, not so different from that of a Mother who tried to calm her child after a thunderstorm. She knew that Meyer was proud of being a Minister of Deux and a Servant of her Community. But she would also need the time to stabilize her feelings after she had Closely Witnessed how Dante Died.
Isabella: I will have to take care of the families now, but Niki and I will be there for you once we are done her and things have Calmed down.
Isa Said as she Gave the Monsignora a Final Hug and showed her that even when she was considered one of the Strong of powerful leaders of this Colony she was not alone and there were people that would care for her and had her back. She would then walk to the Front desk and Listen to the Nurse as she Explained to her who was who. She had hoped that the Families might come one by one so she could take time to Deal with their Questions. But now she was forced to do it differently and so she was grateful for the Idea of a Mac when it came to using her Office. She would Stand in front of Everyone while she looked over the Family Members.
Isabella: Ladies and Gentlemen I am Dr. Isabella Saito, I will answer all of your questions while the Doctors and Nurses of the Emergency Room will take care of your Relatives. Please follow me to Dr. Wilson´s Office so we can speak about it.
Isa and Mac would lead them into the Office and Isa would sit down with them on some chairs and a Couch. She was looking at Mac and gave her a Sign to Distract the Children. It would be hard enough for the Adults to understand it and it would be even harder for the Children Later. She would make sure to Contact her Second in command later and Ask him to send a Psychological Team to be there for the People once she and Mac would Leave.
Isabella: The Strom on the Surface Changed and has caught the Team by Suprise. The early warning system did not recognize the Storm fast enough and the Team didn't have enough Early Warning Time. They couldn't Reach the Armored Car before the Winds Hit them. I have Sadly good and Bad news now. Misses Alonso, your Husband is currently in the Operating Room, he suffered a Head Injury, but the Doctors think he will make it. But there is a Chance for a Brain injury or lasting damage. We will know it for sure once he wakes up.
Isa Would Speak in a Calm voice and in a Professional Tone that showed empathy and Compassion for their Situation. She would take the hands of those who wanted a Bodly Connection to someone in this situation.
Isabella: Misses Whatson, Mr Whatson. Ayleen is currently also in the Surgery Room. Her Leg was Badly Hurt and the Surgeons are doing their best to Save it. But apart from that she is Stable in a Good Condition. But even when she Will Keep her Leg she has a Long Recovery Time ahead of her. But I am sure she will make it.
Isa Tried to get the families of the Survivors Informed first so that she could Dedicate most of her time to the Wife of Dante and her Family. They were her main Concern and she wanted to make sure that she would get the time she deserved.
Isabella: Misses Morision your Husband is currently in the Intensive Care Unit. he had to be Re-animated because he had a Heart Attack out there. But he is currently stable and under Constant Supervision by doctors and Nurses. He was the one that had the Least Injuries on the Outside, but they are currently running some Tests to Make sure he has no Internal Bleeding.
Now she would look at Misses García and her face became more Compassionate than with the others. Isa knew that Misses García Might have already had a feeling of what had happened as it was often the case with people that were this close to each other.
Isabella: I am Deeply Sorry Misses García but I don't have good news for you. Your Husband Dante was sadly taken by the Wind and didn't get Sielded by the Vehicle like the others. The Paramedics had no way to Reach him till the Storm Died down. But sadly it was already too late to save him then.
Isabella: He did not suffer and he wasn't alone in the End. Monsignora Meyer was at his side and Guided his Soul to Deux. He did go in the Knowledge that you and his Children will be cared for by the Church. He had no fear as he knew he would see all of you again once your Time would come. I know this is hard now Misses García, and I will be here for you for everything that you and your Children Need, and not just me, the whole Church is here for you, they won't let you alone.
Gabriella: i...i...w....we.....he....wanted to save.....money for the....the Honeymoon.....i...I told him....I was scared.... it's so dangerous......I was angry....as he took the job.....i he can't be dead......I he can't....
She knew that Denial was one of the Phases of Grief and that she would need a lot of time to Properly Progress all of the Horrifying information that would change her life forever and would take her most beloved person away. Isa would take her hand and look into her eyes as she spoke. She Spoke softly and now there was nothing left from the Distanced Doctor that was there before. She would Speak with so many Feelings and Empathy that only someone who had gone through the Same or a Similar horror.
Isabella: You did nothing Wrong. Dante Loved you and wanted his Family could Live safely here on Pygar. He knew how Dangerous his Job was and he did it freely to Keep the Domes standing that Supply you and everyone else here on Pygar. I didn't know him but his last thoughts were about you and the Children, he Loved you, and whatever might happened before was Forgiven in these Moments.
The woman would now completely Break as she started to Cry Uncontrollably as she sobbed as all of the energy seemed to leave her body. Isabella would take the woman in her arms and let her cry on her shoulder while she would let her hand glide on her back like a mother who calmed her child. She would say nothing anymore and just let the woman Cry and let the tears wash away all the pain and sorrows. She gave her the time she needed Isa was simply there for her and let the Woman do what Nature Had intended in such a Situation. The other Families also tried to help the Desperate Young woman by Speaking Small Prayers or touching the woman, they did what they could to ease the Pain and the sorrow of Dante´s wife.
Mac was amazed at how quickly Isabella took control of the situation when she approached to tell her she thought one of the paramedics might need help. Saito had already realized this before Mackenzie said anything, and when the neurologist mentioned it, Isabella simply walked calmly towards the group of paramedics. They had moved away from the trauma rooms and toward the nurses' desk area, where some had leaned on it, and others had spread out around the room. The paramedic that Isabella was looking for had leaned against one of the walls, and kept his head in his hands, as if trying to block out the sound of the horrible screams that were still coming from the room where they were treating the man who had been skinned alive.
Isa approached the man, took his hand and accompanied him to one of the medical observation boxes, attached to the walls of the room, which were around the nurses' desk. These boxes could be isolated a little from the rest of the emergency room with white curtains, and Isabella drew them once the paramedic had sat down on the observation bed. What surprised Mac the most was that the paramedic made no move to reject the psychologist, despite having no idea who she was. Something about the way she acted just made all introductions done, and clarified that she was there to help. Wilson approached the box and parted the curtains slightly to pass inside, closing them again after she passed.
The paramedic, who gave his name as Colin, really needed someone to help him express what was eating him up inside. Colin felt very guilty for not being able to get to the scene in time and rescue the workers before the storm hit them with all its fury. The fact that he had to wait inside the ambulance for the violence of the wind to subside, a few meters from the wounded, unable to do anything and listening to the screams of horror and pain of one of them, was killing him. Isa didn't work any magic, she didn't charm him with brainy logical reasoning about why he shouldn't feel that way. She simply spoke the right words to allow him to let out his pain and anger, while also making him understand that there was nothing he could have done to change the current situation.
The man soon broke down and let out his grief between sobs, completely broken. Mackenzie realized that this was what Isabella was looking for, so that Colin could vent and express her feelings. Once the paramedic was under control, Isabella referred him to a nurse to take him to a room to rest. The nurse also didn't know who Dr. Saito was, but she didn't hesitate to listen carefully to her as she indicated the patient's diagnosis, and immediately carried out her prescriptions. Then the psychologist went directly to inform Dr. Azarian, and also the head of the paramedic unit, who had followed Isabella's progress from behind with a look of distrust. However, they both listened and nodded as Isabella told them what was happening to Colin, and what needed to be done. The head of paramedics didn't seem very happy at first, but the calm and firm tone in Isa's words made him understand the seriousness of the situation, and finally he even ended up sincerely thanking the psychologist for her intervention. When Saito walked away, the man's gaze, previously full of distrust, was now one of sincere concern for his partner.
Mac couldn't help but think that Saito was a person with a complex personality. In private she seemed like a shy person, she could even seem insecure many times, like too worried about offending someone with her ideas or not being liked by others. However, on the professional side she was absolutely sure of herself, and her words were infused with such poise and truthfulness that no one had dared to contradict her. Even in an unfamiliar environment for her, such as Faith Haven Medical Center, she had managed to take control in a serious emergency situation, and care for a patient in need, even involving a medical staff who didn't knew her from nothing. Wilson couldn't avoid showing a light smile, and she had to admit that Dr. Saito was simply awesome in the exercise of his specialty..
Both women returned to the hallway of the trauma rooms, and watched as the doctors and nurses tried to resuscitate the injured and save their lives. They witnessed how three of them were transferred to operating rooms and the ICU, and witnessed how Dr. Azarian ruled out being able to save the fourth, and called Greta to help him with his transition.
Meyer entered the trauma room with determination and a sense of duty marked on his face, and accompanied and calmed the man until his last moment. Mac had never seen her do that. This type of assistance to the dying was something that members of the Church of such a high rank did not usually do, but rather were the task of officials with cleric rank. There were clerics assigned to the Medical Center, and there were even some who went in ambulances to serious accidents, to be able to accompany the injured and assist them if they died before they could be treated medically. Mac assumed that, apart from being trained to do so like all religious personnel, she would have had to do it in the past, when she was still a cleric, but Wilson had not known Meyer closely until years later, when she had a highest position on the scale of the Church, and mainly they had already made friends in Pygar.
However, the clergywoman had jumped in to assist that poor man without the slightest hesitation, and Mac knew that someone like Greta would never abandon someone at a time like this. The neurologist knew that in Meyer's mind she still had guilt for the flight from Gran Canaria and for all those who remained there, those who died alone. The monsignora would never avoid giving her hand to those who needed it, even if she risked her own skin in doing so. Likewise, Wilson knew that these types of accidents with the workers greatly affected Greta, because being a member of the government, she felt deeply responsible.
Once it was all over, Mackenzie noticed from the look on his face that Greta was not feeling well, and she confirmed it when she exploded against Dr. Azarian just for apologizing to her, believing that he had put her in a compromising situation. Meyer soon realized that she was being unfair, and that she was taking out her pain and anger on the poor doctor. She apologized and walked away, visibly embarrassed, but Isabella was able to catch up with her before she walked out the door. Mac didn't approach them, it seemed inappropriate to intervene at that moment and she knew that a close friend isn't usually the most suitable person to treat you when you are feeling psychologically bad. That's why she let Saito be the one to take care of the situation and talk to her. Mac watched as the psychologist said a few words to her in a calm tone, and finally gave her a hug. Greta's eyes filled with tears at that moment, as she nodded her head gratefully, sighed, and left through the door at the end of the hall.
Isabella returned to Wilson and once both women arrived at the reception to deal with the victims' families, Isabella agreed to take them to Wilson's medical office, for some privacy. Mac accommodated those people as best she could between the sofa, several chairs and the observation bed, while Isabella introduced herself. She quickly caught the subtle gesture that the psychologist made to her and she understood that she wanted her to take care of the children, while she attended to the adults and they talked about the hardest aspects.
Wilson approached Dante García's two children, while smiling at the mother. "If you'll excuse me, Mrs. Garcia, I think these two children will be delighted to see my collection of stethoscopes and see through my microscope." The children looked at Mackenzie with some fear, but she offered them the most radiant of her smiles and, taking her stethoscope from her neck, she gave it to the little girl. "Do you know that with this device you can hear heart sounds? And many other things too! And with my microscope you can see very small creatures that live in a drop of water! Do you want to see them with me?"
The curiosity of Dante García's children was stronger than their mistrust. After all, both of them would not be more than 7 years old, and at that age almost everything that is unusual is astonishing. They looked questioningly at her mother, whose face was full of tears, and she made an effort to smile as she encouraged them to leave with Mac. "Pay attention to the doctor, and be good to her while she teaches you all those things. And don't give her too much trouble." Mackenzie led the two children by the hand towards her desk on the other side of the office, and as she walked away she could see the smile fading from Mrs. Garcia's face as she paled slightly. Obviously, she wasn't stupid, and she had understood that the fact that her children were being taken away meant that the news wasn't going to be exactly good.
Saito began by speaking to the relatives of the victims who were still alive. The psychologist had chosen to give the least bad news first, surely so as not to keep the relatives of the injured who could be saved in suspense. While keeping the children distracted with the microscope and some knick-knacks that were always in his desk drawer, Mac paid close attention to the words Isabella used, the tone of her voice, and her body language, trying to learn from her and taking notes mentally about what she saw. It seemed that Isa didn't hesitate to accompany her words with light physical contacts with the patients, when she believed they might need it, holding her hands when she reported something distressing. Those people were worried, but the psychologist did not try to sugarcoat the situation or downplay its importance. She simply spoke with them in a direct and objective manner, but trying to convey as much calm as possible. At the end of the day, her loved ones were still alive, they had a chance, and hope was the last thing that should be lost.
Saito left Dante García's wife, Gabriela, for last, no doubt so that the anxiety and uncertainty of the other family members would not interfere with what Isa had to say to the poor woman. The woman's expression clearly showed that her worst fears were coming true, as Isa spoke, and she soon entered a phase of denial, as her face turned red and tears fell from her eyes. Saito consoled her, knowing that she was a believer in the Faith, explaining that in his last moments Greta had accompanied him at the end, and that his last words had been for his family. The psychologist showed tenderness and understanding in her words that made Mac shed some tears as well, until Gabriella García began to cry uncontrollably and her children also began to cry when listening to her. Wilson was startled, and couldn't stop the two from running to their mother to hug her, but fortunately they hadn't heard anything Isabella had said to her.
At that moment, everyone present shared Gabriella's deep pain at the death of her husband Dante, and they merged into a single sentient being. The feeling of empathy towards that devastated woman made all of them, including Mac, feel that horrible loss as their own, and the neurologist soon found herself hugging Gabriella and her children and giving them messages of encouragement, along with Isabella and the rest of the colonists. Wilson would remember that much later, as one of the episodes in her life in which she had deeply felt the presence of Deux, in that moment of human brotherhood in the face of misfortune.
A little calmer after having let off steam and having already come to terms with Dante's death, the woman wanted to see her husband's corpse. "I... I would like to see him, I want to say goodbye..."
Wilson took the woman's hand and shook her head. "It's better not to, Gabriella. You must not see him in the state he is in now, you must remember him as he was in life, because that is how he is now with Deux. You will be able to see his body again at the wake and at the ceremony in the Temple, to say goodbye to him, but remember that it is only a body. Dante is no longer there, now he resides in the whole immensity of the universe with Deux. He will always be among us even if we cannot see him. He will be with you and will accompany you until you meet again."
Soon Isabella and Mac left the medical office, leaving the family members there so they could wait in complete privacy, instead of sending them to one of the waiting rooms, where they would be exposed to the gaze of any stranger. The neurologist told a nurse to bring those people hot and relaxing infusions, and she would pay attention to what they asked for.
"Stay up to date on patients status." Mac pointed to the door of her office. "If they get better, let them know, but if they don't and the worst happens, inform Dr. Saito and me immediately."
The two doctors went back to the reception, and Wilson fell into one of the chairs in the waiting room, exhausted. Anticipating some reaction from Isabella, Mackenzie raised her hand. "I'm fine Isa." She looked into her eyes, so the psychologist could see that she was telling the truth. "It's just... All those emotions... It's been almost a cathartic moment. All my life I've read treatises on Psychology in which it was said that the psychologist should remain distant from the patient's emotions, but it has been impossible for me. And seeing poor Gabriella's reaction, I think she was grateful that we were feeling her pain. I think there's nothing like feeling pain like that, alone."
Once Wilson was calmer she stood up. "Well, as long as there are no more updates on the injured workers' status, I don't think we can do anything here." She took a few steps towards the exit door, looked outside, and returned to Saito. "I don't know where Greta is, but I guess she's taking a break. I had never seen her like this. She's a strong woman, but usually doesn't have to face these types of catastrophes first hand. She's a biologist, is more comfortable in laboratories, and since she's a member of the Government, her place is more behind an office table. Of course, like everyone else, she experienced horrible things in Gran Canaria, but... she isn't used to seeing death so closely." Mackenzie shrugged, looking sad. "I just know that when she's ready she'll meet us again. Greta isn't one of those who leave a task half done, and she has taken accompanying you on your visit as a duty. In the meantime, if that's ok for you, we'll take the opportunity to see the floors above, and then I'll stop by the room of my patient, Matt Brennan, the one with mercury inhalation poisoning. As I told you, I want to check his condition before leave Pygar, and if the treatment that I ordered has already been given to him."
Wilson and Saito headed to one of the internal elevators and went up to the first floor. This floor, along with the two immediately above it, was clearly an area of rooms for inpatients. The floors were also white tiles, as in the rest of the medical center, and the walls of the hallways were also white, with a blue stripe halfway up. Both women were able to see some nurses and medical personnel passing each other in the hallways, and a Gendarmerie officer standing guard at the corner of an intersection.
"The rooms we've here are shared, for two people, and there are 41 per floor." Mac explained as they walked past the doors and past a nurse checkpoint. "Normally we try to put people alone in each room, so that it's quieter, unless everyone is already occupied and then we start filling the second beds. Fortunately, this rarely happens, we've many more hospitalization places than we normally need, but prevention is always better than cure, and even more so in Pygar."
They soon arrived before a room door next to which the number 124 was written on a plastic sign. Mac entered the room carefully, so as not to scare the patient if he happened to be asleep. On the bed lay a large, bald man, with several days' worth of beard and a haggard appearance. He had his eyes closed and breathed, making an unpleasant whistle each time he exhaled. A thin tube supplying oxygen went directly to his nose, and he had an intravenous catheter placed in his arm that led to a bag hanging from a stand, containing a clear liquid. As soon as Wilson reached the foot of the bed the man opened his eyes and smiled.
"Oh, hello Dr. Wilson. I thought you were already gone." The man looked at Saito with curiosity. "Hello to you too, doctor." He turned his head back to Mackenzie with an evil smile. "My situation is so bad that you have brought reinforcements?"
Wilson laughed heartily, while checking the patient's status on the medical bed monitors. "Not at all, Matt. At least you aren't worse than a few hours ago when you entered here. This is my colleague Dr. Isabella Saito, from Med Force Enterprises. She is the one I'm going to study Psychology with."
Matt nodded, understanding, and addressed Isa again. "So you're the one who takes Dr. Wilson. Well, then you know that you are getting the best one here. If it hadn't been for her, right now I would still be blaming myself for the accident my tunneling machine caused in the galleries. She discovered that my mask was damaged and that I had been breathing in all that poison."
Mac smiled. "It's my job Matt, and I'm not the best. I do what I can like everyone else." Wilson looked up from the monitors and approached the bag with the clear liquid. "Has Dr. Vasquez been here?"
"Yes, she's the one who gave me that thing." Matt pointed with his free arm at the bag. "That's what you said, right? That thing that's going to get the mercury out of my body."
Wilson made an optimistic gesture. "If everything goes well, yes, and you know that I have high hopes because we caught the poisoning in time. If we can eliminate mercury, then treating your lungs and Parkinson's will be much easier. So far, from what I see on the biomonitor, you haven't gotten worse, and that's very good. However, it is too early to draw conclusions, we'll have to wait and see."
The man smiled, confidently. "Don't worry, I'm tough. This is not going to end me." Matt ran his hand over his unshaven face. "Before dinner, Laura and the kid are going to come see me, when she gets off work. How am I, doctor? I want them to see me well."
"I think they're not going to care what you look like, Matt. With being able to see you they can be happy. You're very lucky we were able to catch this in time. If the poisoning had been even worse, I don't know if anything could have been done.
Matt dismissed the issue with a gesture of his free arm, without losing good humor. "Let's thank Deux then, for granting me your medical expertise."
Mackenzie shook her head slightly and laughed. "Well Matt, I see everything in order, for now. Dr. Saito and I are leaving now. Dr. Vasquez will take care of you for the rest of the treatment, and don't worry, I will be on top of everything even if I'm away. If you need anything you can request a video conference with me and I will be happy to assist you as soon as possible."
"Don't worry about it, Dr. Wilson. By the time you get back I'll be up and working again."
Mac and Saito left the room and closed the door. The neurologist took a few steps away from the door and then stood in front of Isabella. "That man is the paradigm of optimism, really. It doesn't matter how many times I tell him that his condition is serious, and that although I have hope for the treatment, I've no guarantee that it will work. And if it doesn't work..." Mac's mouth twisted in disgust. "Well, if it doesn't work then I'll have to ask MFE to give us a hand, because the mercury accumulated in his brain and lungs will end up killing him in a horrible and slow way." Wilson paused thoughtfully and continued. "I really don't know to what extent it's a good thing for patients to have that degree of constant optimism. From experience I know that if things don't go well, the higher up they are morally, the more suddenly they tend to fall. But I don't usually know very well how to make them put their feet on the ground. I guess that's something I'll learn during my studies with you." Mac smiled again, radically changing the subject. "Anyway, since we're at it, and if it's okay with you, we'll routinely visit a few more patients I've. Then I think I'll show you the rehabilitation rooms on the top floors. We won't be able to enter the operating rooms, because they are sterilized, but I imagine they won't be anything spectacular for you. Afterwards, I think it's best that we look for Greta and end the visit to the hospital." The neurologist winked at Saito conspiratorially. "We can still stop by that Cretan fashion store you wanted to go to."
Isa would Smile at Misses Garcia and take her hand while she would speak with her. She was happy that Mac would Distract the Children while she Spoke with her and told her the bad news. She was sure that Miss Garcie would Inform the Children about the Sad Reality when the time was right. She knew how hard this was and she would not leave her alone with it if she wanted her help. Isa knew how hard such a loss was on a family and she would do her best to soften the Blow.
Isabella: Dr. Wilson is Right, you should not see him like this. Keep him in your Memory like he was in Life and not like this. I promise you we will do our best to make him look as if you know him when the time to say goodbye comes. I know how hard this time is for you, so if you need any help, or just someone to talk to, then please contact me.
Isabella would stay with her for a while longer till she was sure that Misses Garcia would be in the care of other Families, and that she was stable enough to be left alone for a while. Isa would Instruct the Nurse to Bring them a Cup of Tea and maybe some Hot Chocolate for the Children, as well as some sandwiches. She knew taht this could also help them to cope with the loss. She also asked the Nurse to bring some Paper and Pens for the Children so that they could distract themself if they wanted. Then she turned to Mac with a Smile.
Isabella: You are not Okay Mac and that is totally Okay. You are a Human and not a machine. Even as a Psychologist you have a Right to your Feelings. Actually, they make you better, should you ever find out that the Fate of your Patients doesn't touch you as a Human anymore then it is time to Retire. But you did a Good Job, then even when you shall feel Sympathy and compassion towards your Patients its not often a good thing to show openly how much their fate shakes you in front of them. You are her rock in the surf that keeps her from completely falling apart. I know it is a Delicate Balance Act to find the right way of Dealing with your Patients. Some need a More Human Doctor who acts like an Old Friend or Parrent, while others prefer the Halfgod in White who tells them what's wrong and how to Fix it. And sometimes you simply aren't the Right Doctor for your Patients because you aren't Compatible with the Human side of things.She said with a soft smile as she looked at Mac. The Same is true about the Touches, some Patients need a Doctor who holds their hands or hugs them from time to time, and some prefer to be not touched at all. The thing, why it is generally not advised to Touch a Patient, is that it needs a lot of experience to understand when it might be Beneficial to Therapy to Touch a Patient and when not. And of course, we only talk about things that are Appropriate to the Situation. Sadly there are some in our Field of Work who abuse a gesture of healing and comfort for nefarious means. This has led to the General Consensus that you should avoid Touches if you can. But if you have the Feeling that a patient might benefit from Holding Hands or a Hug you can always ask things like "Would a Hug help you?" or "Do you want to hold my hand?" Like this, you can offer it to the Patient and leave the final decision to the Patient.
She was happy to Teach Mac about the work of psychologists and what her future Job would look like. But she also noticed that Mac would have a lot of pressure on her shoulders for being the only psychologist for the Whole Colony of Faith Haven. She would not want to try this on the Healing heart herself. So she would try to make sure taht Mac wasn't alone when she returned, Isa would take a look witch of the Mobile Psychology Teams she could Station here till Mac would not be the only Psycologist in the Colony anymore. But Isa didn't want to Promise too much so she would only inform her about this plan when everything was ready. For now, she would follow Mac to her Patient and listen to all of the Explanations about the Hospital. She would smile as she entered the Room of her patient with her. She could see that he was a happy man who liked to smile and Laugh, his face showed this to her.
Isabella: Well I don't Steal her from you, I just try to make her into a better Doctor. When I Return her She will be a Fully Trained and Educated Psycologist. She is already a really good Doctor, but she wants to learn more to help the people of Faith Haven even better.
Isabella said as she sat on his bed and looked at the IV that would drip into his body. She had Rarely had a Patient suffer from Mercury poisoning, this was something that had become quite Rare in this time and age. So she was really impressed that Mac had found out that he was Poisend because of a Faulty Breathing Mask. To check such Equipment would be something that Isa would have maybe overlooked. Isa knew that this carefulness would serve her well as a psychologist. Isa would stay a bit with Mac and talk a bit with Matt to know him better and see if he would be in need of Psychological Treatment as well. She knew that what happened to Matt could be hard on the Psyche of some people, but Matt made a good first impression on her. But she would make sure that Mac would keep an eye on him. Later they would Leave him alone so that he could Rest a bit before his family would Visit him.
Isabella: To have Optimism is a valuable thing for a Patient. Studies have shown that Optimistic Patients have a Higher Chance of Recovery than Pessimistic ones. But you are right the fall height is way bigger for that kind of Patient when things won't work out in the end, and they have a Higher Chance of getting Depression and other psychological problems in these Cases. I am not a Specialist in this field, but your work looked Promising to me. But if you want then send his Medical Data to Doc Holiday or the Academy, I am sure they would help if it becomes Necessary. And if you ask me it isn't good to try to take his Optimism from him. But you should definitely tell him about all the Risks and how high his Chances are for a Full Recovery. It can be a blessing and a curse at the same time to have a patient like him, but we can only do our best work and hope for his Recovery. A wise person once said, "Medicine is Skill and Knowledge and Art Combined, but to have some extra Luck won't hurt the Patient."
She said with a smile as she walked with her through the Station and looked after Colin and his team. Collin would Still be Asleep as she had expected and his Crew and Family would be with him. After this, she would look after the Families of the maintenance crew in Mac´s Office. She would Speak again with them and make sure they had everything they needed, she would also give Misses Garcia her Private Neural Net Contacts so that she may Call her if she had the Need to Talk. Thankfully the other 3 were now Stable and would hopefully make it over the Night. She Gave orders to the Nurses to Immediately Contact her should the State of the Patients Change, no matter what Hour it would be.
Isabella: this sounds like a good idea, i would love to see the rest of the Hospital, and I don't mind staying away from the Surgery Rooms. As Dr. Freud once said, "A Psychologist is a Doctor who can't see Blood." And while I have no problem like this I Prefer to Avoid the Sight of Blood when it isn't Necessary. But maybe we should Look after Greta first, she is after all More Important than a Room Tour through the Hospital. And I also think that we all Earned a little reward after this Day. Maybe there is something we can do for Greta, Invite her to a Piece of Cake or Ice Cream. I mean you know her better than me and probably know what she likes, I would like to do something nice for her. And if we still have time after all of this I would love to Visit the fashion store.
She said with a bit of a worried look about Meyer. She knew that she was a strong woman who cared deeply for the People of Faith Haven. But even the Strongest Minds could Shatter after what she had seen today. Isa wanted to make sure that she would not fall mentally into a Deep Dark Hole. She would also take her little Comm Device and send a Mail to her Second in Comand and ask about the Status of the Mobile Psychological Teams and if one of them would be available to help Faith Haven and
ensure psychological care for the Colonists while Mac was Gone.
Wilson listened carefully to Isabella's advices about interactions with patients, once they left her medical office, and later appreciated the instructions that Saito gave her when they finished their visit to Matt Brennan. Psychology was very interesting, and very complex at the same time. Mac had read every Psychology treatise and book she had gotten her hands on, and she had tried to put into practice what she had learned in them with her patients. However, many times she found herself completely lost without someone with real experience and knowledge being able to tutor her and resolve the doubts that arose with her in practice. After all, books talked to you, but they never answered you when you asked them questions.
Mac also blushed when Isabella praised her work and called it "promising." Hearing something like that from a doctor from the MFE, so trained and with so much experience, was something wonderful for a village doctor, as she considered herself. She stammered a few words of thanks as a smile spread across her face. "Oh... I... well... I really appreciate that you think I do a good job. This is... well... important to me." Mac forced herself to stop talking for a few seconds to stop stuttering, and then took a deep breath. "The truth is that having someone like you praise my work gives me a lot of encouragement to continue training and studying. Soon I'll have two medical specialties, and that will allow me to help a lot of people, especially at Faith Haven. It's something that excites me a lot, but at the same time... it scares me quite a bit. I've been practicing medicine for more than a decade, but sometimes I still feel like I did when I finished my degree. There are still many things that I do not control as much as I should, but I know that with you I will be able to improve as a doctor, and become a competent psychologist."
Mac also agreed not to prolong the hospital visit any longer than necessary and to go look for Greta. She was also worried about her condition, she had never seen her affected by anything. Wilson hoped Meyer wasn't too bad, but it would be better to check. "Let's finish what we have to do here and go find her."
The two women continued visiting Mac's remaining patients. Fortunately, these cases were much less serious matters than Matt Brennan's, and the visits were merely routine. Then they both took the opportunity to visit the psycologically affected paramedic, Collin, who had also been taken to a room on Isabella's orders, so that he could rest. The man was completely asleep, due to the sedatives they had administered, and they found Eduardo, the head of his paramedic unit, sitting on a seat in the hallway, near the door of the room. While Isa entered the room to check on Collin's condition and talk to his girlfriend and parents, who were inside, Mac stayed outside and approached Eduardo.
The man seemed to have ceased his initial attitude of distrust towards what Isabella had told him about Collin, and he was currently quite sorry for not having identified what was happening to his collegue. "I'm a damned stupid, doctor." Eduardo blamed himself, with a disgusted expression on his face. "I... I just forgot that not everyone is able to cope with tragedies in the same way. Collin is a good paramedic, he has plenty of experience with these things, but there was something today that..." The man shook his head. "The truth is that the screams of that poor man, Dante, have also frozen my blood. However, I think that what has affected Colin like this has been having to wait to go out for him. That wait has probably meant the difference between having saved him or not."
Wilson nodded. "Yes, that's clear. And I imagine that it's precisely that certainty that Dante García has died because of this, which has become difficult for Collin to bear." Mac sat in the seat immediately to the right of Eduardo's. "You're the leader of your unit, and your role is to command your men, in addition to monitoring them to see how they are doing. Given that, it's easy to blame yourself for what happened to your colleague, but it's really not your fault. There are times when it's impossible to know what will affect a person. You said it yourself, Collin is an experienced paramedic, so this wasn't foreseeable to happen." Wilson lightly placed her hand on Eduardo's shoulder. "Now just worry about him taking care of himself, taking some time and resting. I'll talk to Dr. Saito and try to arrange some kind of therapy session with him, even if it's via Neural Net. Make sure he doesn't miss those sessions, and, of course, don't let him get into an armored ambulance again until he's completely recovered."
Mac and Isabella left the patient room floors and headed back down to the emergency room, where they inquired about the status of the surviving maintenance team workers. Fortunately, all of them had been stabilized, and the two who had had to undergo emergency surgery had already left the operating room and were in the ICU. Isabella wanted to personally inform the loved ones of the injured, and both doctors headed back to Mac's medical office, where they were waiting. Gabriella García was calmer than a while ago, she had already completely assumed the situation, and now she was in a state of exhaustion and total sadness. With her was her sister, who had rushed over as soon as someone from the medical staff had contacted her, along with her husband, who had taken the children for a walk outside the medical center. Isa informed the relatives of the survivors of the current state of the injured, and finally went to the wife of the deceased man, to whom she offered her contact so they could talk in the future.
Once the work was finished, Mackenzie took off her medical coat and both women left the doctor's office. Wilson took out her portable communications device. "I'm going to call Greta and see where she is." The monsignora responded immediately. She was near the Medical Center, she had gone out to clear her head with a walk, and she had not felt strong enough to come back in again. They agreed to meet in the circular plaza that they had crossed before arriving at the hospital.
The two doctors found Greta sitting on one of the benches that lined the center of the square, around the large statue of the rotating Deux symbol. Greta stood up with a big smile when she saw them approaching. She no longer seemed to be affected at all by what had happened earlier, and that made Mac suspect that she was simply trying to hide it.
"Hey Greta!" Mac waved at Greta and quickly approached her. "Are you ok? You ran out of the emergency room."
Wilson saw how Greta's smile froze in a terrified rictus, for a slight, almost imperceptible moment. Then she again expressed that look of carefree happiness that the monsignor usually showed. "Oh, forget about it, please, I'm fine. I got a little overwhelmed, it's been a long time since I've helped anyone with their transition, but that's all. I shouldn't have behaved like that, and I'm sorry."
Mackenzie raised an eyebrow and looked questioningly at the clergywoman. "Tell that to someone else, but don't insult me by lying to my face, Greta." Mackenzie walked over to her friend and put her hand on her shoulder. "Even I felt affected by what happened in there, and I assure you that because of my work I have seen many terrible things happen. You aren't used to seeing these things, your workplace isn't an emergency room. You said it yourself when you were leaving, remember? You said you weren't used to seeing these things firsthand. You know the statistics, you know what happens with accidents, but it's one thing to be aware of that, and another thing to look into the eyes of a poor half-disintegrated worker, as the life leaves his body."
Greta gave up and looked down, collapsing on the bench again. "I just... I don't know, I felt so sorry for that poor man, Dante. Everything he suffered, the fear he went through... I know that he's now with Deux, and that he's in a place where suffering and pain no longer exist, but he left life very soon." A deep sadness appeared again on Greta's face, and looked at Isabella. "We honor life, even if we think that after it Deux chooses those who have done to fulfill His Mandate and takes their consciences with Him. So death isn't a tragedy for us, it's a natural consequence of our mortality, and mortality is a feature of our Humanity. Deux wanted us like we are, humans, and mortals. He gave us the Gift of the Machine to help us, but He didn't give us the Gift of Immortality." Greta looked away and examined the rotating statue of the Deux symbol. "It's true that thanks to the Gift of the Machine we've managed to greatly improve our longevity over the centuries, but I don't think Deux wants us to be immortal. He loves humans, and mortality is one of our natural characteristics. Death is... the great equalizer. It's what brings us back to where we started, just before being born. And at the same time it is what makes us appreciate every moment of our life." The monsignora turned back again to Isabella. "Therefore, although we don't fear death, we deeply respect human life and consider it something of great value. And when someone loses their life, for something that could have been avoided... for something I could have avoided..."
Greta's voice broke, and a tear rolled down her cheek. Mac shook her arm. "For the love of Deux, Greta, Dante García has died due to a natural disaster. I hope it doesn't occur to you to consider yourself responsible of anything that happened today." Wilson's mouth twisted in frustration, and with some guilt. "I know I've been putting a lot of pressure on you about the problem of workplace accidents, but the reality is that you're doing everything in your power. You've obtained funding for the new training of paramedic teams, you have gotten the Church to give us money for armored ambulances, and you constantly insist Monsignor Patel whenever you can to update the security inspections. I don't think there's much more that can be done and..." Mac looked directly at her friend. "...if due to my own frustration of constantly seeing workers die, I've taken out that frustration with you, I'm very sorry. The truth is that no one can ask you to do more than what you are doing. We live on a hostile planet, and we try to survive on it. This isn't Gran Canaria, but it's what we have."
Greta sighed and wiped her tears with the sleeve of her black suit. She smiled sadly at Isabella and Wilson. "Sometimes I..." The clergywoman seemed to not know how to express herself, and looked up at the ceiling of the cavern. "Our domes, our plantations, the Palace and the Temple... our factories and the underground colony... We've made this place so comfortable that it makes me forget what it costs us to keep it that way... the quantity of human lives that it costs to keep it that way. And when I manage to remember it, I feel very guilty. Guilty for being one of those who send people outside to maintain the biodomes, and not one of those who go out to do it." Greta took a deep breath and looked at both doctors, trying to be more cheerful. "I really appreciate your support, thank you ladies. I think I'll be fine, I just need some time." Greta stood up from the bench, and looked around showing a wide smile in the face. "I think it's time to do something that relaxes us all a little. What would you say if we went to that Cretan fashion store you wanted to see, Isa?"
Mac stood up and looked closely at Greta. Her smile held some sadness, but this time Meyer wasn't trying to hide it. At the same time, she saw her eyes express relief, probably because she was able to express how she felt. Mackenzie thought that was a good thing. At least she was no longer denying the obvious, and she had accepted what was afflicting her. That's why she decided to let it be, for the moment, although she swore to herself that she wouldn't take her eye off the monsignora.
"I think it's a good idea." The neurologist agreed. "I also need to distract myself with something a little happy."
The group left the square and entered one of the main streets that led out of it. About three hours had passed since they had arrived at the Medical Center, and there were more people on the street than before. Most of them were dressed in civilian or office clothes, although they were able to observe some members of the clergy walking hurriedly from one place to another, as before. Pygar's sky projection on the cavern ceiling showed a more yellowish color, due to the storm outside having intensified, as well as the dimming of white dwarf's light as the afternoon progressed.
The three women walked together leisurely on the left side of the street, bordered by two- or three-story concrete buildings. Greta would occasionally point out one of the buildings and explain its use, or tell some curious anecdote about its construction. She also took the opportunity to explain to Isabella what the Church's arrival in Pygar had been like, and how they had managed to found the colony until they were able to build everything that now surrounded them.
"When we arrived at Omicron Theta at the beginning of 827 AS, the two transport ships in which we had been able to gather barely 2.000 believers from the former colony in Gran Canaria, had to anchor at Corfu Base, while we decided what to do." Meyer put her hands behind back as she walked, her gaze fixed on a distant point. "We had heard that some zoners who had fled from Gran Canaria, like us, were trying to colonize the planet, but we didn't know if that was possible. Early scans of the surface revealed that both the land and atmosphere could support life, but the weather was terrible. Still, we didn't have anywhere else nearby to go, and since other people were already trying it, we decided to do it too."
The monsignora shook her head, remembering those moments of uncertainty. "We had brought from Gran Canaria the two biodomes that today are on the surface, disassembled in the holds of the two ships, and our idea was to assemble again them to create the habitats that you have been able to see. However, that was impossible without first establishing a camp, a place where workers could organize and take shelter from extreme winds. That is why we first had to carry out explorations to prospect, to look for caverns and underground galleries that we could access, and set up our base there. We had to send several teams to the planet in shuttles with surface scanners that we had to buy in Corfu."
Greta smiled sadly. "The problem with electromagnetic storms is that electronic devices very often suddenly stop working. On many occasions we were forced to descend to the ground on foot, with little protection, and carry out depth tastings with cavity detectors in person. There were accidents, some colonists died. I know it because I was there." Greta looked at Isabella. "Many members of the clergy also participated in the works and expeditions, myself, and even the one who would later become our Pontiff, who at that time was still only Monsignor Allister McGowan." Meyer said that last part with pride. "Everyone have to pitch in, the mission times were very long, the danger was constant, and people ended up exhausted. It was around this time that Monsignor McGowan began to become popular among believers. He was almost unknown until then, but his personal efforts, his ability to roll up his sleeves and get down to the ground with the workers, earned him popular support."
Greta indicated with her right arm the entirety of the large cavern in which they were. "In the end we managed to find this. A large cavern from which smaller galleries emerged, some of which connected to the surface, but far enough away so that the violence of the wind could not affect those who lived inside. We moved the entire population here, and started the construction of all this. We also built elevators to the surface and began to assemble the biodomes..." The clergywoman shrugged. "Now I think about it, and I don't even understand how we could achieve it. There were infinite possibilities that something fatal could have happened, and it would have wiped out all of us. Without a doubt, Deux blessed us all and gave us courage to move forward."
The group continued moving forward, passing several intersections until finally Greta pointed out a large building about 30 meters away, across the street. "There's the school, the store is right in front, we're almost there..."
Mac looked where Meyer indicated, and saw the neighborhood's public school, a 4-story building painted with brightly colored murals, surrounded by an empty concrete space with some artificial grass beds and and children's play structures. Then her gaze crossed the street to observe the place where the Cretan clothing store would be. As she did so, she saw several passersby going in the same direction as them, just ahead.
Suddenly, out of the corner of her eye, she detected how they were being overtaken by a group of four Pontifical Guard soldiers, armed with rifles and equipped with bulletproof vests and helmets. Wilson was not surprised to see equipped military personnel on the street, after the general state of alert decree they were everywhere, but what caught her attention was the speed at which they walked. They weren't running, but it was clear that they weren't patrolling, they were going somewhere, and in quite a hurry. The soldiers passed by, also passing several of the pedestrians, until they arrived right behind a young man, dressed in cargo pants and a civilian pilot's jacket, who was walking in the same direction as them.
The platoon opened up around the man, who walked oblivious to all of them, and then one of the soldiers, who was wearing sergeant's insignia, shouted in a threatening voice. "Stefan Wilkins, stop right now!!" The man stopped abruptly, startled, and turned around quickly. His face expressed surprise, at the same time as fear. The sergeant addressed him again as the other soldiers moved to surround the man. "You're under arrest, so...!"
Stefan Wilkins didn't wait for the Guard to finish his sentence and reacted at full speed, turning to flee in the opposite direction, but one of the soldiers stepped forward and hit him in the stomach with the butt of the rifle. The man doubled over, gasping for breath, and immediately another of the soldiers applied an electric baton to his neck, administering a shock that caused him to collapse to the ground. A third soldier Guard approached the fallen man, pointing his rifle at him, and stepping on his back violently to prevent him from getting up.
"What the hell...?!" Mac yelled, outraged at that exercise of violence, and moving forward without thinking it. "Hey, okay, that's enough, savages!"
The sergeant turned around and grabbed Mackenzie tightly by the arm, pinning her down and shouting with an angry face. "But who the hell are you?"
While this was happening, the soldier who kept his foot on the detainee's back took out some electronic handcuffs and tied the detainee's hands behind. A Pontifical Gendarmerie car suddenly appeared in the central service lane of the street with its top flashing light on, and braked hard in front of them. Mac struggled, unable to free herself from the sergeant's grip. "Damn idiot!" She insulted him. "Let me go immediately!"
"Sergeant, release that woman immediately, if you know what's good for you." The voice came from Greta, who had approached until she was in front of the sergeant. She hadn't raised her voice too much, but the soldier looked at her immediately, and he paled as recognized the purple-trimmed uniform of a Monsignor. The sergeant's hand opened, releasing Mac, who stepped back a few steps, angry but also somewhat fearful. The doctor observed how one of the patrol soldiers had approached his superior to help him with Mac, but when he had seen Meyer appear, he had retreated back to where his companions were.
The sergeant gulped and tried to explain. "Eeh... Oh, Monsignora Meyer... eeh... I didn't know this woman was..."
Greta interrupted him mercilessly, with a seriousness on her face that would have made a sphinx envious, and her hands behind back. "Stand at attention and salute, sergeant, you're facing a member of the Concilium. Do you want me to order your own men to arrest you right here?"
The soldier came to attention with a click of his heel on the ground, and saluted so loudly that his armored glove clinked against his helmet. Mac watched as the other three soldiers carried the detained man and put him into the Gendarmerie patrol car, from which a Gendarme had emerged to open the door. Then the car drove away, its front wheels screeching because of the speed, and turning on its siren. The soldiers returned to their superior and stood behind him, saluting likewise.
"What happened here, sergeant? What kind of circus is this?" Greta pointed to the Gendarmerie patrol car that was disappearing in the distance. "Who was that man they took away and what is he accused of? Since when does the Guard make arrests like this on the street?" Meyer screamed in the nco's face. "Where do you think you live?! In Liberty Republic?!"
The man endured the reprimand stoically, as soldiers usually do, and then spoke when the monsignora stopped. "Monsignora, this detention has been carried out under the protection of the general state of emergency, for reasons of internal security. We have special orders from the Field Maestre to investigate subjects coming from abroad, in case they could be here... for espionage reasons."
"So, that man was a spy, sergeant?" Greta asked.
The soldier paled even more, and opened his mouth several times, hesitating whether to say what he had to say. He finally stammered. "I.. can't... answer that, Monsignora, it's... confidential information." Greta's eyes widened and her lips contracted into a very thin line, reflecting an anger that was frightening just to see. The sergeant took a half step back, still standing his ground, and added, practically pleading. "I swear to you that I've direct orders not to reveal any information about the detainees! Don't do this to me, Monsignora, please, you can go to the Field Maestre and ask him all the questions you have about this operation. Don't make me answer you about this."
Meyer kept her gaze fixed on the man for a few seconds, and then relaxed her face. "Alright, sergeant, I respect that you've your orders." Mackenzie could hear how the man exhaled the air contained in his lungs, while he closed his eyes, relieved. "Now tell me your name and number, if you would be so kind."
The sergeant tensed again, but responded immediately. "Sergeant Joshua Mikkelsen, number 0098."
Greta noted it on her communications device and then dismissed the sergeant and his platoon with a wave of her hand. "Okay, Sergeant Mikkelsen, you can leave. Ah, one more thing." Greta brought her face close to the man's. "I never want to see again, or hear from, a single more arrest in this savage and unnecessarily violent manner. I don't care in the least what orders you've regarding the Field Maestre. There were four of you and that man was only one. There was no need to hit him with a rifle butt or electrocute him, your mere physical strength would have been enough to prevent him from fleeing. I don't want to see again these types of actions in the streets, as if this were a fascist state." The clergywoman remained silent for a few seconds, so that the sergeant could internalize her words, and then she added. "Make sure this is clear to everyone, because if it happens again, I'll come after you."
When the soldiers left, Greta turned to Mac and Isabella with embarrassed expression. "I'm so sorry for this. Are you ok?"
Mac rubbed her arm where the soldier had grabbed it. "Yeah... Don't worry, he's a damn beast, but I'm no damsel in distress. I was about to give him a good kick in... Well, it doesn't matter. I'm glad you put him in his place."
The monsignora nodded with concern. "I've to talk to the Field Maestre today so he can calm the Guard, and I want to find out who this guy is who has been arrested. Stefan...Wilkins, I think. I agree that we're practically at war, and we've to be prepared, but this is too much." She looked at Saito, and blushed from pure shame. "Isa, I assure you that this isn't normal, we don't do things like this around here.... I don't even know what to say."
Isabella smiled as she saw the Hospital and the way they worked there. Everything looked modern and was made to fit the needs of the Patients to make their Recovery easier and to reduce the time they had to spend in the hospital. She was impressed by the Surgery Rooms and the Patient's wings. She smiled as she watched how Mac spoke with her patients, Mac might not be a Trained Psychologist yet, but she had definitely the skills and Talent to be one. Isa could see this in the way that Mac Spoke with people and the way she acted with patients. Isa had taught some Students in the past, but this Natural Talent that Mac had was something that you can't learn even when you Study a Thousand Years.
The way she spoke with Eduardo and how she calmed the man took away some of his self-doubts and stopped him from mentally torturing himself for things that he had no influence over. Mac Might not Realize it but what she did with the man was a psychologist's work. A Lot of her work was to sit there and listen to her patients and understand the worries and fears they had. Eduardo clearly felt that he had let his friend and teammate down and disappointed him, but nothing could be further from the truth in this matter. And that was what Mac made clear to the man. She did it exactly right and talked to Eduardo with enough compassion and Authority to make him understand that he did nothing wrong. Isa Smiled as they left the Patient room and walked with Mac to look for Meyer.
Isabella: Your Education might be easier than I thought. Mac, you have a Natural Talent to work with Patients. Of course, you will need to get more Training to learn how to deal with Harder Cases, but what I have seen today was already Impressive. Such Natural Talent can't do all the work for you of course, but it is a Great Weapon in the Hands of a psychologist to Fight Demons of Mental Illness. But don't get reliant on your Natural Talent Alone, the Willingness to Learn and improve your Skills is what makes the Difference between an Average and a Great psychologist. And I think you have what it takes to be a great psychologist, and that is why leave the talk with Meyer to you. You know her the best and will know how to handle her in such a situation. I will only step in when I feel I have to.
Isa would smile like a teacher who was happy about her Student's behavior and walked with her to Meyer. She could see from her body language that Meyer was still Shaken by the events that she had witnessed that day. It was Nothing Surprising to Isabella as to watch a man die who was as Young as Dante would be something that could even overpower the strongest minds. Isa would do as she said and watched how Mac wouldn't take the excuses that she would not be shaken by the events of today. Isa knew that she would need time and help to overcome those things. The fact that Mac Confronted her like this was a thing that she would usually not Advise with a normal Patient, but because Mac and Meyer knew each other this well she would not step in this time. Isa knew that it was the right course of Action in this case, as Mac seemed to have to breach some layers of protection before she could come to the core of the problem. she would wait till Meyer began to admit the truth, then she would lay her hand on Meyer´s shoulder.
Isabella: I will tell you the same that I told Misse Garcia. Dante knew the Risks of his Job, and still, he was out there. He didn't do it for Money or Fame, he did it to protect his Family from the harsh environment of Pygar, and he not only did it for his own Family, he did it to Protect all of the Families that live here at Faith Haven. What happened was a Tragedy that no one could Prevent from happening. I can see that this Shakes you a lot and I believe that you should not be left alone with this. You are the Minister of Science and an Monsignora of the Church, but you are also a Human being with Feelings and Emotions. You shouldn't Suppress those Emotions, if you do so they will eat you alive in the long run. One day you will simply Burn out from all the Stress and all the pent-up Emotions. This is something that both Mac and I want to Prevent, then if that happens you won't be able to help anyone
Isa gave her a kind smile as she sat next to her and took her Comm Device out and showed her the message she had written to her second in command.
Isabella:I don't have any message back yet, but I have requested one of our Mobile Medical Teams to come to Pygar. This Team consists of 5 psychologists who will be under the Leadership of the Medical Director of the Hospital, and Later she will be under the Leadership of Mac once she Finished her Education and has her psychology degree. Your colony is so big that it would be a hell of a Job for Mac alone to take Care of all the psychological problems of the Population. My idea was to keep some MFE Doctors under Mac´s command till the Settlement have Trained enough Psychologists to keep an Adequate Staff Level for the needs of the Colony. We can not send enough Doctors to take care of all the Problems right now, but this team should be enough to take care of the most Urgent Cases. These Teams are Trained for exactly those Situations and are often sent to Cover Holes in the Medical Care of Certain Hotspots. Fait Haven has a Demand for Psychologists and the events of today showed me that it would be against my Oath if I don't offer you the Help that the Colony Needs.
Isa smiled and looked over at her as she nodded about the comment that they all had deserved something nice after the events of the last hours. She would smile as she saw that her little cat Niki had Decided to remain on Meyer's Shoulders for the time being to calm her and offer her some support. The little cat would purr and try to make Meyer happy again and take away some of the pain that she felt after what she had witnessed today. Isa was really Proud of her little companion and how well she acted with Patients and people who had a bad day.
Isa would Listen to the Story of the First Colonisation of Pygar by the Believers of Deux. As she heard about the Hard Conditions that the Survey Teams had to work in while they searched for the Caves that they lived in today. She was not surprised that it would take a big blood price to Establish a Colony on a Planet like Pygar. To hear all of this showed Isa how great the need for Psychological help would be on the planet of Pygar. To hear about the Conditions and Hardships the First Founding Colonists had to endure to build a living for themself in this new world. All of this Knowledge made the Accomplishments only more impressive.
Isabella: I can't imagine how hard it had to be on the Survey teams to bear all the Responsibilities that were on their shoulders. This is all the more a reason to give them psychological Help. I mean situations like you and His Holyness have Experienced have the potential to lead to post-traumatic stress disorder. That is why I also would advise offering Regular psychological Sessions to First Responders and Colonists of the first Hours. Maybe even some Group Therapy Sessions. I will make sure to work on a Program with Mac while we are away. Okay, but that shall be enough of Work and Colony Matters for now. Let us Relax and try to get our minds off from the worries.
She said with a smile as she looked around and soaked in all the impressions that she would get from the colony. She liked the way they had made this Colony into their own the way they had made the best out of a difficult situation and how even in a situation like this the Arts and Creativity seemed to Flourish and grow strong. She liked the way the School was Decorated and how it seemed that some of the Art on the Walls seemed to be made by the Children themself. She was so totally Captivated by the looks around her that she didn't notice the Turmoil that the Soldiers were making at first. But as she heard how Mister Wilkins Ran away and was brought down by the Guard. Isa was shocked and squeaked a bit as she was surprised by this much Violence because of a Simple Arrest. She didn't like any Militaristic things in the first place but to see how these soldiers Treated this poor man was something that shocked her to her core.
But she was even more surprised as she saw how the Soldier treated Mac as she tried to step in and protect the man from Mistreatment. Isabella was shocked at how angry this man was, and how little he seemed to care about Basic Human Rights. She could understand that the Situation in the Colony was Tense with the Corsair Threat Hanging like a Sword over their heads. But Behaviour like this was nothing that she could understand or approve of. She gave the Sergeant an angry look in her eyes as she would simply Walk Past him and walk toward the Prisoner. But she was even angrier as she saw how a Young Woman who wore the Red Cross on her helmet and Arm Band would stand Idle beside it as the man was Bleeding from a wound on his Forehead. Isa would walk over to her and Rip the First Air Kit from the Uniform of one of the women and start to treat the Wounds of the Man. He had a bruised knee and a gash on his forehead. Isa would treat him and get more and more Angry by the second, she would make sure that he had good first Aid and then she would walk to the soldier who had the Red Cross on her arm and on her Helmet. It was a Young Woman that looked like she was barely 20 Years old, she had a Rifle over her shoulder and a Pistol on her hip. Isa would Stand in front of her and would take all the Authority and strength that she could muster as she pointed at the Red Cross that the Woman would Wear.
Isabella: Do you have even a basic idea of what the Symbols on your Arm and Helmet Represent? These are Symbols of Healing and Protection. If you wear those Symbols you are more than a Soldier, it is your Job to protect Life itself. And not only the Life of your Fellow Soldiers, no your Job is to Protect every life. You should be ashamed of yourself for standing silently while others treat a Human Life so Badly.
Isa would would leave the woman alone, after her angry outburst. It might not be fair to be so hard on the Woman, but Isa was Furious about this Treatment and that no one tried to treat the wounds of the man. It looked like the Soldiers were in total Shock as they had seen that Cretan-looking woman treat the Prisoner before she would allow them to drive away. Isa would then go to Meyer and the Seargent and Press the First Aid Kit on his Chest making him stumble a bit backward.
Isabella: I know you all here have a big fear about the Corsair Threat, but that is no reason at all to Throw your Humanity away because of it. Monsignora Meyer is right, you should be a good example for your Soldiers, but instead, you showed them today how you shouldn't do those things. You gave them the Worst Example ever, and I really hope this Car brings that man Straight to the Hospital.
Isa would be relieved as the Soldiers finally Left and the woman would be alone again. It was as if they had taken all of her anger with them and she would look a bit tired after this truly Eventful day. But still, she would give Meyer a Weak Smile that showed that her normal Friendly Personality wasnt beaten so easily.
Isabella: Don't worry Meyer, I know that times like this make it all too easy to bring the worst of our Instincts come to life. You did absolutely the Right thing by addressing this immediately and showing those Soldiers that even extraordinary times like these have their limits. I was more shocked by the Reaction of that Military Medic. I have High Standards for people who wear the Red Cross, and to see someone standing idle while someone Suffers made me angry. It might not have been entirely fair to be so Angry and Rude to that woman, so I Apologize if I have overstepped my Authority in this matter.
Isa was slowly coming back to her usual Self and now Niki would Jump from Meyer´s shoulder onto her own as the Cat Noticed that Isa would now need the help of the Furry Doctor. Isa would smile at her cat and give her a thankful scratch between the ears.
Isabella: I could need a cup of hot Chocolate and something Sweet Right now to calm my nerves after all of that commotion. And then I would really like to see that Cretan Clothes Shop.
Mac watched Isabella's intervention in amazement, and slightly proud. She had seen the Psychologist pass by her as soon as Greta had confronted the sergeant and he let her go, verbally reprimanding the soldiers, and even ripping a first aid kit from the bulletproof vest of one of the Guards, who was wearing the insignia of paramedic, to attend to the attacked man. Fortunately the soldiers were so surprised by her boldness and self-confidence that they didn't dare to stand in her way. Likewise, Meyer's unexpected presence also helped the Guards not to react violently towards Isabella, but she had not even stopped to think about it. She just acted, and thanks to Saito's attentions, when the soldiers put Stefan Wilkins into the patrol car, the wounds caused by the fall had been adequately treated.
Mac was really pained from the sergeant's grip on her arm, but she didn't want to show it too much. She did not want to appear to be the victim in that situation when the real victim had been that man, about whom they knew nothing, and whom they had seen being brutally arrested in the middle of the street. Indignation made her face burn as she watched the soldiers leave, once Greta let them go.
"I don't know who that man would be, or what he would have done, but this was completely unacceptable." Mackenzie turned to Meyer and pointed angrily at the armed group as they walked away. "Not only have they beaten the poor guy, but they haven't even treated him once he was injured. Luckily Isa was able to reach him and give him first aid."
Meyer nodded, her expression deeply embarrassed, fury flashing in her eyes. "Yes... You're right, it is unacceptable, and I must discuss it with the Field Maestre. Today." The clergywoman ran her hand over her face, concerned, as she turned to watch the soldiers walking away. "This can't happen again. And if the Field Maestre doesn't want to listen to me, I'll go to the Magisters, or even to His Holiness." Meyer approached Isabella, and made an exasperated gesture with her arms. "Of course it was completely fair to get angry at that military paramedic. Believe me when I assure you that I'll find out who she is, and I'll recommend that she be formally reprimanded. I know that she's a soldier and has her orders, but as you've said, that doesn't excuse her from having a medical oath, in addition to the military one. She should have intervened as soon as the man fell to the ground. Medical personnel shouldn't have the right to decide who they treat and who they don't."
Mac realized that Isabella was angry, but above all sad about the situation. It was understandable, Saito was a person who obviously didn't mesh well with the military and the often indisputable authority that they exercised over the people, and unfortunately now, under the martial law of the general state of alarm, the Guard had broad powers to act under the excuse of ensuring the security of the settlement. Wilson deeply regretted that Isa's visit had coincided with such a time of tension and lack of control in Faith Haven as that one. It was really bad luck, the Church had never had any problems with anyone since their arrival in Pygar until the conflict with the Corsairs, except for the occasional skirmishes of the Pontifical Guard Navy with hostile Nomad swarms.
Mac approached Isabella as well, still holding her bruised arm, and tried to cheer her up a little. "Well Isa, I think the best thing we can do is leave this in Greta's hands. She will be in charge of speaking with the Guard commander. After all, he's a member of the Government like her, and she is used to having to deal with him, right, Greta?"
Greta nodded with determination. "Certainly, leave it in my hands. The Field Maestre is a stubborn person and often too intransigent, I've already said it several times, but he's not evil. Everything he does is because he believes it's the best for this settlement, but he maintains absolute obedience to the Government. I'm an equal in rank to him and he may not want to listen to me, but he'll have to listen to the Pontiff. And I know with complete certainty that His Holiness will not agree with this type of savage acts."
Mac smiled and winked at the monsignor, then turned to Isa. "Did you know? I also fancy some hot chocolate, I think I need it. I remember that there is a small cafe and cake shop on the parallel street, it has a couple of high tables with stools on the sidewalk. We could detour to rest and recover there."
Meyer nodded vigorously, happy that her friend was lending her a hand in trying to distract her guest from that terrible moment. "Oh yes, I know that place and its owner too. Furthermore I know that they make a pretty decent apple pie, cooked with local, seasonal apples, from our biodome. I think it will be good for all of us."
The three women deviated from their original path and crossed onto the street that ran parallel. Immediately they could see a small establishment at street level, with a purple sign that indicated with gold letters 'Muriel's tea, coffe and pastries. As they approached they could see that the place was really small inside. There was a wood and marble short counter, with an old coffee machine behind it and several exhibitors with cakes and pastries. A half-open door undoubtedly led to the oven and the kitchen, because of the sweet smell of dough that came from there, and outside the counter, in the public area there was barely room for a couple of small wooden tables with two forged iron chairs. Outside on both sides of the storefront, there were also two other wooden tables, although these were tall, and were made so that if desired, they could be used standing up. However, around them each had four high stools of purple padded fabric.
The group entered the place and soon found themselves in front of a plump, middle aged woman that Mac quickly recognized as the owner, Muriel, dressed in a white apron and a cap of the same color, under which she could see her red hair tied up in a bun. At that moment Muriel was pouring hot coffee in a cup to a young woman in a cleric's uniform, with a huge smile.
"Here you are, my dear lady. Be careful, it's very hot!" The owner dedicated a last affectionate gesture to the cleric, who sat at one of the tables inside with her drink, and turned to serve the new customers. "Good evening, my dears, how can I make your life more delicious?" Her accent was clearly Bretonian and her voice was sing-song and melodious, and her face expressed some surprise when she recognized Greta. "Oh, what a pleasant surprise Monsignora Meyer. I haven't seen you here for a long time." Then she looked at Mac and Isa and offered them another warm smile. "Oh, and Dr. Wilson, too, what a lovely and unexpected group. As for you, I don't know who you are, miss, but welcome to my sweet little paradise."
Mac made a friendly gesture to Muriel and took the opportunity to introduce Isabella. "Hello Muriel, I haven't been here for a long time too, but I see that you never forget a face. She is Dr. Saito, a good friend of ours. We were passing by here and felt the need to have a hot chocolate and taste your famous apple pie."
Muriel winked at Wilson happily. "I like my customers to feel like they are in their living room when they come to my humble establishment, and in their living room their families surely don't forget their faces, so I don't do it either." She gave a brief nod towards Saito. "It's a pleasure to meet you doctor." Then she once again scanned the three women's faces with her gaze. "So, what do you want me to serve you? I heard hot chocolate and apple pie?"
"That would be great, Muriel, but please give me coffee instead of chocolate." Greta made a tired gesture. "I still have much of the day ahead of me, and I'm afraid I'll be working until late. I need to stay awake."
The owner nodded. "Two chocolates, a coffee and three slices of apple pie, understood, Monsignora. We just baked a pie two hours ago, and it should be about to finish cooling, so you can probably eat it freshly made." Muriel turned to the half-open door behind her and peered inside. "Amanda! How much is left for that?"
A young woman's voice was heard from the other side of the door. "I'm taking it out now!" The door opened and a girl of about 20 years old, with hair the same shade of red as Muriel, came out to the counter and placed a plate with a large apple pie. "Here I left it for you, mom. I've to go back inside because I've some fritters in the oven..." The young woman looked around and noticed the presence of the group, she blushed, and made a small bow with her dress towards Meyer. "Monsignora, excuse my haste, I had not seen you."
Meyer smiled amused, and blessed her by making the Sacred Gear sign with her fingers. "Don't worry, dear, whether you see me or not, the fritters are still in the oven. Deux forbid they burn, but you better run and take a look at them. Deux be with you, sweetheart." The girl went back into the kitchen, and Meyer adressed to Muriel. "What an impeccable upbringing, your daughter is really nice."
Muriel smiled back, a touch of pride in her eyes. "She is, indeed. There is no daughter more dedicated than her. She helps me a lot here in the pastry shop, even though she has her own job as an operator in one of the factories." A gleam of sadness crossed Muriel's eyes. "Since Nathan died in Gran Canaria... Amanda was just a little girl back then, but if it hadn't been for her, I don't know what I would have done. She has been what has given me back the joy of living. Sometimes I don't really understand how she has been able to move forward being so wonderful, with everything we have been through. Deux has undoubtedly watched over us."
Meyer nodded. "Of course, Deux always takes care of His people, but don't take merit away from yourself. Together you two have come out ahead, and you know what His Holiness says: Deux helps those who help themselves."
The owner bowed her head respectfully. "And blessed be His Holy Name for it." She then walked over to the old coffee machine and began programming it, while also melting ounces of dark chocolate into a small compartment of it, for then add a little condensed cream milk.
The machine looked like it had been manufactured at least 80 years ago. It was large, metal, and quite old-fashioned by the standards that could be found in any cantina on any station of Sirius. However, Mackenzie knew that this machine meant a lot to Muriel, and she would never willingly get rid of it. She knew the story because the owner had told it to her one of the times she had been in the place, and Mac took advantage of the opportunity while Muriel worked to tell it quietly to Saito, in a low voice. The coffee machine had belonged to Nathan's grandfather, who was Muriel's dead husband, who had run a coffee shop in New London. Nathan had inherited the machine, and when he and Muriel had emigrated with little Amanda to Gran Canaria to join the Church, they had brought the machine with them, and had also opened a coffee and cake establishment in the settlement. They had been very happy there, until the Bretonian invasion had destroyed their lives. Muriel and Amanda had had to flee, leaving Nathan's body in Gran Canaria, but the woman had managed to bring the machine with her. It was the greatest memory she had left of that happy and pleasant life with Nathan, and therefore, she would never change it for a new machine, no matter how much better it was.
The owner finished preparing the drinks which she poured into large ceramic cupsands decorated with floral drawings, and cut three generous portions of apple pie, which she served on plates made of the same ceramic as the cups, adding some small forks and knives. She then placed everything on the counter with a splendid smile. "Here you are, my dears. Enjoy it very much, I hope you like it."
Mac and Isabella took the drinks and plates to one of the tables outside while Meyer settled the bill, and then the three women sat on the stools, maintaining a bit of silence while they tasted their drinks. Mac closed her eyes in pure pleasure as she tasted the chocolate. The bitterness of the pure cocoa was perfectly diminished by the little bit of very sweet condensed milk that Muriel had added, and the temperature was perfect. It didn't burn, but a comforting warmth invaded inside her, making her feel immediately better. Then she tasted a piece of the apple pie. It still had a little temperature and was not completely cold. The dough was soft and delicious, and the baked apples with jam on top brought back childhood memories for Mackenzie. After all, she had also been born in Bretonia, and that recipe came from there.
Mac waited for Isabella to eat and drink a little, then turned to her. "I hope you feel a little better now, Isa. I'm very sorry for everything you've had to experience today." The neurologist smiled affectionately at Saito. "I know very well that you are a strong woman, but this was supposed to be a calm visit, and you have found yourself involved in two situations that would stress anyone out." Mac shook her head sadly. "I hate this situation, this uncertainty. It brings back memories of Gran Canaria, when we received the news that the Bretonian fleet was approaching the planet, just before the fighting began. The only difference with that is now I know that ended very badly, so I can have an idea of how this could end if the war breaks out. I wish there was some way to solve this without violence."
Greta made a supportive gesture with her hand. "Yes, and we're facing Corsairs, for the love of Deux." She rolled her eyes in exasperation. "Our Church was born in Gamma, and we even know that in Crete there are still many people who believe in Deux. Many others have emigrated and have come here with us. Almost 40% of our population is of Cretan origin." The monsignora shrugged her shoulders, showing how much nonsense it all seemed to her. "All this is absurd. And now they have come here, and they mistreat us, as if we were... I don't know... their enemies. When have we posed a threat to them?" The clergywoman drank some of her coffee. "His Holiness Gregorius told me last year that he wanted to restore relations with the Empire, that he was thinking of asking Magister Orlov to speak to the Corsair Elders to request a trip to Gamma. He wanted to visit the asteroid field where Paolus LXIV's stasis capsule was found after having his Sacred Vision. He also wanted to visit Crete, see the mansion of Elder Miguel Sephardi where our former Pontiff resided before settling in Gran Canaria... They are Holy Places for us, there our Church was born."
"And now, a year later, we're about to enter into a direct confrontation with them, and still no one explains why." Wilson played with her fork, anger in eyes. "My father always told my brother and me when we fought: 'Two don't fight if one doesn't want to'. " Mac smiled, with a little nostalgia and a lot of sadness. "I would like to be able to agree with him, but Gran Canaria was the first example that this isn't true. And now, we're living in our flesh another horrible example that he was wrong."
It took the three women about three quarters of an hour to finish their hot drinks and eating their pies, while they talked about irrelevant matters and relaxed. Although the day had been exhausting and somewhat sad at times, this small interval of rest gave them some strength and encouragement. Meyer got up from the chair and put her feet on the floor, while stretching her back a little. "Well, I don't know about you but even though I'm tired, I think we could finally visit that Cretan fashion store. I think Isabella deserves it, after having endured all the emotions today." Greta looked at Saito. "After that, I think it would be best if we retire to the Pontifical Palace to rest. I still have to try to talk to the Field Maestre about what happened today, and fill out some reports for the Concilium. I hope this coffee I just had lasts me through the rest of my workday, but you two... The best thing you could do is rest." The monsignora pointed to the Psychologist. "Especially you Isa. You haven't stopped for a moment since you arrived this morning and I still remember that you had to pilot here through the storm. You must be exhausted."
The group said goodbye to Muriel and Amanda, carrying their empty plates and cups inside, and then set out for the clothing store. It really didn't take them long to get there, they were almost there when they had turned towards the pastry shop. In a few minutes they found themselves in front of the glass showcase of a store with a large sign above the door that read 'Lola's Fashion'. On another smaller sign, placed right on the door, it was added: 'Custom suits are made.' Mackenzie could see at a glance, as they approached, that several Cretan regional style dresses could be seen displayed through the showcase, some with ruffles at the bottom, or on the shoulders and sleeves, and many of them printed with dark polka dots that contrasted with the bright colors of their fabrics. There were also some exposed fringed shawls, hand-woven. And for the men there were short, tight dark jackets, pants with tight legs reaching below the knee, and some felt sashes, similar to women's shawls. Some straight-brimmed, low-crowned hats made of dark velvet were placed on hangers.
The three women, preceded by Meyer, reached the door and pushed it inside the store. The store was not large, but it was larger than it seemed from the outside. Shirts with floral motifs, polka dots or regional Cretan embroidery were displayed on shelves, as well as plain or pleated skirts in bright colors. On various mannequins it could seen more regional dresses, some with the typical polka dot print, but others less common, with other types of drawings on the fabrics and various trimmings. There was a small counter near the entrance, behind which sat an old lady with genuine Cretan features, sewing the hem of a skirt. She raised her head when she saw them enter, but just smiled and continued with her work, leaving the customers freedom to take a look before attending them.
Mackenzie gestured toward the store that extended far inward, and look to Isabella with an amused smile. "All yours, I hope you find something you like."
Isa was a bit exhausted from the confrontation and only now did she notice how lucky she was in this confrontation. It was clear that she was lucky about the fact that the Soldiers were too shocked to Stop her. Isa would look at Mac and Meyer as she listened to how they spoke about the Incident and what happened.
Isabella: Do punish that Woman, if you want my advice then send her to the Academy with the next batch of Medics to be Trained. To Give her a better Education might work better than to Punish her. Show her what it means to be a Protector of Life and what it means to have this kind of Responsibility.
Isabella was Angry about the Situation But she felt it was better to encourage her and teach her to be a better medic rather than punish her. Isa felt that it would make the Trenches even deeper when the woman would be punished, instead of this she would want to Build Bridges over this Gap and show her another way. She would smile at her friend and would give Niki a little head pat as she felt how the cat would rub her face on Isabella.
Isabella: I have Full Trust in Meyer that she will have the right tools to solve this Problem. I know that there is a lot of Fear and that the People are Scared, and I know that it is Problematic to find the Right Balance in these Times. But you are right we should leave this Unpleasant Situation for later and turn to more Pleasant things now. And don't worry I don't mind the things that I have done today, I have done what was needed to do. To help is nothing that I consider a Burden, and to be honest I am happy that I have gotten such an In-depth Insight into the Colony and the Problems that you have. Thanks to my Experiences today I can send a better Report to my Colleagues so that we can adjust the Education for your Personal. So you see it hasn't only been bad that it was not the day that you had originally planned for me.
Even when she was totally exhausted she didn't want to have the woman punished. Isa believes that everyone deserves a Second Chance and that it is always better to Educate people instead of Punishing them. Isa was happy that she would soon get a Hot chocolate and some Pie. She would follow Mac and Meyer to the Litle Cafe and smile as she sees the cute place from the distance.
Isabella: I also hope that there will be peace Talks soon. This war is totally Senseless and Stupid. I mean every War is Stupid and as a Doctor, I have seen enough of the psychological and Bodily Scars that a War Can Create. But I also know that you can't be Naive and have to Defend yourself from those who have thrown the Peace overboard. While my Personal Ship is not Armed the Healing Heart has the Weapons to Defend itself. But as a Doctor, I Follow the Oath of Hippocrates and only use those weapons when I have to protect my Patients. But now let us talk about other things.
Isa smiled and followed them into the Cafe and saw the owner Muriel. Isabella´s first impression of the Woman was that of a Friendly Grandmother who welcomes you with open arms and some cookies. Isa would leave the Ordering of the Drinks and Cake to Mac and Meyer and only asked for a bit of Milk in a Bowl for Niki. Her little companion had Earned some treats as well. Isabella Liked Muriel Right from the start and would greet her with a respectful Kusarian Bow. Isa smiled at Muriel as she saw her daughter bring out the Cake and the Smell of the Fresh Cake was so wonderful that it made Isabella hungry for the taste of it. She smiled at Muriel and would sit down with Mac to listen to the Story of Muriel and the sad past they had in Gran Canaria. She was sad to hear that this Machine was the only thing that was left of her Husband. Isa Could understand that her heart would break should something happen to the old coffee machine.
Isabella: You know people like Muriel will be your patients. From what I have heard and seen today in the Colony I can tell that there are many people who have buried their Trauma deep in their minds. But Trauma is often like a volcano, it might look calm on the Surface, but one day it will Erupt. So I am sure you will have lots of work once we Finish your Education.
Isa would smile as Meyer Came to the Table. She had waited with her Cake till her friend was on the table with them. She would make happy little moans as she tasted the Apple Pie. The Pie was Perfectly Balanced and together with the hot chocolate it was like a celebration of the taste in her mouth. Together with the Chocolate, it made an already yummy Pie into pure Joy. Not only Isabella was happy, but Niki was happy with her Bowl full of milk as well. The little Cat would make happy Purring Noises as she Licked up the Delicious Milk and her Tail would wag from left to right as she showed her Joy.
Isabella: dont worry Mac, I live by the Oath of Hippocrates and what kind of a Doctor would I be if I sat idle bye while people suffered when I could help them? And yes this Pie and the Chocolate have really refilled my Battery. I can only imagine how hard this situation is for Everyone to endure. And I believe that this situation brings back many bad memories from the Time on Gran Canaria. Not to forget the whole Paradox situation that your Place of Origin is now a Potential Enemy. It is only natural that people get Paranoid and Tense in their Daily lives. I really hope that there will be a Peace Conference Soon, then this War will Benefit No one, all that war ever does is Destroy and Hurt people. And I think Ghandi said it best "The world has enough for everyone's needs, but not everyone's greed." A war is mostly Fought because of one side's Greed, and nothing that Grows from Greed can ever be Healthy. But lets talk about something more Pleasurable than Human Greed.
She said with a Smile as she had hopes that this whole problem would be solved by peaceful negotiations in the end. There was already too much Blood because of the greed of some people. Isa would happily Finish her Cake and the Hot Chocolate and would wait for Niki and the others to finish their Drinks and the Cake before she would stand up and walk over to Muriel.
Isabella: This was the Most Delicious Hot chocolate and the Best Pie that I had that wasn't made by my mother. Doctor Wilson and I have a Long Journey ahead of us Tomorrow and I wondered if I could Reserve a Couple of Slices of the First Apple Pie of Tomorrow for the Journey.
Muriel´s Face lights up at the Compliment and she blushes a bit she answers Isabella while her Daughter brings Some Fresh cupcakes from the Kitchen. And the Sight of them made Isa order some of them for Tomorrow as well. As one could see Isa was a Sweettooth that loved Sweets and other Yummy things a lot.
Muriel: oh Sweety that is not a problem at all. Just tell me a Time and the Pie and Cupcakes will wait for you.
Isa smiled and would happily pay her and would give her a generous Tipp on top of it. Then she would Return to Mac and Meyer and would go with them to the Clothing Store. Isabella loved the signs and the Dresses and suits that were on Display as they entered. Isa smiled a the old woman and then she would feel how Niki became stiff on her shoulders as she had noticed a Smell in the air that was not Noticeable by the Noses of the Humans. And in fact, just a couple of Seconds later there Came a Big Gaian Lynx in Sight as it Walked from behind the Counter. The 6-legged animal had and beautiful dark purple Furr and some Sharp ears. Niki knew immediately that this animal was at least distantly Related to herself. The small cat would Jump from Isabella's Shoulders and would walk towards the Larger Cat as if she was at least the same size.
Lola: Don't worry Cesar is a friendly Guy, he has been my Companion for 40 Years now and he never harmed anyone.
And just as she had said it the Gaian Lynx would Lay down in front of Niki and would look at the smaller cat with friendly eyes. Soon the two of them would start to Snuggle together and give a sight that would make Isabella happy. She knew a bit about Gaian Lynx, and she knew that a bond between Lynx and Humans wasn't an Uncommon thing. And that the Lynx would form a Bond for Life and was the Most Loyal Company that someone could ever wish for. And while the Big Lynx and the Small Kitty had their fun I would walk through the Store and look at all the different dresses and clothes.
After a while Lola would get up and walk over to Isabella as she seemed to be a bit lost as she had never seen so many Dresses that were so beautiful. The Patterns and the Colors spoke to her and she seemed to have a liking for the more Colorful Clothes and the ones that hadn't too many Ruffles.
Lola: You look a bit lost Senorita. I think I know the Perfect dress for you and your little companion.
She said as she would lead her to the more Simple Dresses that had only Ruffles on the Bottom of the Dress. These were meant more for Daily life, at least that was Isabella´s impression of them. Lola would show her a beautiful Orange Dress with Purple Accents. Lola would also bring her a Classical Red and some other Collors to try on. Isa would go to to Dressing room and would Try them all on. She would enjoy the Feeling of the Dress on her body and would in the end decide on the Orange one, the Red one, and a Classical and Sexy Black Dress. Isa would also take some more Modern Clothes that she could wear at work every day. And some of the Scarfs would also wander into her Shopping Bags. She also bought some Shirts that had friendly colors and would be perfect for work. In the end, she would keep the Orange and Purple Dress on her body and put her old Clothes in the Bag. Isa had lots of Fun choosing new Clothes and watching how Niki and Cesar would Play and Cuddle with each other.
Lola: you have good taste Senorita, these are some fine Clothes. Some of my Best work if I am allowed to brag a bit. And I must say that I haven't seen Cesar that playful for quite a while. He is an Old man like me after all and isn't as fast as he once was. But your Kitty really gave him some of his Youthful Spirit back.
Isa smiled as she saw how Niki Climbs on the back of the Bigger Gaian Lynx and Teased the Big cat a bit. She would animate him to play with her and to react to the things she did. The Bigger Lynx would Buckle like a Horse and would try to Playfully get the smaller Kitty off his back. But the Body Language of the Lynx showed how much fun he had with this small Kitty. He was careful not to use his full strength to not Hurt Niki, but to also show her who was the Top Cat at the same time. Both of them had lots of fun and played for a long while as if they were Baby Kittens again. In the end, they were both exhausted and would cuddle with each other and rest together. Niki would sleep cuddled on the shoulder of Cesar and the bigger Lynx would Clean the smaller Cat while Niki Returned the Favor.
Isabella: Niki is a Special Cat. She can Sense what the people and Animals Around her need. That's why she works with me as a Therapy Cat. She is one of the most friendly and open Animals that I know.
Lola; i see. Well, my Cesar was always a Friendly Soul but I think your little Kitty gave him back some of his youth. He is such a Sweetheart. We have been together since my Time as a Corsair Pilot when we Boarded a Bretonian Trader and I found him in a Cage on board. Since that day he never left my side again. It was Deux Will that brought us two together, And after the Church was Reformed we both Joined. Cesar is a big Teddybear and I am happy that we found a place where we can spend the Rest of our Days Together. And my Granddaughter can even Study to become An Animal Doctor like she always wanted. She currently studies on Planet Los Angeles and when she Returns she wants to open the First Animal Clinic at Faith Haven.
Isabella smiled as she heard this and was happy that there would be even someone who cares for all the Fluffy Companions that kept the Citizens of Faith Haven Happy and Healthy. Isa would kneel next to the Gaian Lynx and give the Big Six-Legged Cat some pats and scratch that Spot between his Ears that all Feline Beings seem to love when it gets Scratched. She smiled and looked over to Mac and Meyer, this short shopping trip and the encounter with the Gaian Lynx seemed to have blown away all of the Tiredness and exhaustion that had Plagued Isabella before. The Big Gaian Lynx made a Deep and Happy Purring and licked Isabella's free Hand in a Gentle and Thankful Gesture.