The convoy of two vehicles reached the small urban center that surrounded the Pontifical Palace. It was just a small group of about fifty low buildings, mostly homes and offices, among which were distributed some short streets with sidewalks that led to a wide, landscaped plaza, in front of which the Palace stood.
The cars quickly entered the esplanade and their occupants were able to clearly see the settlement's Government headquarters building. The building was divided into a central, taller body, crowned by a Renaissance dome, and two lower, lateral wings, which extended halfway around the outside of the square. It was built of cement, probably built in modules with 3D printing machinery, like practically all the buildings they had seen until then. However, an attempt had been made to make the aesthetic appearance reminiscent of a Renaissance palace, with a classical style. It had a big columned front entrance, with a large pediment over the main gate, and stone joints were simulated on the cement, as if it had been built from blocks. Scattered around the façade were friezes with ornaments that helped give the impression that it was something ancient.
The vehicles circled the outside of the square and stopped in front of the steps that ascended to the main entrance. The driver of the car in which Meyer, Wilson and Saito were riding, immediately got out to open the door for the passengers. The three women exited the vehicle, while two clerics descended towards them to remove Isabella's luggage from the trunk and take it to their chambers. The escort SUV, which had stopped behind the official limousine, took off again and passed by the parked vehicle, while the soldier with the machine gun gave a military salute to Meyer, who returned a distracted salute, and drove away towards one of the the exits from the square.
The monsignora addressed the Church officials. "Take the Doctor's things carefully to her bedroom and leave them next to the bed. Don't touch anything and leave the room closed."
While Meyer gave instructions, Wilson stayed with Isabella and accompanied her when she crossed the road to the wide garden lawn on the other side, in front of the palace. It seemed that she had been very pleased to be able to get close to the grass and flowers, and she immediately knelt down to touch the ground covered with vegetation. Mac smiled at the happiness showing on Saito's face. She herself enjoyed the environment of Biodome 1 as much as she could, but the truth is that she saw it every day, and that probably made her not appreciate it as much as she should. However, she could still remember the first time she saw the finished biodome, and was able to lie down on a field of grass, after 2 years of living underground. Mac was happy when Isa expressed her admiration for the place, turning to her and sat on the grass next to Saito when she indicated it with a gesture. She looked back for a second at Greta, who smiled at her from the stairs when she saw them sitting there, and made a gesture indicating that she would be inside the palace accompanying the clerics. Then looked back at Isabella, who was slowly caressing Niki, and listened attentively as she began to tell her about her life.
While Dr. Saito spoke, Mac remained respectfully silent, while grief gripped her throat as she discovered the saddest details of her story. It was truly terrible the amount of suffering Isabella's mother had had to endure. After having been raped and mistreated by that evil corsair, she had to feel totally alone and abandoned by her own family... If there was no one to lean on, socially rejected, it was no wonder that she had ended up giving up her life and had ended up taking life. As a doctor, she knew perfectly well what a terrible disease depression could be, causing people to be completely incapable of finding solutions to their problems. It was incredible how today people were still not aware that humans are social beings who need to feel supported by their peers, for their brain functions to function correctly. "We're social animals, if we are forced to live in isolation, we end up feeling that nothing is worth it." Wilson said to herself, wiping away a lone tear that had slipped from her emotion-wet eyes.
Fortunately Isabella had managed to get ahead, and without a doubt her mother's tragedy had marked her life and made her become who she was today. She had the extraordinary luck of meeting two people who seemed to have truly loved her, her adoptive parents, with whose support she had managed to become a doctor. She had also managed to attract the attention of Doctor John Henry Holiday, who had recognized her talent and had incorporated her into his ranks at MFE. Furthermore, it was clear that she had managed to rise to her current position through her own merits, since Dr. Holiday didn't seem like someone who promoted people out of mere personal preference. Furthermore, from what Saito had dropped, she felt the same way about her superior's integrity.
She had heard of this Dr. Holiday. He was a kind of living myth in Sirius about whom thousands of rumors spread, but like all living myths, most would be nothing more than rumors. However, she knew that Magister Orlov had a lot of respect and appreciation for him despite not knowing personally. His opinion was not a secret, and if he was asked about it, he would often talk about the extraordinary work that Holiday and his staff had done in Gran Canaria after the SCRA-Corsair war in 820 AS. And that was something to keep in mind, because it wasn't common to hear sincere compliments about someone coming from Yuri Orlov.
Saito's hug certainly caught her by surprise, although it didn't bother her. Wilson realized that it had been a sincere and truly feeling reaction on the part of her guest. When Saito detached himself from her and apologized, Mac could only smile and reassure her with a gesture. "Please Isa, don't apologize for something like that. I wish people had the courage to hug others more when they need it. I think everything would be much easier that way. I thank you for trusting me to tell me such personal things about your life. I'm glad you did, since we'll be spending a lot of time together from now on." Wilson hesitated for a few moments, and then continued, feeling indebted and wishing Isabella knew more about her own life. "I see that your life has been more difficult than mine, honestly. I was born in Cambridge and, like Greta, my family is also descended from acolytes of the extinct Order of the Covenant Machina. We've always believed in Deux, I was raised with the Faith from birth, and for me it has always been the logical thing, especially after the attacks we suffered after the Nomad War. I studied medicine because I wanted to do something for people, just as Deux encourages us to do to unite Mankind, and I believe that there can be no better act of unity and harmony than healing and caring for our fellow human beings. It's what the medical oath binds us to do, and from my point of view it's something very consistent with my religious beliefs."
Mackenzie looked towards the end of the square, her gaze slightly lost, searching through her memories. "My parents had money, I never suffered hardship. I was able to study what I wanted, do my specialty, and work in a public hospital. However, when the Church was founded my entire family and I left everything, and also went to the Omicrons to join it." Wilson smiled slightly, trying to imagine what was going through Saito's mind. "I understand it may seem strange to you that so many people decide to abandon their often comfortable lives to run towards the Edge Worlds just because a guy who calls himself the Pontiff claims to have founded a Church in which the same entity as you is worshiped. However, for us it was something that filled us with hope, and we couldn't think of doing anything different. We did not know many people who had our same beliefs, our religion was transmitted from parents to children for generations, among the few descendants of an ancient secret society that had existed since the times of Earth, scattered throughout all of Sirius. As for religious feeling, you will understand that the believers of the Faith of Deux felt quite alone and abandoned, sometimes wondering if Deux was still watching over us. Too many centuries of silence, do you understand? No community leaders, no one to tell us what to expect. We had all been able to see how the prophecies of the Codex had been fulfilled when the Nomad attacked us here too. I was just a girl, but I remember the terror when hearing the news, the prayers at home, the uncertainty... Therefore, suddenly discovering that there was an organization, a community of people who thought the same as us and who shared our creed, was a source of such great joy that we could not value anything other than joining them.
Wilson looked at Isabella, trying to guess if Saito could understand what she was explaining, or if she was just listening silently out of respect. Sometimes it was very difficult to express to people who didn't have religious beliefs what it meant for a believer to be surrounded by people who understood and shared their Faith. "We joined the Church already in Gran Canaria, after the Corsair-SCRA war. I wasn't present at that conflict, nor did I have the opportunity to help the refugees or the wounded. However, I immediately joined the medical team of our new settlement, which was just in the midst of construction and creation. And there I worked until the Bretonians shot us out. When Pontiff Paolus decreed the evacuation I remember that it was chaos. We weren't even remotely prepared for an operation of such magnitude, for so many thousands of people... Many were left behind, there were not ships for everyone. It wasn't an real evacuation, it was a kind of flight in disarray. We lost a lot of people... my own parents, for example. Fortunately I was able to get my brother out of his house, along with his wife and their children, and we managed to board one of the transports."
Mac had to stop for a second to clear her voice, which was shaking with sadness and some anger at this point. She took a deep breath, gulped and continued. "I haven't heard from my parents since. I've tried to investigate it, but without success. On the other hand, in recent years the Church has contacted many people from our old settlement who stayed there, or who could have fled to other places, and has offered to bring them here to reunite with their families, or simply to give them a place to live. Many have done it, others have not. And we have never been able to find others, like my parents. I suppose they were killed by the Bretonnians, like so many others."
Mac remained silent for a few seconds, composing herself from what she had just shared with Saito, and observing the square in front of them. People could be seen passing by, alone or in groups, from one side to the other, most dressed in the black uniforms of the clergy, although also some others in civilian clothes. Patrols of the Pontifical Guards also passed by from time to time, both on foot and in a vehicle similar to the one that had escorted them there. Due to the complete battle equipment they were wearing and their vigilant and not relaxed attitude, soldiers seemed alert. On several occasions some patrols looked towards the two women sitting on the grass, more with curiosity than anything else, but never did they seem interested in them for more than a few seconds. When looking towards the palace, the official car was still parked in front of the steps, with the driver leaning on it while smoking a cigarette, and Meyer had disappeared, so she was still inside the Palace. Mac assumed she had gone up to escort the two clerics carrying Isabella's suitcases to her guest chambers, to make sure no one touched any of her things. Greta could be very naive and distracted, but when she was aware that something was bothering someone she took it very seriously to respect it.
Mac dared to express to Isabella the question that had been on her mind since Meyer had informed her of the characteristics of her new study plan with MFE. "From what I know, MFE has a large influx of students at the General Academy, and it doesn't surprise me, I think you have the only educational center for, at least, the Omicrons. I suppose there will be many applications to study Psychology, and I don't think you want to tutor them all personally. I don't quite understand why you wanted to choose me to be your personal apprentice." Wilson smiled, hoping that the question didn't sound as bad in Saito's head as she had thought it sounded in her after saying it. "Don't misunderstand me, Isa, I'm very excited for this opportunity that has come to me from the sky. Being able to learn Psychology directly from you and your professional practice is great, and I could never have imagined that I could be so lucky. However, I can't avoid asking myself the question of why you decided to choose me for it. Don't think that I feel special in any way, and I imagine that what has happened is that my application for studies has coincided precisely with a time in which you are in a position to be able to dedicate time to a personal student, but I would like to know If this is indeed the case or if there is something else.
Isabella was impressed as she saw the large Structures of the Pontifical Palace. She liked it that they had made the effort to Decorate the Palace in a Classical Style. She had a deep love for anything Classic and Ancient. With a Prosperous Colony like this, she could understand why they wanted to have a more representative Religious and Capitol Building. She liked the Renaissance
aesthetics of the Palace. Isabella herself had a love for Renaissance Painters and the art they have left behind for Humanity. She liked to watch the Few originals and the Reproductions that the Sleeper Ships had Brought to Sirius as they fled from Earth. She was happy that their Ancestors had the Vision to not only save Humanity but also to save its Cultural and Artistic souls.
Isabella was thankful that Greta Meyer made sure that no one would open her bags. She had simply thrown everything that she thought she would need into the Bags without any system or order. She would be pretty embarrassed if anyone tried to unpack her bags and saw that Chaos. She was happy that Mac wasn't angry about that hug and that she didn't mind. Still, she would have blushed a bit due to her spontaneous Reaction.
Isabella: Yes you are right, it is the worst thing for a human to be alone. I know that it is not that common that I take a Personal Student and that is why I want to be this Honest with you.
She smiled and Listen to the story of Mac and her family. She was sad about the friends and family that she had lost in the last few years. She was sad about the Hardships that the followers of Deux had Experienced in the last years, especially on Planet Gran Canaria. She was sure that it must have been hard for Mac to grow up with a Religious belief that none or only very few of her friends and their families shared that believe. Even when Mac had not experienced the same as Isabella, she was sure that it was also hard for her.
Isabella: Yes I also follow the Oath of Hippocrates and the Love and Care that it Teaches us. It is my guiding principle and Codex that I follow for almost all of my decisions, or at least for all of my Professional ones. I don't believe that you are crazy for giving up your old life to start something new in the border world. I am sure that it was a big relief to find out that there are so many others who share your Dreams and Religion. I mean you already said it, we humans are Social Animals. So it is only natural that we want to be surrounded by those who share our dreams and beliefs. I would Never Criticize you or anyone else for such a Decision.
She Looked a bit sad as Mac Talked about the Gran Canaria War and how It changed the life of the newly formed Church forever and forced them to flee from the homes that they had just established. She was sad to hear that Mac had to leave her parents behind and that she had no idea what had happened to them. She could sense that this was a great source of Sadness in her life.
Isabella: I am sorry to hear that you had to leave your parents behind. I can't promise you anything Mac but you might know that MFE was present during that war to help those in need. We have also made Evacuation Flights as far as I know. I would have to ask John about this as I was still in Liberty during that time. But as far as I understand MFE´s Inner Workings we have made Files about every Patient and Refugee that we have Treated or Brought to the Planet. So maybe we have helped your Parents or they are in our Files in some other way. I can't promise you success, but I really would like to do what I can to help you find out what happened to them. And of course, we also have other Contacts that we could ask if we don't have them in the MFE Files.
Isabella Smiled Encouraging at Mac. She knew that it was the Search for the Needle in the Haystack and the Chances for them to find Mac´s parents were pretty small but she at least wanted to try it for her. Isabella did not know everything about her mother from the letter and she knew how it was to have to dig for answers to questions that she had. She could only Imagine how hard it must have been for Mac to have all of those questions about what happened to her parents without having answers. But she would blush some more as Mac Asked her why she had chosen her as her Student, as she was right that this Procedure wasn't a common one.
Isabella: You are right that the usual procedure for you would be to Study at the Academy. But it would also be the usual procedure for me to Teach there. Maybe not all the Classes but at least some of them. But to be honest I am a bit Shy and talking in front of Big Crowds of people makes me Pretty nervous. So I thought that I well I could Learn to Improve by starting with a Single Student. And well the Request of the Church mentioned you would be the only one they would send to become a Psychologist, so ahm yes your Application for Study came at the perfect moment for me. I hope you don't feel used or angry at me for not telling you everything from the start. I want to give you the best education you can get, the same education that you would have received at the Academy. I am sorry Mac, if you Rather want to Study at the Academy I could understand that.
Isabella looked a bit ashamed as she confessed that she had also some personal Motives in Teaching Mac the ways of the Psychologists. She hoped that her new friend wouldn't be angry at her for not telling her everything from the beginning. But she also felt that Mac couldn't Respect her if she knew the Truth about Isabella´s Anxiety about speaking in front of Large Classes of Students.
Mac could hardly hold back her tears when Isabella offered to help her search for her parents. The truth is that she herself didn't have much hope of finding them at this point, and she imagined that they must not be alive if after so long they had still not contacted her in some way. But there was always a small possibility that they had they had been taken prisoner, or were in some place so far away that they couldn't have given signs of life. Besides, even in the worst case scenario, not knowing what had happened to them was a thorn in both her and her brother Andrew's side. Even if their parents were dead, they would both be infinitely grateful to know how it had happened, and if possible, where their bodies were located. At least this way they could bury them according to the precepts of the Church, and say goodbye to them.
Wilson heartfeltly shook Isabella's hand in both of her own. "I really appreciate the offer, Isa. I know MFE was there, helping the refugees, but I would never have dared to ask you for something like that. I know that at MFE you already have enough work with what you already do, and probably the search for my parents is a search doomed to failure. To this day I don't think they are still alive, but you never know... Yes, I would love to know what happened to them, and if they died, where... they rest."
Mackenzie realized that she was really comfortable with Saito. The psychologist was a person who exuded kindness and sincerity, someone to whom you quickly felt that you could open your soul without fear of being judged, and who truly had an interest in helping others. Mac thought that this gift of instilling such peace and tranquility in her interlocutors was something innate, and not achieved through study, and sincerely doubted that she herself would ever be able to instill that same peace in the people with whom she spoke. However, she thought that there was a lot she could learn from a person like Saito, from her professional actions, and even just by watching her act in her normal life.
When Isa answered her question about why she wanted her to be her student, it fit pretty well with what she had seen of her so far. It was very true that Saito was a shy person, and sometimes she even seemed insecure around strangers, as if there was something about her that she was afraid would upset others. Wilson didn't understand how a person who was capable of conveying such a sense of kindness and sincere sympathy in a conversation, could have that kind of fear of not being liked, but Mac had learned over time that everyone has their own ghosts that make each one be as they are. Therefore, she understood that, feeling this way, Saito didn't feel comfortable with the hustle of having to teach at the Academy, to classes full of boisterous students. It was clear that she felt better in social interactions with just a few people at a time.
Mac shook her head as Isa began to apologize for not being completely transparent from the beginning, and raised a hand to stop her from continuing. "Isa, please, there's nothing to apologize for, really. I just wanted to know, that's why I asked you. You had your reasons for preferring to tutor a person individually, rather than teaching more people, but it isn't something you had an obligation to tell me from the beginning. And of course I'm delighted that it happened that way. In fact, for me it's a great opportunity, and I'm sure that I'll have much better training from a practical point of view, accompanying you, than at the Academy. Learning Psychology is something I do for true personal pleasure, and I've some theoretical knowledge because I've read quite a few treatises. You never read and study enough, of course, but I sincerely believe that I'll get much more out of my time with you than sitting in a class."
Wilson tried to make her words sound reassuring to Saito, she didn't want her to feel bad. After all, Isabella was going to be her teacher, and therefore her superior, academically speaking, so she had no obligation to explain to her why she did things the way she did. Mac had only asked her out of mere intrigue, and because she felt that the psychologist was a person with whom she could talk in a friendly way.
Wilson was silent for a while, watching the people come and go. Several bells rang from the other end of the square, coming from a large building that rivaled the size of the Pontifical Palace. It was built in a style similar to this one, and was also crowned by a large classical dome, but it had no windows to the outside, only some stained glass windows. In the center of the façade, above the large wooden gates, there was a big colored glass rose window, which outlined a large cybernetic eye surrounded by a gear. Mac quickly recognized the temple of Deux, where the inhabitants of Faith Haven went to pray, and to participate in the 3 ceremonies that were celebrated daily. The funerals of those who died were also celebrated there, and the weddings of those who joined under the Faith.
Wilson was distracted by the shouts and chants of a group of about 40 military recruits, uniformed but unarmed, who trotted across the square in formation, singing some type of military tune while a non-commissioned officer ran beside them, encouraging them. Mac imagined that it must be part of the training of future soldiers of the Pygar militia, there had been a lot of military movement lately with the whole Freeport 9 mess... She hoped it wouldn't get any worse, but she knew that the Church was taking precautionary measures. The platoon crossed the width of the square and disappeared into one of the side streets, and their chants gradually died away along with the rhythmic noise of their footsteps. Suddenly, a scream coming from behind startled Mackenzie, who turned to see who it was coming from. She immediately saw Greta Meyer approaching them waving. Wilson stood up again.
"How are you, ladies?" The clergywoman addressed them with a wide smile on her face. "I see you very comfortable here in the gardens of the square. The truth is that it is a beautiful place, although the back of the Palace has a private garden that, in my opinion, is more beautiful. It is not as wide as this one, but it is more leafy. His Holiness usually walks by it every night before going to bed, and I like to do it too when I've some time. Of course it will be completely at your disposal, Isa, if you want to go down for a walk tonight." Greta consulted at the screen of her portable communications device, and then looked at Isabella again. "Well, it's time to continue with the visit, if that's okay with you. My idea is that we go directly to the underground part of the settlement. We can access it through the Pontifical Palace itself, since we are here, although all the buildings you see on the surface have their own access to the underground. Keep in mind that most of the settlement is there, so everyone has to be able to get down easily whenever they want."
The three women set off towards the doors of the Palace, and climbed the entrance steps. As soon as they entered, they found themselves in an elegant but soberly decorated atrium, in which several corridors opened to the right, left and forward, and two wide staircases carpeted in red ascended to the upper floors. Two armed guards saluted Meyer militarily as the group passed in front of them, to which she responded with a smile and a slight bow of her head, but without stopping. The group continued forward down the main hallway, and soon turned left, arriving at the chrome doors of a large elevator, guarded by two other soldiers. The doors opened when one of them pressed the button and the three women entered inside.
When the doors closed and the elevator began to descend Greta turned back to Saito. "Don't worry about your luggage. I've personally ensured that it's left in your rooms, just as it is. The staff has been informed not to access your room unless you request it, so that you have all the privacy you want." The monsignora took an electronic card out of her pocket, which she handed to Isabella. "This card is the access key to the room, for when you want to access it."
Greta looked back at her portable communications device for a second, then continued speaking. "As you might imagine, we're descending right now into the underground galleries of Faith Haven. The core of the settlement is located just below the Pontifical Palace, and extends around it. In the center are most of the colony's services: The medical facilities and scientific laboratories, the Church's employment offices, the basic products market, private shops and restaurants, the performance and projection room, and even the recreation room and bar. We also have a small fire station next to the medical center, the headquarters of the Pontifical Guard, and the office of the Pontifical Gendarmerie, our small internal police department. Further away, in the nearby galleries, there are the residential areas, where the majority of the population lives, and much further away, in the outermost areas of the settlement, we have the galleries in which the production factories are located, and refining of materials, whose smoke extraction chimneys cross the planet's crust until they emerge outside, well away from inhabited areas." Meyer smiled, seeming proud to be able to tell a person from the outside the characteristics of the settlement. "Well, what would you like to see first?"
Isabella Was really happy that Mac didn't seem to mind about her reason to have her as her Personal Student and the way she had hidden that from her. She smiled at Mac and hugged her again as she sensed how close she was to tears. She knew how he it is when you don't know what happened to your loved ones. She had talked with many Patients in the past who had a similar story to her. She would make sure to contact the Office Staff of MFE to check the Files for Mac´s Family and what might happened with them.
Isabella: I can't promise you anything Mac, but I will do my best to help you. No matter if they are alive or dead, you deserve to know what happened to them. I also want to offer you Therapy for Yourself. Not with me, which would break the Professional Boundaries that I have to Respect as your Teacher, but with one of my colleagues. You have gone through a lot of Traumatic Events and I think that it could benefit you. I myself also was in Therapy for a long time after I found out what happened with my mother. I was in therapy for Several Years and even today I see my psychologist once a month. It makes us better Psychologists and Doctors if we are at peace with our own Problems and Trauma of the Past. But only if you want to, it is only an offer. I believe that Therapy should never be forced upon someone, a Therapy can only be Fully Effective when it is done out of your own Free Will.
She said with a smile as she ended the Hug and saw how Niki was moving over to Mac and laid down in her lap. Others might only see this as a Cat seeking a comfortable sleep Place, but Isabella knew that Niki Could sense the sadness of Mac and wanted to comfort her and make her Sadness go away. Isabella knew that Niki was Sensible to the Emotional Pain of People and always tried her best to make that pain go away. She was so proud that her little Companion was this Friendly towards Strangers.
Isabella smiled as she gave Mac the time she needed after this Emotional Rollercoaster that she had just experienced. Isabella also noticed the Soldiers that Marched by and sang a Military Song. She was both impressed by their Discipline but she was also a bit uneasy about the Military in Total. She had too often stood in her Doctor's Office fighting for the life of a Patient who was harmed by the military. Then even when she was mainly a Psychologist she was also trained in basic medicine and the way to save Lifes of the people. And the Recent Actions of Liberty on Planet Erie didn't make her feelings towards the Military any better. But she also knew that not all Military like this and that most people who joined the Military simply wanted to protect their friends and family. She always tried to Judge people by their actions and not the Uniform they would wear.
Isabella hadn't Noticed Meyer at first as she was deeply sunken in her thoughts. But she would notice it when Mac stood up and smiled as she saw Meyer. Niki would also decide to stay with Mac for a while and climb up to her shoulders and lay down there while she rubbed her face on Mac´s and purred friendly.
Isabella: oh ah sorry I was a bit sunken in my thoughts. The Pontifical Garden Sounds really like a lovely Place. I am honored for the Permission to use the Private Garden of the Pontifex, and I promise I won't bother him should I meet him there.She smiled friendly and gave Niki a Cat Treat for being such a good GirlI am really looking forward to seeing the rest of the Colony, I always admired the Citizens of Pygar and there underground Colonys.
She smiled and followed them and was like a Kid in a toy store as she entered the Palace. She would be so happy seeing all the Details and Artistic Work in the Palace She would look around everywhere and try to watch all the Carefully Crafted Decorations and Art was made. She hoped that she could Draw some of them later in her Notebook. Isabella would smile at the Guards and make the Respectful Kusari Bow to them when they passed them. She would enter the Elevator with them and was surprised as the elevator walls would become Transparent once they reached the main Cave of the Settlement. Like this, she had a good look at the Main Chamber of the Underground Settlement and the things that Meyer told her about.
Isabella: Wow this is really Impressive, it's a full City Underground. I have to admit that I had my ideas about this place, but this Trumps everything that I could have imagined. I also thank you for your Kindness towards me, I know I am a bit Chaotic and Clumsy. I promise that I won't make too much work for you.
Isabella looked through the Transparent Steel of the Elevator and had big eyes as she soaked up all of the new Impressions like a Sponge. She loved the way they had built their lives here and Created this Unique and wonderful Society. But it wasn't Isa who answered the Question of what she wanted to do first as her Belly Grew quite Loudly and she blushed hard.
Isabella: Ahmm well I would say I could need some food. I have overslept a bit today and hadn't really much of a Breakfast. After that, I would love to see where Mac Works, and where you plan to put up the psychologist's Office. But to be honest I doubt that my Visit will be long enough to Satisfy all of my curiosity about this Colony. Wait did you say you have a Theater here? Is there a performance at the Moment? I Would Really love to see more about Faith Haven culture, it sounds so interesting what Mac told me about the fact that the people here come from all over Sirius. This must have created an interesting melting pot of Cultures, Ideas, and Arts.
And again she was like a kid in the toy store as she Came really close to the walls of the Elevator to Watch the Colony from above as the Cabin descended from the Roof towards the Floor of the Cave.
Greta and Mackenzie smiled in amusement as they saw Isabella's happily surprised face when the glass-steel walls of the elevator became transparent. They were built with the same material as the walls of the biodomes on the surface, and as they were, they had an automatic tinting system that could be activated under certain circumstances. In the elevator, it was specifically programmed to show through when the elevator reached the ceiling of the main cavern, in order to allow a general view of it from above, while descending.
"Its nice, isn't it?" Meyer approached the wall next to Saito. "But don't think that all the elevators in the settlement are like this. This is the elevator of the Pontifical Palace, and its construction was commissioned with this detail. The rest are just common elevators. However, the views help a lot to create a composition of the underground part of the settlement, before you get fully into it."
In front of them stretched a large cavern, similar in size to the interior space of Biodome 1, although somewhat lower. The space was divided by several buildings, and straight streets that extended between them. At different points along the edges of the cavern you could see wide galleries that went into the rock, disappearing beyond the reach of the eye. The entire space of the large cave was illuminated by a real-time projection of the planet's outer sky on the ceiling, which was currently casting a rather yellowish glow, due to the sandstorm that was obstructing the brightness of the white dwarf.
The monsignora began to explain to Isabella what she was seeing. "Most Faith Haven colonists spend 90% of their time underground, so we try to mitigate the feeling of stress and claustrophobia by having them "see" the planet's sky on the ceiling of the cavern. It's not a very good projection, I know, but it helps you not feel like a mole all the time. We can only do this in the main cavern, it's an expensive and complicated system to implement, so we cannot extend it to the galleries outside this space." Meyer pointed towards the center of the cave. "As I told you before, this is the urban center of the colony, where most of the main services, leisure places and offices are located. The residential areas extend outside the main cavern, through the galleries that extend beyond it. There are levels lower than this, but they are mainly maintenance and machinery areas for the operation of the ventilation and life support systems, pipes, electricity, sewage and others. There is also a highway at the lower levels, which links all the underground places of the settlement through electric bus lines and also serves to transport goods and materials throughout the settlement."
The clergywoman laughed good-naturedly as the psychologist's stomach growled and she expressed interest in having something to eat. "No problem, we'll go to a restaurant as soon as we get out on the street. And yes, we have a theater with capacity for 2.000 people, although it's used more as a cinema and assembly hall. Currently we don't have any theater group in the settlement, nor are there performances of any kind. People are quite busy, work long hours, and usually spend their leisure time doing restful activities, so it still doesn't seem like anyone has decided to create an amateur theater group. Although I've to say that I'm very proud of what we have built in these 6 years, we are really only beginning, and there is still a lot to do, so the work days are usually exhausting for the settlers. On the other hand, Omicron Theta is quite far from any busy thoroughfares, so it's difficult for any theater company that we can hire to perform, to pass through here." Greta smiled. "And please, you don't have to worry about trying to see everything on this visit, you can come to Faith Haven again whenever you want and have time. You will always be welcomed here."
The elevator had almost descended to ground level when it entered the interior of a building through the roof and the walls became opaque, taking on the chrome look of steel again. The passengers noticed how it came to a gentle stop, and the doors opened with a soft chime. The group left the cabin and found themselves in an atrium similar to the one they had seen at the entrance to the Pontifical Palace, although smaller, with large doors at the back that led to the streets. A long counter was to the left of the doors, and halfway across the atrium was a security checkpoint with metal arches guarded by several armed guards, through which it seemed necessary to pass in order to get outside. Greta advanced without stopping towards the checkpoint without worrying about the soldiers, who stepped aside when she saw her and quickly stood at attention. The arches beeped as the group passed beneath them, but the guards simply stood at their posts waving until Meyer returned the salute with a slight smile and a quick blessing, making a sign with her hands. The three women went out into the street and finally found themselves between the buildings of the great cavern.
The building they had just left was only one story high, but its façade was built in the same style as the Pontifical Palace, since it was the underground access to it. The buildings around it were less decorated, multi-story, and clearly administrative offices. In some of the lower levels of these buildings you could see small shops and some bars. The streets were completely pedestrian, although they had a service lane in the center, and you could see people going from one place to another passing through them from time to time. The atmosphere, while not stuffy, was considerably more oppressive than on the surface, and the air seemed to be much heavier.
"It seems like it's a little hard to breathe, right? Don't worry, there is no danger, and the sensation disappears in a few minutes as soon as the body gets used to it." Meyer pointed upward with a quick gesture, smiling, and looked at Isa. "Well, all these caves have natural entrances and exits to the outside, and the atmosphere of Pygar is perfectly breathable, but we must bear in mind that about 10,000 people live below. If it weren't for the machinery that constantly pumps air from the surface we would suffocate in here, because with so many people the air does not renew itself at the speed it should. But we've enough air pumps constantly working, and even if there were a general outage of the electrical grid, they can work for even weeks connected to the emergency generators. The only consequence is this feeling of heaviness of the air that is especially noticeable when you descend from the surface to here."
Wilson had noticed throughout the visit that Isabella looked with some apprehension at the soldiers they had encountered. She assumed that Isabella was a pacifist person, and one who disliked guns and people who carried them. But it was not unusual for a person who was dedicated to saving lives and protecting health to reject instruments that could end life and health. She felt compelled to turn to Saito and give her an explanation. "Don't worry about the presence of the Guard, Isa, they are exclusively to protect us. It's true that we've more military presence now than at other times, but we are on a certain level of alert in the settlement, and actually throughout Pygar, due to certain disagreements with the Corsairs, about the occupation they have carried out in Freeport 9, here at Theta." Mac didn't know if Isabella was aware of the whole situation, so she decided to give her a brief summary. "Some time ago the Corsairs attacked Freeport 9 and took it by force, taking its inhabitants hostage, arguing for this some story that one of their Elders, or the son of one of them, had been killed there by Outcasts, or by the Core, or by any of them, the truth is that I don't know the plot well. The situation between the Corsairs and the Theta Zoners has been getting worse over time since that happened, apparently because Corsairs have been behaving like real bullies with us, and all the negotiations that have been attempted with them have failed miserably. I think even Dr. John Holliday made his own attempt to mediate, but it doesn't seem to have had any effect." Wilson shook her head in frustration. "Things are very bad, and everything seems about to explode, we don't know how this is going to end. We're worried because we don't know if the Corsairs have plans to come to Pygar. That's why all this... deployment you're seeing."
Not forgetting that Isabella had commented on the way down that she was starting to get quite hungry, Greta wasted no time in leading the group through the streets until they came to a restaurant located on the ground floor of a building, called "The Hispanic spoon". Once inside they could see that it was a place decorated in the classic cretan style, with walls painted in rustic white and brick, orange tile floors, wrought iron barred windows, tables with green and white checkered tablecloths, straw-woven chairs, and some cured sausages hanging on strings from the ceiling. On the walls, several clay pots with plastic and fabric plants tried to add atmosphere. At the bottom of the restaurant, a large wooden bar counter held several taps of blonde beer, and on the wall behind the bar was a large wine rack containing about 50 bottles of cretan red wine. Not very loud, although perfectly audible, you could hear a background of hispanic music, with guitars, clapping and singers singing heartfelt melodies.
As soon as they entered were received by a middle-aged man with sallow skin, dressed in a white shirt and black pants. When he saw Meyer, he dropped to one knee in front of her, and bowed his head in a sign of absolute respect. "Monseñora Meyer!" The man greeted her with religious fervor "What a great honor! How honored I feel that you have stepped foot in mi casa ! Bless me Monseñora, por favor, by the Grace of Deux!"
The clergywoman, somewhat embarrassed but smiling, made the sign of the Sacred Gear over the man's head and helped him to his feet. "Antonio, please, I've told you many times that such effusiveness isn't necessary. Deux sees through our hearts without the need for grandiloquent gestures, and I, honestly, don't deserve such veneration, I'm only a servant of His Sacred Mandate, like you." Greta pointed with her hands to her companions. "These are my friends, Drs. Saito and Wilson. I assume you already know Dr. Wilson, but Dr. Saito is visiting Faith Haven from outside of the planet and is hungry, so I've considered that "The Hispanic Spoon" is a good place to eat something and try some local cuisine. Do you agree with me Antonio?"
The man smiled and nodded vigorously. "Certainly Monseñora, my restaurant is the best in Faith Haven, with Deux's help." He looked directly at Saito and bowed slightly. "A sus pies, Doctora. Here you will taste the best hispanic food, and some Cretan specialties. Cretan culture is important for our Holy Church. The founder, His Holiness Paolus LXIV, was originally from Creta, and many of our hermanos in the Faith are from there." Antonio looked at Meyer again, and gestured for the group to follow him. "I'll place you at a table in the patio de luces, so you'll have more privacy."
The group crossed the room of the establishment, full of tables, at some of which there were people eating, and went out through a back door towards a small, open interior courtyard, decorated in the Cretan style, with white and cobalt blue tiled walls. Some large pots with decorative plants were distributed along the walls and in some areas at ground level, and some windows with wrought iron gratings faced the interior of the restaurant. The courtyard was open to the ceiling of the cave, and nothing impeded the view of Pygar's sky projection above it, except several garlands of colored pennants crossing the top of the walls from side to side.
Antonio separated the chairs at one of the tables to accommodate the three women, and proceeded to show them the menu. "Bueno, señoritas, I advise you to start with some cretan-style cured meats that I just received from abroad and some imported cheese as well. Donkey cured meat in olive oil, pork serrano ham and aged sheep's cheese. We can also accompany everything with a fresh salad of lettuce, tomato and onion, dotted with black olives, and seasoned with olive oil, salt and vinegar, all of them local products. To continue, for the main course we've a brothy stew, with local chickpeas, potatoes and rice, or if you prefer we can serve some fresh pods with small cubes of ham, potato and carrot. For dessert, we've homemade torrijas, made with lemon peel, cinnamon and infused milk, and dipped in bread with egg, fried and coated in sugar. This last one is a recipe received directamente from my mother, and I assure you that you haven't tasted such a delicious postre in all your life. To drink, apart from fresh water, we've some blonde beer, very cold, and Cretan tinto wine. We also have a locally made white wine, from the biodomes here in Pygar, although it isn't as... refined as I would like, but I'm working on it."
Meyer looked at her companions and then turned to the owner of the restaurant. "Bring us a bit of each, please, Antonio, so we can try everything." The man bowed slightly, lefting to give the order in the kitchen and the monsignora looked at the doctors. "Antonio belongs to one of the oldest families of believers in the Church. He comes from Planet Crete, as you have already seen, and their ancestors have been believers in Deux for millennia. He was one of the first to respond to the call of our former Pontiff Paolus, Deux have him in His Glory, when the Church was founded." Meyer absentmindedly pointed out a framed photograph that was hanging on one of the courtyard walls, in which Antonio appeared with a big happy smile, next to the former Pontiff, in an attitude of going to kiss his ring as a sign of respect. "Antonio has been blessed with many gifts, but certainly one of them is cooking. When we arrived in Pygar, he was the first who proposed the Government opening a private restaurant that could offer people dishes that were less... basic, than those offered by the Church in public dining rooms. It isn't a cheap place, since Antonio has to import many of the products he serves, but certainly for me it's the best place in this settlement where you can eat." Greta's face lit up with joy as a waiter approached the table to bring a pitcher of water, and a bottle of red wine, along with a bowl of dressed olives with ali-oli as an aperitif for the wait. "So let's enjoy the meal calmly, because then we will go directly to the Medical Center, as you requested, Isa, where Mac can show you how our medical services work."
Isabella was Fascinated by the things that she saw on the way down the Elevator. She was really Surprised to hear that the Air of Pygar was Breathable, she had thought it would be either Toxic or had not High enough Oxygen levels to sustain Life. But she liked it that even a world with Hostile weather like Pygar could sustain the Life of Humans. She wondered if the Planet might even have other forms of life that no one had found or Dug out yet.
Isabella: I have to admit that I never thought too much about the Life of Pygar and the lengths you have to go to sustain life down here. It is good to know that you have some Backup Plans in case of emergency. But you don't have to worry about me, I spent lots of my life in Spaceships and on Space Stations. I am used to Recycled Air and I don't mind the Smell or Taste. Some of my Patients are Junkers and Compared to the Air on their ships this here is like a warm summer breeze on Curacao.
I also think it is a good idea to give your Colonists a nice little outside view. I can understand that such a Huge Setup is hard to maintain and draws on the resources of the Colony. But have you ever thought about a Neural Net Transmission? I mean something like a TV Signal that is Broadcasted in the Colony? like this everyone could have a Screen or maybe even a Fake Window to look outside. You could also offer views of other Worlds, maybe a bit of Sunshine here and there? Studies have shown that even the Sight of Sunshine can light up a mood of People. Of course, it isn't the same as Real Sunshine, but it can help the psyche of some people. It is similar to watching Paintings or beautiful pictures. But I can also imagine that your Colonists have to take Supplements like Vitamin D or other Vitamins by constantly living underground.
She smiled and followed them to the Restaurant and looked around everywhere, she tried to see all the different buildings and even when most of them looked like Prefabs or Industrial 3D Prints, she could see how the Inhabitants had made them Unique and decorated the otherways Boring and Similar Looking Buildings. Isa was also curious about the Clothes the People would wear. She could see that most of them wore Religious or Work Clothes, but there were also a lot of them that were differently Clothed. Isabella wasn't really a Fashion Victim like some other Women, but she was always curious about new Styles and new clothes. She listened carefully as she heard about the Theater and its Capacity. She was Curious and an Idea was forming in her head to bring some culture to the People. She knew things like Arts and Culture could also increase the Mental Stability of People.
Isabella: I know this might sound weird as I am only a Doctor, but did you think about maybe getting a Partner for the Cultural side? I mean things like Culture and Arts can also be a Factor in improving the happiness and Mental Health of people. MFE has worked together with Orbital Spa and Cruise in the past for some of those things. I think we once even had a Medical Conference Organized and Housed on one of their Liners. They could be Interested in showing Places like Faith Haven to Tourists and Could help you with a Cultural Program, or maybe Supply you with Other things in Return. I would have to look in MFE´s Records but I think the name of the Woman we worked together with was Church or Cross, I think it was something Religious. I am sorry if I am to Blunt, I know you hired me as a Teacher for Mac and not an Advisor to the Colony.
Isabella said with a blush and would be silent till they entered the Restaurant. She was a bit uneasy as she noticed that it was a Cretan Restaurant. She knew that Cretans could be Proud Folks and that some of them weren't all too Sympathetic to Mixed Bloods like herself. This was a Thing that the Cretans had in common with the Kusarians and she always thought it must have been one of the reasons why her Father abandoned her Mother back then. But she was also highly Curious to Try Cretan Cuisine for the first time in her life. Isa was surprised by the way that Meyer was greeted. She had expected some sort of respectful greeting, but this was really something else. She would decide to ask her later about the Meaning of the Blessing, but for now, she didn't want to interrupt something that seemed to have this huge importance to Senor Antonio. Isabella would watch from a Respectful Distance and greet the man with a Traditional Kusarian Bow, as she didn't really know how Cretan Greeted Each other and she didn't feel right to use the Greeting of Deux. She followed Meyer and Mac to their Table after it was done and then remembered that she hadn't answered Mac about the Freeport 9 Situation and Deeply Blushed as she looked over at her.
Isabella: I am sorry that I haven't awsnerd sooner, I was a bit captured in my thoughts. Yes, we know about the whole Freeport 9 Situation, all the fights have kept us busy and occupied. We have Currently an All Hands on Deck Situation at the Academy to Secure and Prepare the Campus. But due to MFE´s Neutral Status and the fact that it's the only Medical installation of its Quality in the Sector, we don't expect the Academy to become a Target. The Corsairs know full well about all the different origins of our Students and Patients and that they would give All of their Enemies a more than welcome Excuse when they Attack the Academy. Such an Act would be a rallying call for them and not even the Corsairs could Withstand such a Storm. But of course, we aren't Careless or Blind to the Potential Dangers. We have begun to Relocate all the Patients that are Stable enough to other MFE Hospitals. We currently have Plans and Hold Drills to Evacuate the Academy as fast as possible should there ever be the need. But I also hope that John might have a Chance to Calm down all the Hot Heads that are Involved. I believe that if there is a way for Peace then he will find the right way to walk on it.
She blushed again as she had again Revealed that she thinks of John in high regard and that she might have deeper feelings for the man himself. She would only be saved by the Explanations of Antonio about the food. She was really curious about how it might taste and if she would like it. On Erie. She had mostly grown up with the Cusine of Liberty, as her Father was a big Fan of BBQ and the Older Italian cuisine from Earth.
Isabella: The Food Sounds Delicious, it will be the first time I eat Real Cretan Food, to be honest. I am really excited to taste them and learn something new about Creta. I am happy to eat the Food of such a Masterful Cook. I have to admit that I am a Foodie and love to taste new foods and Cuisines. So it's a good thing that I travel so much. I mean it also brought me onto your Doorstep and let me meet you and Mac.
She smiled as she sat Niki down on her lap and looked at the little cat as she curled up and started to take a nap. Isabella was Thankful for the friendly welcome and the kindness of The Believers of Deux. Even when she had only spent little time with Mac and Meyer,
She started to like them both. She was happy to help the Settlers of Faith Haven to improve the Medical facilities if necessary. And of course also to be a Teacher for Mac. Her Face lit up and showed a cute smile as the waitress brought the aperitif. Isa Loved Olives and took some of them to her plate. Her eyes Lit up as she tasted the Olives and she made a happy little moan as she Filled her Glass with the Delicious Red Wine.
Isabella: oh my goddess this is super Delicious. I can't wait to taste the Rest of the Meal. Oh, and I am really looking forward to seeing your Medical Facilities. I am curious about the place. But I am curious about everything in this Colony, it's such a wonderful place from the things that I have seen so far. I wonder if Mac will Like the
Healing Heart in Comparison.
Isa Smiled some more and took a sip of the Wine that was perfect with the Olives. She would give Niki a Loveing Scratch between her ears as she enjoyed the Aperitif and the Cat would make a happy Purr and was a lovely sight. Isa Herself was absolutely in love with the little teaser of the Cretan Food that she could have tasted.
Isabella: If you have any more Questions about the Healing Heart or the Work I do for MFE then feel free to ask me. I answer any question that does not break the Doctor's patient confidentiality. I mean you were so open and Friendly to me that it is only fair for me to do the same.
Greta listened with interest to Isabella's suggestions to improve the settlers' mood, as they walked towards the restaurant she had in mind to go to, and then expressed her agreement. "Indeed, people who live underground take vitamin supplements to alleviate the effects of lack of exposure to sunlight we've a neural net channel that can be seen in every home in the settlement, but it's true that we usually only broadcast the news on it, and some internal documentaries about how things are progressing in Faith Haven." She scratched her own chin, thoughtfully. "We could find and buy a few hundred thousand hours of footage from exotic or paradise locations, and we could loop it on a second channel. That way anyone could put it on in the background while doing other tasks, or just resting."
Greta looked at Wilson, who nodded. "It's a great idea, and it shouldn't be difficult to implement. The houses and buildings that are underground, especially those in the galleries beyond the main cavern, usually have some windows with holographic systems that can reproduce images of Biodome 1, the fields, the vegetation and all that. It's a bit like the sky projected onto the ceiling of the main cavern, but on a small scale and, unfortunately, not live, but rather looped and pre-recorded images. In fact, this windows with holograms were my idea, some years ago, precisely to help the settlers who live underground to avoid possible depression due to the long hours without sunlight." Mackenzie was silent for a few seconds, thoughtful, and then continued. "But in fact, I've recently realized that this isn't enough, and that in many cases we've people who come to Medical Center with symptoms of depression, despite the holographic windows and the time they can spend in Biodome 1, in their leisure hours. I mentioned this to Dr. Finch, our Medical Chief, a few weeks ago, and we agreed to meet with you, Greta, to discuss some kind of solution, but there hasn't been much time with all the recent events that have happened."
Meyer showed her approval seriously. "Then we must thank Isa even more for her visit, since she is already suggesting possible solutions to combat these cases of depression. I will speak tomorrow with the rest of the Concilium about the need to create a second television channel that broadcasts images of pleasant places." Greta smiled at Isa. "We very much appreciate all the advice you can give us to improve our quality of life. Now we are 11.000 people, but the settlement is growing rapidly. The problems we have now will be greater and more difficult to face the more population there is, so everything we can solve and foresee now can avoid health and even public order problems, in the future."
As they walked through the street, the monsignora remembered with nostalgia her previous life in Gran Canaria. There it wasn't necessary to have images of paradisiacal places, you just had to look out the window, or open the door and go out to the street so that the sunlight caressed your face. Here in Pygar, however... She was lucky enough to live on the surface, but the vast majority of the colonists had to live below. It was truly a great privilege to be able to wake up every morning and directly receive the light of the white dwarf, even if it was under the glass-steel of the biodome. It was true that the members of the clergy did not live in luxury, nor did they have a standard of living that differed greatly from that of the common settlers, but of course access to sunlight and being able to enjoy the surface for more hours a day was something that was worth more than anything else. Sometimes she even felt overwhelmed under the biodome itself, realizing that the air she was breathing was filtered and processed air, not natural. But it was impossible to simply let the outside air in to be breathed, because it would suffocate anyone. Although Pygar's atmosphere contained the elements necessary to be completely breathable by the humans, the amount of suspended materials it had due to the constant storms made it impossible for it to be breathed without first being filtered. Going outside without wearing a filter mask, even during times when the storms were at their lowest intensity, was like asking for death.
Greta forced herself to stop thinking about that. Now, they were here, Gran Canaria had been left behind in the history of the Church, and they had worked very hard to make Faith Haven what it was right now. Furthermore, Gran Canaria had ceased to be a paradise due to its sudden glaciation, and that was something completely independent of the bretonian invasion. If the Church had stayed there, they would now have to deal with extreme cold constantly, which would mean other kinds of problems. There would always be problems. What mattered was that they always faced them with Faith, knowing that the fulfillment of the Mandate of Deux depended of the survival of the Church.
Meyer noticed how Saito observed everything she saw with the utmost interest, as if wanting to record it in her memory. It seemed like she was liking the settlement, which filled the clergywoman with pride. When Isabella spoke about the possibility of offering cultural and artistic alternatives to the settlers, she listened with curiosity, and she intervened when the psychologist ended up preemptively apologizing, perhaps thinking she had overstepped her bounds. "Please, Isa, don't apologize. The Church hired you as a teacher for Mac, but I'm not so short-sighted as to not realize that your experience as a mental health professional can help us beyond training her." Greta looked around and continued speaking. "All of this that we've achieved here may seem very impressive, and I don't deny that it's so. In 6 years we've built this settlement practically from nothing, on a planet with a highly hostile meteorology, and it's true that most of this is due to the unwavering Faith with which all of us undertake each project. But we've a long way to go, tons of work to do, and, without a doubt, thousands of difficult moments to face." The clergywoman's face expressed deep determination "We will face all this with the same Faith and belief in Deux, that's clear, but as His Holiness always says, Deux helps those who help themselves, so it's up to us to find solutions to the problems that come our way. Therefore, all advice and honest external opinions are, at the very least, welcome. Moreover, many times the best ideas come from someone who sees things from the outside, and even more so if they come from people with knowledge in their field as good as yours."
Wilson corroborated her friend's words with a nod of approval. "It's true Isa, we really appreciate that you give us your vision of things, and that you offer us advice. Medically speaking, one of the most serious problems I see regarding the viability of the colony is related to the mental state of the inhabitants, due to the lack of sunlight. So much so that in one of the two new biodomes that the Church is building on the surface, we're planning to expand some leisure areas, and move some of the services there, such as the Medical Center itself, probably." Mackenzie made an impatient gesture. "But that will take a long time to be done, it's likely that the new biodomes will not be ready to be used for another year, and it's necessary for people to have a broader leisure offer. As Greta has already told you, the working hours that we settlers have are hard and exhausting. Without something that allows us to relax and rest body and mind, there could end up being mental health problems, dissatisfaction and ultimately increases in crime, riots or something worse. The mental health of each citizen makes up the health of the entire society."
Greta was smiling as Mac spoke. She liked the seriousness and passion with which the doctor was able to express herself, when something really mattered to her. She would no doubt soon end up rising to the top of the settlement's medical ladder. Her ideas about the importance of the population's mental health had been very revealing for her and for the rest of the Government, and Meyer planned to offer her the deputy directorship of a new Secretariat on Mental Health when she finished her studies, dependent on the Ministry of Science. She would have to be under the theoretical supervision of a member of the clergy, of course, the rules were the rules, but that would be a mere formality. The monsignora would ensure that Mac's ideas would be the ones that the Concilium heard.
Meyer waited for Mac to finish speaking and then turned to Saito. "I would like you, when possible, to give me the contact of this woman, Mrs. Church, or Cross, from Orbital, Spa & Cruise. First of all, you never know when a contact like that could come in handy, but I'll seriously take your advice into account, and will talk to the rest of the Concilium about the possibility of bringing some tourism to the settlement. I'll probably have to fight quite a bit with some members, especially with our beloved Field Maestre of the Guard, who will no doubt remind me how dangerous for the security can be to systematically bring so many strangers to Faith Haven." The clergywoman shrugged. "But I hope that I can count on Magister Orlov's support, who usually has a fairly open mind about opportunities, and is very close to His Holiness." Greta smiled, amused, at the verbal battle that awaited her with her colleagues. "I will try to make them understand that in the medium-long term, a moderate and controlled flow of tourism can mean something positive for us, both in providing leisure and culture for our settlers, as well as a source of income. Surely I'll have to insist a lot, and present my position very well, but I trust that I will be able to convince them in the long run."
Greta knew that Field Maestre Juan De Alba's reasons for being so strict with security were well founded. The Nomads increased their attacks in Omicron Delta, and sometimes even in Theta itself, and to make matters worse, they now had this whole mess with the Corsairs on their doorstep. Confrontation was imminent, and reports from the Guard suggested that there would soon be a major battle in the system against the Corsairs. The monsignora knew that the forces of the Church would probably have to participate, given that the Pontiff had promised his support to Phoenix, and furthermore, there was not much other alternative after the failure of the negotiation attempts. It was understandable that the Field Maestre would be worried, and even slightly paranoid, but Greta thought that at times he was too inflexible, and unable to see that it was absolutely necessary for the Church and Faith Haven to be opened to the outside, so that they could prosper. As had been proven with the experience of the last years of the former pontiff Paolus, isolation could only lead to the disappearance of the congregation.
The three women remained silent among themselves until they were at the table located in the back courtyard of "The Hispanic Spoon." As they sat down, helped by Antonio, Meyer listened carefully to what Saito told Mac about the measures that MFE had taken to prevent the possible consequences of the Corsair threat. She also felt happy when Isabella praised the food Antonio had offered them.
"I'm glad I chose the right place." Greta smiled with pleasure. "You will soon see that the food Antonio prepares is exquisite. As he has said, Crete is an important point of origin of this Church, and the Cretan culture is quite represented among our brothers in the Faith, since many come from there. However, regardless of our origin, we're all members of Deux's creed here. Whatever our affiliations were in the past, all that is behind us. Whoever joins our community has the opportunity to start a new life. The only thing that matters is that we're all human beings."
They enjoyed the light appetizer while they waited for the food, and soon the cured meats and cheese were brought to the table as starters. While they were tasting them, appreciating the perfect pairing of the red wine with that food, Mac wanted to know more about what her learning program with Isabella was going to be like.
"I'm looking forward to finally seeing the Healing Heart, Isa." Wilson cleared her throat with a small sip of wine, and continued. "It must be a splendid ship. What is it, a Nephilim-class, right? The Church had one once, years ago, although we had to sell it when we went through financial problems. I was on board once, and it was something spectacular, how big those ships are... We're currently in the process of acquiring another one through Livadia, but I've never seen one dedicated exclusively to being a hospital ship. MFE has to be able to help tens of thousands of patients on board something like that. It's something incredible, just by moving it into the orbit of a planet, virtually all the victims of almost any catastrophe that could happen could be cared for..." Mac's most hippocratic part seemed excited at the near possibility of being able to visit the ship. "I still can't believe that I'm going to be able to accompany you in your daily life on board, helping you visit patients, traveling throughout Sirius to care for people... It must be great to have as many medical resources as MFE has. I'm wishing to getting started and seeing with you what the world of Psychology has in store for me." Mac rolled her eyes in satisfaction, thinking about all that. "And once I'm done, I'll have to pass some kind of exam, I guess. Will you be the one to examine me, or will I have to appear at the Academy so that some professors' tribunal can do it?"
Greta took advantage of the conversation between Mac and Isa, and cut a piece of sheep's cheese. The cheese was cured, lightly smoked, and had been preserved in olive oil, giving it a strong flavor that paired well with some bread. Fortunately the waiter had brought them a small straw basket with a few slices of recently baked bread, so she was able to enjoy it. When she had finished tasting it, she turned to Isabella. "I would like to know a little more about MFE itself. You're an NGO, led by Dr. Holiday, we know that, but what are the criteria for action that you have? Do you have some kind of code of action, or is each case discussed by you, or decided by Dr. Holiday? Do you have any type of diplomatic treaty with any of the Houses, or with any power in particular?" The clergywoman smiled and shook her head trying to explain herself. "I ask you all this because I understand that your goal of altruistically helping is an unquestionably good thing, but from experience I know that the great powers usually don't like others helping their enemies' people. I imagine that in certain humanitarian missions you may have had problems with the military forces of some powers, who don't fully understand your Hippocratic Oath and your neutral mentality. What MFE usually do in those cases?"
Isabella Blushed deeply as she heard the Praises of Mac and Meyer while they were going to the Restaurant. She was happy that she had not insulted them with her Ideas of Improvement. She was happy that Meyer was such an Open Minded Person, Isa knew how proud people would be about their accomplishments and how they sometimes reacted when someone advised some improvements. She knew that some people would see this as an Insult to make such Suggestions, and she was really happy that Meyer would be so open to these suggestions. She was open-minded and now Isa could see that Meyer Realy was Realy only interested in the well-being of their Citizen and wanted to improve her life. She was really happy about all of this and smiled happily as she sat down with them.
Isabella: I am happy that you see it that way. I mean you have only Hired me for Mac but I can try to help with other things too. I really just try to be helpful, but should I overstep my Boundaries or make you feel uncomfortable please tell it to me. I am really impressed by what you have created here, and I don't try to make it look bad or so. I just sometimes think i go to far with my ideas to improve the lives of Others.
Isabella would eat some more of the Delicious Cretan Food. She had never tried this food before but something in the way this food Tasted made her feel at home right away. It was like it would speak to her and show her a side of herself that she had not known before. Isa was already highly curious about the next food that Antonio Would bring to her. She would think a bit about the answer as Mac asked about the Healing Wings.
Isabella: Well the Healing Heart is indeed a Nephilim Class Colony Ship. She is really big and as far as I know, MFE only has 2 Ships of that Class that are used as Mobile Hospitals. It is really complicated to keep a ship that is so complex and big afloat. But thanks to the Donations of our Benefactors we could keep her in service so far. The Healing Heart isn't a New ship, we acquired her as a Used Ship from Livadia as well. We had to put a lot of Work and Effort into the Ship, and I had to talk with many Rich people and Convince them of the Benefits that the ship would have out here. But in the end, we managed to make her fly again. The Healing Heart is now a Crew of 1354 Which keeps her in good shape and Flying. On top of that is our Medical Core with ca 3270 Doctors, Nurses, and other Medical Support Staff. We are Equipped like any other Hospital and can deal with the same emergencies, even when the Healing Heart is mostly Aimed to Provide aid for Mental Health Problems. The Ship also Houses the families of the Crew and Medical Staff, if they wish it of course. On top of that, we can take care of 6350 Patients in normal Operations and house up to 12.700 in an Emergency Situation. But this was never tested before. We also have a Women's Refuge on board, this was the Heart Project of Dr Wilke who had Experienced Domestic Abuse before she joined MFE. But those are only the Maximum Numbers, Mostly we operate at around 70 to 80% of that Capacity and have some spare room to react quickly to unforeseen Events. Basically, the Healing Heart is Like your Colony, but we can't expand any more than the limits that the ship gives to us. But even when our Biodomes are smaller than yours I can Brag that the View is Spectacular.She Smiled Encurageing at her.Well for your Exam I will be your Mentor and your Teacher, so I won't be part of the evaluation Team at the end of your Training. You will be having a Written and Oral Exam in front of a Panel that will consist of 3 Doctors. If we would Train you from Scratch this Education would need Several Years, but as you are already a Certified Doctor we can shorten it to 6 months to 1 Year. That Depends on how I Judge your Progress in Learning. The Questions in your Exam will be Random and decided by the Exam Panel, but i will of course Prepare you and show you Written Exams of the Previous Years and will do Mock Exams with you before the Big Date.
She smiled a bit as she sipped from the wine and looked over to Mac to assure her that she was in good hands and would make sure that Mac got the best Education and Exam Preparation that she could get for the Money that the Church Paid for her. She would then Look at Meyer as she finished the First Course of the Meal and waited for the second one.
Isabella: Oh yes of course I can tell you about MFE. We are indeed a Non-Profit Organisation, of course, we have to cover our costs as Medicine is sadly nothing that you can have for free. But we Charge only those that can afford it. We will not send away the Poor or the Desperate just because they can't pay us. John Holiday is indeed our Founder and our Leader, but he is supported by the Heads of Departments like me. I can do whatever I want within the Mental Health Department as long as I don't run out of the Budget I have. We are mostly Donation Funded and get some of our Money from Education like the one that Mac will get. But we also offer Scholarships and free Education Programs. My own Hospital Ship offers for example First Aid Training for everyone interested when we are Docked somewhere. Siped some more wine before she answered again.About the Deals with other Houses I have to say that we do not have such things, at least not that I have any knowledge about. Mostly we Respect the Laws of the Houses and Act as Neutral Entities that are Dedicated to the well-being of those in need. We help Everyone in need, no matter who you are we won't let you die. But if you are a Criminal we will have to hand you over to the Police if they Request it, just as an Example of course. I mean you have seen my ship, the Dromedary isn't Armed at all and would be an Easy Target for every Pirate out there. But even they Respect our Neutrality because they know that we save their lives and Release them at a Freeport if Possible. The Houses and their Enemies Respect us for our Essential Services and leave us alone, for example, I heard stories of my Predecessor Dr. Wilke who was present during some of the Border Clashes between the Gallics and Bretonians in the Tau´s. I have read her Reports and she told me that she was Flying Right into the Heart of the Battle to save people in Escape Pads and no one had shot at her. lots of Backers from the Large Houses that Support our Work with Money and sometimes Commodity Donations or new Medical machines.
Isa took a little break before she answered the rest of Meyer´s Questions, She didn't want to talk like a Waterfall and annoy them too much or be boring. And would take out a Smartphone Like Computer and seek her Contacts till she found one of Caitlyn Cross's and Gave it to her, Litle did she know that the Phone would also show a Selfie she had taken with herself and Doc Holiday as she had Visited him During Christmas at his house on Planet Erie.
Isabella: Here before I forget it later, this is the Contact of Director Cross, If you want you can just send it to yourself. I know she had some vaguely Religious Name, but if I recall my contacts with her I would say she has nothing really to do with Religion. But she was a really friendly woman, especially for the CEO of such a big Company, i am sure you can come to an agreement with her that is beneficial for both parties.
While Isabella talked about the Healing Heart, Mackenzie couldn't stop trying to imagine it. A medical ship so large that it could hold more than 16,000 people in times of crisis, including medical staff and patients, and she would soon be there, walking through its corridors, learning from Isa, and working side by side with MFE professionals. That meant playing in higher leagues, or at least that's what it seemed to Wilson, who had never considered herself anything more than a small-town doctor. Mac was smiling happily as she listened to Saito describe the ship, and she was pleasantly surprised when the psychologist said that there was even a shelter for women victims of domestic violence.
"Good for Dr. Wilke!" Mackenzie emphasized her approval by tapping her finger on the table. "It's very hopeful that safe places like this can exist for women who are beaten or abused by their partners. These types of initiatives aren't abundant on Sirius, and domestic violence remains as serious a problem for the Mankind as it has been for millennia. It's unfortunate that I can no longer also meet Dr. Wilke and congratulate her on an initiative like this. A woman capable of getting out of something as hard as domestic abuse, training as a doctor, not forgetting where she comes from and dedicating part of her time to helping other people who suffered what she suffered... without a doubt she should have been an admirable person." Mac raised her glass to clean her throat, and before drinking she made a small gesture of toast to the air, dedicating that sip to Dr. Sonja Wilke. She really would have liked to meet her, Wilke had to be a very interesting person. "I see that MFE covers practically all fronts of social and medical assistance to people in need, it is truly inspiring. It will be an honor to be part of something so great, even if it is only during my brief time of study and learning."
Mac laughed when Isabella compared the size of the biodomes at Healing Hearts to those at Faith Haven. "Well, yes, they are very big, really. We brought the two that are currently operational disassembled from Gran Canaria in the ships in which we fled here. There we used them mainly as greenhouses and scientific botanical gardens for research on plant species from other planets, which needed different atmospheres, but of course, in Gran Canaria we didn't need them to be able to survive on the surface of the planet." She smiled, imagining Healing Hearts again. "I'm very sure that I will love the biodomes on the ship. They may be smaller, but they can travel through space! I think that gives them a lot of points. It must be beautiful to observe the iridescence of nebulas, stars and planets, and all the immensity of space as the Healing Heart heads to its next destination."
Wilson was also interested when Saito described the examination system she would have to pass. It was what she imagined, the classic method, she would have to pass a trial in front of a panel of doctors from the General Academy to obtain her degree, once she finished her training period. She didn't feel pressured, nor scared, she was sure that having Isabella as her mentor, she would have no problem overcoming any trial that was placed on her. Then, she took the opportunity while Greta asked about MFE's action protocols to finish the exquisite cured donkey meat that had been served on her plate, and she drank some fresh water to cleanse her palate before the stew for the second course was brought out.
Greta showed some surprise when Isabella explained that normally all factions and powers respected MFE's interventions. "Even the Gallic royalists? After what they did in Leeds I find it hard to believe, but hey, I guess that means there's still hope that Mankind can really one day unite under the same feeling of brotherhood, and under the banner of mutual respect. After all, that is precisely what our Church fights for, so I can only rejoice about it. And Dr. Wilke..." Greta paused briefly, and smiled, showing that she was impressed. "...oh my, she had to have guts to jump into the middle of a pitched battle and collect escape pods. She had to be quite a character, it's a shame she's no longer with us, but from my point of view, someone so dedicated to others will have merged with Deux upon her death. Without a doubt, she must be now looking at all of us from the eyes of Our Lord, smiling at us, and giving us strength to continue our endless work of helping those who need it."
Meyer quickly made the gesture of the Sacred Gear on her chest, and fell into silence. Mac knew that she was probably saying a Deux prayer to herself, probably on behalf of Dr. Wilke. Mac watched as Isabella took advantage of the pause in the conversation to take out a portable communications device and began to search for something on it. While the psychologist was searching, Mac couldn't help but notice a photograph in which Isabella appeared next to a man that Wilson identified as Dr. John Holiday. They both seemed happy together and seemed to be in a cozy living room with a lit fireplace. The photograph was enough for Wilson to confirm what she had already suspected since Saito first said Dr. Holiday's name: There was something more between them than a simple working relationship, even something more than a simple friendship.
Mac noticed Isabella quickly close the photo, as if she didn't want Greta or she to see it. Considering that every time Saito had talked too emotionally about Dr. Holiday she had blushed and changed the subject, Wilson figured it was something the psychologist preferred to keep secret, or at least private. It wasn't strange, on the other hand, because in the end Dr. Holiday was her superior, and maintaining an intimate relationship with a superior could lead to misunderstandings and bad thoughts coming from third parties. Furthermore, Isabella had every right to manage her privacy the way she wanted. For this reason, Mac pretended that she had not seen anything, and hid it by paying close attention to the color of the Pygar sky that the projection on the ceiling of the cave showed.
The monsignora seemed to come out of her reverie, at which point Saito took the opportunity to offer her the contact of the woman from Orbital, Spa & Cruise that she had previously talked about. "Oh, many thanks Isa." Meyer pulled out her own communications device and stored the contact. "The truth is that we don't have much experience in maintaining contact with large corporations, it's a bit of a world away for us here in the Omicrons, so I'm very glad that Director Cross is a friendly person. I think that if we started agreeing on some type of organized trip, with controlled numbers of tourists, it could be truly beneficial for our businesses and colonist's private initiatives. Surely that would also encourage more settlers to start a service or tourism business, which would generate benefits for the Church and at the same time bring cultural renewal to the settlement. Furthermore, that would probably end up attracting visitors who could offer services that we cannot guarantee, or even merchants who would regularly bring in more exotic goods." Greta raised her hands, as if to stop herself. "Anyway, as I said, I must speak to the Concilium about this before doing anything, but I hope to be able to present this idea skillfully enough for my colleagues to support me. Then I think it would be a matter of the Ministry of Commerce contacting Director Cross."
The waiter's arrival briefly interrupted the conversation, as he removed the empty plates and took them away. The man, that looked quite similar to Antonio, with equally Cretan features, but with about 20 years younger than him, returned in less than a minute with the three new dishes and placed them on the table, while he introduced them. "Señoras, the stew, with el permiso de ustedes."
The dish contained a hot, brothy stew, composed of chickpeas and various vegetables, seasoned with some pieces of stewed meat that looked like pork. Mac tasted it and noticed the flavor of various spices, pepper, and some garlic. The meat was indeed very similar to pork and the doctor noticed that it had been cooked with some white wine, probably the "not so good" local white wine that Antonio had talked about when showing them the menu. "It's really good, but I didn't know it had meat in it." Mackenzie looked at one of the pieces of meat more closely as she skewered it on the fork. "It looks like pork, but because of the excessively uniform texture I think it could be grown in a laboratory, don't you think Greta?"
The clergywoman nodded as she chewed. "Indeed, I also believe that it is grown from cloned pig cells, I imagine in one of the production laboratories we've here at Faith Haven. However, it must be recognized that the flavor is practically the same as that of real animal meat."
The three women enjoyed the meal, seasoning it with a few sips of the excellent Cretan red wine that the waiter did not allow to be missing at any time. When they were finished, the pods with small cubes of ham were served, although in a much smaller quantity. Antonio probably wanted them to try them too, but he would assume that the stew would have filled them up, so he served less so it wouldn't be too much food. Despite this, once they finished this little third course Mackenzie thought she was going to have to undo the button on her pants.
"Oh Deux..." Wilson said "I haven't eaten so much in a long time. This was a bit excessive..."
Greta laughed good-naturedly, looking at the two doctors. "Well, there are still the torrijas, Antonio's homemade dessert whose recipe he learned from his mother, so if you don't eat it I'm afraid you'll make him terribly upset. You two will have to make space for it." The monsignora seemed quite full too, although she was also happy. It was clear that she liked to eat, and that she was passionate about Hispanic food. She took a big drink of water and leaned on the table to address Mac. "Well, once we finish eating, we're going directly to the Medical Center, isn't it?"
Wilson nodded. "Yes, I think visiting our medical facilities will be of interest to Isa. Plus, this way she can give us her expert opinion about what she sees here." Mackenzie looked at Saito and continued. "As you will see Isa, our medical center is very modest compared to what surely you've been able to see in the MFE facilities. We've sufficient resources to be able to take care of our patients, but the technology we have isn't as advanced as yours may be. This happens mainly because our doctors lack experience with cutting-edge equipment, myself included, and that is one of the reasons why the Church has decided to expand the training of many of us. Furthermore, despite my efforts to have Psychology included as a field as important as any other in our system of medicine, we are understaffed. The closest thing to a psychologist in Faith Haven is me, and I'm certainly not one yet. Once I return from my studies I intend to change that. We may have to send more people to the General Academy, but we will do so once I have the necessary knowledge to know exactly what we need." Wilson refilled her wine glass and took a small sip, savoring it. "You will undoubtedly wonder how it's possible that after so many years, our Church has not until now considered having doctors with good training in psychology. Well, let's say that under the previous administration of Pontiff Paolus," Mac pointed to the nearby photograph of Antonio with the former Pontiff "it was understood that the mental state of the people was something that depended mainly on Faith. If you had faith on Deux, it would comfort you enough for your mind to be healthy. Isn't that right Greta?"
The cleric nodded, looking Isabella with a sad gaze. "Unfortunately yes. And don't get me wrong, the Church continues thinking that Faith makes us mentally stronger, since it gives us answers to our questions and gives deeper meaning to our lives. However, now the Church understands that there are many more factors that are merely physical, that affect mental health, and that must be treated by medical professionals. That's how we humans are, and that's how Deux loves us. We cannot expect Deux to solve our problems, since the Deux Mandate precisely asks us to be the ones to do something to solve the problems that humans have." Greta shrugged. "That's how we believers interpret it now, and in my opinion, that's how we should have always interpreted it."
Wilson made a gesture pointing to herself. "Anyway, that is the reason why there were no psychologists in our old clinic in Gran Canaria, and why currently the Mental Health Department of our Medical Center is made up of a neuropathologist who has read some Psychology books." Mac looked appreciatively at the monsignora. "But I hope that the completion of my studies will be the first step to a reform that I intend to make in all of this, and fortunately I know that I have Greta's support in the Concilium. Proof of this is the monetary investment that the Church has made in MFE training our doctors. I know that without Greta putting pressure on the Concilium, it's likely that this money would have been used for something else."
Meyer blushed a little and stammered a few words trying to downplay what her friend had said. "Well... I'm the Minister of Science, and Healthcare System is under my responsibility. I would be a real stupid if I weren't able to realize the truth in your ideas, Mac... You convinced me that this investment was necessary for our colonist brothers to enjoy better health, so my duty was to make the rest of the Concilium see things as we do..." Greta made a gesture with her hand, as if she were swatting away a fly. "In any case, it doesn't matter, it's done and it's the right thing to do."
Mac smiled looking fondly at her friend. Another thing she liked about her was that the monsignora hated being complimented. Meyer, despite her high position in the Church and all that it entailed, had always been a kind and selfless person, who had risen to her position with joy, because she truly believed that she could do good things for her believing brothers. Therefore, she didn't like being constantly thanked for doing what she saw simply as a duty. Wilson turned to Isabella and wanted to know what she thought about the plan to see the Medical Center. "So, is it okay if we go directly to the Medical Center after the meal? It will probably take us a while to see everything in it carefully, and it may be a little late when we leave. If you're tired then, we can accompany you to the Pontifical Palace and let you rest until tomorrow. You will can walk through the gardens, take a walk through the urban center of Biodome 1, or even walk through the Pontifical Palace. Or if you still have the strength to see something else, no problem, we can do it. You rule."
Meyer intervened supporting her friend. "Oh yes, of course, and if at any time you are hungry again my assistants will serve you the dinner in your room, or wherever you want, just by asking."
Mackenzie thought that she should pay one last visit to Matt Brennan, the worker sick from mercury inhalation, when they were at the medical center, since it was likely that when Saito left Pygar she would have to accompany her. That led her directly to asking Isabella. "By the way, finally when you leave Faith Haven, from what I understand, I will accompany you on your Dromedary to the Healing Heart, right? Actually I already have my bags packed and I've left instructions to other fellow doctors on how to treat my patients, but if I'm going to leave directly with you, I would like to make one last visit to one of them, who is quite bad, to verify one last once the treatment I've prescribed him is correct."
Greta looked towards the patio door when she noticed Antonio coming towards them, carrying with him three plates of his famous dessert. "Well, there comes dessert, ladies." she said, rubbing her hands in satisfaction. "Prepare your stomachs for the last effort."
Isabella smiled as she saw how interested Mac was in the Healing Heart. She would love to give her a Special Tour of the Ship and its Many Comforts for both the Crew and the Patients. She would show her everything even when the Healing Heart wasn't offering the Same comfort or Amenity that a Collony like Faith Haven Could.
Isabella: I never met Dr Wilke Personaly, but I met some of the people who worked with her and they all spoke of her in the highest honor. She was indeed a wonderful person and we have Named the Wing on board that houses the Woman Refuge in her Honor. She had the Talent to Calm the Nerves of Women who had gone through Hell. She was often able to see in the first second when she met an Abused Woman what she Had Gone Through. She then would often be able to Convince the Woman to Accept the Help of MFE, often she would Leave the Place together with the Woman. I also have some Patients in the Women's Refuge, so you will work together with them as well when you are my Student. I know that isn't something for everyone and especially some of the newer Patients are sometimes in a Rough Shape, so if this would be a problem then we find another Solution for that part of your Education.
She would sip her wine and give Niki a loving pet as she thought about the things that Mac had gone through and how Admirable it was that she would still try to help others instead of Giving up and Sunken into a Deep Depression. This showed her how Strong Mac Was and that she would be the Right one to Face all the Deep Dark Places that she would see in the Minds of her Patients when she walked on the path of the psychologist.
Isabella: Well our Medical Equipment is often not as up-to-date as the ones in the Houses themselves, but we try to be only One Generation Behind the Newest Technologies. But there is also one Equipment that will never get Outdated and that is the Mind and Empathy of a Doctor. You see as psychologists it is our Mind and Empathy that does the work for us. And well we are often the only Medical Assistance that many people have out here, that is why our Bigger Ships are Equipped to handle all possible emergencies. But even when we have all of that Equipment we sometimes can do nothing for a patient anymore.
Isa smiled as she saw how Meyer would make a Blessing for Sonja as she told her her Story. Little did both of the Women know that they spoke to Dr, Sonja Wilke Right now. The only people who knew that she was still alive were John and some of his Close Friends who Saved her Life back then. Dr, Wilke died for the Rest of the World on Planet Spraque and this was good. Isa would Never tell them who she Realy was and what Realy happened to Dr. Wilke. For Mac, Meyer, and the Rest of the World she would always be Dr. Isabella Saito.
Isabella: Thank you for your Blessing, I am quite Moved that you would Pray for someone that you don't even know. I don't know if she was Religious or not, but I am happy that there are good people like you out here. I am sure that you And well the Royalists are a Tricky Topic, one day they leave us to do our Work in Peace, and the next they shoot at us. We have begun to be careful around them, but still, we try to do our Job. Of course not everyone loves MFE i mean a good example of this is the Current Situation that we have with Liberty. John had sounded Critique of the Occupation of Panet Erie by the Troops of Liberty. Well, sadly they Reacted to this by Banning MFE and all Zoners from Liberty Space. We still Hope that we might be able to return one day, but till then we have to Sneak into Liberty to take care of our Patients. I myself had some Encounters with the Navy in Liberty so far, Thankfully they have not opened fire at me so far and only Escorted me out of Liberty Territory.
Isabella blushed as she noticed that Mac had noticed the Picture. It was a Rather Cute one that showed Her and John Side by Side With Isa´s Head on his shoulder. She Really liked this Picture as it always gave her a warm feeling in her heart. She loved this Man from the Bottom of her heart and she wanted to spend her life with him. But she knew that a Relationship Like this could give some people a Feeling of Nepetism or that some sort of "Job Couch" would Exist within MFE. But nothing could be further away from the Truth. John Gave her the Job because she was the best person for it and not because she had a Pretty Face. She and John did Care if someone found out about their relationship, she even knew that it would be only a matter of time before it would come out. But till that day would come she and John would enjoy their Privacy and their love in Private. And when that Day would come she would Proudly show the world how much this Man had conquered her Heart.
Isabella: Oh don't Worry Meyer I don't mind telling you what I know about Cait and Orbital Spa and Cruise. Both Cait and her Company are major benefactors of MFE they often worked for free or at Major Discounts for us in the past. I know they are always seeking for the Unusual and for new Markets. I am sure that they would love to work together with you and offer you a good deal. As far as I know, Cait leads OS&C towards a more Sustainable Model of Tourism. She once told me "Why should we Destroy the Worlds that we Benefit from?". So I think they will Respect your Culture and maybe you can even benefit from them? I mean Orbital Haves a Cargofleet and I am sure that they Might Deliver some of the things you and your Settlers could need in exchange for your Hospitality. But that's only my Guesses based on the experiences that I and other members of MFE had with them in the past.
She has big eyes as she sees the man that she believes to be the be the Son of Antonio. She could see the Similarities between Father and Son as she looked at him while he brought the food to the Table. The food looked and Smelled so good as the Plate was placed right in front of her. She wasn't sure what the meat was at first but then she was told it would be Grown in a Food Lab here in the Colony. She had eaten Lab Meat before and was always surprised at how Similar to the Real Deal it was. She would make a Happy Moan as she Tasted the First Spoon of the Stew and was immediately in Heaven. The Dish was so good that she could not stop eating till her Plate was completely empty. And even then she would still Eat up the Rest on her Plate with the Bread that was offered in a small Breadbasket. Isa loved the Tapas Bread that was Served with the Stew and was a Perfect Addition to it. As Antonio´s Son brought the Meat Cubes she was Surprised at how they looked, and how much they Tasted like the Real Meat. She loved the Taste that it had even when it wasn't part of a larger meal, the meat still Tasted good even with just some Salt and pepper.
Isabella: Oh to be honest if you had not told me or I hadn't seen this Qubes I wouldn't even notice that it was Lab Meat. We use it too on the Healing Heart, but we also try to Import Real Meat whenever we can. Most of our Lab Meat also Fulfills Vegan Criteria and is served in our Vegan and Vegetarian Meals. But the Healing Heart is Far away from being Self-Sufficient. Mostly we get Food deliveries throughout the Week by either Hired Cargo Ships or our Own Pilots. We have a Small Fleet of 4 Dromedarys on Board the Ship that can used for Reuply and Passenger Transport. I will show you all of this Mac once we are on board. But I feel the same as Mac, I am sure that I won't be able to eat anything for the Rest of the Day after I have Tasted the Dessert.
She smiled and patted her belly as she leaned back in the chair and breaths through to get a bit more room in her belly for the Dessert, while she listened to Mac and Meyer who talked about the Previous Mental Health Situation and how it was seen by the former Pontifex. Isa knew that many Religious Orders had problems with the thought that the belief couldn't solve any problems of Body and Mind. She had had many discussions with Monks, Nuns, and other Religious Figures from Countless Religions about the Right Medical Treatment in the View of Religious Doctrines and beliefs.
Isabella: Don't Worry you Two, I completely understand how Religion and Politics sometimes Dictate Medical Work. I am Sad that those in power do not always Listen to those who have dedicated their life to Science and Healing. I can tell that even when I have only known Monsignora Meyer for a short time you have a Strong Ally in her to Improve the Quality of the Medical Services in the Colony. I am happy that you two never gave up on convincing your Fellow Leaders and your Pontifex of the Importance of improving Medical Standards and Procedures. She smiled and looked at the two.But even when it is good that you soon have a Psychologist at the Colony I also have to admit that your Former Pontifex wasn't completely wrong in his beliefs. While Prayers and Religious beliefs are indeed a Strong Factor in Mental Health, but they aren't a Miracle Cure. In fact, they can sometimes even make a Mental Problem even worse when the Patient believes that his Problems must be because he doesn't believe "in the Right Way" or that his belief isn't "Strong Enough". To be honest I find it quite Perfect for a Place like Faith Haven where your Future Psychologist is both a believer in your Religion and a believer in the Scientific Process. I think that this is the Best Solution for your People as can understand both the Religious and Mental Problems of their Patients, then sometimes you will have Patients that have Problems that Originate from both the Daily Life and Religion as well.
Isabella Smiled Friendly at Mac and Meyer as she Refilled her Wine Glas after she hadn't even noticed that she had emptied it during the last part of the Meal. She would enjoy the rich taste of Cretan Wine and the way how it seemed even more Perfect to every Part of the Meal that was Served to her.
Isabella: I look forward to seeing the Medical Wing and the way you treat your Patients. I also hope that I will be able to meet some of them, But of course, I am the Guest here and I will follow what you see as the Best for your Patients.
She then smiled at Meyer and Mac as they Mentioned the Pontificial Gardens and the Palace. She was of course a bit Tired after such a Rich Meal, but this was only a Normal Body Reaction and she knew that a good Walk could maybe change that and give her new Powers once her body had Processed some of the Food and Converted it into new Power for her to use.
Isabella: I think we should make the Decision to Rest once we are done with the Visit to the Medical Center. But I can tell you one thing that I Really want to do before I Take a Rest after the Visit to the Medical Center, and that is a visit to a Cretan Boutique. I own a Cupple Kimono to Represent my Kusarian Heritage, but I really would love to Own some Cretan Clothes as well to Represent my Cretan Heritage as well. And yes I think I take a Litle Midnight Walk in the Garden if I am allowed to and wouldn't Bother your Pontifex by Doing so. You told me he also likes to do the same and I wouldn't mind disturbing his Daily Rituals. So if you could ask him if he would Share his Refugium with me then I would be Really grateful to you Meyer, I of course would also accept a Rejection. And well I am not sure if I still can eat much after this Delicious Meal, but a cup of Tea and a sandwich would probably be a good idea this Evening.
Isa then smiled at Mac and nodded.
Isabella: Of course, we can Visit your Patients before we leave. I have all day Tomorrow and we will be Picked up by the Healing Heart in the Omega 3 System so we don't have to fly that Far. You can also use the Long Range Communications Equipment of the Healing Heart to keep up to date with your Patient's Recovery.
Isabella looked over to the door of the Kitchen where Antonio with the Desert in his hands Came over to the Table. She would look forward to the new Taste and the way that this Masterful Chef would Suprise her for the last time today. She would be happy that she came to Visit Faith Haven and she looked forward to the Rest of the Day.