The Medic - Book One

CHAPTER THREE

The early rays of sunlight streamed through the blinds of Percy's new room, marking the start of his first full day at LA Metro SWAT HQ. After a quick shower and a change into his fresh medic uniform, he felt a surge of energy and purpose. Today he would meet the two squads he'd be responsible for, 20-David and 50-David. The thought was exhilarating.

Percy made his way to the med bay, the corridors of the headquarters already buzzing with activity. He set up his equipment, ensuring everything was ready for the day's appointments. The schedule was tight, but he was determined to make a strong start.

His first encounter was with 50-David squad. They were efficient and professional, almost to a fault. The interactions were brief, with most members saying little beyond their medical concerns. Percy sensed a disciplined air about them, likely a reflection of their leader, Mumford. The appointments were straightforward, but Percy couldn't help feeling like he was missing a deeper connection with the team.

In contrast, the atmosphere shifted noticeably when 20-David squad arrived. The diversity and vibrancy of the team were immediately apparent. Percy had already met Hondo, Luca, and Chris, but the others were new faces.

First was Deacon, the family man of the group. His warm demeanor and talk of his kids instantly put Percy at ease. Deacon spoke candidly about the challenges of balancing family life with the demands of the job. Percy listened intently, offering advice, and noting down mental health resources that might benefit him.

Next was Tan, the gang and tech expert. His knowledge of the streets and insight into criminal psychology were impressive. Tan was more reserved than Deacon but opened up about the stress of constantly being in high-tension situations.

As the day wound down, Percy realized one member hadn't shown up for their appointment - Jim Street. After asking Hondo, he learned that Street was notorious for being a bit of a maverick, often bending rules and sometimes missing protocols. Hondo offered to go find him, but Percy waved him off, stating that he'd do it himself. He couldn't have Hondo do all the work for him. Besides, Street was his last appointment of the day. Hondo offered up a few places Street could be, and Percy was off to find his missing patient.

~*~

Percy found Street on the roof, drinking a Gatorade and watching the sunset.

"Planning on jumping?" Percy asked softly. Street didn't even turn around, clearly having heard him come through the door.

"Obviously not," he scoffed, and Percy found himself rolling his eyes at Street's back.

"Really? 'Cuz you're pretty close to the edge over there."

"The view is better," Street sassed, still not looking at him, "Trust me, I'm not suicidal."

Percy sighed and put his hands in his pockets, walking up to stand beside Street a couple feet from the railing. "You missed your appointment."

Street finally looked at him, and Percy quirked an eyebrow as he waited for an answer. "Not really looking for a checkup doc, I'm fine. Healthy."

"Really?" Percy challenged, "Because I read in your file that you banged up your ankle pretty bad last week and judging by the way you're favouring your right leg, I'd say it's still bugging you." Street set his jaw in frustration, and Percy sighed again. "Look, I'm not here to boss anyone around, or baby you. But it's my job to keep you healthy, regardless of your feelings on the matter and your opinion of me. And past that, I'm doing it for all the innocent people that could be hurt if you aren't at your best. If you won't do it for me and you won't do it for your team, do it for the people you fight for every day."

Street glared at the sky but seemed a bit less confrontational. "I don't want to be psychoanalyzed every week."

"So don't be. If you want me to just focus on physical health, I can do that. Just because I'm asking the questions, doesn't mean you have to answer. I'm here for you, not the other way around," Percy said, and Street's eyes met his again, "That doesn't mean I can fully steer clear of the mental health though," he added, "physical and mental health are closely related. But I'll do my best to respect your boundaries unless you or someone else is in danger. Sound alright?"

"I guess," Street grumbled, and Percy clapped him on the shoulder.

"Great, let's go downstairs. I doubt you want me to do a physical up here, it's a bit chilly. Besides, I don't love being this high up." Percy said, trying to break the tension. Street gave him a strange look but followed him back inside.

There was an uncomfortable silence the whole way to the med bay, and it didn't break as Street sat himself down on a cot. Percy let him be, going to wash his hands, put gloves on, and grab his equipment. Once done, he approached Street casually.

"Alright let's do this. Anything you're worried about or want me to check out?" Street shook his head with pursed lips, "Great. Usually I ask about medical history, but seeing as you missed your appointment, I had time to read up on you – don't look at me like that, that was totally your fault. Moving on. This is just a quick check-up. Gonna check your vitals, mobility, all that jazz. I'll also check out that ankle of yours to see how it's healing up. Sound reasonable?"

"I'm all yours, doc," Street said sarcastically, and Percy grinned.

Percy began the check-up with a practiced ease, starting with the vitals. He wrapped the blood pressure cuff around Street's arm, noting the slight tension in his patient's body. "So, do you always skip out on medical appointments, or am I just special?" Percy asked, trying to lighten the mood as he checked the reading.

Street offered a half-smirk, "You're not special, Doc. I just don't see the point in wasting time on something I can handle myself."

"Hmm," Percy hummed as he wrote down the blood pressure reading. "Self-reliance is good, but sometimes an extra pair of eyes can spot things you might miss."

He then moved on to check Street's reflexes, tapping lightly with a reflex hammer. "And how about this 'self-handling'? Does it involve ignoring advice from medics often?"

Street shrugged nonchalantly. "Only when they're being overbearing."

"Hmm gods forbid we try to keep you alive," Percy quipped. He then carefully examined Street's ankle, gently palpating the area. "This might be a bit uncomfortable. Let me know if it hurts."

As he probed the injured ankle, Street winced slightly but tried to mask it. "It's nothing," he muttered.

Percy raised an eyebrow. "'Nothing' makes you wince like that? Looks like it's still healing. You should avoid putting too much strain on it."

Street's jaw set stubbornly. "I can handle a bit of pain."

"There's a fine line between bravery and recklessness," Percy pointed out. "Cross it too often, and it could cost you. Or someone else."

That seemed to hit a nerve, and Street looked away, his expression tightening. Percy decided not to push further. He finished up with some basic mobility tests, ensuring that Street's movements weren't overly restricted by the injury.

"Alright, you're not falling apart, but you're not exactly a hundred percent either. Take it easy on that ankle, and maybe try showing up for your next appointment. It'll be less hassle for both of us," Percy said, offering a friendly smile.

Street stood up; his demeanor still guarded. "Thanks, Doc. I'll think about it."

As Street left the med bay, Percy watched him go, sensing the layers of complexity in the young officer. He knew building trust with Street would be a challenge, but it was one he was ready to take on.