Love's So Contagious

Cry For Help

A/N: TF! I totally forgot to post this update!!!!

***

It wasn't until Chakri Memorial Day that the last of the meningitis patients finally left the hospital. The new management team at Rathanburi Medical, appointed by the recent corporate takeover at Regent Healthcare, had assumed control by then, but had failed to make a positive impression on the medical staff. Mew had no desire to meet the new CEO, especially after hearing Gulf's scathing description of him as a "self-important fashion victim who values human lives based on price tags and never cracks a smile." Dealing with such individuals at work was more than enough for Mew; he had no interest in socializing with them as well.

Fong Rathasut's first move after joining Rathanburi Medical was to assess the aftermath of the outbreaks. He called Gulf, along with Nuea Kanidsorn, into his office since Kanidsorn was his supervisor. "You know," he said, in that icy drawl his staff had already come to hate, "I understand the need for our hospitals to be involved with public health initiatives. And to the extent that disease outbreaks occur in nature, I'm forced to accept that there will be some patients we're forced to treat for free." He shuddered with his whole body.

"This outbreak, however, was not a naturally occurring phenomenon. Someone did this to the city. A quick investigation proves that this individual comes from money. And I have to say, it seems that Vihokratana Enterprise is at fault to some degree too." He picked up a stack of papers and glanced at it, like the papers were supposed to intimidate them or something.

Gulf and Kanidsorn were not easily intimidated individuals, and doctors, in general, are not scared off by a mere stack of paper. "I completely agree," Gulf responded, showing the typical Udon Thani's respect for authority. "I fail to see the connection here."

Riley gave them a stern look. "Is this level of insubordination common among doctors here? The point, Dr. Kanawut, is that I plan to utilize our skilled legal team to pursue those responsible and recoup expenses that insurance or Medicare won't cover."

Gulf and Nuea shared a look. "I think that makes sense," Kanidsorn said after a pause. "It prevents those who can't afford it from having to pay for their own victimization."

Riley remained unmoved. "But what about those who can't pay? It's not worth the effort to try and get blood from a stone, doctors." He shuffled his papers. "Now, we've received a request from the Area Department of Public Health. They need help dealing with outbreaks at facilities like Vihokratana Enterprise or the Legal Hall. Someone, who wasn't named in the report but I can probably guess who it is, contacted federal authorities about their 'pathetic failure to ensure inmate or resident health and safety under the most basic of pretenses.'"

Gulf refused to admit it, but he simply shrugged. "It was a complete failure. Did you witness it? They couldn't even meet the most basic expectations."

Riley interrupted, clearing his throat and ignoring Kanidsorn's smirk. "Regardless, they've requested assistance in managing infectious diseases at an institutional level. I've decided to assign you, Dr. Kanawut, to handle this task as the head of our Infectious Disease Unit. Unfortunately, according to union regulations, I must provide you with a salary increase to account for the additional responsibilities." He grimaced.

Nuea's expression turned sour. "So you can just transfer my staff like that?" she questioned. "We do need him in the ER. That's why he's there. And he reports to me."

"Yes, indeed. I will be giving him more responsibilities without a doubt. Rathanburi Medical is not isolated. If the community requires assistance in combating infectious diseases, and there is already a local hero linked to the hospital, then absolutely. I want that hero to be out there promoting our reputation as reliable and community-focused. He will still be under your supervision and working alongside you. There is no need for you to feel intimidated." He leaned back in his chair. "You may leave now."