When the World Ends

29; Astrid

     "You wanted to speak to me?" Sharon asks as I tug the hospital room door shut behind me. 

     "Certainly. On our way in through the emergency room, the nurse on duty fabricated a lie that we couldn't see the Elector and when she was asked why, told us it was information she couldn't disclose. Naturally, we assumed there was an emergency but then I called Alfred, the older gentlemen in the room with the Elector, to confirm her story and he said there were no such restrictions, and that Daye was fine. In fact, he was dining in the cafeteria after a long, albeit drug induced, slumber and involuntary fast. I do not take my station lightly, and I rarely use it to get what I want, so I don't want the woman to lose her job but I do request that you keep a close eye on her dealings with patients and their relatives....unless there is some visitation policy that i am unaware of."

Sharon looks mystified. "I don't even know who is on duty in the ER right now since you know I just arrived to console the Elector....did you catch her name?"

     "Esther. And again, let her keep her job. Unless this is, judging by your reaction, not the first time something so absurd has happened."

     "I have had several complaints before but nothing like that. And to think she would turn you away, of all people. I can see perhaps the young man and woman who were with you since they aren't of political status... but his Commander-in-Arms? It's not like the Elector is here because of some damage you caused therefore it's a safety threat to let you be in his presence."

I nod, using a gloved finger to tug at the collar around my neck. "Exactly. Deal with Esther as you will. If you do choose to terminate her, please call the academy and ask for my email. I'd like to offer her a check while she is out of work to carry her over." I pause, observing two people at the edge of my vision. Looking over at them, they both cover their mouths and wave fanatically. Sharon laughs quietly.

     "Seems like you have some fans. I'll leave you to them while I file this paperwork."

I nod once, turning to face the people, the chains draping from my epaulets jingling with the movement. At once, the people approach me. A young man and woman, looking to be roughly the same age. All they ask me for is an autograph. 

     "An autograph?" I smile, suppressing laughter. "You two know that I'm not famous, right? Simply doing my job."

The young man pauses, eyes widening. "Is the Elector in the hospital?" He questions, trying to glance behind me through the narrow vertical window on the door. 

Quickly I say, "No, certainly not-" but if they've seen a minitron, they know. There's no point in lying about it or trying to cover it up. Instead I say, "He has already been treated and is being transferred home as we speak." Satisfied with my half-truth, the both hold out pens and scraps of paper. Taking one at a time, I hastily sign my name in flowing, swoopy letters and then wave them off. Daye should be about ready to leave now. 

Turning away from the two young people, I step back into the room and motion for Alfred.

     "Yes, Commander?"

     "Micah." I call, waving him over as well. "Please take Alfred to the parking lot and have him bring the car around. Get as close to the entrance as you can."

     "Which seat should I leave open for him?"

I hand Alfred the key fob, stepping out from in front of the open door. "Us three can ride in the back, Angel, Micah and myself." I glance at Alfred. "Naturally, you'll drive and Daye can occupy the passenger seat." Deciding that I should inform Angel as well, I call for her and wave her over, running through the plan once more. "We have to move quickly. Despite people seeing what has been on the minitrons, the least amount of people who see him emerging from the hospital, the better. That will, hopefully, help subside any rumors past the obvious that's already been displayed. Glancing past them at Daye, who is sitting idly on the bed, I add, "I'll be here with with Daye. Wait in the car until I call you to jump out and open the passenger side door. I want our exit to be a straight shot. I doubt there will be any paparazzi, but it's better to be safe than sorry." I step around the trio, putting myself the closet to Daye. "In the meantime, I will debrief him and try to get his medications before we leave for the night."