The Doctor always spends long nights at work, but he begins to force himself too much after hearing about the critical stage of Reed's infection. His efforts don't go unnoticed, as the Draco wonders why despite having so many duties to attend to, he...
The Doctor was making his way towards Kal'tsit's office, as earlier in the day she asked for his presence to talk about certain important matters. Usually this doesn't mean anything good, but for once he was relieved.
His morning was awkward to say the least, as Reed was unable to look him in the eye. She still worked diligently and there was really nothing to complain about, but whenever their eyes met she would promptly look somewhere else, as if he was a basilisk. Yet he knew exactly the source of the problem, and as to avoid talking about it he focused on his work; so much in fact, he only noticed Kal'tsit's repeated knocks on the door because the Draco was there to open it.
He thought about yesterday for a second. The speech he gave was fueled by nothing but honesty and good intentions, yet he had been too daring. Someone like Reed wouldn't be able to take in all of that and still keep a straight face.
-No matter, that's in the past now. *Sigh*... Let's hope I hear some good news.
He opened door and to his surprise, most of Rhodes Island's medical staff was inside. By the look on their faces, they hadn't been expecting him either. Before anyone could even make a sound, Kal'tsit opened her way through the crowd and welcomed The Doctor.
-You're here at last. Follow me.
Assertive and straight to the point as always.
-Everyone else, you're free to go now. I'll get this over with quickly, so don't worry.
The Doctor did as ordered, while he saw the workers leave in somewhat of a rush for some reason. As he examined their condition, he noticed most of them had worried expressions as they mumbled under their breath something he couldn't quite make out, apart from the word 'impossible'.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
-Doctor, I understand you are busy with your own work. But there is something you absolutely need to know if you are to continue to work with Reed.
-Is that so? I'm certain I know all that we've discovered about her. As of her Infection, I was thinking of assisting your team next week to assess the situation and figure out a possible cause.
-In that case, you underestimate our efficiency. Take a look at these papers, and you'll see.
The Doctor glanced at the stack of sheets neatly distributed across the table in front of both of them. As he read, he couldn't believe his eyes yet he kept going, faster and faster until he put the documents back in their place. The normally unfazed silhouette of a man was trying to keep his calm, yet his body language betrayed him.
-Th-This can't be. Is this... some kind of twisted joke!
-Doctor, reality is a cruel joke to begin with. I'm sure you of all people know that.
Her witty remark didn't hide her concern however. Reed's Oripathy had to began to reach critical mass, and if no action was taken she would live for a month at most.
Her body's crystallization had always been very visible, but it hid the true danger lurking underneath. Her Originium Arts rapidly accelerate the growth of life, to the point where the amount of energy they create is enough to cause irreversible damage. After studying her files and the results of her physical and pyschological tests, Kal'tsit discovered that that very ability had been constantly affecting her body, and in turn speeding up the Infection proccess.
-This time, just slowing down the progression of her Oripathy won't be enough. I need to find a way to at least halt its momentum- The Doctor whispered to himself, his mind racing to find a solution.
He knew Rhodes Island wouldn't be so lucky as to suddenly find the cure even if he started working himself to the bone. But there had to be something he could do.
-Never before have we encountered a case like this one. If you want her to have any chance of surviving, we are going to require constant, strict and accurate testing to come up with something to keep her alive, at least until the day comes Oripathy doesn't exist.
Kal'tsit helped to ground to The Doctor. She didn't show it, but she was trying to devise a way to help the Draco as well. But above all she was honest, and she knew the possibility of stopping such a developed and cancerous Infection were low. Too low.
Besides, there were many other patients in Rhodes Island who also needed assistance. The medical staff simply couldn't allow themselves to do so much in such a short span of time.
-If there is no other choice, I'll do everything myself.- Suddenly The Doctor spoke up, in a flash of genius. Or perhaps madness?
-What do you mean?
-The testing, the research, the check-ups, the development of the treatment. In order to make sure that everything flows smoothly, work is always divided and made sure its up to standard. But doing it like this costs too much time. Time that we don't have. So as long as I take care of everything, I should be able to figure out a way to buy Reed some time, until we can find a more permanent solution to her Infection's advance.
-You...
Kalt'sit gave herself a second to reflect on what she was about to say, and then confirmed it verbally.
-You are insane! You understand why we work the way we do right?! If you were to do as you say, you wouldn't be able to afford any mistakes, and at a rate that you'd barely be able to sleep. One slip-up, once and you'd get her killed. I can't allow you to-
-But do we have another choice? I will NOT sit idly by.
-... Fine then, but if this fails, you will live with the guilt for the rest of you life. Do you get it?
-I do. That's why I'm going to do this. Because I promised Reed that I'd save her. I asked her to believe in me, and I can't betray that trust.
The Doctor stormed out of the office and ran straight to his own, with determination surging in his heart.
-Tell everyone apart from Reed to not bother me unless it is absolutely neccesary. No matter what happens, don't disturb my work.
-Very well then. Good luck.- Said Kal'tsit, like a tranquil sea after a raging storm.
Please, save her... You're the only one I can trust for this, Doctor.
