White, James – Sector General 07 – Code Blue Emergency

The transfer team and their anesthetic dart guns had long since left the Nurses’

Station, which meant that Cresk-Sar and Hredlichli must have decided that the

danger from AUGL-One Sixteen had passed. Looking at the passive and

distress-free patient who was hanging on O’Mara’s every word, she was in entire

agreement with them.

“… And you should now realize,” the Earth-human was saying, “that if you want

to go, and can convince me that you are able to adapt to home-planet life, I

shall with great pleasure and reluctance kick you out. You have been a patient

for a very long time and, among many members of the senior staff, our

professional concern has developed into the personal variety. But the best thing

that a hospital can do for a friend is to send it away, as quickly as possible,

cured.

“Do you understand?” O’Mara ended.

For the first time since the Earth-human had begun talking to it, AUGL-One

Sixteen turned its attention to Cha Thrat. It said plaintively, “I am feeling

much better, I think, but confused and worried by all that I must do. Was that a

spell? Is O’Mara a good wizard?”

Cha Thrat tried to control her enthusiasm as she said,”It is the beginning of a

very fine spell, and it is said that a really good wizard makes its patient do

all the hardwork.”

O’Mara made another one of its untranslatable noises and signaled Hredlichli

that it was safe for the nurses to return to their patients. As they turned to

leave AUGL-One Sixteen, who was once again its friendly and docile self, the

Chalder spoke again.

“O’Mara,” it said formally, “you may use my name.” When they were again in the

air of the lock antechamber and all but Hredlichli had their visors open, the

Charge Nurse said angrily, “I don’t want that—that interfering sitsachi anywhere

near me! I know that One Sixteen is going to get better and leave sometime, and

I’m glad about that. But just look at the place! Wrecked, it is! I refuse to

allow that trainee in my ward. That’sfinal!”

O’Mara looked at the chlorine-breather for a moment, then in the quiet,

unemotional tones of a ruler it said, “It is, of course, within your authority

to accept or refuse any trainee. But Cha Thrat, whether or not it is accompanied

by me, will be granted visiting facilities whenever and as often as the patient

itself or myself consider it necessary. I do not foresee a lengthy period of

treatment. We are grateful for your cooperation, Charge Nurse, and no doubt you

are anxious to return to your duties.”

When Hredlichli had gone, Cha Thrat said, “There was no opportunity to speak

until now, and I am unsure how my words will be received. On Sommaradva good

work is expected of a wizard or any high-level ruler, so that the praise of a

subordinate for a superior is unnecessary and insulting. But in this case—”

O’Mara held up a hand for silence. It said, “Anything you say whether

complimentary or otherwise, will haveno effect on what is to happen to you, so

save your breath.

“You are in serious trouble, Cha Thrat,” it went on grimly. “The news of what

happened here will soon be all over the hospital. You must understand that to a

Charge Nurse the ward is its kingdom, the nursing staff its subjects, and

troublemakers, including trainees who exercise too much initiative too soon, are

sent into exile, which can, in effect, mean home or to another hospital. I’d be

surprised if there is a single Charge Nurse willing to accept you for practical

ward training.”

The Earth-human paused, giving her a moment to assimilate its words, then went

on. “You have two options. Go home, or accept a nonmedical and servile position

with Maintenance.”

In a more sympathetic tone than she had ever heard it use before, Cresk-Sar

said, “You are a most promising and diligent trainee, Cha Thrat. If you were to

take such a position you would still be able to visit and talk to One Sixteen,

and attend my lectures, and watch the teaching channels during your free time.

But without practical ward experience you could not hope to qualify here.