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.