Medical Drama - an Operation Edgelord narrative

 

熔炉之魂 (Rónglú zhī hún, “Spirit of the Forge”), a relatively small frigate, was orbiting the twin planetoids. Repurposed for an auxiliary role, half of the vessel consisted of a huge hangar with a variety of workshop and appliances, making it an effective repair center for TAGs, remotes and vehicles, while the upper docks acted as hospital: parlor, waiting rooms, operating theaters and clinics filled most of the rest of the ship's capacity. Then you had the bridge, the engines and a warehouse in the hold.

An array of automated defense systems crowned the bow and the stern, ensuring a small degree of safety in case of need. 

The three of them found themselves alone in the parlor beside the entrance of the medical bay. Only the rumbling of the kettle was audible, despite the engineering docks not being far. Soundproofing is a luxury you wouldn’t expect from a yujingese fleet vessel. Despite the water boiling, no one moved, they all stayed seated looking at the floor: whatever time it was, it wasn’t tea time.

“Everyone else is already gone. Why are you still here?” Dam Hye-Su broke the unbearable silence.
“I was in charge of the squad when it happened. I won’t move until I’ve spoken with the surgeon…” said Liao Quingling, not looking up even for a second.
“Doc’s good” Bae Sangwook was still consulting something on his Commlog. “Top of her class in medical school, served with Invincibles, two turns on Paradiso and still alive to tell the story”. He listed. “Three contracts with White Company, all successful. Hm, curious… Best student from Tiě Heng Island Academy, I didn’t know someone of her heritage could be accepted there. She may be the only brown-skinned Celestial Guard we know…”
“I do not trust her. And don’t say I’m racist!” Dem stood up and started to walk around nervously.
“He trusted me… and I failed all of you…” Qingling burst into tears, sobbing.
“Stop right now!” Dem came closer to her “Stop it! If you cry, I will start too…”

The heavy doors of the medical bay suddenly opened and the surgeon walked out. She was wearing a teal scrub with matching footwear, a white surgical mask and some kind of strange hair-net. She entered the parlor, removing the net and the mask, revealing an intricate style of braided dark brown hair and a pair of hazelnut eyes. 

Dem Hay-Su stood in front of her but was unable to say a word, as she was still feeling about to burst into tears.

Tahani Marwan and Dem Hay-Su were the prime example of the diversity the StateEmpire could bring together with a certain degree of success: from a certain point of view they could not look more different from one another. Tahani was tall, a little curvy,amber-skinned, with an impeccable hairdo, while Dem was short, skinny, pale as a ghost and her hair was indecorously tied in a ponytail

“Surgery went well, he’ll probably live”. A sigh of relief came from the room and Qingling finally stopped sobbing.
“The sudden shutdown of the armor systems caused the structure to collapse and crushed the limbs: two fractured ribs, one dislocated shoulder and a sprained ankle. All treated successfully, but he’ll need physiotherapy and a good amount of rest.” The surgeon went on. “The wound on the lower abdomen, however, caused the spleen to rupture and  great blood loss. The paramedic did a stunning job preventing the patient from bleeding out. Transfusions were performed,, but the spleen has to be replaced. I recommend a lab-grown one, even though synth ones are still good. Some of the armor coolant leaked into the thoracic cavity, but has been drained successfully.”
“So, he’ll be fine, right?” Dem asked, under her breath.
“Sadly blood loss and the lung compression caused brain to be oxygen-deprived for several minutes. At the moment the patient is sedated and should remain so for some time. When he’ll wake up, the doctor will evaluate further therapies, if needed.”

“So he won’t be fine…” Dem’s was on the verge of a crying fit.
“Generally speaking, the course is favorable. He’ll probably make it out fine. He should consider the idea of three months of rest and physiotherapy. Given his rank, role and fame, I doubt he will do that, but, alas, there’s no cure for stubbornness.” Tahani hinted at a smile.
“Thank you, doctor. May we refer to you for further consultations?” Bae Sangwook finally stood and came closer.
“Actually, no. I’m leaving to join Lambda Field Medics on Concilium Prima for a joint training. I was passing by by chance. Ah, before I forget…” She produced a clear plastic envelope from the scrub pocket. “I found this necklace in the patient's suit pocket. I thought it was somewhat important…”
“His Tibetan prayer beads! He’ll be very happy to have it back.” Dam took the envelope, looking at the beads, as if it was some sort of relic.
“Glad to hear that. I updated his medical record, you’ll find the suggested therapy there. I’m sorry, but I’ve got to go.” She took a step back.
“Thanks again, doctor. This man means a lot to us.” Qingling regained her usual good mood.
“I know. We have a friend in common.” She turned around and went back into the medical bay, leaving the three alone again. 

They hugged and cried. This time with joy.