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Post by alice on Aug 4, 2005 19:12:19 GMT -5
Once again he had me blushing, I smiled softly at his request.
"Well, Marcus. I think that sounds great. I haven't been to Gellens Heights yet, and I can't think of any one I would rather explore it with."
His face lit up with a big grin, and he winked at me.
"It's a date Alice. As soon as the Doc will release me, we will go to explore Gellens Heights"
"Ok, sounds good to me, but for now Marcus Taylor, you need to rest. "
He made another grunting noise but didn't argue. I went about clearing his dishes. I just had to dispose of the whole thing in the infirmary's compactor. They had sent everything on disposable dishes. I went to sit down by his bed again. Picked up my book, and began to read, thinking he was going to sleep.
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Post by Lance Commander Marcus Taylor on Aug 4, 2005 19:36:03 GMT -5
Ok, sounds good to me, but for now Marcus Taylor, you need to rest.
I grunted and layed back as Alice went about clearing off my dinner dishes.
She sat back down as I tried to goto sleep, but I knew I just couldn't. Not right away at least, I was excited that Alice accepted a date once I got released.
Hey Alice?
Yes Marcus?
I know I'm supposed to be taking it easy, but do you think we could take a walk later? Well, at least try to walk?
Maybe, but for now you need to rest.
Okay.
I closed my eyes and drifted off to sleep with a full stomach.
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Post by Dr. Jessica Saturina on Aug 6, 2005 15:50:07 GMT -5
Standing by Taylors bed reading his chart. Going over all the physical therapy he had been put through. I could tell he was his old self again, even though he was clearly enamored with Alice he kept winking at me with that big friendly grin on his face.
"Well Taylor, looks like Alice has put you through a lot of physical therapy, also looks like you have come through with flying color. I am satisfied with her reports of your condition and seeing you for myself, I am going to release you for duty. Which is just in time for you to catch the briefing for the next mission. You have worked hard and healed fast."
I signed the release oder and gave Taylor a copy in case he needed one for the Captain. I looked between him and Alice, they were grinning at each other.
"Ok you two, Alice you and I need to get over to the mess hall for the briefing, Taylor would you like to accompany us?"
"Aye, Doc. Let's go"
"Ok, Dr. Edwards you and Wyatt have the infirmary. I'll return when the briefing is over, Alice however, needs to take a break from this place for awhile."
I looked over at Alice, who was talking to Taylor, smiling at her, I shook my head a little.
"Ok you two let's go."
Taylor, Alice and myself all headed to the mess hall for our briefing.
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Post by Dr. Jessica Saturina on Sept 15, 2005 14:00:01 GMT -5
I was busy with work in the infirmary. Anxious to see Morgan Blake when he came for his appointment at 8am. I had been very glad he had accepted the appointment. There was no reason why a young obviously nice looking guy should have to go through life with such a disfiguring scar on his face when we had the technology to restore it.
Just from looking at it I knew I could do a lot with it. I was anxious to find out just how much I could restore his face. I was confident it would be a lot.
The kind of delicate work I would be doing on Morgan was some I didn't get to do often. I was looking forward to it. That kind of restoration always made me feel good about my skills. I liked being able to make my patients happy with the results.
I kept checking the time. I smiled at myself. Thinking how silly I was being. You would think it was me that was going to get my face restored, but I guess I got just as much pleasure from my work as my patients did. This part of my work, brought much satisfaction to me. I went about making myself busy. I knew he would show up. I was certain he wanted this as much as I wanted to do it. He would be here soon, I just needed to stop being so anxious.
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Post by Dr. Jessica Saturina on Sept 16, 2005 16:15:52 GMT -5
I was so busy I didn't hear Morgan come into the inner part of the infirmary.
"Excuse me Dr. Saturina, but I am here for my appointment."
Startled at first I spun around to the sound of his voice. He almost looked happy. That was a good sign.
"Morgan, I'm so glad you came. I really hoped you would. Now let's get started right away. I will be examining the area of your face throughly, but I will also be making sure you are in good health for any surgery we might have to do."
"Dr. I can assure you I am in the best of health.
"Well, I must make sure for myself. I hope that's not going to bother you?"
"No, do what you must, let us just get on with it."
"Yes, of course. If you will just get on the exam table over there, we will get started."
Morgan jumped on the table as I went to wash and dry my hands. I came very close to him to exam his face with my hands, I would also use xrays to see what the bones, if any, were like in there.
"Ok, now I will exam your face closely, so if I should hurt you in anyway please let me know."
Morgan chuckled. It was good to hear him laugh but an odd time to laugh.
"Doctor, I do not think you could hurt me if you tried, but I will let you know."
"Well, ok we shall begin." I placed my hands on his face. One on each side of it. I wanted to feel the contours of his good side, to get an idea of what we need to do, to make them symmetrical. I gently pushed around on each side of his face with my fingers, sliding them down the jaw line on the right and left side, my thumbs going over the cheek area. The left cheek bone was missing. I was not in the least worried about this, I knew we had the technology to replace it. I was already sure we could help him regain his original face. The scar was deep and long but nothing the dermal generators couldn't handle. I was so excited to let him know that I forgot to exam him other wise for his health condition, but he was right, being this close to him I could tell he was in excellent physical condition.
"Well, Morgan, I have very good news. I knew from our first meeting the scar would be no problem. I now know that we can replace your cheek bone with some very good prosthetic material. It will feel and look exactly like the right one. I promise when I'm finished with you, you're face will look as it once did. So, what do you say Morgan Blake? Do you think you would like to go ahead with this. It's entirely up to you, but I can do it, and I know you will be happy with the results."
I looked him straight in his eyes trying to read his reaction. It was difficult though. He must be a man who does well at hiding his feelings, or he just wasn't impressed or interested. I let him mull it over, but his eyes never left mine.
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Morgan Blake
Logistics Coordinator
LEGIONNAIRES - Elite
Posts: 122
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Post by Morgan Blake on Sept 16, 2005 18:19:55 GMT -5
Leaving the mess hall, I made my way quickly to the infirmary for my appointment.
Arriving a few minutes early, I hesitated before entering. Standing back from the door I could easily see in through the clear glass in the top half of the door, without being immediately noticed.
I could see Dr Saturina pacing about anxiously. Was she nervous ? About me ? Or did she have doubts about her ability to deliver what she had promised ?
She kept glancing at her watch, checking the time. Though I had very little experience in that area, it was almost as if she were a giddy school girl waiting for her first date and hoping the guy wouldn't bail on her at the last minute.
Exactly on 08:00 I entered the infirmary. Dr Saturina's pacing had her back to me. Her slight surprise was evident in the jump in her shoulders as I announced myself.
"Excuse me Dr. Saturina, but I am here for my appointment."
I smiled, slightly amused by her reaction. Her body language spoke of the schoolgirl's relief, her date hadn't bailed on her and had shown up just as promised. She hadn't been ditched.
Sitting on the examination table as requested, I held perfectly still while Dr. Saturina examined my destroyed left cheek.
"Doctor I doubt that your dermal re-generator would have enough power to heal all of the scars just on the outside, even if you hooked it up to a mech's fusion reactor.
In any case, they are now a part of me, who I am, what I have been through and what I have left behind. They are my closest friends and dearest allies, I wouldn't give them up for all the mechs in the universe.
If you can replace my cheek bone for me, I would be eternally grateful. The man who took it had no right to it. It was just another thing that he stole from me and I want it back. His death didn't bring it back, but I am hoping that your skill and technology can.
Please proceed if you are still willing."
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Post by Dr. Jessica Saturina on Sept 16, 2005 20:42:19 GMT -5
I wasn't really surprised by his response. He wasn't the only warrior I had offered scar removal to that had turned me down. I sighed softly, the compassion apparent in my face.
"I understand Morgan. Just know the offer is there and you would be surprised how much the dermal generator can do. The cheek bone is definitely a go though. I do need to just do a check on your heart, breathing and things like that. There is surgery involved, but its fairly quick with the help of the robotic arms that assist me. You will need to be put to sleep and I will only require you stay in the infirmary while the anesthetic wears off. There will be a little swelling and bruising but it will heal fairly quickly."
"Do you wish to do this now, or is there things you need to take care of before we go on. I will do the physical exam the day of the surgery. Do you need to inform your companion? It's all up to you Morgan, I'm willing and able to do it at any time you choose."
Just as I finished my last sentence, the infirmary doors flew open. A young angry looking woman entered. I jumped a little but held my ground. I looked back at Morgan.
"This must be your companion?"
Before Morgan could even speak the young girl spoke angrily.
I am not his companion you .........
She stopped suddenly, appearing to try to contain herself. Once she seemed to have herself under control she spoke again.
"I am Morgan Blake's bondswoman. I am honor bond to protect him with my life. You are taking too long. I must know what is going on."
Not wanting to stir her anger any more I addressed Morgan.
"I'm just going to go to the supply room in the back and give you two a moment to speak. Maybe you will have the answer to my question when I return."
Morgan nodded. I left the room to give them privacy.
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Morgan Blake
Logistics Coordinator
LEGIONNAIRES - Elite
Posts: 122
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Post by Morgan Blake on Sept 17, 2005 3:07:14 GMT -5
"Aliesha, just what do you think you are doing bursting in here like that ?
I spent far more time in the hands of your clan doctors, who despite regrowing the skin, considered regrowing the bone underneath a waste of resources."
Aliesha had startled me as well, though she obviously had not realised it with all her rage focused on the doctor. The anger and bitterness of my initial outburst was replaced by a more measured and understanding tone.
"Aliesha, you are only bound by your own honor to serve as my bondsman. You know I will sever the bondscord anytime that you request it. You know my past and why it makes me uncomfortable to have you think of yourself as my personal servant.
I don't ever want you thinking that your life is more valuable than mine or that you should sacrifice yourself in order to save me. If there is any doubt, I fully take that obligation from you of my own free will.
We may die for each other, we may kill for each other, but lets do it as companions, as equals, not as master and servant.
We are both outcasts and aside from each other we are alone in a hostile universe. We have to start trusting someone, somewhere again if we are to ever get off this knife edge we have been calling life for the past 3 months.
I have decided to trust the doctor and I hope you can learn to do the same. I have looked into her soul and found no trace of malice or duplicity. I may be wrong, I hope I am not, but I am willing to take the risk.
If we don't get off the knife's edge, it will kill us as surely as a PPC bolt or a gauss rifle shot. Maybe not as suddenly but it will kill us by destroying who we are and what we hold dear to ourselves.
It doesn't mean that we have to go soft or lose our combat abilities or become pacifists overnight. It does mean that we will have a reason to live, to win and to triumph over our enemies. It is why the clans will never defeat the Inner Sphere. We live for hope and the possibilities the future can bring us. I know, I have personally experienced it as you know.
Now, go and find the doctor please. Apologise to her for your unwarranted outburst and please tell her that I would like to go ahead with the surgery now thank you.
You may stay and observe if you like, the doctor may even have a role for you to partake or you may go to the gymnasium to train as you wish. I leave the choice upto you."
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Post by Aliesha on Sept 17, 2005 12:11:05 GMT -5
I did not know how to react to the way Morgan had taken me wanting to protect him. I felt ashamed that I might have dishonored him in some way.
"I apologize Morgan, I have obviously over stepped my boundaries. I did not mean to cause you any shame or dishonor. I was only trying to do what I have vowed with my honor to do. That is to protect you at all cost."
"I understand Aliesha, but you are going to have to learn to let go of your anger and mistrust of these people, because for what it is worth, this is home. These people are in a sense our family."
Part of me knew Morgan was right. I was an outcast from my own clan, things would never be the same for me. Since it had just been him and I for the last months, he had become very important to me. This realization shocked me. The very man that had stripped me of my chance at being a warrior, and he was the one I felt closer to? I had to get a hold of myself. I took a deep breath.
"I will make sure that there are no outburst in the future. I will now go and get the Doctor."
Morgan only nodded his head. I walked to the back, finding the Doctor almost immediately, I spoke first. This was not going to be easy for me.
"Doctor, I must apologize for my outburst. I did not mean to offend you, I was only trying to do my duty."
The Doctor turned and looked straight into my eyes, her face had a soft kind expression on it.
"First off, what is your name?"
"Aliesha"
"Well, Aliesha, don't give it another thought. I know something of yours and Morgans backgrounds and understand your loyalty to him. We will just start all over again. I'm Doctor Jessica Saturina, you can call me Jessica."
She smiled and held out her hand to me. At first I did not know how to take this. I was not used to someone being so nice to me. I hesitated for a moment, looking into her eyes. Morgan was right, there seemed to be no malice or deception in her. I finally took her hand and shook it firmly.
"I am glad to make your acquaintance Doctor. Morgan wishes me to tell you he is ready to go through with the surgery now. If you wish me to stay and be of any help I will. Otherwise I will go and leave him to you. I can see he is in good hands."
"He is Aliesha. Don't worry. He will be here in the infirmary until the anesthetic wears off and he feels strong enough to leave. I really don't need you to help but I can notify you when he is ready to leave if you wish or you may sit with him while it wears off.
"Yes, that would be good. Let me know when I may return to sit with him."
The Doc and I walked back out to Morgan together.
"I will be back to sit with you until you are ready to be escorted to your quarters Morgan, when the Doctor calls me to tell me you are out of surgery."
"That's fine Aliesha. I will see you then."
I left the infirmary and went to find the gym as Morgan had suggested, I needed to work off some of this pent up rage. Why did I feel so angry all the time?
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Post by Dr. Jessica Saturina on Sept 17, 2005 13:02:38 GMT -5
The encounter with Aliesha had been a strained one to say the least. I felt though that she had left on good terms. I now turned my full attention on Morgan.
"Ok Morgan, let's do this. I'm going to just check your heart and a few things first so if you could remove the upper half of your clothing. We will get started."
At first he seemed a little hesitant to remove his clothes. I just smiled at him reassuringly and turned away busying myself with my instruments so he could disrobe with out me looking directly at him.
"Ok, Doc. I'm ready."
I turned to get on with the exam, I stopped suddenly. I stood there like an idiot. I realized I was holding my breath. Finally letting my breath out, I tried not to appear shocked or bothered by what I seen in anyway. I looked up at Morgans face. His face was emotionless as usual at times like these. I looked at him, the compassion very obvious in my expression. I didn't say anything, I just got a grip and went on with the exam.
It was obvious this man had been through a lot of pain and suffering. He had multiple scars on his torso front and back. His back was covered with deep scars. In fact his back was almost nothing but scar tissue. I listened to his heart, then had him do some deep breathing as I placed the stethoscope on miscellaneous parts of his back.
"Ok, everything sounds great. Now if you want to get into a surgical gown for the operation, I will take you back and get started."
I handed him a large hospital type gown to put on for the surgery, and turned away as he removed the rest of his clothing and put it on.
We went back to the surgical room. Had Morgan lay on the table. I called in Wyatt to assist me. The table took care of the anesthesia and monitored his vitals for me. It also could assist me with surgical instruments but I liked having a human do that for me.
The robotic arms, administered the anesthetic. I went to work as soon as I knew he was far enough under.
Using laser scalpels allowed me to open an incision with no blood spilling out and it wouldn't leave a scar. This man had enough of those to last him for eternity. Wyatt got the cheek implant I had selected for him and carefully handed it to me when I was ready for the placement.
After placement of the cheek implant, I used the bone generator to stabilized the new prosthetic material to the skull. When I was done with that, I attached some new fake skin material over what the clan doctors had done, that would be like his own skin. No one but him and I would know the difference. Finally done attaching and grafting, I closed up leaving just a little line that would heal with no scaring. I looked at his face. I had been very careful in selecting just the right one to make his face once again symmetrical.
I inspected my work. I was pleased. Other then a little swelling and maybe some bruising, once it was all healed, he would be good as new. I smiled to myself hoping he would be please with the result.
I called in Dr. Edwards and Adams and we all got him onto a rolling stretcher, took him out to a bio bed, moving him onto the bed, to allow him to come out of the anesthesia.
It had taken several hours. I stood by his bed watching him sleep. I touched my comm button.
"Dr. Saturina to Aliesha. He is out of surgery. You can come anytime."
An excited voice came back. "Acknowledged Doctor. I am on my way."
I smiled to myself as I envisioned Aliesha running at break neck speed to get here. I chuckled to myself thinking of how devoted this young girl was to Morgan. I sat in a chair not too far away. I too would be close by. I never left my patients, unless I couldn't help it. Aliesha and I would watch over him together this time.
Aliesha arrived, coming in very quietly this time. She nodded a silent greeting to me. I nodded back. She grabbed a chair moving it close to his bed. We waited for him to awake.
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Post by Dr. Jessica Saturina on Sept 19, 2005 23:11:41 GMT -5
At first I watched Morgans vitals closely. I soon realized he was very stable and would be fine. Aliesha and I waited for him to wake up in silence. The silence was eerie at times. I wanted to speak to her but just really didn't know what to say.
Finally Morgan began to wake up. He still had bandages on his face and it would be at least a day before I'd want to take them off. Providing Morgan didn't get impatient and do it himself. I softly chuckled to myself, he probably would. I went over to his bed, standing by Aliesha.
"Hey there. It's good to see you coming around finally. Guess you must have needed the sleep. That anesthetic hit you harder then expected."
He looked at Aliesha then at me. He looked as if he was going to say something.
"NO! Wait, Morgan. I would prefer you didn't speak until we take off the bandages. If you need to converse with us I brought you this pen and tablet. I know it's inconvenient but it's only for a day or two."
He scowled at me. He definitely didn't look happy about that. So impaitent...... He took the pen and pad and immediately began writing something. I waited patiently as he did.
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Morgan Blake
Logistics Coordinator
LEGIONNAIRES - Elite
Posts: 122
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Post by Morgan Blake on Sept 20, 2005 4:57:42 GMT -5
"It is good to see both of you here. I hope you have sorted things out amongst yourselves ? "
" Yes Morgan, we have." from Doctor Saturina
"Aff." Aliesha replied in usual clan fashion.
"Aliesha, can I ask you to find Commander Garlan please ? I heard a rumor he knew of a seller with an Atlas for sale. If so, I would like to know how to contact this seller. Thank you."
"Aff Morgan."
Aliesha left the infirmary on the mission I had requested of her. I really did want to know the information, but I also wanted to speak to the Doctor in Private. I waited until Aliesha had definitely left before proceeding.
"Doctor, I am glad that you and Aliesha have come to an understanding. I hope that in time the two of you can become friends"
"Certainly Morgan, I am sure we can"
"I am glad because Aliesha needs friends. There are so many things that I cannot teach her or help her with. I don't think that she has realised it yet or maybe not acknowledged it yet but her future now firmly lies in the Inner Sphere, there is no going back to the clans for her."
"She needs another woman to confide in. Someone to help her ease into her new life. A friend to help her find someone special so that she doesn't spend the rest of her life alone. A friend to help her realise her full potential."
"Can you do that for her ? please ?"
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Post by Dr. Jessica Saturina on Sept 20, 2005 15:03:42 GMT -5
I could see that what Morgan requested meant a lot to him.
"Of course Morgan. I don't see a problem with that. I will help anyway I can. Now you seem as if you are awake enough to go to your quarters if you prefer to be there. I'm sure Aliesha will watch over you."
" You can stay here for the night if you would feel better staying here, but I would like the bandages to stay on until tomorrow at least."
"You should rest until Aliesha comes back though. I don't want you getting up too soon. I'm sure she will find Garland in no time. She seems relentless in her tasks."
"Yeah if anything she is that."
We booth laughed a little at that thought. I sat in a chair closer to Morgans bed and we chatted as we waited for Aliesha return.
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Post by Aliesha on Sept 20, 2005 21:18:40 GMT -5
After leaving the infirmary to take care of the task Morgan had asked me to do, I ran around relentlessly trying to find Garland.
Finally finding Garland in his quarters, I delivered Morgans request for him to come and talk to him about the information he had on the sale of the Atlas.
He looked a little bewildered by the request. Knowing that Morgan was still in the infirmary after his operation.
"He doesn't believe in wasting time does he?"
"No, Commander Garland, he does not. Will you come with me back to the infirmary? He wanted to talk to you right away."
He nodded his head, grabbed something off his bed, and walked briskly a long side me back to the infirmary.
Back in the infirmary, we came right into the inner infirmary where Morgan was. Morgan and Dr. Saturina were talking.
"I have brought Commander Garland as you requested Morgan."
"Jeez man don't you believe in getting all better before business as usual?"
"Nope, I want to get on with business as soon as possible. So, have a seat and tell me what you know about this Atlas."
The Doc. got up, going about some other things in the infirmary. Garland sat next to Morgans bed in the chair the Doc had just vacated. I stood by while Morgan discussed the Atlas with Garland.
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Post by Commander Garrett Garland on Sept 20, 2005 22:25:07 GMT -5
Startled by the door chime, I cautiously asked, “Who’s there?”
The response was short and curt, clanner-like. “Bondsman Aliesha, Commander.”
Half naked, I opened the door revealing the clanner standing at parade rest. Slightly shorter than me, her tight jumpsuit accentuated her muscular body—quite an attractive one I might have added, but not one with which you’d want to mess with. I motioned her to come in—I felt awkward with her waiting outside an open door.
“Hang on a sec Aliesha, I’m almost presentable.”
I heard her wince at my use of the contraction—I wasn’t sure why but it was considered a near profanity in clanner society. Well she wasn’t with her Clan buddies so she was going to have to learn. I felt as if I were being studied for weaknesses as I put on my shirt, waiting for the clanner to explain her presence. After finally getting it on, she still hadn’t spoke so I was forced to prompt her. Still unsure of how to address her I simply referred to her as Aliesha—I didn’t know if I could call her bondsman.
“So Aliesha, what brings you round these parts anyway?”
“Morgan Blake requests your data on an Atlas you encountered outside of Gellen’s Heights.”
I was hoping for the visit to be of a less formal nature—I wondered if she even ate food with others, but from what I knew cracking the social stigmas of a clanner was like trying to crack an ostrich egg—you could stand on it and it still wouldn’t break. Regardless her comment was surprising—hadn’t Morgan just come out of surgery?
“He doesn't believe in wasting time does he?”
“No, Commander Garland, he does not. Will you come with me back to the infirmary? He wanted to talk to you right away.”
Nodding my head I grabbed my PDA off my bed. As we walked down the hallway I thumbed on the device, scrolling through the duty roster until I found Tech Sergeant Forester. Manipulating the PDA’s screen I sent a report for duty to the Tech to meet me in the Infirmary on the double—and to bring his data on the Atlas.
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