soul_campaign | [video] 2/6, evening - Megumi vs. the modern HMO

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[video] 2/6, evening - Megumi vs. the modern HMO

[The video feed comes on to the office Megumi has now occupied in the General Hospital. You can see tatami flooring and a pot simmering on a hot plate. A timer dings in the background and there is the sound of her speaking:]

This is ridiculous. What is the need for all of these papers, I'm up to my ears in them. Taking the time to fill them all out takes time away from where we should be-- the patient's bedside. And why is this "medical board" having us perform so many tests on each patient even when the diagnosis is already clear? No one gets better from running all of these unnecessary tests, but we have to bill them anyway. It's a waste of time and money-- ours and the patients'.

[A man's voice can be heard, it's an NPC supervisor] That's not my concern, Doctor Tanaka. Fill out the files or-- do what the rest of them do, get yourself an assistant and make them do it. I don't care, just get it done. Good day.

[The door closes and Megumi turns around and shuffles back towards where the communicator is. She can be heard cracking an egg into a bowl and muttering something that sounds very much like:]

It's Takani, you stupid ass.

[She cracks another egg for her tamagoyaki, and that's when she notices the mirror was on that whole time.]

Hmph. Figures.

If you are out there, and you're injured-- and I know there are many of you after all of that. Come to the clinic at the hospital tonight or tomorrow. I won't give you the same nonsense or run-around that they are recommending us to. It's my job to get you well and back home.

[Open to action threads here, or you can tag in to this log!]

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[Gai fiddles with the communicator controls to zoom out, showing that he's fully dressed but in bed.]

I know how much bedrest I need and am not neglecting it. [This time.] But sometimes too much is ordered by doctors here!

It looks as though we aren't talking about general terms here, are we~

You are Gai-san, aren't you? I saw you around at the morning training event they have here.

[Whoops. She hadn't meant it personally, then.]

...We could speak on general terms. General is good.

[There's a pause before he answers the question. He'd not intended to catch the attention of another doctor, but it's too late now.]

I am. I run that most of the time. And you are...?

Takani Megumi. I'm a doctor.

I didn't realize that of all people, Gai-san, one who is a role model to so many young ones would even begin to think about not following a doctor's orders. How surprising....

I guessed that you were a doctor.

[Gai looks sheepish.]

There is too much resting prescribed here! And staying in the clinic when one does not need to! And taking care of every small injury!

Well, now, resting at home should be acceptable, if I were to have my way. It sounds like you've had a lot of injuries. For instance?

Previously. Not now! I am fine. It is not injuries.

Now, now, Gai-san~ I asked you a question. Do I need to go find your medical fiiiile?

[Gai keeps his face perfectly still, because he really doesn't want to know what Watson might have written in his file. Or Kerrigan. And he doesn't want others to know either.]

I have had broken ribs from a Kishin, as well as lacerations and bruising. I also arrived here injured due to what was happening in my world at the time. But those were all in the past!

Goodness, you're quite a brave man, to fight a Kishin. Well then, are you injured now?

I am not injured in any way that matters right now.

[Megumi nods understandingly. He seems rather avoidant, so she figures she needs to be cautious not to offend. She says very softly, with the pleasant smile she saved for her dear patients back home:]

I'm glad you aren't injured. If you ever need anything, such as liniment for bruises or sore muscles, please feel free to drop by. I live on the first floor of the building which you call "Casualty Communal," and I always have my "pharmacy" with me.

[She holds up her medicine cabinet, which is a large wooden box that basically looks like a traditional Asian medicine shop in miniature, rows of tiny, carefully labeled drawers.]

Even if not for such a clinical purpose, I don't mind visits. I'm rather fond of tea, for instance.

[That is not the reaction he'd been expecting. Gai looks at the box, trying to not be too suspicious.]

...That is all?

[No physician he'd met gave such a no-pressure offer.]

You are sure that you are a doctor?

[Megumi's used to suspicion. In her world, most people don't think she is a doctor, because of her gender. Out of habit, she assumes that's the case here and proceeds with caution. This man is a leader here, and she doesn't want to invite any kind of censure upon herself. She's lucky to be where she is.]

Yes, sir, most sure. I come from a long line of doctors. I've been training to become one since I was a little girl. I studied many years at university for it.

Do you wish to see my credentials?

I did not mean...

[Gai's got a feeling that he's said things wrong, because people don't normally offer up their credentials or list their heritage.]

...I meant that I have never had a doctor accept me saying that I was fine and then not pressure me to come in. I have been in! When I was brought back! But that is... not my normal experience.

Well... if you will forgive me for venturing my own opinion, the way I see it, pressuring you wouldn't do much good. You don't know me at all, why should you listen to me?

Few seem to think of it like that, but you make an excellent point.

[Megumi lowers her eyes humbly, her hands folded on her lap. It's clear she was raised with the strictest attention to bearing and etiquette. Every angle of her body language is absolutely precise. You can imagine her mama, wherever she is, would be proud.]

I'd like to say something, if I may.

I know that the previous head of the clinic-- Dr. Wata-san-- [She has such a hard time saying "Watson."] I heard that he was here quite a long time and he was close with his patients. I've read through some files and seen his notes. He was a good English doctor, very thorough, and he seems to have been an excellent observer of human behavior. I don't expect that anyone would be happy to try a new physician after being his patient.

Between a doctor and patient, a relationship is grown, for care to be most effective and for people to be well. That relationship does not happen overnight. I've trained and studied and worked my hands to the bone for many years to treat people with care, and I have my own beliefs and my own philosophy. My style won't be the same as Dr. Wata-san's. I think that is why I'd prefer, rather than pressure you into an examination-- to leave you an open invitation for a simple cup of tea with another grownup, or even a walk in the park.

[She stands and bows very deeply to show her sincerity. Although she's excellent at doing so with her height and proper upper-class bearing, Megumi doesn't bother bowing to just anyone, this is extremely rare. Let's hope it gets recorded and saved by somebody for Death City historical records.]

I must place myself in your care first. At first I was suspicious of you all, but you and others are protecting this city, for those of us who would be helpless otherwise. I saw for myself during the invasion. I wish to express my gratitude, Gai-san.

[Gai listens, looking abashed when she mentioned Watson's notes but more interested as she continues. He leans forward, bowing back.]

Watson was my friend, and it will not be easy for me to come to trust another doctor the way I did him. I have not made friends with anyone medical before. But I have not met anyone who approached it in that way before either.

[There's a pause. It's a trap, he knows it is, but he likes new friends, and to refuse her would be rude.]

I would enjoy tea or walk. Or both, sometime, Megumi-san. And... it is my duty to serve. There is no need for gratitude.

[She gives him a tiny, playful smile]

I think it's best for you to not think of me as a replacement. Dr. Wata-san is still your doctor, and I'll just be Megumi-the-lady-you-can-have-tea-with. Or-borrow-bandages-from.

[Gai smiles.]

It is my pleasure to meet you, Megumi-the-lady-I-can-borrow-bandages-from-and-have-tea-with. I hope that Watson returns so you can meet him, as well. ...Though he is likely better off back home.

[Whoa how did you say his name!? She remembers how you pronounced it for next time.]

Mm. I... would like to have met Dr. Watson. But I hope that he is safe and happy in his home. And the pleasure is mine, sir.

[It helps that he never had to read it and heard it from Watson's own lips.]

I think he went home to a good situation. His war is over. But I will miss him. That is the sad side of the good side of this place - you will make many friends, and some of them will leave.

I see...

I will be cautious of it, then.

Do not let that hold you back! It is better to meet them and befriend them and have your life influenced in a good way before they leave, then to not know them at all. The pain is worth it.

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