On the other end of the line, Heath told Loyce to hang on for a moment. He turned to the old man playing chess across from him and said, “Isn’t your son with the Navy Medical Command? Loyce is participating in a drill on one of the ships this afternoon. Can you get her a security pass?”
The old man looked surprised. “What’s Loyce doing on a warship?”
“She mentioned wanting to see if she could upgrade the ship’s medical systems,” Heath explained. “This is a great opportunity, you shouldn't miss it. When it comes to medicine, I’ve never seen her make a single mistake.”
The other old men at the table, all from military families, perked up at that. Their children and grandchildren were all serving, and an upgraded medical system meant better protection for their own.
“Hey, I can call my daughter about this, she can handle it.”
“No, let me make the call.”
...
After Loyce ended the call, Hazel tugged at her sleeve. “Loyce, please don’t be upset,” she whispered. “Our medical team’s protocols are just a bit rigid. Why don’t I take you off the ship for now? We can go speak with Admiral Shapiro and get the authorization to use the emergency system. We can come back after the drill is over.”
“Just hurry up and go. Don’t hold us up,” the female medic said, opening the med-bay door and impatiently gesturing for Loyce to leave.
Jasmine’s voice was soft but firm. “The drill is about to start. You don’t know anything here and will only get in the way. It’s best if you leave.”
“Alright,” Loyce said simply. She turned and walked out of the cabin.
As she left, the contemptuous looks on the medics’ faces deepened.
Just then, a call came through directly to Jasmine. It was an order from the highest level of Medical Command.
“The Commander-in-Chief has issued a directive. A temporary medic, Loyce, is to be added to the roster for this naval drill. That girl is on your ship, correct? Ensure she participates fully in the medical exercise. She will be providing a comprehensive report on the ship’s medical systems.”
Jasmine was taken aback. “The drill report? I’ve always been the one to write it.”
“You write yours; it won’t interfere with the young lady’s report. Any other objections? If not, execute the order immediately.”
“…Yes, sir.”
After hanging up, Jasmine, looking displeased, turned to the medic beside her. “Go and get Loyce. She’s to participate in this drill as a medic.”
The medic’s eyes widened. “What? Is this an order from Admiral Shapiro?”
“No. Don’t ask questions, just go,” Jasmine said in a low voice.
“What kind of connections does this girl have?” the medic wondered aloud.
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