The Doctor Is In - For the Sick

[a_soul_awake]

St. John’s test results had come back after a few hours and Hope ran them again just to make sure there wasn’t an error in her machines. Of course there wasn’t. The second results were the same as the first and it made her wonder. While the white blood cell count was slightly elevated it wasn’t anything that screamed to her obvious infection. It

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[cantseethis]

Not having to shield the camp anymore, there was rarly a time when Atticus had to use his cloak. Not that he wasn't, because there were certainly times (and definitely not ones where he was spying), when he needed to.

But in the duration of the time he did not have it on his body became vulnerable to whatever it was that had infested the air and was beginning to turn the camp from healthy to sick. Of course he'd only thought it to be a cold at first. But as time passed Atti could feel that it was something...much more than that. So much more it had driven him from his bed to go and seek Hope.

He didn't want to bother her with what would seem like a simple cold. But Atticus had never felt a cold like this. One that struck him to the core. The journey from his room to the medical building seemed to take years. And the invitation to take up a bed while he waited for Hope was gladly appreciated. Letting the weight from under him flop onto the bed, Atti lay back against the pillow and closed his eyes.

[a_soul_awake]

"Atticus."

No, not him. He couldn't be sick as well. If he had the same symptoms, if this mysterious unknown illness was fatal. Good Lord, she didn't even know if it was. She had no idea what she was dealing with and it had gotten Atticus. Panic flared, wild and completely unhelpful, before she stamped it down. She had to help.

"The flu?" she asked, already heading for the blood draw kit.

[cantseethis]

A small, weak smile came to his face, but his eyes remained shut still. "I was hoping you could tell me, doctor."

Atticus had the flu before, and this did not fell like it was that. But he was no doctor. And he most certainly wasn't going to try and figure it out. His brain felt like it was in a liquid state at the moment. Trying to formulate a simple sentence was taxing enough.

[a_soul_awake]

"I need to run some tests," she said, going to his side and taking his arm gently. "Which will require some blood and I'm going to insist you get admitted here."

She worked on autopilot as she drew the blood, taking two vials like she had from everyone else. She was definitely bringing this to the Captain's and Ms. Frost's attention as soon as she got Atticus set up comfortably.

"I'll get some books from your room so you'll have something to do and start you on some antibiotics."

[cantseethis]

"Not the flu, then?" He would have liked to say more in a lighter tone, but he didn't have the energy to waste on it. Hope obviously had some sort of previous suspicion. And Atticus got the feeling he wasn't the only one who'd come in with this problem. He hoped he was wrong.

[a_soul_awake]

She licked her lips and shook her head, speaking softly. "I don't know what it is yet."

Atticus was the only person she would ever admit ignorance to outside an official capacity. She'd have to tell the Captain and Ms. Frost.

"But I will figure it out," she said with conviction. "I promise."

[cantseethis]

That was something of a problem. If doctors wouldn't know what this is, if Hope didn't know....

But Atticus trusted her. He wouldn't worry. "I'm sure you will, dear."

[a_soul_awake]

Though she knew it risked her health she leaned over and kissed his forehead. She was going to cure this whatever it was come hell or high water.

"I'm going to send in a nurse, she'll get an IV set up and start you on some medication," she said when she finished drawing the blood. "You should get some sleep. That's what best when your sick."

She needed to get back to the lab and get to work.

[cantseethis]

It didn't surprise him that she'd risked her health to kiss his forehead. That was just like Hope, and it made him smile. He would have liked to take her hand, give it a squeeze, try and comfort her in some way but he wasn't going to risk it himself.

Instead he tried to continue to give her a reassuring smile, and nod. "Thank you love. I'll be right here if you need me." Of course if anyone would need anyone it would be him needing her. But that was just Atticus. At her suggestion he closed his eyes again and tried to rest.