[centre][color=AF9E96]𝗦𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗟 𝗪𝗛𝗜𝗧𝗘[/color]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/56qLGFa.png[/img]
[sup][img]https://i.imgur.com/RqF4x8I.png[/img][/sup][/centre]
[indent][i]“Your scans are back for Ms. Preski, Doctor White.”[/i] A short ginger-haired woman approached the resident neurosurgeon. Suriel accepted the large manila envelope with the warmest of smiles. They found that their smile had an emotionally healing effect on people, and smiling was the easiest thing in the world to do, so of course they did so whenever it was appropriate for the situation. It was curious how such a simple gesture could do so much for a person. The angel cannot fathom why more humans don’t practice it, to truly smile, and possibly brighten another person's day in doing so. The red-headed nurse smiled in return, causing an adorable dimple to form at the left corner of her mouth. Suriel admired it for a moment before thanking the woman, who then hurried out of the room, undoubtedly to carry out her next nursely duty.

Now that Suriel was left to their work, they extracted the scans from the protective envelope. Scanning the film briefly to see what cursory information could be gleaned from it, Suriel decided that better lighting was needed. Walking over to the eastern wall, Suriel closed the door gently and turned off the lights. They clipped the MRI scans up onto the lightbox and powered the ancient device on. Edgetoun had yet to graduate to twenty first century medical equipment, so manual reading of physical scans was the only option for the training neurosurgeon.

Suriel did not mind the challenge that Edgetoun Memorial’s lack of state-of-the-art equipment imposed, though. The technological advancements made in the past seven years were wonderful, but Suriel knew well enough that relying too fully on technology could put doctors dangerously out of practice. Doctors are problem solvers, and medicine is puzzling by nature, so it is important to remember what it feels like to think and study, rather than become a slave to machinery or monotony. That said… the hospital could use some extra funding, they were lacking in technologies that Suriel could use to help save more lives, and saving lives was the only reason that the angel was here for.

The fair-haired doctor turned their attention to the scans and studied them for a moment, a finger pressed to their chin in silent contemplation. Most other doctors would see this for what it was: a grim prognosis. There was not one, but three tumors taking residence in Ms. Preski’s grey matter. Suriel White was not most doctors, however. They did not believe in pessimism, nor the “realism” that was simply pessimism hidden behind a more palatable name. Doctor White would do everything in their power to save a patient, and to heal them, as it was their divine calling to do so.

Suriel jotted some notes down on their patient’s chart, mostly laying out the options moving forward. Ms. Preski could choose accept their prognosis and forgo treatment, or undergo chemotherapy, schedule a surgery, or a combination of the latter two. The choice was always left in the patient’s hands, though Suriel did have their own recommendations for which treatment option was ideal. Suriel gathered the scans and stored them in a folder with Ms. Preski’s chart, and their notes, before placing them on their work desk until Ms. Preski’s appointment later in the afternoon.

The angelic doctor had a few minutes between now and their next appointment, so they took this time to use the facilities and stop in the break room. They would — metaphorically, of course — kill for a cup of tea right about now. Thankfully maintenance had finally fixed the coffee pot so that the hot water spicket worked once more. Suriel browsed their options and selected an earl grey tea bag from the tray. Taking a few moments to sit down and rest their weary body while their tea steeped, Suriel’s eyes flicked to the telly, which was currently playing [i]Raine or Shine with Ryleigh Raine[/i]. They only caught the first few minutes before the break room door opened to reveal the Chief of Staff. Suriel sat up a little straighter and nodded towards the authority figure in the hospital who was looking… rather harried. Far more so than normal.

[i]“Doctor White, perfect, just the person I was looking for. Well… one of many.”[/i] The man said, sounding slightly out of breath. He often got that way after taking a flight of steps too fast. Or just taking a flight of steps at a normal pace… he was a tad bit overweight, after all.

Suriel looked up at him, concern maring their otherwise ethereal features. He was looking for Suriel, as well as many other staff members? That could only mean that there was some kind of emergency. [b]“What is it, doctor?”[/b] Suriel asked, prepared to abandon the cup of tea that they were so ready to thoroughly enjoy just moments ago. There was no time for relaxation if duty called them to action. It would be selfish to do anything other than act. Selfishness was the first step towards falling, and they would not fall.

[i]“I’m not sure where you personally stand on the whole [i]Other[/i] situation that we have here in Edgetoun, but regardless of any personal morals or opinions we may have, we all swore the same oath. To save lives. That includes the Others—”[/i] He began, but was quickly cut off.

[b]“Of course, sir. Of course it includes Others.”[/b] Suriel responded quickly, fearing that he might be assuming the worst of them. They were not a bigot towards Others, how could they be when they were one? But the Chief of Staff did not know that he was, in fact, speaking to an Other. He was right though, Suriel swore an other to save all, and they meant it… even a demon… if it were to come to that. [b]“What’s happened? Why is this coming up all of the sudden?”[/b]

[i]“Oh… you haven’t heard yet?”[/i] He asked, to which Suriel shook their head and replied with a soft ‘no’. [i]“Well… there was a broadcast hijacking made by someone with, uhh, less than savory intentions towards the Others. They threatened them on the full moon that will be this weekend. Looks like we might have a bit of a wolf hunt situation on our hands. This can only mean one thing — people are going to get hurt. People on either side, possibly both sides.”[/i]

[b]“No…”[/b] Suriel’s heart rate kicked into high gear. They felt nervous, more nervous than the day of the mass outing of the Other. This was the very moment that they feared coming to life. It was just like the biblical stories that were read in the sermons at Our Mother of Mercy. Humanity was tempted into discovering wisdom and knowledge by eating the forbidden fruit, and in doing so, they invited sin into their lives. The weight of sin was death… and the weight of knowing the Others would be death too, it seemed. But not if Suriel could help it.

[i]“I know you were scheduled to have this Sunday off, but could you possibly be on call that night? We don’t want to be caught short staffed if things get… well, you know.”[/i] He said gloomily.

Suriel nodded in agreement. [b]“Of course, sir. I can even be on site, if you want me to be. Either way, I won’t be far.”[/b]

[i]“Thank you, Doctor White. Edgetoun is a better place with people like you in it. Have a nice day, and, please do spread the word among staff. Stay safe.”[/i]

[b]“I will, doctor. You too!”[/b] They responded and, with a shaky hand, brought the steaming cup of tea to their lips. Suriel could use a moment of quiet relaxation now more than ever. They still had to prepare what to say to Ms. Preski this afternoon, let alone work overtime in a possible weekend massacre. Heavens help them.[/indent]