บท 33: 33. Don't Turn Around.
I was mingling with the guests, feeling the buzz of excitement in the air. Magnum, my trusted companion, walked beside me, his presence providing a sense of security. Murdock, our skilled eliminator, scanned the area, targeting any potential threats. Despite Salvatore's prior efforts, there were still a few baddies lurking about, but I felt safe under their watchful eyes.
Time seemed to blur as we circled the room, engaging in conversation and laughter, when suddenly, a beep from my purse startled me. I pulled out my pager, feeling a rush of surprise. It was a major incident, and I was urgently needed. First one for me. Magnum guided me to another room, where I made a call to the hospital. The news was grim—a massive pile-up on a nearby road, multiple casualties, and utter chaos. We were the first responders, and I had to take charge.
Returning to the hall, I glanced at my team. Their eyes were fixed on me, filled with anticipation. Magnum stood faithfully by my side, while the rest of my team followed closely behind. It was time to act. No more gala. We swiftly made our way to the hospital, needing to change our gear and gather supplies. Time was of the essence, and urgency propelled our every move. My five were going with me, no questions asked.
As Magnum took the wheel, the car filled with a heavy silence. Murdock, Wulfe, Dexter, and Colin remained quiet, their minds focused on the task ahead. I knew each one of them would be instrumental in the field, their unique skills ready to be utilized. The details of the accident had reached me, and it was a horrific scene that awaited us.
The chaotic sequence of events began when a private airplane, carrying approximately 15 people, encountered some sort of mechanical fault, forcing them to attempt an emergency landing. Desperately searching for a suitable spot, they found only one expansive road. The road, eerily quiet, led them to believe that their emergency permit to land had been approved and that everyone had been adequately warned. Thus, they made the daring decision to touch down, hidden from view behind a sharp curve.
Unbeknownst to them, two massive trucks laden with chemicals were barreling down that very road. The drivers, weary from hours on the road, succumbed to fatigue and collided with the unsuspecting plane. The impact spawned a cascade of events, as other vehicles traveling in the opposite direction became entangled in a rapidly forming pile-up. The unfortunate outcome: those two trucks, the ill-fated airplane, at least a dozen cars, and even a bus became entwined in this disastrous accident. Misfortune seemed to have struck all parties involved.
I had no idea why it had happened and it was not my job to even try to find out. My job was to save as many as possible. There were doctors at the scene already as well as firemen and other emergency personnel, but I would be trauma lead as this hospital was the main one where victims would be taken. Pack's hospital was not a trauma hospital. There was no trauma department.
As we arrived at the hospital, our destination became apparent - a particular section reserved for trauma cases. Swiftly, I changed into my gear, donning scrubs and protective outer clothing. Designated as the trauma lead, I collected my pre-packed bags, containing an array of dental substances. I had done quite a collection, just in case.
While not all of these materials could save lives, I had prepared a significant quantity of potent black substance, carefully drawn into syringes, three cubic centimeters per syringe. This powerful painkiller was intended for those who were beyond saving, a means to ease their suffering and grant them a peaceful exit. The irony of being able to administer such powerful relief to dying humans while being unable to offer mercy to my cubs was not lost on me. However, I pushed aside these thoughts and focused on ensuring that my bag was fully prepared.
My five were with me. Every one of them was ready and Colin would be one of the trauma doctors as well. He had his own bag with leprechaun substances and some of my dentals as well.
Within fifteen minutes, we were primed to deploy to the accident scene. I traveled with my team of five, while the rest of the crew hopped onto the waiting ambulances, revving their engines in anticipation. The journey ahead promised to be time-consuming, but we were prepared for the task at hand. My adrenaline was flowing already, but I kept my mind on the point.
I briefed everyone on their assigned responsibilities, distributing the syringes to my team. They had no qualms about employing these powerful painkillers, understanding the small solace they could offer to those beyond saving. It was also a money saver, as my dentals were free. They did not come out of the hospital's budget.
As we arrived at the scene, the flashing lights of many emergency vehicles illuminated the area. The wailing sirens filled the air, blending with the distant cries of people in distress. A sea of individuals dressed in bright yellow suits moved with urgency, their presence clear amidst the chaos.
Stepping out of the car, I briskly walked towards the unfolding tragedy. As I approached, a crowd gathered around me, their anxious faces eager for guidance. Taking a deep breath, I gathered my thoughts and spoke, my voice projecting over the commotion.
"Colin, take your team and assess the plane. Ensure it's safe to enter and evacuate those trapped inside. Wulfe, assists with the hazardous chemicals, minimizing the exposure for civilians. Dexter, Magnum, and Murdock keep everyone calm and maintain order. Make sure that no press, or unauthorized access. You have your syringes as well if you see the need to use them. Our team will focus on the injured, differentiating between red and black."
With my instructions given, I swiftly organized the assessment team, assigning colors to each victim. Green indicated minor injuries, yellow signified the need for hospitalization, and red denoted life-threatening conditions requiring immediate attention. The black category, seemingly without hope, became my priority, as I aimed to salvage as many lives as possible.
Greens could go to some clinic to be seen and it would be important to get everyone moved out here. Yellow to the hospitals nearby, even in Pack's hospital. Red went to our trauma department and black into a body bag, to be identified if needed.
As my team dispersed, I began examining the victims myself. I carried my bag of medical supplies and prepared for the daunting task ahead. Suddenly, a group of firefighters motioned for me to join them. I followed their gesture and approached a mangled car, crushed and distorted by the impact. Knowing that it would take time to treat and try to save, and that time might mean someone dying, did not make this any easier.
Inside the vehicle, a pale woman sat in the driver's seat, clearly in immense pain. The black plague rested beside her, showing her critical non-hope condition. Her lower body had been crushed, and she wore an oxygen mask.
As I spoke to her, she weakly removed the mask and pleaded, "Please, my baby. I know I won't survive, but please save my baby."
My gaze shifted to a fireman who had been looking into the backseat. A child's car seat lay covered by a blanket, concealing a tiny figure. It became clear that the baby had not survived the accident. The woman was going down to drain, so to speak. She did not have much time.
The woman saw my expression, and she said, "Please let me hold my baby, one last time."
My heart sank as I continued to assess the woman's injuries, but there was nothing I could do. Her lower body was severely damaged, and she was losing blood rapidly. The car's compression had temporarily slowed the bleeding, but any attempt to extricate her would cause her death within minutes. Time was running out. Her desperate plea had tugged my heartstrings, and I wondered if it was possible to grant her last wish.
I walked a short distance; the ground crunching beneath my boots. As I approached a nearby fireman, keeping my expression neutral, I inquired about the condition of the baby, my voice steady and hushed. "Is the baby clean? Can she hold it? She won't make it, but she should hold it one last time."
The fireman nodded solemnly and replied, "The impact caused the baby's neck to break, but we can wrap it up to make it easier for her to hold. It won't be too bad for her."
I nodded in understanding, my heart heavy with the weight of the situation.
"Do it," I said, my voice barely audible. "Then, when she has the baby in her arms, give her the black syringe."
The fireman nodded in agreement. I turned away, my steps quickening. In the corner of my eye, I saw the fireman gently handing the little bundle to the woman. Her face lit up with a bittersweet smile as they administered the syringe of painkiller. She cradled her baby close, and as I moved towards my next patient, I could hear her heart faltering, then stopping altogether.
I forced myself to remain focused, pushing aside any sentimentality. There were countless others in need of my help, countless lives to save. I steeled myself for what lay ahead, and it wasn't long before someone beckoned me closer once again. This was going to be hard, and I needed to be focused. Time to be a clinician, and rely on facts, not feelings.
Mariella and Salvatores had introduced their dragons to each other, their scales shimmering in the light as they intertwined. The sheer joy radiated from their faces, as they knew it would take time for Salvatores to heal their majestic creatures. However, Draco and Silver, with their magical abilities, offered to assist in the healing process. Together, they brought the dragons to live in another realm, where a magical house awaited them.
Salvatores made a promise to heal them, but for now, they all needed to recharge their batteries. The dragons were eager to connect, sensing the potential in their newfound companionship. They believed that getting to know each other would aid in their healing journey. Meanwhile, Salvatores had successfully healed Sylvie and Drake, so much so that Mimi, their beloved alpha female, might not grow any more scales for them.
However, Damon vowed to keep a watchful eye on her, just in case she did. He knew the scales possessed immense power and desired to be a part of it. He wanted to share that power with his wife, no matter what it would take. He was quite a greedy individual, and it was clear that the baby had more powers to give to him. He had finally gotten rid of those hints in his mind, meaning he wanted a damn vampire power to himself, too.
As they left the room and mingled for a while, a sudden realization struck them. Mimi and several others were missing, including her five companions. Alarmed, a woman approached Mariella, showing her a newscast displaying Mimi being the leader at the scene of the accident and she was walking away in that newscast to save others. Mariella wasted no time in sharing this with Damon. After a moment of contemplation, Damon took action.
"Fine, we will go and help," Damon said with determination. "I will make a call, asserting our rights as doctors. I am an emergency doctor, and our pack will come together to aid her. When we arrive, I will explain our mission, and we will proceed from there. Darling, brace yourself, as this will be a challenging ordeal, and there may be casualties."
Mariella nodded, her heart prepared for the hard task ahead. Despite the potential heartbreak, she realized she had rediscovered her passion for experiencing new things. This journey, though arduous, represented a chance for growth and exploration. Damon wasted no time, already dialing the phone, as they teleported into the hospital, ready to equip themselves for the mission.
Damon delved into Mimi's mind, knowing that she had various dental substances in her kit, and he was determined to work alongside her. They would be a team, saving as many lives as possible, even though some cases may be beyond salvation. But Mimi, true to her nature, would try anyway. He wanted to see this side of her. To feel what she felt. He wanted to connect with her. Get to know her.
I was tending to a man whose heart was on the verge of giving out, desperately trying to save him. The surrounding air was filled with the metallic scent of blood, a stark reminder of the severe blood loss he had suffered. This man was on the brink of darkness, but I hoped to bring him back into the realm of the living, from black to red.
I reached for my healing booster, knowing it had limited effectiveness on humans, but hoping it would work its magic this time. Just as I was about to administer it, one of my team members approached me, interrupting my concentration.
Their voice cut through the tension in the air. "Boss, there are more medical personnel here. They want to see you, to get their orders."
I grunted in frustration, knowing that every second counted as the man's heart continued to beat weakly. I was in the midst of an emergency operation. The man was sedated on the makeshift operating table. With his abdomen opened up, I carefully tended to his lacerated liver, placing a temporary patch to stem the bleeding. My healing booster helped. As I worked to regain control, the man's condition began to stabilize, but nothing was certain yet. I gave him a second dose. And one syringe full of my blood. Vampire blood can heal, but humans are fragile. Even with it, I can't save everyone.
I turned to my team members and instructed them, "Put the new arrivals to work on the walking wounded and clear things up. I'll join them as soon as I'm free."
I was focusing on this one. Trying to make sure that he had enough blood to survive the transfer. I gave him a little more fluids.
Deep down, I knew that freedom might not come anytime soon. I kept a watchful eye on the man for a few more minutes, relieved to see his stability. Using staples, I closed his wound, covering it securely. I gave orders to nearby paramedics, urging them to transport him to the hospital as soon as possible. My makeshift patch wouldn't hold for much longer, and he needed to undergo surgery urgently. He needed fluids, as his blood volume was so damn low.
As the paramedics loaded the man into the ambulance, I removed my blood-stained gloves and carefully packed away my medical kit. Glancing around, my eyes fell upon my pack. They had arrived, with Damon leading the way, the others following closely behind. Their overalls marked them as trauma doctors, just like all the Salvatores. The same went for the boys and Adam. Oh, they were new arrivals.
It was time for me, as the leader, to put them to work. Everyone was needed in this chaotic situation. No time to listen to orders but to give them. This was done as I saw fit. My way or the highway, so to speak.
Suddenly a man ran at me, crying and trying to hug me, plead with me, and sob something that I needed to save them. Firemen gestured to the car where the now dead woman was still holding her dead baby in her arms and this man was her husband. A few firemen came and took men with them, trying to explain that they were already gone and he should go away.
Man's pleas and crying echoed in my ear as he wailed over his dead child. It had been their only child, a miracle, and it had been a long and hard process for them to get that baby. And now he had lost everything. My pack witnesses this scene with their expressions unreadable. I could see Damon's jaw moving, Mariella's expression getting a little softer, and Charles looking at me sharply. Like he would have seen something in my face.
As they approached me, I addressed them firmly, "Listen up, I am the lead here, so no questions about my decisions. Not now. First of all, Adam, Charles, and the boys, I need you to search the forest and roadside. Victims often get disoriented and sometimes get thrown out of the car. Transform into your alternate forms and find them. Once you locate someone, teleport them to someone who can care for them. Mariella, I know it's not a pleasant task, but you need to start identifying the black ones - the deceased or near-death victims. We need a list for when people call and inquire. Use the magic house if necessary, but remember, there are already many of them. You need to speak with relatives as well or anyone who asks where their loved one is. We are trying to identify patients and ambulances have a database of who has been admitted, and where. "
I pointed out to her the rows of body bags laid out to the side.
She nodded, her eyes scanning the grim sight. "No problem," she said calmly. "I can handle it. I'll call a few witches to help. They can inform the hospital and the relatives. I and my witches can handle all and every query."
With that, she walked away, leaving behind the boys, Adam, and Charles, who had already left.
I turned to the wolves and said, "You two, take charge of the walking wounded, the green ones. Get them moving and onto the buses we have ready. They need to be taken to clinics that can care for them. And make sure the press doesn't get in the way. Magnum, Murdock, and Dexter are already keeping things calm, but there is always nosy press. work with them. Ambulances are needed more badly wounded and we need to clear people out of here."
Mimosa and Shadow briskly approached the injured humans marked as green, clearing them away. They were surprisingly dominant as they went to talk to Magnum.
I continued, "Numbers two, five, seven, nine, and ten, go with Colin to the plane and assist the red ones. We have plenty of ambulances, so stabilize them and load them in. We don't need to fully treat them right now."
Number one spoke up. "I'll be with you, baby. We'll do this together."
I nodded in agreement, saying, "The rest of you, start from the other end, help wulfe. He is trying to minimize those chemical fumes and there are victims there too and tend to those who still have hope. Here are syringes for those with no hope." I gave them kits, filled with my substance-filled syringes. Number two looked at me sharply, taking them.
I looked at number one and said, in a clipped voice, " I'm focusing on saving as many as I can, turning the black tags into red. Are you ready for that?" I asked for number one.
He nodded firmly and replied, "First, let me check your bag so I know what resources we have. I have collectors and jars with me. I might make a few substances myself."
The Salvatores took their positions while the number one crouched next to my bags, examining their contents and opening my jars, assessing the substances inside. A paramedic waved at me, signaling that it was time to go.
"Come on, no time to waste," I said, and he stood up, walking with me towards a waiting car.
I felt him delve into my mind, using power to go through my shields and extract information about substances and equipment that I had on me.
The paramedics swiftly extracted two men from the wreckage, their pale faces frozen in stillness.
One paramedic gestured towards the left man and informed me, "Liver laceration, low blood pressure, and potential crush injuries in his chest."
I nodded, my attention shifting to the other man as Damon crouched beside him, sorting through his belongings. Damon had a bag at his side, and I could hear the rustling of items being removed from it.
Leaving Damon to his task, I approached the patient lying on the right. The paramedic by his side informed me, "Broken femur, significant blood loss, stable now, but a lower abdomen injury, possibly a ruptured spleen."
I nodded, maintaining a calm demeanor as I began to examine the man. As I palpated his abdomen, I felt the muscles tense up, hardened by the pain he was enduring. Retrieving my portable ultrasound, I performed a scan, confirming the presence of free fluid, indicating a bleeding spleen. Another procedure was necessary to save his life.
Administering sedatives to ease his anxiety, I reassured the man about his husband, who Damon was tending to. I assured him that his partner was in capable hands. Once the sedative took effect, I prepared my operating kit and selected the instruments. With the help of a paramedic, I made an incision in the man's abdomen, while a portable suction device was brought forward.
As I searched for the source of the bleeding, I discovered multiple areas of hemorrhage, clarifying that his spleen would need to be removed. However, stabilizing him took precedence, so I inserted a tube filled with blood-clotting foam around the spleen, temporarily halting the bleeding. This allowed us more time to transport him safely to the hospital for surgery. The foam would keep him stable, for now. They had splinted his broken femur when I was tending his spleen.
Swiftly closing his incisions with staples, I covered the wounds and watched as he was carefully loaded into the ambulance. Damon's frustrated cursing caught my attention, and I turned to see his patient's heart had stopped. Damon expressed his frustration aloud, knowing that the man's injuries were too severe for him to survive. Despite the disappointment, we knew we had to press on, as others needed our help.
Patient after patient, we went on, the sound of sirens wailing in the background as we rushed to save as many lives as we could. The scene was chaotic, with smoke billowing into the air and the faint scent of burning lingering in my nostrils. Damon, my husband and now also colleague, seemed visibly affected by the grim reality of our work. He had his patients, and I had mine, in a few cases we worked together, but I had to pretty much say to him through our bond what I needed him to do. Unlike me, he wore his emotions on his sleeve, his face etched with worry and sadness. He took a blow every time a patient died. It was clear that he was not cut out of this. He was not as hardened as I was.
It felt like an eternity as we finally cleared the scene. Exhaustion washed over me like a heavy wave, but there was no time to rest. The last victim we had saved was loaded into the ambulance, and the cars were towed away. Despite the dwindling number of firefighters still present, the remnants of the chaos were slowly being cleared.
I didn't disclose the fact that there weren't enough surgeons at the hospital to handle the influx of patients to the Salvatores, who had gathered nearby with Mariella and the wolves. My pack was huddled together, talking amongst themselves, preparing to teleport back to our house. But I had no such luxury. I grabbed my bags wearily and trudged towards my car, my footsteps heavy and my body aching with exhaustion. My scales helped me endure, yet my back was very sore still, and I kept myself focused on my patients, not my pain and discomfort.
Magnum, my loyal companion, and the rest of my team, their faces etched with weariness and sadness, joined me in the car. It had not been easy for them. They had all had to use my special syringes. The interior of the vehicle was filled with a palpable sense of fatigue and tension. Despite his weariness, Magnum insisted on taking the driver's seat, not giving any room for arguments. With a tired sigh, we embarked on the journey back to the hospital, where the cries of pain and the scent of antiseptics awaited us.
I knew my team needed rest, but there was no time for that now. They could rest at the hospital if I could convince them. Even Murdock, usually composed and strong, looked worn out and defeated. He felt nowadays more, and he had to kill innocents or make their death easier and it was not easy for him.
I addressed them, my voice tired but determined. "Alright, it's time to head back to the hospital. I have to perform surgeries until we can get more staff in place. Some too many critical patients need immediate attention. You guys should rest up."
We piled into the car, the weight of the day's events heavy on our shoulders. Despite the weariness that threatened to consume us, we had a duty to fulfill. And so, with the sound of the engine humming in the background, we drove back to the hospital, where the flickering fluorescent lights and the sterile smell of the operating room awaited me, ready to continue my battle to save lives.
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