LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA...
On arrival,a driver was waiting to take her and Auguste to H-Corp where her father was waiting.
Welcome home Mademoiselle and Monsieur the driver greeted them enthusiastically.
Thank you Maurice Henri replied softly.
It's good to see you again Maurice Auguste replied happily.
How was your flight Maurice asked kindly.
It was quite splendid Henri said sweetly.
It was uneventful Auguste responded at the same time.
It's because you still don't like to fly Henri teased him.
I guess some things don't change he teased back.
Maurice smiled knowingly. You both still act like children he said. It's heart warming as always he continued with a smile as all three of them laughed.
Are we going straight to headquarters Maurice asked them.
Let's make a quick stop at the apartment first Henri replied. My husband has had a long week and you know he doesn't like to sleep on the plane.
Of course Mademoiselle, Maurice replied.
Henri arrived in time to make preparations to receive the patient.
While she was inspecting the medical supplies she would need to care for the patient and other alternative measures in case the patient was a lot worse than expected,her father arrived with the patient in an ambulance.
He was quickly taken to the med bay while her father talked with the family in the hallway.
She walked down the hall heading for the med bay when her father called out to her.
Cherie he exulted. You made it. I'm so glad you are here.
Hello Professor she greeted him.
Where's Auguste her father asked, looking behind her.
At the apartment she replied. He's exhausted. It's been a very busy week for him and you know how he hates sleeping on a plane.
Of course her father laughed. I'll go check in on him once we get the patient settled.
I'm sure he'll appreciate it she said genuinely. He's your biggest fan Professor.
Likewise her father replied fondly.
There's some people I'd like you to meet.
This is Gregory Suarez. He's a very good friend of mine. We go way back. He's the patient's uncle.
Greg,this is Dr. Moreau. She's the best in the field.
It's nice to meet you Mr Suarez Henri replied.
My goodness,Greg exclaimed. I can't believe this. You look just like her.
She does, doesn't she Henry replied fondly.
I look like who Henri asked looking between the men.
Your mother cherie her father Henry replied.
My apologies Dr. Moreau Greg replied.
It's nice to meet you. Lorenzo speaks highly of you. Says you are the best there is. So does Henry. Thank you for coming. This is my daughter Luisa.
It's nice to meet you both Henri replied.
How do you know Lorenzo she asked.
He's my son Greg answered. His brother's the one who needs your help.
I see, Henri responded. I can assure you that I will do my very best for your son.
Are you sure we can trust her Dad? Luisa asked her father. She looks too young to be a professional like Lalo says.
Mija, Gregory chided. Henry speaks highly of her too and he's the best I know.
Couldn't that be because she's his daughter Luisa countered. No offense Doctor she said to Henri. Matteo means a lot to me and I just want to make sure he's going to be fine.
None taken Henri replied. I understand where you are coming from and I can assure you that I'll do my best for your brother.
He's not just my brother Luisa responded. He's my best friend.
I'm going to do my best for him henri replied. You can trust me.
Just then, another doctor walked out of the room and headed for them.
Dr. Moreau the doctor addressed henri.
May I speak with you for a minute.
Of course Dr. Chandler, Henri replied.
They walked into an empty room to talk in private.
Well? Henri spoke after a few minutes of silence. You are scaring me Tessa.
Is it as bad as we feared?
It's worse Tessa replied. There is nothing anybody can do for him.
There...is one thing we can do Henri countered.
You can't be serious Tessa said exasperated.
It's the only way Henri replied. My new technique..
It hasn't been tried yet Tessa chided. You are still researching it. It's dangerous. You said so yourself.
You can't expect me to do nothing Henri replied. I know it hasn't been tried but I can get it work. It's my tech.
It's no use Tessa explained. It's going to take forty-eight hours to transport it here. That's two days we don't have to spare. It will be too late by then.
We won't have to wait two days Henri said. I brought it with me. Just in case.
It's too risky Henya Tessa pleaded. The professor won't like it.
He asked me to come Henri responded. He knew there was a possibility it could get bad. It's the only way he has of ever waking up. I have to try.
Henny...Tessa sighed.
Get the patient prepped for transport and tell Lorenzo to meet me at the dispensary Henri said calmly.
Yes Doctor Tessa replied.
Henri took the elevator, headed for the dispensary. On getting there, Lorenzo was waiting for her.
Dr. Moreau, Lorenzo greeted her.
I'm sure Tessa informed you of the current situation.
Yes Doctor, Lorenzo answered.
Good Henri replied. Let's get started.
But the professor, Lorenzo said hesitantly.
He will understand, Henri assured him.
Thank you... Lorenzo said chokingly. I'll never forget this.
Thank me when your brother wakes up Henri replied with a smile.
Thirty minutes later, Henri and Lorenzo walked back to the aseptic chamber where everyone was gathered.
The test results are out Henri addressed the family. It was worse than we thought. The patient will have to undergo a new regimen of treatment that I have been working on and he will have to go into an aseptic chamber as well.
The treatment plan comprises of some serum as well as a microscopic chip. But I must admit that it has not been approved yet. I am still in the research process so it will be dangerous but this is the only way.
He will have to be there for ninety-six hours. The chamber will be sealed for the duration of the treatment.
On the fifth day, the chamber will be opened and we will run another test. We will then observe him for two days. If he shows no improvement, he will go back in for another ninety-six hours. I will be with him the entire time to administer the treatment and monitor his progress.
My treatment plan is his only hope. So,I will like you to think about it carefully.
Dr. Moreau, her father called. A word?
Yes Professor,Henri responded.
They walked into the nearest room to talk.
Henriette...her father sighed.
You only call me that when you are worried she said lightly. I know Papa.
I understand your fears but you called me here because you needed my help... my expertise. I know the risks.. being exposed that long but I assure you that I am prepared for each and every one of them. I'll be fine okay?
Okay he replied. Let's go see what the family has to say.
They walked back to the rest of the group and as soon as Gregory saw them. He stepped forward and addressed Henri.
We have talked about it Greg began. We can't just sit and watch him die. If your treatment plan will offer him a fighting chance. We would like to try it. Please,give my son a fighting chance.
I will do my best Henri replied. Is everything ready she asked Lorenzo.
Yes Doctor, Lorenzo replied.
Dr. Chandler.. Henri addressed Tessa. On no condition should you open the door before the ninety-six hours are up. I need you to promise me that.
I promise,Tessa replied. You need to promise me something in return.
Anything you want Henri responded.
Promise me that you'll be safe Tessa replied.
I promise Henri assured. I'm not planning on dying...not like this anyway. If I die,I should at least go out in style.
That's more like it Tessa said with a small smile. I'll see you soon. I love you Sis.
I'll see you soon Henri responded. I love you too. Try not to let Papa go too crazy.
I'll do my best but I can't make any promises Tessa replied. He's stubborn.. just like you.
Be safe Cherie her father called.
Always Henri replied. See you soon Professor.
Lorenzo she called. Let's do this.
Lorenzo injected her with a serum to shield her immune system from the adverse effects of the aseptic chamber.
He gave her three vials to take with her into the aseptic chamber to keep her hydrated for the duration of the treatment.
When she got into the chamber, the door was locked from the outside.
She walked towards the bed to begin treatment and saw to her surprise that her patient was none other than Nathaniel Duval.. the man she'd met in Switzerland... the man she was once in love with....