Ghasts IX

- What are you even saying? - Kate was walking back and forth after listening to what happened to Bell - He went into the electromagnetic field around the obelisk, and was fine, then there was this strange noise within the field that hit him, but he has no wounds whatsoever. If he was electrocuted or irradiated, we could all easily see that on his body. What I'm even saying, if it was radiation, you'd have probably lost people who went to take him out from there.

Martin, Rashid, Jean and sergeant gathered in the hospital after doctor Warner completed the initial check-up on private Bell.

- Ok, so long story short, we still have no idea what happened to the previous victims, and it's the same with the guy you have there - Johnson had a bitter smile on his face - Don't you have any good news for us?

Kate only shook her head, and said nothing, but then Jean decided to speak:

- This energy went somewhere when it collided with his body. Even if there is no physical trace, the capture we've got here confirms it happened. We can review it if needed.

Doctor Warner was still walking, and let out a sigh after Jean finished talking.

- I know that electromagnetism can affect human bodies, but none of the cases I heard about left no traces in the body. There was always something.

There was a moment of silence, then Jean spoke again:

- I have a suggestion, though it may sound unusual since I'm not a specialist in medical field.

- Just say it - Kate was scratching her head - It's not like we have much to work with.

- It's just a random thought, but since there is no visible trace and we are dealing with electromagnesim, maybe we could measure the electric intensity within the body?

Doctor Warner suddenly stopped, and looked at Jean.

- Signals in the brain - she sounded as if she was talking to herself - Shock might have been not enough to cause the actual damage, but communication with neurons... If that's the case, that would explain the coma, and the slow deterioration of body's condition. Still, how do I...?

- Kate, sorry to interrupt - Rashid was the first to say something - Is there anything we can still help you with?

It took her a moment to go back to the ground.

- No, not really. Or rather, I may need Martin, if possible.

- Well, it's not like I need some rest - Johnson complained a bit - So, what do you need from me?

- I need someone tech-savvy to make some adjustments. Actually, if you get some more people to help, it may be quicker that way.

- Doctor, if it's not a problem - sergeant stayed behind after Rashid and Jean left - I would like to stay with Bell a bit longer.

- Sure, Keith, take your time - Kate put a hand on his shoulder - Be cautious though. Remember what happened before.

Sergeant nodded and went to the room where they kept the unconscious guard, while Martin went to get some additional help.

He returned about one hour later with his usual crew who made it into the current camp - Julian, Thorsten and Liu. Doctor Warner was waiting for them in one of transporter-turned-med quarters, already tinkering with one of the med capsules that was not yet repaired.

- Finally, what took you so long? - mechanics were greeted with this question - I've already started disassembling the outer layer.

- Wait, what exactly are we supposed to do here? - Thorsten approached the main panel - Are you really sure you know what you do, doc? - he shook his head, while looking at the cable harness - I'd rather be left with doing stuff on our own, with people I trust.

- Did I do something wrong? - apparently, Kate was unaware of what Thorsten complained about - I just wanted to take off the covers to help you.

Martin also sighed, did some hand gestures to Julian and Liu, and took the parts doctor Warner was holding right now.

- As far as I remember, we are supposed to measure electric intensity of a person - he started explaining - and you just exposed circuits that should be kept in a clean chamber. Now, we need to clean and put it back together. We only have to modify specific module, and you just just gave us additional work.

Doctor Warner became speechless all of the sudden. In the end, she apologized and left the mechanics alone to do their job.

- Kate is definitely a smart, and a good person, but sometimes she is too eager to help - Liu commented, while mending some cables - You recall that one presentation she was assisting to Manuela?

Others laughed.

- How could we not? - Jules face was a bit red - It was quite a bit of skin exposure.

- Yeah, saying skin, you put it quite mildly - Martin said, as he remembered the exact situation.

The thing was, doctor Warner wore a skirt that very day and was unlucky enough to completely tear it along the panties, exposing everything underneath.

- Then again, you can't argue she's got a really good medical skill - Thorsten pointed out - It was indeed an awkward situation, but I feel bad for her to go through something like that.

They stopped gossiping as Kate returned after a while, visibly sweating.

- Private Bell just had a seizure - she explained - How long do you need until the equipment is ready?

- If there are no complications, and we just prepare this very module to be function - Martin was analyzing - I would say about one hour or so.

- Ok, I will move him somewhere closer then.

She left just after saying that.

- Seems like doc is really determined - Jules said, looking at her leaving - I hope she manages to save the guy.

- Well, maybe you will have a chance to talk with her a bit more if the plan succeeds - Martin joked, watching as his colleague's face is turning to an even juicier shade of red - C'mon, I'm already familiar with that face you are making. So, which one you prefer, Kate or Grace.

- Shut up!

Others laughed, and focused on work afterwards. Once doctor Warner returned, they were already doing final touches to the capsule.

- So, how's the situation with that soldier? - Johnson asked her, while looking at unconscious private.

- Stable, for now at least. Though, I can be only sure about his physical state. No idea about his mental state since he didn't say a word all this time, only screams.

- And how are you feeling, doc? - Julian jumped in their conversation - Don't you need a moment of rest?

Kate smiled at the youngest of mechanics, her face showing traces of fatigue.

- I'll do that when we are done with this situation. Checking neuro-connectors in Bell's brain is my utmost priority right now.

- So, I guess you don't need us anymore? - Martin was honestly hoping for a break.

- If you could stay until we confirm everything works as it should, that would be much appreciated.

Johnson nodded, and sat down with his team in the back of the room.

Putting the soldier into the capsule took only a moment, and starting the device turned out to be a much longer process. Afterwards, Kate synced her PEC with the capsule and it was only her who was getting feedback from the device right now.

- So, how's it looking? - Johnson asked after observing her for a longer while - Does it work as expected?

- The module works, I can confirm that - she replied - but I will need time to see if it's really useful. For now, I don't need assistance. Should anything happen, I'll let you know.

Feeling relief, Martin stood up and walked away with his colleagues.