No human being, that is cowardly,
can not become a hero through love.
Plato.
Chapter 6
Ardimi Camp, CRI staff area.
Second day of work. 6:30 a.m.
First week of August, 2003.
Practically, the time dKirk and work started for a day after the other. Although in a strange ways. Just
had dawned, when the authoritative voice of McCoy in the middle of a confusing chorus of electric crackle suddenly woke him.
- Time to get up, James Kirk! We have still a first aid class before breakfast! Arriba!
The reporter jumped to hear, almost falling off the bed that belonged in the store-room. Usually had very light sleep, but i hac ´, within days he had not slept well for the long car trip, amid bumpy, plus she had slept very late, talking to Spock on the agreement of the method , doctor in chief and himself.
- Ray, McCoy! Grumbled to see it next to him, smiling even on the speaker. So the wake up every day?
"Actually, Jim," replied the other cheerfully, turning off the speaker, "you're the last to get up. And the whole team is out there, organized.Come on, get dressed. You in the hospital.
Kirk was alone then, realizing that it was true that the doctor had said. It was the only one who was still in the area that served as men's dormitory.
smiled, getting ready to start with a good attitude both learning and as the work received by him within the team. In less than fifteen minutes, fully dressed and trying to ginger up completely, he met the doctor where he had indicated.
"You're fast," said he at their approachass. Well, come to the clinic. We begin with the practice of first aid before going to breakfast. After that, we work among refugees from here while they repair the antennas and radio equipment.
Kirk nodded, and meekly followed the other into the store. He did not realize that all group members gathered little by little, sitting around the entrance while consulting their watches.
Shortly thereafter, Spock, who was in the clinic when they entered, with both eyebrows raised, saw the explanation he gave Kirk McCoy about how toescrow bandages. The semi remained lying on the table, listening intently, watching without losing detail, each of the maneuvers that the doctor carried out, taking himself as an example.
To begin with, had forced him to remove his shirt and pants, leaving him only in his underwear, saying it was better that way, because the clothes do not encumber. Fifteen minutes later, the journalist had bandaged his head with one eye, the two arms in different parts, one attached to the body, a leg in a splint emergency and torso completely wrapped in bandages . McCoy explained procedíaacarle immobilizing a broken leg with the help of the other.
Archer, T'Pol and casually Chekov were also there, holding out of great laughter Kirk's image caused them, almost completely immobilized by bandages. The young cameraman had been unable to resist the temptation to photograph during the process, taking most of the slides at the time.
- ... then together the two legs of the wounded with care to not force posture, and proceed to place the bandage away from the fracture zone. With what you have on hand: elastic bands, belts, even tangling. All you can serve in an emergency.
"Yeah ....
-Next, tie by three points, if possible, both ends. So, not too tight, just that they are fair so that no movement. Sorry?
-Si.
"Fine, then I placed it, and said McCoy finished with a huge smile, putting a neck brace that did not allow much movement, leaving fixed above the table . Now, let's go to the dining room, I am that I am starving.
- Qu & amp; eacute;? Hey, but ... "all present stampeded, laughing at the joke. Hey! Where do they go? Desátenme!
- Did we reach, Kirk? "The doctor was the last to leave, watching with some regret that the other struggled to try to get rid of some of the bandages.
- McCoy! Wait! Stepping
with great effort, remembering that was carrying all his clothes, tried to reach them by jumping. Upon leaving the store, a chorus of loud laughter, whistling and clapping greeted, making stopping to snapentity against all members of the camp. McCoy's headed, laughing but with an expression of guilt. Scotty tambiéna recording could see the entire sequence. The only fact he was able to do was mutter a curse.
-Oh .... Demons ...
- Congratulations, James Kirk! "Said the chief physician through the loudspeaker, while applauding him celebrating what happened. Officially, hazing just passed the camp with honors. Already the team. Kirk
just hung his head slightly, joining the chorus of laughter, ri & eacuyou; NDOS the embarrassing situation that had not anticipated. All group members approached him, congratulating him and helping him get rid of the bandages. Spock made a gesture of resignation, with a broad smile on his face, before going to the reporter.
The last approach was the same McCoy, who patted his shoulder in a friendly way.
"Welcome, Kirk.
"It was a great joke. Got me off guard, doctor.
"Call me Bones. I hate formality, especially when coming from someone who just massacred before the group. Come on, let's have breakfast.
-Ok, Bones. I go throughmy clothes and catch up on the dining room. I hope it's the only joke you planned.
-not worry, it's unique, "he said before heading to the dining room. See you in a few minutes.
Ardimi Camp, International Red Cross.
Second day of work.
Since that time, Kirk became a tireless learner inseparable McCoy, to be diligent in all and each of the tasks to be performed within the refugee camp.
Armed with the recorder and its c & aacute; camera, while the doctor and two team members toured one of the designated areas, spent several rolls of film, realizing the tremendous work they actually performed such medical and activists, not only takes drugs, vaccines and supplies to the unfortunate inhabitants of these regions. McCoy showed friendly all the time, sometimes very slightly smiling children, speaking in a friendly, albeit in a fairly short native language, women and elders, who were very grateful to him.
could see several of the other teams of collaborators in different parts of the camp,sometimes crossing each other and greeting each other as if they had seen in days. He realized then that this type of behavior also encouraged McCoy, who despite not grinning, I made humorous comments, encouragement and congratulations to each of them, not allowed to be discouraged under any circumstances.
With all the above assistance work, had the luxury of monitoring the vaccination of women and children, being in contact with all groups, due to the short-distance radios with which they had, and planning situations that suddenly were not covered. CHT
MLXC On several occasions, to be taking a photograph of McCoy in the middle of work, the wistful look he was with the Kirk, and did not prevent a spontaneous smile while still attending to their patients.At first, the reporter felt strange to these expressions of sympathy, more as the day progressed, he realized that he liked to be treated that way and he liked the attention the doctor lavished on those smiles.
Shortly after noon, before the storm threat on the horizon looked closer, all team members will help rejoined right in front of the fences that marked both camps, reviewing the activities they had done, and marking the tasks for the next day.
Kirk watched the leaders of the place, too special attention to the doctor in chief. Also pointed out a small notebook agreements and taking decisions, and even the figures cited in the medication management and rates of assistance they could provide the resources they had.
Gradually, his mind was forging a story that could give the newspaper a few days, if it could count on env í years of documents by fax. Should ask if you ever again go to Al-Fasher, or maybe another city still accessible telecommunications services. Otherwise, what would manage to make an extreme use of satellite phone he was carrying.
Finally, about three-thirty in the afternoon, decided to meet in the common store to eat and rest before re-planning teams. Kirk took the time to make annotations and corrections, sitting at one end of the store-room. However, McCoy and Spock did not let him be alone for long.
Firstto get to it was the doctor, who seemed satisfied with the day's work.
"Hey, Jim. "Working in your story?
"Something like the reporter looked up a little, smiling. I have something presentable for when we make a trip to where there is a courier agency, fax, or something.
"I'm afraid, Jim, Spock broke into the conversation, sitting at the table, it's going to be a little difficult these days. The last thing we said Red Cross official in al-Fashir is that communications are not allowed outside unless they are monitored carefully protected by government agents in the country. Worse case of the press is strictly forbidden. Kirk
watched them both, a little bewildered.
- Is there no communication to the outside?
"They are not allowed in this region. It is illegal to have radio equipment, long range if you have someone in the government 'avalándote', or if you are a journalist.
"The only way you communicate to America, would cross the frontera with Chad, or return to Khartoum, the capital.
"But ... that would take days, and resources and would be a disaster ...
" Believe me we know it perfectly, "McCoy said with a nod. We are not isolated because we wanted to us.
Suddenly, the journalist took a mysterious air, lowering his voice a little as she watched them turn.
- Do you know if any of your contacts have a fax, or modem, or something? Maybe we can do some magic.
McCoy and Spock turned to see one s & iacuyou, before answering. It was the doctor who spoke.
"At the hospital in the town of Laika had a fax and a computer with an old modem. Of course they are totally useless without the phone service, but there are devices.
- Do you think that might work with a satellite phone? For I bring you one ...
McCoy blinked several times, somewhat incredulously. Spock just fixed his eyes on the American. His expression visibly worsened.
"James finally said, reproachfully," Iclarify that risked the mission to say no team bringing banned.
"Oh, come," Kirk smiled like a child who had just committed a prank. That is not to make a fuss about a device.
Instead, Spock did not change his expression, and continued reproving his achievement.
"You're wrong. Al-Fashir If we had hit a military checkpoint or police, or we had arrived unexpectedly at the home base and had discovered the device, be sure that these men had been arrested only because we foreign.
This time, to meet the serious gesture and gaze hardened McCoy, American smile faded.
- But if its just a phone!
-Jim-the doctor spoke up, giving a little diplomatic space to calm down. The Sudanese government is taking a highly totalitarian Islamic political system. If they say that something is forbidden, it is. Have blocked communication devices is considered treason, and can punish him in various ways. The slightest would arrest you and let you olvidado in a dirty cell for years, or that you publicly flogged for breaking the law. Even if they consider it appropriate, may issue to the death sentence or traitors. Like I said before, this is not America.
There was silence between them for several seconds until Spock Kirk apologized for his indiscretion.
"Sorry. I had no idea it could cause some serious.
"Hey, but now that you mention it," said the doctor, seeing it as something positive, "we could make use of it if required. I do not think they can reach you if they hear any transmission.
-McCoy, I think your proposal is not very good ...
-Spock, if you were, any proposal that would have made the status of "interesting" does not start - refuted the aforementioned, again causing serious diplomatic gesture. I do not think we have serious problems if we use it with caution.
"It's dangerous.
"Maybe, but we could be at risk. Look, here our neophyte correspondent has survived in complete ignorance of danger at that, and it has not happened at all.
& amp; mdash; Hey, I'm still here, doc!
"Besides, I do not repair the antennas and equipment is carried out in a few hours. Could take days to finish it. Or maybe a couple of weeks, and the people of the villages needed immediate attention.
"Okay," Spock closed his eyes and raised both hands in surrender. When things seem right and proper, the head physician was not listening when it referíaa security. I will not discuss this matter. Only I warn you, Leonard McCoy, if this carries risks we extras, we can not assume.
"I understand and accept responsibility for that," replied the doctor solemnly. Now, Jim. We could start planning the trip to Laika these days, as have the story done and ready to ship.
The smile was appearing on Kirk's face was radiant.
- Ah, yes! Could work on it this afternoon, and maybe tomorrow and complete, if not held in the morning ...
Smiling, McCoy leaned back in his chair while the other chattering excitedly. Spock watched them both, and finally leaving her fearsto the proposal to use the satellite phone, and the advantage of moving in outpatient programs, nodded, also listening to Kirk.
Ardimi Camp, International Red Cross.
12:25 pm. Fourth day of work.
First week of August 2003
The day's heat had become unbearable after the storm that fell in the area, hours ago. That also caused increased activity among members of the medical profession, as conditions became more unsaturatedlubre in the area of the refugee camp.
had two days working hard to decontaminate the area of the plagues of flies and mosquitoes, using the latest that was left of insecticides for this purpose.
McCoy looked very worried, since the day before had found two cases of yellow fever in several members of one family, one of the
sleeping sickness in one of the refugees ma , s recently, and several more scattered in a variety of dengue. If not control pollution around the camp, and thus the insect population isor would be a pandemic soon.
Kirk had volunteered to drain large puddles that had formed in several areas both inside and outside the occupied area. However, a task that seemed would never end. Not while the rains continue.same day they returned to base camp to eat and shelter from the storm that had surprised them before they finished the day, McCoy had already planned what would be the following preventive campaign .
Sitting at the table with Archer, Uhura, Spock and the other doctor, in addition to Kirk, told them the percentage chance of a pandemic if it did not take immediate action.
"I worry about sleeping sickness
" said Archer, before taking a generous bite to his mouth. We have isolated
-bearer, but I have no idea how many more might have been infected while in the camp, "said McCoy, drinking a little water. I think he was just a week and a half after arriving. Apparently comes from the desert regions of northern Kabkabiyah."Gentlemen, intervened after hearing & Uhuramdash;. Not only is the type of disease that should worry us. We finished the provision of insecticide, and that raises our urgency to get a solution. We need more nets and repellents, as well as specialty drugs for these and other viral diseases of the time.
"I suppose you are considering need to return to Al-Fasher, Spock fixed his eyes on hers, recognizing the brilliance of determination showed in those cases. We should send a single team. The problem would be to see if they have sufficient reserves can give us.
CKirk HTMLXC was following with great interest, but not intervene.
-may already have spent ...
A riot outside the store distracted. When turned to the entrance, the two engineers, Tucker and Reed, came drenched to the bone, but quite elated.
- We did it! The antennas work! Tucker said, almost shouting. Amid the boos and the cheers that arose among the staff, they walked to the table where they were the leaders of the camp, and left a radio on it. We had a hard time finding the problem, but that's it. Communication we v & amp; iacute; a radio with some populations.
- Oh, perfect! "McCoy was the most enthusiastic about it. What makes progress? Four villas
-based radios, and three cities with more extensive communication networks, two of which include communication, "said Tuccker airport. Are Kutum, Al-Fasher, and the other ...
-Zalinge-Reed confirmed. Are in the range of distance without any complications.
"Well, Miss Uhura, McCoy turned to her, relaxing a little & amp; mdash;. The solution to your problems. Missing only get in touch with them.
"The sooner the better, Dr. McCoy," she said, rising from his place. He headed one of the engineers, and holding his arm dragged him back outside. Spock, come back in minutes!
all watched the aforementioned, who blushed slightly at the attention that was being subjected.
"Hey, Spock. "I can ask if you ever ...?
"Do not say," McCoy said with a slight tinge of threat tosmiling doctor, providing the commentary that was about to do. All present laughed aloud.
"No need for me to say a word. She obviously takes care of it, Spock. "With a sly smirk shrugged and proceeded to see the outstanding issues for the next day. Here! There is still an entire area where vaccination is needed.
Kirk Spock observed the reaction to that comment, and was surprised to see that the diplomat was not really uncomfortable. Indeed, were a couple too open about authority and hierarchy &; Iacute; ace.
Fifteen minutes later, as they were finishing our lunch, and Nyota Tucker returned.
She sat next to Spock, after giving a sample of their feelings in a passionate kiss. A whistle was heard chanted in the store, again causing the diplomatic embarrassment.
McCoy said nothing about it this time, and confined himself to questioning.
- Well? Is there any news?
"Yes, and not good. Reservations at Al-Fashir are limits, apparently, no one has a surplus. We should leave the pa & iacute; s to make a big order.
There was silence for a moment, until Kirk spoke.
"Well, I think we could put it to use the device to bring with me. What say you, Bones?
The doctor turned to face him, smiling with a certain complicity. Spock said nothing, though he knew that to refuse would be useless. Uhura just did not understand what they spoke.
"That is a great idea. Do we do the honor of placing the order, Jim?
"A great pleasure, doc.
said that, he got up, followed by the other, leaving the area dormitorios to go by satellite phone.
did not take half an hour checking that the equipment was the best, both in sending and receiving signals. They managed to quickly link a foundation of WHO in Italy, and after a heated argument in several languages, they are able to schedule a shipment of several barrels of insecticidal compounds and repellents and drugs in two days. Could pick them up at the airport without problems Zalinge in less than a week. Euphoric
, McCoy and Archer proceeded to assemble the equipment for the next working day, forgetting lprior to programming.
Archer decided he, Spock and Scotty were best suited to go to Zalinge for the provision of insecticides. It would take one of the SUV and a truck to transport the barrels with the material, plus an extra supply of fuel.
Uhura and Dr. Phlox, along with the rest of the medical staff and volunteers remain in the camp to monitor the project to track preventive and isolated patients. Chekov would stay with them to continue documenting the work.
McCoy, Kirk and Nurse Chapel beginan in-patient care, beginning with Laika, the village from where the journalist could send your story to the newspaper. At the conclusion of the visit to the village, would take the path that man
affected by sleeping sickness had followed. It would take about a fortnight to make the trip as several villages were to step behind Jabal Marah, the mountains that were right next to the camp, toward the beginning of the valley wanted Arctic Kutum. The doctor had planned to reach each and every one of them, not counting groups of nomads withs that might encounter.
the evening, the next three travelers were quick to fix things that would take on the journey. Be leaving in a few hours after sunset, and to travel at night would give them a little more assurance that they would be located with ease, both guerrilla groups and the bandits who raided the mountain regions. Tambiénsand carry the jeep, as the terrain, much more modern and fast, might be needed at times of risk in the camp. found Scotty and Chekov Kirkin space, ending the backpack that would fix their luggage. She also had phone and lots of film photography as well as the recorder and a box of diskettes to support the writings and notes he had made by hand, into computer files.
"Hey, Jimmy. Change your career and now you do to be the nurse of McCoy?
-Scotty, Andrei, smiled as he closed the largest backpack and checked the other in the newspaper carrying their instruments. Did you notice a slight tone of jealousy in what you're saying, or is pure and vile envy?
& amp; mdash; Jealousy? Oh, come on, Jimmy.
Jealous of you, for Bones?Of course not! None of you is my type. The three laughed, but were interrupted by McCoy at this time.
-Jim, I can talk to you a moment?
"We said we were leaving Scotty in a confidential tone, pushing his apprentice. Not to be ill-thirds. Right, Andrei?
An accurate almohadazo by the reporter made them flee, laughing. However, Kirk noticed that the doctor was serious, though the trick between them had been amused.
- & iquest, What is it, Bones?
-Christinesymptoms of yellow fever, may not travel with us.
-Oh ... that's terrible. How are you?
He recovered well, do not worry. Fever was just beginning, and is a good time to get antibiotics. Do you think that will stand the trip, support your only, or need help?
Kirk blinked several times, realizing what that meant.
would go alone, and as a medical assistant, not as a doctorand correspondent. Spend more time helping McCoy doing his real work. However, was not intimidated. Adopted an expression of malice that made him look like a naughty child, accompanied by his ever-present smile. It had never been wrong to confront a challenge.
-resist, do not worry, Doc, "was the safe answer. Also, I have taught first aid in a very graphic. Cures could make with my eyes closed.
"Well, it's good to hear that spirit. I hope then out of the hospital storel. Only charge what we need to take medications. According to Reed, the jeep is ready.
"Okay. See you there.
An hour later, around sunset, both Kirk and McCoy were already finished to accommodate the bags into the jeep with sera and a pair of sealed metal boxes. Scotty and Chekov finished reviewing the moorings of the cartons of healing that had been in the top grill. Uhura T'Pol and helped them load the supplies of food and water for the trip. After they and the young photographer's goodbye with a hug. Scotty just shook hands, excited aboutto tears.
-Take care, doctor-recommended McCoy T'Pol with a look worried.
"We will, wrist," said Kirk, earning a scowl, but also of sympathy from the girl. See you in a few days.
The journalist was first settled in the passenger seat of the Jeep. McCoy accommodate up after the suitcase carrying the most delicate surgical instruments in the back, making sure that nothing is out of place. All that remained was the fuel that LLEreserve range.
Sitting at the wheel, the flash of a camera caught him to blind.
-
Kirk!-
Uhm ... you closed your eyes was all the answer the other, watching the camera frown. I'll have to take another photo.-
I forbid you to do! These flashes are damn strong.-
not complain Spock, Bones!-
Spock does not complain because it is a damnalien, Jim! You should know!- Doctor! Uhura, "he claimed to hear, half amused, too.
- What? It's the truth! He defended the doctor. So no, James! Nothing flashes while driving! Spock
Archer and reached them just at that point in the discussion. Kirk only smiled with some regret to see that the diplomat had met each other to listen.
-
Doctor McCoy, I do not report that you are a energumeno. McCoyfastened his seat belt, smiling mischievously.
-
That's because you know you could go very wrong."You're right-Archer said in an amused tone, rising diesel drums in the back of the jeep. I remember as a professional hit. Right, Jim?
-Comprobadísimo-endorsed by the reporter, while the camera up again.
"Well, we're leaving ... -A new glow in the cab of the jeep left everyone momentarilyblind body, and only heard the doctor's claim. KIRK! I told you no pictures while driving! I'm a doctor, not a damn magazine model!
-
Bones, have not even on the car! He defended it, giving the camera to Archer to take them one last slide, before leaving.He did so from an angle where he could embrace everyone. Kirk and McCoy in the Jeep, Spock, Uhura and T'Pol on one side of the driver's door. Scotty and Chekov managed to appear above jeep, smiling broadly.
Despite claims, Archer managed a photo of everyone with a big, bright smile on their faces. Be long before they returned to have a slide in the group.
minutes later, fired warmly by all members of volunteer doctors and nurses at the camp, the two travelers set out for the mountains, dodging the obstacles in the light of the special lights had adapted to the vehicle for such trips.
James Kirk watched McCoy deftly avoiding the potholes and shrubs were on the road, turning occasionally hasence abroad. A clear and unique the sheltered canopy of stars and the darkness around occasionally was interrupted by distant lightning, fireflies, and the vague shadows and lost looks of the few wild animals were still to on-site.
had traveled almost a half hour away, when the reporter could see a shooting star in front of them, just above the blurred silhouette of the mountain in black against the starry sky.
-
Hey! Did you see that?-
No, what was it?-
A shooting star voice replied with a smile. The darkness inside the jeep soon dispersed by the dashboard lights and what amounted to reflect the headlights on the road. Make a wish, Bones!The doctor sighed, smiling slightly. I could see the joyous expression of the reporter even in the dark. That attitude starts reminded him innocent of Joanna.
-
long ago stopped believing in it, Jim, "he said at last, in a melancholy tone. The wishes and miracles do not exist.Kirk set for a moment his eyes on him, recalling the prImera confrontation had. That same night, Spock had assured that McCoy did not work for an award, or recognition.
"It does
by sadness," he said quietly, staring at Ely gloomy countenance. " I did not know until today, Jim, was his intense despair. I did not know McCoy was so great indifference to his own life, he does not care if he lives or dies for no reason . "Refused pestering with painful memories, so I turnedAnd the subject of conversation quickly.
- How long do we take to get to the villa?
-About fifteen hours. We stop to rest a bit in one of the villages which are to pass the mountain, and in about four hours away, maso least midnight.
- Four hours? "The reporter bit his lip, watching with some draining. Hey, and you stop if there comes a time when my bladder claimed a break?
McCoy turned to see him frowning.
- &, IQuest, did not go to the bathroom before we left the camp? , The slight negative other tore a curse. Ray, Kirk! You're impossible!
"Yeah, well. I have to do the window. But I will not fault if we stopped for the moral failures and damage to the environment, Bones!
both laughed after a split second, when the doctor realized it was a joke by the journalist. Kirk snuggled into the seat, realizing that she liked him smile.
secretly promised himself worktar to eradicate sadness clouded the heart of McCoy. Try by all means, find the man happy and full of life that maybe, in a remote time, had been.
And I would, because if he had anything to boast about, it was his stubbornness cabezoneríay to achieve what he wanted. Although the process called stop James Tiberius Kirk.
----------------------------------------- "CONTINUED ...
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