If not in your hands to change a situation that causes pain,
can always choose the attitude with you to face that suffering.
Viktor Frankl.
Chapter 5
Ardimi Camp, CRI staff area
MLXC northwest of the city of Al-Fasher.
First Day of Work, First week of August, 2003.
"I see you've come to know the place," said Jim cheerfully, guiding to one table, while looking for another cup for journalists.
had a po-co curious to see the camp before it had activity on it.
- Found something interesting? -Spock questioned, coming to the table where they found the food and drinks.
"Thank you Kirk thanked an attractive young woman approached them, giving a cup of coffee and a plate with a food ration. Actually, yes. I never imagined seeing this with my own eyes. I mean ... in college you see all kinds of images, but all in video and photographs. It's very different view and as a reality, having it in your eyes, feel it ... CHT
MLXC-I know, "showing solidarity with him. That was also my first impression. Kirk
then shifted his gaze to the entrance of the store, just when the physician in chief of the camp appeared there, and without the coat, but with the same bad mood with which the cast out of the tent hospital.
McCoy, Spock locate, advanced toward him with long strides and anger evident in his brow. The American kept her eye on, even when warned that the glare directed at him.
"Oh, oh ...
"I see already in trouble," said Jim recognizing this bad mood of the doctor. What did they do?
-interrupt the operation they were doing.
- SPOCK!
"I see the diplomat said calmly, without flinching before the furious and raucous call that made him McCoy. Do not worry. These scenes are normal with him.
- Always in a bad mood?
"It has its reasons. Many dhey say that hides his true emotions in such an explosive nature. By the way, did you pick a place beside him in the bedroom. Good luck with that.
... Do not tell me
Kirk shrugged a little place to feel the doctor standing beside him. Seemed ready to grab a shock. However, noted that only a few turned toward them for a moment, and returned despuésa their affairs.
- Why the hell do not remember your reporters should not stick their noses into my operating room?! We hadtalked about it! I'll kill Scott!
"Hello, Dr. McCoy-diplomat hailed the stoic, ignoring their claims. I want you to Mr. James Kirk, a correspondent for Central Iowa Herald. Jim, Dr. Leonard McCoy, Ardimi camp physician, and your next roommate. Kirk
then raised his eyes to the doctor. This was going to claim, more is contained to meet the blue gaze of the Americas, between frightened and fascinated. Only once he had seen such an expression, when her daughter first saw a large elephant in one of thosegiant screens of the American parks. He hesitated a moment, which took Kirk.
-Doctor McCoy, I have talked a lot about you, "the journalist stood up, extending his right hand toward him. I regret the incident a while ago. I never imagined they would be in the middle of something so serious.
recomposed, McCoy ignored the gesture of courtesy, turning his reproaches to Spock, but a little less aggressive.
- I do not care who come from the Washington Post, the New York Times or the BBC in London! Do not you know that more infections carry the wounded?
-Bones, here are infections happen every day, "intruded Archer, who at the time came to sit with them, carrying his plate and cup.
- does that justify them to break and in the operating room?! The sue if he could!
Spock nodded, focusing entirely on the doctor with an amused smile.
"We brought a lot more of antibiotics and antiseptics, as well as vaccines and drugs rigor. Do you want to deliver them at once, or do you prefer breakfastbefore? McCoy
see Kirk again, and he tried to convince him too. Perhaps an interview could start there.
"I would love to join us," he said while extending her coffee cup that had not yet touched.
only Spock raised an eyebrow to see that Bones volvíaa doubt, and then reached the cup Kirk offered. I had never done that with anyone before. His surprise was even greater to see that Kirk accepted the invitation to sit beside him.
-S ó it because you're new here, Kirk. Besides I'm starving and want a good cup of coffee, which justified the doctor to find the diplomatic gesture. What?! I'm human, I also get hungry!
"Yes, okay. I understand, "he said, ignoring the laughter of Archer while focusing his gaze on the reporter. Jim ...
Kirk smiled round the table to go for another cup of coffee and a plate with another serving of food.
"Do not worry, I know d & orcute; nde is the coffee. I'll get another cup, did not take Kirk
rushed, taking only a few minutes back.
- ... the procedures were too slow this time, though France supported us through the embassy and major organizations, reached to listen to Spock as he sat at the table. He put all his attention on what they would say, of what had happened in some regions. On the other hand, no response yet from other organizations or the UN in this situation.
"Actually, Bones, Archer interjected withfork-lifted, do not believe that is happening.
-
But it was very obvious! Before you destroy the communications antennas, we sent and we received news reports of the villages attacked! How can they believe that this is an invention of idle minds?- "Bureaucracy" and "Corruption" mean anything to you? -Archer fixed his eyes on the medical question, holding it for a few seconds. Because those are the two biggest obstacles we have for nI listen.
McCoy took a long drink from the bitter infusion, reflecting still see Archer and Spock. In turn, Kirk watched him intently, making mental notes of what happened between them. At one point, the doctor left the cup, letting them see their gesture decided.
- I do not care about UN and its relatives bourgeois! I will continue with the vaccination campaign and outpatient care in the villages around without your help. There may be more wounded refuge in them and need attention.
"But it would be too risky to youaxes of the camp.
"It will be in the same way it is for the residents of these towns and villages coming here, Spock. We do not question this when we started the program, remember?
"Then the guerrillas had spread internally and now Bones Archer replied somewhat angrily. One could almost say we're in the eye of the hurricane.
Until that time, Kirk intervened.
-Doctor McCoy, why do prefer to risk the camp and his staff with a project without a backup? I do not think that is a good choice ofpart. Or is there something you're looking to do this, and that neither the Red Cross Amnistíao know? Archer
Spock and turned to him with eyes wide open to listen. McCoy again set his sights on the reporter, annoyed by the intent of the question.
- Something that I need? Are you talking about recognition or profit for doing my job?
"You do not agree to come to a hell like this without a hefty change fee. Scotty and Chekov
then entered the store, and they could see what was happening as well. Spock Kirk tried to keep quiet.
"Jim, this kind of question is inappropriate. You should not ...
- Why? Come on, I had said. Everyone has a price, and none of us here would deny it.
"Do not do this," Archer whispered worried.
Archer was not the only one who was alarmed at that. Scotty was quick to come to the table to see McCoy Kirk approached him, still seated, but in a clearly defensive posture.
"Right now we are speaking, there is persecution of the inhabitants of several villages north of the country. They did not askan more to live in peace, reap what you eat every day, let them land and security for their children, but can not because the military and dissident groups criminals are behind them lurking, stealing what little they have, even killed. What you see here, Mr. Reporter, we, the small hospital, with their few doctors, nurses and volunteers, is all that these people are out there, we are the only hope of ten thousand people involved in this conflict. I can assure you that they have no wealth, no trophies or medals to give them to us. So do not say bullshit!
"It's great to give political speeches, Dr. McCoy. But I did not ask that. I just want to know what was the price to come to this place.
The aforementioned Kirk reached visibly angry, holding the edges of the shirt, pushing it against the table in a threatening tone. Spock and Archer stood up, waiting and anticipating that the situation could be worse.
- Listen to me carefully, rookie! -All other members of the camp there and turned to silent about the possible fight. These people have not known peace for many adren! They have almost three decades embroiled in conflicts and wars can not understand, but the impact of the worst ways ever! And all you want to know is what the hell do I get doing this? What kind of inhuman and unfeeling monster you think I am?
- Basta, Bones! Calm down!
Without stopping to think about it, Kirk left his side to stay afloat accuser. A cynical smirk touched her lips before continuing with his plea. It seemed that being in an advantageous position nothing would stop him either.
-Is the Nobel? Is the Prince of Asturias? A major political office at WHO? Something must have to change! Nobody hands dirty and nothing!
McCoy stood up, taking with it the reporter, only to push it away. Archer and Spock stepped between them before the beating began.
- McCoy, calm down! -Managed to hold it, stopping it and trying to calm things down. Scotty did the same with the reporter. However, the doctor made no attempt to pounce.
- Okay! "Surrendered, struggling with them to let go. He fixed his gaze hardened Kirk, before speaking to sombríoy low tone. It's a bullet.
- What ...?
A deathly silence remained in the environment before those words. Archer Spock and McCoy released, completely surprised.
"You wanted to know, right? That's my price. A bullet.
- Oh, please! -Kirk claimed her pose while cynical, and charged again. No one suffers from these conditions and is thrown headlong intosomething like a bullet!
- Kirk, enough! -Scotty intervened, trying to make it silent, but was ignored.
- Maybe not in your world!
"We come from the same place, Dr. McCoy. You are also American, like most of them, "remarked the reporter, turning to the other members of the camp.
The doctor gave him another look contemptuous. Would not allow to draw conclusions so lightly.
"This is not America. Here the outlook changed in a matter of days or hours as & iacute, that I can tell you that each and every one of us here, we maintain a cause greater than any materialistic motive led you to this land. If you can not believe I'm ready to die for these people, it's your problem. Do not harass me with silly questions. "He turned to his side teníaa those who saw him between disbelief and upset. McCoy snorted and turned, heading for the exit. Spock! Manteno guys like this away from me! I have much work to do to waste time with such nonsense.
Before deciding to go after the doctor, Spock volte & oacute; with Kirk in silence, with an indescribable expression on his face. Archer only stayed head down, and then withdrew to the table where they were T'Pol, Tucker and Reed.
The silence continued for a few seconds after McCoy out of there. Then, the others returned to sit in their places, whispering and looking furtively at the journalist. Kirk Scotty then dropped, and stepped back from him, he reproached her attitude.
"I hope you're happy, James. Enemistarte just your most valuable source of information on this site.
"It was just a question objective, impersonal ...
-" Objective?! "Impersonal?! "He almost roared the other reporter. What you said was so personal and malicious sinuously, until I was about to let go a punch! Are you stupid or what?!
"I'm a journalist, Scotty. You know what this business.
- No, Kirk! You're not a journalist! You are a fucking chance! "Without giving him time to reply, withdrew from the table to where he was sor disciple. I do not associate with guys like you! You're alone from now. Without saying more
left the area, followed by Chekhov, who turned to him with sorrow the last time.
recriminatory Feeling all eyes on top, after running all alone, Kirk decided to go out there and reflect on what had caused. Without turning to nowhere, got up and walked to the outside, still unable to recognize that the malaise that attacked him was a very slight but guilt acid eating away his conscience. He did not know
what his steps took him into the refugee camp. That notion was only when he heard voices and sounds around trying to appear normal in the midst of desolation that was around him. Leaving aside for a moment his thoughts, looked up, meeting with a much more painful than he had imagined before leaving American soil.
In the light of day he saw several women rickety and dirty with dust and site conditions, leaving the stores in their wake, followed by children sometimes even ma s thins that they, desnutricióny showing strong signs of disease in their bodies. Some of them just happen to saw it looks opaque. Others followed by several meters, in a silence sombríoy saddened. Swarms infesting the shops and utensils with which women cook over open fires burning out of them. Even observed that the refugees themselves, whatever their age, could not get rid of the plague of flies and mosquitoes that afflicted.
Given this unexpected sight, James Kirk soon forgot his initial motivation for being in the land wounded by the disgrace of hunger, disease and war. That being & iacuteand, for the first time in her adult life that he would admit to have felt shocked, shocked and ashamed of himself to see all the pain and hardship that these people lived every minute of their lives.
As his gaze wandered from side to side of the trail, he felt the urgent need to see Leonard McCoy, talk to Ely and understand their real concern for these people, and why was trying to make this work so heavy. Should reconsider its attitude and try to start again.
think of it, took out his pocket recorder he carried and during his walk, captured on tape his impressions, as & iacuteand, as some questions you would a doctor when I had a chance to see, but first take a deserved beating.
This time ran most of the camp, recording his thoughts in the midst of long silences that was inadvertently watching every step in the middle of the tents of the refugees, their faces gaunt and full of dirt and wounds of children, women and elderly
, crammed into small spaces that were the shops, surrounded by vermin and insects. The heart is a fist, also photographed the deplorable scenes before his eyes, rememberingagain and again what Scotty reproached, as well as the doctor's words .
northwest of the city of Al-Fasher. Sunset
the first day of work. Kirk
directed his steps towards the tent hospital. He had had great difficulty in knowing where to locate McCoy, as all team members who are asking for it, completely ignored.
As I suspected, did not find it alone.
At one end of the store, near the entrance, there was an area that appeared to be used as a clinic or doctor's office and pharmacy. McCoy was standing at a folding table at one end, reviewing the lists that Spock had given him, along with the material. With it, Uhura, Spock, T'Pol, Archer, two young people who conocíay Nurse Chapel, who gave him the cup of coffee, verified in other lists that the method ; doctor read the holding in their hands.
nervously turned to the other end of the store, find another doctor to work full Member Review & oacute, na place patients, along with two other people apparently nurses. Scotty was there too, along with Chekhov, who took photographs of the person you were talking near the rudimentary operating room in which stormed hours earlier. He realized that they had begun their work in the collection of stories and testimonies of the recent attacks, of course, without him.
not prevented the deep sigh that came from his throat, steeling himself for standing up to the doctor. Knew that his credibility was nil at that time, but could not stopr more time.
The first who discovered it was Uhura, who was silent when she saw him approaching. Spock noticed his silence, and also lifted from the papers, meeting with a shaky Kirk in front of them. From his expression, was the only one who could tell something had changed in him. He declined to comment, waiting for the U.S. to speak first.
was not him, however, who broke the silence that was as moving toward the group. McCoy was unaware of his presence around the same time as Spock, most had ignoreduntil everyone stopped what they were to turn to him, prosecutors, but curious to know what would happen. "I thought
volveríaa not see you here, Kirk," he scolded the doctor as he left the papers on the table, taking on a purely defensive attitude, confronting.
-Doctor McCoy ... just ... like a word with you ... in private ... "I thought
have made it clear that I have no time for ambitious journalists.
"Bones" McCoy turned to Spock, surprised that he had llso loved. Just give it a chance to speak.
-lost their right to come to that wise guy attitude and sensationalist tabloid, Spock.
"Everybody has a justification to their actions. You said it yourself.
- I do not want to insult us again!
"Please ..." interceded again, despite the tone of reproach that Uhura was in his eyes. Archer remained grim, but not intervene.
was the tone of supplication in the diplomat's words that convinced the m & eacute; doctor to give a little time. While not left his sullen attitude and gestures a bit abrupt when going to the journalist.
"Okay, you have a minute to talk. But I warn you if you ever say something foolish, I myself miss the camp hits!
Kirk nodded, and followed him in total silence. Ely Looks Spock crossed before they left the store, and for a brief second, the diplomat had the impression that he was grateful to the slightest gesture, for having interceded on his behalf . He did not know why you had the urge to follow.
The two men left and s &; Oacute; I moved a few yards, when the reporter stopped him.
-McCoy, wait. I know that everything you try to say will be affected by my previous attitude. So, before anything else happens, I need you to trust me.
- Trust you? "I watched grimly, without fully understanding what he said. It is assumed that only give you a minute to talk.
"Really, doctor. Need to do this before continuing Kirk was prepared, taking a deep breath to better resist. Come on, hit me.
- & amp; iQuest, What the hell ...?
"Otherwise it will not be fair to listen. I mean, besides that I deserve it. It will not take a minute.
McCoy hesitated, but was only for a second. A mischievous smile appeared on his stern expression when he agreed.
"If they want ...
Other team members leaving the shop, led by Spock, saw the pair of punches to the doctor struck Kirk, tomb ; it clean.
- Bones! & Mdash, Uhura and Spock ran to them, while the doctor and he held out his hand to help him up.
-Ough ... I thought it would be only one ... "The journalist is hurt, accepting help while touching his face punishment.
"Now, Kirk. Everyone has a budget of opportunism, "said McCoy, smiling broadly as he held it not to lose his balance. I could not pass this time as satisfactory.
- Hey, Bones! I did not know you had a great left hook, "said Archer divertido, taking an elbow by Nurse Chapel and T'Pol. Ow! Now what?
- What the hell happened? "Uhura asked, pausing in front of them, completely confused when Kirk did not respond to aggression.
Spock smiled at the doctor patted the shoulder of the journalist, who spat a little blood in the midst of a painful smile.
"I see you managed their differences," said also funny, at times looking for his bride, who looked as if he were insane & amp; mdash;. Doctor McCoy, I think we'll start with a review of local maps. It will take about an hour. Come on, Nyota.
Spock"But ... Are not you going to do something? "The diplomat pulled her within his claim, undoing the observer group. Spock!
The doctor walked, leading Kirk to the small shop, next to the makeshift store. Once there, he lit an oil lamp that hung in one of the poles of the same, adjusting its intensity to the proximity of the sunset. Then, he pulled from a duffel bag hanging at his side a bOtello were almost a third of its capacity, which clearly could see that he kept for special situations. Reached two vasillos and while serving, Kirk invited to sit in one of the dusty chairs.
- Sparks! "Kirk still holding the jaw when McCoy sat in front of him, extending one of the vasillos and a pair of analgesic tablets was with the bottle. Afraid I can not talk in a few days
"Do not exaggerate, do not hit you so hard. Take the pills and am being á s right. Now, what you wanted to talk? For the gesture
relaxed doctor, and the slight smile that had disappeared to help him up off the ground, he knew volvíaa be in the team. Kirk smiled broadly, ignoring the throbbing pain on his face as he made known his plans.
would be active all the time you were there, helping and supporting them as necessary, even in times when they had to assist victims in hazardous areas. All with the condition that he be allowed to take photographs, interviewthose who were attending, and bring a report on the activities and impressions of both medical staff and team of activists from Amnesty.
- ... I have little experience in administering first aid or something like that, but I know what to do in times of emergency. Also, what type will be one hundred percent stuck to the facts, without exaggeration or distortion of any kind.
McCoy listened attentively, with his arms crossed over his chest, but not defensive. She kept her eyes fixed on his face, pondering possibilities.
-learn how to apply first aid does not take muchtime. We could teach you the basics in a day, "said the doctor after a few seconds of silence. On the other hand, almost always need all the staff available for relief efforts and prevention. I need people who have immediate reactions, it is the only way to survive here.
"Well, I do not know if it has to survive to an older brother who is a real bastard on a farm in the middle of Iowa I have quick reflexes, and I fight for my food.
McCoy nodded, acknowledging that not only had reflexes Ra; Rapids. He had noticed that the reporter thought at supersonic speeds, and that could be of much help.
"Okay, Kirk. We will do this: now make up the teams, both for those who remain inside the camp, and those who go to nearby communities. You could join me in outpatient work, we generally have two or three days. I can explain the procedures and manuals give basic first aid, and get to practice at the time that we free, it will be until it is repaired communication equipment of the camp. What?
& MDAsh; matter That I'm ready! When are we going?
McCoy smiled broadly when he heard. It would be an interesting day.
----------------------------------------- ------ CONTINUED ...
Go to Chapter 6
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