Michaela (34 page)

Govi’s hand covered her shoulder, and he squeezed it. “It’s all right. There is a containment field between this part of the department and the violent patients. Those you hear are locked down in their wards anyway.”

She shuddered at the vicious cries. “Good. I hate to be unsympathetic about their pain, but they sound like animals.”

At least the place looked orderly and clean. Three corridors stretched away from the transport system; two on either side and one in front of Michaela. Dug into the cliff face like the Government House and her clan’s home, the hospital did not look anything close to primitive. While the floor looked like marble polished to a high sheen, it had give beneath Michaela’s sandaled feet. She suspected it was cushioned for the patients’ safety.

The corridor walls were even more obvious in the attempt to keep anyone from inadvertent injury. Their entirety, stretching up to ten feet, was covered in padded surfaces. The hall to Michaela’s left was colored a soft pastel blue. The one before her was an equally soft seafoam green. To the right, the color scheme was a soothing lilac.

Diffused lighting came from the ceiling, almost seeming dim. Michaela knew Kalquorian eyesight was much more sensitive than hers, so that didn’t surprise her. Free-floating vids with pleasant landscape pictures dotted along the walls. Except for the wild cries, it would have been a nice enough atmosphere. However, the antiseptic scent was an obvious giveaway that this was a hospital.

Kalquorians dressed in loose trousers and tunics moved up and down the corridors. Some pushed hover carts before them, the surfaces crowded with instruments and vials. Michaela couldn’t even guess the use for those items. Medical supplies, she supposed. Medications for the screamers too, she hoped.

Two men moved towards her and Govi as they started down the blue hallway. They wore darker green tunics than the other people working in the wing, the same shade as Govi’s.

Michaela took them to be doctors, especially since they wore the same insignia as Govi on their tunics. The moment they saw her and her Imdiko, the two men stopped the conversation they were having. They had been intent on whatever they were discussing. It had definitely been a debate ... maybe even an argument.

The instant they spied Govi and Michaela however, their intense expressions eased. Both men smiled at Michaela’s Imdiko and bowed to her.

The taller of the two straightened first. “Good morning, Dr. Govi. I see you have a guest today.”

This man’s voice was soft, rolling thunder, a voice meant to charm. Michaela couldn’t help but smile at him. He was handsome with flowing black hair and a strong jaw, though nowhere near as beautiful as her Govi. He also had a more commanding look to him, an aura that reminded Michaela of Korkla. Was he a Dramok?

The shorter man smiling at her was definitely an Imdiko. His wavy midnight locks fell all the way to his waist, a curtain of coarse but beautiful hair. He was ruggedly handsome in a way that made her think he would be more at home outdoors than doing rounds in a hospital ward.

Govi grinned at Michaela, as if she’d done something he was proud of. “Dr. Kivokan and Dr. Conyod, this is my Matara, Michaela. She’s spending the day with me. Dr. Kivokan is one of our best psychiatrists, and Dr. Conyod is working on it.”

The three men laughed at what was apparently a joke between them. Michaela joined in politely, though she always had to respond when Govi’s stunning face lit in a smile.

Govi was quick to add, “Actually, Dr. Conyod is quite gifted, the newest member of our team concentrating on the Earther Mataras. We are very happy to have him work with us.”

Conyod looked delighted with the praise. “Thank you, Dr. Govi.” He turned his attention to Michaela. “How are you enjoying Kalquor so far, Matara?”

“It’s a beautiful planet,” she started to answer, then howls from the other corridor rose louder than before. She winced at the savage sounds.

Kivokan gave her a calm smile. “Don’t let the yelling bother you, Matara. Those men can’t get into this part of the wing. You are quite safe.”

Michaela grimaced. “Maybe, but it’s not pleasant to listen to. Tell me this isn’t where you keep the women under your care.”

Govi shook his head. “We have none in residence but the two severely affected patients I’ve mentioned before. The rest of the Earther Mataras residing on Kalquor are clanned with homes. They’re all on an outpatient basis, and we have our therapeutic sessions in soundproof offices.”

Conyod nodded his agreement. Michaela thought his demeanor was much warmer than Kivokan’s. She found herself liking him a little more. “It’s a bit disconcerting to hear those cries at first, but we make sure the treatment rooms we meet with the Mataras in are serene.”

Michaela was no psychologist. She couldn’t pretend to be on the same level as these trained experts. However, she felt she had to point out, “The women still have to come back out and walk this corridor once they’re done with therapy, don’t they? They might leave you feeling better, but I bet they have to practically run out of here so the atmosphere doesn’t ruin it.”

Govi’s brows drew together in concern. “Does it really bother you that much, Michaela? Even knowing you’re perfectly safe?”

Another scream resounded. Michaela didn’t try to hide how much it made her cringe. “It doesn’t bother you? It sounds like I wandered into Hell. I sure hope you never have to house any more of us Earther women in here.”

“That concern has come up. There are those I treat who I think would benefit more from around-the-clock care,” Kivokan said. His well-mannered face scowled as more yelling drifted into their wing.

Michaela said, “If you do have to turn your department into a full-time ward, don’t let your patients out into the halls. No one will ever recover if they have to hear that all day and night. Damn, we Earthers would probably end up more traumatized than ever.”

The three men looked at each other, worry and realization filling their faces.

Kivokan addressed Govi. “Your Matara makes a good point. We should be prepared for the needs of hospitalized Earther patients, especially if more of these women end up coming to the Empire.”

Conyod mused, “Considering the yelling significantly bothers someone not in treatment, I can only imagine how hard it must be for our patients to cope with. It has to be addressed. Simply pointing out that there is no danger is not going to be enough to settle fears.”

“We may need to set up a separate section from this one for the women’s care, even if we never go the route of a full-service ward.” Kivokan’s tone hinted at demand rather than request.

He’s definitely a Dramok
, Michaela thought. How was it Govi, an Imdiko, had been made head of Earther Matara mental health? Weren’t Dramoks always the automatic leaders?

While she puzzled over that, Govi said, “I’ll set up a meeting with Dr. Nampach so we can go over this issue.” He added for Michaela’s benefit, “Nampach is the head of the entire psychiatric department for the hospital. Would you mind if I share your reactions with him?”

“Not at all. While you’re at it, ask your patients how they like it. I bet you’ll get an earful.”

At her wry tone, the men chuckled. Kivokan bowed to her once more. “Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention, Matara. We are just starting out in our work with Earther females. As much as I hate to admit it, we are learning as we go.”

“And arguing the ways and means of doing our best for those under our care,” Conyod snickered, giving Kivokan a friendly jab.

“On that note,” the Dramok said, “If Dr. Govi and Matara Michaela will excuse us, I believe we have a discussion to finish.” He narrowed his eyes at Conyod in a mock glare.

“You will never change my mind about mindwipes,” the Imdiko insisted as they walked away.

“Therapeutic mind cleansings,” Kivokan corrected him. “And my method is far different from the lobotomies that have been done in the past. It gives people a whole new start in life. By the ancestors, Conyod, some patients you just can’t put right!”

Govi chuckled. He whispered to Michaela, “They will never sway each other. I think they argue just for the fun of it.” He took her arm. “Come into my office, my Matara. I want to set up that meeting as soon as possible.”

She grinned brightly at him as they followed the other two doctors at a slower pace. “How about that? See how useful I am to have around?”

Govi gave her a hug, not caring that others might see the public display of affection. “I never doubted your ability to assist in every area of my life, love.”

He stopped before a door that obediently hissed open for them.

Michaela stepped into the room first and frowned. “Talk about bare bones, Govi. Did you just move in here?”

The room couldn’t have been more barren when it came to decoration. Michaela couldn’t have even attached the word ‘decor’ to it because there was none. There was a desk. Sitting behind that was a hover chair that had seen better days, judging by its worn upholstery. Four slightly better chairs sat in a semi-circle before the desk.

On the desk was a computer and com unit. That was the be- and end-all of Govi’s office. Even the walls with their illuminated light panels had no decoration. It didn’t look like the workplace of the head of a department.

Govi smiled, prettying up the space with his perfect face. “I hate being shut up in here for very long, so I spend only a small amount of time in my office. I don’t even consult in here, if possible. That’s why there isn’t much to this room.”

Michaela wrinkled her nose. “Maybe you wouldn’t mind being in here so much if you put some personality into the space.”

Govi looked about the room, bemusement flitting across his face. He didn’t seem to understand why Michaela wanted him to decorate it. “I prefer to be among my patients. Why should this be anything but functional? It’s not like I live here.”

“You could at least put some of your gazillions of pictures on the desk. You don’t even have stills of Korkla and Raxstad.”

Sounding as if he humored her, Govi said, “I suppose I could have vids of my clanmates.” He waved his hand a little, as if dismissing the conversation. “It’s not like I lack for pleasant surroundings. The therapy rooms where I work with my outpatient clients are very nice. We have that lovely reflection garden on top of the hospital as well.”

Michaela decided to give up on the subject, at least for the moment. She switched topics. “So what starts your day?”

He brightened. In Michaela’s experience, men liked talking about their work, even when it was mundane. Govi was no exception.

He motioned to the computer. “Before I begin my rounds, I check for messages and any questions that have come up. You can talk to me while I work on that and ask Dr. Nampach for a meeting.”

The Imdiko went around the desk and sat in the battered hover chair. Michaela perched in one of the chairs across from him. With a barked command, Govi’s computer emitted a free-floating vid projection.

“Check messages,” he said. He scanned the lines of Kalquorian hieroglyphics that sprang up over the computer. “Oh good, only half a dozen. Nothing is marked priority either. This should go by quickly, so you won’t get too bored.”

Michaela watched his intent gaze scan over the communications. Govi was devastatingly handsome as he muttered over the report of one patient’s nightmares. He was insanely alluring as he made an appointment for a new client, a Matara who purposely threw up after eating binges. Then Govi was ridiculously gorgeous while comming in a sedative dosage increase for another woman’s ongoing insomnia. He made her head spin as he sent in his meeting request with the hospital’s head of psychiatry.

Face it. Govi is stunning eating a sandwich
, Michaela told herself.
And he’s mine.

She felt a grin spread over her face.

Govi finished with his messages. He fussed with the handheld computer that he wore on his belt. Michaela smiled even bigger. Yes, even scowling at the device, the Imdiko continued to be more handsome than a man had a right to be.

“I was thinking,” Michaela said.

The Imdiko looked up with an inquisitive smile.

She snickered. “I know. That’s an earth-shattering statement.”

Govi laughed at her joke. “You are quite intelligent, my love. What’s on your mind?”

“Dr. Conyod made mention about me not being in treatment a few minutes ago. But I sort of am, aren’t I? I mean, you’ve been working on my issues since we met.”

Govi pursed his lips. “I suppose it’s fair to say I am giving you therapy. It’s hardly advisable for me to do so, however, since I’m your clanmate. I’m probably too close to the situation to see it clearly. I admit that it worries me a little.”

Michaela spied a trap forming, and she wasted no time in tripping it. “I’m not talking to anyone else about how I feel when it comes to being intersex. Especially to that Dr. Kivokan. I’m sure he’s a good headshrinker, but he smiles too damned much. He makes me think of a politician trying to get elected.”

That made Govi laugh again. “He’s an excellent therapist, but I wouldn’t pick him for you either. His methods are the opposite of mine ... not that I’m saying my way is the best, mind you. It depends on the patient as to what doctor can serve her best.”