The hospital was nothing like he was used to. Micah was used to the rush of a big city ER and the most he he’d seen in New Eden was an allergic reaction to something and the set of stitches he’d just finished up. It wasn’t a bad thing. Seven stitches and a bandage was a good use of his skills, even though he was sure the nursing staff was just as capable of doing the job as he was, but it wasn’t what he expected. He finished up the task, tossing gloves away and warning his patient to stop trying to take apart their hover car and see a mechanic. A few notes in the chart and then he was back to the nurses’ station, leaning over the counter to look at the charts there, hoping for something, but not finding much.
What there was, was a dazzling array of little paint pots, brushes and marker pens, along with a small pile of neat cut white card. Maggie gave a little flick of her wrist, ending the curve of the flow of scarlet paint in a jaunty little curve - somewhat disturbing, given that she had been intricately painting a globulous pool of blood as part of her latest poster campaign reminding people of the safety benefits of not letting small children run with scissors. Behind her, leaning up against the wall to dry, were three already completed posters. Given that they were all hand draw, they we're remarkably consistent, to the point if being identical.
Realizing she was no longer alone, Maggie dropped the end of her brush into the jar of water and gave Micah a bright smile. “Hello, doctor. Can I assist you with anything?”
Tagtor, can I assist you with anything?”
Micah took his time looking at her work, amazed by the additional talent his staff had beyond nursing. Not that it was unheard of, having more than one talent, but he only really had the one and was always impressed by someone that had something else to go with it. He shrugged and looked at the board they kept for patients. “Doesn’t seem like there’s much going on is there?” That was good, obviously. People getting hurt or sick was never something Micah wanted, but it left him with little to distract himself with.
“Safety is a prime concern here,” Maggie agreed. “And generally our population is far more healthy than some. Of course, not having the usual modern day pollutants and environmental detriments helps in that, as does a young and physically fit population. I like to think that my talents are best used to help ensure people stay that way - which is why I run the healthy living programme. If you need more matters to take up your time, you would be more than welcome to come on board and assist! Focus our efforts and making sure nobody gets sick in the first place!”
“It does seem like most of what I’ve done so far is just accidental and not actual illness.” Micah grabbed the charts from the past few days, flipping through them. Mostly stomach aches or minor cuts and bruises, all that could be dealt with simply. He glanced up at her offer, smiling a little. “I’m not sure I’m cut out for making posters.”
“Oh, of course - I wouldn’t expect you to make posters!” Maggie exclaimed with a shake of her head, and whilst it was clear from the laugh and the look on her face that she thought that such silly things were beneath him, it wasn’t quite clear whether she thought that because he was a doctor, or because he was a man. “I was more thinking that you could maybe put together some posts for the forums. You know, reminding people to keep fit, or to eat a balanced diet. I mean, medical things would be good as well, of course! People might be healthy now, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t develop things like cancer!” She shuddered a little, a sympathetic expression crossing her face. “Catch things early and it’s easier to treat, right?”
Micah smiled at her, nodding along with it. He didn’t really think it was beneath him, but definitely out of his wheelhouse. “I could do that, I suppose. Do you think anyone would listen if I tell them to eat their vegetables?” He had to agree though, maintaining a good level of health was necessary. “That’s right. Though in some cases, illnesses can’t really be avoided.”
“I think that if a doctor tells people something then they will absolutely listen!” Maggie said with conviction, accompanied by an assertive little nod. “After all, you only have their best interests at heart. If we can get people to avoid what’s avoidable, then it leaves us free to deal with the little things that come up anyway. And everyone is all the better for it!”
Micah looked at his hand, picking a nail and shrugging one shoulder. “I suppose they are all the better for it. I’ll keep that in mind. And probably post about some health tips. Do you recommend anything?” he asked, assuming she’d given it more thought than he had.
“Health screening would seen to be a sensible place to start,” Maggie suggested. “You know, ensuring people come in for regular checkups. How to keep an eye on yourself to make sure nothing’s wrong. Things to look out for - really, the possibilities are endless!”
“Because there’s nothing more interesting than procession two hundred physicals,” Micah quipped before rubbing at his cheek. “I’ve been in the ER for too long.” He’d never have been cut out for family practice or the like. “What about you? What did you do before here?”
“Oh, I’ve always been a nurse,” Maggie said, happily. “Well, clearly not always, because I didn’t get born with a little hat and stethoscope - that would be just silly - but it feels like I’ve always been nursing. It’s all I’ve ever wanted to do. But I much prefer it here - I love working to make sure that people don’t get sick in the first place! It’s such inspiring work, knowing that I’m really making a difference, even if people never really realise it.”
“Very silly,” Micah said, smiling a little, though not sure why he was. “I suppose I never thought about it like that. I always like the idea of saving those that need it more than just preventing illness.” She had a point though, that was nicer, and easier on his nerves. “Where did you work before here?”
Maggie picked up her brush and started on finalising her poster. “I’ve mostly worked here,” she told him, a little dismissively. She wasn’t sure why it mattered. “I’ve never worked anywhere particularly famous.”
Micah’s expression shifted to curious, his mind churning at that. He’d never met a staffer that didn’t want to talk about experiences elsewhere, even if it wasn’t anywhere particularly famous. “Well, we can’t all work at the hospitals in soap operas right?”
Maggie smiled at that, looking at him again rather than her work. “Exactly. And really - would you want to? It must get exhausting after a while. Plus, you may find out that you’re actually your sister’s mother’s hairdresser's daughter’s cousin’s dog all along and never knew it!” she joked.
“Can’t have that happening anyway? How’s a dog even get a medical degree?” Micah joked back, relaxing a little with her response and the way she looked at him. “There’s enough drama without the forced storylines, right?”
“I’m certain there’s some very smart dogs out there. But - you’re right, of course.” The way she shrugged, like it was an inevitability - again, it wasn’t clear if that was because he was a man or a doctor, but the deference was implied. “I like it here - do you like it here? You’re certainly making a difference - I’ve noticed!”
Again, that was curious. Micah struggled with it for a moment then shook his head. “Of course,’ he echoed, but he seemed less sure about it than she was. “I suppose I am. I mean, it’s nice to start over.” Provided he hadn’t made the same mistakes with his interaction with Ian. “You think I have? I’ve only seen about ten patients.”
“Every time you see someone, it makes a difference,” she assured him, cheerfully. “I, for one, am very grateful to have you here. You’re an asset to the community and I’m sure that you’re going to continue to be.” She set her completed poster to one side and cleaned off the brush. “But, I really should go and do my rounds. I love stopping people getting sick, but I mustn’t forget about the ones that are past that,” she said, gesturing to the patient area.
“Well, I’m glad to be here,” Micah told her, nodding as she gestured towards the patients. “Have at it. Page me if you need me. I’ll be here.” Finishing up paperwork for his few patients. It didn’t feel like he was doing as much as she said, but he supposed she was right, every little bit helped.