F is for First Aid Training
"Hey Mako," Herc Hansen approaches cautiously, considering the aftermath of the Hong Kong battle. Mako looks up from her reading, a Shinto prayer book.
"I hope I'm not crossing the line here, but-" Herc hesitates.
"What is it, Mr. Henson?"
"I think you need a training, or at least a lesson, a one hour lesson, the very least-"
"Mako needs nothing, Herc," Becket says, ambling into the scene.
"Let Mr. Henson finishes, Mr. Becket."
"As I was saying, a basic training in first aid."
Raleigh's eyebrows drop at Herc Hansen's words.
"Oh c'mon, Herc, man," he says quietly.
"What?" Mako retorts in disbelieve.
"What did you do when you couldn't find Raleigh's pulse the other day?" Herc Hansen finds his way into the argument. Raleigh tries to look away.
"I pulled him up to me."
Raleigh levers his limbs, ready to make his exit.
"No, Rals. You stay."
"Is that all?"
"I-"
"Raleigh, you must help me out here. For the good of both of ya."
"Then," Raleigh clears his throat.
"Mako kinda squeezed me. Hard."
"If things were different, that action would have brought a different outcome. Squeezing an unconscious person is not the right course of action."
"I was desperate! I wasn't exactly thinking."
"You probably think he's –"
"Already dead?" Raleigh asked.
"Yes. The pod escaping the kaiju world after nuclear detonation without any physical damage is lucky enough. And how about oxygen supply? I was bracing myself for the worst."
"I'm touched," Raleigh sighs.
"Still, that first aid lesson is imminent," Herc Hansen concludes. Mako resigns. She sees what he sees. That she and Raleigh are his children, now. Now that Chuck is no longer with them.
"Then I need a dummy to practice on. Someone I'm compatible with. Somebody that I would probably use my first aid skills on."
"I'm here for you," Raleigh says.
"Thanks. I wouldn't do it on anyone else," Mako smiles.
"I've heard enough. Tomorrow. At 10:00 hour."
"Can't wait," Raleigh says.
"Neither can I."
Next: M is for Mouth-to-Mouth Resuscitation
