Later that morning at SGH the Chief has called an urgent meeting with his Attendings and Residents in the Conference Room:
"A colleague of mine, Dr. William Long, is chief of surgery at Bethel PHS Hospital in Bethel, Alaska. He unexpectedly lost several surgeons and is requesting that I send a team urgently to help him during this crisis. I will take volunteers, first come, and first serve. This is an excellent opportunity for all of you to utilize your skills in a smaller hospital setting. I will allow each resident that goes to bring one of their interns. The Attendings that decide to go will approve all Residents and Interns. Ideally we would have 5 volunteers, but I will allow up to 8 people to go for the experience. We need capable surgeons for this job as staffing is low and they have no room for insecure surgeons. Please take this into consideration quickly as I would like to send out a team first thing in the morning. I will meet again with the Attendings today at 5pm to finalize the plans. Thank you everyone for your time and consideration. Now, get back to work."
Resident's Locker Room
"What a waste of time," Christina grumbled. "I could have been in the OR instead of listening to that crap."
"I think it sounds like a great opportunity," Izzie replied. "You know a chance to help other people instead of always looking out for ourselves and the best surgeries we can get."
"I am volunteering." Meredith added. "I need to get away from this place for awhile and that seems like the perfect way to do it. Who do you think the attendings will be?" She said nervously.
"I could handle a change," Alex said thoughtfully. "Probably Dr. Hahn and the Chief."
"You three would seriously go and leave me here with all of these interns?" Christina said. "Maybe I will volunteer after all. I do not see the pretty boys volunteering, so probably Dr. Hahn and the Chief. Although if Dr. Hahn volunteers, Dr. Sloan will want to go."
"Surely we cannot all go," Meredith said. "Who will they pick if we all volunteer?"
"I guess we will find out because I am in." Christina said smugly, the idea of turning it into a competition making the trip sound more appealing. "He did say he wanted the best, and of course, we all know I am one of the best."
"May the best Residents win" Alex said as he winked at the ladies on his way out of the room.
Chief's Office 5pm
"We actually have more people that volunteered than can go," the Chief began. "Here is a copy of the list of volunteers. I want input from each of you, but since Dr. Shepherd and Dr. Sloan are the two attendings in charge of the trip, their vote will carry more weight. I appreciate their volunteering to take on this job."
Volunteers
Residents:
Izzie Stevens
Alex Karev
Meredith Grey
Christina Yang
Interns:
Dana Sexton
Lexie Grey
Joe Beaver
George O'Malley
Chief: "Dr. Bailey wanted everyone to know that she would love to go, but understandably needs to be home during this time. The plan is to bring two Residents and two interns. What are your thoughts?"
"All the Residents are capable," Dr. Shepherd began silently cursing that Meredith's name was on the list. She was the one he wanted to get away from, and the thoughts of her going made him sick. He could not ban her, though, as she was a gifted surgeon. He had to think business, not personal. "What are the thoughts of everyone else?"
"I am most impressed with Dr. Stevens and Dr. Grey," Dr. Hahn stated. "I think Dr. Yang needs to remain at SGH to learn how to handle and be more respectful of interns. She and Karev could both use some lessons from me."
"I am in agreement with Dr. Hahn," Dr. Sloan quickly stated, earning a glare from Derek and the Chief.
"Okay, I will notify Dr. Grey and Dr. Stevens that they will be going on this trip. Is it fair to allow them to decide which interns go?"
"Sure." The attendings all agreed.
"I also think it would be a good idea to have two nurses from the OR go on the trip. They are familiar with the way each of you operate and will make the transition in Bethel easier. The head nurse, Rose, has volunteered and she chose another nurse, Abigail, to go as well."
Mark laughed out loud at this as Derek gave him a death glare and swift kick under the table that caused Mark to yell out in pain.
"I can trust that you two will act like adults on this trip and be responsible for those you are taking?" The Chief said in a voice that was not at all playful, but demanding.
"Yes, sir" both Dr. Sloan and Shepherd stated.
"Well then, go home and get packed. I will see you in the morning. Now I need to notify the ones that will be going on the trip." The Chief stood up and the rest followed suit.
Mer's House Later that night
Meredith , Izzie, George, and Lexie have finished packing and are hanging out on the couch talking about their trip. Christina and Alex are moping, but hanging out with their friends as it is the last night they will all be together for awhile.
"The Chief was not very specific on what we will be doing or how long we will be there. I wonder what Alaska is like?" Lexie thought out loud.
"He did not even tell us who the attendings are that are going." Meredith realized suddenly and started panicking.
"I am telling you it is Dr. Hahn and Dr. Sloan," Christina snapped. "That is why they did not choose me. She has it out for me."
"I can handle Sloan and Hahn." Meredith replied, looking relieved.
"This is going to be such a fun trip! We get to see a new part of the country and save lives. Isn't Alaska mostly populated by men?" Izzie asked enthusiastically.
"Yeah, men with enough hair to be mistaken for bears." Alex retorted, with a hint of jealousy in his eyes. He silently tries to convince himself that he is jealous that Izzie gets to go on the trip, not of the men she may meet while she is away. "It will be weird to have this place to myself." He suddenly realized he would be the only one left that lived in Mer's house.
"Be careful who you bring home, Alex, and make sure that whatever skank you pick up does not intend to rob me." Meredith said.
"Oh, like that worries you when you bring home random men." Alex retorted.
"I do not do that anymore." Meredith replied vehemently. "I am evolving."
"You mean pining for your McDreamy." Alex replied sarcastically.
"SHUT UP ALEX! He is a McAss and I do not want anything to do with him, including talking about him." Meredith yelled.
"Chill out, no need to get upset." Alex mumbled. "Jeez, you say you do not care, so stop acting like you do."
"I am going to bed." Meredith stated wearily, glad to know she would soon be putting miles between her and the man that seemed to continually break her heart. "We have a long day tomorrow."
The others slowly made their way to their rooms and soon the house was quiet, except for Meredith's snoring, which had become a sound they all became accustomed to and knew meant their friend was sleeping soundly.