Chapter 4: Exposure

He was still a bit groggy from the mission when he arrived for his appointment, but it was only to be expected. Tseng hadn't been asked to participate in the actual interrogation but delivering the two terrorists had taken him well through the night, right towards the time of his checkup. He'd written up his report, stolen a small nap at his desk, and arrived precisely on time. The doctor hadn't seemed surprised at all to see the fatigue on his patient. Though the man didn't often treat Turks, to see one fresh and well rested would have probably been more of a surprise.

The doctor he was seeing toady, a Doctor Hoch, was not a very talkative man. He was attentive, definitely so, but small talk seemed as unappealing to him as it did to the rookie. He wasn't unpleasant, though Tseng did not really feel 'pleasant' was a requirement for doctors. He'd take taciturn and level headed over bubbly and unreliable any day, thank you.

Aside from the quick standard checks (weight, blood pressure, etc), and some samples sent down for testing, most of the appointment seemed to revolve around the trauma that the blow to his head caused. The site of the wound was barely tender, Hoch's blunt probing causing more discomfort than the bruise that was no doubt hidden beneath Tseng's dark hair. It was a mind dulling battery of checks, the medical professional asking question after question. At one point he pulled out what Tseng identified as a variant of the Libre Materia. As the Materia wouldn't grant any positive status or effects to the Turk, the rookie had no true room to question its use. A different story if the man had sought to heal him, but he didn't appear to be so inclined.

It was never pleasant sitting about in a cold examination room in just a backless hospital gown, but it was also never pleasant being on the receiving end of a full physical examination, either. At least they had to be nearing the end, all manner of light and machine having had a turn at Tseng's head or eyes. He tried to ignore the chill that crept over his skin, that left gooseflesh on his arms, focusing instead on watching the doctor. It was a relief to finally see the man snapping off latex gloves and moving to scribble all over the paper copy of Tseng's chart.

"Well... barring any abnormal results from the blood and urine samples we've sent down to the labs... you're physically very fit and healthy," the man drawled, taking a seat on a rolling stool across from where Tseng sat on the paper covered exam table. There was something to the set of the doctor's mouth that indicated a chronic smoking habit the Turk absently noticed. It was difficult to turn off his habit of analyzing those around him. "I don't see anything from your previous injury to cause concern, really."

Tseng nodded, some of his hair sliding over his shoulders, making him want to tie it all back up. He'd taken it down for the head examinations of course. A nasty draft slithered down Tseng's always straight spine, though he resisted the urge to reach back and attempt to pinch the gown closed. Discipline, just listen to the doctor, so far it'd been good news. Relief hovered about him, as if a bird waiting to take roost. Much to Tseng's vexation, it wasn't given the chance based on the doctor's next words. "The only thing that does trouble me is the Mako."

Frowning, the Turk rookie pursed his lips. The first doctor who'd examined him had asked about Mako exposure as well. Hoch studied his face for a moment, before sliding the stool over to the computer in the room. The doctor brought up the digital chart, and Tseng wondered just what discrepancies existed between the paper and digital versions. Oh as a Turk he was well aware of the fact that multiple versions of such things were created. He made a mental note to exercise his training later to confirm what was in each.

"When you were brought in initially, there were lingering traces of Mako found in your bloodstream reported by the attending physician. Nothing excessive, however enough worth noting. More than what someone would pick up from living here in Midgar. It seems more consistent with the levels one would expect to find if you'd used Materia... or had it used on you." The doctor looked at Tseng at this, as if seeking some sort of confirmation.

"To my knowledge, no Materia was involved in the situation." He wasn't, apparently, the best source to go to for what had actually happened, but Tseng was almost positive no spells of any sort had been cast on either side. He'd not been authorized to carry any Materia for that mission at any rate.

The doctor slid his stool over closer to Tseng again, apparently disinterested in actually walking anywhere, leaning forward to peer into Tseng's eyes. "You haven't used any Materia since? Or been at the receiving end of a spell?"

The Turk shook his head to the negative, giving a slight quirk of a brow. "Your use of Materia in this examination would be the only exposure I've had."

The doctor frowned. "Then it should have passed from your system by now. The level noted originally should have at the very least dropped. It appears to have remained consistent instead." Scooting back to the computer, the man began to scroll through Tseng's medical history and occasionally type. "You've been screened for Mako Sensitivity?"

Tseng pursed his lips for a moment, brows furrowing. "I have had the basic screening required by my Department," he answered succinctly.

"Hmmm..." The doctor grunted, apparently deep in thought, following a train of thought Tseng wasn't comfortable with.

It went without saying that a Turk, in the course of their very varied duties and missions, would likely be working near Mako at some point. Whether it be in a Reactor, illegal Mako laced substances, or even the ever rare natural source, those especially sensitive to the substance would need to be identified. They weren't given as in depth or extensive tests as SOLDIERs were, it simply wasn't necessary, and ShinRa cut financial corners with reckless glee. However, Tseng had been tested, and he'd shown no particular sensitivity to Mako. Casual exposure to it, the Turk version of 'casual' at any rate, had never been an issue for him.

Hoch moved his lips and the rookie could imagine the cigarette that 'should' have been there. A nasty addicting habit that led to easy tells in mood and disposition. Hoch was stumped, his medical training hitting the wall of its usefulness. Tseng expected it bothered the man more than he wished to let on. "Mako and Materia really aren't my areas of expertise, but I'd advise further testing with this. I'll be forwarding your information along to another colleague of mine."

The rookie blinked, sharp mind quickly following the doctor's thought process. "You believe I'm suffering from Mako Poisoning?" If he weren't a Turk, he surely would have sounded incredulous. As it was, he suspected his voice came off a bit offended.

"You're not suffering from physical trauma," the doc returned bluntly, frowning at the possible slight to his medical analysis. "I was called in as a second opinion, looks like you need a third."

Tseng cleared his throat and the doctor smiled. "I know, I know, you're a Turk. Believe me, your superior will have to approve my request to do so before anything will happen. That all said, you're free to go, and you'll be notified of any abnormalities or conditions of concern we find." He asked Tseng if he had any further questions, which the Turk declined asking for now. The doctor finished typing his recommendations into the digital file, picked up Tseng's paper chart, and tossed the Turk a bland smile. "Have a nice day," he said, leaving the room.

Tseng dressed back into his uniform suit, brooding in this moment of quiet privacy. His mind felt like it was working in circles, trying to find any moment where he may have been exposed. His last mission had gone so well and he was feeling appropriately sharp of wit based on the amount of rest he'd had. With his... symptoms... mostly gone, it was strange to be told there may still be something lingering. 'Mako levels remaining high?' Tseng buttoned his suit slowly, shaking his head. He would have rather been told he was experiencing disorientation due to the head injury. Having too many references to Mako in your medical chart was never a good thing. Tseng knew more than enough about what went on within the ShinRa labs to know he didn't want an up close look.

Leaving the examination room, Tseng turned his thoughts away from wasted mental pursuits. Frustrating as it was, he was unlikely to come to any brilliant conclusions or recollections. It was best, then, to focus on his duties. He needed to begin his surveillance assignment. He stifled a yawn, pausing in his walk just for a moment. Perhaps he would investigate the church she was reported to frequent, ensure the small cameras fellow Turks had installed were still there. Perhaps he would install a few more, or change position of previous ones. He'd decide once he arrived.

As he reached the end of the hall, the rookie stopped, frowning. Should he wait until dark? It would make verifying the cameras more difficult, and he'd be less likely to run into the girl. The Turk's eyes dulled a bit, mind dancing around the issue of seeing her. Obviously he was going to not only see her in time, but he would have to make contact with her if he hoped to gain her trust. Undo some of the damage the Turks who'd been assigned to her before may have done. The dull pain that began to creep behind his eyes, and the odd tightening in his chest, unnerved him. He'd... not told Dr. Hoch about the potential triggers for his headaches and disorientation.

He was having a psychological evaluation tomorrow, so he saw no reason to tell more people about these... mental lapses, than absolutely necessary. It was unnerving, however, to have the focus of his next assignment creating such anxiety. One successful mission would not be enough to regain Veld's confidence. Tseng needed to be at his best, and he couldn't let whatever stress this flower girl was causing him to overwhelm him.

'I'll go at night then. Verify the cameras, verify the area. A better grasp of the environment I'll be navigating will help to ground me. Then, I will initiate contact another day.' Decided, Tseng tried to force from his mind the lingering doubt he had in his choice.

End chapter note:

Hmm... nope. Nothing to say. Unless you want me to confirm that yes, Aerith is in the next chapter. So much for your plan Tseng.