"Thirty minutes… Faster than expected. Good."
With a soft exhale, Nightingale leaned back on one of the Medical Bay's new swivel chairs and waited. The famed practitioner in light-pink scrubs kept her hands folded in her lap as she stared at the ceiling. Behind her, one of the Bay's new Sunscape windows began to tint with the first blues of a sunrise over a depicted pine forest. She'd been here all night, but a servant would never get tired; That went triply so for her.
On the monitoring station's curved desk, her new devices remained linked beside stacks of neatly ordered paperwork. She'd just finished compiling all the medical information since the battle with Goetia, including servant injuries. Every little detail was carefully reorganized and archived, then uploaded onto the new medical network. Finally, she was now transferring all the data from the main system to her laptop, tablet, and phone… Not bad for a night's work.
Admittedly, she and David were slowed down because they had to adapt and learn this new modern technology. 'What a godsend though.'
Before, Roman and David did all of it themselves since she was better off unencumbered. Though the former was well-versed in the human body, he paled compared to Nightingale; Nearly all would. Her manifestation as a servant came with unparalleled knowledge of proper and sanitary methodology regarding medical procedures and treatments. She was a legendary figure who worked tirelessly to save lives, and with humanity in peril, it was guaranteed she'd answers its pleas without hesitation.
Even now, the cries of the modern world tugged at her drive. They wished to wrench her from this comfortable chair and home; What was her comfort if others needed treatment? Nearly seven billion souls resided in the world today, and many lived in unsanitary conditions with poor access to proper healthcare. Even the United Nations, with its bolstering support, could only do so much alongside the various other medical agencies.
They needed her help, and her body and mind agreed on that point. Nevertheless, here in Chaldea she remained, for her consciousness was split. An impossible decision broke through the focused vision she always held to introduce the difficult conundrum. Chaldea's servants were capable of much, but even they could find themselves in peril. Her abilities had saved multiple from the worst on several occasions, with her actions in the last two primary confrontations being the most prominent.
Even with Goetia gone, there was no telling what still waited out there. The singularities persisted. Servants occasionally came back wounded. She was sporadically sent in too, as expected of a servant. As much as her body and soul wanted to go out and help the world, she knew she was doing just that in Chaldea too. Despite there being other capable healers, she had her responsibilities to perform here where no one else would have been qualified.
Thus, with a conflicted heart, she stayed within Chaldea, yet remained determined to complete every single new step to achieving her long-desired dream.
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Fragment 82: Her Unshakable Pledge
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The first beams of light finally flared from a rising orb on the nearby Sunscape window. Nightingale disconnected her tablet, then plugged in her phone to repeat the process. They would be getting some sort of strange cloud system later that could synchronize the data simultaneously. She wasn't so sure how it worked, but she wasn't going to wait when there was much to improve and finish. Progress was necessary.
The first days of October were only next week, but Nightingale was still adamant about reforming the Medical Bay into something greater. They did wonders, but she wanted them to do miracles. They were efficient, but she wanted them to be flawless. Of all the upgrades and retraining she wanted done as the new head, she would at least yield there was one area that didn't need improvement: Their genuine care and affection.
In part, that had much to do with many who worked beside her. Though the robots were surprisingly efficient, they lacked the true human touch which the others made up for in spades. Even Anishka, who still helped out on occasion, did wonders for patients' spirits. That didn't mean the others also didn't contribute a sizable portion, though she still remained confused why so many were so wary when it came to her.
As the double doors before her opened, David strolled through in his doctor's coat. She nodded. "Good morning, Supervisor."
With a sip of coffee in one hand, and his own tablet in the other, he stopped and blinked. "…Morning, Gale…You really weren't kidding about staying here all night."
She simply nodded without breaking her gaze from the computer. "This archive should have been finished last week. I wasn't going to wait any longer."
"That's true… Would you like a break to take a showe-"
"I took one an hour ago as the archive was sorting. You know as well as I do how necessary sanitation is, both for the environment and the practitioner."
He smiled lightly. "Yea. Everyone knows thanks to you."
"As it should be," she nodded and kept typing away. She glanced to him once, but his gaze was on the large support column at the circular desk's center. In a picture frame behind it, surrounded by lilies of purest white, stood the smiling late doctor who'd been a constant sight at this station; With this, he still was. This was far from the only small monument, as every fallen employee now had a tiny tribute where they fell in the halls.
A minute later, just as David came around the desk, Jekyll strolled in with a small yawn; Those who helped her consistently were always prompt and on time, as it should be. He even finally took her serious recommendations by wearing something proper instead of his usual formal attire. Today it was a pair of red scrubs Mordred had gotten him as a present. "Good morning, Doctor."
"Not as good as yesterday's…" Jekyll replied with a small chuckle while scratching his head. He strolled towards them and took a sip of his own white coffee cup. "I woke up on the floor."
"Sounds like a story," David smiled lightly as a robot hovered past while pulling a medical cart.
"Mordred and I were watching Scrubs but she fell asleep on me, and as I've lectured you probably a thousand times…"
Nightingale smiled amusingly. "Mordred gets territorial in her sleep."
"So I lost the couch to the flailing prince… She had a crazy dream, but nothing to worry about," he said as he rubbed the side of his head. "Gave me a nice parting kick to the head though."
Instantly, Nightingale's instincts flared. Her work vanished from her mind as her eyes rocketed onto Jekyll. David and Jekyll glanced over quickly as her scarlet orbs flared with newfound life and resolve. As if the lights went out in her vision, a spotlight illuminated only Jekyll within her focused mind. In a split second, countless wisdom and knowledge flooded through her mind as her mental checklist fired off like a routine drill.
Her eyes could bore a hole through him. Keen and precise, they accessed the area he was rubbing. Like clockwork, they compared the color of the skin to its surrounding while taking note of the assassin's facial features: He was staring at her calmly with a sheepish smile. Behind her scarlet orbs, three thousand words a second flew by like with absolute precision, an unbelievable act for most berserkers.
'Unchecked servant attack to a fragile region. Mild change in skin pigment. Damage inflicted but no fractures evident. Skin unbroken, no blood present. Internal complications like mild traumatic brain injury plausible. Starting with worst case scenarios… Anterograde amnesia. Subject is acute, conscious, and articulate. No slurring. Anterograde amnesia unlikely.'
As her mind ascertained possible symptoms, he chuckled. "It's alright, Florence. I've given myself the once over. No injuries, and I've iced the bruise."
Her eyes stared, but the sudden flow of growing adrenaline and resolve began to waver. She breathed out gently and nodded. Jekyll may not have been a doctor in the medical field, but she was more than aware he had proper medical training; She merely fine-tuned it over the course of several astute lectures. If there was any serious damage to his cranium or cortex, he would've been far more sluggish in his responses.
Quietly, she returned to her work and smiled lightly. "Just analyzing your condition. Go get another bag of ice. You said she had a crazy dream? Not a nightmare, I hope."
"Yes ma'am." Unperturbed by her sudden switch in topics and mentality, he merely shook his head as he walked over to a newly renovated refrigerator. "And no, just a really crazy dream. She's been very excited about her father getting a makeover that she started dreaming of how she might really look like."
"We never did get to see any of her grown counterparts without the armor…" David pondered, and both Jekyll and Nightingale turned to him as he scratched his chin. They shared a small, exasperated sigh as the archer's mind clearly went a little further than it should. "Guess we'll find out soon."
Truthfully, and secretly, that only pertained to them. She knew what her grown up counterpart could truly look like, even if it was her alter. That had been the strangest memorial essence she'd ever received, but it was easy enough to file it away with the same confidentiality as patient records. Mordred was in a happy family now, and she clearly wasn't aware of that incident either. Nightingale wasn't keen on rekindling it either if it ever was raised…
Although… she wouldn't mind being her disciplinary nanny should Arturia ever request it.
In the growing comfortable silence as David browsed his tablet, Nightingale stood up. "Would you mind ensuring my devices don't sleep? It's time for her next morning checkup."
"Don't take too long. I heard Irisviel is bringing us personally cooked donuts this morning."
"She's been taking Emiya's lessons seriously," Jekyll added as he final plopped a new bag of ice against his head and closed the refrigerator.
Though she knew they meant it in jest, she still smiled, but reprimanded lightly. "I will always take as long as necessary to ensure all conditions are being maintained for a proper recovery... Stick one or two in the microwave for me."
As she left the relaxed atmosphere around the monitoring station, her expression fell. Solemn focus filled her mind and ushered her forward down the hallway. Their routine rounds had been growing steadily shorter as the days went by with every released patient. Nearly a month had passed since Chaldea's terrible ordeal, but the scars and wounds had been healing at unprecedented levels thanks to her outright resolve and dedication.
Now, only one last patient remained, and the door practically glowed in her vision as she walked towards it.
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"No! Let me go! You can't do this!" Other visitors were already frozen in shock.
"Medea. Calm down this instant or I will have you removed from the premises."
"I said let go of me! Let me help her! I can heal her!" Many only watched on helplessly while panic began to rise.
"Someone call the Peacekeepers!" "Good god! They're actually going to fight!?" "Calm down, you two! You're scaring the others!"
It'd only been ten minutes since Goetia' defeat. Emotions poured like thick rain through the Medical Bay's hallway, but thunder had broken out amongst the once silent storm. Robots frantically ran about delivering medical supplies to various rooms, all while the few capable servants and two remaining nurses rushed about. A few fatigued Peacekeepers had been helping to keep visitors at bay, but one in particular had broken through the blockade. Now, all that kept the frantic, exhausted, and battle clad caster from her destination was the adamant nurse.
Despite Medea's crazed ferocity, Nightingale was not going to budge for anyone. She glared while she kept Medea's arm in a vice grip to prevent her from entering the room. Her eyes were cold, and her mind was absolute. They contrasted Medea's, who flooded with far more emotion than many ever saw from here before. With fangs bared, she glared a hole through the berserker. "Let go, Nightingale! I can do it! I can heal Naomi!"
"Medea! Please control yourself!" Vlad insisted as he limped towards them. Nightingale's ferociously determined eyes glanced to the wounded berserker, and wanted more than anything to scold him to take it easy; Battle Continuation or not, unnecessary agitation of wounds was detrimental to proper recovery and would only result in prolonged treatment. Yet, despite the angry flares from her heart and mind, they also agreed this current problem was more important.
"Vlad! Help me!" Medea quickly called out as she pointed towards the lone door. "Naomi! I can help her! You know I can -!"
"All proper procedures have been followed and completed without further complication! Naomi's condition is stabilized!"
"Then why is she in there!? Why is she there if you did everything properly!? Why aren't you in there!?" Medea roared back as she pointed to the room. "You did something to her, didn't you!? You went too far with your mad sense of healing! Stop lying! Don't lie to me!"
That hit a pressure point with Nightingale. Her grip increased with anger as her focused eyes locked onto the caster again. "Do you believe I would lie about proper medical procedures!? Do not question my abilities or my medical treatments, Medea. I know what she needs for proper recovery."
"Then if you know, stop holding me back! I can heal her! My spells can do it! I can save her! I can save her!"
"Medea, you need to calm down. There's nothing more you can do." Nightingale warned with a low, firm, yet sensitive tone. "We have other patients in critical condition who need treatment! You're disrupting further operations around this facility and that will not be tolerated. If you still wish to put those healing abilities to use in your exhausted state, then there are others who need to be stabil-"
"THEN JUST LET ME GO SO I CAN HELP NAOMI FIRST!" To Nightingale's disbelief, Medea summoned her staff, and someone let out a fearful scream; This crossed the line. Though Nightingale's anger was kept in check, there was only one recourse now. Without hesitation, the legendary pledge, recited millions of times over, flooded into her mind as she mustered her dwindling od.
There would be no need for the longer incantation; This was no battlefield. This was only one frantic caster, and it had to be released at a moment's notice. With eyes of angelic fire, Nightingale yelled out. "Nightingale Pledge!"
It was a quick ignition, so not even the titanic angel of saintly white appeared. The zone was limited to her immediate surrounding, and it worked instantly. The charging stun spell on Medea's staff, even with her rapid incantation, fell silent. The dispersing particles that glowed from its head vanished as the staff was forcibly wrenched into the ground with a loud clatter. Surrounding the two, a light green and white mist flickered like dust for a brief moment as Medea angry eyes latched onto Nightingale.
"…I should have you thrown out for even trying that on me, but we need your help here, Medea." Her voice was adamant, forceful, and unyielding. Her eyes were a blaze that could singe on sight, and they were solely on Medea.
The caster stared back with growing disbelief, but Nightingale only shook her head. "I've done all I could for her. She's stabilized. I've treated the severe traumatic brain injuries and other complications sustained to the best of my ability. I will not have you jeopardizing her condition with an attempt to forcefully pull her into a conscious state… Especially in your state of mind! I will not have you risking her death, do I make myself clear?"
In her grasp, she could feel Medea's will to fight diminishing quickly. Still, she glared back angrily as Nightingale shook her head; She had other patients who needed her immediate attention. Vlad, now with Boudica beside him, took a step closer as the nurse breathed out her frustration slowly. "You know I would have done more if I could. That's who I am. That's what I do… but I can't wake her from unconsciousness. I can't do anything for a coma... When she wakes up, if she does, is on her now."
It had been said so matter-of-factly that Medea couldn't help but glare and seethe. Still, Nightingale dared to release her arm as Vlad and Boudica moved in to put their arms on her shoulders. The caster likely hated her now, but she would shoulder it. She'd seen this all before… the anger, resentment, desperation, and frantic anguish about wanting to do something. Helplessness was the worst feeling in this environment, yet some could argue who felt it worse: Those precious to the patient or the medical practitioner in charge of their care.
Nothing she could say could do anything to appease the caster, yet she still offered the only words that could even try. "…I'm sorry, Medea."
As she walked away to quickly take care of other patients, she blotted out the unfolding scene behind her. "There's gotta be…! No… Naomi…! NAOMI!"
In a further uncharacteristic display of emotion unknown for the caster, Medea had collapsed to her knees as a tearing Boudica dared to try and hug her. Vlad could only shake as he knelt down beside the caster, who let out a heart-rending scream that tore through the hospital. As she reached out to her best friend's closed door just meters away. The tears fell from Medea's eyes, leaving her two friends to try and soothe the pains Nightingale couldn't.
Nightingale closed her eyes, shook her head, and sighed. 'Of all the heart pains, that's the only one I can't heal…'
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Light streamed through the pane of the room's Sunscape window, yet the forest meadow's silent song was the only pleasant sound. Within the bright, still room, only the endless metronome of the heart monitor rang out in its confines. The smell of perfect sterility in the air was rivalled only by the persistent sadness that reeked from its center. Nightingale stood at the edge of the white hospital bed with a frown: Nothing had changed during the pre-lunch checkup either.
Naomi, with her loose green hair splayed behind her, remained unresponsive as she lay on the bed in her new white hospital gown. She'd had the first of her twice-weekly baths just a few minutes ago, and Nightingale had triple-checked for any issues forming from prolonged body posture. She'd even gotten a new set of gel pads to place under her heels when they started turning the slightest shade of pink. Nothing was left to chance.
'Potential pressure sores alleviated... Skin pigmentation on shoulder blades indicative of rashes. Problem addressed. No further complications expected... No other ailments identified...'
Ever since that argument with Medea, Nightingale had thrown absolute effort into Naomi's care; She always did, but to her, this felt like more. Jekyll and Irisviel always wondered if the confrontation made a difference, and truthfully, one always did. She'd seen the expected reactions more times than she could count, but it always doubled her resolve. The only way she could heal an aching heart was to remedy the source of the infection.
One could argue it was guilt. She'd say it was merely expected. To her, all patients were equal, but the one within sight always took priority. Regardless, it was a responsibility she always shouldered and carried. It was the healer's duty to see things through diligently. That should never change, no matter the time.
As the berserker gently finished placing her patient's arms atop the blanket, she glanced to the many gifts on a nearby shelf. Preserved pink tulips from the Netherlands, a few giant sunflowers from Tuscany, countless handmade greeting cards… those were just the tip of the iceberg that was a mountain of gifts and support. The sight never failed to bring a smile to Nightingale's face. The supervisor had gone from strict and abrasive to the most beloved staff member in Chaldea during her tenure.
"Astolfo's bringing you a new gift after today's sortie," Nightingale talked quietly as she stared at the silent woman. "Knowing him, it's going to take up a lot of room. A few months and he still hasn't admitted where he got that giant Hippogriff for Jackie."
Silence answered her, but the nurse didn't mind. She merely took a seat on one of the white armchairs and pulled up her tablet. As she began typing her report quickly, she only continued. "You'll be pleased to know your streak continues for another day. Not a single complication under my watch, Naomi, but you're taking credit for that. You're a great and cooperative patient."
Yet, her only task still remained: She just needed to finally wake up.
Since throwing all her effort into saving her, she'd done her utmost to ensure perfect conditions for her recovery. The big part was out of her hands, and solely on the comatose patient. It didn't deter her, nor did every passing day she remained unconscious shake her unmovable resolve. She'd wake up one day, but the nurse remained concerned of the likely brain damage should this come continue.
"Your friends will be here soon. I wonder what they'll bring for you to eat today," she offered quietly as she stood up. She smiled gently to the patient, even if her only response was from the consistent heartbeats. "You've got incredible companions. Please don't keep them worried too much longer."
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Amid the warm sunny shores of Fantasia Resort, their usual group decided on a blanket lunch. Dantes and Joan sat on two beach chairs and shared a plate of simple fruits, though they were battle clad in preparation for the supply sortie immediately after lunch. Carmilla, on the other hand, was sunbathing on a beach lounger in a simple white bikini Angra probably wouldn't tear his eyes off of. A small plate of fruit and a glass of red wine rested on an adjacent table.
Nightingale had switched to her battle attire too, if only to keep her scrubs sterile and clean. Beowulf, in a new set of sky-blue swim trunks with speckled black dragons, stared at her tablet, which she had yet to drop. Even with the enjoyable sea breeze luring her to sunbathe and socialize, Nightingale had other interests. "Glued to the internet?"
"If you must know, I'm giving advice to one of the world's leading surgeons."
"But are they listening to you?" Dantes inquired as Joan practically gulped down her own glass of red wine.
"I've since proven my medical wisdom to him over the past week," she replied calmly as she continued to type away at her email. "I needed to. I have to. He's pioneering human brain and head transplants, and some of his theorized methods needed adjustment. He was on the right track, but mistakes can't be made with this."
"Gee. Wonder why," Beowulf commented lightly, and drew a small smirk from Dantes. Still, the other berserker smiled as she did. "Glad you found a new hobby… even if it's more medical stuff. You should pick up another hobby someti-"
"Not while there are wounded and sick in the world."
"A no would have been fine," Joan pointed out with a small grumble. Nightingale took no offense, but the avenger seemed a bit more irritated in the past few weeks. She still couldn't place why, but as far as she was concerned, it was just Joan being Joan. She'd have pinned it as a symptom of an avenger being an avenger… if it wasn't for their class cohort ruining every preconception of-
"Hey! Sorry I'm late! Tyler's Dead Space run-through is off to a stupid funny start and we lost track of time!" Nightingale turned to greet the avenger, but fell silent. The others' conversation did too. Even Carmilla turned and stared curiously as Angra Mainyu stood there in pure white board shorts that contrasted his absolutely pitch-black, shaded body.
"Angra. What the hell?" Joan's comment had summed up the curiosity of their ever-growing cluster of companions.
"…Is this the real form you were telling me about?" Carmilla asked as she turned to the avengers.
Dantes nodded. "It is. But the reason as to why he's donned it is…"
The third avenger merely laughed proudly. "Oh, yea, well I read on the internet that ladies love dark men. Something about, once you go black, you never go back!"
There was dumbfounded silence amongst the group, and though Joan and Carmilla stared with disgust, Beowulf let out a hearty laugh. Nightingale only smiled lightly at his ridiculousness, but kept typing her email. Moments later, the strange avenger was mingling with the others while gawking at Carmilla. A swift smack from Joan after a, very likely, sexual comment finally made him return to his usual tattooed persona.
Beowulf nudged her and she glanced over. "I wonder what the next avenger will think."
"They would likely join our group, wouldn't they?" Nightingale mused back with a small smile, and he made a playful gesture of hard thinking and pondering. He finally shrugged after a few seconds, and they shared a chuckle. "I just hope there's no complications when the time comes."
"And if there are any, you're going to save them. As usual. Or watch them save themselves… Sorta. Kinda." She chuckled at Beowulf's eloquence, but he was right.
Ever since her insistence on helping Dantes, she'd made it a small vow to help every avenger. If they got lucky, like they apparently did with Angra, transition and coping with their class' eternal wrath would be easy. She doubted that would be the case in the future. Every patient had different symptoms, and it was merely a matter of treating them rigorously. However, in the end, she understood a dosage of time and acceptance proved to be a fine first selection of medicines.
Those treatments are how Nightingale found herself relaxed and satisfied with their group's state of being.
She glanced around again at her group and enjoyed their company. As well as lifeguarding and occasionally doing something for the children, this was the most leisure she could allow herself. A small break was necessary to keep morale and her own well-being in top shape; She can't help others absolutely if she herself wasn't in top form. Thus, some break was necessary, but part of her, which was currently her fingers on a tablet, worked ever onward.
Those in the medical field would agree there was often little gaps of relief. Yet, they were always gems held close to heart, no matter how simple.
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Though Jekyll and Irsiviel were keeping watch over the sole patient, Nightingale ensured her visit to the Alchemical Lab would be short. It was nearly empty after all the recent casualties, but a teacher and his protégé were a constant staple. Medea would be here too, except she was knitting in the salon with her two friends; Nightingale ensured to time the visit accordingly to give the caster her space.
Passing the rows of bottles filled with a rainbow of liquids, she came to the very end and spotted her targets. "How are you today, Janice? Taking those supplements properly?"
"Yea, but they taste bad." Most medicine did, but she didn't argue against Nightingale's recommendation for nutritional intake.
"Just so long as you're taking them," she smiled lightly as the young teen in her new white lab coat turned to her. "I'm not too early, am I?"
"Oh, not at all. We finished the prototypes this morning." A bit further away, wearing his own new white labcoat, Paracelsus was replacing a few vials into their holders before walking over to a food storage safe. He quickly opened it, retrieved a small tray, and walked over. On top was a white plate with a few green pills she eyed quietly. Amusingly, the capsules had tiny red hearts plastered on them.
Nightingale smirked lightly. "They look festive. Like Christmas."
"That's what I said, but Janice dropped the other food coloring we had," Paracelsus explained, then turned an amused smile to his pouting, blushing protégé. With a free hand, he reached out and patted her hair. "You'll grow out of that clumsiness someday... I hope."
"I will! …But it'd be nice to claim a spouse that will do all the labor for me…" she huffed proudly, and the two servants chuckled.
Nightingale picked up one of the pills and examined them closely with her keen eyes. Paracelsus nodded. "Right to your specifications. These new soldier pills should provide a boost in energy, stamina, and awareness while remaining nutritionally healthy."
"This was only machine tested so far? You haven't tried one yet?" she asked, and both of them shook their heads. Without hesitation, she popped it into her mouth; Her keen body was a fair testbed. She was satisfied when it melted like sugar, and surprised it tasted like it. Her mouth tingled for a moment, and then she felt a tiny surge in her muscles. It didn't make any real difference for a servant, but they weren't who it was designed for. She nodded. "The boost is evident. I'd like to move onto real testing with volunteers."
She hadn't agreed with the ones Roman had used a long time ago; She had those destroyed immediately considering what harm they did to the body. It'd only taken them this long to make new ones because the golden apple project was a better solution for servants, but it only provided an overflow of magical energy after its consumption. She wanted something healthy that could work in a pinch by anyone. She sighed lightly as her smile faded a bit, "…If only I thought to design them before Goetia."
"Don't blame yourself, Nightingale. No one could have known," Paracelsus replied with a sympathetic frown. "The beast didn't cut any corners."
"Nor will we from here on," Nightingale agreed firmly. Even now, others were busy making new failsafe contingencies. Da Vinci and the other geniuses were working on a way to use Chaldeas and Mount Meru's unusual properties reliably as a shield. They were having a lot of problems getting any consistency, though. Hopefully a servant or two who arrived in the future could help find the missing pieces.
She was doing her own part in her free time, as were many others like Paracelsus. Janice raised her hand, "I'd like to volunteer for testing. I helped make them, so it's only right, right?"
"You can join Gabby as our magus sample then," Paracelsus nodded as he turned to her with a smile. "Just be careful you don't disrupt anything."
"Are you serious, teacher!? I'm not going to drop a pill!" the protégé complained, but Paracelsus shook his head and chuckled.
"I'm sorry, Janice. I meant be careful not to change anything in your schedule so we can make a fair assessment. I know you're trying to be more careful. It showed in your scalpel prac… Er. I mean…"
Suddenly, Nightingale was keen on the conversation instead of physically accessing if the small pill had any immediate side effects; Her awareness of her own body made it easy to tell any little bit. She glanced to Janice as she fiddled with her fingers. "…Scalpel practice? Why do you need that for alchemy?"
The caster scratched the back of his head. "Ah… I'm sorry again, Janice. I shouldn't have stopped myself."
"…It's okay, teacher. I was going to ask her someday. Better sooner than later as you said, right?" Curious, Nightingale watched as Janice folded her hands together and faced her straight. Without any hesitation, and rather stiffly, she bowed briefly. "Miss Nightingale… I decided what my side career should be. I'm privileged Paracelsus has been my teacher in the magical arts, but seeing all the pain and hardship a month ago… I want to do more! Please take me as your student! I want to learn to be a nurse and heal with my potions too!"
Nightingale blinked, but then smiled fondly. The determination and resolve in her eyes reminded her of so many students she'd taken on since returning to Britain. It was a fire often lit by witnessing tragedy, but pushed others down a righteous path of altruistic healing. It was a stare she'd never say no to, but surprised remained for the alchemical protégé wishing to go further; If trained enough, her occult potions could do wonders. So, she questioned curiously. "You wish to do more than just offer potions?"
"It may be selfish, but I want to heal with my own two hands too!" she nodded again, then blushed lightly. "Um… And maybe all the precision training makes me less clumsy."
Paracelsus withheld a chuckle, but Nightingale smiled firmly. "Reasons could be selfish, but in the end, you're helping another. Medical treatment is a selfless act, but a difficult road of exhaustion and often over exertion. Studying alone will be difficult and brutal… Do you still wish to continue?"
"She's already been reading books in secret, but theory and practice are two sides of the coin," the caster noted as he smiled proudly at his student. "She's a diligent student. I think you'll be surprised how studious she is."
"I'll take that as a high recommendation," Nightingale noted with a small smile. In truth, she was a little excited. She hadn't gotten to teach another in a long time; Anishka didn't count because she only needed a few refining tips as a certified nurse. Now, the opportunity finally arose again after wondering if it would. It would be a long road, alright, but it was one she'd definitely love to see a student walk again. "Mentored by two famous historical figures… You've got quite the resume, aspiring nurse."
Her eyes quickly lit up. "So you'll take me!?"
The legendary nurse smiled fondly, but her eyes shined with firmness. "Be warned, I'm not an easy teacher, but I'm going to make you one of the best in the field."
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Whenever giving a checkup, Nightingale's focus was as fierce at it was during any serious condition… except for one rare exception, as Chaldea had recently learned. Even as resolve coursed through her body, and determination ushered absolute precision and care, her movements were the gentlest anyone could have ever seen. As she automatically went through her motions, her smile was reassuring like a sunny sky with puffy clouds.
Most of all, her voice was soft and motherly as a stethoscope in her hands formed from a controlled release of prana. "Shhhh… It's okay, little Gio. This won't hurt at all. I promise!"
Sitting atop the checkup room's bed, Elsa held her smiling baby gently in her lap. Her Chaldean uniform was crisp and clean; It even sported the new pink tie of the Quality of Life Division. Wearing only a diaper and a yellow Big Bird shirt, Gio stared with big baby eyes at the stethoscope as she placed it on herself. His hand gently grasped Nightingale's finger in his grasp, then smiled brightly with a giggle as she reached out with the device.
As she lifted his shirt and placed the cool end right above his heart, the baby let out a small ticklish cheer. The giggles grew, joined by the two older women. Quietly, she listened for the warm thump of the infant's heart. She couldn't help but smile at the still giggling bundle of joy as his tiny hand tried to play with the stethoscope. It registered as additional thumps in her ear, but she could not be distracted from the real heartbeat.
"Off to a healthy start," Nightingale reassured Elsa as she finished up the current stage of the checkup. Checking Giovanni's health had become a paramount concern for the nurse, but the baby had adapted well to high altitude. If anything, the infant was both a shining example of healthiness and joy. Concern over future checkups would remain, but she was secretly more elated to care for a baby.
Her body urged her to react as necessary without cutting corners. Her mad enhancement amplified her natural instincts and resolve, but it never blotted out her precise medical reasoning; She remained forever unaware of her true state. What she did understand was that a baby needed the gentlest and calming of care, just like it was natural to talk to a comatose patient as part of treatment. It was merely her being influenced properly in order to properly cater to a patient's needs.
"Has he been eating well, Elsa?" she asked, as the baby grinned up at her. Her smile grew warmer.
"Maybe a bit too well, but I think that says more about Tamamo and Boudica's special baby food," the mother smiled, and they both shared a laugh. Giovanni clapped between them.
"As long as they're still meeting the nutritional needs I listed out for them… But knowing your Auntie Boudica, there is no concern, is there, little Gio?"
The baby merely clapped again and giggled as she continued checking parts of his body with her fingers. He was definitely enjoying it like affectionate fondling than a weekly routine health exam. "Is he sleeping better this week?"
"Much better. Makes me a little jealous," Elsa admitted, and drew a curious stare from the nurse.
"You're not overworking yourself already, are you?" Her eyes had shifted to analyze the mother. There were growing signs of exhaustion under her eyes and in her body language. Already, her resolve was tripling, yet it was held in checked confliction by the nearby giggling infant. "You're a mother, Elsa. I shouldn't need to remind you again that your baby's wellbeing depends on yours as well."
Finally, she let some of the weariness through. She was definitely tired, but Nightingale could not fault the woman's honesty, at least. "I know, Florence, but… I'm still an employee, and uncle convinced Da Vinci that I would be just what Chaldea needed. I don't want to let anyone down… especially not my own patients. They're… They need me."
Suddenly, her inner determination was at a growing dispute with itself. The necessity to be calm around an infant stemmed the growing tide, but her mind was already making a checklist of other future patients she would be seeing. "Their mental trauma. How bad is it?"
Though she was hesitant, Elsa trusted Nightingale more than most in Chaldea. She was already considered a dear family friend of the Santinis at this point, but like many, they were wary of what to share with her regarding others' health. As much as she couldn't understand why others weren't as straightforward and determined as her when it came to health, it was an irritation placated only by pursuit. She only wished to treat and save: Was that so wrong?
"…It's worse than anyone believed. Some are even textbook cases, but I can't say much more. I'm sorry. Patient confidentiality. I'm helping them as best as I can, but it's going to be a long road to acceptance and recovery."
Nightingale couldn't argue with that, even if she wanted to. Still, she wished to act, but a frustrating acknowledgement crossed her mind. Through many sleepless nights, she'd studied countless information and progress regarding the medical world since getting her tablet. In particular, she was impressed with how far mental health was now covered, but disheartened over her perceived methods being outdated and forceful.
Mental health was like a coma to her: This is not something that could be remedied in an instant, as much as she wanted to.
If anything, she was just frustrated and disappointed she could do nothing proper for the wounded. Beowulf had already scolded her a year before for trying to heal post traumatic stress from the Fuyuki Incident, only to have apparently caused more to a few late staff. It burned her terribly that she made it worse, but if there was any relief, it rested in people like the woman before her: Those who picked up the torch after and improved in fields she was admittedly weak.
As much as she wished to help, this was best left in more capable hands. "Just so long as you're staying healthy. Your own health should not deteriorate while treating your patients. If you're getting overwhelmed, do not be hesitant to ask for more helpers from Da Vinci. We're always hiring."
Elsa looked hesitant, even as Giovanni took the moment's pause to try and crawl away. He was quickly scooped up by her mother in a fit of pouting complaint, but Elsa's tiny, weary smile remained with hesitant eyes. Nightingale sighed, and spoke up with a firm tone. "You really are quite stubborn. Don't feel like you owe us, Elsa. You were chosen not only because Da Vinci sympathized with your family's plight, but because you fit in. If we get more, we're not going to just get rid of you for someone better."
Shame shined through at having her worry caught red-handed, but Nightingale smiled, reached out with her hand, and gently held Giovanni's as it wrapped around her finger again. "You and your child are a new breath of fresh air. No one will argue that. You're a part of this community now, and the only one who will make you leave is yourself. Rest assured, and don't be concerned to ask for help. Even I need help every now and then caring for wounds."
After a small pause, and a giggle from Giovanni, Elsa's smile grew with strength. She sighed, shook her head, and stared apologetically. "…Sorry."
"No need to be sorry, just make the right decisions," Nightingale chuckled. "You're strong spirited. I hope Giovanni has even an ounce of that compassion to help others."
"He probably will… He'd get it from his father too," she chuckled lightly as Giovanni reached towards the nearby parked stroller. In its safe cocoon was his favorite teddy bear, which immediately drew Nightingale. She got up, quickly obtained the fluffy item, then held it before the infant.
"You want your bear, little Gio? If I give it to you, will you promise to hold still so I can finish the rest of my checkup?"
The baby's giggles and claps were all the confirmation Nightingale would wish for.
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The monitoring station was fairly quiet with David and Jekyll's absence. The robots were floating around taking care of requested reorganization, all while the archer likely flirted with Samantha at the front desk again. Jekyll should just be starting that afternoon double date with Mordred, Anton, and Frankenstein. That left her with her continued studying and work, but she had one companion sitting beside her.
Though Nightingale's tablet was filled with endlessly typed text as she continued pitching her new thesis on creating quick sterile environments for doctors in Africa, the same was not the case for Irisviel. In her own personal pair of saintly white scrubs, the mother stared at her device propped up on the desk; Nightingale could see it easily in her peripheral. More so, she could see the next video in the endless chain of adorable baby animals.
This time it was an entire swarm of corgi puppies all chasing the same butterfly while tumbling over each other. Irisviel cooed again, and even Nightingale glanced over to crack a smile at the tidal wave of adorable fluffballs. As much as she didn't have leisurely hobbies of her own, she could still enjoy bits and pieces from others. "Are you thinking of getting one of those too?"
"Maybe. There's so many choices for a family pet…" Irisveil sighed with a smile. "I want all of them, but my husband says we can't care for them all."
"If you ask Helena to try and make it an automata, it would need less care." By the sudden glimmer in Irisviel's eyes, Nightingale giggled; She probably just doomed Kiritsugu, though she doubted the twins would argue.
Since she healed others with her own unique blend of magecraft, Irisviel was always an occasional assistant in the Medical Bay, but more so after the Goetia confrontation. Because of that, she was one of Nightingale's closest coworker friends, where they could chat about anything in their off time... so long as the berserker's mind wasn't laser focused on its task. The nurse also ensured to keep a closer eye on her since she was more susceptible to injury than regular servants.
"Maybe Arty should do that for Cavall too… Oh, but there's still time. Helena has her hands full with that wildlife expansion project. You should see how excited Jeanne is about seeing a Dolphin!"
She paused her typing. "So the resort is getting some dolphins? I thought it was just a few monkeys and some others."
"We might as well get a zoo of adorable baby animals at this rate!" Irisviel cheered lightly as Nightingale checked the desk's clock. It was just about time for Naomi's next monitoring checkup, but her attention was taken by Samantha and David greeting a new arrival just on the other side of the double doors. They quickly parted, revealing Jaguarman with a picnic basket. She wore a black-and-yellow striped long-sleeved shirt with a jade dress over the top that swayed gently as she skipped over. "Oh, Taiga! How did the first class go?"
"Nyaaathing to complain about~! The classroom is perfect!" the unusual lancer greeted as her catlike ears wiggled. With a sparkle in her eyes, she then raised the basket. "Look! Shirou made some tasty sandwiches for us, but I wanted to share the leftovers! I think you should have a few~!"
"Only a few?" Irisiveil giggled back as the lancer turned to the berserker.
Nightingale only raised a hand. "I'll pass, but please be sure to clean up every little crumb. I don't wish for even a spec of mold to spread. This environment must remain steril-"
"We'll see to it, Flo," Irisviel giggled again as she glanced to the clock. It read 1529. "Oh my. Time flies watching animal videos."
"I'll check up on Naomi. You enjoy your tea sandwiches," Nightingale assured as she placed her tablet into sleep mode and got up. As their bright chatter filled the halls, the berserker calmly walked down the corridor towards the lone room. Barely half a minute later, she waltzed through the door perfectly on the dot. She closed it gently, then turned around to listen for the ever-present beat of the heart monito-
A jolt ran through her heart as a new sound emanated from the room. Her eyes locked on Naomi, whose shut eyes flickered and fluttered into a half-lidded stare. With another small moan, she glanced groggily over to Nightingale as relief and satisfaction flooded into the nurse's heart like a desert monsoon. Her smile grew vibrant with her red eyes as the green-haired woman tried to groan out a few words with a dry throat. "…Wh…ere… Night…ingale…?"
"Please don't push yourself, Naomi," Nightingale insisted calmly as she rushed over to a side table, plucked a bottle of water, popped the top. She grabbed a straw from a nearby container, popped it in, and carefully made her way over to the waking patient. She held the bottle out for her to drink, and the supervisor gently took the straw in her mouth and sipped. While she did, and one hand weakly held onto the bottle, Nightingale's eyes scanned over her with mechanical expertise.
Everything she was seeing ignited a fire of enthusiasm she hid behind a satisfied smile. Her movement was weak, groggy, but purposeful. Her eyes were merely dazed, but didn't stare off into the distance as they tried to focus on what's around her. As she rubbed at an eye, and gently tried to push the bottle away, she waited in anticipation for her next words, but she prompted first. "You're in the Medical Bay, Naomi. Do you remember what happened?"
"…What happened…?" They came out much clearer after the drink; All signs were pointing overwhelmingly positive, save for one concerning doubt that was finally removed as her eyes widened with recognition. "…Chaldea… Chaldea! We… were attacked…!"
"Easy, easy. Lay down and rest. We made it through, in no small part thanks to you, hero," Nightingale reassured as Naomi's eyes glanced to her. The clarity in her tired stare was filled with growing relief among the lingering confusion. There was much for her to get used to, but the signs were all indicative. This was one of the best outcomes she could have hoped for, and all her efforts and care had paid off. Nightingale smiled wider now knowing the treatment was nearing its completion.
But there was one important thing that couldn't wait, as she reached out with a pleasant voice. "Vlad, Medea, Boudica! Please come to the Medical Bay! Naomi just woke up!"
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With a flick of her wrist, Nightingale lightly shut the door as the newly minted lancer turned to her. "You knew she wasn't going to wait."
Nightingale only glanced back and smiled. "I know. None of you were. It's the expected norm with these kinds of situations."
As he walked up, Vlad couldn't help but smile appreciatively to Nightingale as he stopped beside her at the edge of the bed. Even with his favorite luxurious black robe, the former berserker had never looked more elegant; The lancer class change really did much for his mental difficulties and presence. He still looked exactly like the same Prince of Wallachia they all knew, except he'd finally been washed clean of the berserk vampiric tendencies. And today, the treatment of his mind nearly a dozen days ago was finally complimented by one for the soul.
Boudica sat at one side of the bed in a red strapless dress with a pink throwover, quietly waiting her turn to hug their knitting friend. She was currently, and understandably, hugged by an overly relieved Medea, who was letting her tears rain out without a care in the world; Their glimmer couldn't match the stars that shown in her pearly white smile. Naomi hugged back with a bit more strength than moments before, and sobbed happily into her best friend's amethyst-colored, Greek chiton dress.
It'd only been a minute, but no one was going to dare interrupt the reunion. It was rare for Medea to let her heart and soul cry out, but Naomi was one of the few who could ever make it happen. As she held the green-haired patient like she would slip away once more into the abyss, Boudica moved in for her smiling turn. Medea then glanced back to Nightingale with teary eyes. The nurse merely smiled and nodded quietly. The caster barely returned the gesture, but seeing both of them happy was more than enough for Nightingale.
"…I've missed you… I'm so h-happy you're awake," Medea murmured with a serene smile.
"…I'm s-sorry, Medea…Boudica! Vlad! I didn't… I m-mean, I w-was s-sca…"
"Shhhh… it's all going to be okay now!" Boudica soothed as she broke her hug and gently took her hand.
"It's alright. Everything is going to be alright… You're alive, and we're all here for you." Medea's soft-spoken reassurance was so calming and serene, Nightingale had to wonder if anyone else would ever bare witness to its beauty. It was one of the rarest of diamonds, saved for only a scant few, and she just happened to see it after the storm she could become. "We missed you so much. It's been a hard month…"
"I've b-been out a month…!? Oh no, no, no… The… w-work pileup! …Are w-we behind?"
"Worrying over her duties… it's really you alright," Boudica chuckled as she wiped a happy tear from her eye.
"Next thing you know she's going to be asking for coffee," Vlad joked, and light mirth filled the air as Nightingale glanced around. There was nothing quite like sights like this in a hospital. It was these moments that she worked for, if not the sweet sense of completion when she finally let a patient go.
Boudica turned to her as the nurse kept her tablet clasped to her chest with both arms. "Nightingale? Did you check up on everything? Is she completely fine?"
"That's what I wished to confirm. As I said many weeks ago, I did everything in my power to stabilize her condition. Due to the proximity of a few of her magic circuits to the cerebral cortex's core and the time elapsed since the incident, traumatic brain injury was a critical concern. Time was of the essence, so I had-"
Vlad cleared his throat, and drew a small giggle from Boudica. Naomi blinked in confusion. Medea even offered a tiny smile, and Nightingale wondered if Naomi's wake up was enough to settle the grudge levelled against her. Still, there was one way to prove it. "…Ahem. Summarily… She has a perfect bill of health and will be able to leave within the week, but I'd like Medea to do a confirmation herself. I even went so far as to heal her ruptured and swollen magic circuits to the best of my abilities."
Normally, with how long she's been in a coma, muscle deterioration would have set in. However, Naomi had access to easily the best care the world had to offer short of absolute miracles; Nightingale still refused to believe that was proper medical treatment anyway. Thanks to her care, muscle atrophy and other long-term recovery necessities were nulled.
Seeing Medea's lingering hesitant stare, Nightingale merely nodded again. "Naomi will remain a week at maximum for her body to readjust herself. Blood pressure, normalized sleeping routines… She may be out earlier, but I can't release her from my care immediately."
At Boudica's reassuring smile as she wiped more tears away, Medea finally sighed lightly. Before she could open her mouth, the nurse raised a hand to halt her advance. "You're not one to apologize, Medea, and you have no need to. You were panicked over losing someone dear in your life. I'd never fault you for that. I'm only satisfied the recovery went smooth."
After a tiny pause, Medea offered something else instead with a tiny, guilty smile. "…Thank you. I shouldn't have doubted you… or held that petty grudge you didn't do enough…"
The last part had been mumbled quietly, but Naomi caught it. She blinked at her best friend. "You held a grudge against her?"
"I can't help it! Do you know how worried I was over you?" Medea snapped back lightly, but Boudica merely giggled. Vlad smiled as the two got in a little lighthearted squabble, but then Nightingale cleared her throat with a tiny smile. It silenced the two quickly and curiously.
"I'll give you three some privacy. Don't forget to give her a proper exam if you want personal reassurance, Medea." Their eyes followed the nurse as she came to stand beside Boudica. Naomi blinked in confusion as Nightingale blushed a faint pink; She always did get flustered when she did this, but it was always her favorite moment. "…It's a bit early for me to do this, but all indications point to a phenomenal recovery."
She held out her hand, and Naomi stared at it for a moment. She reached out and took it, then watched as Nightingale's smile lit up like a lightbulb. It was a compassionate gleam of satisfaction and accomplishment that spread to the supervisor's own expression. The nurse nodded happily, "Once more… welcome back, Naomi. It's been a privilege caring for you. It won't be much longer now before you're making wonderful clothes again."
"Thank you, Nightingale," Naomi sniffled. "I'm happy to be back."
With that, she gave one final nod, released her hold, and calmly strolled to the door. Boudica quickly turned to her friend with a beaming smile. "Oh! We've gotten new staff, and one of them has the cutest little baby!"
"We get to make baby clothes now!" Medea chimed in expectantly, and Nightingale glanced back in time to see Naomi's growing enthusiasm.
"Elsa will be happy you'll be making beautiful clothes for her child, or sew its seams." Even Nightingale had to stop and register what he said before Medea and Boudica groaned at him. Naomi giggled while he chuckled though.
As she exited the room, she got tingles from hearing the renewing, enthusiastic chatter in the room. She closed the door behind her, then gazed up and down the hallway. Though robots moved about doing their chores, extra cleaning, and checks, she smiled brightly. Soon enough, her goal would manifest once more within the walls: A perfectly sanitized environment, ready to act at a moment's notice, but devoid of any patients.
All that remained for her currently was adjusting Naomi's medical report, but she'd finally be doing it with a satisfied smile.
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The report had been quick enough to type at the monitoring station, and she was once more back to writing emails to other medical practitioners. Irisviel had finished most of the sandwiches, but she left two for Nightingale. One had a small nibble taken out of it, but that had been an hour ago now. It was just like the old days where she'd get far too engrossed in her work; At least she could get away with it more as a servant.
"I wonder if they'd like dinner to be brought to them? I think Naomi could eat a whale," Irisviel giggled beside her.
"Whales aren't the best options for nutritional value after a coma," Nightingale replied offhandedly, and they both chuckled as the caster rolled her eyes playfully.
"Ha ha… But really, I think it will be okay. The robots will probably have to clean the room anyway if they're opening her gifts, so what's a few extra crumb- Awwww~!"
She burst out into small coos as a fluffy kitten on her screen was trying its best not to get into a filled basin. Its mewls of panic were adorable as it clung to its owner's slender hands. Nightingale glanced over to enjoy the sight for a mere moment, then returned to her work again. In truth, though she didn't have many hobbies, and often enjoyed others', she did have one that she picked up.
It currently sat on the table beside the monitoring station's computer. Bound in pristine white leather, with her name in red embroidery at the corner, it housed countless pictures, sketches, and excerpts within. The scrapbook had started as a medical journal of the patients she tended to, but turned into a lane of memories: A literal collection of those she helped save and her accompanying thoughts.
Of course it was medically related, but that's where she always found her joy. She didn't truly need a different hobby because she did what she loved and desired. If you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life, or so the saying went. It could be argued, but for her, it never held more water. She'd truly never wish to do anything else but her life's calling. Some things just never changed.
"Flo, look! It's a cat scan!" Pausing her dictation once more, she glanced over to Irisviel's tablet. There was a sleeping tan-haired kitten on a scanner, and its ears twitched gently as the bar of light moved across the little animal. Irisviel cooed, and Nightingale couldn't help but let out a giggle at the 'punny' situation.
The kitten woke up and mewled on the video, but before Nightingale could return to her emails, Irisviel let out a small yelp. Nightingale's instincts and curiosity flared. Her gaze snapped to the caster, who had dropped a car magazine she was picking up. As one of Chaldea's special pseudo-servants, she was still much more human than heroic spirit. That made her more prone to actual, human-like injuries that still healed rapidly… like the papercut she failed to hide in time.
With a sheepish and worried smile, Irisiviel stared at Nightingale as her vision turned a shade of red. Her eyes grew vibrant like the small slice on Irisviel's index finger. Hiding it did nothing, for her reaction was already overclocking. Firmly, she stared at the caster which made her flinch. "I must tend to the wound."
"Oh, look! Pumpkin kittens! And October is just around the corner!" Irisviel tried to distract. It wasn't a lie. The next video had adorable black kittens in a jack-o-lantern.
But her thoughts were laser focused. 'Seconds elapsed since incident. Wound negligible but still exposed. Sanitary environment will limit unnecessary exposure to harmful bacteria. Still subject to infection: Yes. Potential critical developments… Cellulitis… Infectious flexor tenosynovitis… Sepsis. Zero chances must be taken.'
Irisviel giggled nervously. "Flo? It's okay, right? No need to do anything now!"
Muscles twitched. The brain and mad enhancement ushered her in unison. Her heart and soul were unanimous. 'Proper treatment necessary. Wound must be disinfected and bandaged properly. Time is of the essence to avoid further complications.'
Her eyes narrowed firmly. "Irisviel. Give me your hand. Your life is in danger."
At that moment, the double doors opened and David strolled in with a calm smile and his tablet. He nearly dropped it when he spotted Nightingale chasing Irisviel around the monitoring station like a merry-go-round. "David, help! Flo is overreacting again!"
Indeed... Some things never changed.