Author's Notes – Right I originally was going to use Latin as the language of choice for Eltar, however I'm not good at Latin and I could not find an appropriate and free translation service. So you get French instead. Zedd and the doctor argue briefly in traditional Eltarian 'French', so I've placed the translations at the end of the part for all who wish to know exactly what was said.
Geez this part was long.
Summary - The vet awaits!
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Fixed?!
Tommy
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Looking around the cartoon animal decorated lobby, I do not like this one bit. I can't believe they convinced me to do this. Well not even convinced, direct orders from the High Council my ass.
"Hello, I'm Zordon; I called earlier about my, um pet Tommy who needs his shots." Your pet indeed. Sitting in the chair beside Zedd, I give the all mighty one a glare as he begins signing something from the receptionist.
"The doctor will see you in just a moment; just have a seat over by the fish tank." Pushing a blond curl behind her ear, the young woman is definitely attractive, but I doubt she's playing with a full deck here.
"See this isn't so bad, right Thomas?" Yeah Zedd it's fucking grand.
As Zordon returns to sit on the opposite side of me, both seeming to almost be boxing me in- in case I change my mind and decide to make a break for it I fix him with a look. "So what not Ranger anymore, now it's just pet?"
Sighing and at least looking partly guilty about his little transgression he shakes his head slowly. "I'm sorry Tommy, it's just easier that way. They know who you are, I told them over the phone when I made the appointment, however with the fact that you are a half breed you still need a guardian as long as you remain on this planet."
Beating me to a response Zedd looks less then thrilled by this. "And why are you his guardian, he's my mate."
Keeping his voice low and leaning over me to get to Zedd, Zordon is apparently having none of his lip. "Yes a fact that almost makes you a sexual deviant. As far as the majority of this planet is concerned humans are barely above pets and the fact that you are currently bedding one does not make you look very favorable. Not to mention the fact you're still considered an outlaw of sorts."
Matching Zordon's hushed but annoyed tone, Zedd leans over the rest of me pressing his face right in front of my former mentor's. "Sexual deviant my ass. If anyone should be embarrassed about their sexual behavior it should be you Mr. Fucking the Wicked Witch of the West." What?!
Teeth clenched and voice rising unintentionally, he glowers at my mate. "Okay you know what Rita is not a witch, she is a sorceress and how the hell did you even find out about that?" Oh my god.
"Not too hard to find out about it when she left her freaking underwear on the kitchen table, a fact which now means that I am forever going to have to eat out because like hell if any food that's going in my mouth is going to come within even ten feet of that table." I ate breakfast on that table today. I can't take this.
Slipping out from between them and walking over to the large glass aquarium a few feet away I take an empty seat beside it staring intently at the exotic fish, my ears still picking up the majority of their bitch session. "Why the hell do I let myself be dragged into things like this. Should have just stayed on Earth where it was safe, and relatively sane."
Lost in my thoughts of misery and returning home I'm pulled back to the current situation by the rather perky voice which is suddenly in my ear.
"They don't talk back you know."
Turning to look at my new company I find myself nearly face to face with what could possibly pass for a teenage boy, if of course it wasn't for the yellow eyes, extended canines, and feline like ears and tail, the later of which is thumping and twisting against the chair under his white pants clad butt. "Excuse me?"
Scratching his head and continuing to smile brightly at me, he points to the fish. "They don't talk. You can talk to them all you like but they don't talk back." All right then.
Making certain to keep my own voice mellow and calm, not quit certain how intelligent or even old this cat hybrid is, I answer in way of explanation. "I know I was just thinking out loud. You know talking to myself."
Cocking his head and not looking as if he understands, I'm about to try and explain again when the topic is swiftly changed. "I'm Spunky, what's your name?"
Not really wishing to have a conversation right now, let alone with a cat boy who doesn't seem to be all there, I still can't quite bring myself to be rude as I don't wish to hurt the creature's feelings just for the fact that I'm in a rather foul mood. "Tommy. Listen Spunky I appreciate you coming to inform me about the uh fish, but I'm not feeling so well right now so perhaps it would be best if you returned to where-"
Not allowing me to tactfully finish sending him off, he cuts in with enough words per-minute to make even Cassidy's head ache. "What's the matter, you don't feel good? That's why you're here, right? Are you scared? You don't have to be scared she's a nice lady, she gives treats. They're yummy treats. Hey where's your collar? I got a new collar, see? You wanna play while we wait? Waiting's boring. I had to wait forever when I was littler and had to come in to be fixed, whatever that means. I don't think I was broken, I got lots of yummy treats after that though, and got to sleep in master's bed, it was cozy. But my bed's cozy too, is yours cozy? You wanna play?"
Taking in the rush of words as well as eager to please eyes, I find myself wishing to pet him on the head in an attempt to offer some form of positive attention for his childlike innocent desire to possibly reassure me that all would be well. "Yes waiting is boring, however…" Suddenly pausing as I register just all that was in fact said I feel sudden shock and disgust setting in assuming I understood right. "Wait you were fixed?"
"Yes, fixed." Seeming unconcerned with this possibly due to the fact he has no understanding of just what such a thing means he scratches his mess of brown hair once more. "All good pets get fixed that's what master says and I'm a good pet. Plus I got to sleep in his bed and get lots of treats for a few days after, so it's good, see?"
"B-but no, you don't understand you can't-"
"Don't." Apparently done with his arguing Zedd slips into the free chair beside us shaking his head sternly. "It's not for you to interfere with."
"Not for me to interfere with?!" Finding my anger mounting at his too calm tone, I lean past the 'pet' and glare at my lover in disbelief. "They castrate creatures they feel are below them and you say it's not something that should be interfered with?"
Remaining calm and even reaching out to scratch the boy behind the ear a gesture which seems to go over very well with the cat, Zedd's response makes me fume all the more. "Humans neuter animals on Earth. It's the same concept Thomas."
"It is not that same thing. Those are animals, pets, this is-"
"A pet." Gesturing around the lobby to the handful of other eltarians all sitting with various animal hybrids Zedd gently nudges the cat off of the chair. "All of these creatures are pets Thomas. They're just more evolved than the ones you have on Earth. But just like those on Earth they have very little concept and understanding of breeding. If they're not fixed then the majority will breed continuously and with the results being litters. Getting them fixed prevents that."
Snarling, arguments flying through my mind that it is different, that them being more evolved makes it different, I however in the end concede, if for no other reason than for the fact that he is right, we do do the exact same thing to 'pets' on Earth, creatures that we as humans feel that while intelligent are still below us. "It's still not right." Crossing my arms and coming very near to sulking I sink back in my chair refocusing on the serenity of the fish.
"No, but it is how things are and short of me taking over the planet, which both you and Zordon have made me swear not to do I can't change it." Sliding over into Spunky's now empty seat Zedd takes my hand in his own still keeping up his petting and scratching of the content cat boy on the floor. "I know it upsets you and I'm sorry but you just need to understand that this is not Earth, things are different here and what you consider cruel or unfair our species considers normal."
Relenting just a bit as he's right to a degree, it is unfair for me to hold my standards and beliefs as a human up to theirs as eltarians, I give a sigh. "Fine, but the first person who mentions the word 'fixed' or 'neutered' while I'm in that back room is going to end up with my knee in their crotch."
"Fair enough." Smiling and turning back to Zordon an evil glint in his eye Zedd is clearly trying to think of some way to get the other man to say either or both of those words when he's interrupted by a young woman calling Zordon's name. "Looks like it's time to go."
Sighing and standing along with Zedd, I reluctantly follow him to where Zordon is conversing with the nurse, barely remembering to be polite and give the cat boy a parting wave as he chirps out a 'good-bye' to us.
"He was cute but that's a bit of a given most camales are." Smiling as he waves to the creature as well, Zedd places a reassuring hand on my back. "He'll be okay Thomas, he is clearly happy and healthy despite being a bit clueless, I know what he said upset you but most pets on this planet really are well loved and taken care of."
"It just doesn't seem right."
"What doesn't seem right?" Turning from the nurse which was getting his name and most likely information about me, Zordon gives us a curious look.
"He's just had a talk with the camale over there and some of the things the pet told him about have made him a bit reluctant be here. Word to the wise make sure the doctor skips the examination on his reproductive organs." Yeah, that'd probably be best.
Raising a brow but deciding not to question it now, Zordon gestures to the waiting patiently nurse who has finished writing down information on her clipboard. "This is nurse Rela, she's asked that at least one of us be present for the examination despite the unique circumstances of the case. Apparently it's just policy, Tommy." Of course it is.
Sighing as I know he's waiting for my reaction and very likely refusal I in the end decide that I will not go through this again at another vet just for the fact that I don't want them there. "Zedd can come with then." After all it's not like he hasn't already seen and touched all there is to see and touch on me.
Looking a bit nervous by this decision, probably old enough to know just who Zedd is and what he's capable of, the young woman however gives a professional nod and hesitant smile. "Very well, if you'll both just follow me I'll take you to the examination room where you can disrobe and wait for the doctor." Great.
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"I'm not doing it."
"Thomas this is getting just a little bit annoying here." Standing in front of the closed door arms crossed firmly over his chest, he is clearly losing his patients with my refusal to comply.
"Yes, yes it is. And you are making it even more so standing there and expecting me, your mate mind you, to undress completely and sit on this metal table buck naked for all to see." I know I agreed to this but my god I thought they'd at least offer something with which to cover myself.
"You're right you are my mate and considering that fact as well as the fact that I've already seen you naked I'd think that you would be just a bit more cooperative-"
"Cooperative? You want me to be cooperative? You know considering I even agreed to come here today to allow myself to be subjected to the humiliation that is going to a vet, I think I've been pretty damn cooperative so far. And just for your information just because you're an expositionist and have no problem showing everyone who can see all there is to see on you, it doesn't mean I am."
Sighing but not really denying that he has no problem showing off all there is on his well toned body, he moves back to me gently but firmly pushing me back towards the examination table. "Listen I know you are self conscious Thomas, I do, and I under normal circumstances think that I respect that to a very high degree and do all I can to help you past it."
Nodding reluctantly when he pauses to see if I'll agree, I know I can't deny the fact he does indeed do all he can to make me happy and comfortable with myself and the scars covering a good portion of my body.
"Right so when I ask you to do something like this, I do so with the hope that you can trust me enough to keep you comfortable and safe. That you can believe me when I tell you it will be all right and just like a human doctor who would examine you if you were ill this one will not look at you as I would, but rather as simply another patient." But I'm not a patient, I'm being treated like a pet.
Wanting nothing more than to tell him this for the fiftieth time since we've been on this planet I nevertheless stop myself knowing it will do not real amount of good. "I'm leaving my boxers on, deal with it."
Knowing that's the best he's going to get from me right now, Zedd gives a tired nod of agreeance. "Fine but you still have to sit on the table."
"Fine." Slowly stripping off my boots, socks, shirt, and finally jeans I do my best to stall as long as possible, not certain why I suddenly feel so vulnerable but also knowing I definitely don't like it. He's right it's not as if he hasn't seen me naked plenty of times and it's also not as if I've never been to a doctor before, but this, this is just something different.
Folding each item on clothing as I hand it over, Zedd gives me an appreciative once over once I'm fully undressed aside my underwear, wedding band, and dinobracelet. "I love watching you undress."
Unable to hold back a small smile as he moves forward, wrapping an arm around my waist, I rest my forehead against his feeling a bit more at ease with the addition of the intimate contact. "You better be careful the nurse or doctor doesn't come in and see us like this. After all you wouldn't want to be listed as a sexual deviant of some sort."
Chuckling and kissing me lightly, he allows his hand to wander from my waist to cup my ass, squeezing playfully. "I've been labeled as worse. Besides with some of the things we get up to, perhaps deviant isn't too far off. For example I can think of several things we could do right now on this here table, most which that would have you screaming and panting my name in less then five minutes."
Laughing just a bit but still pushing him away I back up towards the table holding a hand out to stop him from following. "Tempting but no. Now be good and sit down I don't think the doctor really needs to come in to find me with a hard-on."
"Would make for interesting conversation." Smiling at my scowl he still though takes a seat in one of the two chairs against the far wall watching as I reluctantly slide up onto the table just as the doctor walks in, white coat on a clipboard in hand.
Young, blonde, and purple eyed she actually reminds me just a bit of Katherine, a thought which further puts me at ease. "Hello, I'm Dr. Gaston, you must be Zedd and Tommy." Stumbling ever so slightly as she says his name, no doubt knowing exactly who he is as I'm sure the office is buzzing with the fact he's even here, she nevertheless does her best to keep a calm and friendly smile on her face. "So what are we doing for Tommy today?"
Answering before I can direct her attention to me and the fact I am capable of speaking, Zedd gives a run down of just what's needed. "He needs his vaccinations. He's never been on Eltar before and has all of none. Along with that the Council of Light has ordered he get an examination to assure their stupid selves that he's not diseased, even though he is a power holder and as such is protected against such matters."
"All right, well let's get some basic information out of the way and then we'll get started. "What's his full name?"
"Thomas James Oliver." Answering before he can and giving him a look that says he better let me, I sit as calmly as possible while the woman turns her focus on me.
"Um, are, is he-"
Knowing where this is going and for once being smart about it, Zedd cuts her off. "A word of advice. He's a power holder and an intelligent one at that, so if you don't want him to walk out of here and destroy everything on his way I'd speak to him about matters concerning him, not me."
Seeming to debate it for a moment, she in the end looks to trust his advice and turns fully towards me. "All right." Taking a breath she begins again. "Have you ever had any major illnesses?"
"No."
"Are you allergic to anything?"
"Not that I'm aware of, but than I've never been to Eltar before so it's possible you have something here that could have rather bad effects on me."
Writing something down she continues, her worries over Zedd and bit of agitation clearing away as her professional manner once more takes over. "Do you have any distinguishing marks?"
"No."
"What species are you?"
About to answer with 'human' I however take pause as I recall that that's not exactly true anymore. "Halfbreed."
"What breeds?"
"Eltarian and human."
Raising a curious eye but saying nothing, she continues though not before giving the impression that she doesn't see too many humans here. "Do you currently feel ill, or have any abnormal aches and pains?"
"No."
"Are you currently taking any medication?"
"No."
"What is your age?"
"Twenty nine, almost thirty."
Looking up once more she frowns slightly. "You look rather young to be thirty thousand." Thirty what now? I think we've hit a miscommunication here.
"That's probably because I'm not. I'm only going on thirty years not thirty thousand." Will I even live that long? Zedd and Zordon both said my life would be expanded, but neither really seemed certain by how much. What would someone do for that many years? Wouldn't life tend to get a little repetitive and dull?
"Thirty years?" Still looking as if she's having trouble grasping this, Zedd thankfully steps in to explain.
"He was only made a halfbreed less then a year ago. Before that time he was fully human and as such has aged considerably faster than he will now."
"I see." Apparently not pleased by this she writes a bit faster before giving her next question which is just a bit clipped if you ask me. "Have you ever been bred?"
"N-wait what?" Bred? Like what a show dog?
Looking up she clarifies herself much to my slight displeasure. "Bred, used for breeding purposes or simply for the purpose of fulfilling sexual satisfaction of another creature." Is that important? I mean I suppose I could understand on Earth that the purpose of such a question would be for the concern of sexually transmitted diseases, but do they have that here? And if not why does she need to know this?
"I've had sexual partners before, yes."
"All right." Finishing up her notes and setting her clipboard and pen aside, she pulls on a pair of latex gloves before moving to get started. Is that all? Is she not going to ask if any of them were ill? This place is so strange. "We'll do your physical examination first, followed by some blood work, and finally your vaccinations. If you have any questions or concerns you may feel free to ask them. I do however need you to remove the remainder of your clothing as it will get in the way."
Sighing but knowing I don't really have much of a choice at this point, I stand from the examination table removing my black boxers and tossing them to Zedd's outstretched hand.
"Good now if you'll…" Trailing off as she finally gets a look at all of me, she frowns heavily before I'm pushed back against the table's edge her hand finding my genitals quickly. "You're not corrected."
"Zedd." Temper flaring before I can really swallow it back I swear if she doesn't release me right now I might very well-
"He's not a pet."
"If he's been bred-"
"He didn't understand what you were referring to. He's had mutual partners, mates of his own species before the bonding, he's not been used as a jouet."
Releasing me much to my relief as I would have hated to have to kill her, the woman turns to my now standing mate, gaze as hard as his own. "He should be fixed if he's not being used specifically for siring and as a halfbreed even that option would be out of the question."
"Il est un porte-pouvoir. Un des Conseil prisé et mon camarade. Je n'ai pas ses organes reproducteurs enlevés sans tenir compte de ce que la loi disent." What?! Looking at Zedd who is now facing off with the woman the string of what I will assume is traditional eltarian coming out quickly but calmly, I have to wonder if he's performed the language switch on purpose or out of some old habit due to his being back home.
Falling into the same dialog as Zedd the woman is fast to respond. "Il est un halfbreed, un animal favori, sans tenir compte de ce que trompe il peut exécuter pour le Conseil. Il n'est pas pureblooded et donc est designated par la loi être corrigé avant qu'il entre dans la chaleur."
"Il n'entrera pas dans la chaleur, il manque la génétique d'assez d'eltarian à. Maintenant vous faire taire et exécute le reste de son examen avant qu'il part et j'ai à le mettre par ceci encore." Should I just leave? Because the way they're going at it I'm starting to wonder if either even realizes I'm still here.
Pausing at whatever Zedd has said this time, the doctor does not however appear to be swayed. That is until Zedd gives one final comment, before taking his seat once more. "Je vous rappellerai que je suis et que je suis capable de femelle. Ne pas m'essayer."
Taking a breath before turning back to me, my doctor mutters out a parting remark of her own, one which despite the language barrier I believe I understand perfectly well. "Soi l'idiot indulgent."
"Bite me." Yes, pretty sure I guessed right with Zedd's last remark and how it's given.
"Don't tempt me l'enfant de mal." Ignoring his look of insult, she gestures towards the table, eyes focused once more on me. "Place yourself on the examination table, sitting on the edge for the moment."
Doing as asked and still not exactly certain what was said between them, but knowing Zedd must have won as she no longer presses the issue of castration, I feel my temper slowly sliding back into my own control, though I'm not certain just how long it will remain that way with how this matter is progressing.
Picking up a device that looks oddly enough like a scanner Billy used to use to access battle injuries on us back in the day, she slowly runs it over my upper body reading the digital data silently to herself as the assessment is made. "Your lungs, heart, and vitals seems to be acceptable." Good to know. "Your veins and arteries as well."
Progressing downward she shakes her head briefly before continuing to give me the diagnosis. "Digestive track is healthy and unknotted, reproductive organs intact, and joints while showing minor wear should cause you no discomfort for at least ten thousand years depending on the level of activity that you engage in."
Shutting off the device before making her notes on the paper, she moves onto a more basic form of examination, her fingers finding my neck as she begins to check my pulse and breathing. "You need to calm yourself, your breathing is two point five percent more rapid than it should be in your current state of rest." All right.
"That's the best it's going to get right now, as I'm not at ease with any of this."
"Would a treat help you to calm?" Reaching her free hand into her pocket and producing the same pet treat Zedd had been feeding me for the past few days before I found out what it was of course, she holds it temptingly close to my face.
"No." Eyes narrowing and heart rate no doubt increasing accordingly, I know she feels it though probably lacks understanding of just what it is due to.
"Are you certain? It's very appetizing."
Intensifying my look, I only feel satisfied as the treat is placed back into her pocket with a bit of a sigh.
"All right if you don't want it I'll not force it on you, though it is a shame as most of your kind finding them quite enjoyable." I'm aware of that, mostly because if I am in fact honest with myself I would have to admit that despite what they are, the taste they have is incredibly addicting.
"Be that as it may, I'm not a pet and don't greatly appreciate being treated or fed as one." Teeth clenched but still sitting as expected to not about to go through this again if I lose my temper and storm out I watch as she leaves me, apparently figuring she'll not get a better reading on my pulse than what it currently is.
"Just two more items on the list and then I'll administer your vaccinations." Thank god. "Position yourself on your hands and knees."
Breathing in and out in a calming manner I keep my voice level and as pleasant as possible in the face of such a request. "Why?"
"I need your temperature." You have got to be kidding me.
"Let me get this straight, out of all of the high tech equipment you have here, despite how advanced your species is, regardless of the fact that according to Zordon you all are the best of the best in halfbreed medical personal, you still take temperature rectally."
"For halfbreeds yes." Breathe, must breathe. Sighing but at least looking somewhat sympathetic, she continues in a softer tone. "Listen, I understand that you're not happy, clearly, however you must understand that as far as halfbreeds go you are one of, well you are the most advanced on this planet. The others don't sit still long enough for scans to be complete, don't like things too close to their faces, and if I attempted to take temperatures orally a good portion would eat my equipment. So really logically what choice do I have but to do it rectally?"
"I swear I won't eat your equipment."
"As nice of you as that is, the only type of thermometer I have is the kind that I told you of, so if we could move this along I would be most appreciative." When I make no real move to comply she heaves a sigh, the likes of which are clear in meaning, before turning once more to Zedd. "If you don't mind aiding in his compliance…" Aiding in my- alright I'm done.
"See the problem is that if I do that I will find myself sleeping on the couch alone for the next five thousand years, something which I've no real desire to do." Sighing when she only gives him a hard look in response, I watch as the once lord of evil slowly gets up and moves over to us. "Give me a few minutes."
"A few- I have other patients to see today, so either you make him compliant or you leave and tell the High Council why this wasn't done." And you think he cares?
Taking a breath and giving her what I believe is an appeasing look, he gently but firmly guides her to the door, voice much calmer than my own would be at this moment and time. "I understand that you're pressed for time, I do. And I appreciate you being so understanding of this particular situation, however as you yourself have noted he is not your average clueless halfbreed. He is a power holder, a warrior, and as such he has a good deal of pride, and rightly so. So you can either continue to fight with him, something that he by the way is very good at doing, and get all of no where, or you can let me talk to him and see if I can't make some headway before nightfall. Either way though he is not leaving here without his vaccinations and a clean bill of health, something which can be achieved the hard and life ending way, or by you making the smart choice and letting me talk to him. What shall it be?"
"I already told you I am not intimidated by you."
"No but your kin most likely is. Don't make me spell it out for you." Eyes filled with evil intent that she does not know he will no longer use, he gives a satisfied smile as she gives a parting growl of five minutes before storming out, door slamming tellingly behind her.
"That wasn't nice."
"Neither is you acting like a petulant child." Excuse me. Turning back to me and still looking none to pleased he launches into his speech not about to give me a moment to start in on him or the matter at hand. "Honestly Thomas I expect better out of you. You need this examination to stay here, and the vaccinations to make certain you won't get ill, a very real possibility while you're on this planet. And as much as I know you despise this matter the fact remains that your health and well being is dependent on it. Something that I know you know."
"Are you actually taking her side in this? Do you honestly expect me to get down on all fours like a dog and let her poke and probe me how she wishes?" Because if so than we have an even bigger problem here than I originally anticipated.
"I expect you to do what you're asked when it concerns your wellbeing and health."
"I will not be treated like a pet!"
"Than stop acting like one!" Face suddenly falling into an expression that says he knows all too well that such a statement will result in horrible consequences, he is fast to try and repair the damage he has caused, though unfortunately for him not fast enough. "I didn't mean that how it sounded, pet."
Sliding off the table anger flaring to such a level he literally takes a step back, I move to where my clothes are located grabbing and pulling them on with forced calm so as not to tear them in the process.
"Thomas just stop and listen. Now I know you're frustrated, we both are and lord knows coming here was not a good idea, but the fact remains that we are here now and… will you stop getting dressed and listen to me?!"
Keeping silent as anything I say right now will most likely end our engagement, assuming this hasn't already, I pull on my boots last before heading for the door.
"Thomas you are not leaving here without your vaccinations." Voice stern and not one to be messed with, he however bows quickly and noticeably as I turn to fix him with a murderous glare. "Please?"
To be continued…..
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Translations:
Zedd – "Toy."
Zedd – "He is a power holder. One of the Council's prized and my mate. I am not having his reproductive organs removed regardless of what the law says."
Doctor – "He is a halfbreed, a pet, regardless of what tricks he may perform for the Council. He is not pureblooded and therefore is designated by law to be corrected before he goes into heat."
Zedd – "He'll not go into heat, he lacks enough eltarian genetics to. Now silence yourself and perform the rest of his examination before he leaves and I have to put him through this again."
Zedd – "I'll remind you who I am and what I am capable of female. Do not test me."
Doctor – "Self indulgent idiot."
Doctor – "Child of evil."