Chapter Three
The Doctor opened the door and stuck his head in.
"Hello?" he called out.
He smiled at a woman sitting behind a desk.
"Hi, is this the apothecary?" he asked her.
The woman let out a bored sigh and nodded.
"Excellent."
He opened the door wider and he strolled in followed by Rose, Martha and Mickey.
"I assume you're the receptionist?" the Doctor asked her.
"You assumed right."
"Ah, allow me to introduce myself then. I'm Doctor John Smith, communicable disease specialist," he said, flashing the psychic paper in front of her eyes. "I wish to speak with one of your doctors about the Nok flu. I'm from Pollos Eleven and I was sent to find out the severity of the threat. Pollos Eleven wants to know the level of preparedness it must have if the epidemic spreads."
The receptionist rolled her eyes.
"Have a seat and Apothecary Ba'zon will be with you shortly," she said in a monotone voice.
"Great!" the Doctor said, flashing her a million pound smile. "By the way, did anyone ever tell you that you have beautiful eyes?"
"Sit!" the receptionist said, jabbing her finger at some empty seats.
The Doctor looked at the others.
"You heard the woman in charge, sit!" he said, jabbing his finger at the chairs.
The receptionist rolled her eyes and got up from her seat.
"I need a holiday and I need one quick," she muttered as she walked to the back of the waiting room.
The Doctor gave her a sugary sweet smile when she opened the door leading to the examination rooms, walked in, and slammed it behind her.
"Thanks a million, love, cheers!" the Doctor called after her.
They walked over to the chairs and sat down.
"Well," the Doctor said looking at the others. "Let's hope the apothecary is a lot friendlier than she is; especially if we're gonna be obtaining some information about this flu epidemic."
"There is no epidemic."
They looked across the waiting room and saw a man sitting and staring at them.
"There isn't?" the Doctor asked him.
"No, it's all a hoax. It's just something dreamed up by the drug manufacturers so they can make money."
"And are they making money?" the Doctor asked.
The man snorted.
"Hand over fist," he said. "Ever since they started scaring people with this made-up flu threat, they've been pushing everyone to get inoculated with a vaccine patch."
"So, is that why you're here?" Martha asked.
The man rolled his eyes.
"Yeah, my boss is making all his workers get one as a safety precaution. Total rubbish if you ask me. Just a waste of time plus I'm losing credits sitting here on my arse when I could be working. When I get back to the office I'm giving the boss a piece of my mind and---"
The examination room door opened and the receptionist stuck her head out.
"To'lan, the apothecary will see you now," she said in a bored tone of voice.
To'lan looked at the Doctor and rolled his eyes as he rose from his seat.
"Like I said, waste of time," he muttered as he walked toward the door.
The receptionist quickly stepped aside, let him through and then shut the door. She started towards her desk and then noticing the Doctor, stopped and narrowed her eyes.
"Apothecary Ba'zon has agreed to see you, but he is busy inoculating patients so don't take up too much of his time."
"Wouldn't dream of it," the Doctor said, smiling.
He leaned forward.
"Did anyone tell you when you get angry, your eyes sparkle?"
"Hmmmph!"
Rose put her hand over her mouth and Mickey and Martha chortled while the Doctor sat back with a triumphant grin on his face. He flashed the receptionist a look of innocence when she gave him a look of death and stomped back to her seat.
"Oh you are so bad sometimes," Rose whispered to him.
The Doctor gave her a surprised look.
"Bad? What's so bad about complimenting someone? Compliments make the universe go round, Rose, remember that."
Rose swatted his arm when he grinned and gave her a wink.
After about five minutes, the door opened and To'lan walked out.
"How was it?" the Doctor asked.
"A waste of time just like I said," he replied.
He shook his head and muttered as he walked out the front door. The Doctor watched him go and then turned his attention towards the receptionist. He gave her another winning smile.
"Can we go in yet?" he asked sweetly.
"Yes, you can go in," she muttered.
"Fabulous!" the Doctor said rising to his feet.
Rose, Martha and Mickey stood and followed the Doctor. He walked over to the receptionist desk and bent down with a smile.
"I'm sorry, but what is your name?" he asked her.
The receptionist eyed him.
"Mar'zac."
"Mar'zac, what an exquisite name," the Doctor said.
He looked into her watery eyes while they stared back at him.
"You look like a Mar'zac," he said, softly. "It's such a beautiful name. It makes me think of spring lambs cavorting gaily in vibrant fields of clover and---"
"Get in there before I change my mind," Mar'zac said pointing back to the door.
"Okey-dokey."
He blew her a kiss. Rose, Martha and Mickey averted their gaze and walked past while she glowered at them.
When they got past the door and closed it, Rose finally let loose with a howl of laughter. She rested her hand on the Doctor's shoulder and bent over laughing while the Doctor smiled at her.
"Oh man, that was just too good. Sometimes I wonder how you can get away with half the things you do."
"Oh, it's easy, Rose. I'm a charmer. I just finesse myself out of any situation. No one can resist my winning smile and witty bon mots. And now that we've dispatched with the anal retentive receptionist, it's on to the apothecary!"
He paused while he looked around at all the closed doors.
"Now, where is the apothecary's office at?" he mused.
A door beside them opened and a middle aged man stepped outside. He looked at them for a moment.
"Doctor…John Smith?" he said hesitantly.
"Yes, that's me. And you are Ba'zon?" the Doctor asked.
"Yes, I am Apothecary Ba'zon," he said. "The receptionist said you wanted to speak with me?"
"Yes, I'm from Pollos Eleven. I've been sent here on a fact finding mission. We wish to find out how bad the Nok flu epidemic is."
Ba'zon looked over his shoulder at Rose, Martha and Mickey.
"And they are…"
The Doctor glanced behind them.
"My students. They're serving an internship with me," he said. "I hope you don't mind if I bring them along. They're my star pupils."
Ba'zon shrugged.
"It makes no difference to me. Just be brief," he said.
"Of course," the Doctor said.
He stepped away from his door.
"Please come inside," he said.
The Doctor nodded. They entered the room and stood against the wall while Ba'zon came inside after them and closed the door.
"Now, what do you want to know?" Ba'zon asked.
"First off, when did this all start?" the Doctor asked. "I was under the impression that the Nok flu was not deadly to the Tersers."
"It wasn't, but a few months ago, a number of people began developing flu-like symptoms. Conventional treatment was useless and the victims died within a few days. We traced the origin of the flu back to people who had come in contact with the Nok on a daily basis such as butchers and Nok ranchers. It was then that we began to study the flu and found that the virus had mutated. This alarmed the government and they began to order vaccinations for the entire Terserian population and any visitors that came to our planet in the event that the virus mutated into an airborne pathogen."
"I see. And exactly how many deaths have occurred as a result of this Nok flu?" the Doctor asked.
"Three."
The Doctor raised his eyebrows.
"Three deaths and you've ordered vaccinations for everyone?" he asked. "That's overreacting a bit isn't it?"
"Not at all. The Terserian government believes in taking precautions."
"Yes, I understand that. But, wouldn't it be easier and more cost effective to just inoculate the ones who come in direct contact with the Nok. They are the ones at greatest risk, aren't they?"
"Yes, for now. But this virus could mutate again and spread among the population. We have to take precautions now before that happens."
"But…what if that causes the virus to become stronger?" Rose asked.
Everyone looked at her.
"Well, I mean, on Ear…Pollos Eleven, they're warning people about taking antibiotics for every little cold that comes up and not to use antibacterial soap because the flu virus might become resistant to all that and come back stronger than before. Aren't you worried that might happen with this vaccine? That the Nok flu will develop a resistance to it and become stronger?"
The Doctor smiled proudly at her.
"Well, Apothecary?" he said. "Answer her. Isn't there a risk of that with mass inoculations?"
"Well, I suppose it is a possibility," Ba'zon said. "However, there is also a possibility that the virus would be eliminated entirely. As I said before, we Tersers believe in being prepared."
The Doctor nodded.
"You mentioned three deaths. Are there any people who have survived?"
"One. She's recovering now in the hospital. She barely lived."
"I see. And have you studied her blood to see if she had a natural immunity to the disease?"
"We are exploring all possibilities in combating this disease; I can assure you of that, Doctor," Ba'zon said.
"You said this woman was in hospital. Might it be possible to visit her?"
"Why?"
"I also wish to explore all possibilities, Apothecary. My people are concerned about an epidemic and they sent me to find out all I can. Would it be possible to talk to this woman?"
"I suppose. Although, I'm sure she won't be up to speaking to anyone for a few days. Would you be able to wait?"
"I will wait as long as it takes," the Doctor replied.
Ba'zon nodded.
"When she is ready to talk, I will give you her name and room number," he said. "Until then, I do not wish her disturbed. Where are you staying so I can have the data chip delivered to you?"
"Actually, I have not arranged any accommodations yet, we've just arrived. Would it be alright if I just returned here in two days time and get the chip?"
"That's fine. Although I can't guarantee she will be ready to talk then, but you can certainly return."
"That will be fine. Now if you'll excuse us, we want to go and get something to eat," the Doctor said starting for the door.
"Wait a moment," Ba'zon said.
The Doctor, Rose, Martha, and Mickey paused at the door.
"Yes?" the Doctor asked.
"You must be inoculated before you leave. It's the law, you know," Ba'zon said, opening up a drawer.
They all looked at each other.
"Um…I don't think that'll be necessary," the Doctor said.
Ba'zon laid a small tray on the table. The Doctor glanced down at the white patches arranged neatly inside it.
"Doctor, you said so yourself. You are concerned about not catching the virus. This will prevent that. So, if you and your students will roll up their sleeves, I will just apply a patch to each of your arms. It's completely painless."
"You don't mind if we just take some patches with us and examine them, do you?" the Doctor asked.
"No, I must apply them to your arms. Now roll up your sleeves."
The Doctor glanced at his companions.
"What…um, what is in these patches?" Martha asked.
"Just a standard flu vaccine. It will boost your immune system and protect you against the disease."
"Yeah, well, we'd rather just pass," the Doctor replied.
"Come now, Doctor, be reasonable. It'll only take a second," Ba'zon said. "Now, I'll say it one more time, roll up your sleeves."
The Doctor glanced at the others and nodded. They rolled up their sleeves while he took off his trench coat, laid it over his arm, and rolled up his sleeve. Ba'zon smiled.
"That's better. Now just hold still and let me apply them," he said.
They watched while he stuck the small white patch to each of their arms.
"Leave it on for a few hours and then you can take it off," he said.
The Doctor forced a smile onto his face.
"Yes, thanks, brilliant. We'll be going then."
"Enjoy your stay in Bel'nok," Ba'zon said.
"Thanks," the Doctor replied.
He looked at the others.
"Let's go," he muttered.
He gave Ba'zon another smile while he opened the door and ushered the others out.
"Good day, Doctor."
"Good day, Apothecary."
The Doctor slammed the door.
"Patches off now!" he said in a loud whisper.
Everyone grabbed a hold of their patches and tugged at them.
"It's not coming off," Rose said.
"Mine isn't coming off either," Martha added.
The Doctor let out an angry sigh.
"I was afraid of this. The patch has a special adhesive on it. It'll wear off in a couple of hours and then we can take the patches off."
The Doctor stomped his foot.
"Damn, I shoulda just followed my first instinct and ran for it," he said.
"Doctor, there isn't anything in these patches, is there?" Rose asked.
"I hope not, Rose. Until the adhesive wears off, we won't know for sure. In the meantime, all we can do is wait and try not to worry," he said.
He took hold of her hand.
"I suggest we go get something to eat to get our minds off it for the moment," he said.
The others nodded. Martha took a hold of Mickey's hand and all of them walked towards the front door.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Ba'zon put the tray back and closed the drawer. He breathed a sigh of relief while he picked up a small recording device.
"Ugh, I hate the ones who argue," he muttered.
He hit the on switch and spoke into the microphone.
"Four more patches administered at 16:16 Tersean Time. Three normal patches and one enhanced one.