Chapter 4
"Final Preparations"
While the North Pole was not as affected as the rest of the world, COVID-19 continued to make it's mark on Santa and his band of elves. In the North Pole hospital, the chief medical officer sat at his desk reflecting on the latest casualties that would never get the chance to participate in future Christmases.
"Oh, Good Christmas," he sighed in a deep Munchkin voice, taking off his glasses and rubbing his fingers across his face. "100 more cases and 35 deaths. This can't go on forever. Social distancing, wearing masks, what good has it done? This will be over in a few weeks, they said. We'll have a big party, they said. Well, you are all a bunch of liars as far as I'm concerned!"
Just then, he heard his phone ring and answered it.
"North Pole Hospital," he said gruffly, but professionally. "Oh, oh, Santa. I didn't expect to hear from you…"
"How many more?" Santa asked, still angry but calmed down slightly in his study. "How many more cases and how many more deaths?"
"100 cases and 35 deaths, sir."
Sighing, Santa began to sense that time was becoming of the essence. The news he got from the hospital wasn't good but expected.
"Well, hopefully with this new vaccine, we can save the rest of our elves," he said, rising from his chair and stretching out his back. "The good news is that Tom and the others will be fetching the vaccine and recruiting some of our former visitors to administer it."
"Thank Christmas for that. When will the run begin?"
"At anytime, doctor. That is why we need to start putting together administration sites, including the center of the city."
This made the chief of medicine feel his eyes widen. The center of the city was more than just a city center, it was also where Santa would takeoff on his long journey's every Christmas Eve.
"Santa, are you sure?" he remarked. "The hospital…"
"Should continue to treat those already sick," Santa ordered. "I want to focus on protecting those who haven't got it. The center of the city will be the principal location for administration. Do you understand?"
Gulping, the chief of medicine accepted the responsibility given to him.
"Good, the doctors can get to work the moment they arrive. Good luck."
Hearing the other side hang up, the chief of medicine was left to accept the outcome given to him.
…
Meanwhile, the top engine of the Polar Express fleet was being moved out of the wheelhouse and brought to the center of the city. With Steamer at the controls and Smokey manning the coal, both engineer and fireman were also beginning to accept the responsibility given to them.
"Everything looks good, Smokey," Steamer said, looking at all the pressure gauges. "Keep hauling that coal."
"Steam," replied Smokey, shoveling the coal into the engine. "Do you think that maybe…ugh…we can get this here medicine in time? If so, do you think we should take it?"
Steamer could see that his friend and fireman was worried and once they pulled into the center of the city, Steamer went over to comfort him.
"Why are you scared?" he asked.
"I'm afraid of needles, Steam," whimpered Smokey as Steamer placed an arm around his neck. "You know that. I've got all my shots, but why am I still scared?"
"Everyone's scared about this sickness, Smokey," Steamer remarked. "But, there comes a time where you have to make a decision: to either feel the pinch of a needle or end up like the elves in the hospital with a ventilator shoved down your neck. Yeah, we gotta be brave, Smokey. For them."
Just then, two of the smaller switch engines came forward bringing the coaches to the back of the main engine. Then they saw Tom on the front of one of the coaches.
"At least we have Tommy to lead us on our quest," Steamer said, with a look of reassurance on his face.
Once the coaches were coupled, Tom walked up and down the train to see if everything was in place to go. All the coaches were carefully lined up with the coaches for the vaccine in the back and the coaches in the front for the important people coming to protect the North Pole.
"Hey, it's cold in there," cried an elf, who was so cold an icicle hung from his nose. "Does it have to be that cold?"
"Not unless you want to be like all those other elves," Tom advised. "The vaccines need to be at that temperature if they want to be fresh. Moderna in the front, Pfizer in the back. Make sure it's labeled properly."
"Yes, sir."
Sighing, Tom went in one of the non-refrigerated coaches at the front and for the next few moments, he silently reflected on what had been and what needed to happen. In a matter of time, adults, not children, would be occupying those seats. Adults that came to the North Pole as children that were now doctors looking to protect the North Pole from the Coronavirus pandemic that had impacted the world.
The Polar Express would soon depart on it's important mission…
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