Change Horizons: Three Novellas Read Free Page B

waited in a long line at the reception desk, and she couldn’t see where it ended. Others sat in rows in the waiting rooms, and more severe cases waited on gurneys in another area. Ciel saw an even deeper frown appear on Gemma’s face. This was not good.
     
    *
     
    Gemma stalked up to the reception area. The man working behind a computer console looked frazzled, more intent on entering commands than focusing on the people next in line. A young woman was holding a crying baby, tears streaming down her face.
    “Please. Just listen to me. I need to see a doctor—”
    The man held up his hand in a clear sign she shouldn’t interrupt him.
    “My child, he—”
    “Deal with him. I’ll look at the child,” Ciel murmured behind Gemma.
    Glancing behind her, she saw Ciel bend over the child and gently touch his face.
    “What is she doing? Who are you people?” the man behind the computer said, now looking up in obvious exasperation. “You can’t just cut in front of the line—”
    “I don’t intend to. My name is Dr. Gemma Meyer. Call the clinic administrator and the person medically responsible to join me here.” She showed her identification on her handheld computer.
    “I will do no such thing. Can’t you see we have a crisis on our hands?” The Gantharian man huffed and returned his gaze to the computer screen.
    “You will, and you will do it instantly if you want to keep your job. I’m the SC representative and I designed this clinic. If you don’t—”
    “You…did you say Meyer?” The man licked his lips repeatedly, clearly panic-stricken. “Yes. The administrator, Ms. O’Eso. The clinic chief, Dr. O’Toresho. Right this instant.”
    “And why’s the line this long?” Gemma propped herself against the counter, watching with interest how the man’s fingers flew across the commands. “Just what crisis are you referring to?”
    “We’re still bringing our system online. It takes a while to register the patients who came into town yesterday. They’ve been walking for months.”
    “Where from?”
    “From the correction camp in Teroshem. They’re on their way home.”
    “On foot? Where’s their transport?” Gemma leaned over the desk. “How far away is Teroshem from here?”
    “About two hundred kilometers, ma’am.” The man was sending messages via the computer as he spoke. “The clinic administrator and the chief are on their way.” He smiled carefully, looking much too young to deal with an onslaught of displaced people.
    Gemma nodded curtly and returned to Ciel, who was examining the now-whimpering baby. “I don’t know how much you overheard, but these people are displaced. Refugees trying to get home from some correction camp.” She turned to the mother of the sick child. “Perhaps you can tell us where you come from and where you’re heading.”
    “I speak Premoni very badly, Doctor.” The woman looked worriedly at Ciel. “Druid, can you tell me what’s the matter with my son?”
    “Please, call me Ciel. He’s dehydrated due to a bowel infection. How long have you been on the road trying to get home?”
    “My name is Tammas O’Mea. I’ve lost track of time, Druid O’Diarda,” the woman said.
    “He needs liquids and vitamins. Perhaps additional nutrition.” Ciel smiled at the young mother. “It’s hard to be on the road with a baby.”
    “I have very little milk for him.” The young woman whispered, half hiding her face. “The camp closed months ago, but I’ve been mostly on foot. I gave birth to Ilias when I’d been walking for a week. I had to rest for a few days before I could continue.”
    Ciel shook her head, her jaw working before she spoke. “I can’t imagine walking that far with a baby after giving birth. You’re strong, Tammas.”
    “I want to go home to my mother and father. If they’re…if they’re…I haven’t been able to reach them via any comm system, but people say the links are down all over the planet.” Tammas sobbed. “And now