Part 8: Alone in the OR

I've never seen such tall buildings before... Wow...
You've never lived in a city then Dr. Tulba?
No. This is the first time I've ever left my country. I wonder if I'll fit in here...
Well, we spent half a year in Costigar without running into any major problems. So, don't worry. You'll get used to it in no time.
Besides, Adel, you're very well spoken, even in English.
But if you do run into any trouble, I'd be happy to help.
Thank you, Angie. I'll try to stay positive.
...Then again, they're going to be keeping you so busy, you won't have much time to find trouble.



Working for the betterment of people's health, it is known for its medical progress, its most prominent achievement being the subjugation of the terrorist attacks three years ago. These attacks were the fruition of the deranged medical ideology of an organization called "Delphi." By controlling GUILT, an artificial infections disease, they plotted to destroy mankind. But due to the swift action taken by Caduceus and its doctors, with Derek Stiles at its heart, the terrorists' scheme was thwarted.



But the current state of affairs made your presence an absolute necessity.



Hoffman used to be another Doctor with Healing Touch. After a failed surgery, he stopped and became the director of Hope Hospital (Derek and Angie's previous hospital). He became director of Caduceus after the previous director/secretary of health/his friend Richard Anderson died due to GUILT (Pempti). His operation and treatment research took up half a chapter in UtK/SO.

He was also the final patient in Second Opinion, where he was also infected with GUILT (Savato). Apparently sometime after that he stopped doing surgery again.

Please, no need to be sorry. We understand the circumstances.
Director, what can you tell us about these latent symptoms of GUILT...?





I don't have a lot to say about this guy, really. He's mostly just there.

The former victims of GUILT are facing onsets of one serious malady after another. We've tentatively classified these symptoms as Post-GUILT Syndrome. GUILT itself hasn't reoccurred yet, which is a relief, but there are many symptoms appearing, like tumors and organ failures, that can't be taken lightly. A dozen cases have been reported in the US, but worldwide there have been hundreds. ...And the numbers are still rising.
We successfully treated all of those patients, though...
True, but either the GUILT, or our treatment may have induced genetic mutations or malignant viruses... We're still trying to determine the origin of the symptoms.
In any case, our directive is to establish a method of treatment so we can help the current victims. I'm sure you're still jet-lagged, but we need you to join the countermeasure team today.
So the battle against GUILT isn't over yet...
Don't get discouraged. We saved countless lives from that disease. If we were able to overcome it once, we should have no problem doing it again.
I agree. I'm sure that Caduceus can do it!
I'm counting on you. And... you must be Adel, correct?



We'll be adding you to the roster for the Caduceus Advanced Training Program. Good luck to you.
Yes, sir! I'll do my best!
We'll be looking forward to your progress, especially since it was Derek who recommended you. Each student is assigned a teacher. Make sure you follow all of his or her instructions.
Will that be Dr. Stiles...?
Ideally, that would be the case, but because of what we're up against right now we'll have to assign you to a different doctor for the time being.
I see...
I'm technically still your sponsor though, so feel free to consult me if anything comes up.
O-Oh, no! I wouldn't want to trouble you, Dr. Stiles. I'll be fine on my own.
That's the spirit.



I'm fine, Dr. Chase. Thanks for asking, though. I've been traveling around the world for so long now, I think my body has gotten used to it.
Hm, you haven't changed one bit.
Oh, you're back too, Derek?
What...!? I've been gone for half a year, and that's how you greet me!?
Still can't take a joke, I see... Well, welcome back all the same.



He used to perform euthanasia until he stopped by Derek's request after he treated his sister from GUILT (Deftera). And then the game proceed to sweep that ethical issue under the rug and never mention it again. Kinda like the civil war in this game and the American healthcare system in NB.

I guess you'll be home for a while now, since we're dealing with PGS.
Yeah. I hope we can count on your help.
...There's still a possibility my sister could start showing symptoms too. I'll do everything I can.

Spoiler: She won't. Neither will Hoffman, for that matter.

...So, is this the new guy?
Yeah, let me introduce him. His name is Adel Tulba. He's a doctor from the Republic of Costigar, and he's our newest student in the program.
Pleased to meet you, Dr. Chase.
Oh, I forgot. Adel, Dr. Chase is going to be your instructor for the time being.
That's news to me... But I guess there's nothing I can do if it's already been decided...
...?

We're off to a great start!

Adel... Do you know what the other students call me?
No...
"The Demon." So you're going to give me your best... right?
...Yes, sir.



I can't believe I'm being trained to interpret data from machines I've never even seen! Dr. Chase really is merciless... But man, I'm so fortunate to be here. I never would have been able to learn anything like this in Costigar. ...I have to be up early tomorrow. I should go back to my room and get some sleep.

*Sounds of a door opening and closing*

Huh? Was that Dr. Stiles that just went into the operating room? What's he doing at this hour...?



And now, Post-GUILT Syndrome. My ability... the Healing Touch... I may have to call upon it again. ......
(Dr. Stiles? What is he doing...?)
Concentrate... Imagine an operation... And... draw the symbol. Concentrate...!

"Operation" Video




Alright, time to get this started! Imagine a patient... their pulse... The affected area is before me... I've got to make it all very clear... Clear the mind, concentrate... and let your power awaken! Good! I can feel it... The Healing Touch!



Just imagine me drawing stars and Derek saying variations of "I must concentrate."

Yes! That was it! My Healing Touch!
Hm... My head hurts a bit... That should do it for today... But... I don't feel as tired as I did before. I-- No, I shouldn't take any risks.



Derek's talking takes more time than the actual 'operation.'



To get XS we need to complete this in under 6 seconds without drawing any star incorrectly.

There's a bit of time after Derek's monologue where the screen won't register your drawing. I drew too soon and miss several times because of that.



*Adel causes some noise*

...!?
I'm sorry... I'm not trying to spy on you.
Oh, Adel... It's you. No, it's alright. It's not like it's a secret.
Do you always do this kind of training?
Well, the Healing Touch requires incredible concentration to use. In fact, I can only use it once per operation. That's why it's easier for me to focus if no one's around.
And... I'm a little shy about it too.
There's no need to be shy! It's a wonderful skill! Your operating speed... Any doctor would dream of having it!
...Any doctor would dream of having it...
...? Did I say something odd?
No, I understand what you mean. But... Adel, it's true that the Healing Touch is a rare gift, but it's not always a blessing.

How rare the Healing Touch is varies between games. In NB it's pretty common while in TT it practically doesn't exist.

...What do you mean?
I guess that came out sounding a bit too philosophical... ......



"There aren't many doctors who could endure such a weight..."
Now you've got me really confused, Dr. Stiles.
Those were the words Dr. Hoffman said to me three years ago. The Healing Touch is an amazing skill, but ti comes with a heavy responsibility. Doctors can't let themselves be crushed by that, though... The Director can use the Healing Touch too, you know. Although, now he's retired from surgery.

See my above comment about Hoffman.

...We should head back. You must be tired too.
Y-Yes...
C'mon, let's go. *leaves*
(The Healing Touch...)

Normally I'd put a plagiarism section here, but this "operation" doesn't actually recycle anything from New Blood.



It recycles from UtK/SO instead. Hooray