Part 44: Secret Patient

"it's been confirmed that Heinrich von Raitenau, the leader, will be tried under international law. This news comes as a result of several nations' insistence that his crimes were utterly inhumane. In a related story, the Hands of Asclepius is being lauded for the suppression of GUILT terrorism. The investigations being conducted on these attacks are reaching their final stages as..."

......
Listening to news like that gives you mixed feelings, doesn't it, Dr. Stiles? I imagine the entire situation was painful for you...
Well, I have my own thoughts on the subject... But for now, I'm just going to concentrate on the thyroid operation I'm performing today.
Yeah, I'm glad that the GUILT terrorism is finally over, but we've still got problems. I mean, people are starting to think Caduceus is practically old-fashioned compared to the HOA. We didn't even get any credit for what we did during the raid.
That necrosis serum, and the PGS medication... The HOA has made themselves quite indispensable. Although, they wouldn't have gotten anywhere if it weren't for us...



I'm sorry I'll be gone while everyone is so busy...
Don't worry, Heather. You've been really overworked lately, so I'm glad you're taking a break. Besides, we haven't had nearly as many PGS patients to take care of lately. ...We have our "rivals" to thank for that. Ironic, isn't it?



Yes, and Acropolis Pharmaceutical has been making a lot of big advancements too. Hard to believe that they were subjected to a terrorist attack recently.
I know. But it seems like GUILT is going to become a disease of the past pretty soon. Treatments for it have been almost completely established now. Oh, could you put those old sheets in the bin over here?
Sure. By the way, have you seen the charts for that patient who's coming in?
No, and it's weird that we haven't received them yet, since her procedure's already been scheduled. I've already filed two requests with the office; I'm going to complain.
Wow, they need to get their act together...



No one within the general staff can be notified until the truth of the matter has been confirmed.
There are rumors that similar cases have emerged at Caduceus's overseas branches... And now we'll be able to see it for ourselves. Our source on the inside risked his life for this. We're in his debt.
I never imagined his investigation on the Juarez case would lead to this.
Yes, and it's hard to say what's to come... But the answer has to be found, regardless. I think we have to put our faith in Derek.

Just like always.

I told him about the operation, but I didn't give him any details on the patient's condition.
He has shed light on the shadows cast by GUILT before; hopefully he can do it again...



I heard that the patient is being transported from overseas, so it might be an urgent operation.
Still, Chief Kasal kept reminding us not to talk about it with anyone... Doesn't that bother you a little, Dr. Stiles?
Yeah... I think it's also weird that the patient's condition was never explained to us. I'm sure the Chief must have his reasons...



Alright then, let's begin. After we discuss the patient's condition, you have to begin the operation immediately.
...Was the onset of the patient's ailment so fast that they couldn't even provide us with the charts?
The patient's condition did worsen rather abruptly... But there's a reason that we've had to keep this highly classified.
...Classified?

It means a secret.

The patient's name is Annie Fisher. She's a professional tennis player.
A celebrity, huh? She's gotten rather popular lately. I heard she's been rising through the ranks...
Yes, but her popularity isn't the reason it's being kept a secret. Ten days ago, she suddenly began feeling pain in her abdomen, so she had it examined. The cause of her pain was finally determined-- No, I take that back. We're not entirely sure yet.
...Wait, what do you mean?
Her chiral reaction is positive. But the analysis doesn't match any GUILT types known to us.
...! Then it's a new strain!?

Of course! Do you think we're getting away from this game with only 4 GUILT strains?

It's a horrible thing to even consider... But it's too high of a possibility to ignore. None of the regular staff have been informed thus far. What we're telling you is top-secret.
But... why now? Does this mean that Delphi is still out there?
We're all curious about how it could have occurred. But that has to wait until after the operation. Right now, you need to ascertain the exact cause of the ailment and treat the patient accordingly. Ms. Fisher's condition is very severe; time is running out.
I understand. I'll do everything I can.
You'll have to make some tough judgment calls here, Derek. Operate with utmost care...



Her test results indicate that a number of lacerations have formed on her small intestine. There are two objectives for this operation:

• Treat the lacerations on the small intestine.
  
• Discover the lacerations' cause.

We're going into this completely blind, Doctor. Please be careful.
...Understood.



Operation Video


OK... Let's get started. We know absolutely nothing about the GUILT we're dealing with here, Doctor. Please be careful.
I understand. I'm going to be very cautious.
Yes...!



These initial lacerations are nothing special. Make sure to raise vitals to max before suturing the last one, though.

Treatment complete. After this--

*Convulsions occur*

...! Convulsions!? Chiral reaction detected! Something is emerging!



GUILT strain 5: Bythos (Depth)

In my opinion the hardest GUILT, even counting the final one. It's like Cheir if there's only one of them but attacks with much higher ferocity.

By the way, the music should sound familiar even though we haven't heard it in a long time.

The convulsions have stopped... But, this-- What do we do? We've never seen this kind of GUILT before!
This is really it! A new type of GUILT! But you're right, we'll just have to try things out. ...Do you see anything odd about its center?
Yes, it does look like some of its functions are concentrated there... Let's try to do damage to it at that point.



Just like Cheir, we have to laser it. However, unlike Cheir, you can't just push it out of the organ.



Like Cheir and Kyriaki, it'll periodically create lacerations. Except it'll create 3 or 4 at once. Remember that the vitals will take a hit by 5 per laceration.

This means Bythos can take away 15-20 vitals in one shot. And that's not counting the drain from the lacerations themselves. In fact, the drain from those lacerations are severe enough that suturing them is our first priority.

Bythos is a test of speed and attrition; even moreso than Pempti.



It burst! Did we... destroy it!?
...No. The chiral reaction hasn't changed at all! But the laser did manage to split the tissue from that object in the center. Doctor, I think that thing in the middle must be... the core!

You don't say?

Then now's our chance! I'm going to extract it with the forceps!
Wait... What are those spores floating around it? Could they be trying to protect the core!? Doctor, try to extract the core without touching the luminous spores or the shards!

To make the damage stick, we have to manually remove the core without touching the spores or the shards (those split hamburger shells). If we do touch them, it will recombine and we'll have to laser it again. And it'll take 20 vitals for good measure.

The shards won't move while the blue spores will move in a circle around the core's initial position. The green spores will move at straight lines and bounce at the edges of the screen, but will beeline for our forceps once we remove the core. They suck

Taking too long to remove the core will have it recombine and repeat the process, just like if we hit the spores/shards (minus the vital hit). Even if we do manage to remove the core successfully, Bythos will still recombine.

The core we extracted regenerated! I-I think... the shards combined together to regenerate it! How can we stop it if it--
It's OK, Angie; let's stay calm. Can you check for any changes in the chiral reaction?
R-Right away! ...Huh...? Doctor, you were right! The chiral reaction has decreased! It's weakened because we extracted the core!
Then we're on the right track. Let's keep using this procedure.

Bythos still has one more trick, however.



It can dive into the organ and make 3/4 lacerations when surfacing.

What!? The GUILT moved instantly, from one location to another!
Lacerations have formed as well... but I think we should check the area it was before it moved... Use the ultrasound to check where the GUILT used to be!



Remember that removing a blood pocket (which the game calls hematocele apparently) removes 8 vitals. That in addition to the longer treating process makes this attack hard to deal with.

At least you have time for one shot of stabilizer while Bythos dives. Which restores about 8 vitals. Out of 20ish it take.



As we keep lasering and then removing the core, the core color will change. Purple means it only have 2 HP left.



Red means it's on its last legs. The orange spores are faster versions of blue spores. The core removal process can get really hectic, especially with the high stakes.

You really have to manage vitals VERY carefully in this operation. If you fail to remove the core and have used up your HT, you might as well restart.



After removing the red core, the patient convulses while Bythos vades with a sparkle...





...Chiral reaction is negative! The convulsions have stopped as well!
Well, so much for this new strain of GUILT! Let's close her up!

You know the drill.

That concludes the operation. Well done!
Same to you, Angie.





For once, playing on an emulator with 0.75x speed is making the operation overall easier



But, I'm glad I'm cured now. I must thank all of you.
We realize you're still in pain, Ms. Fisher, but we need to ask you some questions. It's important that we figure out how you got this. Anything you can tell us... could save lives.
Can you think of any aspect of your health that may have changed recently?
My health... U-Um... No, nothing comes to mind...
Ms. Fisher, the disease you had is extremely dangerous... Anything at all that you can tell us could be a clue. Please, don't hold back.
...No, I really can't think of anything...



Is there anything you did that might have affected your ability?
......
We may have been able to save your life this time, Ms. Fisher, but without your cooperation...
...... It wasn't me; it was my trainer. He said it wouldn't be considered doping.
Don't worry, we believe you. You're risking a lot to tell us this, and we appreciate it.
He told me there was a way I could build core strength, and then he gave me a few injections. He said it was an approved product of the pharmaceutical company that's sponsoring me. The supplement was simply amazing. Every day, I was able to feel my body gaining strength, and my reflexes getting better. Since taking it, I've been able to master techniques that I had only started learning. That's when it crossed my mind that what I was doing might be wrong...
Thank you, Ms. Fisher. You've been very brave to tell us all this.
Do you happen to remember the name of the pharmaceutical company?
Um... Something like... Metropolis?
...! You mean Acropolis!?
It would seem the loose ends are starting to tie themselves...

Turns out that Acropolis is evil. Who would've thought...

Don't you feel GUILTy for plagiarism?

I know I said the door operation was the last plagiarism, but I guess I forgot about this one somehow.


7-3 Identity Loss

At least touching a spark is no longer a literally guaranteed death. It's just a practically guaranteed death instead. Hooray?

Also, I'm putting the whole quote because I doubt you'd believe me if I told you that's what happened.