Chapter 114 - Being told Reality (1) (1/2)
29 December, Military Hospital, Military base, City K
After having a verbal argument where Joseph, Ben and David ganged up on him when the base medical team called for arrived, Matthew agreed to return to the military base hospital for a check-up. They addressed all his arguments by indicating Joseph would remain on site to direct the clean-up operations to determine if any additional intelligence remained, while David and Ben would return to the base to interview the captives, after they were medically cleared for whatever information they could provide.
When he arrived at the hospital, while he was conscious of triage priorities, Matthew decided to pull rank, and have his assessment completed quickly compared to those who were given the same priority level as him. While he hated using his rank to see to his quick assessment, Matthew was aware of the competing matters he needed to address quickly so being down the list was inappropriate.
As soon as he was medically cleared, Matthew changed into the new uniform that Ben had collected from his on-base accommodations, along with the secure jamming device, which he slipped into his pocket.
He moved to the central monitoring desk and said ”When you have completed the check on Lexi Yao, ensure that she is moved to a private ward here, and that there is a guard outside.”
The nurse-in-charge responded ”Colonel, Miss Yao is like any civilian. When we have finished her physical and psychological health checks and it is safe to do so, she will be transferred to one of the city's hospitals, so it is easier for her family to see her, with a clear recommendation that she not be released for twenty-four to forty-eight hours.”
Not being in the mood for any arguments, Matthew snapped ”Nurse, it is Madam Rong, as in my wife. As the wife of a member of the military she has every right to be treated in this facility until she is able to be discharged. However as my wife, she is entitled to a private ward, which unless there is none available she will have, as given what happened I want to ensure that she is safe.”
Hearing Matthew's angry response one of the doctors said ”But colonel …”
”No arguments, Doctor. Remember that you are a military officer,” pausing to look at the uniform, Matthew then continued ”Major, and your choice is to follow my order or …”
Noticing that Matthew was deadly serious the Doctor said ”Nurse, please see to transferring Madam Rong to a private room near General Man's room, once all the health checks have been completed.
The Colonel is right...”
Given his order was being carried out Matthew moved away heading to the area where Lexi was, but heard the nurse say ”Doctor, how do we know...”
”Do not go there, it is not like there is not the space for her to remain here. If there was a space issue, I would have thought with the Colonel, as while spouses of serving members of the military are entitled to treatment here, they do not have priory over military members.”
As he reached her side, Lexi turned to Matthew and said quietly but with venom in her voice ”Matthew Rong, I am not your wife. Let me go to a hospital in town and forget about what happened.”
”Lexi, you and I have to have a long talk, but here is not the place for it. I have to report to General Man, and I will call Phillip and Chester letting them know that we are safe and will arrange for them to come to the hospital to see you.”