As they arrived at the ward, a nurse stood outside, where Rose lay undergoing medical attention and surgery. "I'd like you sirs to please calm down, since the patient is still in critical condition," she said in a calm tone. "But I assure you that you'll be able to see her when the surgery is done."
She further explained Rose's situation, noting that they were making an exception for them to be in the area. Gordon, after hearing the nurse's explanation, felt the need to be patient. He called Doctor Maru, explaining Rose's condition in detail, as the nurse had done, and asked for her understanding.
He also informed her that bringing Rose back would require five hours, considering the time needed for the surgery and the time it would take to reach Grishile in Detroit. Doctor Maru understood the implications of rushing in the current situation.
The wall clock ticked, and time passed, with everywhere around silent except for the sound of metals and the voices of the doctors and nurses working to rescue Rose. Four hours passed, and the door of the surgical ward opened.
The doctor came out, breathing heavily, his eyes dull. The nurses present looked equally exhausted. Gordon waited calmly for the doctor to give his report on Rose, though he was nervous inside.
"Seeing as you've all been waiting, the surgery was successful," the doctor began. "We've managed to stabilize her condition, and the burn unit will soon be here to monitor her body's reaction to the anesthetics we used. She'll also require adequate ventilatory support."
"There's a risk of elevated blood pressure and cardiac output, which means we'll need to monitor her cardiovascular health every hour," he continued. "It's also essential that she's not disturbed or crowded by people, to avoid infections."
"As for her limbs, an expert will be here by morning to examine them and determine if further treatment is needed," the doctor concluded. Gordon signaled to one of his squad members, who immediately left.
"What's her condition now, and how do you think she'll react when she wakes up?" Gordon asked respectfully.
"It's advisable that she's not allowed to see her reflection, as females generally care about their appearance," the doctor replied. "This could lead to psychological trauma, with the risk of elevated hormonal levels, which could result in shock. It's a very dangerous situation."
"However, you needn't worry too much, as we've blindfolded her," he added. "Lastly, she won't be able to wake up until seven hours from now, when the anesthesia wears off."
After giving them the details of Rose's condition, the doctor turned to leave, only to be met with two soldiers and two females in lab coats walking towards him.
"We're here to take the patient away," one of the females said in a tone of authority.
"I'm sorry, but you can't do that," the doctor instantly replied, stating the risks and complications that could occur during the transport of a patient who had just undergone surgery. The nurses present nodded in agreement.
The two females smiled at each other, admiring the doctor's work ethic and sincerity. However, they had their orders, and couldn't respect his wishes at the time. The female who spoke stretched out a letter to him.
He opened the letter and was shocked. It was a letter of approval from the hospital's board of directors, instructing that the person in charge of Rose was safe to release her to the two females, who were accompanied by the army. The letter stated that they were among the best surgeons and doctors in the entire country, assuring that Rose would be in good hands.
A stamp of authority was at the end of the letter, recognizable by any doctor who worked at the hospital, confirming its authenticity.
"Since it's been decided, I have nothing more to say," the doctor weakly smiled.
The moment the doctor gave his consent, the ward was opened, and the sight that met them took their breath away. "I don't think she's going to like this," the other female whispered.
Gordon now understood why the doctor had been so hesitant earlier. Without further ado, they began to move swiftly and smoothly, perhaps due to the late hour, which meant there were no obstacles on the way.
They made their way to a military ambulance, which was three times the size of a regular ambulance. Upon opening the door, the interior could be seen, equipped with all the instruments and medications needed for intensive care.
Rose was loaded into the ambulance, with oxygen ventilator support and fluid supply in place. "Hopefully, there won't be any complications until we reach Grishile," Gordon prayed.
"Everyone, let's move," he commanded. The army vehicle that had come to the hospital, along with the ambulance, made a total of three vehicles. For security, the ambulance was positioned between the army vehicles.
Instead of moving in the military vehicle he had arrived in, Gordon stayed in the ambulance this timeto keep a close eye on Rose.
As they drove away from the hospital, Gordon couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over him. They had finally managed to stabilize Rose's condition, and she was on her way to receive further treatment at Grishile.
The ambulance sped down the highway, its sirens blaring in the night air. Gordon watched over Rose, his eyes fixed on her disfigured face.