xp_logs | Sooraya, Jean and Cecilia

Sooraya continues to work on Malala's Rose and seeks some advice from experts in the mansion.

"Hey Dr. Grey. Thanks for joining us." Sooraya smiled warmly as she opened the door to her office to let the red haired woman in. "Please have a seat." She gestured to the table where Cecilia was already seated and went to her own seat. "I was hoping you could help me figure out some things for the shelter I have been setting up in Afghanistan."

"Of course," Jean said as she sat down next to Cecilia. She gave the other woman a nod and a smile.

"I can give you some ideas on supplies and equipment, but Dr. Reyes' experience with Doctors without Borders would probably have the best benefit."

Cecilia smiled back. "You flatter me, Dr. Grey." That sounded awfully stilted. She'd be calling the other woman by her first name from now on. "I can't say I know a lot about Afghanistan specifically," she turned to Sooraya. "But it's one of the worst places in the world for women's health, and even the baseline level of care for men isn't too great, particularly outside major cities."

She crossed her legs. "But I'm getting ahead of myself. What did you want to know?"

"That is exactly it though. The level of health care is indeed not good and since the shelter is some distance from the nearest city I would like to make sure the shelter can offer good basic health care." Sooraya explained. "And that is without adding in the shelter is focused on mutants, adding that facet as well. That is why I asked you as well, Dr. Grey, since that is your particular expertise. I find it hard how to start working that even in. I mean, trained staff is obvious, but otherwise..."

"It will probably have to be a secret at first," Jean said. "Especially in that area, spread by word of mouth, in small groups, with people you trust. You don't want to paint a target on their backs. Make sure the security is the best there can be, in case that does happen, and for just regular occurrences...disgruntled husbands, local ruffians..anyone trying to create trouble."

"Oh yeah," Cecilia nodded. "If you're treating women in rural areas, you need the best security you can find. And mutants? Forget it. I'd consider reaching out to someone at MSF. I think they help with women's health or at least pregnancy. Might have some ideas or some contacts, or the names of people who can be trusted to protect women and children." So would Wade Wilson, for that matter, but Cecilia doubted his contacts would be of the right moral caliber for Sooraya. Maybe that was presumptuous.

"Security has been a primary concern, but so far the risks seem manageable... so far at least. It won't be widely know among the general population at first, but probably by referral of other NGO's active in the area." Sooraya thought for a moment before continuing. "I have seen two paths... trying to find female medical staff with knowledge and the will the serve in the area and provide training in mutant specific health care. Or find people with that training who might be willing and get them familiarized with the area. Honestly, the first almost seems the easier way, but is it doable to do that within reasonable time?"

"Well, what's your time frame? I mean," Cecilia shrugged, "I can't speak to the availability of female medical staff in Afghanistan who are also willing to treat mutants. That's sort of your area of expertise. I do know that if you look for folks over here, medicine is medicine. But language barriers and cultural barriers take time to learn. Maybe you'd be best with a blend. That's sort of your call based on what you know about the lay of the land over there.

"And then," Cecilia added after a pause, "anyone you get will probably have to get up to speed on mutant healthcare issues. And I have no clue how long that takes." She turned and looked at Jean quizzically.

"It can take awhile, but it's doable with enough practice. It's a lot like general medicine...almost everything winds up being learn as you go, "Jean said. She wanted to be realistic.

"The randomness of mutant abilities means that you may never meet a electrokinetic...or you may meet three. It's all about being able to adapt your staff to most circumstances, and expect the unexpected. I would train your them in the basics...problems that may be inherent with different abilities and the outfitting of a facility to accommodate them, such as a psionic dampening room if someone manifests telepathy. Or a fire proof room for a pyrokinetic and someone with experience with burn treatment.

"It's not going to be perfect at first, and that's okay. Having a place for people to go to is the important thing. Establish a support system, people they can call if something happens or if there's something they don't know. I will always be a phone call away, and I know some others who would be glad to help consult."

"Having a network to fall back on is going to be essential, I think. In the end the resources will be limited and nothing compared to what Muir or even the mansion can offer." Sooraya agreed.

She fell silent for a bit, considering. "It looks like I have two points I need to focus on, both the necessary staff, but also making sure there are at least some basic facilities present. Renovations of the location are underway, but are still in a very preliminary stage, so there is still time and space to accommodate those."

"Dr. Grey, would you be willing to help with putting together at least some basic training? There is still some time before the shelter opens and it looks to me like perusing people with normal medical training, the cultural skills and the will to learn might be more prudent. Perhaps working together with Muir Island, they can at least be somewhat equipped. And Cecilia, while I have some connections within Doctors without Borders, I was wondering if you had any connections that would be helpful for me?"

"Hm." Cecilia's brow furrowed. "I can talk to some people, but it's not like I left there on the best note," she said with a hint of a smile. "I might have tossed a few expletives around and condemned them for abandoning the Third World. Maybe."

She shrugged off the other women's looks (which she interpreted as mild disapproval, but she'd never been great at reading a room). "I have feelings, and I'm prickly. Whatever. I can put you in touch with some folks. They're altruistic enough to help out, especially if they don't have to assume any financial liability. Or training, which is where I suppose Jean comes in."

Jean nodded. "I can provide training. And I imagine Clarice or Laurie may be willing to help out if asked. They have some experience in treating mutant patients. Though I wouldn't want to leave the mansion understaffed for too long."

"I hope to complete at least most of the training before they move out to Malala's Rose. With the circumstances being what they are, I think at least the medical team will have to hit the ground running." Sooraya replied as she pulled over a report on the general health conditions in Afghanistan. "Even without the complication of mutant abilities... it's very likely they have not been able to get medical assistance for a time."

Cecilia snorted. "Healthcare for women in Afghanistan — if you can even call it that — is basically nonexistent to the point that it might be a crisis. In some places, I don't think women can get access to medical services or facilities without a man. Get well-meaning bodies on the ground." She took the report from Sooraya's hands. "Preferably Western-trained ones who appreciate the value of the Hippocratic oath regardless of their prejudices."

"I agree. Getting something to start with will be an important step. As long as a strong foundation is built over time...both figuratively and literally, it should be able to hopefully hold up," Jean said.

Sooraya finished making some notes, then looked up again. "I think have a clear picture of what is next for me. Last question though... if you know anyone yourself who might be up for the challenge..."

There were more subtle ways to ask for favors. And more direct ones. "Sure," Cecilia nodded, trying to look a little doe-eyed as she feigned oblivion. "I mean, I'm sure I know some people who'd be interested. Maybe some of the docs who have passed through Doctors without Borders and are looking for a new task." She shrugged. "Plus, I mean, I <i>guess</i> I could help." She smirked. "Lord knows I'll need you to return the favor once I get my project off the ground."

"I'll definitely do what I can but I cannot make any promises as to rigid schedule," Jean said "My duties here occupy much of my time but I can certainly help to provide a jump start. I know a few colleagues from medical school who might be willing to help, and they have friends who are doctors. I can make some calls."

"Thanks. I really appreciate your help with this and any potential contacts." Sooraya neatly tucked an escaped strand o hair back under her scarf. "This part of the project is a little daunting."

"I'm sure," Cecilia nodded, "but you can handle it." She gave Sooraya an encouraging smile. "You've got Angelo, who, as far as I can tell, is basically an expert at everything. And what you're doing dovetails with so much medical nonprofit work in the Middle East right now, which means you've got natural allies." She paused. "Oh, you should call some of the folks over in Scotland." She nodded again. "But yeah, you'll be okay."

Jean grinned. "Yes, I'm sure Moira would appreciate a new project," she said, nodding. "But I agree with Cecilia...you'll do great."

"Thanks for your confidence. And for your help." Sooraya's face finally relaxed in a wide grin. She started moving her notes into one of the files before her. "Time to get all of this going."

"Yes, go forth and educate." Cecilia punched her first through the air like a crusader. "And medicate. You know where to find us if you need us." She glanced at Jean and smirked. "There's only three places either of us ever seem to go these days."

Jean hoped Cecilia was counting Harry's, but she kept that to herself. "And if we're not my cell phone is always on."

Tucking away the file away in her desk, Sooraya smiled again. "I am sure I will call on you once or twice." Pausing for a moment to glance at the clock, she offered: "I put beef teriyaki in the crockpot this morning if you would like something to eat... it should be done about now... As a small thank you."

Jean laughed. "That would be wonderful. My stomach also thanks you," she said. Sometimes she had to be reminded to eat if she was working on a project, and sometimes she would inhale the fridge if she could.

"I don't eat," Cecilia deadpanned, then gave a sly smile. So, it wasn't funny. They couldn't all be good. "I made plans to go somewhere and do something with Wade Wilson, according to my phone. Just what that means, I couldn't tell you..."

"Ah, if you're out with Wade, I think you can be pretty sure you won't be going hungry. I can still save you some if you want to be sure though." Sooraya replied with an easy smile.

Cecilia laughed. "No, but thank you, really." She shook her head. "Surely there's some other hungry soul around here who'd be happy to eat it. We're up to our ears in teenage boys, aren't we?"

"Currently," Jean mused. "It comes and goes in waves. Sometimes there'll be a lot of girls, then boys, then a healthy mix." She couldn't decide if it was good or bad to have been there long enough to know the cycles

Sooraya shook her head, grinning. "With food, I don't think it always matters though. It's sometimes scary how much Angel can put away when she is hungry. That said, we might better hurry before the supply of food does get found."

Jean smirked. "Good idea," she said. More than a couple of the mansion's residents seemed to have a sense for when food was available, be it nose or some preternatural ability.

"Have fun with Wade, Cecilia." Sooraya added a small wink. "And stay safe."