Fractured Freedom

[Deleted]

Work was something she loved to do. Be it her prior teaching back home, taking care of Mrs. Tiffany, and now, it was caretaking. As best she could, Noelle did her duties as an RN, and she loved what she was doing. Part of it filled the hugely vacant hole in her chest considering she was not able to help out Elenor as she had.  Or, support Matt as she had done, either.  But her days were filled as it was with her daily visits to see her husband in the ICU, as well as wherever she was working for the day, be it the prison, the asylum, or the main hospital.  

Today she was doing post-op cardiac checks, and the next on the list was a Nina Stenet.  But she had a few minutes for her break, so she was going to take it.  Letting a few of her coworkers know, Elle went through the myriad of doors and safeguards with her badge to the waiting room. It was a slower day, so she hoped that slipping out a few minutes now, would allow her a longer visit with her husband later.  

The emerald green clad woman went to the water-cooler, and filled a cup of water, idling listening to the news playing before it interrupted with 'breaking news.'   Oddly, there was a rush of jingling and men's boots outside the room's door as well.  Going to sit near two of the women waiting, the petite blonde listened aptly to the story. 

"Former FBI agent formerly in coma now MIA from Gotham General. If anyone has seen this man, please report to ...."  The rest of the words melded into a blind hum as a picture all too familiar was flashed on the screen with a name.  A name she knew was not well liked in the city.  A man that she, herself, despite her badge, knew quite well.  Dropping her cup, water splashed her shoes, and the bottom of her scrubs as she gasped in shock.  Matthew was awake.  And...wasn't in the same building she was anymore.  Horrified, and scared, she felt the lub-dub of her heart beating rapidly; so quickly that she felt it was going to beat straight out of her chest.

Shaking, she tried to focus. On a simple bible verse, on the nauseua that was welling in her throat, or trying to keep herself together at work. She couldn't cry right now; it'd ruin her makeup, and might even give away who she really was. She'd been able to go about with the name 'Noelle Martin,' saying that her husband had died. And as far as she'd known when she took the job; he had. Suicide, off the bridge. Another memory that came flooding back in images and emotions that compounded the ones already in her blood stream.

Something had gone wrong on the cases; and she knew it. From when she'd see him, to when he'd return at night, to when he wouldn't. But suicide? She had never thought he'd have resorted to that. It was a loss...that she'd never thought to deal with. So when the unconscious man was brought in, she had offered to go pray for him, just like she did with many of the unidentifiables that came in. Someone would find them if she was diligent. And it seemed this time...she herself was a conduit to that belief. Save for her it was like ripping open a nearly healed wound. Her husband had survived...but was comatose, and they were fighting hypothermia, and who knew what else. Possible brain damage. But the pale, seemingly sleeping man was still her husband.

So when she was not working, she was at his bedside, a small journal left for him, pictures, and always flowers. She'd either read to him, or pray aloud, reading from their favorite verses, and even bathing him. She was his wife. And they had promised, 'in sickness, and in health, forever you both shall live.' So even while he was in a specific sort of limbo, she was still there to provide for him, where he was unable. She'd even continued with a few classes she thought he'd want her to take, considering his physical state, and his disability to keep her out of harm. So to hear that he had woke, and was gone, was such a shock to her system she stayed rooted to her seat, despite the ice-cold water soaking into her paper-thin scrubs, and someone, having to recognize her from when Tiff had taken Gotham by storm. Then again, she was with her hair pulled back, and in scrubs. But still, the petite blonde was horrified at the news, unable to see the reactions of the others in the room.

[Nina Stenet]

There are few places that Nina enjoys being in less than a hospital - so many people who could really use her help, so little time, and so much risk if she were to go overboard trying. No, she's much more effective in helping people through her research. But given that her research is in a large part on hold for the moment, she's been feeling much more guilty than usual. But those are feelings that she keeps private for the most part. In fact she probably looks like anyone who is waiting for an appointment - bored, a little tired, somewhat impatient. It's partly her own fault for being a bit early, she supposes.

Sitting next to her, and not nearly so relaxed, Shawty is on high alert. After Dr. Stenet's miraculous and eyebrow-raising survival, they didn't want any more irregularities in her case. But unfortunately that means submitting to periodic check-ups, which puts Dr. Stenet in a known location at a known time. It's still not a huge worry, as their sources indicate that the Riddler is keeping busy doing other things, but it is a concern that's on her mind. Neither woman is willing to believe that just because they've seen no sign of a threat doesn't mean that it isn't there - this literal stab in the back came after months of no contact between the two, so clearly just because there's no sign of trouble that doesn't mean that there's nothing to worry about.

Though worries about that threat are mostly put on hold for a moment, when a certain acronym spoken by the newscaster on the television that was being ignored until that moment catches Nina's attention. It's going to take a long time before that knee-jerk reaction to any mention of the FBI fails to capture her attention. And the story being told is more than enough to keep her attention. The man whose picture is splashed on the screen is far from unfamiliar. While Shawty openly scowls at this news, Nina's lips strongly purse in distaste. "Hmm!" she says to herself, the sound coming out hard and flat. Of all the people who could have waken up from a long-term coma, did it have to be that one? Surely the vast majority of the people in that condition are far more deserving of a second chance at life! Sighing, she turns toward Shawty and quietly asks, "Is this a problem for us?"

Shawty's eyes remain fixed on the television, quickly absorbing the details that the newscaster is offering, in case any are important to her. Shrugging one shoulder she murmurs back, "I don't know. The FBI dropped the charges against you but from what you've told me he's rabidly fanatical. And it's a bad sign that they're saying he disappeared, not just that he woke up."

"Hmm, well perhaps he doesn't remember me - I'm not the only one he went after," Nina replies, wanting to get an optimistic word in.

But Shawty is shaking her head. "The 'terrorist' who escaped from custody after he shot her twice? No, unless his coma affected his memory, he remembers. A better question is whether or not that still matters to him. Maybe he'll try to pull some strings to get your case reopened," she speculates with a frown.

An expression that's shared by Nina, who quietly rants, "Well, if they want to play it that way, I hope that they're ready for a counter-suit - the man shot me while in his custody just because I refused to answer questions, and I have plenty of evidence. Whatever lawyer I hired to defend me, not to mention the media, would have a field day with that one. And anyone in their right mind would have escaped in that situation, if they'd had the opportunity." No, she doesn't think that she has to worry about the law coming after her. Just Edward, the Scarecrow, maybe Mr. Cobblepot or Luthor... Somehow she's accumulated a number of possible enemies. Even if 'Agent Tiff' crosses her path again, he'd just be another on the list at this point.

[Deleted]

If Noelle was horrified by the fact her husband got up, and walked out of the hospital, after being in a coma for the better part of a year, this is worse. She's not exactly eavesdropping on purpose, but she can't help but overhear the muted conversation between the two women not even a seat away. Shot? Twice? She can feel the tears welling more in her eyes. Her Matthew wouldn't do that. Not unless he was threatened, or there was due reason. He was always so...logical when he'd return home and say there was a death. He was always so gentle with her, when he held her in his arms and reassured her everything was ok. But this? A shooting? Of a woman, for not answering a question? She can't believe it.

Sniffling slightly, she pulls herself together, presenting a calm, yet shaken face as she steels herself for the remainder of the conversation. Terrorist? Rabid? They must be describing someone else. She just can't wrap her mind around what these women are saying. So ever gently, Noelle turns to the duo, and smiles, a tentative voice asking a question. "You...know the ex-FBI agent? He sounds...like he was whole-heartedly dedicated to the cause..." It's a statement, but of what, no one could really say, as it's quite open ended. She's quite curious to see what the woman respond with, considering the conflicting emotion in her chest. Her husband, her loving, caring, devoted husband...a rabid fanatic? She knows he is dedicated to his faith, and to riding the world of vile darkness....but never in this way.

[Nina Stenet]

"Yeah, and I'm slightly shorter than average," Shawty immediately quips, the sarcasm evident in her tone. She gives the nurse a quick look-over, but seeing nothing amiss with the woman she begins more or less splitting her attention between catching the rest of the news story and quietly watching over her boss.

Knowing that she can rely on Shawty to catch anything of note happening on the television, Nina's attention turns fully to the nurse who spoke up. "You weren't in Gotham during the FBI's little operation here, were you?" she asks, but doesn't bother to give the woman a chance to answer - of course she wasn't here, or she wouldn't have said such a thing. "I was one of the people they investigated very early on. I'll admit that, at the time, I knew someone that they were looking for. But at the risk of my own life, I wasn't free to speak about it - you can see the predicament I was in," she explains, shaking her head as she remembers - yes, she was definitely in between a rock and a hard place there. This is not a hard story for her to tell because, in spite of the fact that there's very many others that she can't tell because they must be kept secret, this is one she is is very free and in fact overly eager to share.

"I myself have never lifted a finger to hurt anyone. In fact I'm a medical researcher - I've dedicated my life to ridding the world of as much disease as I possibly can. But because I wouldn't speak, I was arrested and the government seized everything in my lab - I still haven't gotten it back," she adds, laughing a little to herself before commenting, "They're probably having a hard time finding another expert who can understand my notes." And she can bet that they're very disappointed that all of the notes that they seized show absolutely nothing they could charge her with in court - she was never one to dabble in anything questionable.

"I was handcuffed, put in the back of a van, and Agent Tiff joined me. He demanded again that I answer his questions, I said no, and he did this..." she continues, before pulling at the edge of her pencil skirt to fully reveal her knee. The two scars that remain of that injury have had quite a long time to heal by now, but they're still plainly visible. "Two shots, point blank, while I was just sitting there, mind you. Just for refusing to answer questions that would have gotten me killed, remember," she remarks with surprising calm in spite of her sincerity. It did, after all, happen long enough ago for her to pretty much come to grips with the emotions, and it isn't even the worst thing that's ever happened to her. Though there's still just a hint of anger in her tone as she comments, "So, yes, he was 'dedicated' - to the point of being the most merciless man I've ever met." And given some of the others that she's met, that's saying something.

If she'd had any idea that she was now talking to that man's wife she would, of course, either not told this story at all or at least softened it considerably. But as far as she knows, she's simply educating a fellow Gothamite who apparently doesn't know what she ought to about the man now being talked about in the news.

[Deleted]

The shorter woman's comment isn't muchly appreciated, but Noelle is more grateful that neither of the two women have identified her from TV. She had a few interviews done, her own photos flashed on the tv during the FBI investigation, and after Matthew had been recovered, and identified. Of course she'd been in Gotham, she was there to support him. So it made even more sense for her to stay, and uplift him while he was in a coma. "Just a few inches shorter than me, no doubt." Elle offers with a tentative smile. As the trio continues to watch the last of the news segment, she then turns her attention back to the two women, curious what they do have to say about her husband. Thankfully, her ID badge has her maiden name on it, not her married. The Gotham PD had thought it better for her to use that, than Tiffany, considering all those that might want to target her in the aftermath of Matthew and the FBI coming to Gotham.

"I came here about two thirds of the way through, actually. But I hadn't been following it." She doesn't know that there was a ban hindering travel in, or out of the city, it was just...she felt called to be at her husband's side, and made a few phonecalls to be there. Even that slightest bit of information will ring odd in either Shawty, or Nina's ears, if they are paying enough attention. As Nina continues, Elle's brow furrows. Matthew hadn't mentioned taking in anyone, or shooting them. She just knows that he has always been fully dedicated to his work, and using God's word, and laws to guide him. He was gifted at what he did, otherwise wouldn't have gained the status he had. "How horrible. They should have questioned you, but shooting? That is quite extreme, even in the measures that were being taken. I'm so sorry to hear that happen," she adds emphatically, her hands settling in her lap, fingers entwining. She's been around violence before, but just...it's still slightly unsettling to her, especially considering the harsh treatment of this sweet woman!

"Especially if it was a loved one, that had done, or even participated in something you weren't aware about. I'm so sorry..." Elle adds, unwares of how true her words are. The fact she mentions she is in the medical field makes her light up. "That's such a noble field. I was a teacher, but decided to go into nursing...And I do hope you can get your notes, as well as your lab contents back. That is so horrible." Pursing her lips, Elle is dismayed by this story. The following tale of Matthew being so cool, and brutal causes the petite blonde to gasp, her hand going to cover her mouth, eyes wide.

"Oh!" She exclaims, unable to look away from the scars on the woman's knee. This is just a horrible story, and entirely unnecessary, the violence that had been done. Her husband, her Matthew was right in not always sharing what happened. And the fact he'd shot an innocent woman in a horrible predicament...is even more vile, and tugs at her heart.

"I...I am so sorry that happened. He shouldn't have shot you..but I'm sure he was under strict orders...and...it's much better to have a scar, than to not have your life. I just....I know that some agents are quite tactless and cold, but was he really that merciless, and cruel?" She's torn between excusing his behavior, and disbelief, the facts, and proof Matthew was so....cruel conflicting in what she knows so intimately of the man. "I...I'm so sorry.." She nearly whispers, as if her own apologies could excuse the horrible events that transpired. "They caught the man, though..that you didn't want to speak about, at least?" She questions tentatively, hoping there was at least a happy ending to this tragic story.

[Nina Stenet]

Though Shawty quickly guesses that she's more than a few inches shorter than the nurse, she doesn't bother to comment on that - she supposes that the woman was trying to be nice, and not accurate. Whatever. When the woman proves to be friendly, she finds the television to be far more interesting, really.

Though both she and Nina's expressions change to slight surprise as the woman claims to have come in partway though. Nina lets that pass without comment, though - she almost suspects that the nurse is trying to come across as being more knowledgeable about what happened than she is but failing miserably. Whatever the reason is, it simply doesn't matter that much to her - either way, the woman clearly doesn't know much about Agent Tiff.

The initial expression of sympathy after she tells her story is far more expected, and Nina gives it the stoic nod of someone who has been through something obviously very difficult but has managed to put most of the pain of those memories behind her. She's still angry about it and would quite happily seek compensation for it if a good opportunity comes up in the future, but she doesn't see the need to remember in detail how miserable the whole ordeal was.

Naturally, she won't comment on the woman's assumptions about her relationship to and her knowledge of the person she was refusing to speak about. But she does smile slightly at the expression of sympathy about her seized property, "Fortunately, I still have copies of most of my more important work, and I've been able to move forward with it." That all ended up being a definite break in her stride as a researcher, but at least she managed to get everything back on track once the FBI left and she was free to show her face in public again.

By now Nina is certain that she's talking to a very sweet woman, but though that might have made her feel somewhat sorry for then telling her such a horrible story, she doesn't really. In her opinion, with the exception of children not yet old enough to understand, even the kindest of people need to know the truth about the world - it isn't always a happy place. You can of course live your life in such a way as to avoid a lot of the darker things that happen, but they're there and if the very people who are most appalled by them don't know about them then the fight to get rid of as many of them as possible loses its strongest supporters.

And in keeping with that mentality, she's quick to correct the small attempt to try and explain away some of the terribleness of the situation. "No, I don't think he had orders - it's my understanding that he personally was in charge of the FBI's operations in Gotham. Given that he was the one giving orders, I'm sure he was acting in accordance with his own judgment. Which apparently included the belief that shooting someone offering only verbal resistance multiple times is an acceptable practice. And I've heard tale that mine was not an isolated incident," she states, her lips pursing in disgust.

Straightening her skirt again, she's caught slightly off guard by the last question, but is quick to shove away the memories. Still, her expression grows a bit distant as she answers, "Eventually - Batman caught him shortly before the FBI left. But he escaped not long after. He's the one at fault for my current injuries, actually..." But she doesn't want to rehash that whole story to a complete stranger.

Instead she decides that it's about time she said something more positive, so she clears her throat and says, "Fortunately, my knee healed without complications and functions just fine, after the FBI left I haven't had any legal trouble, and I was able to get right back to work. I can forget the whole thing happened most of the time now." So at least there's that - just because she met a terrible person once doesn't mean that he ruined the rest of her life. Now if she can just repeat that process with Edward.

[Deleted]

Noelle is clearly fretting at this point, her hands that once were laying in her lap are now folded neatly for one minute, then another, her fingers are interlocked. All of this information, is clearly overloading her naive mind. Matthew was always her protector, a model husband, great at his job, nothing but sweet, yet stern with her. His faith is what had always led him to do what he did. But...he never went that in depth about his work, always shifting the conversations to the better parts of their lives. He stated it was never a joy to focus on the evil in the world. But...what was he really doing at work? Shooting women who wouldn't answer questions? It had to be a grey area, or there has to be something this woman and her friend aren't stating. So as she nervously flashes a smile to the blond, Elle nods, listening.

"I'm quite glad you are able to continue your work. And it seems, if you are here for an outpatient appointment, that you are healing quite well. I'm always glad to see someone that suffers a tragic accident on the mend," She continues softly. "But even in the FBI, there is a chain of command. Orders are orders, and sometimes, to obtain the greater good, sacrifices need to be made, even if they are at the injury of the innocent." Would she give her life to save a city? She probably would. But while the Texan transplant has a different set of rules to guide her life, that doesn't mean that everyone does. "I doubt that Agent Tiffany...would go against his orders. The FBI seems to be a highly structured, if not a bit eccentric at times. They have goals we don't always know, or are able to perceive." She's not explaining the confounding behavior that has been set before her, but holding fast to a belief that there has to have been a reason for her husband to do such horrible things. Sighing as she fiddles with her wedding ring; which she has placed onto her right hand, she wishes her husband was there to help her understand, to make things right, to fulfill his marital duty to keep her safe, and to uphold her in her weakness.

"I am grateful that this...vigilante has caught the man causing you so much torment. Well, other than the FBI, it seems. Gotham is a dark place, but it seems there is some beacons of light, here and there, even if they aren't always the most lawful. But there is always hope; at least that is my mindset." Offering another wavering, tentative smile, Elle turns to the two women, her eyes then flicking to the clock. If the two are observant, or maybe even Shawty is, her name badge is now seen, her first name, and last intial 'M,' are shown, the nurse flashing a bright, if not sad smile to the camera. "I wish we could continue this, but it seems my break is over, and I need to see a few more patients. I hope you both the best, and pray that no more vileness crosses your respective paths." In another person, the words could be seen as just that; words. But Elle's are heartfelt, a solid belief and weight in them.

[Nina Stenet]

"Well enough," Nina agrees but amends on the subject of how she's healing. She won't fully agree that she's healing 'well' when she feels so terribly - it will still be quite some time before she's healed enough to actually feel like she's back to her old self. Right now she simply feels like she can walk a little and sit for long periods of time without straining herself too much.

Though as the nurse once again touches upon the reasons why Agent Tiff did what he did, Nina's face shifts to a somewhat pensive frown. There's something that she doesn't like about the line of logic that she's hearing, though it doesn't immediately come to her why - she can't argue against the idea that criminals need to be caught and, try as you might, innocent people are occasionally going to end up in the mix and suffer for crimes they didn't commit. She's still less convinced about the idea of orders from higher up, but perhaps that's true... still, even taking that into account and it still doesn't sit right with her.

But her frown suddenly disappears as she finally hits upon the right words to use to voice her feelings on the matter. "No, if you ask me, there is no such thing as a criminal bad enough or information desperately needed enough to justify using a gun as an interrogation tool against a non-violent suspect who is in custody - no such thing!" she says very clearly, shaking her head to emphasize just how black and white that statement is to her. While there are plenty of situational factors that can be argued, Nina feels that a firm line can be drawn in the sand here. "Even if I'd been guilty of everything that was suspected of me, even if he'd had orders from the highest of the highest levels, he should have said no. Guns are designed to kill, not merely harm. And he has no excuse for using one," she adds, because clearly Agent Tiff crossed that line, "Even if he believed the situation required outright torture - which I personally don't believe in, though I know many feel differently - even I know half a dozen items found in any van that could be used for that purpose that would be less potentially lethal than a gun." All it takes is... well, any object really, some knowledge of human anatomy, and a little creativity. Not that she of all people would want to think that way for too long.

"But you are right about one thing," she comments, trying to pull away from such dark thoughts again, "There are good people in Gotham. Quite a few, actually." In fact she'd have to think about it if she were to try and figure if she's met more of the good ones or more of the bad ones lately. Edward and Agent Tiff may be on one hand, but people like Selina and Batman are on the other. Perhaps it at least balances out?

Though she's not pondering that for more than a moment before the nurse's words cause her to glance at the clock, and she nods. "Thank you," she says with a smile, "It was nice to meet you..." Her eyes flicker over the name badge. "...Noelle," she finishes with a even bigger smile, which attempts to be comforting since she's definitely seeing some signs that their chat has affected Noelle.

[Deleted]

As Nina explains more, Elle starts to realize what she had thought, was not exactly what had occured. And she has to agree with the woman. But if that line of logic is truth..there really...was, and is something wrong with her husband. Her hand goes to her mouth in a shocked gasp, a muffled sound escaping as her eyes betray the most of her feelings.

"I..just..never thought that sort of brunt force would come down to it. And trust me, I know guns, I'm from Texas...and, well...with our prom dresses come our forty-fives, but...I just...I can't believe Matthew..would go to such an extreme. I'm...so..so sorry that he accosted you like that." Nodding as Nina continues, she is still visibly struggling with the brutality of the situation, seeking desperately for some sort of reason as to why her loving, kind, dedicated, husband would do such a thing to such a lovely woman. Unless she had some sort of hidden sin...nothing comes to mind.

Biting her lower lip, she nods. "There is always light. And where there is light, no darkness can fully extinguish such." She adds, hoping that she can be labeled as one of those good people, and that she can meet more of them in her time here. "Good to meet you, as well," Elle adds, a warm smile offered to the woman. "I hope your appointment goes well. I have to meet my patient now." She beams, before going and walking to the front desk, and going through the little half-door, and chatting slightly with the secretary, before grabbing her next patient's chart, and skimming over the name. It takes her a few extra seconds to set aside what the kind woman has said to her, before she can plaster a rather genuine smile on her face, and get on with her job before going to find her runaway husband. He needs her. She knows that in the depths of her soul.

Reappearing in the doorway several moments later, she is there with a smile, calling out her patient's name. "Nina?"

[Nina Stenet]

Though Nina is aware that the nurse is taking her story pretty hard, up until this point she'd believed that the reason for it was some combination of naivety and being unaware of the FBI's activities. Though this time, particularly as the woman refers to Agent Tiff by his first name, a realization comes to her: this nurse knows the former agent personally. Ah, that would explain a few things! Perhaps that's the answer to the mystery about how she could have come to Gotham while the city was cut off from the outside? If she worked for the FBI, they could have brought her in. Which isn't something that Nina would judge the woman for - in her eyes a truly good person in the medical field does not stop to judge whether or not someone deserves their care before providing it.

Which is why, in spite of that insight into the woman's reactions, Nina responds by simply giving a nod and even smiling as she says, "Thank you - though like I said, it's turned out okay for me in the end." She won't take back anything she said about the man just because she's realized that she's now talking to a... Coworker? Friend?... whatever her connection with him is, but she can at least give the woman some comfort that the damage done to her was limited.

Nodding as Noelle excuses herself to get back to her duties, Nina finds her attention wandering to the news station. Having limited information on this breaking news story, the reporter has already gone into the mode of reporting more on other stories while only occasionally bringing up the newly awoken former FBI agent as they get a new fact. Nina isn't really that interested at this point, but she's waiting and that's what's on.

Fortunately, she doesn't have to occupy herself for too long when she hears her name called. She's halfway standing up already when she turns to see that it's Noelle who has called her. A surprised and somewhat amused expression crosses her face at that while she heads over to her with Shawty close on her heels. "Well... coincidence," she comments when she comes close, trying to shake off that naturally awkward feeling that comes when you happen to bump into someone again shortly after saying goodbye to them, "It appears that I'm your patient."

[Deleted]

There is merely a moment's time for her to look over her next patient's chart before calling the name. A ..Nina Stenet. Extensive, emergent heart surgery, a ..stabbing. Her face minorly blanches before she is able to carefully collect herself. A genuine smile is on her face as she spots the woman she was just speaking with..as well as her friend stand. Oh. This will be interesting.

"Well, it certainly seems that way!" Noelle chirps happily. "Come, lets get this done so you two can be on your way." And that her own day can be done, as well. Turning, she has Nina go through the motions of standing on the scale, marking down her weight, and once they get into the small examination room, the standard vitals check of blood pressure and temperature. Marking those down as well, Noelle folds the chart closed and goes about asking a few questions before she leaves the gown in the room for Nina to change into.

"Any pain that isn't manageable? Soreness, redness, so forth? And there is the gown, just slip it on after removing your top, the opening to the front." She's all business and warmth, not a huge change from any other aspect of her life. "I'll be back in a bit, after you've changed, then you should be ready to go!" She remarks cheerfully, before going from the room and shutting the door gingerly, and going to input the data, which allows Nina to change with ample time. As much as she knows she shouldn't delve too deeply into this woman's history, she does need to be educated, as well, so she does look into her medical history; which isn't breaking rules, just helping her, to help the patient.

[Nina Stenet]

"Alright," Nina agrees before they head out of the waiting area. She's quiet and quick to follow directions as Noelle checks her weight and vitals. Her blood pressure is on the low side, and some of her movements are a still a bit fatigued, but no more than would be expected given what she's been through. "No, nothing but improvement as far as I can tell," she answers the questions easily. Of course, given that Nina can tell with far more accuracy how she's doing than this simple visit ever could, she already knows that she's mending just fine. But she hasn't come to this visit because she needs it - she's come because she simply doesn't think that it's wise to add any more irregularities to her case, and skipping her follow-ups would be a pointless addition to that list.

Nodding to the instructions about the gown, Nina waits only until the nurse has left to change. Shawty doesn't leave - given how closely the two have worked together for such a long time, they see nothing to be embarrassed about. In fact, having Shawty around to assist with some of the more uncomfortable bits of changing is a real help to Nina. They get the hospital gown sorted out in short order, the process ending with Shawty giving a few humorous remarks about the aesthetics of the garment as she takes a seat in one of the guest chairs.

Given the number of injuries that Nina has received since... well, meeting Edward, her medical records are surprisingly small - some of those injuries were treated by Edward's doctor or Nina herself rather than anyone who would keep records. In fact, the first sign of anything not boringly normal in her medical history is that she came in a month after the FBI left Gotham for an examination of her knee, including an X-ray. The injury was a couple months old by that point, but the spiderweb of thick lines visible on the patella indicated that it had been shattered, though it had managed to heal back in one piece. There were also visible signs of healing on the nearby femur.

Of course, the most recent records are more important at this point. The wounds that Nina is healing from are quite extensive. Edward had not merely stabbed her to the heart, but made it that much worse by twisting the knife before he'd removed it. Though Shawty had been on the scene to provide immediate first aid, the only thing that had really kept Nina from bleeding out before she could be rushed into emergency surgery was the blood clot the surgeon had discovered patching the hole. Why that had occurred is a complete mystery, but it bought her the valuable time required for her life to be saved. Aside from that the details of her treatment are almost boringly routine, at least within the realms of emergency heart surgery and traumatic injuries. She's been healing at a steady pace with no signs of complications.

[Deleted]

Not but a few minutes later, Noelle knocks gently on the door, awaiting an 'ok' to re-enter the room. In her arms she carries another gown, with a smile on her face. "I didn't realize that with the surgery, AND the entrance wound, I'd need to examine your front, and back." She explains. Over-all, the entire examine, and check-up shouldn't take that long.

Setting the second gown beside Nina, Noelle is careful to wash her hands with soap and water (this hand sanitizer nonsense is just that-nonsense), and slip on a pair of gloves before she parts the gown slightly to take a look at the scar that is healing magnificently on Nina's chest. "I saw in your chart, that you are healing fantastically. No doubt you've made a salve of your own to aide, right?" She smiles, remembering their prior conversation. "You should go into medicine, there are so many lives you could touch, but....you are in research, so it's quite the same, just less, well, face-to-face contact." As her fingertips gently part the gown a bit further, there is the tiniest show of interest. There are several un-accounted for scars that were not noted in the chart. If she were to assume...it was from a prior trauma; there is the faintest of prior scarring beneath the new incision that is barely noticeable.

Nodding to herself, and for Nina's benefit, as well as Shawty's she then unfolds the other gown, thus allowing Nina to slip the other one of with a modicum of privacy, so Noelle can look at the back scar. As the nurse directs Nina to swivel and hang her legs down the other side of the exam table, a sharp intake of breath is heard.

She wasn't expecting something...so angry looking. It wasn't a clean cut, and yes, while it was documented the weapon was twisted....the gaping mark that is left, is such a heart-stopping event, Noelle pauses, her gloved fingertips gingerly testing the healing flesh. As she does make contact, a few of her own prayers come to mind, and are bestowed on the woman in mere moments as well; wordlessly, and in her mind.

"I'm so sorry that this happened, but I will admit it's healing as well as it could be. You'll have a fantastic story to tell about the acquisition of your scar, but...you were quite lucky, Dr. Stenet. Not many people have such an immune system they can throw a clot to prevent such a massive blood loss." She uses the term Doctor, because it rings more true for her, than 'Ms.' Turning her head to Shawty, she smiles as well. "And you have beyond well trained friends at your side. If only everyone could be as fortunate." She's utterly sincere as she smiles, tugging the gown to cover Nina's back as she is finishes, removing her gloves, and then sitting at the desk and making several notes in the medical record before closing it, and nodding. Even as she looks over the documents, there is still no note of the prior surgery, or scarring. Pursing her lips, she knows there is a set of certain protocols she is obligated to execute.

"I'm finished here. You're healing well, and with your admission of no pain, or any other complications, you'll just need to check in with us again in a few weeks. The only abnormality I can find is that you're healing exceptionally well; which in this case, I can't, nor will I argue with. The body is...magnificent in ways we sometimes, can't fathom." Noelle pauses, her hands delicately poised.

"I just have a bit of a discrepancy that I'd like to ask about. Your scarring is healing well..but there are faint traces of a prior trauma beneath the newest incision. But there is nothing of note in your charts. Is this something you have not reported, and if so...is it because you feel that you are in danger, or are not able to discuss due to a domestic reason?" A warm smile is offered, and yes, Noelle is asking about domestic abuse and those situations that sometimes....one isn't quite able to talk about due to fear.

[Nina Stenet]

When Noelle comes back in and explains about the second gown, Nina is quick to smile and even laugh slightly as she comments, "It's alright. I don't think that I'll really have the luxury of having shame again until my last check-up." At least that's what it feels like, given the number of times she's had to be examined by people lately - she's normally quite conservative and not used to having her chest and back looked at, especially by practical strangers, but you get used to anything when it happens enough times in a row. And at least Noelle, as well as everyone else who has checked her for that matter, has done nothing to make her feel uncomfortable about the process.

In fact it's things like the fact that Noelle washes her hands - Nina has similar views on the subject - that go quite a ways to making her feel like she's in good hands here. As does having a question to concentrate on answering while her healing scars are looked at. "My secret is proper nutrition, actually," she says with a smile, "Give your immune system what it needs, and it does its job better. I try to take that tactic with my research as well, whenever I can - support and strengthen the body's own system rather than trying to outdo nature." If there's nothing she knows more acutely due to her power than anything else - biological systems are quite fast.

"And I am in medicine - that is to say, I'm a licensed doctor. It's rare that I take a patient, but I maintain my credentials in the event that I need to," she explains with another smile, "But I actually chose my field specifically because I can touch more lives with it than I'd ever be able to with clinical work - albeit indirectly. You see fewer faces, but it's very rewarding work." Distracted as she is by her words, and simply allowing herself to stay relaxed, she doesn't pay too much attention to the details of how Noelle is examining her. She's sure that if she was a nurse examining a doctor she wouldn't want to feel like she was being supervised anyway - she's currently the patient here, after all.

When Noelle holds up the other gown, Nina makes that change without a fuss, but she can be heard to sigh quietly. Some might mistake it as a sign of slight, suppressed pain, though Nina has herself numbed up enough that it feels more like an uncomfortable pull. No, it's more that she's reflecting on just how tired she is of being injured. Not just this particular injury, but her chat with Noelle earlier reminded her of just how long it took her knee to heal. That may have been a year ago, and to some that may seem like a long time, but surely fate has finished giving out her allotted share of violent injuries by now?

Though in spite of that thought, she finds the nurse's gasp at the sight of her back wound to actually be somewhat validating - a recognition that she's been through a lot and yet manages to still be here. She's seen the scar herself, though it's difficult - requiring multiple mirrors if not a camera to see it properly. Edward really did a number on her back, not to mention her insides. "Well, it surely wasn't my immune system," she says, sounding almost amused - laughing so that she doesn't cry, perhaps? "The cardiologist had an interesting theory about it having been a large embolus, broken free when I started bleeding out and actually managing to be helpful. But however it happened, luck was definitely huge a factor," she comments, neatly working her way around saying anything about how she herself would explain the apparent miracle, aside from the luck involved.

For Shawty's part, when mentioned she gives a shrug as if pretending that her participation was completely not worth noting. "I was about to apply for medical school when she gave me a job offer I couldn't refuse," she says, as if that explains any and all miracles that may happen around her. Unable to resist a smile at that, Nina says, "Oh, I should introduce you - this is Shawty, my assistant." This, in turn, prompts a nod and a smile from the diminutive young woman.

What Noelle says next seems to signal that this visit is about over, and Nina nods a little at her current condition and the need for another visit is mentioned, followed by a smile and an stronger nod at the mention of how well she's been healing and the magnificence of the body - oh, she'll certainly agree with that last statement! But though she's about to add her own comment, there's a certain expectancy to the pause afterward that causes her to wait to see what more there is to be said.

And as Noelle says it, Nina's expression becomes somewhat surprised. Not that she forgot her old scars - far from it - but until now they hadn't been mentioned and she'd forgotten that they wouldn't be on her record. Perhaps they'd gone unnoticed before only because her newer injuries had been so... dramatic, by comparison. But now that the new wounds have healed, the old ones would be more apparent, and noticeable to a detail-oriented eye. As she thinks about them, Nina's hand unconsciously drifts to the spot on her chest - a bit removed from the focal point of her heart surgery, as Edward had missed... that time, anyway. Close enough that some of the new scars cross the old ones...

After a moment of appearing to be in deep thought, Nina sighs deeply and lowers her hand. "That's a very long story I don't want to tell because I don't like to remember it," she says rather bluntly, but her voice remains calm and quiet. But to soften it, she looks directly at Noelle and asks, "But it was about two years ago, already ancient history in the grand scheme of things, and I can't be hurt like that again. Is that enough?" Then, as if she can't help but rebel against the sudden serious turn of the conversation, she breaks into a small smile and laughs slightly as she comments, "I've had a bad string of years lately, but I've gotten good at bouncing back - I got past that, just like I got past my knee, just like I'll get past this." And, having said that, the smile on her face is one of confidence.

Though the thoughtfulness of her features seems to indicate that she has something to say, and a moment later she asks, "I hope you don't mind if I ask - and if you do, there's no need to answer - but how did you know Agent Tiff?" That's not what she wanted to say, but she doesn't think that she should be saying much more about that whole episode of her life until she knows that much.

[Deleted]

"It's always harder for those in the field to ...be the patients," she adds quietly, more than understanding of the situation as she herself, well, is a nurse. "We are so used to being on the other side; giving advice, and taking care of others, than when the tables are turned, it's...quite difficult. I've been there as well." Smiling softly as she notes a few more things in the chart, and re-washes her hands, thinking of the times she's been to the doctor as well.

"And I agree. Vitamins are quite important, and so few women understand their importance. And of eating well, sadly. And I'm glad to hear you are a doctor! It's fantastic to see so many women excelling these days. I believe we have a bit of a different touch, than male doctors. So it's good..to even out the field." Coming from the South, Texas especially, Elle has a certain mindset about certain things. So while her opinions may be a bit dated, she's no wallflower. "I think I would prefer a bit more...patient contact. I do enjoy what I do..I was teaching prior, but the jobs...are just not what they used to be, sadly. So it wasn't a huge jump from teaching, to nursing. Quite a bit of the workload overlaps, I believe." She adds.

While finishing up the remainder of her exam, she turns on her stool to listen to Nina, and Shawty, as well, as they explain a bit more into the accident, giving her a larger, clearer picture of what happened. While her eyes go wide at the explanation of the situation, she nods in awe. "Well, in that case, no, but I do agree that it was a rather extra-ordinary situation. The body..knows what to do at times, more than we do. And you, as well...I can see that the offer was fantastic, for you to still be here, Shawty. You're an asset; beyond professional, and a great friend to Dr. Stenet, I can see it." And she can. The two are close, not only professionally, but in terms of confiding in one another. She's had close enough friends she can see it in the small nuances of how they both interact. As introductions are made, Noelle automatically introduces herself as well, albeit with the smallest of hiccups. "Noelle T- Martin, RN." She stammers, the error almost overlooked, possibly even taken as her middle initial. Her excellent manners kicked in automatically, almost giving away her relation to Matthew.

The small misstep is glossed over, as Nina speaks on the other, well, scars. Noelle nods lightly, her lips pressed into a thin, bloodless line as the instance is recounted, barely. "That will do for a response, as long as the one...who inflicted the wounds is not in the picture. And I'm greatly hoping he's not." Otherwise she'll have to draw up a few legal papers, protocol dictates it, and file them. Domestic abuse is something she doesn't take lightly, at all.

Nodding as she looks back and forth between the two women, it must have been a rough few years to have a personal bodyguard. It's not that the duo has come out and said that, but everything about Shawty is screaming defensive. And not in the bad way, but in a very good, good way. "Such is life. If not for the bad, we'd never appreciate the good. And of course you can ask." Once Nina does offer her question, Noelle has to visibly keep the smile on her face. Considering the woman's reaction earlier, it might be better to explain how she knows her husband...not at her workplace. That's extremely unprofessional, if anything.

Smiling as she closes the chart, she nods. "I'd love to answer that, but not here, if that is ok. You are my last patient, and I could meet you at the cafe around the corner, if that is alright? I just need to change from my scrubs, and I can meet you there...in about twenty minutes?" She doubts she needs to bribe, or even entice the two women to meet her there, considering who Former FBI Agent Matthew Tiffany is. Where he still in the hospital, she'd be giving him an earful of how he had behaved. And she never knew!

After a few more words with the two women, Noelle thanks them both, reminding Nina to make another appointment another three months out before she goes to the locker room. First she swipes her badge, clocking out, and then goes to her own locker, neatly removing her top, and folding it, slipping into a neat blouse and cardigan, her bottoms removed, folded, and changed out for a simple a-line skirt, and her ballet flats, instead of her work clogs. Easily replacing her work attire for her 'street clothes' as she's learned they're called now, she touches up her makeup in a mirror, before heading out. Several coworkers wish her a goodbye, and finally, she slips back onto her left finger her engagement, and wedding rings. A small token she doesn't care to share with her workplace. Next stop; she needs to answer a few questions at her husband's room, pick up the items he left, and then meet Dr. Stenet.

The questions aren't too difficult, especially since he stepped out while she was working. The items are already in a bag, and few enough she can slip them into her handbag. They promise to keep her updated, and she promises to do the same if he's spotted as well.

Then, the diminutive blonde makes her way through the maze that is Gotham general, finally emerging into the daylight, and cool air, before she heads over to the small cafe, easily spotting Nina and Shawty.