Cassie DePeckel

On the other hand, they shouldn't have to be so clever.

They should have proper housing, proper clothing, proper food beyond rice and sweet potatoes, and proper medicine.

Basilia Torres Stewart's remedies have been a godsend.

The onion-sugar mix does wonders for coughs, as does the guava leaf tea for dysentery.

But they can't jury-rig their way around every problem.

Her tinctures can't treat diabetes, malaria, or yellow fever.

Which is why Cobb has resolved to confront the medical officer.

After their chit-chat, Shigeru pulls out the list of medical complaints for his soldiers.

But Cobb refuses to take it.

She feels her heart fluttering in her chest.

"'I'm not offering any more free medical advice,'

Shigeru looks startled.

But Miss Laura, that violates your oath as a nurse.

My men need help.

You have a duty to aid them.

No, I'm tired of being exploited.

We need real medicine here.

Insulin, mercury bichloride for infections, anesthesia for surgery, plus real bandages.

You're hardly in a position to negotiate.

Nor are you.