Dr. Kret

                                    

                                          
    As the lead physician in the Mars II Colony, Dr. Kret was reviewing the medical cases of his subordinates. There were only two other general practitioners in the colony. One was Dr. Cruiz aboard the Space Station, and the other was Dr. Franks who traveled with the planetary exploration team. Aside from them, there was a hand full of specialists located in the same building as his office and a few medics aboard the three science stations in space and Utopis.
                          
    He came across Celectra’s recent visit to Dr. Cruiz. He found the detailed notes to be interesting if not laughable. He decided that this case was beyond Dr. Cruiz’s scope and he wanted to investigate further himself.
                          
    He sent a simple memo to Dr. Cruiz saying as much. He then spoke with his daughter, Zoe, and told her to bring the children to him on her next appointment.
                          
    Zoe didn’t think he should have taken the case from Dr. Cruiz, but as Dr. Kret was her father and, technically, her boss, she decided not to argue.
                          
    At the appointed day and time, Celectra arrived to see Dr. Zoe. Zoe explained that they wouldn’t be going to the holochamber on this session, but would go to see her father, Dr. Kret, instead.
                          
    Dr. Zoe and Celectra chatted about nothing as they walked down the hall to Dr. Kret’s office and after they sat down in his waiting room.
                          
    Soon, Dr. Kret’s nurse, Nurse Fairchild, called them back. They led them to the vitals taking station where they had one of Celectra’s bodies at a time stand on a platform. Various scanners on hydraulic cylinders went to work taking all of her vital stats. They then led them to an exam room, instructed Celectra to put on the gowns on the bed, and returned to their duties elsewhere.
                          
    Celectra kicked off her sandals and removed her dresses. She felt the material of the gowns and informed Dr. Zoe that they were too rough for her skin and left them where they lay.
                          
    It wasn’t long before Dr. Kret entered the room. Zoe stood and greeted him with a quick hug. He asked, “Well Zoe, are you buying into Dr. Cruiz’s diagnosis? It sounds pretty far-fetched to me.”
                          
    Zoe replied as she resumed her seat, “As I understand it, he didn’t actually diagnose her. He just can’t refute the evidence supplied by Celectra’s father, Celectra herself and Retupmoc. He referred her to me for diagnosis.”
                          
    He said, “So, what’s your opinion?”
                          
    She said, “Sorry Dad, I don’t have one yet. It takes time. However, I only see two options. Either she is correct, or they are mutually delusional, but the latter seems more far-fetched than the former. Unless, of course, we can think up any other options.”
                          
    “Well, they could be pretending,” he said.
                          
    Zoe exclaimed, “Seriously? That would be more incredible than her claims! They would still have to be telepathic and extremely talented to pull that off.”
                          
    Celectra stood up and almost cried, “Hey guys! I’m right here! And I’m not pretending anything and I’m not crazy! I don’t know why I’m not like other twins, but I am. And why does it matter, anyway?” She began sobbing and her bodies embraced each other.
                          
    Dr. Zoe turned her focus back to Celectra, “I’m so sorry, Celectra. Please, don’t cry.” She glanced over her shoulder towards her dad, but he had left the room leaving the door standing ajar. Again she addressed Celectra, “Come on sweetheart, let’s go back to my office.”
                          
    Celectra grabbed a couple of tissues out of a box on the counter and wiped her eyes. “Okay”, she agreed, still sobbing a little, “I don’t like it here.” They stood and headed for the open door, but Dr. Kret appeared in the doorway.