Traveller Probo

Dr Fitzgerald’s ascetic face filled the computer monitor as she filed her report to the Transporter Corp board.

“As requested, this is an informal, verbal report of stage-one of the Giolgrave Medical Mission.”

“Just to reiterate the obvious, one of the challenges we’re experiencing is that this isn’t a medical mission with which we are familiar. The villagers of Giolgrave are peaceful, well-fed and essentially quite healthy. We’re not sure if that’s because of the traditional medical care by Tatae and Brother Horsa, or if high childhood attrition has killed off those more susceptible to disease but health and nutrition levels are surprisingly high.”

“You’ll find the data on our examinations in the report attached. As per your requests, the language has been kept to lay terms. Our main concern is the immediacy of the mission. Either we do this now, or leave it till spring. Though we’re not sure about the wisdom of setting up a facility in the middle of winter, the villagers seem keen, so I suggest sooner rather than later.”

“In summary, we’ve had to make some tough decisions as to whether care should be offered. As agreed, no vaccinations will be provided and our initial decision to administer a universal treatment for parasites is also cancelled. There’s a belief by Tatae that the villagers have attained a balance with their parasites. She has quite an in-depth knowledge of local parasitic interaction and suggests some are actually needed for the villagers to live a healthy life. Whatever that means. We agreed to monitor the Tatae situation and research her claims. She argues that to remove all parasites would be harmful to their hosts. This is another example of Tatae flying in the face of conventional medicine.”

Dr Fitzgerald paused and shrugged. “We’re still learning, and have to concede that many of her treatments have, so far, been surprisingly effective.

“We’ve detected a couple of cases of malaria but they seem to be in remission. Tatae described the fevers that some of the people are susceptible to but claims to have solutions that make the villagers well, or immune, we aren’t sure which at the moment. However, we suggest this line of research is vital.”

“My God,” interjected Professor Alexander. “You mean Tatae has a treatment for malaria?”

Dr Fitzgerald merely shrugged, “Possibly, though whether the treatments are efficacious in cases of modern malaria strains is unknown. That’s something we have to research. Thankfully, we didn’t find any evidence of dysentery or cholera. We put that down to clean water and good hygiene. We suspect that an examination of populated areas would have different results. Most of the older members of the village have chronic arthritis, which shouldn’t be surprising. Typical to developing-world conditions, these people age quickly. The stooped, silver-haired village seniors are only in their 50’s, though there are a few who are much older. There are six males who have lost limbs in the Battle of Giolgrave and one male suffers from untreatable brain injury but is cared for by the villagers. One woman has been identified to have a form of cervical cancer, where successful treatment is unlikely.”

“In summary, the proposed surgical cases are as follows: There is the little girl with a cleft pallet that we will treat. We also suggest that Godric be fitted with a coronary-stent. In regard to female examinations, the only woman who would allow no gynaecological examination was Eadric’s wife, Aedgyd who, as we know, was raped as a young lass. Our secret weapon in all of this has been lollypops, which have been a popular reward for children and adults alike. In fact we’re sure that the villagers will put up with any examination or indignity for a lollypop.

“One woman requires obstetric fistula repair, a man with a burn scar will require surgery, and a couple of cases of cataract surgery will restore sight. A badly broken leg will be reset, and all war wounds will be carefully examined and treated if necessary.”

“How long will this take?” asked Professor Cowen.

“We anticipate that the mission will take two to three weeks, which will take us through the worst of the winter but we’ll manage that,” responded Dr Fitzgerald, her eyes bright with excitement, though her tone remained professional.

Professor Alexander asked, “Doctor, should we, perhaps, leave this until spring?”

Dr Fitzgerald waggled her head. “Probably not. Unless there’s a blizzard, which I’ve been advised should be unlikely, we’ll be able to complete the mission without any problem. The woman with fistula is in urgent need and Godric is overdue for treatment. We have to treat them like modern patients. Now we’ve diagnosed the problems, we recommend punctual treatment.

“There’s something obvious that I might add. In modern England, we’ve had a wet, mild winter and are moving into spring, yet the people of Giolgrave appear to be heading for a frigid winter. Something to do with our calendars perhaps?”

Professor Alexander, who headed the committee meetings in Professor Taylor’s absence, nodded. “Yes Doctor, we’re looking at the weather in Giolgrave. There have been suggestions of climate change of course but we can only learn what we can. As you suggested, there’s so much we don’t know.”