Storm Front Hannibal Side Story: Medical Operations

Aja strolled into the Clinic and made her way through the maze of a clinic to find Mami's office. She leaned in the door to listen to Anya and Mami discussing the very thing she came to check on. "The generators were serviced two days ago. Did you get the additional inventory of surgery supplies?" Mami was asking Anya.

"Da, we did, and just in time, too. Thankfully, our faithful donors have come through as they usually do, so we're in good shape with blood products, whole as well as plasma and platelets."

"I should've known da two of ya would've been all over dis." Aja said as she came off the door frame. "I wuz jist dropping by on my rounds. Make sure ya all had everything ya might need."

Maranya softly laughed, though fatigue was faintly visible in her hazel eyes, even hidden behind her platinum wireframed glasses. "Da, we're in good shape to weather this storm, but I appreciate you checking to make sure. 'Tonio asked the same this morning at breakfast."

"I spoke ta dat marvel of a hubby of yers. He's already sent over a ton of camping gear ta da stagin area in Arcadia."

"And Rosalie sent over enough treats to feed three proverbial armies, which might just be enough to get us through this." She fondly smiled at talk of her husband's usual benevolence. "He's indeed a marvel, and I'm very lucky to have him. He opened the warehouses to us, in the event our usual suppliers couldn't get through the storms."

"Is Rico doing his part?" Mami asked, Aja must've given Mami one her "Duh" expressions cause Anya lightly kicked her in the foot.

"Of course, Mami." Aja said supressing a grin to Anya. "And he's actively protecting someone I'd very much like ta kill also. He's jist one busy little boy."

"Why is he protecting this man?"

"Foreman, didn't do whut I said. Almost got some people killed. I wanted ta fire him at da very least. Rico won't let me."

"Mm. The twins will be here as usual. Best for them not to travel too much once the storm hits. And they will be plenty spoiled, about as much here as at home." A slight change of topics to steer Aja and Mami from potentially explosive matters. "I'll be rationing the five rum rum cake, too. That will be by prescription only." She winked at Aja, as Mami's fondness for the dessert was well known.

Anya was too smart for her own good. Aja just grinned before nodding. "Good plan. Best ta be here in case something happens."

"But why is Rico..." Mami started to ask then realized it was going to be a lost cause as the girls had moved on. "So. He's helping out' This is good."

"He always does, Mami." Aja shook her head. "He actually likes da snow."

"It's a new adventure for Ayden and Andrew to see snow, as the Palazzo is so temperate, it spoils us all. I don't mind it in small quantities, but I prefer being safe before a warm fire and with a pot of welsh rarebit otherwise." Anya then added for Mami's benefit. "And Rico did call to see if we needed him or his crew to do any last-minute repairs to the outside of the buildings."

"Good. Him, Tristan and Cal split a list of places to check around town." Aja tugged her tablet out and checked in on the list. "They've been groovin right along on checking things out and making up a list of things the local orphanages need." spies a new addition. "And I see one needs a new heater installed." she tilted the tablet. "I best get back ta work. Make sure these things get done."

Maranya nodded and moved to give her sister a brief, fond hug. "Stop by the cafeteria on your way out and get something warm to eat, first, sestra moya. And get some rest in there too. Or by the Beyond, I'll pull on my riding boots and kick you across the town square. Twice." The tone of her words was fond, but overlaid with concern.

"Yeah, yeah. Only if ya come with me. Ya too, Mami." she looked at the mass of papers on her desk. "Ya look like ya could use a similar break."

Mami nodded, but Aja recognized the expression, she'd be dodging questions about the man Rico was now hiding from Aja. "I could do with a spot of tea and a scone." Mami moved from behind the desk. She stopped and straightened Aja's coat slightly. "Remind me to give you the scarf from my locker. It's too cold for you to be running around out there unprotected."

"Ya know, I can dress mahself." Aja protested as they moved towards the door.

"I have yet to see evidence that you can do so weather appropriately." Mami said while following her.

Maranya laughed softly at the fond banter. "Rosalie does the same to me, as I forget how cold it is outside the Palazzo. And I do it to the twins, so it gets passed down. Da, coffee and a sweet roll does sound good right about now."

Mami would continue to mother Aja on the way down to the Clinic's cafe. Those that passed the trio would just smile, being all too familiar with the way the ladies would speak to each other.

((Co-Written with Anya and Mami's Handlers. Cross posted in Armada Exports folder))