This chapter is dedicated to Ze Doktor, who encouraged me to keep working on this story. Uh. I've had a bit of a rough time lately, and indeed spent a little while in a mental hospital myself. I'd like to say that today's hospitals are VERY different to what Medic experienced- NOT being in Nazi Germany is terribly helpful. I was in for depression, and part of a program specifically for LGBT folks. The therapists were all gay, too, and nobody made a big deal of it. What I'm basically saying is, if you have problems, don't let this story put you off asking for help. OK, on with the plot. --------------------------------------------- PART 12 After a long night, the BLU team members who had managed to get some sleep were startled to see the deranged RED Medic in the mess hall. He was sitting next to their own Medic, being served breakfast by the Engineer. “Doc!†the Scout crowed and rushed to his side. “What is meaning of this?†The Heavy halted in the doorway, arms spread out as if to protect the teammates behind him. “Heavy,†the BLU Medic spoke. “In light of... certain events, I can no longer justify holding this man prisoner. I feel it is best to discuss this in the open, to then decide how to proceed.†“What events?†The Soldier ducked under the Heavy’s arm. The Scout hesitated in the act of touching the RED Medic. Both Medics straightened into the same posture- Prussian, military, at attention to give an unwelcome report. “While I have had this man confined in order to determine the cause of his insanity, certain of our teammates have been- mistreating him. Sexually.†The BLU Medic’s tone was neutral, wooden, but his jaw snapped shut to hide an expression as he finished. “What is?!†The Heavy dropped his arms in shock and the rest of the team swarmed the room, though the Demoman merely sauntered over to get his breakfast. “Look, it’s not like th-†the Scout began, but the RED Medic raised a hand to hush him. “While I would rather not be restricted to one room, I must stress that I have not been abused or harmed in any way. All that I have done has been completely voluntary.†The Sniper stared at the RED in frank disbelief, and the Engineer looked wearily skeptical. The Heavy was baffled, disgusted, but the Soldier and Pyro were unreadable, eyes hidden as always. “Mister,†the Engineer began, “plain and simple, you’re not right in the head. You’re in no fit state to say yea or nay to- to the things some people might ask you to try.†“Sir,†the RED replied calmly, “I lived for years in a Hell where all I cherished, all I loved, was forbidden to me. Since I was seventeen, I thought I was insane. Now, in a world of peace and pleasure, I feel sane for the first time. How can you disagree?†“Is he cured, or...†the Sniper murmured to the BLU Medic. “I... he is no longer violent, but he still believes that he is a demon who has been redeemed into Heaven.†The German pinched the bridge of his nose. “Not to tell you how to do your job, Doc, but weren’t respawn that did it, and there ain’t anything about it we can fix,†the Engineer said over the RED’s head. “He really ought to be in a hospital somewhere.†“No!†the Scout and Demoman shouted in unison with the RED Medic. The Pyro had a strong reaction, too, thought what it was remained unclear. “It was a stupid hospital that made ‘im crazy i the first place!†The Scout continued hotly. “You’re not sending him away.†He wrapped an arm around the Medic’s shoulders. “What’s he talking about?†the Soldier demanded of the BLU Medic. The Heavy was silent, taking it all in. “I believe that the source of his... mental imbalance was an effort to cure him of something that has no cure. Something I can no longer believe to be a disease.†He clenched his jaw again, then continued. “During the war, I worked in a camp, trying to establish a cure for homosexuality. I discovered nothing, except that my subjects were men like any others.†“For years you’ve sworn blind that you weren’t a Nazi!†the Soldier roared at the Medic. “I was not, but I can no longer tell myself that there is a moral distinction between the Nazis and the scientists who followed their orders.†There were tears standing out in the BLU Medic’s eyes. The Soldier was silent for a moment, then turned to the RED. “Are YOU a Nazi?†“No. I never applied, because institutionalisation for homosexuality would have disqualified me more readily than time served in prison, for all that I hoped I was cured.†The Soldier nodded. “Are you a sissy?†The former RED winced, but stood his ground. “I am a homosexual, yes.†“We can’t put him in a mental ward,†the Soldier barked at the rest of his team. “I’ve seen what they do to sissies, in there.†The RED Medic saw a crescent of the man’s eye under his helmet- steel-blue, frightened. “He needs real help!†the Sniper snarled. “Wot’re we gonna do? Keep ‘im here?†“Why not?†The Pyro had peeled up the bottom half of his mask, revealin a wash of scar, a lipless mouth. “For one reason and another, many of us here are not made for the world outside- lighting fires, committing mayhem, drinking at oh-six-hundred hours,†he nodded indulgently at the Demoman. “Surely we can make room for another misfit.†“Yeah!†the Scout agreed, and nudged the Demoman until he said “Aye.†“A vote,†the Scout suggested. “Everyone who thinks he should stay, raise yer hand.†Scout, the Demoman, Soldier, and Pro all affirmed. “All in favour of sending this poor man for proper treatment,†the BLU Medic spoke up. “I swear to you,†he addressed the RED, “it is better now. The fact that you are homosexual does not matter. You need not tell anyone. The doctors, the other doctors, will help you. All in favour?†He raised his hand, joined by the Engineer, the Sniper and the Heavy. Everyone looked at the Spy. “I abstain, “ he said archly, flicking ash from his cigarette. “It is impossible for me to throw in my lot with any side, in any argument.†“You sneaking Judas!†The Scout slammed his fist on the table. “Scout, please,†the RED medic laid a hand on his shoulder. “I vote that I should remain here.†He locked eyes with his BLU counterpart. “If I cannot vote in this matter, who can?†“I-†the BLU ground his teeth. “I change my vote to accord with yours. You may do, must do, as you wish.†“Thank you.†The former RED extended his hand and shook the other Medic’s unresisting hand. “Do not distress yourself. I wanted a cure to exist, more than you did.†The BLU Medic covered his face with one hand and sobbed, a harsh and ugly sound. The RED and the Engineer tried to soothe him, but then the Heavy spoke. “This is not good. I do not want this person here.†He strode from the room and slammed the door. There was a silent moment, everyone frozen in their seats.