She Was the Treasure All Along novel Chapter 210

Loyce obediently retracted her hand. “I just noticed a bit of system lag,” she said calmly. “It might be a background process using too many resources. I wanted to take a closer look.”

Jasmine, who had been watching from the side, stepped forward. “Loyce,” she said in a gentle but patronizing tone, “medical equipment isn’t like a personal computer. Its systems are specially encrypted and calibrated. A layperson’s judgment isn’t always accurate. I know you’re here to learn, but this equipment is incredibly expensive and costly to maintain. If you were to damage it, Hazel would have a hard time explaining things to Lucian.”

Hazel looked uncomfortable, not daring to speak up.

Others addressed Lucian with his formal title, but Jasmine used his first name. Loyce glanced at her, noting the senior medical officer insignia on her uniform. It wasn't a higher rank than Lucian's, which meant her use of his name was intentionally familiar.

Instead of arguing, Loyce turned to a portable ultrasound machine. She noticed the probe’s connection was slightly loose, which could lead to a poor contact over time.

“The interface on this ultrasound seems a little faulty,” she stated plainly. “If it fails during an emergency, it could compromise a diagnosis.”

“What do you know?” the same medic sneered again. “This unit was serviced just last week by someone from Gavin’s medical company. There’s nothing wrong with it! Don’t think you can just march in here and start criticizing everything just because Admiral Shapiro brought you.”

If a recently serviced machine was found to be faulty, the medics in the bay would be held responsible for dereliction of duty, a serious offense with severe consequences.

Hazel looked awkward. “Loyce,” she said in a low voice, “the equipment really is maintained regularly. There shouldn't be any major issues…”

Loyce pressed her lips together and said no more. She walked over to the surgical table and saw that the seal on the sterile instrument cabinet had aged, its edges curling up slightly. This meant the contents might not be fully protected from bacteria.

She was about to point it out when Jasmine spoke first. “Loyce, if you’re here to observe, you are welcome. But our medical system is a matter of life and death for our soldiers. It’s not a game. Without professional qualifications, it’s best not to offer opinions.”

Her tone was gentle, but it carried an authority that couldn't be challenged. The other medics nodded in agreement, their looks now tinged with condescension.

Loyce was silent for a moment before asking, “When was this ECG monitor last calibrated?”

Jasmine paused. “Last week.”

“But the baseline is clearly drifting, which suggests the electrodes are old or have been exposed to moisture,” Loyce said, pointing to the waveform on the screen. “With a seriously injured patient, an error like that could lead to a misdiagnosis.”

Even though Loyce had Lucian’s highest-level clearance to view the system, her status as his “girlfriend” could make it seem like he was abusing his position for personal reasons. Forcing the issue would likely backfire.

“There’s a drill later, isn’t there?” she said calmly. “I’d like to stay and observe the process.”

“Absolutely not,” Jasmine retorted. “Unauthorized personnel are forbidden from participating in drills. That’s the rule.”

Loyce thought for a moment, then took out her phone and dialed Heath. “Heath, can you do me a favor?”

Heath sipped his coffee and put down a chess piece. “What’s wrong? I’m playing chess with a neighbor. Aren’t you with Lucian? If he can’t solve your problem, what makes you think I can?”

“There’s a naval drill this afternoon,” Loyce explained. “I want to participate as a medical observer to get a better understanding of the ship’s medical systems and see if there are areas for improvement.”

The female medics stared at her, wondering who she was calling. One of them scoffed, “Does she really think she can just join a military drill? Please. Not unless her father is the Chief of Naval Operations.”