Chapter 124-A doctor

Chapter 124: 124-A doctor

"Affirmative. Right away," 009 responded.

The robot moved to the controls and adjusted the ship’s course. The engine responded smoothly, and the vessel began approaching the stranded woman.

As they drew closer, she stumbled, grabbing the side of the boat to keep herself upright. "Please!" she called, her voice breaking. "I don’t have anything left. I just need somewhere safe!"

"We hear you!" Ambrose shouted back. "Stay where you are. We’re coming!"

The woman nodded frantically, but her legs seemed ready to give out. She was having a hard time staying on her feet from hunger, heat and exhaustion. She was using her last batteries to reach out for help.

Noel grabbed a safety rope and prepared to throw it. When the boat was close enough, he sent the rope flying. It landed across the woman’s lap, and she caught it with both hands.

"Wrap it around the front support!" he instructed. "Don’t try to climb until we secure the boat!"

She obeyed, her fingers trembling as she tied the rope. Her fingers lacked the strength for the task but she forced herself to follow the order and secured the rope.

009 brought their ship alongside and secured the small boat. Ambrose leaned over the railing, ready to help, while Noel extended his hand.

"Come on. Slowly," He spoke gently not to scare her.

The woman looked up at him and for a moment, their eyes met. Up close, she was even more beautiful than he had expected. Her face was exhausted, her lips dry, and a small cut marked her forehead, but her gaze possessed a quiet determination that caught him off guard. She reached for his hand.

Noel pulled her aboard carefully, supporting her elbow as her feet touched the deck. The moment she was safely on board, her knees buckled.

He caught her before she fell. "Easy," he said, his voice softer than he intended. "You’re safe now."

The woman clutched his sleeve for a second, struggling to catch her breath and then she seemed to realize how close they were and hurriedly straightened.

"I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to..."

"You don’t need to apologize for nearly collapsing," Noel replied. "It’s a natural reaction when one is weak or tired."

Ambrose approached with a bottle of water. "Here. Drink slowly. We don’t know how long you’ve been out there."

She accepted it with both hands and took a cautious sip before drinking a little more. She couldn’t believe that they had fresh water on them when she couldn’t even recall the last time she had a sip of clean water. And they were giving it to her without holding back.

After several moments, some color returned to her face. "Thank you," she whispered. "I thought I was going to die out there."

Noel watched her, unable to ignore the strange pull of concern he felt for someone whose name he didn’t even know. "What should we call you?"

The woman lowered the bottle. "I am Maria Victoria," she answered. "But everyone calls me Mavic."

"I’m Noel. That’s my brother, Ambrose and the robot... is 009."

"An honor to meet you," 009 stated.

Mavic blinked at the robot, then gave a tired, disbelieving laugh. The difference between them was huge. She was barely holding on in a shaby boat and they not only had resources but a robot too.

"Even your robot is polite," She spoke, trying to build a closeness so they can take her in.

"Don’t let that fool you," Ambrose said. "He’s the strictest person aboard."

"Correction. I am not a person," 009 let out.

"See what I mean?" Ambrose said, holding back the urge to scream that he was right.

Mavic smiled for having met other survivors but kind ones. It was small and weary smile, but it transformed her face.

Noel felt something shift inside his chest. He had survived the apocalypse by being cautious, practical, and suspicious of strangers. He had never imagined that one smile from a woman he had just rescued could make him forget, even briefly, how dangerous the world had become.

He cleared his throat and looked away. "You should rest. We’ll find you something to eat, and 009 can check your injuries."

Mavic hesitated to accept the kindness. It was kind enough that they saved her but she couldn’t waste their resources. She knew how valuable food and water was in such times and she didn’t want to be a burden.

"Actually, I’m a doctor. I can treat the cut myself if you have a first-aid kit."

Both brothers looked at her in surprise. "A doctor?" Ambrose repeated.

"Before the apocalypse, I worked at a hospital." Her smile faded slightly. "I was trying to reach another group of survivors when my boat was damaged. I lost most of my supplies, and the engine stopped working yesterday."

Noel glanced toward the little boat bobbing beside their ship. She had survived alone in that fragile vessel for several days without knowing whether anyone would ever find her. How scared must she have been in that time?

He looked back at her, admiration mingling with the attraction he was trying very hard to hide. "Then you can tell us about that later. Right now, you’re going to eat and rest."

Mavic studied him for a moment before nodding. "Thank you, Noel."

Hearing his name from her lips felt unexpectedly pleasant. He did his best to act natural in everyone’s presence.

Ambrose noticed the way his brother’s expression softened and immediately developed a mischievous smile. ’Oh, this was interesting,’ he immediately thought.

He waited until Mavic had followed 009 into the cabin before leaning toward Noel.

"Well, well. You caught her hand, saved her life, and practically offered her the entire ship. Should I prepare a wedding speech?"

Noel’s ears reddened. "If you have nothing better to do... shut up."

"I haven’t said anything!" Ambrose raised his hands innocently.

"You were about to."

Ambrose laughed and clapped him on the shoulder. "Just remember, brother. We still owe Nathaniel a thank-you call. Perhaps we should tell him that his supplies saved our ship and helped us rescue a beautiful doctor."

Noel shot him a warning look. "Don’t you dare say it like that."

Ambrose’s grin widened. "Like what? A beautiful doctor?"

Noel turned away, pretending to inspect the repaired railing but his gaze drifted toward the cabin where Mavic had disappeared.

For the first time since the apocalypse began, he found himself looking forward to what tomorrow might bring and he had a feeling that meeting Maria Victoria might become a turning point for him.

"If Nate were here... he’d tease me endlessly."