Post by Sky Blue on Apr 15, 2015 12:36:25 GMT -5
Mayor Mare paces back and forth in her office. "And that's why this year's Winter Wrap-Up will be the... best? No... the most successful! Yes." She walks over to her scroll and scribbles down a few lines, then goes back. "The teamwork and sense of community that you have shown over the past years have been an inspiration, turning our Winter Wrap-Up preparations from the slowest in Equestria nearly the fastest in three short years, and that's why I'm confident that this year will be the most successful in living memory. Hm... no... I shouldn't mention the poor track record. Must be positive! Must be positive!" She scribbles out some lines. "Stellar hard work? Stellar... performance?" She scribbles some more lines.
Knock knock knock. The door to Mayor Mare's office is opened by a sickly green glow and a chesnut brown unicorn stallion takes an inquisitive step through the gasp. "Madame Mayor?" he enquires politely, tilting his head politely towards her.
Mayor Mare takes a breath as the knocks disrupt her wordsmithing. "Oh hello there! Don't be shy, come right in. I was just in the middle of writing a speech and I could use a break." She sets down her quill.
The unicorn smiles charmingly and steps into the office fully, levitating a clipboard by his side, and soon magically closes the door behind him. "My name is Dr. Cakes, of the Canterlot Psychiatric Hospital. I was wondering if I might be able to trouble you to sign this form, Madame Mayor," he announces, floating the clipboard over towards her and setting it down upon her desk. "They are the committal papers for a citizen of Ponyville, a Miss Sky Blue. The Chancellor, a Miss Eris, had signed these papers originally, but it turns out that - due to a speciest legal ruling - griffons are not able to do so. I have attatched a cover letter from myself, countersigned by an independent psychiatrist, regarding the reasons for why it is in both Miss Blue's interests and that of the community for her to recieve medical care at my hospital."
"Oh yes, Dr. Cakes. How good to see you again," says the mayor, whether she actually remembers him or not. "What can I do for you? Hmm? Committal papers?" She adjusts her bifocals and peers down at the fine print. "What a nonsense rule. Eris is every bit a citizen as the rest of us, although perhaps she is a bit young to be filing papers with such gravity. Let me take a look... hmmm..." She sets it down with a heavy breath. "Please, if you would, do provide me with a summary? I'm quite surprised anything like this would happen in Ponyville!"
"It is quite a nonsensical and speciest rule, I do agree, Madame Mayor," the bad doctor replies. "The basic upshot is that, due to mental health problems, Miss Blue has been responsible for a litany of incidents against property and ponies alike. Particular incidents include the destruction of a mountain town, the levelling of almost a third of Fillydelphia during her time as mayor their, the near total destruction of Canterlot University Library, the near destruction of Ponyville on two seperate occasions, giving the previous chancellor a total seven heart attacks, and accidentally headbutting the Germane Chancellor into a coma. The property damage Miss Blue caused in Fillydelphia alone over seven hundred million bits." Dr. Cakes takes a resigned sigh, then says, "Though she means well, my colleague and I have come to the conclusion that, in the interests of both her health and that of the community, Miss Blue should be committed to my psychiatric hospital so we can give her the help she needs."
Mayor Mare seems to be listening to the doctor, but her response is only a 'Hmm...' She reads the papers again slowly, letting silence hang thick in the air. The next page now, with a soft wrinkling sound of parchment. "I'm not seeing the term of commitment. How long do you intend to hold her?"
"Indetermin annu solvi," Dr. Cakes replies, gesturing to a section on the committal papers. "It's a medical phrase that literally means 'until they are cured', though the translation is unfortunately rather archaic. Basically, it is my intent to keep Miss Blue at the hospital until we have been able to help her to the extent where she can re-enter society without any danger or risk to herself or others."
Mayor Mare takes off her glasses and looks up past her lock of silver hair to the doctor. "This is a very serious request. I must say I would have felt a lot more comfortable agreeing to something with a time limit." She sighs, and sets her glasses on the table, along with the clipboard. "Are you Screwy's doctor? Does she still pretend she's a dog?"
"Screwy- oh, Screwloose!" A smile settles upon the doctor's face as he sits down on the appropriate side of the mayor's desk. "She was in a ward at Ponyville Hospital, so I only saw her occasionally when doing my outpatients rounds, but I did used to see her somewhat frequently. The problem Screwloose had wasn't so much that she pretended she was a dog but that she thought she WAS a dog. She no longers believes she's a dog, but knows that it IS okay to pretend if she's playing a game with foals, as I know she both parties rather did enjoy that while at Ponyville H."
"This isn't for the hospital?" The mayor flips a few more pages. "Canterlot Asylum?" She frowns deeply. "At least they're equipped for long term care." She hmms, and picks up her glasses to read more carefully, holding them a few inches from her face, still folded. "Tell me honestly, what are her chances of recovery?"
"From the interview I conducted with her, I would say she has about 85% chance of recovery, though it may take a while," Dr. Cakes replies earnestly. "Miss Screwloose was committed under as an 'indetermin annu solvi' patient, and her chance of recovery was estimated to be approximately 40%. It took a few years, but now Miss Screwloose is a perfectly functioning member of society; I understand she's even managed to secure a job at a local restaurant."
The mayor puts down the documents, and turns her back on her guest, walking over to an open window to watch the foals playing in the snow near the square. Once more the room grows silent just long enough to make the doctor uncomfortable, before the mayor asks, "How does her family feel about this?"
"Her parents died about..." the doctor looks thoughtful for a few moments. "Two years ago, during the Spring. She has no other relatives to speak of."
"I will sign your documents," says the mayor. "But first, I want to hear from the ponies who will miss her. If you can get three more signatures on the original petition to commit, ponies who are close to her, a surrogate family, perhaps, then I will do what they ask. It says you have two weeks before the temporary hold runs out." She walks over and holds the clipboard out to the doctor. "If they refuse to decide, tell them that I will sign."
A concerned frown appears upon Dr. Cakes' face. "With all due respect, Madame Mayor," he starts to say, glancing over his clipboard briefly, "Those who will miss Miss Blue are the least likely of those to think sending her away would be a good idea. Emotions of loved ones often cloud judgement, especially when something that seems bad in the short term will be highly beneficial in the long term. It would be more practical to get additional signatures from ponies lacking emotional bias, such as additional medical signees."
The mayor says, "That's precicely why I want you to get it from them. If you can make the ponies who know her the very best see the value in your proposal, then it would be absurd of me to deny the request. Still, if they refuse, come back, and I'll give you one more chance to convince me." She touches the clipboard to his chest. "If you don't mind, I have quite a bit to do today."
Dr. Cakes doesn't look pleased one little bit, but he nevertheless bows his head politely, takes back his clipboard, and stands up once more. "Thank you, Mayor Mare," he says, turning and starting back towards the door. "I hope to see you again soon."
The mare stamps a forehoof. "Dedication! Of course. Your unwavering..." She scribbles on her speech. "Unwavering... dedication..."
It's the middle of the afternoon when a series of knocks sound upon the Memory family house door. Dr. Cakes checks his clip board of potentials. Screwloose has already been ticked and has signed, next possible... Octavia Melody.
Vinyl Scratch bounces Rewind on her lap, smiling as the little colt giggles. "Octyyyyy," she says, "Can you get the door?" Vinyl rubs the foal's back and he lets out a tiny burp.
Octavia is practicing her cello music in the basement, and doesn't hear the knocks, or Vinyl's shouts. There's only some soulful music from downstairs.
Vinyl Scratch sighs. Does she have to do everything around here? She puts Rewind on her back and trots to open the door. "Hello?"
Dr. Cakes stares at Vinyl Scratch with a raised eyebrow. After a few moments, he checks the note on his clipboard, checks the house number, then asks, "I was under the impression a Miss Melody lives here?"
Octavia still plays music downstairs, unaware that anything is happening up there. It seems the doctor will have to get past Vinyl if he intends to speak to her, unless he sneaks around back.
Vinyl Scratch nodnods, "Oh, she does, she's just... rehearsing, right now." The DJ grins and gestures to the basement, from which a sweet cello solo is coming. "Anything I can help you with, sweet?"
"My name is Dr. Cakes, from the Canterlot Psychiatric Hospital," the unicorn replies, tucking the clipboard off to one side. "I believe you are familiar with it. I am here to speak with Miss Melody regarding a confidential matter."
o/' William Tell Overture o/'
Vinyl Scratch blinks. She narrows her eyes, and hugs Rewind a little closer. "Oh... kay," she says, with a nod. "Well, why do you need Octavia for that? Not locking her up too, are you?"
"I'm afraid my business with Miss Melody is confidential, Miss Scratch," Dr. Cakes replies, eyes briefly flickering over to Rewind. "I'm sure you'll understand."
The piece comes to an end. It seems Octavia doesn't have any cannons to fire at the key moments, but she made do. Silence.
Vinyl Scratch nodnods with a small sigh, "Well, all right. She lives down in the basement so you'll have to go down those stairs and knock on the door."
"Thank you." And Dr. Cakes does just that, stepping over the threshold, heading down the stairs, and then knocking firmly - yet politely - upon the door to Octavia's basement apartment.
Octavia peeks out at the doctor and up at Vinyl.
Vinyl Scratch shrugs and rolls her eyes at the doctor before trotting back into the living room with Rewind.
"Are you Miss Octavia Melody?" the 'good' doctor enquires politely, tilting his head towards the prize-winning cellist. "I was wondering if I could speak to your regarding a most urgent matter."
Octavia asks, "Oh, and you are?"
"Doctor Strange Cakes of Canterlot Psychiatric Hospital," the eponymous pony replies. "I am here on behalf of a friend of yours; a Miss Sky Blue?"
"Pleased to meet you. May I offer you some tea?" says Octavia, turning around politely to head over to the kitchen, and put on a pot. "Oh yes, most dreadful business. A family friend Vinyl and Marble, and mine, I suppose. I haven't known her long. I believe she's having some sort of legal trouble? I haven't heard all the details."
Vinyl Scratch totally isn't eavesdropping from upstairs, of course not.
And that is when the front door of the hous eswings open. It's Marble, home for lunch! "I'm hoooome!"
Vinyl Scratch squees! She places Rewind on the sofa and practically gallops down the hallway into her husband's hooves, hugging him tight.
"Oh, yes please." Dr. Cakes steps in after Octavia, telepathically sets down his paperwork on the kitchen counter, and starts to explain. "Well, Miss Blue was committed to my hospital, following a psychiatric interview and research into her history. It is my professional opinion, and that of my counter-signed independent colleague, that Miss Blue currently is a danger to both her health and those of others. There was an error when the committment papers were signed, due to a dated speciest ruling preventing the chancellor's signature from being suitable authorisation, and so to get Mayor Mare's approval, I have to find three close acquaintences or friends of Miss Blue to sign, to show that they think her temporary committment would be in her best interests. Sadly, emotions tend to cloud the logical reasoning of what is in a pony's interests, so my list of potential signees so far is somewhat limited." The doctor takes note of the twerp from the trial's voice. That would explain Miss Scratch's break-in.
"My heavens! Oh my heavens," says Octavia, setting down some warm delicious tea in front of the doctor. "She's truly that ill? I had known she was unstable, but I had no idea it ran so deep. Will she be alright?"
Marble flails at first, then hugs his wife. "I'm glad to see you too, darling!" Marble can't say he's used to being tackled every time he walks through that door, but it happens enough.
Vinyl Scratch giggles and kisses Marble, before pulling him into the living room. "Hush!" she says conspiratorially, "There's somepony down with Octavia. Said he was from the psychiatric hospital."
Dr. Cakes lets out a dramatic sigh. "It's hard to tell. I estimate that she has an 85% of recovery, but it will take time. The problem is that ponies are trying to challenge my ruling that commitment is unfair or mean to her, but they sadly seem not to realise that I am only trying to help Miss Blue. I've helped hundreds of ponies during my professional career and helped dozens of ponies much worse-off than Miss Blue recover. I already have the signature of a former patient and current friend of Miss Blue, a Miss Screwloose - also known as Salsa Piccante - who experienced first-hoof how I was able to turn her life around, and realised that it is in Miss Blue's best interests."
Octavia frowns at stories of the doctor's efforts being blocked. "That's terrible. What will happen to her if she goes untreated?"
Marble responds to this with a simple, flat, "What?"
Vinyl Scratch nodnods! "He was a doctor, I think. Said his business with Octy was private... I'm worried, Marbsie. What if he wants to take her, too? Oh, I just hope he doesn't find her used teabag collection. That'll *really* make her look crazy."
"I fear that she may get gradually worse," Dr. Cakes replies, looking highly concerned. "Considering the amount of damage she has caused to the community and others, it is my professional opinion and concern that it is only a short amount of time until Miss Blue may cause irreparable damage unto others or irreversible harm unto herself."
Octavia says, "Oh my goodness! That's so dreadful. I hope you can help her. May I visit her?"
Marble is angry. "I'm going to throw him out." He declares. He doesn't want this stallion in his home, and he certainly wants to make sure Octavia knows what he's really trying to do!
Vinyl Scratch blinks. "Darling?" she says, caught off-guard by Marble's harsh reaction. "What do you mean? Why do you need to throw him out?"
"You may," Dr. Cakes replies, nodding his head thoughtfully. "It is against my better judgement, considering the effect Miss Blue can have upon other ponies, but I have been ordered to allow her to recieve visitors. But with your signature, I hope to be able to keep Miss Blue at Canterlot Psychiatric Hospital, so my staff and I can help her."
Octavia says "Oh... Oh no, I wouldn't want to visit her if it would hurt her. Hm? Signature? Oh yes. You wanted me to help you with the legalities? Of course. Do you have a quill?"
Marble looks around. "Where is he? I don't want him in my house! I bet he's probably spun it as all for Sky Blue's good. He probably won't even mention exactly why he's right smack dab in the middle of a conflict of interest!"
Thunderfire was upstairs studying when a familiar voice rings in his ears. Peeking, he frowns and then works on getting something ready. The colt finally comes down the stairs with a Tarzan-type yell. He wears a blue bandana with red war stripes on his cheek. Suddenly, he is squirting what appears to be orange paint from a squirt gun at Doctor Cakes, "INTRUDER!!! ENEMY NUMBER ONE!!! MY AUNT ISN'T CRAZY!! YOU ARE JUST MEAN AND CARE ABOUT NOTHING!!! GET OUTTA MY HOUSE!!!!" Reaching into his saddle bag, he starts tossing balloons filled with pudding at the Doctor. "NO OCTY!!! I'LL NEVER FORGIVE YOU TRAITOR!! YOU CAN GO WITH HIM! GET OUTTTTTTT!!!!!" the balloons start going towards Octavia as well. "THIS APARTMENT IS IN MY HOUSE. IN THE NAME OF MY FATHER, I DEMAND YOU GET OUTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!!!!!!" Yes, his voice should be enough to alert others.
"He's down with--" Vinyl starts to say, before she can hear Thunder shouting. Oh no. Ohhh no. She gallops down the basement stairs before grabbing Thunderfire and pulling him back. "Sweetie!" she says, rather strained, "You can't go treating ponies in our house like that! No matter who they are!"
"Yes, Miss Melody, right here," Dr. Cakes replies, levitating a quill over towards Octavia. "It is my hope that, through with time, Miss Blue will recover to the state where recieving visitors will be in her interest. Until-" And then Thunderambo goes on the warpath. Dr. Cakes gets covered in a mixture of pudding and orange paint, becomes slightly deaf in one ear, and proceeds to stare in a most startled manner towards the stairs, where Vinyl has thankfully restrained her good-for-nothing brat. Dr. Cakes' words.
"What in Celestia's name?" Sploosh. Squeal. "Thunderfire! What has gotten into you!" She gives him and Vinyl a sour look at the top of the stairs. "Vinyl, what has gotten into your son?"
The colt leaps away from Vinyl, "HE IS TRAPPING BLU!!!" Thunder runs over, attempting to try to tear up the paper. "Wanna see crazy?" he glares at Dr Cakes, "If you don't let Blu go. I swear that you will regret it. You won't know how or whem, but I will get you. And don't underestimate me because I am young. I'll make your life a living [buy some apples]." Turning around, he rears up his back legs aiming to kick the doctor in the shins.
Vinyl Scratch pulls Thunder back before he can. "Go to your room!" she shouts. "*Now*! I won't tolerate that disgusting behaviour from you, young stallion!" Vinyl's hardly ever this angry. "I apologise," she says, more towards Octavia than Cakes. "Can I get you some towels?"
Marble is angry, but not as his son. "I may not have the eloquence of my son..." he says, tromping right down the stairs, "But you are indeed *not* welcome in my house, Dr. Cakes. Especially with whatever you told Octavia... and especially since it's likely you haven't told Octavia OTHER things..." Marble stands firm and angry.
While attempting to wipe pudding and orange paint from his eyes, the now multi-coloured stallion retalliates firmly, "I am hear on private business to speak to Miss Melody, and I would rather appreciate it if I were not constantly interrupted by ponies either barging in, telling me to clear off, or throwing paint at me."
Thunderfire does something no pony would never expect, "NO! SOMEONE HAS TO STAND UP TO THAT BULLY! WHY DON'T YOU GO SING SOMEWHERE LIKE YOU ALWAYS DO!" he breathes heavily, staring at Vinyl, before turning to Doctor Cakes, "I heard you! You want her to sign something so you can do bad stuff to Blu! And she was stupidly about to fall for it. You heard my dad! LEAVE!!!!" Tears sting his eyes, "Just go!! You evil pony straight from the abyss. May Princess Luna give you nightmare of your flesh rotting off and worms eating the rest of you."
Octavia says, "Please, doctor. He's just sad. I'm sure he doesn't understand that Sky Blue is sick. I must say I'm having a great deal of difficulty with it myself, the poor thing." She looks up the stairs at Vinyl. "Please don't be too hard on him. I'll have this place cleaned up presently. Towels would be fine, thank you."
"I have every right to tell you to clear off, you're on my property, where you are *not* welcome," Marble says firmly, "I suggest you leave before I call in the authorities. Seeing as how I'm an Equestrian Official, trespassing on my proprty can be considered a GRAVE offense." He looks over at Tavi. "I should note that this doctor used to live in Black Rock, and I can guarantee he doesn't have Sky Blue's interests at heart, which is part of why I had to take him to court just to get to see her. Consider very carefully why he wants you to sign that document, Octavia." He glares fiercely at Dr. Cakes.
"Marble Memory! I expected better from you. Dr. Cakes is a medical doctor!" Octavia then blinks. "He doesn't? Why not?"
Vinyl Scratch isn't sure what to say to Thunderfire. Instead, she gently lifts him onto her back like a little foal and carries him upstairs. "Come on, sweetheart. You've said all you need to. We can talk upstairs, then you won't get a sore throat from yelling so much."
While thinking of some very nasty words he would love to through at Thunderfire and his father, Dr. Cakes turns to Octavia and explains, "Mister Memory has launched a court case against me, effectively claiming that I am trying to subvert my Hippocratic Oath in order to get revenge on Miss Blue for damaging my home town. The fact that the courts and the judge appear to be siding with my catalogue of evidence, compared to Mister Memory's slander, should speak for itself."
"Indeed, he's a medical doctor and should know better than to have gotten involved, since he's got a clear conflict of interest. I'm still not convinced this isn't retaliation for Black Rock, which is why I've brought Red Velvet in the loop." Marble knows how important Sky Blue is to Red Velvet. If he really wanted to go crazy, he could let fly rumors to reach Salsa Verde... which actually might not be a good idea, considering her insanity. "Are you going to leave my house quietly, doctor? I'm not going to stand here warning you all afternoon, I'm on lunch break. AND I HAVE A CLASS TO LECTURE."
Thunderfire hides his face against Vinyl sobbing out, "I want Auntie Blu. Make them let her go..." tears soak into her fur and mane. "He is goona hurt her..." the sobs make it hard maybe to make out his words. "Its not fair..."
Octavia squints her eyes, flashing a glare to the doctor. "That... I would be inclined to agree that it is a conflict of interest, but if she affected an entire town, then it may be quite common to find ponies with a conflict of interest. All one would need to do is to affect a certain number of ponies and then no doctor is eligable to treat them? Marble, listen to what you're saying. She should go without treatment... because she damaged an entire town?" She frowns, and sizes the doctor up, trying to sense whether he's being honest.
Vinyl Scratch hugs Thunderfire tight. "It'll be okay," she says. She gently places him on the sofa next to Rewind (who is busy chewing his plush bunny) and offers a tissue box. "I'm still not pleased with your behaviour," she tells her older son, "But I know how you feel. I know how difficult it is, not having justice for Sky. But Daddy and I are working on it, okay?"
"I know that it seems like there may be a conflict of interest," Dr. Cakes says, offering Octavia his most sincere expresion, "But I had already decided it was in Miss Blue's interests - and those of the community - for her committal and treatment, prior to finding that she was responsible for the disaster at Black Rock. The fact that my psychiatric hospital is the one closest to Miss Blue's in Ponyville - the second nearest being in Manehattan - and is highly accredited is the only reason she is currently under my care. I considered it far too stressful for Miss Blue to recieve residential-level care in a less-accredited hospital in a foreign city, far from home."
"Not every doctor in Equestria lived in Black Rock. He could have easily hoofed her case over to another doctor, one who could have guaranteed neutrality in their assessment. Plus, what happened in Black Rock is only evidence that Sky Blue is CLUMSY. *NOT* that she is insane. A point I was sure to run by Red Velvet. She's destructive. Dangerous even. Crazy? Especially CRIMINALLY so? Oh, re-label it all you like, doctor, you and I both know the standard for that category of patient and Sky Blue doesn't meet it." Marble is still very angry. "In fact, I am so confident your assesment wouldn't hold up, that I'm going back to a judge to order a new examination from an INDEPENDENT therapist. That sounds like a good idea. I'd be VERY interested to see what her actual classification is, as I have no faith in your judgment, *Doctor.* Now get out of my house."
Thunderfire sulks on the sofa by Rewind, taking a tissue he loudly blows his nose. "He was tried to put my Grandpa in there... He said it was for MY best interest that he go away and I be put in an orphanage. But then.. Grandpa died..." he sniffles, "He is gonna hurt her.. Auntie Blu isn't crazy. She just loves the best way she knows how.. If Octavia signs that paper. I won't forgive her..." looking away, "And I won't stay here if she does either."
Octavia says, "Mr. Memory! Please. I know tensions are high, but do you not think it rude to kick somepony out of where I live? I very much appreciate your generosity for allowing me to live here, but I do pay rent. I'll thank you to give me some autonomy." She heaves a frustrated breath. "Now either join us for tea, or go back to your lecture. ... Please." She adjusts her bow tie and looks around at the terrible pudding mess that's gotten everywhere. The poor gray mare is starting to shake now."Doctor Cakes, Marble brings up a good point. I'm not about to say you should recuse yourself over something that didn't happen directly to you, but could you not have sent one of your colleagues to ask for my signature? One without any accusations of impropriety?"
Vinyl Scratch hugs Thunderfire. "I know you feel strongly about this, but... running away won't help. Sometimes you have to face things that upset you to overcome them."
"I think you'll find, Mister Memory," Dr. Cakes throws at Marble with a cool tone, "That standard legislature requires that committal papers be approved and signed by an independent psychiatrist, which they have." Turning his attention back to Octavia, and in a more civilised tone, the unicorn explains, "I am afraid the reason I did not send someone on my behalf is three-fold, Miss Melody. Firstly, it is a delicate situation, and, as the most senior psychiatrist at CPH, I felt it my duty to handle this case; secondly, Mayor Mare requested that I acquire the signatures, which ties into the first, due to the complicated nature of this case; and, thirdly, most of the psychiatrists this week are at home, after contracting a stomach bug when they went out for a staff birthday during the weekend."
"And who was this 'independent psychiatrist?'" Marble demands to know. That might warrant looking into Again, if he finds one thing even moderately out of alignment, he'll spring on it.
Octavia sighs, considering for a moment, before addressing her landlord. "Marble, are you sure you're free of conflicts yourself? I know you're fond of Sky, but Dr. Cakes is eminently more qualified to address this situation, is he not? If this was another doctor making the same request, would you react differently? Come. Drink some tea. Mind the pudding on the seats."
Dr. Cakes wipes some more pudding from his face, then turns to eye the tea longingly. "The independent psychiatrist was an important psychiatrist at the Manehattan Psychiatric Facility," he explains, doing his best to try and clean himself some more, without dirtying up Octavia's apartment. "It is standard practice for various facilities to send off paperwork to one another, as they are generally more accredited and qualified than one-pony shows."
Octavia takes a deep breath, and reaches out to gently fold the white tea towel into a neat little square, ignoring the fact that a corner of it is steeped in tapioca. She tamps it down, flawlessly set aside on the grand scheme of her splattered table, and she breathes a little easier.
"I'm supposed to fight for Sky Blue. A conflict of interest is a non-issue on my part," Marble says, glaring at Dr. Cakes. "Give me a name. Did they examine Sky Blue personally, or did you just request they take you on your already questionable word? We've already established you have a conflict of interest, doctor, so I *trust* your independent doctor actually examined Sky Blue."
"Though it is highly unprofessional to give out such information, for the sake of-" Shutting him up? "-civility, her name is Doctor Flower Meadows," Dr. Cakes says to Marble. "And, surprisingly, senior doctors in psychiatric hospitals don't get where they are by breaking rules. I sent her the committment papers, cover letter, and all associated details - as one does with ALL committals - and she approved them."
Octavia takes a sip of her tea and breathes in its warmth while the two stallions talk. She slides the miraculously unscathed documents over to herself, and hoofs through it. "It says here that the doctor is not the original complainant. So that makes three ponies who believe that Sky is sick." She sighs. "Marble. There is no shame in mental illness. Equestrian asylums are renowned for their humane treatment. I know... I'm sad too. Please. Drink some tea. It will relax you. None of this can be good for your heart."
"In other words, she didn't examine Sky Blue, she just had to take your word for it Sky Blue had to be committed," Marble says, standing up and turning to leave. "I am going to go speak to your colleague. I highly recommend you don't sign that paper, Octavia, since it's clear this doctor is trying to keep all the important information from you so you'll sign to ruin Sky Blue's life. The simple fact is that Dr. Cakes here is serving his own interests." He begins climbing the stairs. He'll want to pull the records of Dr. Flower Meadows.
Octavia sighs. "I do apologize for him. He can be very passionate sometimes, to the detriment of his own health. But, he is my friend. I'll sign once we speak to Ms. Meadows."
"I think you'll find that that is what happens with EVERY committal, Mr. Memory," Dr. Cakes calls off after Marble, levitating a cup of tea over towards him. "Do you have any idea how many ponyhours it would take to transport psychiatrists halfway across the country to interview a single pony, then back again?" He gives his head a brief shake, then informs Octavia, "I understand, Miss Melody. This whole business is giving me a headache; the case resumes in three days, and if I recall correctly, Miss Meadows is in the middle of Zebrica at the moment, off on a mission of charity."
"Hm... that does present itself as a sticky wicket. Still, I'll defer to Mr. Memory's judgement for the time being. Would you mind if I kept this document, and your card?" says Octavia.
"I can leave you my card, but I'm afraid, for both security and legal reasons, I need to keep hold of the document, Miss Melody," Dr. Cakes replies, looking most apologetic. He sips his tea. "I do hope you understand."
"Well, that's a peculiar rule," says Octavia. "I fear I may have to spend an awful lot of time in front of you, reading the entire thing when it does come time to sign. I do take my time with legal matters as best I can. I hope you understand."
Knock knock knock. The door to Mayor Mare's office is opened by a sickly green glow and a chesnut brown unicorn stallion takes an inquisitive step through the gasp. "Madame Mayor?" he enquires politely, tilting his head politely towards her.
Mayor Mare takes a breath as the knocks disrupt her wordsmithing. "Oh hello there! Don't be shy, come right in. I was just in the middle of writing a speech and I could use a break." She sets down her quill.
The unicorn smiles charmingly and steps into the office fully, levitating a clipboard by his side, and soon magically closes the door behind him. "My name is Dr. Cakes, of the Canterlot Psychiatric Hospital. I was wondering if I might be able to trouble you to sign this form, Madame Mayor," he announces, floating the clipboard over towards her and setting it down upon her desk. "They are the committal papers for a citizen of Ponyville, a Miss Sky Blue. The Chancellor, a Miss Eris, had signed these papers originally, but it turns out that - due to a speciest legal ruling - griffons are not able to do so. I have attatched a cover letter from myself, countersigned by an independent psychiatrist, regarding the reasons for why it is in both Miss Blue's interests and that of the community for her to recieve medical care at my hospital."
"Oh yes, Dr. Cakes. How good to see you again," says the mayor, whether she actually remembers him or not. "What can I do for you? Hmm? Committal papers?" She adjusts her bifocals and peers down at the fine print. "What a nonsense rule. Eris is every bit a citizen as the rest of us, although perhaps she is a bit young to be filing papers with such gravity. Let me take a look... hmmm..." She sets it down with a heavy breath. "Please, if you would, do provide me with a summary? I'm quite surprised anything like this would happen in Ponyville!"
"It is quite a nonsensical and speciest rule, I do agree, Madame Mayor," the bad doctor replies. "The basic upshot is that, due to mental health problems, Miss Blue has been responsible for a litany of incidents against property and ponies alike. Particular incidents include the destruction of a mountain town, the levelling of almost a third of Fillydelphia during her time as mayor their, the near total destruction of Canterlot University Library, the near destruction of Ponyville on two seperate occasions, giving the previous chancellor a total seven heart attacks, and accidentally headbutting the Germane Chancellor into a coma. The property damage Miss Blue caused in Fillydelphia alone over seven hundred million bits." Dr. Cakes takes a resigned sigh, then says, "Though she means well, my colleague and I have come to the conclusion that, in the interests of both her health and that of the community, Miss Blue should be committed to my psychiatric hospital so we can give her the help she needs."
Mayor Mare seems to be listening to the doctor, but her response is only a 'Hmm...' She reads the papers again slowly, letting silence hang thick in the air. The next page now, with a soft wrinkling sound of parchment. "I'm not seeing the term of commitment. How long do you intend to hold her?"
"Indetermin annu solvi," Dr. Cakes replies, gesturing to a section on the committal papers. "It's a medical phrase that literally means 'until they are cured', though the translation is unfortunately rather archaic. Basically, it is my intent to keep Miss Blue at the hospital until we have been able to help her to the extent where she can re-enter society without any danger or risk to herself or others."
Mayor Mare takes off her glasses and looks up past her lock of silver hair to the doctor. "This is a very serious request. I must say I would have felt a lot more comfortable agreeing to something with a time limit." She sighs, and sets her glasses on the table, along with the clipboard. "Are you Screwy's doctor? Does she still pretend she's a dog?"
"Screwy- oh, Screwloose!" A smile settles upon the doctor's face as he sits down on the appropriate side of the mayor's desk. "She was in a ward at Ponyville Hospital, so I only saw her occasionally when doing my outpatients rounds, but I did used to see her somewhat frequently. The problem Screwloose had wasn't so much that she pretended she was a dog but that she thought she WAS a dog. She no longers believes she's a dog, but knows that it IS okay to pretend if she's playing a game with foals, as I know she both parties rather did enjoy that while at Ponyville H."
"This isn't for the hospital?" The mayor flips a few more pages. "Canterlot Asylum?" She frowns deeply. "At least they're equipped for long term care." She hmms, and picks up her glasses to read more carefully, holding them a few inches from her face, still folded. "Tell me honestly, what are her chances of recovery?"
"From the interview I conducted with her, I would say she has about 85% chance of recovery, though it may take a while," Dr. Cakes replies earnestly. "Miss Screwloose was committed under as an 'indetermin annu solvi' patient, and her chance of recovery was estimated to be approximately 40%. It took a few years, but now Miss Screwloose is a perfectly functioning member of society; I understand she's even managed to secure a job at a local restaurant."
The mayor puts down the documents, and turns her back on her guest, walking over to an open window to watch the foals playing in the snow near the square. Once more the room grows silent just long enough to make the doctor uncomfortable, before the mayor asks, "How does her family feel about this?"
"Her parents died about..." the doctor looks thoughtful for a few moments. "Two years ago, during the Spring. She has no other relatives to speak of."
"I will sign your documents," says the mayor. "But first, I want to hear from the ponies who will miss her. If you can get three more signatures on the original petition to commit, ponies who are close to her, a surrogate family, perhaps, then I will do what they ask. It says you have two weeks before the temporary hold runs out." She walks over and holds the clipboard out to the doctor. "If they refuse to decide, tell them that I will sign."
A concerned frown appears upon Dr. Cakes' face. "With all due respect, Madame Mayor," he starts to say, glancing over his clipboard briefly, "Those who will miss Miss Blue are the least likely of those to think sending her away would be a good idea. Emotions of loved ones often cloud judgement, especially when something that seems bad in the short term will be highly beneficial in the long term. It would be more practical to get additional signatures from ponies lacking emotional bias, such as additional medical signees."
The mayor says, "That's precicely why I want you to get it from them. If you can make the ponies who know her the very best see the value in your proposal, then it would be absurd of me to deny the request. Still, if they refuse, come back, and I'll give you one more chance to convince me." She touches the clipboard to his chest. "If you don't mind, I have quite a bit to do today."
Dr. Cakes doesn't look pleased one little bit, but he nevertheless bows his head politely, takes back his clipboard, and stands up once more. "Thank you, Mayor Mare," he says, turning and starting back towards the door. "I hope to see you again soon."
The mare stamps a forehoof. "Dedication! Of course. Your unwavering..." She scribbles on her speech. "Unwavering... dedication..."
*****
It's the middle of the afternoon when a series of knocks sound upon the Memory family house door. Dr. Cakes checks his clip board of potentials. Screwloose has already been ticked and has signed, next possible... Octavia Melody.
Vinyl Scratch bounces Rewind on her lap, smiling as the little colt giggles. "Octyyyyy," she says, "Can you get the door?" Vinyl rubs the foal's back and he lets out a tiny burp.
Octavia is practicing her cello music in the basement, and doesn't hear the knocks, or Vinyl's shouts. There's only some soulful music from downstairs.
Vinyl Scratch sighs. Does she have to do everything around here? She puts Rewind on her back and trots to open the door. "Hello?"
Dr. Cakes stares at Vinyl Scratch with a raised eyebrow. After a few moments, he checks the note on his clipboard, checks the house number, then asks, "I was under the impression a Miss Melody lives here?"
Octavia still plays music downstairs, unaware that anything is happening up there. It seems the doctor will have to get past Vinyl if he intends to speak to her, unless he sneaks around back.
Vinyl Scratch nodnods, "Oh, she does, she's just... rehearsing, right now." The DJ grins and gestures to the basement, from which a sweet cello solo is coming. "Anything I can help you with, sweet?"
"My name is Dr. Cakes, from the Canterlot Psychiatric Hospital," the unicorn replies, tucking the clipboard off to one side. "I believe you are familiar with it. I am here to speak with Miss Melody regarding a confidential matter."
o/' William Tell Overture o/'
Vinyl Scratch blinks. She narrows her eyes, and hugs Rewind a little closer. "Oh... kay," she says, with a nod. "Well, why do you need Octavia for that? Not locking her up too, are you?"
"I'm afraid my business with Miss Melody is confidential, Miss Scratch," Dr. Cakes replies, eyes briefly flickering over to Rewind. "I'm sure you'll understand."
The piece comes to an end. It seems Octavia doesn't have any cannons to fire at the key moments, but she made do. Silence.
Vinyl Scratch nodnods with a small sigh, "Well, all right. She lives down in the basement so you'll have to go down those stairs and knock on the door."
"Thank you." And Dr. Cakes does just that, stepping over the threshold, heading down the stairs, and then knocking firmly - yet politely - upon the door to Octavia's basement apartment.
Octavia peeks out at the doctor and up at Vinyl.
Vinyl Scratch shrugs and rolls her eyes at the doctor before trotting back into the living room with Rewind.
"Are you Miss Octavia Melody?" the 'good' doctor enquires politely, tilting his head towards the prize-winning cellist. "I was wondering if I could speak to your regarding a most urgent matter."
Octavia asks, "Oh, and you are?"
"Doctor Strange Cakes of Canterlot Psychiatric Hospital," the eponymous pony replies. "I am here on behalf of a friend of yours; a Miss Sky Blue?"
"Pleased to meet you. May I offer you some tea?" says Octavia, turning around politely to head over to the kitchen, and put on a pot. "Oh yes, most dreadful business. A family friend Vinyl and Marble, and mine, I suppose. I haven't known her long. I believe she's having some sort of legal trouble? I haven't heard all the details."
Vinyl Scratch totally isn't eavesdropping from upstairs, of course not.
And that is when the front door of the hous eswings open. It's Marble, home for lunch! "I'm hoooome!"
Vinyl Scratch squees! She places Rewind on the sofa and practically gallops down the hallway into her husband's hooves, hugging him tight.
"Oh, yes please." Dr. Cakes steps in after Octavia, telepathically sets down his paperwork on the kitchen counter, and starts to explain. "Well, Miss Blue was committed to my hospital, following a psychiatric interview and research into her history. It is my professional opinion, and that of my counter-signed independent colleague, that Miss Blue currently is a danger to both her health and those of others. There was an error when the committment papers were signed, due to a dated speciest ruling preventing the chancellor's signature from being suitable authorisation, and so to get Mayor Mare's approval, I have to find three close acquaintences or friends of Miss Blue to sign, to show that they think her temporary committment would be in her best interests. Sadly, emotions tend to cloud the logical reasoning of what is in a pony's interests, so my list of potential signees so far is somewhat limited." The doctor takes note of the twerp from the trial's voice. That would explain Miss Scratch's break-in.
"My heavens! Oh my heavens," says Octavia, setting down some warm delicious tea in front of the doctor. "She's truly that ill? I had known she was unstable, but I had no idea it ran so deep. Will she be alright?"
Marble flails at first, then hugs his wife. "I'm glad to see you too, darling!" Marble can't say he's used to being tackled every time he walks through that door, but it happens enough.
Vinyl Scratch giggles and kisses Marble, before pulling him into the living room. "Hush!" she says conspiratorially, "There's somepony down with Octavia. Said he was from the psychiatric hospital."
Dr. Cakes lets out a dramatic sigh. "It's hard to tell. I estimate that she has an 85% of recovery, but it will take time. The problem is that ponies are trying to challenge my ruling that commitment is unfair or mean to her, but they sadly seem not to realise that I am only trying to help Miss Blue. I've helped hundreds of ponies during my professional career and helped dozens of ponies much worse-off than Miss Blue recover. I already have the signature of a former patient and current friend of Miss Blue, a Miss Screwloose - also known as Salsa Piccante - who experienced first-hoof how I was able to turn her life around, and realised that it is in Miss Blue's best interests."
Octavia frowns at stories of the doctor's efforts being blocked. "That's terrible. What will happen to her if she goes untreated?"
Marble responds to this with a simple, flat, "What?"
Vinyl Scratch nodnods! "He was a doctor, I think. Said his business with Octy was private... I'm worried, Marbsie. What if he wants to take her, too? Oh, I just hope he doesn't find her used teabag collection. That'll *really* make her look crazy."
"I fear that she may get gradually worse," Dr. Cakes replies, looking highly concerned. "Considering the amount of damage she has caused to the community and others, it is my professional opinion and concern that it is only a short amount of time until Miss Blue may cause irreparable damage unto others or irreversible harm unto herself."
Octavia says, "Oh my goodness! That's so dreadful. I hope you can help her. May I visit her?"
Marble is angry. "I'm going to throw him out." He declares. He doesn't want this stallion in his home, and he certainly wants to make sure Octavia knows what he's really trying to do!
Vinyl Scratch blinks. "Darling?" she says, caught off-guard by Marble's harsh reaction. "What do you mean? Why do you need to throw him out?"
"You may," Dr. Cakes replies, nodding his head thoughtfully. "It is against my better judgement, considering the effect Miss Blue can have upon other ponies, but I have been ordered to allow her to recieve visitors. But with your signature, I hope to be able to keep Miss Blue at Canterlot Psychiatric Hospital, so my staff and I can help her."
Octavia says "Oh... Oh no, I wouldn't want to visit her if it would hurt her. Hm? Signature? Oh yes. You wanted me to help you with the legalities? Of course. Do you have a quill?"
Marble looks around. "Where is he? I don't want him in my house! I bet he's probably spun it as all for Sky Blue's good. He probably won't even mention exactly why he's right smack dab in the middle of a conflict of interest!"
Thunderfire was upstairs studying when a familiar voice rings in his ears. Peeking, he frowns and then works on getting something ready. The colt finally comes down the stairs with a Tarzan-type yell. He wears a blue bandana with red war stripes on his cheek. Suddenly, he is squirting what appears to be orange paint from a squirt gun at Doctor Cakes, "INTRUDER!!! ENEMY NUMBER ONE!!! MY AUNT ISN'T CRAZY!! YOU ARE JUST MEAN AND CARE ABOUT NOTHING!!! GET OUTTA MY HOUSE!!!!" Reaching into his saddle bag, he starts tossing balloons filled with pudding at the Doctor. "NO OCTY!!! I'LL NEVER FORGIVE YOU TRAITOR!! YOU CAN GO WITH HIM! GET OUTTTTTTT!!!!!" the balloons start going towards Octavia as well. "THIS APARTMENT IS IN MY HOUSE. IN THE NAME OF MY FATHER, I DEMAND YOU GET OUTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!!!!!!" Yes, his voice should be enough to alert others.
"He's down with--" Vinyl starts to say, before she can hear Thunder shouting. Oh no. Ohhh no. She gallops down the basement stairs before grabbing Thunderfire and pulling him back. "Sweetie!" she says, rather strained, "You can't go treating ponies in our house like that! No matter who they are!"
"Yes, Miss Melody, right here," Dr. Cakes replies, levitating a quill over towards Octavia. "It is my hope that, through with time, Miss Blue will recover to the state where recieving visitors will be in her interest. Until-" And then Thunderambo goes on the warpath. Dr. Cakes gets covered in a mixture of pudding and orange paint, becomes slightly deaf in one ear, and proceeds to stare in a most startled manner towards the stairs, where Vinyl has thankfully restrained her good-for-nothing brat. Dr. Cakes' words.
"What in Celestia's name?" Sploosh. Squeal. "Thunderfire! What has gotten into you!" She gives him and Vinyl a sour look at the top of the stairs. "Vinyl, what has gotten into your son?"
The colt leaps away from Vinyl, "HE IS TRAPPING BLU!!!" Thunder runs over, attempting to try to tear up the paper. "Wanna see crazy?" he glares at Dr Cakes, "If you don't let Blu go. I swear that you will regret it. You won't know how or whem, but I will get you. And don't underestimate me because I am young. I'll make your life a living [buy some apples]." Turning around, he rears up his back legs aiming to kick the doctor in the shins.
Vinyl Scratch pulls Thunder back before he can. "Go to your room!" she shouts. "*Now*! I won't tolerate that disgusting behaviour from you, young stallion!" Vinyl's hardly ever this angry. "I apologise," she says, more towards Octavia than Cakes. "Can I get you some towels?"
Marble is angry, but not as his son. "I may not have the eloquence of my son..." he says, tromping right down the stairs, "But you are indeed *not* welcome in my house, Dr. Cakes. Especially with whatever you told Octavia... and especially since it's likely you haven't told Octavia OTHER things..." Marble stands firm and angry.
While attempting to wipe pudding and orange paint from his eyes, the now multi-coloured stallion retalliates firmly, "I am hear on private business to speak to Miss Melody, and I would rather appreciate it if I were not constantly interrupted by ponies either barging in, telling me to clear off, or throwing paint at me."
Thunderfire does something no pony would never expect, "NO! SOMEONE HAS TO STAND UP TO THAT BULLY! WHY DON'T YOU GO SING SOMEWHERE LIKE YOU ALWAYS DO!" he breathes heavily, staring at Vinyl, before turning to Doctor Cakes, "I heard you! You want her to sign something so you can do bad stuff to Blu! And she was stupidly about to fall for it. You heard my dad! LEAVE!!!!" Tears sting his eyes, "Just go!! You evil pony straight from the abyss. May Princess Luna give you nightmare of your flesh rotting off and worms eating the rest of you."
Octavia says, "Please, doctor. He's just sad. I'm sure he doesn't understand that Sky Blue is sick. I must say I'm having a great deal of difficulty with it myself, the poor thing." She looks up the stairs at Vinyl. "Please don't be too hard on him. I'll have this place cleaned up presently. Towels would be fine, thank you."
"I have every right to tell you to clear off, you're on my property, where you are *not* welcome," Marble says firmly, "I suggest you leave before I call in the authorities. Seeing as how I'm an Equestrian Official, trespassing on my proprty can be considered a GRAVE offense." He looks over at Tavi. "I should note that this doctor used to live in Black Rock, and I can guarantee he doesn't have Sky Blue's interests at heart, which is part of why I had to take him to court just to get to see her. Consider very carefully why he wants you to sign that document, Octavia." He glares fiercely at Dr. Cakes.
"Marble Memory! I expected better from you. Dr. Cakes is a medical doctor!" Octavia then blinks. "He doesn't? Why not?"
Vinyl Scratch isn't sure what to say to Thunderfire. Instead, she gently lifts him onto her back like a little foal and carries him upstairs. "Come on, sweetheart. You've said all you need to. We can talk upstairs, then you won't get a sore throat from yelling so much."
While thinking of some very nasty words he would love to through at Thunderfire and his father, Dr. Cakes turns to Octavia and explains, "Mister Memory has launched a court case against me, effectively claiming that I am trying to subvert my Hippocratic Oath in order to get revenge on Miss Blue for damaging my home town. The fact that the courts and the judge appear to be siding with my catalogue of evidence, compared to Mister Memory's slander, should speak for itself."
"Indeed, he's a medical doctor and should know better than to have gotten involved, since he's got a clear conflict of interest. I'm still not convinced this isn't retaliation for Black Rock, which is why I've brought Red Velvet in the loop." Marble knows how important Sky Blue is to Red Velvet. If he really wanted to go crazy, he could let fly rumors to reach Salsa Verde... which actually might not be a good idea, considering her insanity. "Are you going to leave my house quietly, doctor? I'm not going to stand here warning you all afternoon, I'm on lunch break. AND I HAVE A CLASS TO LECTURE."
Thunderfire hides his face against Vinyl sobbing out, "I want Auntie Blu. Make them let her go..." tears soak into her fur and mane. "He is goona hurt her..." the sobs make it hard maybe to make out his words. "Its not fair..."
Octavia squints her eyes, flashing a glare to the doctor. "That... I would be inclined to agree that it is a conflict of interest, but if she affected an entire town, then it may be quite common to find ponies with a conflict of interest. All one would need to do is to affect a certain number of ponies and then no doctor is eligable to treat them? Marble, listen to what you're saying. She should go without treatment... because she damaged an entire town?" She frowns, and sizes the doctor up, trying to sense whether he's being honest.
Vinyl Scratch hugs Thunderfire tight. "It'll be okay," she says. She gently places him on the sofa next to Rewind (who is busy chewing his plush bunny) and offers a tissue box. "I'm still not pleased with your behaviour," she tells her older son, "But I know how you feel. I know how difficult it is, not having justice for Sky. But Daddy and I are working on it, okay?"
"I know that it seems like there may be a conflict of interest," Dr. Cakes says, offering Octavia his most sincere expresion, "But I had already decided it was in Miss Blue's interests - and those of the community - for her committal and treatment, prior to finding that she was responsible for the disaster at Black Rock. The fact that my psychiatric hospital is the one closest to Miss Blue's in Ponyville - the second nearest being in Manehattan - and is highly accredited is the only reason she is currently under my care. I considered it far too stressful for Miss Blue to recieve residential-level care in a less-accredited hospital in a foreign city, far from home."
"Not every doctor in Equestria lived in Black Rock. He could have easily hoofed her case over to another doctor, one who could have guaranteed neutrality in their assessment. Plus, what happened in Black Rock is only evidence that Sky Blue is CLUMSY. *NOT* that she is insane. A point I was sure to run by Red Velvet. She's destructive. Dangerous even. Crazy? Especially CRIMINALLY so? Oh, re-label it all you like, doctor, you and I both know the standard for that category of patient and Sky Blue doesn't meet it." Marble is still very angry. "In fact, I am so confident your assesment wouldn't hold up, that I'm going back to a judge to order a new examination from an INDEPENDENT therapist. That sounds like a good idea. I'd be VERY interested to see what her actual classification is, as I have no faith in your judgment, *Doctor.* Now get out of my house."
Thunderfire sulks on the sofa by Rewind, taking a tissue he loudly blows his nose. "He was tried to put my Grandpa in there... He said it was for MY best interest that he go away and I be put in an orphanage. But then.. Grandpa died..." he sniffles, "He is gonna hurt her.. Auntie Blu isn't crazy. She just loves the best way she knows how.. If Octavia signs that paper. I won't forgive her..." looking away, "And I won't stay here if she does either."
Octavia says, "Mr. Memory! Please. I know tensions are high, but do you not think it rude to kick somepony out of where I live? I very much appreciate your generosity for allowing me to live here, but I do pay rent. I'll thank you to give me some autonomy." She heaves a frustrated breath. "Now either join us for tea, or go back to your lecture. ... Please." She adjusts her bow tie and looks around at the terrible pudding mess that's gotten everywhere. The poor gray mare is starting to shake now."Doctor Cakes, Marble brings up a good point. I'm not about to say you should recuse yourself over something that didn't happen directly to you, but could you not have sent one of your colleagues to ask for my signature? One without any accusations of impropriety?"
Vinyl Scratch hugs Thunderfire. "I know you feel strongly about this, but... running away won't help. Sometimes you have to face things that upset you to overcome them."
"I think you'll find, Mister Memory," Dr. Cakes throws at Marble with a cool tone, "That standard legislature requires that committal papers be approved and signed by an independent psychiatrist, which they have." Turning his attention back to Octavia, and in a more civilised tone, the unicorn explains, "I am afraid the reason I did not send someone on my behalf is three-fold, Miss Melody. Firstly, it is a delicate situation, and, as the most senior psychiatrist at CPH, I felt it my duty to handle this case; secondly, Mayor Mare requested that I acquire the signatures, which ties into the first, due to the complicated nature of this case; and, thirdly, most of the psychiatrists this week are at home, after contracting a stomach bug when they went out for a staff birthday during the weekend."
"And who was this 'independent psychiatrist?'" Marble demands to know. That might warrant looking into Again, if he finds one thing even moderately out of alignment, he'll spring on it.
Octavia sighs, considering for a moment, before addressing her landlord. "Marble, are you sure you're free of conflicts yourself? I know you're fond of Sky, but Dr. Cakes is eminently more qualified to address this situation, is he not? If this was another doctor making the same request, would you react differently? Come. Drink some tea. Mind the pudding on the seats."
Dr. Cakes wipes some more pudding from his face, then turns to eye the tea longingly. "The independent psychiatrist was an important psychiatrist at the Manehattan Psychiatric Facility," he explains, doing his best to try and clean himself some more, without dirtying up Octavia's apartment. "It is standard practice for various facilities to send off paperwork to one another, as they are generally more accredited and qualified than one-pony shows."
Octavia takes a deep breath, and reaches out to gently fold the white tea towel into a neat little square, ignoring the fact that a corner of it is steeped in tapioca. She tamps it down, flawlessly set aside on the grand scheme of her splattered table, and she breathes a little easier.
"I'm supposed to fight for Sky Blue. A conflict of interest is a non-issue on my part," Marble says, glaring at Dr. Cakes. "Give me a name. Did they examine Sky Blue personally, or did you just request they take you on your already questionable word? We've already established you have a conflict of interest, doctor, so I *trust* your independent doctor actually examined Sky Blue."
"Though it is highly unprofessional to give out such information, for the sake of-" Shutting him up? "-civility, her name is Doctor Flower Meadows," Dr. Cakes says to Marble. "And, surprisingly, senior doctors in psychiatric hospitals don't get where they are by breaking rules. I sent her the committment papers, cover letter, and all associated details - as one does with ALL committals - and she approved them."
Octavia takes a sip of her tea and breathes in its warmth while the two stallions talk. She slides the miraculously unscathed documents over to herself, and hoofs through it. "It says here that the doctor is not the original complainant. So that makes three ponies who believe that Sky is sick." She sighs. "Marble. There is no shame in mental illness. Equestrian asylums are renowned for their humane treatment. I know... I'm sad too. Please. Drink some tea. It will relax you. None of this can be good for your heart."
"In other words, she didn't examine Sky Blue, she just had to take your word for it Sky Blue had to be committed," Marble says, standing up and turning to leave. "I am going to go speak to your colleague. I highly recommend you don't sign that paper, Octavia, since it's clear this doctor is trying to keep all the important information from you so you'll sign to ruin Sky Blue's life. The simple fact is that Dr. Cakes here is serving his own interests." He begins climbing the stairs. He'll want to pull the records of Dr. Flower Meadows.
Octavia sighs. "I do apologize for him. He can be very passionate sometimes, to the detriment of his own health. But, he is my friend. I'll sign once we speak to Ms. Meadows."
"I think you'll find that that is what happens with EVERY committal, Mr. Memory," Dr. Cakes calls off after Marble, levitating a cup of tea over towards him. "Do you have any idea how many ponyhours it would take to transport psychiatrists halfway across the country to interview a single pony, then back again?" He gives his head a brief shake, then informs Octavia, "I understand, Miss Melody. This whole business is giving me a headache; the case resumes in three days, and if I recall correctly, Miss Meadows is in the middle of Zebrica at the moment, off on a mission of charity."
"Hm... that does present itself as a sticky wicket. Still, I'll defer to Mr. Memory's judgement for the time being. Would you mind if I kept this document, and your card?" says Octavia.
"I can leave you my card, but I'm afraid, for both security and legal reasons, I need to keep hold of the document, Miss Melody," Dr. Cakes replies, looking most apologetic. He sips his tea. "I do hope you understand."
"Well, that's a peculiar rule," says Octavia. "I fear I may have to spend an awful lot of time in front of you, reading the entire thing when it does come time to sign. I do take my time with legal matters as best I can. I hope you understand."