“Yes?”
“We know what happened during the incident. Tell the Commission what happened yesterday during Dr. Newton’s examination.”
I stood taller and clenched my teeth. Timothy’s question meant one thing: Newton had talked to him.
“Was there a problem?” Luke asked.
“I take the responsibility you’ve entrusted to me very seriously,” I began. “That goes for all my responsibilities, from my quest to follow The Light to my assignment on the Assembly. One day Sara will be mine in all ways. I’ve helped her with things that by The Light’s decree aren’t to be shared by those not bound by marriage. Father, you speak of modesty for our women. Therefore I demanded to be present during Dr. Newton’s examination, and only allowed him access to Sara’s injuries.” I took a deep breath and turned back to Brother Daniel. I wouldn’t mention her questioning her eyes unless it was brought up.
“Brother Timothy?” Brother Daniel asked. “Is there something I missed? Are you aware of anything else that happened during Sister Sara’s examination that wasn’t acceptable?”
I held my breath as Timothy glared in my direction.
“Dr. Newton doesn’t believe he was allowed full access to his patient.”
“Brother Timothy?”
We all turned toward Father Gabriel’s voice.
“Yes, Father?” Timothy responded.
“Perhaps you’ve forgotten what it’s like to have a new wife. I believe Brother Jacob’s protectiveness is supported by my doctrine. Do you see a problem with that? If so, please, Brother, enlighten us.”
I bit my tongue, wanting to interject, but happy with Father Gabriel’s input.
“No, not at all.” Brother Timothy sat taller. “However, I’m concerned that we won’t be able to get a good assessment of Sister Sara until Dr. Newton and my wife are able to spend significant time with her.”
“Fine. Brother Jacob.” Father Gabriel changed the subject. “Have you continued Sister Sara’s speech restriction? Since she’s spoken, she obviously knows she can do so without damage to her vocal cords?”
“Yes, Father. I’m only allowing her to speak with me.”
“And?”
“And she’s obeyed. I realize that speaking now is sooner than the protocol recommends. For that reason, Father, I request your permission to allow her to only speak to me, for the next few days. As we all know, this early stage of indoctrination is extremely formative. If you agree, I’d continue to allow Sister Lilith’s training and Sister Raquel’s assistance. Of course Dr. Newton can treat her, with me present, but I request that for now she only be questioned in a yes-no format by anyone other than me.” This was a rare opportunity to bypass the Commission, and I presented my case. “She’s still confused, as is standard. Even if she’s allowed to get the walking cast, with her other injuries she won’t be able to move without pain. I understand this important stage. I’ve seen what can happen. For Sara, myself, and our future family, I ask that I be allowed to be the one who walks my wife into The Light.”
My request was brazen and unusual, but then again, Brother Timothy was right, most women were given to followers who needed the guidance of the Assembly. As a member of the Assembly, I was exercising my right, or so I hoped.
“Brother, after Assembly, I’ll meet with the Commission. Brother Daniel will contact you later with my answer. Shall we carry on?”
“Thank you, Father,” I said, resuming my seat and avoiding Brother Timothy’s glare.
“Now,” Brother Raphael said. “It’s time for our report regarding the powerhouse. With the colder-than-normal November temperatures, tell us about the turbines. Is there any fear of them freezing?”
Two and a half hours after I’d left Sara, I returned to the clinic. Though parts of it resembled a hospital, only Dr. Newton had a medical degree. The others who staffed the clinic were there on assignment based on their attributes. Most of the support staff’s skills were acquired here at the Northern Light, unless they came willingly with prior knowledge. Either way, the dedication and commitment of the followers made them excellent learners. As I approached Sara’s room, one of the only single rooms—the primary one used for acclimation of acquired followers—I listened.
Hearing only silence, I assumed Lilith had left. Though I considered looking for Raquel to learn more about the training, I chose instead to open the door. I was right: Sara was alone. With the head of her bed reclined, I saw only the back of her head, her golden braid loose from lying against the pillow. I waited for her to turn, wondering if she was awake or asleep, and then I heard the sniffles and saw her shoulders shudder. She was awake—and was crying.
Clenching my teeth, sure that this was Lilith’s doing, I moved cautiously to the side of her bed and continued my assignment.