The political decision-making process free essay sample

The political decision-making process BY Mrcheeks707 The political decision-making process is so irrational that a completely rational approach to health policy-making can hardly be achieved. Support, debunk or provide alternative paradigms or approaches to this statement, focusing on the development of a particular policy area you are familiar with, and using analytic tools and frameworks in health policy analysis. This paper will begin by briefly examining the role of the state in health and how the state or political system is structured to meet this obligation. It will then describe the types of policy, the stages of policy aking, and the uniqueness of health policy making. Having provided a solid foundation for understanding the political and policy making system, in the context of the Trinidad and Tobago scenario, it will delve into analyzing the policy making process, and directly answer the central question of the rationality of policy making in an irrational framework of government structure. We will write a custom essay sample on The political decision-making process or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Weather policy is taught of as an intent, strategy, hypothesis, objective, goal, principle, or a learning process, it should include what governments say they will do, what they actually do and what they ecide not to do (Walt, 1994). Buse, Mays Walt, (2005 cited in Gilson L, ed. 2012, p. 28) went on to say that health policy also includes decisions made by the private sector and other actions taken outside of the health system, which can have influence on diverse aspects of citizens health. Lipksy (1980 cited in Gilson L, ed. 2012, p. 8) also argue that Health public policy, the term used to differentiate from the broader public policy, is essentially the routinely daily practices of policy actors and their decisions that have been translated from the formal documents, which may ometimes be far removed from the original intent. Regardless of whether the broader objectives focused on in macro/systemic polices of high politics or the finer special interests objectives being met in mic ro- sectoral polices of low politics, there is a general public policy process that should be followed (Evans and Newnham, 1992). To fully appreciate the impetus for health policy making in the public sector, one must understand the role of the state in formulating polices. As most develop and developing countries had been steered to accept the Keynsian philosophy, that f assuming the dominant responsibility in the provision of health services to the public amongst other social services (Walt, 1994), by the 1980s most states were beginning to relinquish its role in the direct provision of services. Despite governments continued attempts to divest the provision of health services to the private sector, urged in part by the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the diminishing resources of individual states, the critical health concerns of a nation will always mandate that some aspects of health care are treated at a central level. The complexities of health professionals training, controlling the spread of HIV and AIDS, and immunization of children, are too critical for a state to leave totally in the hands of private interest. So who or what is this state that has been entrusted with this responsibility of developing public policy, which ultimately impinges on every facet of citizens lives. This state, a subset of the wider political system, is composed of all the authoritative decision-making bodies of the society that maintains law and order while extracting and utilizing revenue, to provide services ncluding health ). Thus, based on the scarcity ot state resources, governments have no choice but to ration goods and services, even values, to varying and competing interest groups. This however, highlights the major flaw of the system model, in that it adopts the position that the state is impartial, and will distribute resources according to need rather than to the clout of interest groups. For one to fully understand the processes of policy making, one must examine it through the lens of policy theories. As macro theories place heavy emphasis on power in political ystems, which its effects are more systemic in nature than micro theories. While the more obvious internal political structure of a nation can facilitate or hinder participation in the policy making process, exogenous factors are a major yet less discernible factor. Therefore, it is dependent on the particular aspect of control that policy health actors are faced with, will direct the type of policy development processes undertaken. If the policy is within the control of Health, involves input to cross portfolio policy development, or involves input to intergovernmental policy evelopment. Amongst the many structures used to describe the policy processes Walt (1994) describes the most commonly used framework as a four step continuous cycle that moves through (1) problem identification and issue recognition/definition, (2) Policy formulation with clarification of policy issues and preferred options, (3) policy implementation (4) policy evaluation and review. Consultation occurs throughout this cycle. This was expanded upon in the NSW Health Department State Health Publication (1998) to include; a release of formal discussion paper and the evelopment of final policy paper, as two separate activities coming after policy formation. These two additional steps have become necessary, as the intended policy must be available to the general public and special interest groups, to illicit their views before it is adopted and sent before cabinet for approval. NSW Health Department State Health Publication (1998) provided twelve guidelines that will further assist in the rational process of a sound policy development process and promote the production of effective and high quality policy documents. These ecommendations places emphasis on the need to have prompt Justification about the reason for the policy, unambiguity as to who holds power over the final document to initiate the policy development process, and selecting appropriate person(s) and resources to undertake the process effectively within the required timeframe. There must also be consistency between micro and macro policies of the Government. NSW Health Department State Health Publication (1998) also urges that not only there should be timely participation of affected government stakeholders, there should be he lively discussion with Health Services and other key external stakeholders. Another area where Trinidad and Tobago can benefit greatly from is the recommendation that adequate testing be given for relevant options before implementation. Head (2008) would argue that for a truly rational approach to health policy making to occur, it must be centered on Evidence-based policy (EBP) making. This concept of EBP sits squarely in the Rational or Synoptic model, and reflects more of an aspiration that a state should acquire, rather than an accomplished outcome hat could be examined. The only way decision makers can realistically and comfortably make sensible selections would be through adopting EBP as a measure to guarantee dependability ot intormation regarding the efficiency and ettectiveness of adopting a particular course of action over other possible alternatives. It was under Prime Minister Blair, the then British Government saw the need for a more rational approach to policy making. They encouraged employing EBP as key trait in the new strategy to develop a logical method to policy development that will bring ncreased policy capability (UK Cabinet Office, 1999a cited in Head, 2008 p. 15). In Australia, Prime Minister Rudd (2008 cited in Head, 2008 p. 15-16) understood for there to be successful governance, decisions must hinge on ESP. In his 2008 address to the Heads of Agencies and Members of Senior Executive Service, he stated The Government will not adopt overseas models uncritically. Were interested in facts, not fads. Australian policy development should be informed by the best of overseas experience and analysis. Other measures include identification and resolution of inancial and staffing implications of policy. Consideration and response to consultation, communication, industrial and implementation issues. Provide for effective implementation and evaluation with performance targets, planning requirements and accountability arrangements identified. Effective use of Cabinet, Budgetary and Legislative processes of Government where required. Having reviewed these many components, hindrances, and best practices of rational policy making, tackling the fundamental question of the reality for there to be a rational approach to health policy-making? And is evident in Trinidad and Tobago, the answer will have to be no. This has become clear as in many instances the required processes that need to be undertaken are not always available to the policy makers. Issues with fully adopting a rational approach begin to surface almost immediately. From simply identifying what exactly the health system is faced with, to defining goals to address those problems, a plethora of impediments already exists to derail the intended logical policy process. Making rational decisions are also constrained by the decisions made by past administrations. This can be seen with the previous administration in Trinidad and Tobago, with the introduction of the CDAP. With such a program providing free prescription drugs for chronic diseases, often benefiting lower income groups, it would have been almost impossible for the new administration to reverse it, even after making negative statements towards such a program while in opposition.

Witness for the Prosecution

Witness for the Prosecution Nancy HallMs. FieldsEng. 091 (9:25am-10:40am)September 24, 2014"Witness for the Prosecution'The movie 'Witness for the Prosecution is based on a play, written by Agatha Christie (1891-1976). Both are a good read/watch that will keep you guessing what's going to happen next. Who killed Emily French? A wealthy middle aged woman. But there's many differences in the two!Sir Wilfrid Robarts is a stubborn man in both play and movie. Whereas in the movie he's on his way home, with his nurse Miss Plimsoll. Recovering from a heart attack, Sir Wilfrid is asked to defend Leonard Stephen Vole. The prime suspect in the murder case of Emily French. Leonard is a charming man, having his way with women. Only problem is he's a married man but Emily doesn't know that. She falls for him, making a new well leaving 80,000 pounds to him, in her death.Cropped screenshot of Tyrone Power from the traile...He is arrested and charged with the murder of Emily. Swearing his innocence. And that his wife would tes tify on his behalf. And clear him in both play and movie.Right when you think Leonard is innocent, Sir Wilford interviews Christine, a German lady, which seems to want Leonard to stay in jail for the murder in the movie. In the play she doesn't care and seems to be telling the truth but confused. In the movie she dresses like another woman to give evidence to save her husband and that she really loves him.Only to find out in the end that everything you thought you knew was wrong. He isn't innocent like I thought, Christine isn't guilty! Leonard's girlfriend comes in and he pretty much laughs in everyone's face. Leonard is the killer and Christine (heartbroken), grabs a knife and kills Leonard.

How to Find a Good Job For Yourself When You Have Anxiety

How to Find a Good Job For Yourself When You Have Anxiety Finding the right career path for yourself is a daunting process under any circumstances. If you suffer from anxiety or similar challenges in your everyday life, career choices can seem downright overwhelming sometimes. Everyone faces situational anxiety occasionally, but clinical anxiety (disorders that include social anxiety, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and phobias) has the potential make professional life more difficult. The good news is that your career is something you can take control of, regardless of a diagnosis- and sometimes making the right decision comes down to being flexible, and honest about what works best for yourself.That means that not every career is created equal. If you’re prone to anxiety, you likely don’t want to add too many potential stress triggers. After all, if your job is making you miserable day in and day out, that’s not a healthy professional arc for anyone. The key to balancing you r career with your anxiety (whether it’s general or social) is finding that sweet spot of doing something that you’re good at doing, and that makes you feel comfortable.Some tips for juggling your anxiety and your professional life.Be realistic about your strengths and limitations. For example, if you have social anxiety, a job working with directly with the public could make you totally miserable for 40 hours a week. Knowing up front what triggers or aggravates your particular brand of anxiety can help you figure out potential danger zones at work, and make choices accordingly.Be flexible. Let’s say you always thought you wanted to be an astronaut, but when you get further along the path, you realize that the stresses and claustrophobia of being in a spacecraft are giving you panic attacks and making you dread whatever comes next. Just because you always thought you should be an astronaut, or you’ve already gone through training, doesn’t mean you have to stay on that exact path. Be open to similar jobs that might not be exactly what you envision doing, but also don’t have the same obligations and stresses. NASA also needs people working in logistics, planning, math, all sorts of other departments. Don’t get locked into a specific idea of what you should be doing.Make your workday work for you. Don’t be afraid to look for accommodations that can be made to minimize anxiety-inducing factors. If constant multitasking and getting pinged all day with email requests spikes your anxiety, try to set up your day in blocks that can be set aside for specific tasks. Find ways to help curve the overwhelm before it happens.Be honest, but not TOO forthcoming. If you have an anxiety disorder, it’s not a good idea to put this in your cover letter or resume, or mention it in an interview. It’s actually illegal for potential employers to ask you about a disability or medical condition, so you don’t wan t to open that can of worms yourself. Instead, focus on the positive: the skills and processes you’ve developed to handle previous jobs, or ways of doing things that have worked best for you in your professional life. For example, if you’re asked about how you handle your daily workload, you don’t have to explain that you prefer emails over phone calls or stand-up meetings because you have social anxiety. You can just note that you’ve found it to be a more efficient and productive option in managing your day-to-day. Focus on the coping mechanisms that make you a better employee all around, not just a better employee with anxiety issues.Look for unorthodox or more flexible work arrangements. If you have severe social anxiety or OCD that makes going in public difficult, think about jobs that let you telecommute or work directly from home, or may be otherwise flexible about the more traditional â€Å"9 to 5 in the office† template.Remember that youâ⠂¬â„¢re an individual, with important strengths and skills. Everyone has Life Stuff that can interfere with everyday work life. Maybe yours just happens to be an anxiety disorder. Whatever your Life Stuff is, never forget that it’s just part of you, and that you bring plenty of skills and qualifications to the table that are not defined by your Life Stuff. Embracing it as part of who you are can help you develop a more fulfilling career for yourself.So if you do have anxiety, what are some jobs and fields that might work well with your anxiety, rather than against it?Medical Laboratory TechnologistHealthcare careers are absolutely booming right now, especially ones that deal in cutting-edge technology. Medical lab technologists collect samples from patients (blood, other body fluids, tissue, and other body substances) to help make a diagnosis or determine treatment. This job typically requires a bachelor’s degree in the sciences, and may require additional licensing or certification, depending on the state. The median salary for medical laboratory technologists is $50,550, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Why is it good for anxiety? If you suffer from social anxiety and do better in an environment with limited interaction with others, a lab can be an ideal setting. Working in healthcare can also help provide concrete goals that let you concentrate on the patient or test at hand, and tune out other anxieties.Veterinary TechnicianVeterinary technicians (or vet techs) provide day-to-day medical care for animal patients, working with veterinarians to diagnose and treat conditions and injuries in animals. To become a veterinary technician, you’ll need at least an associate’s degree in the field, and likely state licensing/certification as well. The median salary for veterinary technicians is $31,800, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Why is it good for anxiety? If the idea of working with humans stresses you out, animals can be a good alternative. You’ll always have human coworkers (unless you’re Dr. Doolittle), but being able to focus on the animals and their care may help alleviate some stress and anxiety for you.Elementary School TeacherElementary school teachers are on the front lines of educating our youth. These teachers are typically responsible for teaching general topics to kids (English/reading, math, science, and social studies), or may specialize in particular subjects or disciplines (physical education, art, music, school library, etc.). Teachers have bachelor’s degrees in education, and often a master’s as well (though many teachers complete their master’s degree after they start teaching). The median salary for elementary school teachers is $54,550, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Why is it good for anxiety? To some, the idea of standing in front of a classroom full of expectant young faces, ready to learn, can be terrifying. But hear me out- wo rking with kids may be less intimidating than working with adults, and having the structured goals of curriculum and classroom schedules can help with anxieties.Fitness InstructorFitness instructors work with classes or individuals to develop and maintain physical fitness. They can be trainers who work one-on-one with clients, or teachers who lead classes at gyms, spas, fitness centers, etc. There is no specific education requirement to become a fitness instructor or trainer, but many states do require that instructors and trainers become licensed or certified in the areas they want to teach. . The median salary for fitness instructors is $31,160, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Why is it good for anxiety? Many people find that working out, eating right, and performing advanced self-care helps with anxiety. If that works well for you personally, why not have it work for you professionally too? A career as a fitness instructor can help you channel your personal challenges and anxieties into helping others achieve results as well. This also has the benefit of being a very flexible job, letting you set up class schedules and appointments based on what works for you (full-time or part-time), and specializing in particular area of fitness expertise. If Extreme Bootcamp Monster Fitness isn’t your thing, teaching early morning yoga classes might be more your speed. It’s a field that can be tailored to your personal strengths and talents.Additionally, it is not a field with a lot of distractions. If multitasking is your biggest trigger, teaching fitness lets you focus literally on what your body (or your clients’ bodies) are doing at this moment in time.Landscape DesignerLandscape designers are responsible for planning and designing outdoor spaces like yards, gardens, lawns, and other outdoor spaces. Landscape designers typically complete a bachelor’s degree, plus an internship or residency program. The median salary for landscape d esigners is $63,810, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Why is it good for anxiety? Plants are known soothers, and like working with animals, it is kind of a built-in stress reliever. For people who have OCD or similar disorders, it can also be a way to focus on planning and details productively.If you have an anxiety disorder, you don’t have to suck it up and spend your career reacting to stressors. You have the power to choose a career path that works for you- and whether that’s in a field you’ve always wanted to go into, or an industry you hadn’t really considered before, you have the ability to make it work for you. Good luck!

Asian Management - Management in India Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Asian Management - Management in India - Essay Example Indian economy during 1950 to 1980 was highly dominated by the agriculture sector and the five year plan. Some of the acts which were introduced during this period were Industrial Policy Resolution 1956 also called as the unleashing of ‘license raj’, Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Act (MRTP) and Import substitution. (PBS, 2004) Bureaucratic control of private sector through licenses, permits, taxes and tariff infuriated quality global competitiveness and managerial imagination. This high level restriction, poor quality of infrastructure along with high level of corruption caused to migration of entrepreneurs from India. Family conglomeration was seen in the Indian corporate sector led by names like Birla, Reliance, Tata, Bajaj, Mahindra, Godrej and Thapar. Rajiv Gandhi emphasizes economic liberalization and pushes for development of the technology sector. The government introduces economic reforms, including reduced quantitative restrictions on imports, decreased subsidies, fewer licensing requirements, the sale of shares in select public enterprises, and tax reforms.(Source: Veen R.V., 2006) During this period of liberalization comprehensive changes were seen in the mindset of corporate leaders. India became the host for the global firms which brought world class management in the country. Indian education system improved and India produced half a million of engineers, thousands of doctor and MBAs per year. Indian entrepreneurs who were used to the art of manipulating, managing and circumventing the regime of controls and restrictions and the power centre of licensing, would be able to break away from the past and rise to the occasion of liberalization. The country stepped into liberalization. The government sold off shares in its companies and opens the door to foreign investment. Liberalization brought GDP growth to 7 percent, and pushed the inflation down. A new private sector emerged, especially in technology services, side by side

Information security management framework Research Paper

Information security management framework - Research Paper Example Frameworks are based on existing standards that have been accepted as well as guidelines and sets of practices that reflect the conduct of an initial community of organizations that perform highly(HrÃŒÅ'ebiÃŒ cÃŒÅ'ek, Schimak&Denzer, 2011). Governments along with business organizations have an ability to implement frameworks with the practices they prefer or are supposed to use for their market sectors and the entire country. Some of the benefits of possessing frameworks for information security management include the fact that they create a secure and well-arranged working environment while at the same time protecting information and information assets. Having frameworks for information security management also assists in the reduction of internal and external breaches in security, creating confidence among the employees and customers when dealing with the operations of the business and integrating recovery from disasters in order to ensure continuity of the business(Gantz&Philpott, 2013). Further benefits include prevention of information security incidences from taking place and detection of incidences from occurring. In the event that incidences take place, the frameworks for information security management are able to measure the impact of the incidences and respond to them in order to minimize the resulting damage. Additionally, they are able to embed continuous improvement in processes associated with information security while complying with rules and regulations. Information security frameworks are a sequence of standard procedures that are employed in defining policies and processes associated with the execution and continuous running of information security controls in an venture setting. The frameworks are essentially a plan for the creation of an information security plan with the aim of managing risks and reducing any vulnerability. Professionals in information security can employ

Capital Punishment Essay - The Death Penalty :: Argumentative Persuasive Essays

The Death Penalty The death penalty is a very controversial issue. Many people have different opinions about how a criminal should be disciplined. Over 80% of Americans favor the death penalty. Presently, thirty-eight states have the death penalty, but is the concept of "a life for a life" the best way to castigate a criminal? Of the thirteen states that do not have the death penalty, is crime more likely to occur there than in states that have the death penalty? (The Economist, April 1, 1995, p. 19) Have there been criminals wrongfully convicted and sentenced to death row? Does the death penalty really scare criminals off and make them think twice about committing a crime? Is the death penalty fair to everyone, even the minorities and the poor? How does mental illness and retardation come into play? When a person is sentenced to death by lethal injection in New Jersey, the provisions of N.J.S. 2C: 11-3 say that the "punishment shall be imposed by continuous, intravenous administration until the person is dead of a lethal quantity of an ultrashot acting barbiturate in combination with a chemical paralytic agent in a quantity sufficient to cause death." Prior to the lethal injection, the person shall be sedated by a licensed physician, registered nurse, or other qualified personnel, by either oral tablet or capsule or an intramuscular injection of a narcotic or barbiturate such as morphine, cocaine, or demerol. In the provisions of the N.J.S. 2C: 49-3, it says that the Commissioner of the Department of Corrections determines the substances and procedure to be used in execution. The Commissioner shall also designate persons who are qualified to administer injections and who are familiar with medical procedures, other than licensed physicians. Also, persons conducting the execution must be unknown to the person being executed. Under the N.J.S. 2C: 49-7, only certain people are allowed to be present at the execution. They include: the Commissioner, execution technicians, two licensed physicians, six adult citizens, no more than two clergymen not related to the person, two representatives from major news wire services, two television representatives, two newspaper representatives, and two radio representatives. No one related either by blood or by marriage to the person being executed or to the victim is permitted to be present during the execution. (New Jersey Statutes Annotated: Title 2C Code of Criminal Justice: 2C: 37 to 2C: End) There are two very important Supreme Court cases dealing with capital punishment. In 1972, in the case of Furman vs. Georgia, the Supreme Court ruled that under then existing laws, "the imposition and carrying out of the death

Bloodlines Chapter Fifteen

ADRIAN SLEPT for a lot of the way back to Palm Springs. Apparently, his late-night partying with Carla and Krissy had resulted in very little rest. Thinking about it made me uncomfortable. Thinking about Jill experiencing it through him made me ill. There'd been little we could do for Carla and Krissy except offer our sympathies. Strigoi attacks happened. It was tragic and terrible, but the only way most Moroi could protect themselves was to exercise caution, keep their whereabouts secure, and stay with guardians if possible. For non-royal Moroi living and going to school in the world like Carla and Krissy were, guardians weren't an option. Plenty of Moroi got by like that; they just had to be careful. The two of them thought the circumstances surrounding their friend's death were awful. That was true. They were. But neither girl thought much past that or felt there was anything odd about the throat-slitting. I wouldn't have either if I hadn't heard Clarence's account of his niece's death. I brought Adrian back to Amberwood with me and signed him in briefly as a guest, figuring Jill would feel better about seeing him in the flesh. Sure enough, she was already waiting for us in the dorm when we arrived. She hugged him and flashed me a grateful look. Eddie was with her, and though he said nothing, there was a look of exasperation on his face that said I wasn't the only one who thought Adrian had behaved ridiculously. â€Å"I was so worried,† Jill said. Adrian ruffled her hair, which made her duck away. â€Å"Nothing to worry about, Jailbait. So long as the wrinkles come out of this shirt, there's no harm done.† No harm done, I thought, feeling anger kindle within me. No harm except Jill has to watch Adrian hook up with other girls and endure his drinking binges. It didn't matter if Lee had supplanted her old crush on Adrian. She was just too young to witness anything like that. Adrian had been selfish. â€Å"Now,† Adrian continued, â€Å"if Sage would be kind enough to keep playing chauffeur, I'll take us all out to lunch.† â€Å"I thought you didn't have any money,† I pointed out. â€Å"I said I don't have very much money.† Jill and Eddie exchanged looks. â€Å"We, um, were going to meet Micah for lunch,† Jill said. â€Å"Bring him along,† said Adrian. â€Å"He can meet the family.† Micah showed up shortly thereafter and was happy to meet our other â€Å"brother.† He shook Adrian's hand and smiled. â€Å"Now I see some family resemblance. I was starting to wonder if Jill was adopted, but you two kind of look like each other.† â€Å"So does our mailman back in North Dakota,† said Adrian. â€Å"South,† I corrected. Fortunately, Micah didn't seem to think there was anything weird about the slip. â€Å"Right,† said Adrian. He studied Micah thoughtfully. â€Å"There's something familiar about you. Have we met?† Micah shook his head. â€Å"I've never been to South Dakota.† I was pretty sure I heard Adrian murmur, â€Å"That makes two of us.† â€Å"We should go,† said Eddie hastily, moving toward our dorm's door. â€Å"I've got some homework to catch up on later.† I frowned, puzzled by the attitude change. Eddie wasn't a bad student by any means, but it had been obvious to me since coming to Amberwood that he didn't take the same interest in the school that I did. This was a repeated year for him, and he was content to just play along and only do what was necessary to stay in good standing. If anyone else thought his behavior was odd, they didn't show it. Micah was already talking to Jill about something, and Adrian still looked like he was trying to place Micah. Adrian's generous offer to buy lunch only extended to fast food, so our meal was quick. After a week of dorm food, though, I appreciated the change, and Adrian had long since made his views clear on Dorothy's â€Å"healthy† cooking. â€Å"You should've just gotten a kids' meal,† Adrian told me, pointing to my half-eaten burger and fries. â€Å"You could have saved me a lot of money. And gotten a toy.† ‘†A lot' is kind of an exaggeration,† I said. â€Å"Besides, now you have leftovers to help get you by.† He rolled his eyes and stole a fry off my plate. â€Å"You're the one who should take the leftovers home. How do you even function on so little food?† he demanded. â€Å"One of these days, you're just going to blow away.† â€Å"Stop it,† I said. â€Å"Just telling it like it is,† he said with a shrug. â€Å"You could stand to gain about ten pounds.† I stared at him incredulously, too shocked to even come up with a response. What did a Moroi know about weight gain? They had perfect figures. They didn't know what it was like to look in the mirror and see inadequacy, to never feel good enough. It was effortless for them, whereas no matter how hard I worked, I never seemed to match their inhuman perfection. Adrian's eyes drifted over to where Jill, Eddie, and Micah were animatedly talking about practicing more self-defense together. â€Å"They're kind of cute,† said Adrian in a voice pitched just for my ears. He played with his straw as he studied the group. â€Å"Maybe Castile was on to something about letting her date at the school.† â€Å"Adrian,† I groaned. â€Å"Kidding,† he said. â€Å"Lee would probably challenge him to a duel. He couldn't stop talking about her, you know. When we got back from mini-golfing, Lee just kept going on with, ‘When can we all go out again?' And yet, he dropped off the face of the earth when he was in LA and I needed him.† â€Å"Had you made plans to meet up?† I asked. â€Å"Had he agreed to take you home?† â€Å"No,† Adrian admitted. â€Å"But what else was he really doing?† Just then, a gray-haired man passed by, bumping into Jill's chair as he balanced a tray of burgers and sodas. Nothing spilled, but Eddie jumped to his feet with lightning speed, ready to fly across the table and defend her. The man backed up and mumbled an apology. Adrian shook his head in amazement. â€Å"Just send him as a chaperone with whoever she goes out with, and we'll never have to worry.† Knowing what I knew now about Adrian and Jill's bond, I was able to regard Eddie's protectiveness in a different light. Oh, sure, I knew his guardian training had instilled that nature into him, but there always seemed to be something a little stronger there. Something almost†¦ personal. At first, I'd wondered if maybe it was because Jill was just part of his larger circle of friends, like Rose. Now, I kept thinking it might go further than that. Jill had said Eddie had been the only one to try to protect her the night of the attack. He'd failed, most likely through timing and not because of a lack of skill. But what kind of mark must that have left on him? He was someone whose sole purpose in life was to defend others – and he'd had to watch someone die on his watch. Now that Adrian had brought her back to life, was it almost like a second chance for Eddie? An opportunity to redeem himself? Maybe that's why he was so vigilant. â€Å"You look confused,† said Adrian. I shook my head and sighed. â€Å"I think I'm just overthinking things.† He nodded solemnly. â€Å"That's why I try to never do it.† An earlier question popped into my head. â€Å"Hey, how come you told those girls your name was Jet?† â€Å"Standard practice if you don't want chicks to find you later, Sage. Besides, I figured I was protecting our operation here.† â€Å"Yeah, but why Jet? Why not†¦ I don't know†¦ Travis or John?† Adrian gave me a look that said I was wasting his time. â€Å"Because Jet sounds badass.† After lunch, we returned Adrian to Clarence's, and the rest of us went back to Amberwood. Jill and Micah went off to do their own thing, and I convinced Eddie to go to the library with me. There, we staked out a table, and I brought out my laptop. â€Å"So, we found out something interesting when I picked up Adrian today,† I told Eddie, keeping my voice library soft. Eddie gave me a wry look. â€Å"I'm guessing the whole experience of picking up Adrian was interesting – at least from what Jill told me.† â€Å"It could've been worse,† I speculated. â€Å"At least he was dressed when I got there. And there were only two other Moroi there. I didn't stumble into a sorority house full of them or anything.† That made him laugh. â€Å"You might have had a harder time getting Adrian out of there if that was the case.† My laptop screen flared to life, and I began the complicated process of logging into the Alchemists' mega-secure database. â€Å"Well, as we were leaving, the girls he was with found out that a friend of theirs was killed by Strigoi the other night.† All humor vanished from Eddie's face. His eyes went hard. â€Å"Where?† â€Å"In LA, not here,† I added. I should've known better than to open up the conversation like that without clearly stating beforehand that he didn't need to be on the lookout for Strigoi on campus. â€Å"As far as we know, everyone's right – Strigoi don't want to hang out in Palm Springs.† Eddie became about one percent less tense. â€Å"Here's the thing,† I continued. â€Å"This Moroi girl – this friend of theirs – was allegedly killed like Clarence's niece.† Eddie's eyebrows rose. â€Å"With the slit throat?† I nodded. â€Å"That's weird. Are you sure that's what happened – to either of them? I mean, we're just going off of Clarence's report, right?† Eddie drummed a pencil against the table as he pondered this. â€Å"Clarence is nice enough, but come on. We all know he's not quite there.† â€Å"That's why I brought you here. And why I wanted to check this database. We keep track of most Strigoi-related deaths.† Eddie peered over my shoulder as I brought up an entry on Tamara Donahue from five years ago. Sure enough, she'd been found with a cut throat. Another search on Melody Croft – Krissy and Carla's friend – also turned up a report from last night. My people had been on the scene and quick to log the information. Melody too had had her throat slit. There had been other reported Strigoi murders in LA – it was a big city, after all – but only two matched this profile. â€Å"Are you still thinking about what Clarence said – about vampire hunters?† Eddie asked me. â€Å"I don't know. I just thought it was worth checking these out.† â€Å"Guardians weighed in on both of these cases,† said Eddie, pointing at the screen. â€Å"They also declared them Strigoi attacks – there was blood taken from both girls. That's what a Strigoi does. I don't know what a vampire hunter does, but I just don't see drinking blood as part of their goal.† â€Å"I wouldn't think so either. But neither of these girls was drained.† â€Å"Strigoi don't always finish drinking from their victims. Especially if they're interrupted. This girl Melody was killed near a club, right? I mean, if her killer heard someone coming, they'd just take off.† â€Å"I suppose. But what about the throat-slitting?† Eddie shrugged. â€Å"We have tons of accounts of Strigoi doing crazy things. Just look at Keith and his eye. They're evil. You can't apply logic to them.† â€Å"Um, let's leave his eye out of this.† Keith wasn't a case I wanted brought up. I sat back in my chair and sighed. â€Å"There's just something bugging me about all the killings. The half-drinking. The throat-slitting. They're both strange things happening together. And I don't like strange things.† â€Å"Then you're in the wrong profession,† said Eddie, his smile returning. I smiled back, my mind still turning everything over. â€Å"I suppose so.† When I didn't say anything else, he gave me a surprised look. â€Å"You're not actually†¦ you don't think there are vampire hunters, do you?† â€Å"No, not really. We have no evidence to think they exist.† â€Å"But†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Eddie prompted. â€Å"But,† I said. â€Å"Doesn't the idea freak you out a little? I mean, right now, you know who to look out for. Other Moroi. Strigoi. They stand out. But a human vampire hunter?† I gestured to the students gathered and working in the library. â€Å"You wouldn't know who's a threat.† Eddie shook his head. â€Å"It's pretty easy, actually. I just treat everyone as a threat.† I couldn't decide if that made me feel better or not. When I returned to my dorm later, Mrs. Weathers flagged me down. â€Å"Ms. Terwilliger dropped something off for you.† â€Å"She brought me something?† I asked in surprise. â€Å"It's not money, is it?† So far, none of my coffee purchases had been reimbursed. By way of answer, Mrs. Weathers handed over a leather-covered book. At first, I thought it was the one I'd just finished. Then I looked more closely at the cover and read Volume 2. A yellow sticky note attached to the book had Ms. Terwilliger's spidery writing on it: Next. I sighed and thanked Mrs. Weathers. I'd do any task my teacher asked of me, but I was kind of hoping she'd assign me a book that was more of a historical account than recipes for spells. As I was walking down my hall, I heard a few exclamations of alarm from the far end. I could see an open door and a few people huddled around it. Hurrying past my own room, I went to see what the problem was. It was Julia and Kristin's room. Although I wasn't sure I really had the right, I pushed my way past some of the frightened onlookers. No one stopped me. I found Kristin lying on her bed, twitching violently. She was sweating profusely, and her pupils were so large, there was hardly any discernible iris. Julia sat near her on the bed, as did a couple girls I didn't know so well. She looked up at my approach, her face filled with fear. â€Å"Kristin?† I cried. â€Å"Kristin, are you okay?† When no response came, I turned to the others. â€Å"What's the matter with her?† Julia anxiously refolded a wet cloth and placed it on Kristin's forehead. â€Å"We don't know. She's been like this since this morning.† I stared incredulously. â€Å"Then she needs to see a doctor! We need to call someone now. I'll get Mrs. Weathers – â€Å" â€Å"No!† Julia jumped up and caught hold of my arm. â€Å"You can't. The reason she's like this†¦ well, we think it's because of the tattoo.† â€Å"Tattoo?† One of the other girls caught hold of Kristin's wrist and turned it so that I could see the inside. There, tattooed in glittering coppery ink on her dusky skin, was a daisy. I remembered Kristin pining for a celestial tattoo, but last I knew, she couldn't afford it. â€Å"When did she get this?† â€Å"Earlier today,† said Julia. She looked abashed. â€Å"I lent her the money.† I stared at that sparkling flower, so pretty and seemingly harmless. I had no doubt it was what was causing this fit. Whatever was mixed with the ink to provide the high wasn't reacting correctly with her system. â€Å"She needs a doctor,† I said firmly. â€Å"You can't. We'll have to tell them about the tattoos,† said the girl who had been holding Kristin's hand. â€Å"No one believed Trey, but if they saw something like this†¦ well, everything at Nevermore could be shut down.† Good! I thought. But to my astonishment, her words were met with nods from the other gathered girls. Were they crazy? How many of them had those ridiculous tattoos? And was protecting them really more important than Kristin's life? Julia swallowed and sat back down on the edge of the bed. â€Å"We were hoping this might pass. Maybe she needs a little time to adjust.† Kristin moaned. One of her legs trembled like it was having a muscle spasm and then stilled. Her eyes and their large pupils stared off blankly, and her breathing was shallow. â€Å"She's had all day!† I pointed out. â€Å"You guys, she could die.† â€Å"How do you know?† asked Julia in astonishment. I didn't, not for sure. But every once in a while, Alchemist tattoos didn't take either. In ninety-nine percent of the cases, human bodies accepted the vampire blood used in an Alchemist tattoo, allowing its properties to infuse with our own, kind of like a low-grade dhampir. We gained good stamina and long life, though hardly got the amazing physical abilities dhampirs received. The blood was too diluted for that. Even so, there was always the occasional person who got sick from an Alchemist tattoo. The blood poisoned them. It was made worse because the gold and other chemicals worked to keep the blood infused in the skin, so it never had a chance to leave. Those left untreated died. Vampire blood wouldn't cause a euphoric high, so I didn't believe there was any in this tattoo. But the treatment we used for Alchemist tattoos relied on breaking down the metallic components of the tattoo in order to release the blood, allowing the body then to clear it naturally. I had to assume the same principle would work here. Only, I didn't know the exact formula for the Alchemist compound and wasn't even sure it would break down copper like it did gold. I bit my lip, thinking, and finally made a decision. â€Å"I'll be right back,† I told them, racing to my room. All the while, an inner voice chastised me for foolishness. I had no business attempting what I was about to. I should go straight to Mrs. Weathers. Instead, I opened my room door and found Jill with her laptop. â€Å"Hey, Sydney,† she said, smiling. â€Å"I'm IM-ing with Lee and – † She did a double take. â€Å"What's wrong?† I turned on my own laptop and set it on the bed. While it booted up, I reached for a small metal suitcase I'd carefully packed but never expected to use. â€Å"Can you go get me some water? Quickly?† Jill hesitated only a moment before nodding. â€Å"Be right back,† she said, jumping off her bed. While she was gone, I unlocked the case with a key I always kept on me. Inside it were small amounts of dozens of Alchemist compounds, the kinds of substances we mixed together and used as part of our jobs. Some ingredients – like the ones I used to dissolve Strigoi bodies – I had lots of. Others, I had only a sampling of. My laptop finished booting up, and I logged onto the Alchemist database. A few searches and I soon had the formula for antitattoo treatment pulled up. Jill returned then, carrying a cup brimming with water. â€Å"Is this enough? If we were in any other climate, I could've pulled it straight from the air.† â€Å"It's fine,† I said, glad the climate had kept her from magic. I scanned the formula, analyzing which ingredients did what. I mentally deleted the ones I was certain were specific to gold. A couple I didn't even have, but I was pretty sure they were simply for skin comfort and weren't requisite. I began pulling out ingredients from my kit, carefully measuring them – though still moving as quickly as possible – into another cup. I made substitutions where necessary and added an ingredient I was certain would break down copper, though the amount required was only a guess on my part. When I finished, I took the water from Jill and added the same amount that was in the original instructions. The final result was a liquid that reminded me of iodine. I lifted it up and felt a little like a mad scientist. Jill had watched me without comment the entire time, sensing the urgency. Her face was filled with concern, but she was biting back all the questions I knew she had. She followed me when I left the room and headed back to Kristin's. More girls were there than before, and it was honestly a wonder Mrs. Weathers didn't just hear the racket. For a group so intent on protecting their precious tattoos, they weren't being particularly covert. I returned to Kristin's bedside, finding her unchanged. â€Å"Expose her wrist again, and hold her arm as still as possible for me.† I didn't direct the command to anyone but put enough force into it that I felt certain someone would obey. I was right. â€Å"If this doesn't work, we get a doctor.† My voice left no room for argument. Julia looked paler than Jill but gave a weak a nod of acceptance. I took the washcloth she'd been using and dipped it into my cup. I'd never actually seen this done and had to guess about how to apply it. I made a silent prayer and then pressed the washcloth against the tattoo on Kristin's wrist. She let out a strangled cry, and her whole body bucked up. A couple nearby girls instinctively helped hold her down. Tendrils of smoke curled up from where I was holding the washcloth against her, and I smelled a sharp, acrid odor. Waiting what I hoped was an acceptable amount of time, I finally removed the washcloth. The pretty little daisy was mutating before our eyes. Its clean lines began to run and blur. The coppery color began to shift, darkening into a bluish green. Before long, the design was unrecognizable. It was an amorphous blob. Around it, red welts appeared on her skin, though they seemed to be more of a superficial irritation than anything dire. Still, the whole thing looked terrible, and I stared in horror. What had I done? Everyone else was silent, no one knowing what to do. A couple minutes passed, but they felt like hours. Abruptly, Kristin stopped twitching. Her breathing still seemed labored, but she blinked, her eyes focusing as though suddenly seeing the world for the first time. Her pupils were still huge, but she managed to look around and at last focus on me. â€Å"Sydney,† gasped out Kristin. â€Å"Thank you.†