Dr. Stable nodded. He took a deep breath and focused on the task at hoof. He glanced back down at the gem, then back at her ruined hand. He felt his mind clearing; all the doubts and concerns he had faded in the face of an injured patient. She was not an alien; she was a poor injured foal, crying in pain . . . as he exhaled his focus drifted back to the moment he'd felt the warm glow of his cutie mark appearing, the moment he felt his destiny calling.