Mixed Emotions
Disclaimer: I do not own the Rat Patrol. Neither do I profit from writing.
Author's Note: Please remember that The Rat Patrol was not known for being very historically accurate. In my stories my aim is to be accurate to the series, not history. I very much love history, but I think that being too accurate will take too much away from the series.
The Rats were on their way back to the base when they spotted a figure lying in the sand. ''Hey, Sarge'' Hitch yelled, ''It's Dietrich.'' They pulled up to where the still body lay. Moffitt and Troy jumped out of the Jeep and ran to Dietrich.
''How is he?'' asked Troy.
''He's suffering from heat stroke and there is some shrapnel near his heart,'' came the reply, ''I don't know what else.''
''Can he be moved?''
''I wouldn't risk it,'' replied Moffitt.
''What are we going to do with him?'' asked Tully.
''We can't just leave him here,'' said Hitch.
Troy nodded, ''Moffitt, Tully, stay with Dietrich. Hitch and I will go back to the base and find a doctor.''
Back at the base, Hitch and Troy went to find Captain Boggs.
''Sergeants, where are the rest of you?''
Troy shifted uncomfortably. ''Well, you see, sir...''
Hitch butted in,'' We found Captain Dietrich lying in the sand. He's unconscious and has some shrapnel wounds.''
Troy glared at Hitch and continued,'' We can't move him, sir. Can you spare a doctor?''
Captain Boggs shook his head. ''All our doctors are stretched to the max.''
Troy sighed, "A medic?''
''Afraid not.'' He lit up, ''I have an idea. One or our new nurses arrived today. It said in her file she had been studying to be a doctor before the war. You'll have to see if she's not too tired, I haven't even seen her yet. I'll ask for her to come here.'' He turned to his aide, ''Jenkins, see if Miss Stone is available.''
"Yes, sir.'' The aide turned to leave. Moments later he returned.
"Well?'' asked Troy.
''The lady will be here soon." Almost immediately, a woman entered. She was quite beautiful in an unconventional way. Her black hair was pulled into a tight French twist. The nurse's uniform complimented her olive skin very well.
''Yes, Captain?''
"Miss Stone, these gentlemen would like to know if you would come with them to attend to a wounded man. I know you must be quite tired..."
Miss Stone cut in with a gentle smile, "Of course I will come. That is why I am here.''
Troy nodded, ''Thank you, ma'am.''
"I will need to get some things,'' she said, ''Then I will be right there.'' Soon she appeared in front of them dressed in a pair of pants and a shot-sleeved tan shirt. She laughed at the looks the men gave her. ''How can I operate if I am not comfortable?''
Hitch grinned, ''It's alright with me, ma'am.''
Miss Stone smiled back at him, "Please, call me Christina.''
"Christina?" Troy asked.
Christina nodded, "My full name is Christina-Marie, but my friends call me Christina.''
"All right, Christina it is. Let's get a move on." Troy helped Christina into the jeep.
"Come on, Hitch."
Soon they left a trail of dust behind them.