Boylan cautiously entered the infirmary, insuring he was alone, after the Phoenix came to the bar bragging how Lucas shot Washington, but pulled his shot and how she was pumping blood all over the concrete pad until Hooper ordered her removed from his sight. He looked around until he found her secluded in the rear, out of sight, with a grim Nurse Ogawa working on her head. "How is she?"
Ogawa jumped, thinking she was alone when she heard the distinctive Australian inflection in the man's voice behind her. She turned and with a fleeting meeting of eyes acknowledged his presence before focusing on her patient again. "If the swelling doesn't expand and I have to do something I've never done before, like drill a hole in her head to relieve pressure and make a drain hole; she'll be fine in a few weeks."
"Just hope Lucas doesn't try and finish his job. I don't want one word of her being here mentioned to anyone. Lucas might think she's dead, as word circulated that he didn't wait around after the shooting, and that's just what we want. Keep her out of sight. I have to get back before I'm missed; remember not a word to anyone." With a warning point of a finger, he was gone leaving the nurse stabilizing the Lieutenant with her limited skill and tools.
Bright lights through closed eyelids was what Washington first became aware of when she finally regained consciousness accompanied with a moan, alerting the nurse her patient regained at least some form of consciousness.
"How many fingers am I holding up, Lieutenant?" Nurse Ogawa held two fingers above Washington's eyes when the supine Lieutenant pried them open.
Wash tried to focus, "Three, maybe four...What happened?" she slurred.
"Short term memory loss is to be expected. What's the last thing you remember?" The nurse tuned the biobed on and made recordings of the Lieutenant's head for Dr. Shannon to examine, when or if she ever returned.
"I was drinking at Boylan's," she moaned at the end of her statement, as vocal cord movement radiated up into her swollen brain, and she gingerly touched her frontal lobe. "What did Boylan slip into my drink?"
Nurse Ogawa proceeded with the grim news that normally a doctor would inform the patient, "Lucas shot you point blank with a pistol. A bullet grazed your skull and the compression blast at point blank range threw your head back and gave you a nasty case of whiplash and a concussion." Ogawa turned the bed's monitor off.
A memory flashed, literally, as she remembered the flash of light, then nothing. "What did I do to piss him off that badly, besides the obvious of being second in command?"
"You helped the Shannon's to escape; don't you remember?"
"No." Washington had no recollection of even talking to them.
Nurse Ogawa ran a cell rejuvenator over the injured part of her face. "This will take a lot of swelling down and most of the bruising away. In a couple days, nobody will hardly notice. I repaired the crease along your skull, but it may leave a scar. Your hair should make it invisible."
Wash lay still, focusing on the ceiling, trying to place events that were jumbled. "How long have I been here?"
"The Phoenix soldiers brought you here two days ago and told me you were going to die and didn't post a guard due to your condition. Tom Boylan has been by a couple of times checking on you. He's very worried."
Wash had earlier memories of Tom watching her back for days, talking quietly to her and trying in his capricious manner to keep her steady, while plying her with alcohol to keep her half drunk and doing something rash. For once, she felt like she should have listened to the unpredictable bartender and wished she could remember what she most likely did to end up with a shot to the head.
She felt a prick. "This is for the pain, but I can't do much for the pressure of the concussion, I'm sorry. I did give you a shot designed to take internal swelling down so it should help a little." Ogawa's shot started working immediately and she relaxed the muscles. "You haven't eaten for who knows how long, I'm making a food run for you. What do you think you can keep down?"
"I don't know, help me sit up." She let the nurse help her to a sitting position and swung her legs over the side of the narrow biobed. A wave of dizziness dimmed the room and she looked through a murky glass, but fought through it, breathing in short gasps until the lights were normal and her head a throbbing reminder not to move swiftly. "Help me to the bathroom and bring whatever the Phoenix will let you have."
Leaning heavily on the nurse, she was relieved to find her still waiting when she exited and accepted the helping shoulder back to bed. Settled, with the head raised and pillow behind her neck, Alicia watched her leave, knowing part of her weakness was from hunger. It had been a good three days since she ate if what Ogawa said was true about how long she'd been in the Infirmary. She closed her eyes, but refused the beckoning sleep attempting to draw her back into oblivion and used her soldier training to remain awake and tried to be alert to her surroundings.
"I went to Boylan and told him you were awake," Ogawa let her know she returned and saw the Lieutenant's eyes fly open. "He's all tied up serving Phoenix soldiers and told me he would try and get by before long. This is all I could find." Ogawa set a tray down and raised the head of the bed so Wash was sitting upright. She sat the tray across her lap, removing the cloth napkin covering the meager fare and flipped it over her chest.
Wash looked at what passed for a meal. "This will be fine, thank you." She picked up a cracker smothered with a spread made from smoked fish and took a bite. Chewing was painful, each clamp of the molars pierced her injury, but she pressed on, bite after small bite.
Suddenly, without making a sound, Mira and Carter pushed the green cloth room divider aside and glared at Nurse Ogawa, not giving their prey the courtesy of acknowledgement.
"Leave us," Mira ordered.
The nurse looked uncertainly to what she considered the leader of the colony, who nodded; so she retreated across the room, keeping her eyes and ears alert.
Mira stood over the bed, hands on her hips. "I heard Lucas got to use you for target practice. I never wished you dead and was quite impressed with the resistance you put up before surrendering the colony. Doing what Lucas and I ordered must have been hard for you; it would have been if positions were reversed. We're leaving today as our job here is done. My advice is, go to the future. This past is history and Taylor lost."
Without missing a bite, Wash swallowed her last morsel and reached for the water beside the bed as if Mira were giving a weather report. Taking a large mouthful, she cleared her throat and replied matter of factually, "So you think you beat Taylor. I wouldn't rule him out so fast."
"Don't leave the clinic or the next shot will come from me, and unlike Lucas, I wasn't taught to shoot by you and his daddy; I won't miss," Mira threatened as she spun and stalked off.
Carter was slower to follow. "Washington, I'll be rich in the future. Look me up and we'll party." He followed Mira.
Nurse Ogawa hurried back, exclaiming, "That is one scary woman," as she took the empty tray. "I would take her advice and stay here."
"I'd feel better if I had a weapon."
"This is all I have for you." Ogawa handed her medicine. "It's a combo pain and sleeping pill." Wash looked at the two small blue pills as they dropped in her open palm. She swallowed with her remaining water and they rendered her asleep within minutes.
It was dark when she woke again. The pain in her head was excruciating, but she struggled out of bed, leaning with her hands on the firm mattress until she was sure she wouldn't fall down from the spinning room. Managing the restroom on her own, Nurse Ogawa was present and looking worried when she returned. Washington wasn't sure if it was finding her patient missing or something else.
"Lieutenant, the Phoenix and Sixers just pulled out of the colony. They never said a word to anyone, just left."
Washington looked around for her footwear, "My boots."
Ogawa hurried back with them while Wash waited in a chair. "You're in no shape to leave. Boylan spread around that he called Taylor and our side is coming home. They'll be here sometime tomorrow."
"I'll be working until he arrives then." Washington stood and almost fell over. "Can you get me a cane?"
Ogawa returned with a black cane and her personal items, including the tag the Phoenix made them wear. Leaving the tag on the table, Washington made a call to the remaining soldiers to report on the double to the main plaza. Ignoring exclamations of delight that she was alive, she stationed guards and ordered inventory of all weapons. As they dispersed to do her bidding, they were amazed that their Lieutenant could take a shot to the head and be issuing orders two days later. Her already inestimable contribution to the colony made her a giant of a figure among her soldiers and the colonist alike, but to have her leaning on a cane like what she went through was nothing more than a stubbed toe had her people in awe.
Slowly, she climbed the steps to the Command Center alone. When the invaders departed, they left lights on and the place a mess, but Taylor's desk survived the bombing and she let a small smile escape at seeing it intact. There was nothing they could do to put up a fight in the event the Phoenix returned soon. The gate was broken in a raised position and Wash didn't want any more blood on her hands. Through a haze, she started her report that Taylor, a stickler for proper protocol, would expect to be done.
Sergeant Thomas entered with the inventory report and Wash's own pistol and holster. "A huge arsenal of weapons is in the armory. I've dispersed them and told all civilians who owned a gun to come and retrieve their weapons."
"Did they get to the weapons in the caverns?"
"No, our supplies underground are safe."
Wash was hungry again, but didn't want to stand and her head was making its demands for more painkillers. "How's the food situation?"
"I don't know. I think we have our own food as the Phoenix wouldn't eat it."
"I need to trouble you for something to eat, Sargent. Are there any vendors out?"
"People are scrounging food. I'll find something for you, Lieutenant."
Alone again, she radioed the Infirmary, "Nurse Ogawa, Lieutenant Washington."
"Go ahead, Lieutenant."
"I need you to bring me some painkiller for the next few days so I don't keep bothering you."
"I'm on my way, Lieutenant."
Washington felt better after a skimpy repast of hard melon Thomas found, and the anesthetic made report writing bearable. The sun was creeping over the mountains when she decided to try standing again. The same dizziness threatened her stability and once again, she leaned on the cane until vertigo became a background nuisance. Walking carefully to the balcony, she watched the sun clear the mountain and turn gray leaves to a verdant green. She got her first good look at the destruction wrought on her home from this level. She hadn't been here since surrendering and knew Taylor would be heartsick and dreaded meeting him with her failure of him and the colony.
The colonists were moving below and many waved with shouts of glad to see her back on the balcony instead of the intruders. She would have joined them, but wasn't sure she could manage the descent of the stairs with her vertigo, not to mention the incessant faintness that followed like a black cloud. Looking over the balustrade's edge beckoned her to plunge to the ground, so she kept her gaze at a distance and didn't look directly down again.
She saw Boylan making his way through the breakfast crowd and waited for him to look up. With a huge smile he bounded up the steps, three at a time, not stopping until she was hugged against his girth. To her surprise he bequeathed a kiss to her cheek.
"We did it, Lieutenant," he exclaimed and released her. "Taylor followed your advice and blew Hope Plaza, or so I learned from overhearing the Phoenix soldiers complain as they vacated my bar and our home."
"But look at the mess they left," she gave a general gesture around.
Boylan looked out over the carnage with her. Seeing her glum countenance, he sported his most cheerful demeanor, "Nothing we can't rebuild, Lieutenant." Focusing on her in the sunlight, he looked critically at her wound for the first time. "You shouldn't be on your feet with your head bound like a mummy."
"It probably looks worse than it feels," she brushed him off. "I've been up all night and need to lie down because of that…" she started to say something else then paused, forgetting what it was, then continued, "Tom, I need help down the steps. May I impose on you?" she smiled up at him.
With a flourish, he offered his arm and guided her carefully down the steps to a broadly grinning Casey, who stated, "I don't care what anyone says, Lieutenant, your suggestion of blowing Hope Plaza is what won the battle."
"I wish I could remember it was my idea. Stupid head wound interfered with my short term memory." She fell into step beside the wheelchair while Boylan stayed close beside her. They both watched her lean heavily on the cane with every step.
She spoke while looking ahead, wishing she could turn her neck to talk to Casey. "I have whiplash so can't turn my head," she explained, then went on with her train of thought, before it departed like so many bursts of inspiration if not written down. She started making one word notes during her report writing to keep events emanating in proper order. "Hindsight showed what I would have done differently, like surrender without a shot being fired to save the colony and warn Taylor sooner and I don't believe this war is over, just this round." She carefully sat at a table while Boylan hurried to buy breakfast from a vendor. Returning with three plates, one perched on his arm with one in each hand, Casey took two fast, placing one in front of Washington.
"Coffee all right with everyone?" Boylan asked before sitting.
"Sure, I'm taking a sleeping pill and sacking out before Taylor gets here and looks for another target." Washington really didn't want to face him in the light of day when he would be in shock at the damage wrought under her command.
"You don't expect Taylor to take what happened out on you, do you?" Casey hoped he misunderstood.
Washington felt she may have said too much, "No, I was told that I disobeyed a direct order to join him and the result ended with me being shot. You know he hates insubordination and he won't care the circumstances."
Boylan chuckled, "Oh, we know, don't we?" He looked at Casey who grinned and nodded. "There isn't one of us who didn't get dressed down or extra duty for violating one of Taylor's rules."
"Do me a favor guys and change the subject to something more pleasant." Washington didn't like Taylor spoken badly about, even if it were true. She loved him discreetly for years knowing he didn't share her feelings, but had to be content with her proximity to him being enough.
Alicia decided not to return to the Command Center and made her way to her quarters, a small unit with a kitchenette, living room, and one bedroom with an attached bathroom. They were some of the first units built for the officers once the fence was finished and it was safe to leave the safety of the caverns that ran underneath the colony. Several entrances to the system of caves were used as storage for the colony, everything from meat, to Boylan's alcohol. When the Phoenix took over, they put their soldiers in the enlisted soldier's units, sparing the officer's quarters, except Hooper who moved into Guzman's. Her place was searched and weapons removed, but nothing else touched. She knew Taylor's place was untouched because Lucas stayed there after asking her which one was his. She glanced in his unit on her way home for much needed sleep. Lucas threw things about, but the metals and memorabilia were still on the walls. She took her first shower since her ordeal and dressed in a pair of loose pajama bottoms and tank top. Taking a healthy dose of sleeping pills, she crawled into bed and passed out.
The never-ending day was mercifully over for Nathaniel, which included the homecoming greetings, viewing the carnage, and mysterious discovery of the ship's prow. The work crews got the gate lowered, insuring the local wildlife wouldn't bother them tonight. He hoped the invading army's leaving wasn't to draw him back to ambush the colony and finish his soldiers off. His scouts reported in that the Phoenix and Sixers were several klicks away and moving towards the Bad Lands. Long ordeal over, he made his way to his personal quarters. He popped in for a shower earlier, passing Wash's unit near his with a heavy heart.
"Commander." He turned to the voice of Mark Reynolds.
"Corporal, what can I do for you?"
"Sir, I was with the guys and someone mentioned it was a shame to have lost Washington and the room burst out laughing."
"They felt the death of an officer was funny?" Taylor felt rage building.
"No Sir, they thought it was funny we thought she was dead."
Nathaniel felt confusion and his heart started racing. In a hoarse tone he stated, "I saw her shot myself."
"She was shot, but Lucas only creased her head. She was unconscious for two days and worked in the Command Center all night. According to Sergeant Thomas, she had breakfast with Durwin and Boylan and turned in right before we came home."
"And we're just now finding out that she didn't die?"
"The word of her death was put out by you. Nobody in the colony knew about her supposed death and didn't mention it. They were so glad to see us that they forgot to mention who lived and died. We exchanged names and stories, but hers never came up until Quiggs mentioned it."
Nathaniel turned in the direction of Wash's quarters, Mark tagging behind. With long strides, he marched to her door and started to knock, then stopped himself. He looked at Reynolds, "I'll take it from here."
"Yes Sir. Permission to tell the Shannon's?"
"Everyone seemed certain she was alive?"
"She came out of the clinic last night using a cane and giving orders. She stayed up all night, even wounded, according to everyone who was here and they had nothing but high praise for her."
"No, I'll tell Shannon's if there is something to tell." He still didn't quite believe Reynolds unless witnessed with his own eyes. He watched Mark walk back in the direction of the barracks with his shoulders slumped. He turned back and unlocked his Lieutenant's door. He hadn't been inside her place for years, making her off limits for anything except platonic friendship. Lately, he had thoughts of her that went well beyond platonic. He never acted upon them, content to watch her from a distance, secure with her having his back unconditionally. The closest he came to crossing that line came at their parting when he wanted to hold and give in to the temptation of tasting her lips for the first time, while admiring her insubordination to mask her own caring.
He looked around at her simple place, kept military neat, and walked silently to the closed bedroom door. He paused and said a silent prayer, 'God, let her be in here and alive,' as he pushed the door open. He saw nothing in the dark room and reached for the light switch. Illuminating the room in a soft yellow light, he saw her on her bed, lying on her side with her back to him. Cautiously he approached. He got three steps when she rolled over, a pistol aimed at his midsection. They looked at each other, both with surprised joy.
Finally, Washington lowered her weapon. "Sir, welcome home. Sorry I wasn't able to meet you, but I had to lie down."
"Wash, I thought you were dead," he sounded amazed and his voice was soft and low as if speaking to the dead.
"Now that you woke me, I need help up." She slipped the pistol back under her pillow and struggled to the edge of the bed. She eased her legs over the edge and struggled to reach her cane. "I have to let the world stop spinning."
He watched her push mussed hair out of the way. She had taken the annoying bandage off when she got ready for bed and believed the fresh air would heal the wound much faster.
Carefully, he moved her hair aside until he saw the raw scar that started at the temple and ran about five inches along the left side of her head. "You said something to Lucas and he shot you. I saw your lips move. What did you say?" He let her hair go reluctantly. It was softer than he imagined and he would like to continue running his fingers through her ebony strands.
"I don't remember," she told the truth. She lost all her memory of what transpired after she parted from the Shannon's. All she could remember was a bright flash. Maybe when the concussion abated, her missing memories would return. "I'm ready." She held her hands out for him to help her to her feet.
He pulled her up and into his arms. "I thought you were dead and mourned your loss. I didn't know you were alive until Reynolds heard it in the barracks a few minutes ago or I'd have been here sooner."
His arms around her was a dream come true and she returned the gesture and stopped when he made a sound. She lifted her head, "Are you injured?"
"I let Lucas get a little too close." He pulled out of her arms and lifted his tee shirt so she could see a bandage. "knife to my side."
She tried to shake her head and let out a moan herself. He immediately forgot his pain. "What's wrong?"
She chuckled and reached for her cane, "We're quite the pair of leaders. I have whiplash, a concussion and raging headache and you a knife wound. Excuse me," she brushed by him to the bathroom to take care of business. He was in her living room, pacing, when she returned. Following the light, she saw him moving about her living room making it look even smaller and went to her kitchen for water and the pain pills.
He watched her walk, leaning heavily on the cane. "Shouldn't you be in the Infirmary?"
She swallowed the pills. "My bed is more comfortable." She looked at the time, ten at night and he must be exhausted with missing a night's sleep. "You need to go to bed."
"I'm scared I'm asleep and you're a dream I want to have."
Wash thought of a solution, "You can sleep on the couch, but I'm going back to bed."
"Or I could lie on your bed, no hanky-panky, I promise," he grinned like a mischievous little boy.
"I don't care," she flippantly replied, but was secretly thrilled. Maybe he wanted more than their current relationship after all these years.
He turned the light off and followed to her bedroom where she turned her bed lamp on so he could dim the main light. She went to the far side and crawled back under her cover leaving half the bed for him. He sat on the edge and with much pain removed his boots. "I'm going for your pills." When he returned, he saw she succumbed to slumber. He reached out and ran a feather touch down her arm feeling silky softness. Not since his wife had he touched a woman intimately. He lay down over the cover and turned the light off. Soon he felt the pull of the sedative mixed with the painkiller. For a moment, he fought and lost, if a dream, not ever wanting it to end. As he was fading into sleep, he reached for her hand and held on tightly.