200- Misfire

Finn sat rigidly by his friend's bedside. He hadn't moved in the past two hours.

"Hudson."

"Sir, yes sir!"

"At ease, son." The staff sergeant stood next to him and looked at the sleeping soldier. "The doctor tell you anything?"

"He probably won't walk again."

The older man squeezed Finn's shoulder. "You did good out there today, Hudson."

"Not good enough, sir."

"These things happen, Hudson," the man said. "Accidents happen."

"Where's Conrad?"

"Confined to his room."

"It was an accident."

"I'm sure it was, but I have a procedure to follow. Any time there's a misfire that results in an injury we have to look into it."

Finn stared at his fellow recruit and willed himself not to cry.

"It's the real thing, son. And there's no shame in feeling it."

"He won't walk again."

"Come on."

"Where are we going, sir?"

"My office. I understand you have a lady in New York?"

"Rachel, sir."

"Rachel…. Well, I'm sure Rachel would like to hear from you. Normally we don't let recruits do this, but under the circumstances…."

Finn nodded and, with one last glance at his friend, allowed himself to be led out of the hospital room.