Blue-Green 24

In the med-ward, the two canines had calmed for the moment. Timber was lying with his head on Hector's chest while Levi was partly curled up on Bobby's lap and Sue's legs. Doc had gotten I'Lee moved away from the bed when the sailor had released her hand. The spunky nurse refused to leave and Doc sent Psyche out to retrieve a casting kit from the supply closet as well as to explain to the general outside why he couldn't come in. They could barely hear the conversation but the general was not happy.

Doc looked at the pile of people on the beds. "The Lord moves in mysterious ways," he reminded himself. Hector was curled into a ball and holding on tightly to the woman's right hand. The silent man was perched at the head of the bed supporting her head and shoulders. Doc mouthed "Sue?" and the younger man nodded. Then there was a tall man sort of sprawled/tucked on the foot of the bed holding her left hand. The mahogany medic made his way over. "Can I help you, son?"

"You the doc?" At the other man's nod, the Aussie replied, "Bobby Manning. Got any painkillers? Nothing too strong, I need hold on."

"Is your hand broken, too?"

"Too right, mate." He held up his right hand with her left firmly attached. "I didn't think she had it in her."

With a look at the silent man, the medic indicated the door. He shook his head and Doc walked out to face the firing squad.