Blue-Green 34

Sue woke up with a gasp. Bobby was right there, his eyes full of concern.

"You okay, Sue?"

She nodded and touched her throat, indicating a need for water. The silent man was there with a cup and a straw. She sipped slowly, using the time to gather her thoughts. Looking around she noticed two other men and a sleeping woman in the room. "Where are we?"

"You don't remember?"

She shook her head 'no'.

"We're somewhere on Andrews." The Aussie brushed her hair back from her face. "I had a feeling this was were you were supposed to be so we came early. Turns out, I was right." He frowned then. "I don't know if I like that or not."

The medic stepped up. "Miss Thomas, I'm Carl Greer but you can call me Doc. If you don't mind, I'd like to check your vitals, to make sure you're okay."

She sat up and let Doc run his checks. He smiled as he finished. "All set."

He turned to the sleeping sailor. Hector was now fully relaxed and dozing. The tension that had lined his face was gone and a look of peace remained in its place. "Thank you, Lord," the medic whispered under his breath. He took the sailor's pulse and found it to be normal.

Sue sat up and looked for Levi. She found him snoozing on the bed next to a—she tapped Bobby's arm. "Is that what I think it is?"

He shot a glance at the lupine and grinned. "I'm thinking that's a wolf, sheila."

The silent man moved into sight and spoke. 'Timber, mine.' He signaled for both animals to get down. The wolf jumped off and gave a great stretch. The other man in the room spoke. "I'll call Kam to come get him."

'No need.'

The door opened and the red headed woman called for Timber. He went loping out with a backward glance at the sailor. Satisfied he was safe, the lupine left.

Levi, on the other hand, simply moved to the bed where Sue sat. She gave him a hug.

"Ma'am, I'm—"

Bobby interrupted the man. "Levi, get Sue."

At the dog's nudge, the woman looked up. Bobby pointed to the surprised man. "Yes?"

Psyche shook off his shock. "Ma'am, I'm Lt. Ken Rich. I, um, I, ahhh." At her confused look, he trailed off. He didn't really know what to say.

The silent man stepped over and signed rapidly. Sue translated. "He says you are one of Hector's doctors. That you did the best job you could under the circumstances. That you should be proud how much you figured out and that you worked with the 'out of the box' very well. He says he's going to put in for a commendation for going above and beyond the call of duty." Sue watched the younger man look at James in surprise. The silent man held out his hand. The psychiatrist hesitantly reached out to shake it.

He turned to the Aussie. "Are you as confused as I am?"

"Not really." Bobby grinned.

Doc decided to rescue the lieutenant. "Come on, Ken. I think it's safe for us to leave for awhile. Hector is sleeping normally and we need to get some rest as well. Why don't you get I'Lee and we'll leave them alone to talk for now."

Psyche nodded. He started toward the nurse but Sue touched his arm.

"What's your call sign?" she asked.

He hesitated. "Psyche-Out."

"I want you to know that he's right. You had a hard job. You were dealing with things that were beyond your control and it's hard not to be in control. Thank you for being a good friend and doctor for Hector." Sue gave him a hug and he stood still not knowing how to take it. Finally, he just accepted it.

He looked at her with a bit of awe. "No wonder he held on to you so tightly." Realizing how odd that sounded, he ducked his head in embarrassment.

Sue touched his chin, forcing the psychiatrist to look at her. "Hope is worth holding on to, Lt. Rich. Never forget that." Her hazel eyes sparkled at him and he grinned.

"Yes, ma'am." He turned and picked up the sleeping nurse and made his way out of the room.

Doc followed Psyche out but came right back in. "Bobby, would you like me to set that hand now?"

Sue looked over to her friend. "What happened? Are you all right?"

Trying not to laugh, the agent held up his right hand. "You broke my hand, sheila."

She was mortified. He had her wrapped in a bear hug instantly. Pulling back so she could see him, he said, "I told you I'd be there for you. I'd rather have a bunged up paw than not be here for you. So, no worries right? Doc'll patch me up and I'll be back in a jif." He gave her the double browed 'Okay?' look and she signed 'Sure.'

She watched him leave with the medic then turned to the silent man. He gestured to the chairs he'd pulled up next to the bed. Together, they watched the sailor sleep.