I usually have an answer to the question
But this time I'm gon' be quiet (this time)
Ain't nothing like the feeling of uncertainty, the eeriness of silence
This time, it was so unexpected
Legends – Juice Wrld
After four weeks of spending nearly every evening together with Mer watching old movies or tv shows and generally having a blast he was really looking forward to their dates. He shakes his head. No dates. Just a nice evening with a friend.
He knows he is already late, well later than usual but he has popcorn and that needed to be done before. The microwaves dings and signals the corn is ready. When he grabs the bowl, someone clears their throat behind him. "Evening Lieutenant." Great. The boss. "Evening, Sir. Anything I can help you with? If not, I am meeting with a friend." Yeah, just great. Be that guy. He stands relaxed but still is nervous. The colonel still can make his life hell or send him back to earth. After the mishap with Donner Markus had spent a huge amount of his time in training with the marine units. And he considers that to be punishment. He hates being constantly yelled at.
The last time that happened I had just gotten into the academy.
Markus mentally berates himself. His attention should be on his superior right now. Raised eyebrow that can't be good.
"I just wanted to let you know that you've been slacking the last couple of days and I wanted to make sure you get enough rest. I'd recommend skipping the movie date." The colonel says his piece and turns to leave again. Markus swallows his first reply. Instead he goes with "Yes, sir. I'll just drop this bowl of with Dr. McKay then if you don't mind." Great another raised eyebrow, paired with a disbelieving look. "Just remember your duty as team leader and get your rest. Dismissed Lieutenant." That only leaves Markus with giving a salute and leaving. In his mind he knows what the colonel must be thinking, and he can only hope he won't voice his thoughts around the elder Dr. McKay. Maybe it also is a good idea to not spend so much time alone with Mer. Markus realizes he has a responsibility for his team, and he has to treat them all with the same amount of respect. He makes the resolution to create more distance between himself and the scientist. Looking at the bowl in his hands he also knows the perfect way to do that – standing her up tonight. But his mom raised him differently. He makes his way to her door and knocks. "What's wrong?" is the first thing he hears. He tries it with the soft tour. He can't bring himself to make the break this instant. "I am just tired. Dead on my feet after todays hand to hand combat sessions. I'll go to bed but wanted to bring you the popcorn quickly." "Oh…. Okay. Then go get some rest. But I get to choose the next movie!" He just nods and walks away.
He falls into bed and nearly instantly falls asleep.
The next morning, he realizes he fell asleep in his clothes. Guess I really needed that sleep. He isn't scheduled to report anywhere before noon, so Markus takes his time getting ready and then heads to the mess hall for some breakfast. He finds an empty table outside and just when he sits down his ear piece activates: "Lieutenant report to the armory. You are going to support Torren and his team today." He acknowledges the order, grabs his apple and sprints out. He has a lot of respect for the man he is supposed to support today. Just two years his senior but already a seasoned warrior and great leader. Sometimes Markus catches himself wanting to be Torren Emmagan. But these moments are rare. The first time it happened he had an urge to actually call his mother and ask about his birth father, but he decided against it. That was a conversation to be had eye to eye and not through email or phone or video chat. Maybe, if they grant me leave for her birthday?
He has already put in for leave but hasn't heard back yet.
He spots Torren and his team already on their way out and gears up quickly.
After stepping through the gate Markus' mind draws a blank. The next thing he knows is waking up in the infirmary and his leg is in a cast with metal sticking out at all sides. When he tries to sit up his whole-body hurts and he cries out in pain. Immediately Dr. Halsey is by his side adjusting the IV with the pain meds.
"What happened?" he croaks out. One of the nurses pushes a cup of ice chips in his hand and instructs him to put one in his mouth and let it melt, to rehydrate his throat. He also hears Dr. Halsey radioing Colonel Lorne and General Sheppard, informing them that he is awake.
Great a talking to from the two highest ranking officers at once. It must be bad.
He sinks back into his covers and closes his eyes. The light in the infirmary always reminds him of his mom and especially in moments like this he misses her. Just when he feels ready to drift back into painkiller induced sleep, he hears the door open and military boots enter. Markus opens his eyes and tries to sit up.
"Easy Lieutenant. Don't move on our account." The general stops him and gratefully Markus sinks back against the pillows. "Dr. Halsey has informed us that you will be confined to this bed and the infirmary for at least 4 weeks, if not more. When you get cleared for moving, you can take your leave and go for rehab on earth."
"Understood, Sir. Can I ask something? How long was I out?" He observes the officers exchanging a short look. "A week. Today is Torrens birthday. Which we can only celebrate with him because of your actions. So, thank you for bringing the team back in one piece. You took the worst of the attack and you must've even continued on when your leg had already been broken. Torren will come by in a short while, I am sure."
What? I was (am) a hero?
Doctor Halsey comes in to check his monitors and tells Sheppard to keep it short. After a last round of get better soon, Sheppard leaves and the colonel follows him out without even having uttered a word.
Markus tries to figure out if he has a chance to visit his mom without any visible serious injuries. "Torrens birthday is 11th of July plus 4 weeks recovery minimum makes August. moms birthday is end of September." He mumbles and finally drifts off to slumber.
Sorry guys, this took so long. But I wanted to finish the next chapter before posting this. The plan is not working. Rodney is being Rodney and rather difficult. (I guess I would be too if I were to meet Mer in a mood... yes they will meet in the next chapter and actually interact.)