Thunderbirds and The Tracy Family are the creation of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson
Chapter 75
"Jeff….Scott was forced to….take out…two of the enemy in close quarter combat," Steve began carefully, not really wanting to launch into full details there and then but knowing Jeff Tracy would want to know everything.
Jeff could tell his friend was hedging around this subject and sensed there was more to this than just the normal hand-to-hand defence that Air Force personnel were taught. "And just how did he….take out….these two enemy soldiers?" Jeff asked warily.
"Now Jeff….you have to keep in mind that what Scott did, he had to do…..it took guts and you have every reason to be proud of him," Steve reminded him to which Jeff found himself becoming increasingly irked by his friend's continuing to dance around the subject rather than get straight to the point.
"Steve…..there is nothing my son could do that would make me less proud of him. Now will you stop dancing around like a hound dog with ticks and just get straight to the point. Just what did Scott do?" Jeff responded, never being a man to mince his words.
"All right….I guess there's no easy way of saying this. The first of the enemy that he encountered he took out….with his knife…..up and under….no hesitation," General Ryder told him plainly, though Jeff could see his face was troubled and thought immediately there was something his friend was keeping from him, which wouldn't be the first time, for trying to get all this information had been like trying to draw blood from a stone.
"And! Are you trying to tell me Scott was wounded in that attack?" Jeff asked concerned, although he hadn't been told of any knife wound his son had sustained.
"No, no…not at all, Jeff….I assure you. It's just….we understand that the man he took out with the knife...well….he wasn't so much a man….more of a boy….about seventeen we think," General Ryder replied.
Jeff closed his eyes briefly and took in a deep breath, barely taking in what he was hearing and hardly able to imagine what his son must be feeling. "And the other one?" he inquired.
Steve winced. "He….eh….he came up behind him and he…eh…snapped the man's neck….with his bare hands….a clean and clinical job by all accounts," Steve Ryder continued.
A father's heart was aching at what his son had been forced to do. "Dear gawd……and Scott has given all this in his report! How is he dealing with this?" Jeff asked with worried concern.
"Well…eh….no, Jeff. Scott hasn't said anything yet. This report has come from Lieutenant Numann….and from what we understand it's pretty hard to know just how Scott is dealing with it…..according to Lt Numann Scott didn't know it was just a boy until he…eh…..well. Lieutenant Numann says he just seems to have shut himself down….he wouldn't talk about it," Steve admitted reluctantly.
Jeff fought hard to bite back the emotion he was feeling as the truth continued to emerge about his son's ordeal in the jungle. With having younger brothers of his own and Alan being just nineteen he knew Scott would find it hard to cope with taking the boy's life. He knew, sadly, too that if Scott had decided to shut himself down then he would not talk and whether that could be regarded as a strength or not he wasn't entirely sure. All he knew was his son was a remarkably strong and resilient young man and, perhaps, it was that strength of character and ability that enabled him to be the young man that he was. He had seen it once before, when his mother died. His young son had shut himself down to all emotion and immersed himself in helping to bring up his brothers. At the time Jeff had thought his eldest was being brave and he was glad because he couldn't even deal with his own emotions much less that of a child but now, of course, he wished he had dealt with things differently. As he grew up he demonstrated that ability more and more, when he didn't wish to talk about something, he simply didn't and pushed his own needs into the background to put others first.
As these new revelations began to sink in, however, a nagging thought came to him. "And just where in the hell did he learn to do this, Steve……the last I heard they were teaching our boys to fly….not become trained killers," he responded, feeling now an anger rise in him. "Steve….I'm not naïve….I know we encounter MiG's in aerial combat….and I know our boys have to defend themselves on the ground but this is something else. Scott joined the Air Force to fly….he is not a combat soldier….so just what in the hell have you been teaching our boys…..because we sure didn't learn any of that," he added, demanding to know just where his son had learnt such skills.
"Jeff….I can understand how you feel….as a father…..but I am not at liberty to divulge just how we trained Scott except to say we have an advanced training programme for only the best and most exceptional young men….such as your son," Steve explained without giving anything more away.
Jeff Tracy narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "You mean you teach them to kill without hesitation….and without emotion I suppose," he replied.
Steve Ryder could well understand his friend's anger and his concern for his son. "Jeff…I know this is hard for you to hear but we had found that the biggest obstacle our boys had to overcome was their own fear. You know as well as I do, Jeff that if you show fear and panic out there….in a hostile environment you are lost. In training Scott showed an exceptional and natural ability to be able to overcome his fear and panic…to suppress his emotion….and we just….honed those skills….that's all. Think of it this way, Jeff……if Scott had not been capable of acting in the way he did….they would either be dead….or they would, most certainly be in enemy hands now….and I don't need to tell you what that would mean for them," he added, hoping that his friend would be able to see the bigger picture. "Jeff….I have seen young men come back from captivity and torture and I would not wish that on anyone…..and I will not apologise for the fact we gave Scott the skills to defend both himself and his colleague."
Jeff closed his eyes and nodded, knowing in his heart Steve was right but wishing he wasn't and knowing that in order to survive sometimes men are driven to desperate measures. He certainly couldn't bear to think of his eldest son being held captive and tortured.
"And Jeff….if it makes things any easier for you…Lt Numann also told us that kid was armed with the very latest assault weapon…..now you don't carry one of those things around and not know how to use it… and he had pushed it into Scott's cracked ribs causing him considerable pain…..now in my book that makes that kid responsible for his actions" General Ryder continued, wanting Jeff to realise Scott had no choice. His philosophy was, 'He who lives by the sword, dies by the sword' and all those who show aggression to a peacekeeping force will have to expect retribution, no matter what age they are.
Jeff drew an anguished breath at the mental image of his son in pain and much as he was aware and could feel some pity for the plight of these child soldiers his ultimate thoughts were for his son and that he had had the fortitude and strength of will to survive.
General Steve Ryder's heart went out to his friend. "Now Jeff….we just have to make sure we give Scott all the support he needs to deal with this. Obviously we hoped Scott would never have to use such skills but….circumstances dictated otherwise and Scott did not hesitate for one minute to do what he had to do. You can be very proud of him, Jeff….we just have to help Scott see it that way," Steve said sympathetically.
"Yes I am proud of him, Steve and he will get every support," Jeff stated proudly to which Steve nodded but again Jeff couldn't help feel his friend was holding something back and couldn't think what else could possibly have happened to his son. "Steve! Surely to gawd there couldn't be anything else. Please…just tell me everything."
"All right, Jeff. Like I told you…there were other considerations taken into account when awarding this medal. Along with his courage in rescuing his colleague and what I have just told you and the weapon he had retrieved for us to have a look at we have also some valuable evidence recorded on Scott's NVS visor," Steve began cautiously.
Jeff frowned in puzzlement. "Valuable evidence! Of what exactly?" Jeff asked warily, not knowing at all where this was going.
Steve Ryder proceeded carefully. "Jeff…you may not be aware but there have been rumours of atrocities going on in the northern villages. Of course we have never been able to substantiate this because no-one will talk and there is no visual evidence…until now."
"And what does this have to do with Scott and his NVS?" Jeff continued to ask warily and beginning not to like where this was going.
Steve took a deep breath. "Scott went to check out a nearby village to find out if 'Charlie' was there….according to Lieutenant Numann…..and he recorded what he saw there. 'Charlie' was occupying the village and after analysis it is understood they were looking for Scott and his buddy. They dragged out the Headman….to make an example of him…and….Jeff, there's just no easy way to say this…but they decapitated him," Steve said, his face that of sincere sorrow.
Jeff felt a coldness clutch at his chest and closed his eyes against the image it invoked but more than that he realised what it meant, if that was recorded on the NVS then! "And Scott saw this happen?"
"Yes Jeff, Scott saw it happen….the NVS has recorded that his eyes were open and from where he was he had a clear view….we have it on zoom in….and there is no question of the identity of the man who carried out this act….we have him in plain view….in fact…he looked straight at Scott for a few moments, though he obviously didn't see him. Jeff…Scott was incredibly brave to stay where he was and record this," Steve replied encouragingly. "And unfortunately that's not all….there are other things recorded too….it seems the soldiers went on a rampage after that and terrorised the village……taking the women and….and babies were taken from their mothers…well I don't need to go on, suffice to say the evidence cannot be denied…..and that is all thanks to your son, Jeff," he added, feeling somewhat emotional himself.
Tears welled up in Jeff Tracy's eyes, tears for the villagers and what they suffered and tears for his son, that he had witnessed such horror. He knew his eldest son well and knew he would have felt helpless frustration at not being able to help these people and couldn't even begin to imagine the images that would torture his son's mind. "And….and he saw….everything?" Jeff managed to choke out.
"Pretty much everything, Jeff…..although towards the end the NVS records his eyes were closed for a time…..I guess he just couldn't watch anymore," his friend admitted to which Jeff nodded, unable to trust himself to speak. "Jeff….I feel you should know this too….just how brave your son was willing to be…because I have a feeling he wouldn't put this in his report….when he gets round to making one out," he added.
Jeff steeled himself for what he was about to hear, though something deep within him already knew just by the way his friend had phrased his words.
"This comes from Lt Numann. When Scott got back to their hiding place from his recce to the village he wouldn't tell Lt Numann what he had seen, he says Scott told him never to ask him. Scott then promised him he would never let those soldiers take them alive….that he would….that he would 'do them' first. That was when Lt Numann realised what Scott had seen must have been bad," Steve told him, having to take a pause and a breath before he could tell Jeff what Scott was willing todo.
It was what he had feared for Jeff knew in his heart that Scott would have had the strength of will to do what he said he would do. The thought of never having seen his precious son again and the not knowing what would have happened to him became too much and wet tracks of tears unashamedly stained Jefferson Tracy's face.
"Jeff…I am so sorry that you had to know all that…but I just want you to know that you have a very exceptional young man for a son….and I for one will be more than proud to be there…when the President hangs that Medal of Honor…round his neck….for I can't think of a young man who deserves it more," Major General Steve Ryder stated proudly and feeling quite emotional himself at seeing his friend's anguish. As the Air Force top brass in the Pentagon General Ryder would automatically be at the Medal ceremony, which would be held in the State Room of the White House, residence of the President of the United States of America.
"Thank you, Steve….I know, too, what an exceptional young man my son is. And Steve…..thank you for being completely honest with me….I know there was a lot of things you didn't have to tell me….and I didn't exactly give you an easy time but then it is my son," Jeff acknowledged gratefully and Steve nodded his acceptance.
Once the vid-screen went blank Jeff sat back in his chair and thought over everything he had heard. He had decided not to tell his other sons this latest information for he knew Scott would not want his brothers to know and it would be up to Scott to tell them if he chose, suffice for them to know their eldest brother had been shot while rescuing his friend. He found his thoughts wondering to a far away place, to his eldest son. "Son….I only hope you can find that strength of will now to get you through this…and to be able to put this behind you," he thought to himself.
Early next morning in that far away place Scott stirred, awakened by the hustle and bustle of the hospital's morning routine, as his door was always kept open to make it easier to check on him. Why couldn't they just leave him alone, he thought to himself, annoyed at yet another disturbance. He felt like he had only closed his eyes and now he was aware of a presence in his room. Slowly Scott opened his eyes and turned to see a nurse coming towards his bed with a basin in hand and yes, it was the nurse who had been at the desk the previous evening.
"Whatda you want?" Scott snapped testily.
"Lieutenant…it's time for your morning bathe," the nurse said brightly, giving him a smile.
Scott obviously wasn't in the mood for cheerful smiles. "Go away…I don't want you here."
"But Lieutenant Tracy…you have to get bathed. Now you wouldn't want me to go against orders, would you," she continued with a smile and trying not to take too much notice of his mood as she prepared to set the basin down beside him.
"I don't care about your gawd damn orders….just leave me alone," Scott responded in a frosty tone. The next moment there was a resounding splash and one indignant sounding young nurse.
Captain Conley had just settled into reading up on the patient information from the night before on her monitor and she was almost finished reading the report concerning Lieutenant Tracy when there was a knock at her open door. She looked up and had to refrain from letting out a choked laugh for there, standing in her doorway, was one very damp nurse, no, better make that one very soggy nurse, the front of her uniform completely saturated and making a little puddle on the floor right where she stood. Sarah Conley raised her eyebrows in question.
"It's Lieutenant Tracy, ma'am…..he refuses point blankly to be bathed," she sighed exasperatedly.
"I see….well…you'd better leave the Lieutenant to me," Captain Conley replied, trying to keep a straight face. "And…I….eh….think you'd better go and get a dry uniform, Nurse Baker," she added sympathetically to which the young nurse responded with a, 'Yes ma'am'.
She squelched down the corridor and as she passed Bay 1 a rather amused voice called out. "Oh dear….wasn't Lt Tracy in the mood for his bathe then," her friend from the night before sniggered. "Still….you've got that nice cath job to look forward to instead." Somehow I don't think Nurse Baker will be too keen to trade duties in a hurry again.
With her hands in her pockets Captain Conley entered Scott's room. "Now Lieutenant Tracy….I understand we're having some problems here!"
Scott turned from where he was looking at the window at the sound of the now familiar voice, fixed her with a piercing stare from his cobalt blue eyes and said nothing.
Undaunted she carried on. "You seem to have developed quite a talent for upsetting my nurses, Lieutenant Tracy….from having them crying to….trying to drown them," she said, eyeing him warily. "You know they're here to keep you comfortable and help you recover and part of that duty is to bathe you," Captain Conley reminded him gently.
"I just wanna be left alone….why is that so hard for everyone to understand," Scott responded, turning his face away from her.
She sighed sadly. "Well, that just isn't going to happen, Lieutenant Tracy…..I can't pretend to know what you're feeling or what you're suffering but my nurses have their duties to perform….and I can't have you constantly upsetting them….however….if you would prefer a male nurse to see to your needs I'll go and see what I can do," Sarah continued sympathetically, yet firmly. "And I'll send someone in to mop this up," she added, referring to the puddle on the floor.
Scott continued to stare at the window, knowing he wasn't going to win on this one, besides which he didn't have the energy.
Captain Sarah Conley actually oversaw two wards, both of which were serviced by the Sluice Room, Linen Cupboard, Medicine Dispensary and various other rooms at a central point, the two wards running off that area. Her office was located beside the Nursing Station in Ward 5A, each ward having its own Station and the Wards themselves comprised of three bays, each with four beds, running off an L-shaped corridor. On the central corridor three single rooms were located, opposite which was the Nursing Station, these rooms being kept for the more serious cases and facilitating easy access from the Station. At this point in time all three bays on the male only Ward 5A were occupied along with two of the rooms, one of which was Lt Scott Tracy's. On the adjoining Ward 5B, also male only, two bays and one room were full and surprisingly enough very few of the cases were actually combat related, most being routine operations or accidents. Lt Scott Tracy was by far the worst and, as such, he was already something of a celebrity before there was ever mention of a medal, for who hadn't heard by now of the brave and courageous young pilot who had helped his colleague survive in the jungle and had then been shot at the very point of their rescue. The whole Base, of course, had been alive with this news for days and it had filtered into the Base Hospital, although, perhaps the reason it had now spread so quickly was because a certain Lieutenant Numann had done what he had promised to do and that was to tell everyone, when he got back, about what a hero his good buddy Lieutenant Scott Tracy was.
The person Sarah Conley was looking for was on the other ward and once she had left Scott's room she headed down the corridor, across the central area and down onto the adjoining ward. She smiled warmly as she stood to the side of one of the bays and watched for a while the way this particular nurse worked with his patients. He had a gentle, easy-going manner and infinite patience, which was probably one reason Captain Conley was seeking him out for she knew he would certainly need it and he always seemed to be able to put patients at their ease. Everybody liked him, both staff and patients and right now Sarah observed him engaged in conversation and obviously sharing a joke, a broad beam of a smile on his face as he went about his duties, checking an IV line and adding the latest information.
When he had finished Captain Conley discreetly drew his attention. He excused himself, crossed the floor and Sarah led him farther out into the corridor for a little more privacy. "Cass….I want you to work on the other ward for a while….and I'll get someone to take over from you here, of course. I'm having some trouble with a patient….he's having a hard time coping and….proving….let's say….a little difficult. One of my nurses has practically been in tears and this morning….he tried to….eh…drown another one," she began her explanation and trying to choose her words carefully so as not to sound too unkind.
Cass listened with interested concern, his eyes widening a little in questioning bemusement at the last remark.
"He…eh…refused to be bathed," she added by way of explanation.
"I see," Cass responded, nodding with continued interest and beginning to understand a bit more why she had sought him out.
"He only regained consciousness yesterday….but he just wants to be left alone. We're giving him as much pain relief as we can but his sleep is restless….and that's not helping his mood any. Will you work with him, Cass? He might relate to you better. I would like you to take over his care….see to his needs," Captain Conley asked, almost pleadingly.
Their relationship was such that Sarah Conley would never have dreamed of ordering him to, nor would she have had to, but rather it was based on mutual trust and her respect for his nursing abilities. She had seen him work with traumatised young men before, those wounded in combat and some having been held in captivity, some he had managed to break through to and others not but he always seemed to have some sort of calming and soothing effect.
"Sure I will, Captain," Cass replied with a gentle smile and without hesitation. "And does this troubled young man have a name?" he asked with a wry grin to which she relaxed into a smile, realising she hadn't told him.
"Yes….It's Lieutenant Scott Tracy….he's 24…..," Captain Conley began informing him.
Cass nodded knowingly. "Ahh….our famous Medal of Honor winner…..a very brave young man by all accounts, Ma'am."
Sarah Conley looked at him in wide-eyed surprise; he never ceased to amaze her with what he knew. "Yes…that's right….but that wasn't public knowledge, Cass. How did you know?" she asked warily.
"Such things get around, Ma'am….I just keep my ear to the ground," Cass replied simply. His face saddened. "It doesn't sound like the Lieutenant but then I suppose it's not really surprising," he added thoughtfully, his arms folded as he concentrated on what she had been saying, while he studied the floor.
"You know Lieutenant Tracy, Cass!" Captain Conley asked in surprise.
"Not really, Ma'am…..I know of him. He's an exceptional pilot from what I hear….a very likeable and popular young man with his colleagues…well with everybody," Cass told her, his admiration for the young man quite apparent.
She smiled. "I didn't know you took an interest in all that, Cass. Is there a frustrated pilot in you wanting to get out?" she teased him gently.
Cass let out a laugh. "No Ma'am….but I do get to hear a lot of interesting stories……and, of course, there has been talk on the Base of what happened," he replied good-naturedly before returning to a more serious manner.
"Yes…I know….I heard that too. I suppose we can't blame him for feeling the way he does……and he is still pretty much exhausted…getting shot wouldn't help matters either……his body just needs time to recover," Sarah Conley surmised, though she became a little surprised when Cass didn't immediately agree with her.
"I don't think that's it, Ma'am. From what I understand of Lieutenant Tracy he is a brave and courageous young man…..he can deal with bodily pain," he replied in thoughtful muse.
"Then what are you saying, Cass? You said his behaviour wasn't surprising," Sarah Conley asked warily. "Do you know something else?"
With his face troubled and his arms folded he studied the floor again briefly. Before answering he looked around to make sure no one was in earshot, making Sarah think it all very mysterious. "Word has it, Ma'am some pretty bad stuff went down out there," Cass responded in a low voice.
"What do you mean, Cass? And how do you know these things?" Sarah asked, pulling her face into a puzzled expression.
"Like I said, Ma'am…I keep my ear to the ground….after all, that is the way of my people," Cass replied with a slight raise of his eyebrows and the trace of a smile. "It has always been. When they put their ear to the ground they could tell how many horses were coming…..and….if they listened really, really hard they could tell how heavy the rider was and….even what he had for breakfast…Ma'am," he added, trying his best to keep his face poker straight.
"Really!" Captain Conley answered in amazement before she noticed Cass break into a grin and realised that, maybe, he was just toying with her. "Oh Cass……I should've known better than to fall for that, shouldn't I," she responded with a smile.
The way of his people! How many horses! Oh, perhaps I forgot to mention that Cass, or to give him his full name of Cassidy Grey Wolf, is actually a Native American of the Sioux Nation, a full-blooded Oglala Sioux to be precise. The Sioux Nation or Lakota as they sometimes refer to themselves, Lakota meaning 'The People', are grouped in different divisions and within the divisions there are different tribes, Cass belonging to the Teton division and the Oglala tribe. The natural homeland of the Sioux Nation and, indeed, all Native American tribes was long gone and they had been confined to Reservations across the States with the Sioux Nation covering most of Dakota and the neighbouring States. The largest of the Reservations and to which Cass and his people belonged was Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. In their eyes and heart, though, this was and always would be their natural homeland; it was sacred to them, the Black Hills of Dakota being the most sacred place of all.
Cass, himself, was a striking looking man of about 35 years old, which gave him the maturity and understanding to deal with these young men and striking, not so much in a good-looking way as more of characteristically interesting. He bore the weathered and rugged outdoor features of his years of growing up on the Reservation but perhaps the most striking feature about him was his eyes, which were not the normal dark, chocolate brown associated with the Native American peoples. They were more of a greenish/golden color, veering towards yellow, rather like the piercing eyes of a wolf but then that was hardly surprising since he was named for the wolf and all the male members of his family had the same striking characteristic.
Cass bore the rank of a 1st Lieutenant, not that he couldn't have been a Captain by now for he had been offered promotion but had turned it down, preferring instead to work more directly with people as he enjoyed what he did rather than get into the more administrative side. Although he was a nurse he was also an officer in the Air Force and as such had to adhere to the regulation short hair cut, which meant he had to lose his traditional long braids. It was a pity for his hair was raven black, so black, in fact, that it shone with a midnight blue sheen in certain light and would have, indeed, been a sight to behold if he had had his full head of hair. It didn't bother him, though he often had to endure the displeasing looks from the Elders when he went home on leave but in his heart and soul he was all Oglala Sioux and respected the long traditions and ways of his people and for that reason, to please the Elders, he had a pair of false braids. In fact he had even worn them onto the ward on occasion much to the delight of his patients who enjoyed his fun sense of humor for he was not averse to poking fun at himself or his culture and they laughed often at his references to Indian and 'white man', the favourite line that was usually thrown up to him being that he had been well and truly scalped by 'the white man'. Of course, he had got his own back when some procedures called for the removal of certain body hair and he would wide-eyed and menacingly weld a cutthroat razor and tell them to prepare to be scalped by a savage Indian.
He certainly was a character but above all he was a dedicated nurse and, although he appreciated the benefits of modern medicine and science, he never failed to impart the simple wisdom of his people for he believed that the two were not opposed but rather went hand in hand for the healing of the whole body, mind and soul.
"But seriously, Cass….what did you mean….some pretty bad stuff. I take it we're not talking about his having to carry his partner for two nights or them surviving in the jungle?" Captain Conley asked cautiously.
"No Ma'am, I'm not….but I don't think here is the place to discuss this," Cass advised, a sadness now clouding his gentle face.
"You're right, Cass…..we'd better go to my office. I'll need to show you Lt Tracy's file anyway and discuss his care," Sarah Conley agreed, so together they walked back along the corridor, across the central area and into Captain Conley's office where she closed the door. She leaned against the edge of her desk and with concerned interest prepared to listen. "All right, Cass….tell me what you know."
"Well, like I said, Ma'am….it's just what I hear….but I do understand it comes from Lt Numann," Cass began to which Sarah nodded. "Lt Tracy was forced to take out a couple of soldiers to keep them from being captured and…..from what I also hear…..they were both quick and clinical executions….not the usual stuff these boys do….and I also hear one of them was a boy….maybe seventeen or so," he added without going into actual detail.
Sarah Conley closed her eyes briefly and drew in a small breath. She was well aware, of course, that these young men were taught to defend themselves but what she was hearing now troubled her a little. "And just what do you mean, Cass…..quick and clinical….not the usual stuff," she asked cautiously but she could see that Cass was being hesitant. "Cass…..I'm not going to be shocked…..I think you know that….and if we're going to find a way to help this young man then I need to know what we're dealing with," Sarah urged him.
Cass nodded. "From what I hear….he took the boy out with his knife…..a very professional job, Ma'am...a quick thrust and twist to the heart……and the other man…..he snapped his neck….with his bare hands," he told her, keeping the detail simple.
"You mean like Navy Seals type stuff?" Captain Conley asked, pulling her face into a concerned frown.
Cass winced an acknowledged nod. "Something like that, Ma'am……clinical, cold and emotionless…..and maybe that's what he's finding tough to handle…..though I hear he was pretty tore up about the boy when he realised. And…..according to Lt Numann…..he just switched off……shut himself down," he added, telling her just what he knew.
Sarah Conley closed her eyes and shook her head. "That poor young man…..I think I'm beginning to understand," she sighed. "Just what are they teaching our boys, Cass…..what are they doing to them? You're right….that doesn't sound the normal stuff, does it," she mused, not knowing if she would ever understand the military mindset, only knowing that young men like Lt Tracy would be forever scarred by what they had to do.
"Unfortunately Captain….it is the way of the world that forces us to teach our young men such things and until the world learns to live in total harmony then it will continue to be necessary," Cass spoke with a sad wisdom.
She smiled sadly at her nurse's profound insight. "As always, Cass you are very wise. And does that ear to the ground tell you anything else?" she asked curiously.
He paused for a few moments before answering. "I have heard that our young Lieutenant saw some bad stuff go down in a village near to where they were hiding," Cass offered, a seriousness clouding his gentle features.
"Really!" Sarah replied with concern. She never knew how he came by these things for he was not one to gossip about what he heard, always keeping things to himself, until like now, when he was specifically asked and in the interest of helping a patient, making him the perfect confidante. Sarah, though, had come to rely on his judgement and trust his instinct and intuitive nature implicitly. "What sort of things, Cass. Do you know?"
He shook his head. "I'm sorry, Ma'am. Nobody, but nobody is talking. All I know is he made sure his NVS visor was given to Colonel Adams herself…and that they were near a village. Lt Numann doesn't even know what he saw…..just that he was told by Lt Tracy never to ask him…..that's what I hear, Ma'am…….and that tells me that some bad stuff went down there….and that it's recorded," Cass told her.
"I see," Sarah replied, feeling very troubled indeed and wondering just what images were torturing her young patient's mind but she knew if Cass did not know then there was little chance of anyone else finding out. "If that's the case…then I think we have a very troubled young man on our hands, Cass," she sighed with worried concern to which he agreed. "You will try and help him, won't you, Cass? I know he'll have to go through the professional help we have here but….well….you understand things that can't be learned in books," she said with a gentle smile and letting him know she thought more of his ways than the accepted method, which she sometimes thought too clinical and impersonal; Cass, on the other hand, she would swear could see into a man's very soul. She couldn't help that sometimes these younger men brought out a maternal instinct in her; perhaps it was because they were far from home and the support of their own families.
"I'll do the best I can, Ma'am but I can't guarantee anything. Our pain helps to make us who we are and it is up to each to choose whether to let it destroy us or make us strong…….and only Lieutenant Tracy can choose for himself," Cass replied with simple wisdom.
Captain Conley smiled and nodded, knowing she had picked the right man for the job. "Thanks Cass…..now we'd better get down to his care plan….this is what he's going to need….," she said, beginning by pulling up his file on the monitor as Cass looked on. She pointed out the wound to his back and how it was repaired and the broken collarbone. "…..and he has three cracked ribs on his left side which has left him badly bruised…..so you will take care around there……," she continued and then gave him a list of his medication. "…..and Cass….I want you to make him your main priority….spend as much time with him as possible….. and I'll keep your duties light," she promised, giving him a grateful smile. As he headed for the door and his new assignment Captain Conley wished him luck.
"I do not believe in luck, Ma'am," Cass responded with a wide grin, as he stopped and turned. "I believe the world is so ordered by The Great Spirit…..everything in its appointed place and time…….even those who enter our lives are not there by chance but do so at a specific time and for a purpose," he added reflectively to which Sarah Conley smiled and bowed graciously to his simple, though profound wisdom.
Cass left her office, collected the things he was going to need for a bed bath and made his way back to Scott's room.
Scott groaned as he shifted his position to try and make himself more comfortable, though it didn't seem to help much and, once again, he was aware of a presence in his room as he tried to doze. "I don't want you here, whoever you are…..so why don't you just do us both a favor and leave," he growled testily, without even bothering to open his eyes.
Wincing a smile Cass knew he had his work cut out for him. "Sorry…can't do that, Lieutenant…..you see….the funny thing is…..some patient tried to drown one of our nurses this morning…can you believe that……and it's kinda left us short-handed," he said lightly.
Scott turned and forced his eyes open to see who was trying to be funny with him and wasn't quite prepared for what he saw. He fixed Cass with a cool, questioning stare.
