Chapter 3

PART 1

"Dr. Sullivan, I have just checked on Private Sherwood, and his temperature is slightly elevated." Stated the nurse.

"Thank you nurse, but lets wait it out, as the elevated temperature could be from the sedation. If the temperature is not stabilized in an hour or so then I will be concerned. The Private is lucky he is going to live." Dr. Sullivan stated.

Even though Jeremy was sedated there were moments where he was relatively coherent where he could hear what was being said. From what he knew one of the only sensations that he could feel was pain. The pain was resonating through what seemed was every part of his body. Jeremy lay in the hospital bed, and trying to take stock in what was going on, and what he was going to do, but before he could make and further assessments the sedation was taking hold, and he quickly drifted off to a painless slumber.

PART 2

Frank walked into Col. Holden's office, and saluted the Colonel. He was there because Col. Holden had sent for him. Frank did not know why, but he could only assume it was about Jeremy. Frank and Col. Holden (or rather Mike) had been friends for many years, but nevertheless military protocol was one of addressing a senior office by their official title, even if a friendship existed.

"Colonel Holden, Good Morning Sir." Frank saluted.

"Major Sherwood, Frank, at ease." Mike said trying to put Frank at ease.

"Sir, I received word that you sent for me." Frank stated.

"I did, please have a seat." Both men sat at two winged back chairs across from each other. At that point Lt. Colonel Burton walked in to the office, and both men stood up.

"Sir, oh I am sorry I did not realize that you had company." Said Lt. Colonel Burton

"Lt. Colonel Burton, it is not a problem but could you please give Major Sherwood and me a few minutes? Also, you remember Major Sherwood?" Mike questioned in his military ease.

"Yes, Major Sherwood and I have met. Major, I am sorry to hear about your son. And Colonel please advise when you are ready." Lt. Colonel Burton said.

"Thank you" Both men said as the Lt. Colonel walked out of the office. Mike and Frank sat back down and started the conversation again.

"Frank, I did send for you. The reason is that I have received word as to what actually happened to Jeremy and his unit. And I wanted to be the one to tell you, if you have yet to hear." Mike said quietly.

"Colonel, all that I have heard is that there was a rush of insurgence and Jeremy and the unit were caught in the cross hairs, and three in his unit were killed and five including Jeremy were severely injured. Why is there more?" Frank asked inquisitively.

"Actually, Frank there is… are you aware that your injured son pulled two soldiers out of the hum-ve before it exploded, and that is how Jeremy got so much to the eyes?"

"No I had not heard that… you mean to tell me that my son is a hero?"

"Yes, and he has been put in for a medal." Frank sat there in awe.

"Also, on a personal note, Claudia Joy and I want to know if there is anything you or Denise need when Jeremy gets back to the post?" Mike was trying not to be Col. Holden at the moment, as again these two men had seen a lot together.

"Thank you. Right now I do not know what you or your wife could do for us, as we do not know what Jeremy is going to need." Frank was really not sure what his family was going to need.

"Please let me know if you or your family needs anything. If you need or want to take some leave time please let me know."

"Thank you. But right now we just want to get Jeremy home." With that said Frank got up and saluted the senior officer and left.