Nelson, Healey, and Jeannie back in Cocoa Beach seconds after they had left for Stalag 13. Hopefully they made the changes that needed to happen. Only time will tell.
Tony asked Jeannie, "Are you sure Dr. Bellows won't remember us from from Stalag 13?"
"Yes, Master," Jeannie reassured, "it would be as our visit never happened."
Roger observed, "That's good- all we need is for Doctor Bellows to be more suspicious of us."
As their time traveling adventures tired the astronauts out, they both had an early dinner and retired to their respective homes.
Tony got an early start to the day and headed to NASA. He was relieved to see his "old" secretary, the young Sergeant Mary Harris.
"Good Morning, Major," the non-com chirped.
"Good Morning, Sergeant," Nelson replied with uncharacteristic enthusiasm.
Sergeant Harris reported, "I'm glad you are in a good mood. You're wanted over in medical."
Tony grunted, "I'm way too busy."
The Sergeant persisted, "General Peterson said you would say that. But he asked me to let you know he thought it was a good idea that you keep your appointment."
The Major knew an order when he heard it. The astronaut instructed his secretary, "Tell the General I'll be in medical."
Nelson came into the psychiatrist's office, "Ok, I'm here doctor..." pausing after seeing the figure in the room "...Freedman!"
Sidney looked up from the file when the astronaut used his name and asked, "Have we met, Major?"
Tony looked a little uneasy and said, "Colonel, I know I have not been keeping up with my regular appointments, it's just you know how busy things can get."
Nelson's unease had more to do with Freedman's presence than missed appointments. If the Army Colonel was the chief psychiatrist at NASA that must mean that Bellows must have crossed Hogan again as he did before. Their attempt to rewrite history failed.
Freedman asked, "Tell me how busy things can get here, Major."
The astronaut attempted a smile and said, "Well as chief psychiatrist, Colonel, you know how we are constantly on the move here. The deadlines we meet are critical."
Freedman empathized, "I understand how much pressure deadlines can cause. I've spent my time on a few battlegrounds."
Tony eased up a little, "Thank you doctor, I'm sure you do."
Sidney poked a bit more, "So major, how do you deal with the stress of your deadlines?" Immediately the psychiatrist knew he may have pushed a little to hard.
After years of dealing with Dr. Bellows, Nelson knew when he was being analyzed. He looked at Freedman and said, "Listen Colonel," then Tony saw the lone star on Freedman's collar. Nelson immediately stood and backtracked, "Forgive me, General." The major realized the physician across from him was a brigadier general.
Dr. Freedman motioned Nelson to sit down. The psychiatrist calmly explained, "I'm Brigadier General Sidney Freedman. I am a psychiatrist, but haven't had the chance to practice too much since taking command of Walter Reed. I came down here on orders from high up."
Nelson asked, "So you aren't taking over for Dr. Bellows?"
Sidney laughed, "Alfred Bellows did his internship under me. I'm just subbing for him while he goes on a fishing excursion for Marlin with a general he knows from the war. To be honest, I wanted to get away from the DC area politics at Walter Reed. Beach time sounded nice."
Tony said, "Enjoy your time here, sir."
General Freedman got serious for a minute, "Stress is nothing to laugh at Major. I've seen too many good officers crack. Alfred Bellows is a physician I respect, and in the note he left me he asked me to evaluate you for a second opinion."
That got Nelson's attention. Tony said, "Thank you sir, I'll use some of my upcoming vacation time..."
Freedman said, "That may a start, Major."
Tony left medical realizing things were back as they used to be. They have Bellows back, which is good and bad. That is after Dr. Bellows gets back from fishing with General Hogan in the Bermuda Triangle...
