Never Again, Again

Chapter 12

Christine watched the clock. She had heard alarms going off and metal crunching. Finally, she stepped out and saw a young sailor run through. She could see the panic on his face and knew something bad was happening. Before he ran up the steps, she caught him by the arm.

"What's happening? Do I need to get my daughter out of my husband's quarters?" Christine asked. Everyone knew that Katie was not doing well.

"Actually; Ma'am, the submarine has been blown up. The land team is on their way back with a few injuries." The sailor explained.

"My husband?" Christine asked.

"I only know two were moderately injured but don't know who. I have to get to the deck, Ma'am." The sailor answered.

"Okay, thank you." Christine said. The sailor ran up the steps and Christine went back to Mike's quarters and waited. An hour later; there was a knock on the door. Christine opened it and found Kara and Hannah on the other side. "Mike?" Christine asked. She leaned down and gave Hannah a hug.

"He's in the medical bay. Took a shot to the arm. A through and through. He's okay…mad more than anything." Kara explained.

"He had lots of blood on his shirt." Hannah said.

"I can stay with the girls. And Miller will take you to the medical bay." Kara said.

"Okay. Hannah, are you okay?" Christine asked her daughter.

"Yeah. I want to take a shower though. I feel kind of dirty and itchy." Hannah said. Christine looked at Kara in question.

"Bugs. It'll be okay for her to take a shower. I think she got into some seed ticks." Kara said.

"She has trouble with the controls. Do you mind helping her?" Christine asked.

"Not in the least. Go, ma'am." Kara said.

"Thank you. Hannah, I'll be back soon. Kara; Katie is having a rough day." Christine explained.

"Okay." Kara answered with a smile. Christine nodded and then followed Miller to the medical bay. She was not prepared to see Mike sitting on one of the tables without his shirt on and blood all over his arm. Doctor Scott was cleaning the wound and lecturing him about keeping it clean and not overdoing. Mike was ignoring her mostly and gave Christine a smile.

"Told you I would come back." Mike said. Christine went around the other side of the bed and gave Mike a long kiss.

"Hey! Stop moving!" Doctor Scott said.

"Are you almost done?" Mike asked.

"I need to give you a shot in your ass for the infection you'll be fighting soon." Doctor Scott warned Mike.

"Fine." Mike said before giving Christine another kiss. Christine could only laugh in response but stood back while Doctor Scott finished up.

"You are to take it easy. I will let Captain know." Doctor Scott said.

"And I will keep an eye on him." Christine commented, but the doctor ignored her. Thankfully, Mike was standing up and Christine followed him out. "Doctor Scott is not a fan of mine." Christine remarked.

"She is not a people person." Mike agreed.

"Is she like this with everybody?" Christine asked.

"A lot, yes. Including me at times." Mike said.

"I think it has to do with Katie being so sick when we were found." Christine said.

"Possibly but she knows you aren't a medical person. You were caring for Katie as best as you knew how. I honestly think had you not cared for her the way you did, she wouldn't be here now." Mike said.

"I guess. She's having an off day." Christine remarked.

"Probably all the excitement." Mike said. They arrived back to his quarters just then and Mike let himself in with his good hand. Katie was sitting on the couch and gave Mike a smile that was less than sincere.

"Hannah just finished. She is going to have some serious tick bites." Kara said.

"I'll keep an eye on them. Thank you." Christine said. Mike had sat down next to Katie and was talking to her.

"Have a good evening." Mike told her. Kara nodded and left them to their own devices.