The Reunion

“Well, I’ll be damned,” said the sailor looking at his commanding officer. Becky got up and walked over to Summers. The officer continued talking on the radio turning to look at the doctor.

“Doctor now is not a good time. We’re about to be attacked.”

“You’re wounded,” said the doctor bluntly as she pointed to his side. “It could be serious. You should have it looked at.”

Rice and Sanchez both looked to where the doctor had indicated. This close, they could see there was quite a bit of fresh blood on the senior officer’s uniform.

“Sir, she’s right,” said Rice without thinking. “Maybe you should have it looked at.”

Summers flashed Rice an angry look and then looked back at the doctor. “Right now is not a good time.”

As if on cue, there was the sound of incoming mortar fire and the explosions that followed. Even though the rounds impacted on the far side of the outer perimeter, Becky hunched down for cover. When she got back up Summers smiled and motioned to Sanchez. “Captain, have two of your men escort the doctor to the aid station. If you must assign them there to make sure both she and Miss Monroe stay there during the attack, please do so.”

Sanchez called to the two closest soldiers and gave them their orders. The two soldiers picked up the equipment the doctor had brought with her and waited for a second while Becky stood looking at the officer. She turned, walking away. “I’ll be back to look at that if you live through the day.”

Summers looked at the other two officers standing with him. “I look forward to that, Doctor.”