=/\= Infirmary – USS Montgomery =/\=
Darkness.
He could hear sounds around him. At first they were muffled background sounds, but as consciousness claimed him from the depths of his slumber, he became more aware of those sounds. There were people talking around him in a room filled with other people… some of whom were screaming, others moaning.
“…think he’ll recover?”
“No, I don’t.”
“What do you want me to do, doctor?”
“Give him 20cc’s of impedrezene, let him go quietly, and with a little dignity.”
Richard’s eyes blinked open, and the harsh white light caused him to squint until his eyes adjusted to the light. He could see the two people who had been talking beside the bio-bed next to him. As they moved aside, after giving the patient his injection, he could see a young marine laying there, with half his face missing.
He sat up to take a good look at the young man… barely out of adolescence, laying there. Richard recognized him as Lance Corporal Higgins from Dog Company. He was a replacement from advanced gunnery school, presumably one of the artillery techs.
The doctor spotted that Richard was sitting up and moved next to him, to screen him from the marine. “Good to see you back with us General.” He said, trying to put some enthusiasm in his otherwise dour tone. He was a Tellarite, presumably in his 40’s, Earth year measurement anyway.
“Why am I here?” Richard asked, groggily.
“You suffered multiple injuries from projectile weapon impacts. You suffered a severe loss of blood, but we got to you in time to prevent brain damage due to a lack of oxygen.” The doctor said, uniformly, as if he were discussing the weather.
It was clear that Richard was in some sort of recovery ward, and that through a set of doors on the other side of the room, was the main triage area, where the screams were coming from. Richard slid off the bed, stumbled a little, and regained his composure.
“Sir, I would strongly recommend getting back onto the bio-bed. You need time to rest and recover.” The doctor said, moving to drive Richard back onto the bed. Richard glared at the man, and shoved past him, and strode over to the doorway leading to triage.
Inside was a carnage of blood, guts and agony. He could see doctors, medical technicians, nurses and other support staff rushing around inside the sickbay, tending to more people than the bay could adequately hold. There was blood all over the floor, as marines writhed in agony. Some were silent, which was more concerning to the doctors than those screaming.
The Tellarite doctor appeared at Richard’s side. “Sir, you shouldn’t be here. Please sir…”
Richard moved his arm away from the man’s touch. “I did this…” He said, softly.
“No sir, the Romulan’s did this.” Came a gruff voice from behind him, and Patrick Harper appeared at Richard’s right hand side. “Doctor Borvan contacted me and told me you were awake.”
“I failed them.” Richard said, looking pale and shell shocked. “I lead them into a trap. I failed to support them when things fell apart.”
“That’s not true sir!” Harper snapped. “You did all any one man could do and more. You have nothing to reproach yourself for.”
Richard looked up into the eyes of his Irish Sergeant Major. “Do you really believe that, Patrick?” Richard asked. “Look around this room, and tell me you believe that.”
“I believe it sir, because I was there. As were the countless other marines who aren’t in here because of what you did.” Harper said firmly.
“Starfleet Command will not be as forgiving I fear.” Richard said. “I lead an invasion of a Romulan critical world, and blew it.”
“If you stay in here, of course you’ll believe that.” Harper said. “Come with me.”
Richard dazily followed Harper out of sickbay, and down the corridor, and into another large room. It was the main barracks room, filled with marines who were not wounded.
“Ten-hut!” Someone shouted, and everyone, regardless of what they were doing, ran down to the foot of their bed, and stood at attention.
“At ease.” Harper said. “General Sharpe has recovered from his injuries and has chosen to visit you.”
“Hoo-Rah General Sir!” Cheered the men.
Richard looked at Harper with a cautious eye.
“Let the General hear how you feel about him.” Harper said.
The marines in the room exchanged looks, and one of the Sergeants cocked a sly smile. “From the halls of Montezuma, to the Shores of
Everyone in the room joined in: “We fight our countries battles, in the air, on land and sea. First to Fight for Right and Freedom, and to keep our honour clean; we are proud to claim the title of United Federation Marines!”
Richard felt tears roll down his cheeks as he heard them sing the marine anthem as by way of an answer. Harper quickly wheeled the General out of the room, turning back to say. “Thank you men, carry on.” He said to the duty sergeant, who got the men to relax.
“We’ll be arriving at Unity in little under an hour sir.” Harper said, steering Richard down the corridor. “When we get back, we’ll have Doctor Summers check you over, before anything else.”
Richard didn’t say anything, he could feel his mind numbing, and without even realising it, he felt lightheaded, free, unrestrained. He felt like he could fly. If only this damn man on his arm wouldn’t keep holding him back. Why was he here anyway, and what was going on?
He didn’t even register the look of horror on Harper’s face as he grinned up, and bubbles of blood came from the corner of his mouth.
=/\= End Log =/\=
MGen. Richard Sharpe
MEF CO