21 Time-Phase Report; Thomas Awakes (2/2)

Thomas knew what the nurse was thinking, how could he not? Were the positions swapped, he too would feel pity and maybe sympathy. He should address the problem before it gets out of hand.

”Do not feel pity for me, I couldn't ask for more,” Thomas's voice was still raspy, but now it sounded like leathery sandpaper instead of sandpaper on sandpaper. His voice was also slightly louder.

”I..” The nurse fought for words, she tried to deny that is what she was doing, but she stopped herself. She couldn't lie to this man. If it was anyone else...just not this man. This man of two lifetimes. She couldn't imagine fighting the same war twice over two different lives. She immediately apologized. ”I'm sorry, I didn't mean...”

”It's okay, I am proud of what I do, and I love my country.” Thomas sighed. If only he could see, and move. He hated this, it was the worst part of being in this lifetime. A small growl of frustration escaped his throat, along with a splash of blood. His throat burned now, it tasted like copper, mixed with iron. A very metallic taste, as blood should taste. The nurse admonished him again, told him to rest, but don't fall asleep. She will be back in a few minutes to check up on him, she had to file a report.

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Hughes was sitting in his office when a young nurse stepped in. It was the nurse from the operating suite, normally you wouldn't keep a patient in there, but Thomas's condition was too serious for him to be moved anywhere else. She was attractive, a young woman in her twenties. She had long black hair down past her shoulders, full lips, a button nose, and wide green eyes. She cut a great hourglass figure, but it must be hard to maintain that image.

”Sir, Captain Thomas is awake!” The nurse reported, her eyes showed sympathy, but also...determination? No matter, it was none of his concern.

”Thank you, Elaine. Please continue to watch the Good Captain.” Major General Hughes said. ”You can go now.” After she left, Hughes picked up the rotary phone on his desk and dialed a few numbers.

”Sir?” A man on the other end of the phone answered.

”This is Hughes, the Captain is awake. Begin immediately.”

”Yes, sir!” The phone went dead as the soldier hung up. There was work to do, and not much time to do it. This all depended on Thomas. Everything depended on Thomas.