It had been six weeks since Cadet Kreed had been instrumental in the rescue of the USS Taliskar and the colony of Holvern VII. Well, Cadet no longer. While in a medically induced coma, Kreed had been promoted to Ensign; even before graduating the Academy. He was still in the Academy hospital, but was recovering very well considering the amount of trauma he had suffered: Bilateral spiral fractures of the legs. Multiple second and third degree burns over eighty percent of his body. Compound fracture of upper left arm. Pelvic fracture. Compression fractures of lowest three vertebrae. Convoluted skull fracture. Multiple broken ribs. Bruised liver and kidneys. Rupture of stomach. Punctured left lung. Blunt-force trauma to lower abdomen and chest. Concussion. Major blood loss. He had been in a medically induced coma for three weeks, only awake for the last three. He had begun his physical rehabilitation, and was doing well- save for the constant interruptions from the brass wanting to meet him, talk to him, and ready him for his return to duty. Kreed took it all in stride, but the lack of emotional response to his ordeal was concerning some of his doctors.

So now Kreed lay in his bed after rehab, waiting for a therapist to come see him. He didn’t feel it was quite necessary; after all, he was receiving a glowing prognosis as to his recovery and he would soon be able to walk unfettered by a cane and would be back at work within the next few months. Why was everyone so worried that he wasn’t worried?

Kreed, almost a doctor