Chapitre 10: Chapter 9

When Carter did finally emerge from one of the many backrooms Traeger instantly recognized the influence of drugs in her. Her slow, painful sail had relaxed some and she held her head straighter if not higher. Her eyes were slightly glazed and she struggled to focus on Traeger. "What's the word?" The destroyer asked. In reply, Carter handed her a folded chit. "Log this, then ask me questions." She growled in a slightly slurred tone. She moved off to stand by the exit, waiting for her. Traeger took out yeoman's pouch and quickly copied down the particulars of the chit. She winced as she read. 5 days SIQ with another 27 days LLD following. Carter would be FFD (fit for full duty) only a day before battlestations. Traeger couldn't help but wonder if the sub had negotiated this. But as she read further she realized it was likely more of a harsh compromise. Carter could continue to train the division but with harsh restrictions. She could not accompany them on any outings whatsoever unless her presence was strictly mandatory. Even then she was limited to traveling no more than 5 miles in a day. This posed a problem that Traeger was certain Carter would wish to speak to her about. The submarine lived in Mare Island. Even without this chit Traeger felt leery about Carter traveling up the coast at night. In fact she suspected the sub was using the guest docks here on base to rest at night. If she rested at all. When one had pain this bad, sleep was nearly impossible. Traeger joined Carter at the door and the two set out for home. Ford was waiting for them and as soon as Carter had dismissed the watch stander's greeting with a nonchalant wave of her fin and retreated into her office with Traeger, the big carrier sprung into action. Her bulk blocked the doorway and ensured a private conversation. "5 days SIQ with a 5 mile sailing limit once LLD kicks in." Traeger told her RPOC. If Ford was surprised, she didn't show it. "The chit only states the 5 mile limit effective when I become LLD." Carter said. Traeger rounded on her. "Don't you dare! SIQ means Sick in Quarters. You don't leave your bed! You're in no shape to sail to Mare Island right now. I could call medical and I know they'd agree with me." She growled. Carter hissed slowly through her teeth. "What about the guest berths?" Ford suggested. Traeger opened her mouth to reply but surprisingly Carter beat her to it. "I'd considered it but I barely made it from there this morning." She said. "So you have been using those berths." Traeger noted, she'd been wondering. "I didn't want to worry you." Carter did sound apologetic to her credit. Not that that stopped Traeger from launching a tirade at her in any case. "Carter, you need to tell me these things!" "No I do not. You are not my mother or my sisters!" "In their absence someone has to be!" "I am not some 2 year old pup! I can take care of myself!" "And you've done a great job of it thus far." Wow, sarcasm much? Ford did not look overly concerned by the argument. Actually, she was amused by it. Traeger had reamed their RDC out before but she had never used her name until now. It was a slip of the tongue that hinted at the true cause of her frustration and probably Carter's as well. Neither party recognized what they were actually doing to each other but Ford knew and she quietly backed out, predicting that sparks would be flying between these two and soon. She had no way of knowing that those sparks would start a short lived fire that would be drenched by tragedy.