Chương 13: Chapter 12

A few hours later and Ford had taken the division downstairs for dinner, promising to bring Carter a hot plate as was customary for SIQs. Traeger was once again on watch and had eaten early. She was also rover again which allowed her to wonder and part of her job now was to look after the SIQs. Carter needed to make another trip to the head which gave Traeger the perfect opportunity to get the answers she needed. Once the sub had done her business she helped her into the shower section at the back of the head. There they could talk freely without fear of interruption. Carter readied herself. She was sitting up albeit leaning against Traeger. Her stern planes were still unable to support her weight but she could begin to move then again without much trouble. "What I'm about to tell you, I won't ask to keep secret. You are under no obligation to and I'll understand if you want to tell someone more, qualified." Carter began but she was surprised when Traeger cut her off and shocked when she heard what the destroyer said. "You have MS." "How-" The sub was reeling. "How did you..." "I had my suspicions when you 'fell' in the head earlier. And then the issue with your stern planes. You're getting feeling back in them now so I know is probably a course of relapsing remitting." "You're correct. I've had it since I was a pup. Connecticut usually gives me injections that help stave off attacks but fever and stress are two things that can set it off." She rasped. "I see." There was no judgement in Traeger's eyes, only compassion and Carter realized how lucky she was to have her as a yeoman. She helped Carter upright. "Who else knows?" She asked. "Besides Connecticut and yourself, no one. I never, disclosed it." She sighed. "That's why you said I didn't have to keep it secret." Traeger murmured. "And I meant it." Traeger knew that if she deliberately withheld this information and if it somehow got out that she did so, she could face jail time. However if she told medical, Carter would be sent out of the navy on the spot. Her sister too. She knew the 'right' thing to do. But was the 'right' thing really the right thing? It was a tough call. To avoid putting too much stress on Carter's stern planes she scruffed the submarine who let out a rather undignified squawk as she was lifted clear of the water and carried dangling from Traeger's jaws. Orlando was security watch and she watched, very amused as the pair emerged from the head. Carter glared at her. "Oi, watch eyes forward!" She snapped. "Aye aye senior chief!" Orlando giggled and did return her gaze to the door. But she was still laughing. Traeger set her down and brushed her muzzle down her left flank, feeling Carter shudder as she touched her tender patch. "You're still a little warm. Keep drinking and I'll check on you again in an hour okay?" She said. Carter nodded, tucking her front fins into her belly. Traeger started to leave but she came back and brushed her muzzle against the top of her head. "I won't breathe a word to anyone." She whispered. Carter's tense muscles relax and she gave the destroyer a look of such gratefulness it brought tears to Traeger's eyes. "Thank you, Traeger." She sighed. Traeger smiled. "You're very welcome, Carter."