Chương 2: What if god was one of us. Cont.
Gilchrist woke up in an unfamiliar environment. He felt lethargic and decrepit. It took home a while to get his bearings. He woke up in the regimental medical ward. Looking around he could see he was in a room with 3 other people. Could be soldiers or their family members. All 4 of them were quarantined. All had various symptoms. 2 men were normal at first glance, but would break out into short violent dry coughing every few minutes. The other man was lying down taking shallow breaths. He looked quite unwell. He was pale and sweating profusely. From the looks of the blanket and IV, his condition seemed quite serious.
While looking around the room, he came across a clock and calendar close to the door. The date was 2 days later on a Tuesday. And it was currently 11:15.
The funeral being Sunday, means I was out for an entire day. Hmmm...I don't think I drank that much. I guess I'll have to wait for a nurse or doctor to get here so I can ask them about my health. Hope it's nothing too serious.'
One of the men who were in better condition, noticed him attempting to sit up.
"Morning."
"Morning, how do you do?"
"Alright I suppose. Caught the bug that's been going around."
"Sorry to hear that."
"What are you in for?"
"Don't know, went to a squad-mates funeral. Went home had a drink. Woke up here."
"My condolences."
"Thank you."
As the silence progressed and became gauche. The door to the room was quietly opened. A young medic came in.
"Captain Gilchrist, nice to see that you're awake."
He greets Gilchrist. Looking over to the only other awake person in the room he nods in greetings.
"Lieutenant Baker."
The other gentleman returns the greeting in kind.
"Sergeant David."
"I will be with you shortly."
Turning to Gilchrist, Sergeant David, covered all the way in PPE walks into the plastic bubble of Captain Gilchrist.
"Morning Captain Gilchrist. My name is Sergeant David and I will be assisting your attending doctor Major Burns. Your adjutant tried to reach you yesterday when you did not show up for muster. Your CO was informed, and went to your residence
with the spare key provided in case of emergency considering your accommodation off base and you living alone. There you were found unconscious and attempts to wake you up were unsuccessful. At that point. The base medical staff were called and you were brought here." Finishing his report, he picks up the medical files at the end of the bed.
"So, how are you feeling today? Any nausea, drowsiness, headaches?"
"I feel a bit weak and sleepy. Despite being out cold for over a day. Also I am quite hungry. Have I missed breakfast?"
A smile clearly visible from underneath the mask. Sgt. David informs Capt. Gilchrist. "Yes you have, but lunch should be around noon, I'll update the kitchen as to your improved condition."
"Thank you." Sighs a relieved and famished Gilchrist.
———————————————————————————
As Captain Gilchrist was finishing up his meal. The door to their medical ward opens. In walks in Major Burns with a report in his heft hand.
He stops to look at the name on the file, then looks at the names on the board. After confirming he has the correct patient, turns to look at Captain Gilchrist. "Captain Gilchrist?" He asks. Gilchrist nods, and confirms with a "Yes."
Walking into his plastic bubble. "Evening Captain Gilchrist. I have your medical reports."
Coming over to the side of Captain Gilchrist, Major burns moves the bed into a sitting position to help the Captain. "The good news is you are COVID-19 negative. The bad news however, is you have stage 4 Multiple Myeloma. Blood cancer if you will. We have to run more tests. But as of now you have 3-9 months." Major Burns reports to Captain Gilchrist.
Sighing he continues "Your personnel files indicate you live alone. With no next of kin listed. Is there anyone that you would like to talk to? Meet perhaps?"
A stunned Gilchrist sits there not believing what he just heard. It can't be a joke or a prank. He isn't that close with anyone. He was an illegitimate child out of wedlock. His mother had gotten pregnant at some music festival. He lived with her in a small apartment in Bristol, until her untimely death. He was 14 when she passed away due to a construction accident on her way home from work.
He lived in foster care because his remaining family didn't want anything to do with him.
"No, no one I can think of." Responds a distraught Gilchrist. "What will happen to my unit? What will happen to me?" He asks in a pleading manner. "About that, you're occupation as an active member of the SAS is finished. Depending on your condition and willingness, your Commanding Officer is willing to have you for as long as possible in an administrative or teaching position." Major Burns informs Captain Gilchrist. "If I may be so bold Captain." Major Burns asks Captain.
"Gilchrist is fine" replies Captain Gilchrist.
"Gilchrist, in my career as an army doctor I have come across many patients. Very few of them were a part of the special operations community. And to this day I cannot for the life of me figure out how you men work. But I do know this, you boys do what is necessary to get the job done. And you take the mission you're given very seriously. So as a superior officer I am advising you to live your life. The army, the job may or may not help you come to terms with the circumstances presented. But you must do your utmost to make things right in your books. I can only do so much. I hope you take my words in the spirit they were given."
Gilchrist nods at the Major "I will have to think things through."
"If there's anything you need you can call Sergeant David or myself, we will do our utmost to assist with your requests." States Major Burns. "Do you have any questions or concerns?"
"I'll make a list" jokes Captain Gilchrist.
Nodding, Major Burns departs from the room.
Looking out the window at the far end of his hospital room. The bright blue sky with a few clouds. Gilchrist mutters "It's always on days like these."
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