He woke up when he heard the rustling of the container walls. Opening his eyes, Shepard saw Svetlana, fussing at the table. Average of the table, rather than the hospital, to the bracket.
- Here, Chakwas allocated. She said that your state, John, already allows to eat sitting down. So go ahead ... - she came up with the intention of helping Shepard to sit up on the bed, but the XO easily pushed her hand and he gently and quickly sat up, swung his legs, established, then, pododvinuv table to the bed, began to open containers. Rupert has already managed to pick up empty and brought complete.
Svetlana watched approvingly as John serves the table, lays devices reveals thermoses with drinks.
- Light, sit down, have dinner.
- Ugum. - Girlfriend sat next to the bed, put his arm around his left hand on the shoulder of John, and began to gain the right portion of the container-pan. - You're strong, John. Strong and gentle. So I love especially.
- Thank you Svetlana. - Shepard kissed her on the cheek, causing her an approving smile happy. - Let's go ...
- Let's talk - bainki. - Picked Streltsov, laughing and quite easy to Shepard pushed to the side. - Uboltat you me ...
- Be sure to Svetlana. - Shepard grinned. - And to you faster and harder to sleep.
- I have no doubt, John, that your side I sleep soundly. - Svetlana said, wiping a piece of bread plate. - Karin is not allowed to get up to you, so that I povozhus utensils.
- No, no, light. I can well do much sitting. So in that you will not be able to restrict me.
- I know, John. And very happy about it. - Svetlana stood still, it was nice to intercede with the housework, because she did not only for themselves, but for Shepard, who, as said, was able to do many things without getting out of bed.
- Even though the man himself feel light. - He said, when the last table was tidied, cleaned and packed, and Svetlana again lay down on the hospital bed. - And how Karin said that I am here is to spend two more days ... I never thought that the mess around - so hard.
- Okay, John. The morning is wiser than the evening. Let's sleep. - Svetlana dimmed the light in the room, lit overbed spotlight. - I hope that tomorrow Karin says about your state of something more definite and, I hope, pleasant.
- I do hope so, Svetlan. - Shepard hugged her friend, pressed gently to her, feeling her restrained joy and clear satisfaction. - Let's sleep. Relaxing holiday to you.
- You too. Relaxing holiday, my Joe. - She kissed him on the cheek and closed her eyes, calming and quiet. A few minutes Shepard looked at her, saw no longer trembling lashes as her lips are relaxed, allowing the dull shine of perfect white teeth.
Gardner morning as usual brought containers with breakfast. Svetlana Shepard helped to lay the table, heeding her reluctance to make him get up on your feet and make Chakwas worry. The doctor of the frigate Welcome to the chamber immediately after breakfast and asked Svetlana quarter of an hour to go to sickbay corridor.
- I need to examine you, John. I see that you are strengthened, but the protocol has protocol. - Chakwas waited Svetlana released. - I know that the presence of light had a beneficial effect. - It is armed with a stethoscope included instrumentron. - But still, John, do not force the load. I give you more vacation day. And do not make excuses. As a kind of compensation - allow you to gradually today, get up and walk at first in the first half of the day in the ward, and then - down the hallway. Well then - very cautiously and gradually - and outside sickbay.
- I really appreciate your consistency and prudence, Karin. - Quiet and warm Shepard said, allowing the doctor of the frigate to carry out all necessary inspections. - But I am concerned that Svetlana ...
- Yes, John. She is very worried about you. He worries, even after spending the night with you. But ... That's how the world is. - Chakwas sighed. - Good. - She took her stethoscope instrumentron repaid. - You can get dressed. It seems that Svetlana has once again made a small, but very important miracle. It does not matter, John. Carefully and consistently.
- Karin ... - Shepard reached a share of discontent. - Yes, I'm next to the light ...
- I know I know. Mountain svorochu and everything. No, John. Mountains you will collapse in the future. And for the future it was a long, you just have to observe caution and it is consistency.
- But I'm ...
- You are recovering, John, there's no doubt. - Confirmed the doctor. - And yet, any violation may lead to the fact that all recovery and all concomitant medications will have to start all over again. Svetlana cheered, she calmed down, it is noticeable, but it is better ...
- Better - do not risk it. - Shepard said quietly. - I will not, Karin. - He buttoned his pajamas, straightened his collar and lapels of the jacket, and then freely and easily got out of bed, took a step to the doctor. - Karin. - He took her right hand her with both hands, he leaned down and kissed her, pausing for a few seconds.
Chakwas herself not knowing that makes it really, that's right now, leaned over and kissed John. Shepard did not flinch, just gently squeezed his hand in his hands Karin. Straightening up, he let go of the doctor's hand and stepped back to the bed.
- Thank you, Karin. All - Thanks. - In the eyes of Shepard Chakwas I saw that he praised her act and reacted to it with the necessary understanding.
- Thank you, John. - Said doctor frigate, cruiser. - Your power works wonders. It helps both you and many other wise. I am glad that I can live and work side by side and together with you, John.
At this point, the ward became Svetlana. Chakwas immediately noted her presence:
- That is, Svetlana, admire. - A little grumpy said Karin. - I've been preparing him permission to leave more day injury, and he - again and stands on both legs. And ready to go. Far ready to go, I note.
- Karin, I'm sure, John - not the simulator. He just...
- Yeah. He cheered up next to his wife. - Chakwas smiled. - I believe you, Svetlana. He was almost well, but still - I had not yet discharged from the sickbay. And make sure that he did not force the walking. And I know it - will go instantly to CIC, where he was not even on the lasso to drag.
- You're right, Karen. - Shepard smiled. - I will fight tooth and nail. Because I want to work. Weirdly want to work, longing for work!
- All in due course, John, all - over time. - A serious tone and firm opinion doctor made John leave bravado far away and realize the seriousness of their situation. - One wrong move - and all restoration will have to start from the beginning.
- I submit, Karin. - Shepard nodded.
- That's good. I leave you. - Chakwas instrumentron rolled, cut off most of the equipment. - Light, I ask: slowly and gradually.
- So be it. - Streltsov said, exchanging a doctor frigate, cruiser knowing looks.
- I hope so. - Chakwas left the room, closing the familiar door.
- Of course, I understand the fears of Karin, the Light, but I ...
- Yes Yes Yes. - Svetlana realized her husband perfectly. - Communicate by hand and foot, and does not allow honest people to demonstrate silushku valiant. What, John, do not understand - one wrong move and you will propishesh sickbay in a very long time. By the way, why did you jump on your feet?
- Umm. - Shepard paused. - Light ... You yourself know ...
- I see. Because - not angry. - Svetlana came to her husband. - And very glad that I can hug you and a lot of time to kiss like that, standing next to you. - She hugged him and kissed him on the cheeks and lips. - Restless, but mine.
- Thy Light, yours. - I agreed and confirmed Shepard. - Let's go through the Chamber will make a circle, and then go out into the corridor.
- You are not only restless, but also terribly quick, John. - Svetlana said, so that Shepard does not immediately able to determine what was more in her words - anxiety, or concerns with the approval and joy. Probably, all the same concerns. Therefore, touching the soft look wife eyes, Mate said:
- Well, Karin did not say that we have to make a certain number of laps around the ward. Make a circle, loo
k at the state of health more closely, and there ... and will reach up to the corridor.
- Karin supervise. - Svetlana said quietly, internally agreeing - it really Chakwas did not say anything about the number of steps and the number of laps, which is necessary to collect, circling in the ward. So if John and strengthened sufficiently recovered, we should try to do as he says. He was, at the end of it all more clearly their own well-being than her or even the same Chakwas. - Well, okay, let's try.
And they tried. Shepard did not let Svetlana try to become its mainstay, walking, each time getting firmer and more confident. Streltsov mutely marveled resistance of the main friend and his desire as quickly as possible to return to the previous volume of work, to continue the diversity of activities, to the same intensity of being.
Less than forty minutes - Svetlana still convinced John to do not one, but a few laps around the ward - and two of them are located on the corridor sickbay.
Shepard was walking confidently enough, but now, as clearly felt Svetlana, he cared primarily about making it not overexert, was not forced to go fast. Because they have been quite a slow pace is not so long corridor sickbay first one way, then - back, exchanged a couple-three phrases with nurses and nurse.
Hearing the voice of the captain, Chloe came out of his office. We talked about that, about this. Leaving the women together, Shepard, rejoicing improve the health and appearance of firmness and confidence in his walk, he passed several times sickbay corridor from end to end. He felt the eyes of his wife and the doctor, and he liked to feel strong.
As soon as he returned to the door of Michelle's office, Svetlana said goodbye to deputy chief physician medical service frigate, cruiser, and took her husband's arm, headed for the door Chakwas cabinet. Karin was standing on the doorstep - it seems as befits the supreme mistress of sickbay, she has seen a lot of the "exploits" of Shepard.
- I see you are recovering very quickly, John. Well. Then - welcome outside sickbay.
- Thank you, Karin. - Shepard politely bowed his head, and the head doctor Svetlana smiled happily.
- Good luck to you both and tranquility. - A doctor holds the spouses-to-door sickbay and returned to her.
The news that Captain Shepard came out of sickbay on their feet quickly spread through the frigate. First Lieutenant, who decided to make a complete tour of the ship, preparing to leave the dock, over and over again was surrounded by more and more new teams and crew members, there were lively discussions were long conversations. Svetlana, had been watching John rejoiced: Shepard amazingly quickly adapted to the usual loads and normandovtsy were very happy and satisfied to feel the fullness of Shepard returns to the eventful life of the company officer.
Coming in from the ship, having visited all compartments, Shepard went to his starpomovskuyu cabin, looked around:
- For a long time I was not here, the Light. - He sat down at the desktop, almost spun in it. - Good to be back. Back alive.
- Captain. - Made an officer of the watch styling. - You - mail and documentation.
- Well thank you. - John Readers quickly sorted into piles, made them almost the entire surface of the table top, and was about to take the first reader, but Svetlana put on top of his hand. - Light?
- You forget, Joe. Gradually and slowly! - She said firmly. - And you promised to adhere to this rule.
- He promised. - Shepard left attempts to include reader. - Well. You're right. We go then to Anderson.
- It is acceptable. Come on. - Agreed to Svetlana.
- Nice to see you on your feet, John. - Commander of the frigate, cruiser rose from the table toward which were part of exec. Exchanging with a colleague a firm handshake and hug, Anderson beckoned visitors to sit in the chair. - Svetlana, I see you are dissatisfied with something ?!
- Only that John tried to immerse themselves in the work, David. - Streltsov said. - Vahtsluzhba brought mountain readers and cop John has one of them. I barely had time to give him turn the unit on.
- John, Karin begged. She rarely insists. - Anderson looked to embarrass the captain. - You have at least a few more days of vacation.
- Have some? It was only one or two days, David. - Shepard said.
- Several. Karin knows that you did just that - once the cut in the work.
- David, I do not even know when we have the next sortie. For me - is unacceptable. - Shepard has decided to show a fraction of discontent.
- It was a few days later, John. In the meantime, you have a rare opportunity to stay close enough to Svetlana. Alla it wrote off in sickbay and Titov received the basic command with which Svetlana, incidentally, agreed. So? - Anderson looked at Streltsov.
- That's right, John. - Svetlana nodded, glancing at her husband. - I was left with the rank of counselor with the right of direct command and control. The situation is familiar and it is working. Stanislav cope, I believe in him. And do not worry about the departure - Titov has incite landing cruiser - this time normandovskaya landing party under your way, the leadership, will go accompanied by paratroopers of "Volga". And you will be easier, and I - quieter.
- Sveta...
- And do not mind, please. - Svetlana eyes pointed to her husband on his stomach. - I want to have children and pass them to you personally. I want us to have a complete family and that it was a very long one and full. And I will do everything possible for that.
- OK OK. - John effaced. - But ...
- John, the war enters a phase where we need to go to the offensive operations. - Continued Streltsov. - Up to this point we just defended and occasionally snapped, sometimes - very well, do not argue. Now we are going to fight for real. This means that while the small landings came to an end. I no longer wish to keep their paratroopers in the gallery, John. And I no longer wish to play the role of an auxiliary force. We - and the cruiser detachment and his team and the crew have to get a real opportunity to constantly engage in battles and in all operations.
- Svetlana ... - Shepard's voice discontent grew and Streltsov is clearly felt:
- John. This is the situation. And while you should not be like this right off the bat to plunge into work. These two or three days I'll be there ...
- Like this. For two days turned into three. - Dissatisfied Shepard handed hiding irritation.
- That's right, John. - Commander of the frigate's cabin-cruiser entered Chakwas. - Turned into three. Svetlana was absolutely right - you are now the information overload to anything. Here, take this, it is configured you Alix. I looked - it will be safe for you. And the information, and a summary of, and plan and all necessary applications. - Doctor frigate, cruiser struck on the table top reader. Shepard pressed a finger device. - That you would be enough for the next two days. On the third day we appointed frigate test output from the dock, by the time you're in complete norm. Not earlier. Svetlana. - Doctor frigate, cruiser turned in his chair to Strel'tsova. - Take control in their hands. As a wife and senior in rank and position of the officer. I think both of you will be not out of place to have dinner in the dining room with normandovtsami. And then - and dinner. All the rest of the time - your own. Agreed?
- Agreed, Karin. - Svetlana stood. - And indeed, John. As we walked around the ship until we said - come dinner time. Karin rights - should observe the regime. So - go to the dining room. At the same time Gardner will be pleased to see you in the ranks.
- I obey the light. - Shepard rose.
- And rightly so. - Anderson said, exchanging glances with Chakwas. - We'll get too soon.
Gardner was very pleased that Shepard had come into his possession on his feet, and even his wife. And the first mate was glad that he did not have dinner in the House and not in the cabin, and among his colleagues. Of course, at the table, where the captain and kaperang, approached the crew and command frigate, cruiser, there were discussions on various topics, and Svetlana and John saw - normandovtsy pleased that XO is recovering.
After lunch, it turned out, thanks to the efforts of Rupert and the presence of S
vetlana, unbelievable plentiful and hearty, Shepard got to his cabin and as he was - collapsed in bed, what Streltsov reacted with complete understanding. The first active day is the first active day.
Less than a quarter of an hour, she lay down beside him and Shepard on a good three hours of forgot about everything. Svetlana was happy to please his chief friend, good now they were in front of a minimum vacation day. And there, then - Shepard recovers completely.
And so it happened. In the evening they went back to the dining room, where dinner with normandovtsami. On the large wall screen was a live broadcast from the "Volga", its crew and the team welcomed Shepard and his commander. Shepard clearly felt that volgovtsy sympathetic to Svetlana's desire to be at this time with her husband and at the same time they are convinced that only Svetlana and it remains their commander.
Titov Shepard sent a summary of the situation, adorned visa Selezneva, and therefore safe for the health and well-being convalescent Exec. Shepard did not fail to see it once, what Svetlana did not interfere with - there were a lot of interesting things.
After dinner, they returned to the cabin starpomovskuyu. Taking a shower, Shepard dressed in all clean and was very pleased familiarity and regulatory sensations - now he knew that really stood firmly on the road to recovery.
About an hour he spoke with Svetlana all that interested her themes and saw how like his wife and main girlfriend. Finally, at ten o'clock in starpomovskoy cabin lights went out. The first day ended with the recovery. Svetlana and John slept in the open arms of each other.
Whatever would command and the rank and file members of the crew and command frigate, cruiser protect XO recovering from stress, it is fully able to do. Already in the afternoon, giving Svetlana decide for itself where it to be and what to do within the ship, preparing to leave the dock, Shepard sat down to study the documents, reports and communications, which was recorded detailed picture of the recent past. Without clarifying and understanding of this painting I had nothing to even think about how to safely and fully live today and not make mistakes in the day tomorrow.
Darcy's Starry Sky Page 193