Finding Love in France (Alternate Version)

Part 59: What Difference Does It Make?

Mila was furiously pacing the lab. The Army psychiatrist officially diagnosed "Combat Fatigue". Apparently the term "shell shock" is outdated, but what difference does it make? The damn psychiatrist spoke to James for less than half an hour and reported to his superiors that he should be cleared for duty in a few weeks, barring any further issues. How the hell is this man supposed to be ready for battle again so quickly? Did the alleged expert not bother to ask about the night terrors? The circumstances of his capture? What about how he ended up with the broken arm? She was livid that this fellow physician had no interest in her input, nor did he want to wait for Stark's specialist in Geneva. All the damn army seemed to care about was sending James back into harms way as soon as possible. She cannot bear the thought of how much worse things could be if he has an episode while on a mission.

Howard strolled into the lab to find his friend beside herself with worry. "Hey, Doc, you're gonna wear out the floor if you don't change your walking route..." he quipped. "...so I take it the visit with the Army head shrinker didn't go so well?"

"Not at all..." Mila huffed. "This imbecile seems to think that this is just a simple case of shell shock, nothing to worry about, carry on as if nothing out of the ordinary happened..." she threw her hands up in the air. "...ready for battle as soon as he is physically able, like this is nothing!?!" She cries in frustration. "How the hell is he remotely stable enough for that?! What am I supposed to tell Steve? Just keep an eye on him and hope he doesn't try to kill anyone?!"

Stark put a hand on her shoulder. "What did the shrink say about what happened with you?"

"Ha! That idiot?! He refused to speak with me, saying I was impartial due to my 'personal relationship' with the patient and lack of experience dealing with soldiers!?!?!" Mila shouted. "He made it sound as if James was making this all up to get out of duty or something..."

Stark sighed. "What did the kid have to say about this?"

Mila snorted. "James was sedated for the exam and fell asleep as soon as the doctor left the room..." she looked up at Howard. "...it isn't fair! It's as if they don't care what happens to him, so long as he can go out there and help keep their golden boy safe!" Angry tears roll down her cheeks. "I'm sorry, Howard, I know how hard you worked to make Steve what he is, hell, I worked hard on him, too...but why is protecting him more important than the men who potentially take the bullets for him? Why does James matter less?!" She sobbed.

"Oh, well, there it is, huh? The million dollar question..." Howard sighed. "...I know you know why, but it doesn't make it feel any better. Hell, you're here is because you recovered said golden boy from the battlefield, Doc...he's kinda all we got right now, you know? And Bucky's the best sniper I've ever seen...those two are one hell of a team."

"What difference does it make if they get themselves killed?!" She cried. "How many people have to die or almost die for this?"

"I wish I knew, Doc..." Stark sighed.