The Program [COMPLETED]

Chapter Eighteen

The sound of steady beeping stirred him from his unconscious mind. Aiden slowly opened his eyes, blinding white light filtering into his vision. He immediately shut his eyes again, attempting to rub them with his hands. His endeavor was unsuccessful upon noticing the IV inserted into his left hand. He sighed in irritation, instantly realizing where he was. He was in the Medical Bay in Second Unit, laying in one of the beds. How long had he been here? He shifted restlessly in his cot, exhaling sharply as he was gripped by a sudden pain in his chest. He looked down at his chest and stomach once he'd adjusted to the light, noticing the hideous hospital gown the Medical Officials had dressed him in. He narrowed his eyes. He resented everything to do with hospitals, and yet, here he was. The gown concealed obvious bandaging to his torso, mostly likely from a surgery Aiden must have underwent after he'd saved Zariah. He desperately tried to sit up in a sudden rush of concern. Where was Zariah? Was she okay? He looked around the Medical Bay, but Zariah was nowhere to be seen. He saw a few other miscellaneous soldiers dozing in cots nearby his, but his biggest priority was making sure that Zariah was safe.

Aiden analyzed the series of monitors he was hooked up to. A file folder had been neatly placed on top of Aiden's bedside table, next to a few syringes and vials of medicine. Aiden reached for the folder, flipping through it to assess his diagnostics.

Punctured left lung, three cracked ribs, internal bruising, head trauma and a broken collarbone, he read. He felt each spot tingle on his body whenever he mentioned a certain area. He groaned. At least the Program meds were doing their work, and offering him considerable relief. He hated to think what the alternative would be. He placed the file folder back on the side table he'd found it on.

Aiden's stomach growled ravenously. His mouth felt parched and dry, and swallowing made his throat feel like sandpaper. He licked his lips, moistening them the slightest bit as he gazed around the room, taking in his surroundings. Aiden decided against paging one of the nurses. They would get to him eventually; he was positive other soldiers needed help far more than he did.

He laid back in silence for what felt like an hour. He thought twice about calling for one of the nurses, but not soon before a Medical Official approached his cot with a patient expression.

"Lieutenant Lycroft," the Official addressed him. "I'm your doctor for the next little while until you're fit enough to return to your duties. My name is Dr. Malek Bryden. Do you remember what happened to you?"

Aiden nodded. "I was attacked," he recalled. He was shocked at how quiet and hoarse his voice sounded. "I saved a good friend of mine from two other soldiers. Her name is Zariah Blanche. Is she okay?"

"Lieutenant Blanche was discharged from the Medical Bay not too long ago. She's suffering some bruised knuckles, a few dislocated fingers, minor cuts and bruises and a sprained wrist. She's lucky you were there to help her in time. Things could have been much worse," Dr. Bryden explained. "You're in rough shape. We performed a surgery on your lungs, which are now operating nicely. Your ribs have been set in place so that they will heal with time, and so far your brain activity is normal. You're both very, very lucky."

"What about the soldier who attacked me?" Aiden asked, suppressing a growl. "Maddox?"

"Lieutenant Isaias is currently under interrogation in the Pit," Dr. Bryden informed him. "He's been treated for his injuries, but he and Lieutenant Kaori will both most likely be dishonorably discharged from the likes of Second Unit and the Program."

Aiden let the information sink in for a moment. Eden and Maddox, gone from Second Unit. He didn't know whether to feel triumphant or sorry for them. No, sorry wasn't the right word. Pity, maybe. Yes, that felt more fitting. He nodded absently before turning his attention back to the doctor.