Star Missions - Book One - Part III

Chapter 20 - Diagnosis

Hydra Medical Facility

The infirmary was a bit crowded. It had been a long time since anyone had injuries as severe as Victor Belter had. The medication helped ease his pain as Dr. Balloch, chief Hydra-corps surgeon, assessed the damage. Besides the doctor and a nurse, there was a guard. Though he could barely move, Belter was still under arrest.

It was surreal. Victor had been knocked unconscious and brought to the infirmary immediately after the attack. He was still dizzy, and the medication made him sleepy. Belter heard everything that was going on, though. He could barely see, but only with his left eye. It was due to the swelling. Nurses covered his right eye with gauze and wrapped a bandage around his head. It quickly became stained with blood and needed to be replaced. Physically, he felt bad, real bad, but emotionally, he felt nothing. He had no will to do anything.

Since dropping the bomb, something was ripped from him. He knew that he had to do it, but it meant sacrificing his family. He felt that there was nothing left to live for. He did not say anything. He just lay there, his fate in other people's hands. He wasn't even paying that much attention when the surgeon explained his condition.

"Mr. Belter, you have three cracked ribs, some internal bleeding, and several facial lacerations. Those are not a major concern. However, we may not be able to repair the damage to your right eye." The doctor wanted Belter to acknowledge what he was saying. He wanted to be sure that the patient was getting the best care possible.

Belter did not respond.

Dr. Balloch spoke again: "Mr. Belter, do you hear me?"

After a moment, Belter turned his head slightly and looked at the doctor with his good eye.

The doctor had his attention, so he went on. "I will do what I can for your right eye, but it is tricky. I recommend having the civilian surgeons on the Nova Lab follow up on your care. They are more up to date on more complex procedures."

Victor let out a slight jerk as he felt a sharp pain in his eye. It was as if talking about it aggravated the wound. The doctor responded immediately.

"I am giving you an analgesic for the pain. It is a bit stronger than what I gave you earlier. We will operate to stop the internal bleeding within the hour. Please take it easy while we get the operating room ready."

Belter closed his eye.

Belter must have dozed off and woke as a result of a draft and a bright light. He did not remember if he dreamt. He sensed that it was later in the day. He lay on his back, unable to keep his eye open due to the bright light that shone down on his face. It was time for his operation. He did want the pain to stop. The medication the doctor gave him earlier was less effective now. Additionally, the medical table beneath him supposedly had a mattress on it, but its comfort level was zero. The slightest shift of his weight sent stabs of pain shooting through his abdomen, chest, and head, but lying still gave him a backache, more with each passing minute.

He could make out three people in the room with him, all wearing white medical robes, masks, gloves, and caps. He couldn't recognize any of them, but he knew one of them had to be Dr. Balloch. He thought it was the one to his right, standing over him with his hands raised. The other two were busily arranging instruments and doing other things that he couldn't see and probably wouldn't understand even if he could.

Belter didn't know what to think. He felt confused and helpless. Sometimes he would forget what was happening. He just wanted to close his eye and sleep. His life now was defined by pain, physical and emotional, and since the tragedy on Hydra, he had not had a decent night's sleep. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw the mushroom cloud blossoming over his home. So he tried not to sleep. But if it did manage to overtake him, his dreams would often portray his wife's or children's faces crying, asking when they could come home. Victor wanted to join them, wherever they were. He didn't know how to live without them.