Hidden Truth

After cooling down, I walk over to see them wrapping Titus's leg. It looks like something hit him when the machine blew up. If it hadn't been for the suit, he would have lost his leg. When Troy sees me walking up, he turns on me and says "Rule number one, don't question your commander!"

Thane quickly stops him and says "Back off!" I scoff at Troy and look back to Titus as I say "What was so important that you had to risk everyone's life in that room? Because to me, nothing is more important than keeping me and my team alive."

Troy tries to attack me again but Thane has no problem in holding him back as Titus says "I'm sorry... you're right. I so desperately wanted to get the information, I put all of us at risk." He leans his head back on the seat as Troy pushes away from Thane.

Cruz watches everything with sharp eyes before saying "We need to go back to the City to get you taken care of." Titus keeps his head back as he says "We can't." Cruz sighs and says "I understand you want to find out what's going on but you're bleeding and in need of stitches."

Titus laughs but it's tired and slightly strained as he says "No, none of us can go back until we find out what's happened out here." Everyone grows quiet before Thane says "They locked down the City..."

Titus rubs a hand down his face as he says "Yes. Other cities haven't reported anything like this so it's only us. They shut the gates and until we find answers, we're stuck out here." I slowly look up to the sky before silently cursing.

Conner finally speaks up and asks "They're gonna send more troops, right?" Titus slowly shakes his head and says "No, we're on our own." I lose my cool and snap at him as I say "And you thought bringing me out here was a good idea!?"

Titus finally looks over and snaps back "I told you before, I picked this team for a reason! I could only bring a team of five. I choose you all and for very good reasons. I saw what you did to those two grown men. Your power is equal to having three extra men! You're here because this team needs you!"

I glare at him before turning around and running a hand through my hair. Why am I so pissed? 'Because you're scared...' I take a deep breath before turning back around and saying "Did you say he needed stitches?"

Cruz nods his head and says "It's a nasty cut." I nod my head and start stripping off the upper part of my suit. Once I set the suit down, I walk over and kneel down next to Titus's leg. I pull over the medical kit and pull out everything I'd need.

Everyone watches me with a frown before Troy asks "What the hell are you doing?" After cleaning my hands with the alcohol, I pull out a clean needle and say "What does it look like." Troy steps closer and asks "You know how to stitch people up?"

I snort and say "Of course not but I do know how to sew pillows, stuffed animals and button eyes." Troy tries to grab me but Thane grabs him again as Titus says "Leave him. I'm the only one who's medically trained but I can't sew my own leg like this."

Conner frowns and says "Stuffed animals..." Thane pushes Troy and gives him a warning look before saying "Valen has a twin sister." As if that explains everything, Conner and Titus nod in understanding.

As always, Cruz stays close to my side as I get ready. I nervously look up at Titus and say "I can't guarantee how well this is going to go and it's probably gonna hurt..." Titus gives me a knowing look as he says "I have faith in you boy. Once you start, don't stop until you're done."

I nod and shake out my hands before starting. I'll give it to the old fart, he's pretty tough. After pulling the bandage back, I grit my teeth and try to ignore what I'm looking at. It's just like Mr. Beans, my stuffed bunny.

I mutter "Mr. Beans..." As I start. I try my best not to shake but the longer I take, the more blood I get all over us. I grit my teeth and try to hurry. How much blood can someone lose before it's dangerous? I try not to think about it and keep going.

Ten minutes later, I tie and knot and quickly cut the bloody thread. I toss the bloody needle and thread to the side and quickly pick up the alcohol. Titus stuffs a rag in his mouth and nods before I pour the alcohol all over the wound and clean it up.

Another ten minutes and he's all cleaned up and bandaged. Titus looks a bit pale and sweaty but he smiles and says "Just another reason why I'm glad you're here. I would hate to see any of these fools trying to sew me up with their large hands."

I give him a weary smile as I say "You need water and you need to rest. The less you walk on it, the better." Titus grins and nods his head before asking "Did you have formal medical training?" I shake my head and say "No, but I did watch a lot of TV shows."

Titus blinks in surprise before throwing his head back in laughter. I chuckle a little and step back when Conner hands him a water bottle. As I walk away, Thane follows me closely with another water bottle.

He reaches over and says "Give me your hands." He doesn't have to ask twice. I turn to him and allow him to pour the water over my bloodstained hands as I try to calm my racing heart. I don't like the sound or the feel of the thread going through skin... it was slightly unnerving.