The Willingness

The med bay had quieted down by the time the nurse returned. Tinio was asleep, an IV drip keeping his vitals steady. Delgado was sitting up now, bandaged and sipping from a metallic water pouch. Captain Villamor, still sore and sluggish, had finished the hydration bag and leaned back against the cot, eyes shut but mind racing.

"Vitals are stable," the nurse said after a quick scan. "You're cleared for movement."

Villamor opened his eyes slowly and gave a small nod. "Appreciate it."

He reached for his helmet but left it hanging by his side, his energy not quite recovered. His vest was zipped up again, gear still dirty, but he no longer looked like a man on the brink. Just a soldier who'd seen too much in one day.

As he stood, the door slid open with a hydraulic hiss.

Phillip stood in the doorway, hands behind his back.

"Captain," he said with a slight nod. "The boss is ready for you."

Villamor nodded back. "Let's not keep him waiting."