His First Mission
Page 4
Chapter 4
Doc and Sgt. Gallagher went to one of the ship’s indoor firing ranges next. Even though Doc was a non-combatant, he needed to be able to fire a weapon accurately. They retrieved several types of weapons from the armory and made their way to the firing line.
Sgt. Gallagher handed Doc a medium bolt pistol. The medium bolt pistol was standard issue for all FMSB Docs. He thought that would be a good place to start.
Doc fired at a variety of targets without missing a shot. Sgt. Gallagher had very rarely seen anyone shoot that accurately with a pistol. He couldn't help but be impressed. Doc was an accomplished marshal artist and expert pistol marksman. If he was as proficient with combat medicine, he would be a valuable asset to third squad.
Sgt. Gallagher had seen enough of Doc's pistol prowess. He told him to cease fire and handed him one of the rifles. Sgt. Gallagher had set up an automated rifle course that he thought would be challenging. Different types of targets would pop up at different intervals. Even an expert marksman would find the course difficult. When Doc started shooting, Sgt. Gallagher moved back off the firing line to contact Doc Walker. He was second squad's medic, and Sgt. Gallagher needed his expertise for the next evaluation.
Doc finished the rifle course also without missing a shot. He set the rifle down in front of him and waited for further instructions.
“Alright Doc, let's gather the weapons and return them to the armory. Then we'll proceed on to the next evaluation,” Sgt. Gallagher said. He helped Doc gather the weapons and had no doubt of his marksmanship abilities. Doc was a lethal shot, the best in third squad.
They left the armory and walked down the hall a short distance to a nearby conference room. It was a large room, and they could see through the glass wall that it was empty. There was a large table in the center of the room with several chairs.
“Go inside and have a seat at the table, Doc,” Sgt. Gallagher said as he opened the door. “I'll be with you in a few minutes.”
“Yes, Sgt. Gallagher,” Doc replied.
He watched Doc as he sat down with such human mannerisms. It was eerie how human he looked and acted. His creator must have been a genius, Sgt. Gallagher thought. He had never heard of nor seen an android like Doc. If this pilot program was successful, it could change everything.
“Hey, Sgt. Gallagher,” Doc Walker said as he approached, “What's up?”
“My new medic is in there,” he said, pointing to Doc. “I want you to ask him some questions about combat medicine, anything you can think of. I want you to try to stump him, okay?”
“Sure, you have doubts about his abilities?”
“Let's just say I want to be sure,” Sgt. Gallagher said as he opened the door for them.
Doc Walker sat down across from Doc and said “My name is Doc Walker. Sgt. Gallagher wants me to ask you a few questions.”
“Okay,” Doc said flatly.
“How and where should a tourniquet be applied?” Doc Walker asked.
Doc began his detailed answer, and Sgt. Gallagher knew this was going to take a while. He left the conference room and went down the hall to grab a cup of coffee. He returned a short while later and watched the two docs through the glass. Doc Walker had gotten up from his chair and was pacing back and forth. He was listening intently to Doc's thorough answer to his current question. They were both making motions with their hands as they conversed intently. This was definitely an in depth question and answer period. Sgt. Gallagher knew he could count on Doc Walker to be thorough. He took his job as a medic very seriously. He had been with second squad for almost four years and had seen all kinds of horrible things. He knew what it took to be a combat medic in the FMSB.
A short time later Doc Walker's question and answer period came to an end. He walked around to Doc's side of the table and shook his hand. They said a few words to each other, and Doc Walker left the conference room.
“Well?” Sgt. Gallagher asked, “What's the verdict?”
“Where did you find him? He's got the knowledge of five medics and the patience of a monk!” Doc Walker exclaimed.
“He was assigned to replace Doc D,” Sgt. Gallagher said simply. No need for him to tell everyone he had an android in his squad. The word would get around on its own soon enough.
“He's something special, Sgt. Gallagher. I would do my best to hang on to him.”
“Thanks for your time, Doc. I'll see you soon.”
“Sure, Sgt. Gallagher, take care.” Doc Walker turned and walked away leaving Gallagher to his thoughts.
Sgt. Gallagher opened the door and entered the conference room.
“Doc Walker is a knowledgeable medic,” Doc said.
“He says the same of you.”
“I reminded him of a couple of things he had forgotten, but other than that his knowledge was quite impressive,” Doc said impassively.
The purpose of the question and answer period had obviously been lost on Doc. Having an android around was going to take some getting used to.
“Do you eat, Doc?” Sgt. Gallagher asked.
“I can eat, but it is not necessary.”
“Let's get something to eat. I'm starving,” Sgt. Gallagher said.
Sgt. Gallagher spent another two days evaluating Doc in all manner of ways. He found that he excelled in everything. He was thoroughly convinced of his abilities.
Doc stood beside him as he ran his daily five miles on the tread mill. The exercise facility wasn't too busy, and nobody paid any attention to them.
“So, when do you think we will get deployed, Sgt. Gallagher?”
“Soon,” Sgt. Gallagher responded between breaths. “Something is going on, and I think we'll be right in the middle of it.”
Sgt. Gallagher shut down the treadmill and stepped onto the floor.
“I think you could be right,” Doc said as he motioned toward the familiar young PFC approaching them.
“Sgt. Gallagher,” he said, “Lt. Collins wants to speak with you.”
“Alright, I'll take a shower and be right up to his office.”
“The Lieutenant said right now, Sgt. Gallagher. I don't think he's in the mood for waiting.”
“Okay, I guess it's come as you are then,” Sgt. Gallagher said.
On the way to the lieutenant's office, Sgt. Gallagher came to the conclusion they were no doubt being deployed. He had assumed the lieutenant would want a status report on Doc's progress. A status report wouldn't be this urgent. They must be going into action somewhere.
As they stood outside the lieutenant's office, Sgt. Gallagher wiped the sweat from his brow and asked, “Are you ready Doc?”
“Ready for what, Sgt. Gallagher?” Doc asked looking puzzled.
“Ready to get your feet wet. This could be your first mission brief,” Sgt. Gallagher said.
“Yes, I'm ready to do what I have been programmed to do.”
“That's good. So am I,” Sgt. Gallagher replied dryly.
“Sgt. Gallagher and Doc reporting as ordered sir,” Sgt. Gallagher said as they stepped into the office.
“At ease,” Lt. Collins said. “Have a seat, both of you.”
They both sat down in the same positions they had been in three days ago. The lieutenant looked troubled and sat silently for a moment. Then he looked at Sgt. Gallagher and said simply, “Second squad is missing.”
“Missing? I didn't even know they were gone,” Sgt. Gallagher replied. He had just seen Tom and Doc Walker a couple of days before.
“Forty-eight hours ago we received intelligence that a high ranking enemy official would be in this sector. Colonel Flint gave the order to take him out by any means necessary. Second squad was healthy and willing to do the job,” Lt. Collins said.
He paused for a moment then continued, “We lost contact with second squad five hours ago. They failed to check in at the appointed time. They are missing in action. I have been given the green light to send in a small rescue team.”
“How small?
” Sgt. Gallagher asked.
“Four men,” the Lt. said. “Are you interested?”
“Yes, I'm in,” Sgt. Gallagher said.