David spent the next two weeks in a coma. How did he know that? A convenient blue screen he saw first thing. It took him a moment to realize that he was unaware of much of what was going on in the final hours of the fighting.

He was borderline delirious from the concussion he got from the incendiary bomb he had Jake make for him. To go out with a bang. He did not expect to survive it. Over twenty percent of his body was redecorated with third or fourth-degree burns. He had lost a portion of his right chest from the explosive and by the pain, he was in when he awakened. That was not an easy, quick, or painless fix.

When he did awaken, it was with a groan of pain and a gentle hand on his left shoulder.

“ Stay down till the healer arrives. You are still grievously hurt. A lesser person would be long dead now.”

David could not help but blink a few times as the one he was looking at had a short muzzle, sharp-pointed ears, and teeth that would make any dog proud. Then he put it together and groaned halfway through his chuckle.

“ Be still. I have already alerted the healer. You shall do nothing else till they arrive.”

“ What about talking? As that is not much harder to do than breathe. And that hurts to do.”

“ I am not surprised, your ribs were half charred on your right side and some of the organs they protect were burned as well. As I said, it is a miracle you live.”

“ Tell me what happened.”

“ You survived. That is all you need to know for now.”

David closed his eyes and relaxed and he was out again. A smile on his face as this time, the space marine survived.