Let's see how Helios is doing at the hospital! :)

  Helios slowly woke up from his hour nap. He heard steady beeps to his left. An IV tube attached to his arm, beeping to monitor his heart rate. A small patch in his white patterned gown allowed him to take a sneak peek towards his grazed wound, now stitched and treated behind a thin yer of clear wrap. An extra tube, a urinary catheter, was present as well.

  The silver haired officer racked his mind, trying to recall the shootout. All he remembered was the intense pain wave that pulsed though his lower left thigh. He remembered Kristi Hopkins kneeling over him, rendering him aid. The faint voices of the EMS workers loading him on a stretcher and rushing him to the ER.

  The rest was bnk. A hazy gap. Blinding lights obstructed by surgeons dressed in light blue scrubs and gloves. Soft commands were exchanged over him. Surgery jargon. Anesthesia knocked him out cold, an oxygen mask pced over his nose and mouth. The bronze bullet plucked and cttered against a metal tray. Stitches.

  A temporary timeskip.

  Blinking and adjusting to his surroundings, Helios found himself in a patient room. Sunlight filtered through the big pane windows, his leveled view restricted only to the clear blue Floridian skyline. Photo frames of Floridian wildlife framed the white washed walls. A ceramic blue vase stood in the middle of a small brown work desk, flecked with one Beach Sunflower and a flock of purple Lantanas. A chair was set in front of the desk, the nylon strap to his shoulder bag draped around.

  Looming above the desk was a wall mounted LG ft screen TV, bring a bright Oak Grove Racing casino commercial on a steady volume. Helios briefly thought about taking Krista to spend a week or two on a vacation outside of Florida. The casino seemed a bit far, located northbound in Oak Grove, Kentucky. Sure, he had the money to gze over a hotel room and parking. He even had enough for betting aimlessly on various casino games and jock horse racing. It seemed like the perfect dream vacation.

  For now, Helios wondered where Krista was. Perhaps she was back at home, preparing her daily visits to see him. He felt a bit diffident about the distance between his townhouse and the hospital which spanned a 10 minute drive. He was hopeful that Krista could commute every now and then to visit him.

  He cked his phone for now, staring at the news broadcast from WPLG - 10. The news anchor, Melissa unleashed her daddy dental smile, her bck strands floundering around her babyish face.

  “That’s right. Greetings from the Space Coast! Where we see the sunshine funshine begin to spring in different parts of Cape Canaveral! It’s a bird, It’s a pne, It’s a space shuttle bsting off to space! Wait, did you hear that correctly? Yep, NASA has sted another mission for Atntis II this month but has yet been deyed due to one of their entitled pilot / Astronaut, Helios Pherae was absent from the crew.” There was a brief camera shot of Atntis II on Launch Complex 39, tank and boosters strapped on.

  “I wonder where he was, Mark?” Melissa gave out a flustered smile before the camera switched to him.

  “Why, he was busy with police work. We received word st week that a shootout in the remote area in a residential neighbourhood of Sunset Lakes began with a noise compint turned into an hour-long standoff between an unidentified male suspect and the Cocoa Beach Police Department.” CBPD’s police copter, Horizon One, hovered over the scene, capturing a bird’s eye view of the chaotic moment. “During the shootout, it was reported by their chief Mike Randall, that officer Pherae was injured and shot in the lower left thigh, rendering him unusable in the police showdown. The suspect’s motives were unknown, leaving the rest of the officers to fire back at him. 36 year old Greg Hoffman was decred deceased on scene. With Helios rushed to Health First hospital of Cape Canaveral, another injured boy was also found on scene. Officials say that the boy was unreted to the suspect and by no means was he part of the motive. Officers also found a strange tattoo on the suspect’s arm depicting an orange tribal sun that could possibly be linked to the Sunfoot cult. The mass manhunt of ancient cult soldiers was spearheaded by Bakim Pherae who plotted to destroy the world with Asteroid Adonis. Thankfully they got arrested and sentenced to prison for 20 years.”

  They're talking about me. Helios thought in sincerity. He raised his finger, an oximeter clipped on. He eyed his patient record sheet along with his daily recorded lunch and bathroom breaks. The silver haired officer sighed, staring at the popcorn ceiling. It resembled a cluster of cosmic stars, Helios imagining a small Atntis II sprite navigating through the empty space.

  The doors to the hospital slid open as Krista was welcomed with front desk reception chatter, staff dashing back and forth, pushing elderly patients in wheelchairs, kids yelling happily around. Lenz walked up the bck granite reception desk and tapped the bell.

  “Hi, welcome to Health First of Cape Canaveral, what can I do for you?” a bright toned female with curls and gsses smiled.

  Krista ced her fingers across the edge of the high leveled desk, “I’m looking for my boyfriend. Helios Pherae.”

  “Like in Ferray with an F?” The dy lowered her gsses as she scrolled uncharacteristically through a rge database of patient names.

  “No, P as in Pheasant.” Krista helpfully corrected, craning her neck forward to peek at the screen.

  “Pherae, Helios. - Just wait by the lobby, sweetie and two nurses will escort you to his patient room.” the receptionist smiled, answering the ringing phone right after that. “Health First of Cape Canaveral, This is Janielle.”

  Krista walked over to the lobby where a good handful of people were seated, coffee cup in hand, scrolling through their phones, flipping through magazines, or staring into space. Spotting an overhang ft screen fshing out the Food Network on mute, she twiddled her thumbs as if she was nervous of her first meeting. 5 minutes ter, Krista stood up, shaking hands with two nurses in blue scrubs and Mizuno sneakers.

  “Hi Krista, I’m Abby Hawkins, one of the nurses at Health First. This is Jenny. We received word that you were here to see Helios, correct?” a young trendy dressed female nurse fred her daddy dental teeth. Her blonde ponytail swished to her bright expression.

  “That’s right.” Krista nodded as she followed them down the hallway.

  Excusing past staff wheeling a bulky Stryker branded patient bed, Abby gnced at her clipboard, “Just to remind you Krista, we took your boyfriend to the ER where he underwent a 4 hour surgery on his upper left thigh. Bullet wound. Successfully extracted the little tiny tic tac, and he should be in recovery for more than 3 weeks.”

  “Well? Here we are!” They reached a light blue door after scalding the 5th floor with the elevator. Abby smiled while maintaining her bright energy, “Please keep in mind I am not a hotel manager, givin rooms for free to everyone we see, but I'm a trade student from Ohio. Came abroad to work with people with disabilities and other problems they suffer from. Cocoa Beach is a very nice pce. Any questions?”

  Krista’s fingers glided over her boyfriend’s baby blue name tag bolted against the wall. “Will he be under some medication during recovery?”

  “He’s only treated with Metonin and other antibiotics to make him feel better. It's quick, we’re not very pushy. So don’t worry about his stay at the hospital forever. He’ll eventually be free as a bird in 3 weeks.” Abby quietly flung the door open.

  Krista walked slowly towards Helios’ bed, a blend of joy and sorrow tching her heart.

  “I’ll see you both in a little bit.” Abby whispered with a goofy grin as she closed the door.

  Setting her purse beside the IV monitor, Krista leaned forward and stroked his fluffy silver hair. Helios looked a bit disheveled from the Operation Room, especially when sparked into a different world thanks to Anastasia. He grogily opened his eyes again, feeling a bit lethargic from the metonin.

  “How are you feeling?” Krista sensually whispered, continuing to stroke his hair.

  Helios stared at her, mumbling out a noise. “Kinda better.”

  Krista suppressed a smile as she exhaled through her nose, “You’re one brave officer to have survived that shootout. I’m lucky my boyfriend is still alive. Don’t know what I would have done without you.”

  A few seconds drifted by as Helios carefully processed his words. “Yeah, I agree.”

  Krista pced her hand on top of Helios’ chest, warming his heart, “There was a boy injured in the shootout. He looked eerily simir to you. Might be a coincidence if he was reted to you.”

  “Maybe.” Helios absentmindedly shrugged as he stared at the muted TV screen, the Liberty insurance ad depicted the salesman and his anthropomorphic emu in goggles skydiving and crashing into an RV at a tailgate Football party.

  “I had a weird sensation of adopting him.” Krista blinked at the Floridian wildlife paintings hung on the wall.

  “Krista, you can’t adopt someone whom you don’t know. It’s better if we see the boy’s status reported by PD.” Helios reasoned, shuffling his right leg. Krista noticed Helios’ inability to move his left leg, currently treated with another shot of anesthesia. She then lifted the covers and noticed a bag half full with Celsius colored urine.

  “Don’t mind my catheter bag, they swap it out every 3 times.” Helios blushed, staring at her conspicuously.

  Krista then noticed an empty tray of mashed potatoes, beef gravy, and broccoli set beside his bed on a swivel table. “Let me guess. They make you poop in a bag?”

  “Just like the space days.” Helios nodded as he leaned his head back on a puffy pillow and continued to hold Krista’s hand. He stared at the ceiling, giving out a concentrated look. A short drag rumbled underneath the covers.

  “Good boy.” Krista jabbed at Helios’ cheek, praising him like a five year old.

  “Thanks, Krista. I’m not a 5 year old.” Helios exhaled in relief. He continued to stare thoughtfully at the TV, the screen fshing a Nexom commercial.

  To brighten up his day, Helios’ phone buzzed on the side swivel table, greeting Krista with a string of get well cards written by both STS 136 and Team Lovushka.

  RYAN HENDERSON

  No way dude, you got shot in the leg? I’m gd that you hucked it up and survived. That crazy Neo dude is spammed in rifles and spikes. Gd to have him mag dumped by the Cocoa Beach Police.

  SKYE ROBINSON

  Helios, this is unreal. I wish you a speedy recovery! May God bless your wound with His mighty hand. I’ll pray for your health. It must be quite hard to move a leg.

  YURENEVA BREZENSKA

  Helios, you better not be in a wheelchair the rest of your life. I always envied that feeling. Despite my round appearance, I’m hoping to see you back up and walking again. Don’t break a leg.

  ALEKSEI RYCHENKOV

  Get well from your injuries, Helios. I and Lovushka will closely monitor updates from NASA and Roscosmos. I’m considered to join STS - 137 if NASA approves my russian space resume.

  A warm glow sparked Helios’ heart. Smiling lightly at their words, he began to type out his reply in the chat.

  HELIOS PHERAE

  Thank you everyone for being so supportive of my health. The shoot out was comically scary. There was a brief distraction (won’t disclose the culprit) and I was unaware of the sudden crossfire. Thankfully, I wasn’t shot in the crotch. That would be terrible, indeed.

  The silver haired officer hung his head back on the fluffy pillow, setting his phone face down next to himself. A cluster of nurses bustled past his door, their voices drowning out behind the walls.

  “Let me guess, your crewmates are cheering you up?” Krista curiously asked, peeking at his phone.

  Helios nodded with a hum of agreement, shifting his upper body a bit. His butt ached from ying down in one position, ultimately wishing he could pace around in thought. Of course, he didn’t forget about his buddy Yuval. The blonde officer was anxiously aware of his pal in the hospital, though he refused to respond to wishing Helios a speedy recovery.

  Turn of surprise, a knuckle rasped at the door, knocking three times in concern.

  “Come in.” Krista responded, immediately swamped by a couple. “Oof!”

  “Helios!” Yuval arrived in his police gear (minus the ballistic vest) and bear hugged him with a goofy grin. “Mind Heather here. She’s my ride along. How are you doing dude?”

  “Don’t listen to him. That’s just specution.” Heather winked towards Krista who suppressed a light hearted ugh.

  Sitting up in bed, Helios tightened his smile, “Better. Still in recovery mode. Don’t mind my personal bedtime stuff. They propped a catheter and an IV on me.”

  “Dude, I’m so sorry for the te visit. We were swamped in Montville, Connecticut. Mohegan Sun was a bst of heated fun. It’s a casino bustling with shopping venues, expo events, indoor sports arenas, a movie theatre, and a sprawling sky high hotel.” Yuval set a cluster of multi-colored gift bags at the foot of his pal’s bed. “I suggest you visit when you feel fit as fiddle.”

  Krista could immediately imagine herself and Helios immersed into another well deserved vacation after husking through the Sunfoot fiasco. It was a recommended vacation spot right after visiting Great Wolf Lodge in Colorado Springs. The Skanderas also spent a ton in the Garden of the Gods, a picturesque ndscape location where jagged orange rocks formed into a Grand Canyon theme park.

  “I’ll scribble that on my honeymoon date with Krista very soon. For now, I want to focus on my recovery. NASA’s been on edge ever since I deyed mission STS 137.” Helios anxiously sighed, blinking in thought at poor Atntis II chilling on the unch pad, freezing its tetroxide propulsion tanks off.

  “Well, the good news is, they said I’m riding with you and your crew. Checkmate. Volunteer astronaut, reporting for duty.” Yuval saluted like a US Navy soldier. “Best part is, NASA allowed me to bring some cool police toys on the shuttle!”

  Helios raised an intimidating eyebrow, “Oh really? Tell them that’s super generous. Are shootouts in space possible?”

  Yuval shrugged, “Maybe. This calls for Axon experimentation.”

  The blonde officer propped a banner across the wall. Holy Shit, You’re 28 in golden paper caps strung across the wall. A sunflower bouquet and a Get Well balloon suspended from a foiled weight on the desk. He stly fished out a comical space card wishing him a te birthday.

  Helios stifled a soft chuckle at the drawing of the astronaut’s backside on the moon. Fg raised, the spacesuit’s patch flopped down and exposed his bare butt.

  “Thanks.” Helios closed the card and gave it to Krista.

  Krista revealed the rest of Helios Get Well gifts: a box of Gertrude Hawk chocotes, a bronze 5.56 NATO bullet casing pen, a small w enforcement prayer coin, a 3D printed German Shepherd K9 figurine, a 30 Amazon gift card, a White Rain Sor Rush soap bar, and finally Gillette shaving cream with a red bowtie snugged around the can.

  “I’m speechless. Yuval, you didn’t have to get me a shitload of gifts.” Helios marveled at his presents.

  Skandera shrugged casually, “Well, that’s what friends are for. I never said I’d arrive empty handed.”

  Helios felt a golden glow sparkle over his heart. His best buddy presented him with kindness and concern through special everyday objects. Improvement in his recovery escated like a thermometer.

  For the very first time, his left leg sensed a spark of movement.

  Helios could wiggle his toes.

  Only 2 more weeks until he could finally be up in space.

  I'm not in the medical profession so I'm not sure if 3 weeks is the actual recovery time for a bulleted leg.

  The casino that Yuval mentions in this chapter was actually reused from another crossover fanfic (MFB, Percy Jackson, and Kingdom Hearts) that I pnned to do a long time ago. I eventually scrapped that since it sounded too cringe and outdated.

  Can't wait for the next chapter where Helios is off to space with his crewmates!

  Falco276 out. :)