"How do you feel today?"
She sat across from Nico, staring intently at him as she waited for the answer to her question. Nico struggled momentarily with the answer, but then looked directly at her. "Fine, I guess."
R'Ann, his counselor, stared back at him, probing with her eyes as she listened to his answer. "Any New Year's Resolutions yet?"
Not hesitating, Nico shot back his answer. "Get the hell out of here and back to the Corps."
R'Ann turned slightly, picking up a PADD that she had brought with her to today's session and held it out to Nico. "I have something that you need to see that may influence that decision."
Nico took the PADD and looked at the screen.
To: Sergeant Nicholas Donovan
From: SFMC BUPERS
RE: Medical DischargeSGT Nicholas Donovan is hereby discharged from all duties and assignments. In light of recent activities and in recognition of service to the Corps, SGT Donovan's personnel jacket will be listed with honorary discharge for medical reasons. All personal effects will be.....
As Nico continued to read, his eyes started to burn. Looking back up, he immediately was caught by the look in R'Ann's eyes. "I tried to prevent this, Nico, but I was overridden. I know what the Corps means to you."
Nico's hand closed around the casing as he closed his eyes. "Then do something about this. Service is all I've ever had. I don't want to be a washed out medical discharge, with nothing to look forward to. Get me anything, reassignment in the Corps, the Fleet, Merchant Marines." Nico's eyes started watering. "Don't let them cash me out like this."
R'Ann moved off of her seat and moved to grasp his hands. "Nico, the Corps has already made their decision and they won't change it. I've already appealed it and it fell on deaf ears. I believe that the best thing for you to do is to move on and go home to your family after you are done here. They care about you and want to help you."
Nico wiped at his eyes, after freeing one of his hands. "But you don't understand. The Corps was my home and my family. I don't care what it is, get me re-assigned. The best thing for me is to get back in the saddle and show that I can hold it together."
R'Ann rocked back on her heels and stood up. "I'll see what I can do, but no promises. Whatever happens, you'll have to accept it."
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