Chapter 74

Flashback – Ben – At the hospital

I heard a crapload of noise as some people walked into the room. I asked in English, "Hello, who's there?"

I was shocked when I heard, "We are reporters from Moscow News, St. Petersburg News and ANO TV-Novosti¹. We just finished talking to many of the hostages you saved from the Beslan School Massacre and now we would like to ask you, the hero of Beslan, a few questions. Do you speak Russian well enough or do you need a translator?"

¹ ANO TV-Novosti – Autonomous Non-Profit Organization, the parent company of RT News (rt.com).

I quickly replied in Russian, "No, I don't need a translator and I don't know why you are calling me the 'hero of Beslan'. I only did what was needed to be done. But please tell me, how are the hostages?"

One of the reporters answered, "Sgt. Blaine, if we may call you that, do not be so humble. You are not even a member of the Russian military and yet you saved more hostages than any other person at Beslan. The hostages you saved are being treated for their injuries and mental problems and they all have told us the complete story of your heroics."

Then I heard Masha, Tatiana and some other person (who I did not recognize) come into the room to save me. I hope they know I hated the fucking news reporters.

I was happy as hell when I felt Tatiana's bandaged hand on my shoulder again but that was short lived when my doctor began to speak - damn glory hound!

Flashback – Masha – At the hospital

When we returned to Ben's room with Jack, we quickly recognized that the news reporters had descended like locusts. Yes! My plan was working perfectly! I leaked information to the news organizations about Ben's involvement in the Beslan incident because I knew it would make such a good story and would hopefully keep Jack and Ben out of trouble with their Major and the Marines. We made sure Jack was not seen as it would detract from the story if he was seen in his inebriated condition.

Unfortunately, wherever the news is located, most doctors are right behind because they feel they deserve their пятнадцать минут известности (fifteen minutes of fame). So Mikhail Kaeoorov finally made an appearance after not having checked on Ben since he was transferred into the ICU. And yes, he did an amazing job with Ben, but his neglect afterward bordered on abuse. Tatiana had informed me that he had been 'amazing' a steady supply of different and willing nurses with his specialized 'techniques'.

Of course the reporters recognized Mikhail, and the questions immediately flowed, "Dr. Kaeoorov, who directed you to come here and perform the surgeries on Sgt. Blaine?"

He beamed and replied, "Vladimir observed the heroics of this young man, was impressed with his selfless sacrifice and immediately made the decision that he was to be saved at all costs."

Another reporter asked, "Can you give us the details of Sgt. Blaine's injuries?"

Mikhail responded, "Well unfortunately, his eyes were damaged by flash burns and his spinal cord was damaged by a gunshot. At this time we are not sure he will ever see again or walk again."

What happened next was truly amazing...

Flashback – Tatiana – At the hospital

Mikhail made a huge mistake when he stated Ben would be blind and never walk again. He had not spent enough time with this incredible man to know you could not tell Ben anything he did not want to hear. Ben fought my hand on his shoulder, sat up in bed and loudly proclaimed, "Excuse the hell out of me! But it's apparent to me this doctor is talking out of his ass!"

All the reporters gasped at his insult but he continued, "While I don't mean any disrespect to my doctor, (I was impressed that Ben was astute enough to apologize for his earlier outburst) and I am sure the work he did was excellent. He however does not know me. Not only will I see again, I will certainly walk again!"

This focused the attention of the reporters on Ben where it needed to be and one of them asked, "Sgt. Blaine are you in much pain?"

He laughed and declared, "Pain is only fear leaving the body!"

Another asked, "How do you know you will see and walk again."