Page 115 of No Fear

“You ready for more weight?’ Steve asked.

“Yeah. Go for it.” It did feel good being back here with the team. He could almost make them out now. It was hard to believe how quickly his sight was returning, now that it had started. He had an appointment with Dr. Swanson later today. This time, he was eager to hear what he had to say.

“She’ll calm down and call,” Steve said as he adjusted the weights.

“I hope so. I can’t lose her.”

“It’s the real deal for you, huh?”

“Yeah. It is.” He pushed on the leg press, feeling the burn at the new weight. He welcomed it. “So, no word on wheels up?”

“Nothing. You’ll get to hear the latest details in the brief after we’re done here.”

“I listened to the news this morning. It’s not sounding good. The riots. Protests.” It was clear the unrest was getting worse in Daram.

“Yeah. Can’t blame people. The aid being sent there isn't getting to those that need it. People are dying from starvation. If the US hadn’t entered into this deal with Daram to keep troops out of the country, there would already be boots on the ground.”

“So you get to go rescue our people at the embassy if needed.”

“Yeah. The agreement says they are allowed to leave the country at any time unharmed. However, because of the unrest, the situation with Reborn, Washington wants us to go in and aid the Marines in escorting them out if necessary.”

“You guys should be going now.”

“Agreed. Not our call. The brass still seem to think the ambassador can dissolve the tension. As of right now, Ambassador Clarkson says they are all safe, and no one has threatened the embassy. She is currently negotiating talks.”

“She? Ballsy lady.”

“Yeah, no kidding.”

The team finished up in the gym and then had their brief with Sam. He had nothing new to tell, but the next day Onyx would study the embassy and all routes to the airport, and begin planning an evacuation, just in case. Nyx were still in Daram but had been unable to get a lead on the Aziz brothers. Raven would join them once the green light was given because, as well as the evacuation, if they got eyes on the Aziz brothers, they wanted enough manpower to take care of them, too.

As soon as the brief was done, Donnie had Mackie check his phone only to learn there had been no calls. Disappointed, he took Steve up on his offer to go with him to Westside. After Donnie went through another round of tests, Dr. Swanson sat down in front of him.

“Mr. Donaldson, this is excellent progress. The retina, cornea, everything looks healthy. How about color? Are you seeing that?”

“Yes. It’s not that clear, it's like there’s a fog over everything that’s gradually clearing. But I can see colors. Can make out what most things are. A car, truck, people.”

“Excellent.”

“Do you think I will get my sight back fully?” He had to know. It felt like he was so close.

“I think with the progress we’ve seen, there's every chance you will. You’re seeing color, depth, shape. It is the sharpness of the sight that might take the longest.”

“And there’s still a chance that might not be as sharp as before?”

“Correct. However, there is also a chance it will be as good as before, so try not to dwell on that right now.”

He wanted a more definitive answer, but knew he wouldn't get it. The human body was a wonderful thing, but it could also have a mind of its own. Focus on the good. Not on the ‘what if.’ It made him think of Charlie. God, he wished she were here sitting next to him, sharing this news with him. She would have been squealing in delight and hugging him. Damn, he would give anything to hold her in his arms.

While he and Steve were preparing to leave, Sophie placed a hand on his arm. “Can we talk privately for a minute?”

“Sure.”

“I’ll wait outside.” Steve left the examination room.

“Everything alright?” he asked, worried there was something else wrong with his eyes.

“Yes. Look, you can tell me to keep my nose out of it, but l heard Charlie went home. Is she OK?”