Lady Rambo

Callie carefully manipulated Hoover’s arm into position, the splint offering the necessary support to promote healing. ‘Thanks, Doc,’ Hoover muttered as he observed Callie’s skilful ministrations. ‘Don’t thank me yet,’ Callie quipped. ‘We’ve got a bit of a road ahead, soldier.’ With the splint securely in place, Callie’s gaze lifted to meet Hoover’s eyes. ‘You’ll need to take it easy for a while. No strenuous activity until the fracture heals.’ ‘For how long?’ ‘For the next week. Then come back for a check-up and we’ll take it from there.’ ‘Got it, Doc.’ As she finished up her work, she asked Lemuel, ‘Where’s the other one?’ ‘What other one?’ ‘The other soldier who needs medical attention.’ ‘Which soldier?’ Lemuel scratched his head. ‘I watched the fights earlier,’ Callie said by way of explanation. ‘Oh. I didn’t see you there.’ ‘You were standing with your back to me. From what I saw, the second soldier got pretty dinged up, too.’ ‘Nah, Sergeant Beard said he’s fine, just a few minor bruises, no broken bones.’ ‘Still, I’d like him to come in to make sure he’s okay.’ ‘Will relay the message.’ Callie shifted the topic to the winner. ‘So, who’s the Valkyrie?’ Lemuel scratched his chin. ‘She’s more like Lady Rambo. But don’t mention that name in front of her.’ ‘Noted. You seem rather familiar with her.’ ‘Of course,’ Lemuel said with a hint of pride. ‘Harriet Daniels, she’s something of a legend around here.’ ‘Legend, you say?’ Lemuel nodded, his tone a conspiratorial whisper. ‘Yeah, she’s a Valour Ridge alum, just like me. But let me tell you, she’s climbed the ranks faster than a rocket. Currently holds the rank of lieutenant colonel in the air force.’ ‘Impressive.’ ‘Oh, you haven’t heard the half of it. Her rank? It’s higher than mine.’ Callie’s lips curled into a wry smile. ‘I suppose that explains the air of authority around her.’ Lemuel glanced at PFC Hoover on the exam table and made sure he was out of earshot. ‘You want to know something? Elias arranged that little demonstration between her and the soldiers this morning.’ Callie’s eyes widened, a mixture of surprise and understanding flickering in her gaze. ‘Ah, I see. Teach everyone not to judge a book by its cover.’ Lemuel grinned. ‘Exactly. The major general has a knack for throwing a wrench into people’s assumptions.’ Callie chuckled softly. ‘He certainly does.’ Lemuel’s expression turned more serious as he continued, ‘You know, Harriet is something else. Most powerful female soldier we’ve seen in years. And even I, well, let’s just say I wouldn’t want to be on her bad side.’ Callie concurred. ‘Her skills, they’re something to behold.’ ‘You bet. But don’t let that toughness fool you—she’s got a soft spot for those she cares about.’ ‘Sounds like someone I’d like to know better.’ ‘You and me both.’ After Lemuel left, Callie took up a spot behind the nurse’s triage desk, catching up on paperwork. Wendy breezed into the health centre, a small container in one hand and a mischievous grin on her face. ‘Hey there, Callie. Got something for you.’ Callie looked up from her work. With a flourish, Wendy placed the container on the table beside Callie. ‘Breakfast, compliments of yours truly.’ Callie’s lips curled into a grateful smile. ‘You’re a lifesaver, Wendy.’ Wendy winked. ‘Just looking out for my fellow soldier.’ As Callie opened the container, the aroma of pancakes and toast wafted towards her. ‘Oh, this smells amazing.’ Wendy leaned in, lowering her voice. ‘And that’s not all.’ She handed Callie a vacuum flask, her eyes glinting. ‘Special delivery from the man himself.’ ‘Elias?’ Wendy nodded, her grin widening. ‘Major General Westwood made sure I passed this to you.’ Callie twisted off the cap of the flask, her nostrils instantly filled with the comforting scent of cinnamon. She took a sniff, a hint of a smile playing at her lips. ‘Cinnamon tea,’ Wendy said with a knowing look. ‘The general’s way of taking care of you.’ Callie took a slow sip, feeling the warmth spread through her body. As a doctor, she knew that cinnamon had anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that could soothe even the fiercest menstrual cramps. Elias had thought of everything. ‘He’s always got surprises up his sleeve,’ Callie murmured, her heart swelling with affection. Wendy chuckled. ‘Yeah, well, he’s a keeper.’ Their light banter was interrupted by the entrance of another figure. Angelia strode past, making a beeline for the break room on the third floor. She seemed to be in a hurry, not sparing Wendy or Callie even a glance. Wendy pulled a face. ‘Word on the grapevine is that her hospital might be sending a replacement for her.’ Callie’s brows lifted in surprise. ‘Really? That’s quite a development.’ Wendy nodded. ‘I can’t confirm it, but wouldn’t it be nice if it’s true?’ Callie couldn’t help but agree. ‘It would make things a lot smoother around here.’ ‘Fingers crossed, then.’ Callie nodded. An hour of work later, Callie took a moment to stretch her limbs, strolling around the empty front yard. The brisk morning air was invigorating, a brief respite from the bustling routine of the health centre. ‘Hey there!’ A voice called out, jolting her from her thoughts. Callie turned around, her eyes widening as they settled on the figure approaching her. It was Harriet Daniels, the lieutenant colonel herself. ‘Hello,’ Callie responded, slightly taken aback. Harriet approached, her presence commanding attention even in casual surroundings. Her gaze swept over Callie with a hint of surprise. ‘Harriet Daniels,’ she said, extending a hand. Callie shook her hand with a firm grip, noting the powerful energy that emanated from the other woman. ‘Nice to meet you, Lieutenant Colonel Daniels.’ Harriet’s laughter rang out, a hearty sound that seemed to reverberate in the open space. ‘Guess my reputation precedes me.’ Callie couldn’t help but be intrigued by the woman standing before her. Harriet’s height was striking, her frame tall and imposing. Callie, on the other hand, was a good half-head shorter. Standing face to face, Harriet practically towered over Callie’s petite frame. Harriet took in Callie’s smooth, youthful face, and she raised an amused eyebrow. ‘Forgive me for saying this, but you look too young to be a doctor. What are you, nineteen, twenty?’