I leaned against the edge of my bed, the cool air of the room a stark contrast to the heat of the mission I'd just returned from. My shirt lay discarded on the floor, and I was carefully cleaning a gash on my abdomen with a grimace. The mission had been intense, and though I'd managed to avoid anything life-threatening, the injuries were a reminder of how close things had come.

The door creaked open, and I looked up to see you standing in the doorway. Your eyes widened slightly at the sight of me shirtless and tending to my room.

"Colonel Harris," you said, a mix of concern and professionalism in your voice. "I didn't realize you'd be-"

"Lieutenant," I interrupted, trying to keep the wince out of my voice. "Could you give me a hand here?"