The Duty Commissar on Mykolaiv Research Station checked his chronometer, and saw that it was time for his next meeting. He buzzed his secretary to let the man in. A man in a Coalition Lieutenant's dress uniform with his hat tucked under his arm, walked up to the Commissar's desk. He did a left face at the front of the Commissar's desk, came to attention, and saluted.
"Sir, Lieutenant Robert Thacker reports as ordered!"
The Commissar returned the salute, and then indicated that the Lieutenant should sit down. He did so.
"Lieutenant Thacker, I've heard you've recovered, and you're due to be discharged from the Medical Wing soon. It was a miracle you even survived after what happened to you, let alone made a full recovery. You're lucky that you had advanced Coalition medical science on your side."
"Yes, sir, I'm very lucky indeed. If I had been anywhere else, I'd have been dead."
"Indeed. Now, you requested to see me. What can I do for you?"
"Sir, I'd like to be returned to active flight duty as soon as possible. I've got a clean bill of health, and the doctor says he's going to clear me tomorrow after one last checkup."
"Well, Lieutenant, I'll send your request up to my superiors. I'm not going to promise anything, but I'll see what I can do. Return to your quarters, and I'll send you word when I hear something. Dismissed!"
With that, Lieutenant Thacker saluted the Commissar, did a right face, and marched out of the office as ordered.