Dav and Angelo: In bed

"You sure you don't wanna bear?" Christie said, her four year old eyes not comprehending why Dav wouldn't take the offered toy.

"Thank you, but no. You can keep it." Dav said, smiling. He and Christie had talked a couple days ago and he had admitted to not having any toys in his room. His physical therapy was over and his body rebelled from the punishment. Nothing a Marine should shirk, but it was nice to wander through the children's ward sometimes. Seeing others have it worse, especially the kids, really kept him going. Christie was one of the lucky ones, only an arm and half her face missing.

"There you are, you beautiful little vixen!" A man said, scooping Christie up. "Caught you sneaking off to see your boyfriend, did I?" The man was well dressed, smiling, and gently tickling Christie's stomach so she squealed.

"Sorry sir, I didn't mean to take your daughter away." Dav backed up. He knew how it might look, and he'd kill any man that would take advantage of a child.

"No prolem, Captain." The man said. "I am not fortunate enough to be related to this charming princess. Just a friend, like you." His eyes had caught Dav's hesitation and he seemed to see the Marine as he really was. "Perhaps I can stop by later and visit?"

"Yeah, sure. Dav. Name's Captain Dav Renox, Imperial Mariens." He looked down at himself. "At least for a while, yet. Not sure my career will continue on much longer."

"Good to meet you, Captain. Domici." He extened a hand while keeping Christe securely in the other one. "Angelo Domici. However, you look beat. Go get some rest, I'll stop by after while."

One of the nurses caught Dav's eye as he as leaving the ward. As he slowly walked over she pressed a note in his hand. "We're fond of all Mister Domici's friends. He's been bringing toys for the kids when he's in port, and I've heard that a few machines the hospital needed but couldn't afford are on their way." She winked. "Call me after you get some rest. I get off at four."

Later that afternoon, Dav woke up from his nap. He had been tossing and turning, again. It would be a long time before he fully escaped. With a sigh he reached for a glass of water and realized he wasn't alone in the room.

"Good nap, captain?" Angelo said. "I've seen those sorts of naps before."

"You a psych?"

"Non professional. I deal with people a lot of the time."

"Yeah, well, you don't know what I've been through."

"I have a cousin in the Marines, it's a tough life." Angel said, quietly. "And as a matter of fact, I have a fairly good idea of what you're reported you've been through, Captain. It would give me worse dreams than you seem to be having."

"Who gave you permission to read my file?" Dav sat up.

"No one, Captain. I do read the news though. And have friends in uniform."

Dav could tell the man knew more, but wasn't talking. "What do you want?"

"A small favor, if you have time." Angelo waved his hand lightly. "I ship out in a few hours, you'll be here for several more weeks. I could use an agent who would look in on the children for me." He leaned forward. "I've seen your eyes, Dav. You're no more threat to them than I am. These kids have lost a lot more than body parts. Few have families, almost none of them can afford treatment and the insurance companies love to smother their guardian ad litem's with paperwork."

"If you can spend time with them, just playing, it will make their world better." He leaned back. "I'll deal with the insurance companies."

"What's the catch?"

"Well..." Angelo smiled. "Just one small thing. What I do...what we do...isn't to be made public. No newies scooping anything, no bragging about it in a bar. Agreed?"