Page 102 of Jude

“Of course,” said Danni. “You all need time out after this. Lincoln, you need to be in the medical bay.”

“I’ll go as soon as this is over,” said Lincoln. “I’m just trying to avoid being yelled at by Sophia for as long as possible, though. She never likes it when I play with her equipment.”

Tobias snorted and shook his head.

“She only yells because she cares,” said Danni.

“Then I must be the love of her life,” said Lincoln.

Tobias grunted and shifted in his seat.

Danni turned to Jude. “I saw you limping when you came in. Get back to medical and have your injuries treated.” Her gaze drifted to Tobias. “And, I have a direct order from Sophia that you must attend your next appointment.”

Tobias’s shoulders rose, and he frowned. “I’m okay.”

“Not according to Sophia. You’ve missed two appointments with her. And you have injuries from this mission.”

“Cuts and scratches, that’s all.”

Lincoln laughed. “Why are you so reluctant to spend time with Sophia? You worried she might figure you out?”

“I don’t know what you mean.”

“You’re into her,” said Lincoln. “I bet she secretly likes you. That’s why she’s so mean to you. She could be your woman if you wanted her to be.”

“She’s not anyone’s,” grunted Tobias. “She’s her own woman. She told me herself, she’s too busy for a relationship.”

“Have you been asking for one?”

“Shut it.” Tobias’s gaze went to the door.

Jude could see the lines of anxiety running across his brother’s forehead. He knew it must be killing Tobias to be in the briefing room. If he spent any more than an hour underground, he got the shakes.

Danni cleared her throat. “Tobias, I want you to increase the number of sessions you’re having with Sophia. There’s to be no argument. If you don’t, you’re off active service until Sophia says otherwise.”

Tobias glanced around the table, and his shoulders slumped.

Jude felt a pang of sympathy for him. It wasn’t a secret Tobias had been having therapy sessions with Sophia to help with his post-traumatic stress.

“Speak to Sophia and make the arrangements,” said Danni. “We need everyone on this team operational.”

Tobias looked at the door again and nodded.

“Very well everyone,” said Danni. “Those who need treatment, go to the medical bay now. Otherwise, the rest of you take some time out. Well done on an excellent mission.”

The debrief broke up. Jude, Lincoln, and Tobias made their way slowly to the medical bay.

“Danni doesn’t know what she’s talking about,” grumbled Tobias. “I don’t want Sophia poking around in my head.”

“I thought you’d like extra sessions with the doc,” said Lincoln. “It will give you a chance to get to know each other better.”

“She thinks I’m messed up,” said Tobias. “That’s hardly a turn-on.”

“You never know,” said Lincoln, “she might like fixing broken guys.”

“Tobias isn’t broken.” Jude could see the sheen of sweat on Tobias’s forehead. He was close to cracking.

Tobias gave him a grateful look. “I know I’ve got problems. We all have. I’m nothing special.”