Mitch was in a hurry.

It may have seemed weird for a kid who had so much on his plate already to come rushing to a vet clinic with more concern for something else. But Mitch had always loved animals - a great deal at that. It came from the childhood dog that he had when his dad was still alive and just kind of stuck. In fact the only way that the still recovering teen could get his head out of its funk and get thinking about someone else.

Currently that “someone” was a dog some jerk had hit with a car.

Mitch panted, even with his daily runs it was hard to keep up with a dog in his arms. He just hoped that the poor thing wouldn’t die on him, he already had a bit of blood on his shirt. Whic must have made him a sight to see with his still healing bruises from his confrontation with his foster father - but he didn’t care.

He finally made it to the vet clinic after a few minutes, panting as he stepped inside. It looked pretty dead that day, which was definitely a good thing. Maybe he could get help after all - even if he wasn’t sure he could pay. “Hello! Is somebody here?” He called out - not currently seeing anyone around. “I got a dog here in pretty bad shape! She needs help!” He stated, shifting the whining dog a little bit.

Dr. Javan Huntley

Javan was running the office alone, having sent his Vet Techs off for their lunch break. With no patients scheduled he didnt see any chance of a surprise visit. One would think, after two decades of service, some as an Agent for NCIS, he would have learned that nothing ever goes as planned.

Hearing the voice of a young teen, a teen boy at that, calling from the lobby, he stepped out of the back office where he had been order the various restocks of medications, tools, and consumable equipment. One look at the dog told him it was moderate, but not immediately life threatening, of course, the retired Marine was too much of an animal lover to let that observation delay him.

"First door on the left, put her on the table. There are latex gloves in the blue labeled drawer, Neoprene in the Yellow. Extra scrubs under the sink, pull a set on."

His tone was calm, but authorative. He sent a text to his Senior Tech, telling her to get back to the office ASAP. for now, he was drafting the young man who had carried the dog here to assist.

He stepped into the room, not really bothering to see if the kid did as told, and began feeling the dogs body over, checking for obvious fractures, and signs of internal bleeding. All he managed to find was a deep laceration along the rib cage, and signs of a few cracked ribs. Xrays were in order to check for less obvious fractures, but the immediate concern was the gash, running six inches from behind the shoulder, at an angle, headed down but always rearward. It was deep enough the Marine who was now old enough to be considered 'An Older Gentleman' could see the bone underneath.

"Metal cabinet, grab a sterile syringe, orange package, and the glass bottle, labeled 'K-10'. Bring them here, then go back and grab the suture kit, its the white bundle, with clear plastic, you'll see tweezers, gauze, and black string with a silver colored package inside."

Mitchell Rogers,

Mitch moved like a flash.

He didn’t mess around when it came to the important stuff. So he was quick to move and do what he assumed were the vets orders. The man seemed so calm that he wondered how he did it. Mitch didn’t know the dog and he had practically had a panic attack after all - but he was so calm and comprised. Even when it looked as though he, a fifteen year old with no medical experience was going to have to help him patch up a dog hit by a car. This guy was either really good at what he did or was just good at holding himself together.

Once he’d dressed as he was instructed and brought all the supplies, he huffed another long breath. He was already worn out and the real work hadn’t even begun! He really hoped he wasn’t just going to be dead weight to this guy. He hated looking like he was totally useless. “Here I think I got everything,” he explained as he set the supplies down. He gave a look at what Javan was staring at - oh god, he could see bone. “Damn, that’s deep. Is she uh... Is she gonna make it?” He felt awful - really hoping he hadn’t been too late.

He then realized he hadn’t even said anything in the way of introducing himself. Which might have been a good idea given he’d just straight up barged into the empty vet clinic. And the man was probably confused as hell as to what happened. “I’m Mitch by the way,” he nodded. “She... I was just on my way back to my foster home on my daily run. I go by the main road and some jerk in a minivan hit her right in front of me, didn’t even stop to help. I’m sorry for bathing in like that but I uh... I couldn’t just leave her.”

He rattled off the words quickly, clearly very nervous. But maybe talking would help him calm down - he didn’t know.

Dr. Javan Huntley

Javan nodded at the kid.

"You did good. She should be fine, I can feel a few broken ribs, but other than that the only obvious injury is the gash here. Its deep, but I've seen worse. Did you happen to get a look at the license plate? Its a Felony to hit a domestic animal and not contact animal control in Tennessee. Up to five thousand dollar fine, and up to 90 days in jail. Alright, I'm going to dope her up now."

He lifted the dogs front leg, and inserted the syringe, filled with the Ketamine, and found a vein with little trouble. Most vets shaved the leg to find the vein more easily. Javan did not like wasting time. It didn't take long for the dog to slow her breathing and relax. Using the topical anesthetic he numbed the area before opening the suture kit.

"Your job is simple. Keep her from moving too much, but dont try to force her into being immobile, she might panic. she will be completely numb, and shes right up there in Seventh Heaven with those drugs in her system, so stress isnt much of an issue either."

When the kid looked ready, the Vet started working on the muscles that had been torn, using a scalpel to cut the skin open wider, to make sure he got all the muscle back together. He worked quickly, and without much in the way of conversation, when the muscles looked whole but for the line of tight, neat stitches, almost like the stitching you might see on a decent pair of leather boots, he began to clean the space between muscle and skin, flushing it with saline water. Once that was done, he closed the wound, leaving a small gap on the downward end, and inserting a rubber tube, to allow drainage.

"Blue labeled cupboard, left side of the room, grab a medium sized cone. It will look flat,and its in plastic bag labeled 'Steri-cone' it will have a big old M on it under the size chart. Bring that to me first, then run into the office, that's the door opposite the one you came in through, open the top left drawer in the desk, and grab the wand, it looks like a shower head, with digital read out screen on the back."

The Wand was to check for a microchip. While he couldn't rule out the dog being a stray just with that, it wasn't unheard of for people to steal an expensive dog, and then lose them when the dog tried to get home.

Mitchell Rogers,

Mitch tried to think.

Now that he knew the dog would probably make it he relaxed a bit more. But he had to really think of what the license plate was. Mostly because he wanted to get the guy who’d done it. He was really on a “Justice” kick right now and this was one of those things. Animals couldn’t stand up for themselves so he had to stand up for them, at least that’s how he felt. That said - Mitch was actually really good at remembering thing, always had been and in a moment he said. “It was custom, said “HotStuff”,” he remembered vividly. “Blue minivan by Toyota.”

He hoped he hadn’t missed any details as he turned his attention to the dog. He held her gently and pet her head equally as gently. He was very careful to do so, but he also knew he had to comfort the poor pup. She’d been hurt and everyone who was hurt needed comfort, he knew that all too well. “It’s ok girl,” he whispered as she whined. “Be tough, you can do it.”

He replied “Yes sir!” Almost instantly rushing to do the next set of intructions.

When he’d come back the second time with the wand he quietly fidgeted. He hoped that if it was a chip detector that the poor girl had one. He hated to think she had been all on her own out there. “Hopefully she has someone looking out for her out there,” he explained with a deep sigh. “As someone who’s had to recover a few times on their own it’s not fun. Can’t imagine it is for a dog either.”

Dr. Javan Huntley

Javan nodded and wrote the vehicle description and the license plate number down, before grabbing the wand. He help it out and pointed to a button.

"Hit that one to scan, if you ever find yourself asked to do this. Then just run the wand over the dog, from base of the left ear, to the base of the tail, then up the other side."

The scanner beeped twice, about four inches down the neck from the right ear. Javan hit the green button and read the information on the screen.

"Appaloosa's Charger, out of Black forest Kennels. Reported Stolen fifteen days ago."

Javan glanced at the kid, then smirked.

"You got yourself a pedigree Norwegian Elk Hound here kiddo. Champion lines."

He picked up his landline and entered the number on the chip.

"Yes, this is Dr. Javan Huntley, at New Tierney Veterinary Hospital in Tierney Tennessee. Yes. Well, actually a young man brought in your dog, Charger. Yes Ma'am. No Ma'am he spotted her running her loose, brought to me with an injury. Hmm? no, no need for payment. I can hold her as long as you need me to. I can certainly do that. Alright then. You drive safe now, you hear? Dont break any speed limits."


The Vet turned to Mitch.

"So that was the owner. She's going to be here in four days to pick the dog up. Now i have a question for you. Who gave you those bruises, and are you safe at home?"

There was solid steel in his voice, but it was clearly not directed at Mitch.

Mitchell Rogers,

Mitch sighed a bit.

It was a relief that the dog was OK, and that they'd found the owner. He could at least rest easy knowing that the dog had a good home that was looking for her. He really hated to think about any animals getting hurt, but it did make him feel good to have helped this one on her road to recovery. "That's a relief, I'm really glad!" he said brightly as Javan came back with the good news.

He paused as Javan asked about his bruises.

Mitch had been so concerned with the dog he'd almost forgotten his own state. Of course, it had been a few weeks now, and he was recovering. But he knew he was still probably a sight to see if nothing else. He chewed his lip. "I lived with a foster father who beat the crap out of me for a while. A couple of guys came in, arrested him, got me out of there." he explained. "I'm safe now - thankfully. Living with this lady named Lara while they look for a permanent placement."

He paused a moment. "Not getting my hopes up there though. I've had a few of those, none of them worked out. So I'm just enjoying being safe for the moment."

The vet narrowed his eyes.

"I'll put in a word, make sure the guy gets the worst he can. As for this Lara, you got a number for her? The dog seems to trust you, and she would be more comfortable around you, but i want to keep her with me, in case of any unforeseen complications, so id like to offer a bed and some food in exchange for helping me with her."

The veteran knew what abuse was like. His father had lost his mind after his mother's death, and become a very different person after retreating to an alcoholic induced numbness. On top of that, besides his degree in Veterinary Medicine, he also had degrees in Psychology and General Medicine. He was a one man Family Clinic.

Mitch swallowed a bit.

Ok the guy seemed nice. And he wanted to help the dog big time but he was very nervous - he didn’t want to impose on this man or his family. Who knew how that could of. He’d dealt with a lot of different kinds of people. Including places where he wasn’t wanted and seemed like he was just a total waste of space. He didn’t want the man to think he was some weirdo. Or a “loser” as his last foster father so bluntly put it.

He looked at Javan quietly - not sure how to properly respond. He crossed his arms a bit, and looked nervous. “I mean I’m happy to come and help out. But are you sure that’s ok? I don’t want to impose or anything,” he explained - honesty in his voice. “Plus I get up at odd hours sometimes. I uh... Want to be a marine so I’m training myself early. Sometimes I go for early runs to get in shape and stuff.”

His voice was a bit shaky - his confidence having obviously been shaken quite a bit lately. And who could blame him really? That man had treated him horribly and drilled some pretty terrible feelings about himself into his head. “I mean - I can give you her number. I just don’t want you to have to deal with me if you don’t want to.”

Javan paused.

"In my house, we get up at Zero Four Thirty. Morning PT goes from Zero Five Hundred until Zero Six Hundred. Breakfast at Zero Six Thirty. If you think you can handle that, you are more than welcome to join us. My wife was the Base Commander until recently, and I retired from the Marine Corps this last year. You want to be a Marine? Well my son is a Marine, and if i could raise that walking sack of angst and anger into a hard working Marine Pilot, i sure as hell can help you."

He offered a Grin.

"Just be warned, i wont take it easy on you."

He held out the office phone.

"You go ahead and call her, if she wants to talk to me, then thats fine."

Mitch looked stunned and bewildered.

This man was a marine? And could help him out? Even for a short amount of time? That was... Wow, to say he was a little awestruck was an understatement. This man was the kind of guy he wanted to be. Helping animals but also having served his country - in the same way that Mitch wanted to. “I mean you’d really give me a little training? I’d love that! I mean, I can handle military wake up calls and all. My dad was a sergeant in the army!” He added excitedly. “But wow, a real, actual marine helping me out? Sir I’d be honored seriously very honored... Anything you could teach me over those four days. I won’t let you down.”

He may have seemed a little over eager, but he couldn’t help it. This was an actual marine offering to help him. And he’d never thought just about anyone would care to. So he carefully took the phone and called Lara up. “Here you go,” he explained, holding the phone out. “I mean if you wanted to talk to her I mean, sir...”

He tried to lower his enthusiasm a little. Realizing he was probably coming off as an overbearing little kid. And who wanted that kind of kid in their house? Even if it was just going to be a few days... wasn’t it? Something in his gut seemed to tell him to trust this guy though. Like he could trust him. Whether it be because he was a marine or something else... he always stuck to his gut too. So maybe this was the universe’s way of telling him this was something he was meant to do.

Javan raised an eyebrow. This kid reminded him of Ramirez, one of his old teammates from Boot Camp. After they had been stationed, Ramirez had become known as 'Eagle Eye' and was probably one of the most skilled snipers Javan had ever seen. And he had started out as that one guy in training who never shut up.

"4 days? Kid if you want, you can train with us until you head for Basic."

He took the phone, offering a greeting.

"Just for a few days ma'am. Yes ma'am. I actually have a daughter around his age, and two younger ones as well. I have a lot of experience in those kinds of things. Yes Ma'am. Well, my family eats healthy, i can promise you that. Alright then."

He looked at Mitch.

"You are clear for duty, recruit. The clinic doesn't close for a few hours yet, and my more experience Vet Tech should be here soon. But i cant have you sitting around doing nothing, so why dont you grab a broom and go sweep the lobby? Once you get done with that, report to the office you got you the wand from, and I'll give you your next set of orders. I want that floor clean enough to eat off."

He could train with them until he hit basic?

That was - well that was a big thing for him. Most people didn’t want to spend any time with him. And while it wasn’t an offer to live with them permanently (yet) it did make him feel good. Maybe if anything else this would give him the chance to put some trust in adults again. Something which he still had a lot of trouble with, even with the people who had been trying to help him. No one had really... Comitted to him like that. And he really had not either totally. But he still put the offer out there and that, well that meant a lot.

Especially when he’d been to hell and back in foster care.

“I’d, I’d really like that... If you’d really train me. I’ve had a lot of my foster parents tell me I’m annoying,” he admitted - it was stupid to say but a part of him hoped it wasn’t true. A small smile on his face. “But it’d definitely be nice to actually know what I’m doing. Not a lot of my foster parents were in the military or have the time.”

When he got his orders he nodded eagerly. Absolutely eager to please this guy, and entirely feeling the desire to make sure that this guy didn’t change his mind. If anything he definitely seemed like the type that could help him reach his goals. Or maybe do more... But he could think about that later. He knew he was vulnerable and looking for somewhere to fit in and belong. But he’d also heard what he said on the phone.

What kind of big family wanted another teenager anyway?

So he simply smiled brightly and nodded his head. “You got it, sir! I’ll have it clean in no time!” He explained as he took off it the door. “I won’t let you down!”

Javan let the kid go, then looked at his office phone. The kid was in foster care. Javan and Stephanie had been legal fosters in Virginia, for Angua, so maybe he could get cleared here.

He began making calls. First being put through to the case manager from when Ang was still a minor, then transferred to the offices here in Tennessee. They would do a home visit, check his suitability, which shouldnt be an issue.

Provided they were able to pass a basic home inspection. He would have to make sure Apollo was on his best behavior.

He stood up and paced over to his window, watching his Vet Tech arrive, and chuckling as she shut her jacket in the door. Again. She was a skilled Tech, but she could be a klutz.

Mitch was gone a little more than usual.

But that was of course by his own merit. Of course he swept the floor, that part had been easy enough - he had to sweep as part of the chores at former foster homes. But he decided to do a little bit more - if only because he noticed more to do. He restarted some papers and magazines, rearranged some signs, and even cleadned some trash off the front desk. Sure it probably wasn’t his place to do so - but why not? He wanted to be nice, and besides he liked to make himself useful.

By the time he was done, he saw a very confused vet tech walk in. Looking at him with a “ummm who are you?” Type of expression.

Mitch merely gave a half smile. “Uh sorry, just thought I’d help out. Gotta go, the doc is expecting me!” He shrugged as he headed for the door to the office without another glance back. He quickly poked his head inside, looking for the man quietly. “Hey! I finished the lobby uh did a little more than sweep I hope you don’t mind.”

He rubbed the back of his head and chuckled nervously.