"Neither did anyone else," Hank pointed out. "Don't be overmodest about it, Scotty. Go and see him."
The infirmary, operated by Lomac, was only a block away. Rick and Scotty walked over and checked in at the reception desk.
The infirmary clerk directed them to one of the four rooms in the little base hospital. "Go right in."
Luis Hermosa was awake. Rick knew he must be in pain from his burns, which were extensive, but his smile gave no evidence of it. It was a warm smile that demanded a smile in return.
"This morning there was no chance to give you my thanks," he greeted them. "I asked for you to come so that you may know how I feel."
Scotty put a hand gently on one of the bandaged ones. "No thanks are necessary."
Luis shook his head. "It was a brave thing. You might also have been caught by the fuel, and you did not even have a suit such as I wore. When I and my family light candles to thank God and to ask His blessing for you, we will want to give Him your names."
They told him their names, and his lips moved as he repeated them. Then he waved them to chairs. "Please sit down and talk with me for a few minutes. This is not a place where one can extend the hospitality of his house, but I can at least offer you chairs."
Keen brown eyes surveyed them. "You are both very young, eh? What are you doing here?"
"Working," Scotty answered. "I'm in vehicle maintenance and Rick is in Pegasus electronics."