"The president of the Terrestrial League brought you that with his own hands," the nurse told him. "Shall I read the citation?"
"Do."
"Very well, listen. 'In recognition of the intelligent and loyal service rendered in capturing an enemy scout and securing from him information of paramount importance to the Terrestrial arms on or about the first day of October, 2675; and for courageous and successful attempts and actions against and in the presence of a superior armed force of the enemy on or about the third day of March, 2676; I, Silas Parrish, president of the Terrestrial League, by authority vested in me by the government of the planet Earth, do confer upon Captain Neil Andresson, unattached, the highest award for valor and service that is within the gift of the body I represent; to wit, the Medal of Honor of the Terrestrial League.'"
She stopped reading. "But it calls me a captain!" exclaimed Neil. "I'm only a scout."
"You have the rank of captain now. It's honorary, of course. You'll be out of the hospital before the beginning of the year, but you won't be able to go into action again before the whole mess is settled."
He heard her lay the medal and document down. Then her footsteps went echoing away.
"Hello, Neil," said a voice he knew.
"Yaxa!" he cried. "You here?"
"In the cot next to you. They picked us up together, I'm told."
"Badly wounded?"