Note: When this story originally appeared on Gatchfanfic, it had three chapters. But when I was porting it over here, I decided to combine chapters 2 and 3.

Thanks again to all of my beta-readers. Any remaining errors are mine.

"Jason!"

Keyop was too late to catch his teammate, but he managed to break Jason's fall. They landed awkwardly, with Jason taking the impact on his right ankle before sinking into the sand.

Keyop jumped to his feet and knelt before Jason. "You ... all right?" he asked breathlessly.

"What were you trying to do? Kill me?" Jason asked angrily. Wincing, he eased himself into a sitting position and glared at Keyop.

Keyop was stunned. "You ... falling."

"I was flying." Jason's voice was fierce.

Like hell you were. Keyop knew better than to speak the words out loud.

"Urp," Keyop stuttered. What should I say? What can I possibly say?

Jason looked Keyop square in the face. "You - shouldn't - have - followed - me - here." He spat each word in anger.

The little boy gulped unhappily. "I'm ... I'm sorry."

Jason turned toward the ocean and gave a resigned sigh under his breath. "Yeah. Me, too." He closed his eyes.

"Just wanted ... urp ... doot ... make sure ... um ... you okay." Keyop's voice wavered. His stutter was uncontrollable, something that always happened when he was upset.

"Well, I'm not." Jason's voice wasn't much steadier. He opened his eyes and stared at the ocean for a long time before continuing. "I come out here to practice. It's quieter and I can concentrate better. I was hoping things would improve." Jason laugh was bitter. "Sometimes I can land the aerials. Most of the time I can't. My balance is off." He paused again before adding, "I get dizzy when I fly."

Keyop was surprised by his candor. He found himself taking a deep breath before sitting down next to Jason in the sand. "Urp ... doot ... uh ... bad?"

Jason shook his head. "Not as bad as before. I don't notice it when I run or drive."

"Have you ... uh ... tried ..." Keyop gestured a rotating motion, realizing the futility of the question as soon as he asked it. Spinning drills weren't maneuvers that one normally practiced alone.

Jason shook his head again, drew in his breath, and stared at the sand. "Bad memories."

I could kick myself, Keyop thought. The whirlwind pyramid was the maneuver that brought Jason's illness to the forefront. When your teammate falls out of formation twice during a mission, it's hard to ignore the fact that something is seriously wrong.

"Urp ... um," Keyop tried to control his breathing as he stumbled over the words. "Maybe we should ... train together."

Jason stared at him with measured patience. His voice was strained. "What good would that do?"

"Learned a lot ... from you." Keyop tentatively placed a hand on Jason's shoulder.

Jason laughed, but the sound was brittle. "Like that would help." He smiled weakly at Keyop to soften the words. "Don't you think I remember everything I taught you?"

Keyop continued, undaunted. "You ... flew ... instinct. I ... never did. You taught me ... taught me to fly. I can teach you."

Jason was studying him with curiosity now, so Keyop ventured, "Know all the tricks ... can mark time ..." Keyop gestured with his hands. "During jumps ... gauge wind ... use thermals. You never learned. Didn't have to."

Jason nodded, just enough for Keyop to know that he had said the right thing. Then Jason closed his eyes again.

"Maybe," he spoke under his breath. Then Jason opened his eyes and fixed a fierce stare on Keyop. His voice grew deadly. "You won't say anything to the others?"

The look on Jason's face made Keyop's stomach churn. This is a bad idea, Keyop thought. But if I tell anyone, Jason will never trust me again. He needs me. I've got to be there for him this time.

Keyop forced a smile. "Our secret." He held out his hand, and Jason shook it.

"Since that's settled," Jason said, "maybe you could help get me home. I don't think I can walk very far on this ankle. Could I use your bike?"

Keyop looked at Jason's feet and noticed that his right ankle looked slightly larger than his left. I didn't even know he was hurt, Keyop thought.

To cover his concern, Keyop feigned surprise. "Bike?" he asked innocently.

"Did you really think you could sneak up on me without my knowing it?" Jason grinned lightly at Keyop, but the smile faded as he continued. "Once you followed me here, I knew you wouldn't let up."

Jason grimaced as he got to his feet, wincing and stumbling as he tried to put weight on the injured ankle. Keyop jumped up and held out an arm to steady him.

"You were going to find out sooner or later." Jason closed his eyes. Keyop noticed then that Jason looked pale and realized that his teammate was shaking.

"Urp ... um ... okay," Keyop said, slowly. It dawned on Keyop that Jason might have other injuries that he hadn't mentioned. Keyop held Jason with a firmer grip. What would Princess do? he wondered.

"I think ... you should ... sit." Keyop eased Jason back into a sitting position and piled sand to elevate his feet and support his back. He was surprised that Jason didn't resist his ministrations. He must really be in pain, Keyop thought.

He stood over Jason and weighed his options. I might be able to bring him out in a fireman's carry, but those cliffs are so steep. And I don't know how badly he's hurt. Will he even tell me?

"Shouldn't carry you ... might hurt you ... you ... can't walk." Keyop chewed his lip and studied Jason. "Mark?"

Jason rolled his eyes. "No. Can you picture me trying to explain how I got into this mess? Just shoot me now."

"Princess?"

"She'll have me wrapped up in gauze in no time flat." Jason sighed. "Don't make such a big deal out of this, Keyop. It's just a sprain. Give me a few minutes to catch my breath and we'll be out of here. I'm fine."

Now it was Keyop's turn to roll his eyes. "Never believe that again." The words were out of his mouth before he could take them back.

Jason looked as though he had been slapped. "You little..." The epithet went unspoken, but not unheard.

Keyop stared back at Jason defiantly. "What ... did you expect? Jason ... you could have died!" Keyop's voice cracked. "Why didn't ... you tell me?" The words were little more than a whisper.

Jason stared ahead with a set expression. "I couldn't."

"Why ... not?"

Jason shrugged, a gesture that infuriated Keyop. "You all expect me to be perfect," Jason said. "Well, surprise." He laughed bitterly. "I'm only human." He turned his head away from Keyop and spat into the sand.

Keyop stared at him. "What? No one ... no one expects perfection ... but you."

Jason stared back. "What do you think that circus with Galaxy Security is all about? They're just waiting for me to fail. Any sign of weakness and I'm off the team for good."

Keyop didn't know what to say to that. In a small voice he added, "I don't expect ... perfect."

"No, you just expect me to be there, no matter what." Jason's tone was accusatory.

Keyop's eyes were round. "Saying it's my fault ... doot ... urp ... you can't ask for help?" Keyop's voice was incredulous. He shook his head and took a step back from Jason. I can't let him see me cry.

"Keyop!" Jason shouted, throwing up both hands in frustration. "Just stop it, all right? I don't need this!" Jason pressed his hands to his eyes and covered his face.

When Jason spoke again, his words were muffled. "My ankle hurts like hell and I feel dizzy. I think I'm going to throw up." He turned his head to one side to look at Keyop. "There. Are you happy now?"

Keyop nodded mutely, trying to keep his face neutral as his mind absorbed what Jason had said. I can't believe he told me the truth.

"Good. Now maybe you'll finally shut up." Jason closed his eyes and laid his head back on the sand.

Training kicked in. Keyop quickly checked Jason's pulse: strong and rapid. Not surprising, he thought, given the circumstances.

"Jason ... um ... going to ... look at your ankle ... okay?" Keyop unlaced the right tennis shoe, relieved that he didn't have to cut through Jason's boots. He worked slowly, easing the shoe off an inch at a time.

"Wow." Keyop noted the swelling before he noticed the color, which gave new meaning to the word purple.

"That good, huh?" Jason grimaced.

Keyop shrugged. No sense in worrying him about it now.

"Seen ... worse." Keyop gently placed Jason's foot back on top of the pile of sand and looked at Jason's face. "How ... you feeling now?"

"Fi ..." Jason began his usual "fine", then stopped. He had an odd expression on his face when he continued. "Lousy, actually. Terrible, in fact."

"Glad to ... hear." Keyop started to laugh and was relieved when Jason, although weakly, joined in.

When their laughter faded, Keyop's voice grew serious. "You ... still nauseous?"

Jason nodded mutely.

"Still want to ... walk out?"

Jason nodded again, then added, "Just give me a minute. I need to sit still for awhile."

Keyop chewed his lip, squatting before Jason. Does he have a head injury? I don't think so, but I need to be sure. He knelt in front of his teammate with an intent expression and began to check for signs of a concussion.

Jason's hands flew into a defensive posture. "Knock it off!" he snapped. "I didn't hit my head."

When Keyop sat back on the sand, Jason visibly relaxed. In a slightly apologetic tone, he added, "I'll feel better in a few minutes. I just ... get nauseous when I fly. It happens ..." Jason's voice trailed off again. He cleared his throat and looked away before he continued. "It happens all the time now." Keyop noticed that Jason measured his words carefully.

"Okay," Keyop nodded. I can't believe he's telling me this. Then a realization struck hard. Jason needs me to take command.

Keyop found himself thinking in survival mode. He needed to get Jason's ankle stabilized and help him to the top the cliffs. Once there, they could radio for help. He'd make up some story to explain Jason's injury; no one had to know that Jason couldn't fly.

"Jason," Keyop asked. "Did you bring ... urp ... doot ... first aid ... kit?"

Jason gave Keyop an odd look. "It's in my backpack. Up there." Jason pointed to the top of the cliffs. He laughed bitterly. "Like that does me any good."

"You rest. I'll be ... right back." Keyop stood up and sprinted toward the cliffs. "Get ... first aid ... find ... best way out."

Keyop looked back and was relieved to see Jason nod. Keyop watched just long enough to see Jason lie back in the sand. His teammate looked miserable and, Keyop noted with concern, vulnerable. Vulnerable was not a word one normally associated with the Condor.

I can't believe this is happening, Keyop thought to himself as he grabbed fistfuls of the scrubby brush growing in between the jagged rocks. He hauled himself up as quickly as he could over the face of the cliffs.

I just wanted to make sure he was okay and now ... Keyop worked himself over one particularly jagged piece of stone. Now Jason is lying at the bottom of a cliff and I'm the only one he trusts to get him out.

Keyop felt the press of time. Soon, Mark or the Chief would notice his absence. Especially if I don't show up for dinner, Keyop thought.

He reached the top of the cliffs and hurried over to where Jason had been practicing his drills. There's our aerials manual, Keyop thought. Now where is his backpack?

Jason's backpack lay crumpled next to the book. Keyop knelt down and quickly sifted through Jason's items, something he had never done with Jason's permission. He found a comb, several coins, a sewing kit ...

A sewing kit? thought Keyop. You've got to be kidding me.

... a pair of sunglasses, a racing magazine, a get well card from a girl ...

Normally, Keyop thought, this would be useful ammunition. But now, he just wanted to find ...

"Aha!" Keyop stood up with the first aid kit and quickly opened the clasp.

"Wow." Jason was well-stocked. Keyop wasn't sure, but he doubted that his teammate had been so thorough prior to his illness. Jason seemed to have anticipated every possible crisis. Keyop even found a condom, neatly wrapped and ready for action, hidden beneath the bandages. He giggled as he moved it aside. Finally, Keyop located an instant ice pack, one slightly used compression wrap, and a half-empty bottle of ibuprofen. He had just finished loading the find - and Jason's aerials manual - back into the backpack when his wrist communicator began to sound.

Damn. It was Mark. I wish I didn't have to answer this. But Keyop knew that if he didn't answer, Mark would assume something was wrong and come looking for him.

"Keyop here."

"Keyop, it's Mark. I've been looking for Jason. Have you seen him?"

How should I answer that? Keyop wondered. "Yes." Best to keep it short, he thought. I'm going to have to lie soon enough.

"We've got a briefing with the Chief and the rest of Galaxy Security in an hour. Zark got a relay from Susan that Zoltar might be gearing up for something. It doesn't look like we'll fly out for a few days yet, but it's going to be soon. Dude ..." Keyop could see Mark shudder in his mind's eye, "I mean, Darien, is coming in from Riga. We need to let Jason know we'll be out tonight. Jason's ..." Mark's voice trailed off, then continued, distantly, "not invited."

Damn, thought Keyop. There is no way I can get Jason out in an hour. And I don't think I should leave him.

"Not sure ... can't ... make it." Keyop hoped he kept his voice level.

"What are you talking about? Of course you can make it." Mark rarely got angry with Keyop, but his voice showed it now. "Let Jason know we'll be back late and make sure he's got the house key. I'll see you in an hour." Mark began to sound off.

"No!" Keyop's voice carried a command. "Told you ... not coming."

"Keyop! What's gotten into you? You come home right now." Mark's voice was barely contained. Keyop could tell that he was furious.

"No." Keyop held his own voice firm. "Have to ... stay here. Tell the Chief ... explain later." Keyop ended the transmission before Mark could say another word. Then he turned off his communicator.

The last thing I need, Keyop thought, is Mark tracking me down here.

Keyop quickly scanned beach below and saw that Jason hadn't moved. He breathed a sigh of relief, then quickly moved his mind back to the task at hand.

Okay, he thought. As long as Mark doesn't come looking for me, I've bought us some time. I need to get back to the beach as soon as possible. Once I take the laces out of Jason's shoe, I can splint his ankle using his shoe and this wrap. I should cut down that tree over there for a crutch ...

Keyop nodded to encourage himself. I can do this. I know I can. Then he sighed. I just wish I didn't have to.

Keyop cut down the sapling using his pocketknife, brute force, and a long string of expletives. Then he hurried along the edge of the cliff, backpack over his shoulders and staff in hand, examining each narrow trail leading to the soft sand below. Finally, Keyop found what he was looking for: a switchback that zigzagged at a reasonably gentle rate of descent. He rushed down to the beach with his bounty, eager to show his teammate their supplies.

Jason wasn't there.

Keyop looked frantically up and down the sandy beach.

Where? he wondered. How?

Finally, he noticed movement at the base of the cliffs. Jason was curled near a rock, heaving violently. Keyop dropped the backpack and walking stick and ran down the length of sand. By the time he arrived, Jason had rolled over onto his back and was lying with his arm over his eyes.

"Jason?" Keyop tried not to startle him, but when Jason didn't move, Keyop's heart began to pound.

"Jason?!" Keyop's voice raised in pitch.

"Yeah." Jason moved his arm to look at Keyop. "What?"

"You ... okay?" Keyop wasn't sure why he asked, but he didn't know what else to say. It was obvious that Jason wasn't okay.

Jason didn't seem to mind the question. "I feel better now that I've thrown up. Did you find the stuff?"

"Yeah," Keyop said. "Be right ... uh ... back."

Keyop ran across the sand to pick up the backpack and makeshift crutch, detoured briefly to grab Jason's wayward shoe, and sprinted back. Keyop held the various items out to Jason for inspection.

"Good," Jason said, eyeing the compression bandage. He looked away from Keyop toward the ocean. "You didn't have to do that, you know."

Keyop was puzzled. "Of course ... I did."

"No, I meant about Mark."

"Oh." It hadn't occurred to Keyop that Jason might listen in, although he should have guessed. Jason still wore his wristband and would have noticed a call between team members. Listening in was as simple as pressing a button unless the call was encrypted, and the team rarely used that function unless they were on duty. Good manners, however, dictated that one didn't listen in without a valid reason. Keyop suspected that Jason, given the circumstances, thought he was justified.

"You could still make the meeting, you know. Just tape my ankle, show me the best way out, and leave me the bike. I'll be fine." Jason's voice was firm, but Keyop noticed that he spoke to the sand.

Tempting, Keyop thought. He hated defying Mark's orders. He hated that he was going to have to lie to his commander to protect Jason. Keyop especially hated that both Mark and Chief Anderson would be furious with him when he didn't show up at the meeting.

Jason, he knew, was right. It wouldn't be easy, but Jason could manage by himself. They'd all been through worse scrapes on duty.

But when Keyop looked down, he knew that he couldn't leave. Jason was shivering. Keyop noticed his pallor and realized that Jason's ankle was still swelling. Keyop could almost touch his teammate's bruised ego.

He could get home by himself, Keyop thought. But he shouldn't have to.

"No." Keyop spoke with conviction. "Need to ... be here."

Jason closed his eyes and exhaled. Keyop was surprised to see relief sweep across Jason's face before he could mask it with determination.

"Thanks." Jason's voice was nearly inaudible.

Keyop dropped his gaze to his hands and realized that he was still holding the compression bandage. He took a deep breath before addressing his injured teammate.

"Let's wrap ... you up ... and go home."