Nathan and Daley laid Jackson on his sleeping bag, feeling the heat of his fever through his clothing.

"You don't think he drank bad water again, do you?" Nathan asked, hating to see their leader in such a weak state. Jackson mumbled something deliriously, squirming against their hold.

"No," Daley said, "He wouldn't do that."

Lex appeared with a medical kit in one hand and a thermometer in the other. They had found the medical supplies inside the plane ages ago. With a worried look on his face, Lex stuck the device in Jackson's mouth.

"We can't really know what's wrong with him in till he wakes up." The reality of the situation hit Nathan hard. Jackson could die. The survivors knew this might happen at one point or another but… When it finally seemed like it was going to happen it brought them a whole new perspective.

Daley walked out as Taylor came in with a water bottle. "Is he going to be okay?"

Lex took the thermometer out at that moment, inspecting the tiny numbers that indicated if their friend was going to be alright. He frowned. "102.3."

Jackson turned to one side, making a retching noise as his body emptied itself of everything. He moaned but didn't open his eyes. More sweat was breaking out on his face giving them the impression that it was too hot inside the tent. Nathan grabbed the upper half of the sleeping bag and dragged it outside.

Taylor dropped down on her knees and started sponging Jackson with a sheet.

"Hey! That's mine!" Nathan whined but wasn't too offended.

"Deal with it."

The survivors crowded around their fallen leader, not knowing that to do. That was usually his decision.

"Maybe it's just a bad flu," Melissa said, hoping for the best.

"Or maybe it's an island sickness and there's no cure," Lex said, expecting the worse.

Taylor hit him, "Don't say that!"

"But it could be true," Daley.

"Thinking like that won't help!" Nathan cried angrily.

The bickering continued, yells of protest and denial filling the island air.

This is ridiculous, Nathan thought, suddenly stopping the argument with Lex. He had never really had power in his life, always one step below Daley even here. His self esteem took a real beating when he came here, knowing that he would never be the best. Jackson or Daley always taking the lead. Or even little Lex. Not only did it annoy him but it hurt him.

"SHUT UP!" Nathan screamed as the group came to a screeching halt.

"Nathan…?" a small voice muttered, sounding as though they were sick. They all looked down at the now awake Jackson.