Sam was still out when Callen regained consciousness. The moon was still full so he was able to navigate to his partner's side and lay two fingers against his thick neck. Satisfied with what he felt, Callen sat back on his heels to contemplate the next move.

He wasn't a stupid man and he knew neither of them was in any condition to walk to the rendezvous point on the coast. Securing a vehicle was their only hope and there was one nearby on the farm. Callen had no idea whether it was working but sitting here was not going to answer the question so he lurched to his feet and started to gather what he needed. After securing a flashlight and an extra cartridge from the magic pack, he went over to Sam, rolled him slightly on his side and took his Sig. He thought the big guy was out cold, so he was startled when his wrist was trapped by Sam's large hand.

"Sam! It's me! Let go," Callen commanded. The big guy loosened his grip and Callen pulled his hand free, massaging his wrist which was barely healed from the manacles of four days ago.

The big brown eyes opened and he sought out Callen's in the darkness. "What are you doing?"

Callen checked Sam's gun then stuck it in the back of his jeans. "Going after the car."

Sam knew they needed that car more than ever but he was concerned in Callen's current condition, if he would be successful. Sam started to open his mouth but Callen cut him off. "Don't say it Sam...please. It's our only chance."

Swallowing his words, Sam simply shook his head affirmatively. Callen was aware of his current physical limitations; he didn't need Sam pointing them out. It was obvious the fever was back as Callen's shirt was soaked in sweat even though the evening was on the cooler side. His eyes and the lines an around them, even in the moonlight, were filled with pain that Callen was desperately repressing.

Callen picked up the backpack and moved it to where Sam could reach it and though he didn't say it, Sam knew it was 'just in case I don't return'. Sam reached out his hand to Callen who hesitated a moment before clasping it. Squeezing it hard, Sam simply said, "My brother." Sam held on for a second more, before releasing his partner's hand.

"I won't let you down," Callen said fiercely to which Sam replied, "You never do."

With a curt nod, Callen disappeared into the darkness and Sam said a little prayer to whichever God watched over Callen, to keep him safe.