Chapter 11

The storm continued for two hours before easing up, gradually the rain ceased, Kirby had been keeping an eye on the Lieutenant while the storm ran its course. Occasionally he would check the head wound then place a hand on the man's forehead to gauge the heat of the fever. Hanley was restless, mumbling in his sleep and the last time Kirby had checked the fever felt higher so he had wet the cloths again but they didn't seem to be doing any good, the man wouldn't settle. Kirby placed a hand on the man's left shoulder squeezed gently and began to talk quietly.

"You know Lieutenant, keep this up I'll have to tell the guys that you're not a superman." "Some of them think you're indestructible, considering some of the things that have happened to you during the past three years I understand why they might think that, wouldn't want to tell them you're human after all, that would ruin their image of you." As he spoke the Lieutenant settled down, Kirby could feel some of the tension ease from the sleeping man's shoulder, thirty minutes later he woke him.

"Lieutenant, Lt. Hanley the storm is over time to wake up."

How long have I slept? Realizing that he was lying on the floor, caught Kirby's eyes, "I don't remember lying down." Sitting up he leaned back against the wall.

"Well, I thought you would rest easier that way…You've only slept a couple of hours…Rain stopped a few minutes ago figured you'd want to move out."

"You're right Kirby probably been here to long as it is." Standing up Hanley closed his eyes against a bout of dizziness.

"Easy Lieutenant." (Putting a hand out he braced it against Hanley's chest)…You alright Sir?

"Just a little light headed." (Opening his eyes) "I'm ok now."

Kirby examined the Lieutenant's face {he's really pale under those flushed cheeks} removed his hand and stepped back, bending down he picked up the Lieutenant's pack and carbine handing them off to him. Folding the blankets he put them in his pack and tying the two damp cloths to the pack he hooked it over a shoulder, picked up his browning and stood beside the Lieutenant.

Hanley had replaced the canteen on his belt and was looking over the map, checking the time he made note {five thirty, we lost two hours waiting on the storm to quit but if we don't have to stop for more than ten or fifteen minutes at a time we can still make it to base by at least two am} "I figure we'll be at base in about eight hours if another storm doesn't hit and if we limit our breaks." What do you think?

Scanning the Lieutenant's face Kirby hesitated before answering. Hanley was pale, perspiration beading his features, pain lines were showing around his eyes and mouth and those green eyes had a glazed look from the fever, though he stood tall and straight there was a weariness in his stance, his right arm was held lightly against his left side and Kirby could see a slight tremor in the hand holding the map {He looks like a man nearing the end of his proverbial rope and I don't know that he'll make it back under his own steam} "Sounds about right, Lieutenant."

Hanely knew why Kirby had hesitated {probably waiting for me to collapse, can't say that I won't but I'll go as far as I can before I do} "I'll try not to drop until we hit base Kirby (with a tired smile) can't make any promises though."

Kirby returned the smile. "That could pose a problem Lieutenant but reckon we'll cross that bridge if we come to it."

"Let's head out."

Tightening the grip on their weapons they moved on, Hanley was trying to maintain a pace that would keep them moving and not aggravate his injuries but it wasn't easy as every step he took seemed to cause an ache in his side or head, he was sweating more and as the wind blew against his heated skin the shivering increased. Pausing to tighten the belt on his jacket, Kirby stopped beside him.

You ok, Lt?

"Still standing Kirby, which is better than the alternative don't you think."

"Yes Sir."

"We'll be coming up to a small stream in about fifteen minutes, passing a hand over his face he glanced at the sky." "We can take a break and fill the canteens when we get there but let's not stay too long it'll be dark soon."

Reaching the stream refilled their canteens then they sat quietly on the grassy bank listening to their surroundings, eyes scanning for movement, Kirby dipped one of the cloths into the stream and placed it around the Lt's neck.

"We'll need to stay alert from here on out, with all that cloud cover there's very little moonlight to see by, wouldn't want to step somewhere we shouldn't." Wiping the sweat from his face, glanced at his watch with a sigh tried to gather enough energy to stand.

Kirby sensing the Lieutenant was about to call an end to their break stood up adjusted his pack and browning on his left shoulder, glancing at Lt. Hanley, held out his right arm.

"Here Sir give me your hand." Clasping the Lt's left hand, pulled him up staying close when the Lieutenant swayed, looking at his face Kirby figured the nausea and dizziness were back and gave Hanley a few moments to collect himself. "Easy Lieutenant I'm right here."

After a few minutes the Lieutenant straightened his shoulders, took a couple of slow deep breaths and opened his eyes.

"Lets head out Kirby." What time do you have?

Kirby used his flashlight to read the watch face. "Seven forty-five Lieutenant."

Pulling the map from his jacket moved closer to Kirby and with the glow from the flashlight pointed out where he thought they were, indicated with a forefinger the direction they needed to go tapping the map when he located their next stop.

"We should reach here within two hours it'll be our last chance to fill the canteens there isn't another water source until we hit camp." "From the stream we'll head southeast on the main trail then we head south into the trees you need to memorize the route we won't be able to use the flashlights again, not with that patrol at our backs."

"Maybe we'll run into some of our guys out on patrol."

"I wouldn't mind that a bit."

The men studied the map for a few minutes then Hanley put it back in his jacket with a final check of weapons they moved out Kirby leading, Hanley following close behind.