Chapter 21

When they were done a scan of the stream found a secluded area right before the stream veered west and Brockmeyer figured it would be deep enough for the Lieutenant to use. Making his way back to the fire he found the Lieutenant rummaging through his pack, noticed a few items neatly placed on a handkerchief and Hanley was in the process of rolling it securely inside a towel.

"I have a couple of blankets you can use to cover up if you want to change out of your clothes."

"Sounds good." Getting to his feet he stood watching as Brockmeyer gathered the blankets, then the Pvt. indicated that Hanley should follow

Brockmeyer led Hanley to the little cove then moved away turning his back to offer the man privacy but wanting to stay close in case the Lieutenant needed assistance.

Hanley placed the towel at the water's edge in easy reach then slowly undressed, laying his clothes out on the grass to air this action taking longer than it should have because of the shaking but finally he stepped into the stream. Brockmeyer was right it was cold but felt good against his hot skin he waded out until the water was chest level then proceeded to clean up washing three days of sweat off his shaking body. Fifteen minutes later feeling a lot fresher but shivering a lot worse he stepped out of the water using the towel to dry off then wrapped the blankets around himself, gathering his supplies he stepped toward the other man.

"I'm finished Brockmeyer." (Walking barefoot he moved toward the fire standing as close to the flames as he could).

"Let me replace the bandage on your cut and you can relax for a while."

"Alright, then a little coffee and I think I'm going to lie down."

Brockmeyer could tell the Lieutenant was more comfortable after his time in the stream but could also tell it had worn Hanley out. After replacing the bandage over the cut, Brockmeyer handed him a mug of coffee and once he had finished it Hanley made his way to the makeshift bed slowly sat down placing his carbine beside the blanket, stretching his long body out he lay back resting his head against the folded blanket and with a soft sigh he was out. Brockmeyer watched the sleeping form for a moment then went to gather the clothing washing them out in the stream using a bar of soap he kept for that purpose when he was done lay them near the fire to dry. Stepping over to the Lieutenant he checked the man's forehead, frowning at the heat, though the stream had cooled the fever for a short time it was back in force now, placing a cool compress over his left side and tucking the blankets tighter around the shivering form he moved back to the fire, added some wood then sat with his back resting against a boulder, rifle across his lap, knees bent preparing to watch over the sleeping man. Sipping on a mug of coffee his eyes scanned the area, sharp ears listened for out of place sounds but everything was as it should be. With a sigh he glanced toward Lt. Hanley then let his eyes rest on the water watching as moonlight danced across its surface and for a little while pretended he was home camping with his brother.

A few hours later Brockmeyer took a short patrol around the area staying within easy access to where Hanley was sleeping. Everything was quiet making his way back to the fire he checked on the Lieutenant placing a hand on Hanley's forehead his frown returned {the fever is too high} the man was a little restless, body shifting as he moved in his sleep, his face covered in sweat and head tossing as he mumbled softly.

{"I've got to try and get that fever down."}

Grabbing his helmet took it to the stream and filled it with water, placing it beside Hanley he took a cloth dipped it in the water and started cooling the man's face, neck and chest. For the next four hours Brockmeyer continued to refill the helmet and bathe the Lieutenants fevered skin pausing once as Hanley woke.

When Hanley opened his eyes all he could make out was a blurry figure. Saunders what are you doing here? "You should be back with the men."

"Saunders isn't here Lieutenant."

Blinking several times to focus he apologized. "Sorry Brockmeyer…I…"

"It's alright Sir, go back to sleep you'll feel better in the morning."

"Hope so."

Brockmeyer bathed the Lieutenants face until he drifted back to sleep. "I hope so too Sir, or it's gonna be a long walk to Fox company."

Brockmeyer continued his ministrations until early morning, around four thirty he noticed Hanley seemed to be resting easier, examining the man's features, the fevered flush was still visible and a light layer of perspiration covered his face. For another hour Brockmeyer applied the cool water to the warm skin and finally when he tested for fever Hanley though still warm wasn't' as hot as before with a relieved sigh he sat back on his heels watching as the man settled.

"It's about time Sir." Tiredly he stood, walking to the edge of the stream emptied the helmet taking a wet cloth around his neck and face, considered taking a dip in the stream himself but figured it wasn't a good time, maybe in the morning...Checking his watch, it was almost five thirty a few more hours it would be daybreak and time to move on, for now he stepped back to the fire threw a few twigs on it then knelt beside the Lieutenant checking the fever, still warm but not the burning heat of earlier. Patting the sleeping man's shoulder took a sitting position against the boulder closest to the Lieutenant, sitting back, rifle in hand, drank another cup of coffee and wait for the sunrise.

At six thirty Brockmeyer put on a fresh pot of coffee gathered the Lieutenants clothing, placed them on the nearest boulder. He had caught a few fish in the early hours, after cleaning and gutting them, seasoned them with a special blend of spices skewered them on some sharp sticks and now the fish sizzled over the fire the aroma causing his stomach to growl. Refilling the Lieutenants canteen he walked over and knelt beside the sleeping man.

Tapping the man's face lightly, Brockmeyer tried to wake him. "Lt. Hanley, Lt. Hanley."

What's wrong?

"Nothing's wrong Sir." How do you feel?

Taking a moment to consider the question he replied. "Tired, weak but not as hot…the fever?"

"I managed to get it down a little about five thirty this morning."

How?

"Well Sir, I kept pouring water on you until the fever eased up a little."

Hanley not sure if the Pvt. was joking, held the man's gaze. "Whatever you did, thanks."

Nodding Brockmeyer said. "Sir, you should try to drink some water." Lifting the man's shoulders up he helped him drink from the canteen, letting Hanley take as much as he wanted but slowly, when the Lt. was finished he lay back.

Hanley glanced up at the sky. It's almost time to head out isn't it?

We have about an hour before the sun rises so you have time to freshen up and dress, if you think you're up to it. I have fish cooking, it should be done by the time you're ready, there's fresh coffee brewing as well. Your clothes are clean and dry I put them over on that boulder (pointing to where Hanley had sat the night before)."

"You've been busy Brockmeyer, give me a hand up would you and I'll go change."

Hanley sat up making sure the blankets were secure around his waist and shoulders then put a hand out, Brockmeyer helped him to his feet, staying close when the Lieutenant stumbled. Stepping back when Hanley indicated he was alright, Brockmeyer kept an eye on the man as Hanley gathered his clothing and slowly made his way behind some tall shrubs to dress. Then he checked the fish turning and adding more seasoning as he continued to let the food cook, setting two empty ration cans on the boulder near the fire, placed the two mugs beside the empty cans laid out a spoon and fork with two pieces of cloth to wipe their hands if needed.

Hanley dressed slowly, gritting his teeth as he bent to put on his pants, socks and boots, the fever had eased but the bruised ribs were still painful and made dressing a little harder than it should have been. Thirty minutes later he gathered the blankets and made his way over to the fire, catching a whiff of the fish his stomach started growling. Placing a hand on his stomach he realized how little he had eaten in the past four days and was looking forward to trying the fish.

Hanley watched as Brockmeyer removed the skewers from one fish, cut the meat into small chunks and place some in each can. "That smells really good."

"Why don't you have a seat Sir, I'll bring it over once you settle."

Hanley settled against a boulder one long leg stretched toward the fire leaving the other bent relieving some of the ache in his side. A few moments later Brockmeyer approached handing him one of the cans of fish sat a mug of coffee near his left leg, then gave Hanley a fork.

"Try a few bites first and see how your stomach reacts…Kirby said you haven't eaten much since the explosion and you don't want to end up sick."

Hanley glanced up. Kirby tell you about that too?

Holding the LT's gaze answered. "Only because he thought I should know Sir...Kirby told me what I needed to know in case I had to take care of you."

"Kirby is a good man and I appreciate what you both have done to keep me going, your advice is sound. "You know the fish may taste so bad I won't be able to eat it anyway."

Frowning Brockmeyer responded. "Sir, the seasoning is my Mom's special blend, sends me a bottle every month when she can, no way that fish will taste bad."

"I'll let you know." Taking a bite closed his eyes savoring the blend of smoke and spices cooked into the fish, with a groan he opened his eyes.

Sir, are you alright?

"You were right Brockmeyer no way this fish tastes bad, it's good, real good."

Grinning Brockmeyer went to retrieve his can and mug sitting beside the Lieutenant as he returned, taking a bite of the fish, paused…

With a surprised look on his face he said. "This is really good."

Hanley let out a deep chuckle, wrapping an arm around his ribs. "Don't make me laugh Brockmeyer that's an order, right now laughing is hazardous to my ribs."

Brockmeyer smiled in return. "Yes Sir."