A/N: This ones pretty short, but it just seemed like thte proper place to end it. The end is in sight -- this story likely has a few more chapters in it, but I already have ideas for my next story!

"He's got a temperature of 103, Captain."

Nathan shot Wendy a look. "Isn't that dangerously high?"

"It is on the high side for a child his age, but I'll give him something that should bring it down. I want to keep him here to monitor him for a bit. I've also got a cooling pad that he can lie on to cool down his body."

"He's had some accidents at night." Nathan said to her quietly.
In spite of herself, she smiled. "The pad's pretty waterproof Captain. You can stay here with him if you like?"

"Please. And his ear?"

"Ear infection, pretty standard stuff. We'll keep him here for a few days; these things are often precursors to other infections and colds."

"Mmmm. He's going to love that." Approaching the bed, Bridger was glad to see that Lucas was resting and appeared far calmer than he had earlier. "Hey kiddo. It looks like you're gonna have to stay here for a while, maybe a day or two. But I promise to visit when I'm not on duty, and Dr. Smith will make you feel better as quickly as she can."

"I'm sorry." Came the quiet reply.

"For what? For being sick? You don't have to apologize for that."

Lucas just stared at him, almost like he was trying to will the Captain to understand him, not wanting to say it. Nathan tried hard to concentrate. If he really did have any psychic powers like others have suggested, now would be a good time to break them in. And then it hit him – be it psychic powers or just a father's intuition – he knew what Lucas was apologizing for, and another little piece of his heart broke for the boy.

"Shhh, don't worry about that. We can talk about it when you're feeling better. You go to sleep, I'll be back to see you in a bit." Lucas' eyes were closed before he even finished his sentence.

Heading over to Wendy and Dr. Gravel, Nathan took the opportunity to look over the machinery Dr. Gravel had mentioned earlier. "You're right, it would be mighty difficult for someone to get into where the malfuction occurred. Everything's so tightly packed. Unless..." his thoughts were cut of by the sound once more of Lucas calling out for him.

"Da--" the boy managed to catch himself as the adults all turned to look at him. "I don't feel good."
Turning to see Lucas walking towards them, Bridger went over and scooped Lucas up in his arms. "What are you doing out of bed, Lucas?"
"I don't feel so--" Lucas stopped short, and Bridger noticed him grow considerably paler, and before either of them could grasp what was happening, Lucas was sick all over himself and the Captain.

As soon as he realized what had happened, Lucas began sobbing. "It's ok Lucas, it's ok. We'll get you cleaned up." Hurrying over to the bed, he sat Lucas down and removed first the boy's shirt, and the his own, as Wendy hurried over with a glass of water.

"Here, Lucas, drink some of this. It'll help you get rid of the taste in your mouth. And Captain, give me one second and I'll get you a damp cloth to help clean him off, and well, clean yourself off."

"Thanks Wendy." turning towards Lucas, Nathan asked "Do you think you're going to be sick again, champ?"

Lucas, in the meantime, had continued crying quietly, his hand in his mouth. Exhausted, the boy had curled up on the bed, and didn't open his eyes or answer Nathan's question. Leaning over, Bridger removed the hand from Lucas' mouth, and brushed the sweat-soaked bangs off his forehead.
"Are you gonna be sick again?"
Lucas didn't open his eyes, he caught his breath to stop crying and said quietly "No, Daddy, I don't think so."
"Good, that's good. We've got to get you cleaned up. Can you sit up for me?" When Lucas didn't move, Nathan looked a little closer - Lucas was already asleep."
Turning to Wendy and taking the cloth she proffered, he noted "He's out cold, can you sit him up so I can clean him a bit?"

10 mins later, with Lucas cleaned up and sound asleep, and a fresh shirt for himself Nathan turned to the doctors.
"I think I know what might be going on with the project. Can we go into your office?"
Closing the door behind them, Dr. Gravel met Nathan's glance and said "I'm curious to hear your theory Captain."
"So am I." Wendy added, arms folded in front of her.

Nathan sat down on the top of her desk with a heavy sigh. "I think is sabotage, and I think Lucas is behind it."