Disclaimer: Star wars franchise belongs to many people and companies from Gorge Lucas to Disney, however I'm not among them.

Story summary: One of the first things CT-8228 AKA Sawbones had learned at the republic medical station was that once on board the field medics would collapse from exhaustion and that it was a good thing… if he'd ever seen one, that is.

* (Latin) doctor, heal thyself!

Medice, cura te ipsum*

Like you always say:

Safe travels, don't die!

/Safe travels (don't die)by Lisa Hannigan/

One of the first things CT-8228 AKA Sawbones had learned at the republic medical station was that once on board, the field medics would often collapse and that it was a good thing.

Of course, Two-twelve medics were more civilized, graceful in dragging their slacking bodies to nearest empty bunk and literally administrating their own medications and dips; silently sleeping away the fatigue, calling their medical brothers only if necessary.

Five-of-first, however, was a mess in that regard. As that legion medics would literally collapse, right when their legs touched the sterile white floor of the medical facility; more often than not, adding a concussion to a long listing of infected wounds, malnutrition or dehydration…

Sawbones rushed to catch his brother in mid air. The clone medic was surprisingly light, feverish, reeking of blood, dirt and… was that booze?

He looked stupefied at his comrades; the ARC with a five tattooed on his temple just shrug his shoulders apologetically as he assisted the other clone – the one with handprint on his chestplate - to the stretcher. the other brother, with republic roundel tattooed on his head, rushed to his side, helping him manhandle the exhausted field medic.

"we run out of bacta" the Republic Roundel said "spirit was all we managed to get from the locals"

Sawbones nodded. He heard that in some cultures, alcohol was still in use not only to get wasted but also in medicine.

"we poured half of the bottle into him - Coric said that it would help to numb the pain - the other half landed on him" the roundel brother stumbled with explanation "on his wound that is"

The medical officer shivered, that must have hurt… immensely.

"there is a free bed down the hall" Sawbones explained and as he was about to motion for another stretcher; the Republic Roundel nodded and picked his fallen friend up in his arms then flung him over his shoulders, in what was currently known as field medic's carry.

"that wasn't necessary" Sawbones commented "we're not short of staff nor equipment"

"but Coric said-"

"my name's Sawbones not Coric and last time I checked I was put in charge"

"understood, sir." the roundel replied meekly.

Sawbones didn't like to put his status quo over the ranks to put his brothers in places like that, but five-oh-first had this weird tendency to listen only to their own and even that was something they had a hard time doing.

"good" the medic addressed his brother as if he was a child "now, as you already have him on your shoulders, you might as well take him to the appointed bed"

Sawbones whistled, when he finally peeled off the multiply layers of rags wrapped around the fallen field medic's torso. The gash on his side was angry red, puffed and oozing puss and blood. The edges of the wound were severely lacerated and sewed together by a thick thread.

"you weren't over exaggerating about bacta"

"that vodka really helped him" Jesse, as it was the Republic Roundel's name, said "we couldn't keep him still-" Kix's pained, subconscious moan cut the sentence.

In an instant, Jesse sprung up, if not for Sawbones reflex, he would most likely tear a heplock from his arm.

"where are you going?" the medical officer snapped "we're not done with transfusion"

"can you give him something? Anything?"

"not when he's intoxicated. But it's a good thing you are helping out. Few more drops of blood and he'd be unsalvageable… dry like a mummy" Sawbones' joke fell flat - Jesse was barely listening.

"don't worry" the medic put his hand on the clone trooper's shoulder reassuringly "he is in no immediate danger, detoxification will take an hour top. After that, he will receive the full platter of painkillers, antibiotics and bacta. Now listen: As a blood donor you're currently on a mandatory sick leave" the clone medic started his lecture "but, before you get all exited about your new found freedom, it also means no drinking alcohol or doing any strenuous activities for, at least, the rest of the day. Understood?"

Jesse nodded half-heartily.

"Once the transfusion is over, I'll escort you to the cafeteria where you'll be served a dinner you have to eat whole – to replenish the lost calories, understood?"

Jesse gave out an exasperated sigh in response; he glanced at his friend's bed surrounded by the monitors and machines. The equipment was wheezing, beeping, hissing while Kix just laid there motionless and pale like a ghost.

"I see…" Sawbones wrote few notes on his notepad "in that case I'll fetch someone with food here"

"thanks"

"but you have to eat it, all of it. Understood?"

"yes"

"that also means that bar of chocolate on the side. It's there for a reason! So no hiding it for later, someone else or trades. Understood?"

"sir, yes, sir…"

"I'll be right back" with that, Sawbones left the room, leaving the two friends in peace.

Jesse closed his eyes and laid further into the chair, his hand was clenching and unclenching in steady pace almost matching Kix's chest raising and falling with his every breath.