The darkness and cold withdrew and Smith felt himself surrounded by warmth and light. He expected to be greeted by the Robinsons, or perhaps his mother, but he was alone. Something wasn't right. He couldn't see anything or anyone. He sensed the air around him growing warmer and warmer. He felt like he was beginning to melt under the heat. He was so weak he couldn't move. Concern quickly grew into panic. I'm in the wrong place, he thought. Too hot. Hello? Is anybody here? Please help me!

I am here. I am with you.

Smith stopped and listened. That voice was familiar. Who was it? It didn't belong to any Robinson and it certainly didn't belong to Major West.

He felt a pressure on his shoulder, as if someone had placed a hand on it. That was the last thing he sensed as the darkness crept back and swallowed him again.

Some time later, he couldn't be sure how long, the darkness receded and he once again found himself surrounded by warmth and light.

Please, someone help me. Where am I? he cried.

You are here with me.

The familiar voice was back. The pressure on his shoulder was still there. He felt something nudge his face.

I can't see anything, he whimpered.

Open your eyes, silly man.

He tried, but it felt like they were glued shut. I can't, came his weak reply.

Just a moment, the voice said.

A short time later, the voice assured him, This will help. He felt something warm and wet cover his eyes. Remain still.

In a few minutes, whatever had been placed over his eyes was removed. Open your eyes, the voice commanded.

Smith's eyes fluttered open. His vision was blurry for a few moments, but the big black blob hovering over him was unmistakable. He was laying next to the fire, his sleeping bag covering him. His cheeks were flushed from the heat. Artemis? his mind wondered, still too weak to physically speak. I thought...

Sometimes you think too much. You worry about things before you have the facts.

Smith admitted that was true. How? he asked.

I had dug through to the surface before the tunnel collapsed. I am sorry I did not answer you. I was preoccupied with exploring. I wanted to ascertain whether winter would be over soon or not.

Ascertain? You're learning quite the vocabulary from me, his mind laughed.

Artemis laid down next to him and rested her head on his chest. Weak as he was, Smith managed to move a hand to stroke the soft fur on her head.

By the time I found you, there was not much life left in you. Smith could sense her distress. I dragged you to the fire. You were blue. You do not look good blue.

Smith smiled weakly, No, I don't imagine I do. It's a good thing I was wearing gloves or I might have lost some fingers. He slowly moved the fingers of both hands to reassure himself.

Artemis mentally cringed at the prospect. His condition was bad enough without the thought of losing body parts.

I put more wood on the fire and blew on it like I have seen you do. I hoped it would bring life back to you, turn you pink again.

Smith smiled again and attempted to speak. "You... saved my life. Thank you." Exhausted, he added mentally, I am exceedingly happy that my worst fears were not realized and you are alive and well, too.

Artemis began to purr. The vibrations against the doctor's chest were comforting and relaxing. He closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep, his snores soon mingling with her purrs.

Smith awoke to a pleasing aroma. He was still somewhat weak, but feeling better. He rolled over onto his side to get a peek at what was generating that delicious smell. A pan sat in the fire with a steak sizzling away inside. Artemis stood nearby, watching. A few moments later, she gently grasped the handle of the pan with her mouth and snapped the pan upward. The steak flipped over in the air and landed in the pan with a sizzle as the uncooked side began to sear. She set the pan back into the fire.

The doctor's eyes widened in surprise. "Where did you learn how to do that?"

Artemis' lips curled up in an approximation of a smile, displaying her formidable sharp teeth. I learned it by watching you.

Smith marveled for a moment and then remembered Artemis' younger days, when she would mimic him. But those were simple movements and gestures. Her ability to perform more complex feats was astounding to the doctor.

"Smells delicious, my feline friend. I am famished," Smith remarked.

It shall be done soon. Have patience.

The doctor crawled over to the boulder he usually sat on while dining and propped himself up against it, awaiting dinner as patiently as he could while his stomach rumbled.

Soon, Artemis brought over the Major's knife and dropped it in front of Smith. He grabbed it and prepared himself for the meal. She then brought the pan to Smith and placed it on the ground near him. Being careful not to touch the inside of the hot pan with his bare hands, he sawed off a chunk of meat and popped it into his mouth.

"Just the way I like it, rare. It could use a bit of seasoning," Smith smirked, "but not bad for your first effort, especially since you have no opposable thumbs."

Artemis took that as a compliment and bowed in thanks. She then grabbed a raw steak from their stash, sat alongside her culinary mentor, and began to dine.

After they ate, Artemis sprawled across Smith's lap and rubbed her head against his chest. The doctor rested an arm over her back and with his other hand, scratched under her chin and caressed her whiskered cheeks.

Smith closed his eyes and began to see the events of the day as Artemis recounted them. Through her eyes, he saw how she dug him out of the snow and ice. She was right, he didn't look good blue. Her desperation and despondency were palpable as she nudged and pawed at his still form, urging him to wake up. Unable to rouse him, she dragged him to the fire and stoked it. Gently, she covered the doctor with the sleeping bag and crawled underneath it, sharing her body heat with him. Her mental link with him could not be reestablished while he was near death and that was the most disconcerting thing of all.

The doctor hugged her to him. "I'm sorry to have caused you all that worry, but never fear, Smith is still here. It takes a lot to defeat Doctor Zachary Smith."