AN: Apologies, friends. I've been MIA. (begs forgiveness of those who have been such great reviewers and fellow fans) Next installment is below. Really hope you like it!!

Disclaimer: Dear Fox, I will promise more character development in the future - with regards to the supporting cast. All you have to do is promise me a staff writing position... sounds fair to me... :)

(Not) Seeing Things

She had grabbed the three canteens of water, and began rummaging around in a box in the main tent at the dig site. With a relieved sigh, Temperance pulled out seven protein bars, and threw them into the knapsack along with the water. Sam had grabbed the poor excuse for a map of the area and two flashlights, which also went into the bag; the compass went into her pocket. She tossed a large pocket knife toward Brennan, who grabbed it out of the air, and shoved it into her hip pocket. Sam took her pocket knife, and began tearing away fabric from the tent.

Temperance looked up, a curious expression on her face. Sam's response was simple, "Cover." Of course they would stand out in their khaki attire of cargo pants and tee-shirts. The tent was a thin, cream-coloured canvas, which Sam fashioned as a tunic-dress for each of them. She then tore two strips in which to wrap their heads. "It's not colorful, like the Thobe the women wear, but it will draw less attention. We can find some better clothes later. We should also smudge some dirt into our faces; it will help hide the fact that we're both obviously white."

Temperance wrapped herself in the fashion of the Sudanese women, following Sam's lead. "We cannot go back to camp to get money, so we're going to have to travel without," Sam revealed. "It's going to be difficult; we may need bribe money," she said, shaking her head.

"Then it's a good thing I went to the Tumko market the other day," Temperance said, reaching into one of her pockets and pulling out a handful of Sudanese Dinar, and the new Sudanese Pound, and quickly counting. "We have 14 pounds, and 600 dinar. That should get us pretty far, don't you think?"

"Not as far as US dollars, but we can definitely make do," Sam replied. "We're going to Nyala. There's a UN safehouse there. They'll be able to get us out."

Temperance nodded, resolutely, as she split the money into different pockets. It was time to go. "We travel at night, and rest during the hottest part of the day. This will help us preserve our water supply; we only have three canteens, and they're full now."

Sam was standing next to the tent, facing North, staring at the compass. She pointed with her right hand, "We need to head Northeast. It's midnight now. We can be there by morning if we hurry."

The terrain was flat, dusty. With adrenaline pumping through their bodies, they made good time across the barren desert that night. There was little conversation, as both women were on alert for sounds of jeeps, or other people. The need to put distance between themselves and the campsite propelled them on.

As the sky began to lighten, Temperance spoke, the question having been on her mind most of the night, "Do you speak Arabic, Sam?"

Sam raised her head, nodding, "I'm fluent, but my accent is off, so whomever I'm speaking with will know I'm not native. You?"

Temperance sighed, "About the same. Though, once we get into town, we should not speak English. We wouldn't want to give anything away."

The two walked down the market street, their heads down, and hands clasped beneath their robes; the townspeople were seemingly oblivious to the strangers in their vicinity. They made their way through the crowds, Sam only lifting her face to determine direction, Temperance following closely on her heels.

Turning right down a small side street, the pair made their way toward the UN Peacekeepers location. They didn't make it very far. A large group had gathered in front of what used to be a two room mud-hut. The thatched roof had burned away, the contents of the hut scarred beyond recognition. The burn marks on the walls told told Temperance that an accelerant was used. Sam elbowed Temperance, jerking her head toward the remnants of the UN house.

Someone in the front of the crowd raised both hands in the air, shouting in triumph, "The fire got two of the pigs! They have left this earth!" Some in the crowd began to cheer. Others stood stock still, almost afraid to respond.

But, Sam's shoulders slumped at those words. Speaking in French, Sam whispered over her shoulder, "They can't help us now. It's just you and me."

Temperance nodded, the sinking feeling in her stomach almost overwhelming her. Her mind kicked into overdrive. Options, they needed options.

She spoke quietly, calmly, as if this was just any other day, revealing flawless French, "The airport?"

Sam gently placed her right hand against Brennan's left elbow, leading her away from the excitable crowd. "No, that won't work. Without UN backup, the airport here in Nyala will be under rebel control."

"So, what are our other options? Rail? Traveling by car would be too obvious, wouldn't it?"

"Yes, Temperance. I agree that we need to go by train. The problem is we don't exactly have a safe way out. We need to find someone who will hide us. We need to find Ramzi."

The women were well aware of everything in front of them as they made their way back to the market street. They were not vigilant, though, and failed to see a young man break off from the chanting crowd, and begin to follow them.

Wednesday...

In less than 24 hours, Booth had said goodbye to Parker, Cullen and his squints. He'd promised Angela he'd call – even if there wasn't any new news. He'd made Zach promise to keep doing Bones' work and given him a solid pat on the shoulder. He'd even talked Hodgins out of stowing away on the C130 that was to take him (and some rather large equipment) to Ramstein. Cam had tried to offer comforting words, but she had known her concern was falling on deaf ears. He had returned her efforts with a half-cocked smile. He had known she was trying.

Now, dressed in fatigues, seated next to Dan Foley aboard a military plane, all Booth could think about was Bones. Not that he'd thought about anything else in the last 48 hours, but now it was really getting to him. He shook his head in an effort to clear his mind.

He sighed, and closed his eyes as he leaned back against the seat. They'd only just boarded the plane, and he was already starting to see things. He could have sworn he'd seen Max Keenan fastening the chains on a hum-v in the cargo hold.

AN: Based on May 2007 currency conversions, Sam and Temperance have about $10 US.

Doornumberthree (thank you for your kind review! I am hoping to get to the supporting cast in the next chapter.) Myralee (Thank you for your support! I try to make things real life as possible) Statler (i wanted to send one of the squints, but i hope you can see who i've chosen to be Booth's partner...), Beaglelvr (I'm writing the rest, I promise!!) Elliesmeow (Thanks!!) g8trgrrl (I'm updating as ideas come! I'm sorry it took so long. Your review was much appreciated!) Shelbers (Thanks for your great review! And I'm so glad you've caught on to the combo that is Sam!) Miss Bennet (It's so great that you're understanding about being able to update. I just hope you guys still remember what happened!) bb-4ever (glad to have you reading my story! hope you liked this chappie) Maxennce (I went and listened to that song from placebo, and it's a great song! I happen to agree - and it's a pretty thought provoking song.) splendid (sorry it just 'ended', but it's not over yet! more chapters to come - but the timeline is ... suspect at best).