"Caaaarter. Hey Caaaarter." She heard her name but didn't want to wake up. When the voice rang out a third time she managed to pry her eyes open although it took a moment for her to get her bearings.

It all came back to her suddenly and she sat up. Jack had been wounded and she'd barely slept all night, kept away with worry. Just as she'd fall asleep she'd jerk back awake to check to make sure he was still breathing. Finally, just as the sun was coming up, she'd fallen into a deep sleep of exhaustion.

"Sir?" she looked down at Jack who had a small grin on his face although he looked terribly pale, with dark circles under his eyes.

"Finally decided to wake up Major?"

"How are you Jack?" she ignored his comments, still concerned. Not waiting for him to answer she reached out and put her hand on his forehead. She thought he felt a bit warm but it was hard to tell. That could simply be from waking up under all the furs.

"Fine Sam, I'm -", he stopped when she glared at him. "Okay, so it hurts! But really, I don't feel too bad, just a little weak."

She knew he was underplaying how badly he really felt but at the same time she was relieved. The fact that he was in his usual denial and the fact that he was able to tease her meant he wasn't too bad. She'd been pretty sure the wounds wouldn't have been that bad had they had access to quick medical services. Now, of course, time would tell.

"Thirsty", she asked, knowing how vital it was for him to drink lots after losing so much blood. She'd also have to get him to down as much broth as he could. The iron from the meat would help replace some that he'd lost. She was sure he'd be pretty anemic, which would add to his weakness and tiredness.

"Yeah, please." She reached over for the large bowl of water one of the women had left. Helping Jack sit up (to much cursing and swearing) she held the bowl while he drank.

"Okay, enough!" he said after a few minutes. "I can't hold any more!"

"You have to drink- "

"I know Carter, I know. Been there, done that – lots of times. My stomach will only hold so much ya know." He paused and then continued. "As will my bladder. Help me up."

"No Jack, you need to lie down. You'll rip the stitches."

"Not if you help me." When she didn't move he continued. "Unless you feel like washing a bunch of fur blankets when I wet the bed!"

"I'll bring you -"

"Nope, no way Carter. Look, get one of the guys – get Drobe, he'll help. I need to get up a bit anyway. I need to get my strength back quickly so we can get going."

With a sigh she agreed. Calling Drobe and Arum over the two men helped Jack get to his feet. With his right arm around Drobe's shoulders Jack was able to make it out. By the time he came back he was even whiter than before and quickly collapsed back on their bed.

"Colonel." Sam said, her eyebrow raised.

"Yeah what Carter?" he answered grumpily, his eyes closed.

"You okay?"

"Fine. I'm just gonna rest for a little while." Knowing that he had overdone it – but also that he was pretty strong, she smiled and left him to sleep. Asking one of the other women to watch him she headed out of the cave to see what was happening.

The Chief, along with a handful of the men, were talking about the plan and about the animal they had trapped. Sam approached carefully, knowing that, as a woman she had to be careful. It galled but there was no point trying to upset things at this point.

The Chief nodded when he saw her and gestured for her to approach.

"How Jawk?" he asked.

She explained that he was resting but seemed stronger. She did say they needed to get to their 'tribe' quickly where they had medicine to stop the infection. The Chief looked impressed but nodded his head. They had been speaking about what was going to happen and how they were going to help.

Because of Jack's wounds it was decided that he would not take part in the initial part of the plan. He would simply have to wait in a convenient spot while the tribe did the work. Sam knew he would hate that but agreed with the tribesmen that that was the only thing they could do. There was no way he'd last and could actually hurt their plan if he were to collapse. He'd have to act as advisor only.

Thanking the men, and agreeing to their suggestions, she decided to return to see if the Colonel had woken up. They had to decide when to leave. The last few nights there had been frost on the ground in the morning and she knew their time was running short.

For all they knew, the Jaffa might not remain for the winter months either. If the weather got really cold, and they got snow (which seemed likely from what she'd been able to discern from the tribe) there would be little point in continuing with the mining operation. If it was eventually going to be a 'shaft' mine they probably could continue all year but that would take a while to establish.

Returning to the cave she could see Jack trying to joke around with Pratu, who sat beside him. She treated Jack as something of an honorary uncle, with a combination of respect and long-suffering. Yeah, thought Sam, that was pretty much it when it came to Jack O'Neill.

"Hey Carter, how're things going?" Jack asked as he saw her approach. Pratu smiled and stood up.

"Jawk – silly!" she turned and left.

"Well, she has your measure!" she laughed.

"Huh! I get no respect around here." As they both knew that was as far from the truth as he could get she didn't answer. She could see that he was in quite a bit of pain as he moved, trying to find a comfortable position.

"How're you doing Jack? And please, the truth. We need to figure out what we're going to do and I need you to be honest."

He took a deep breath and let it out noisily but nodded. Yeah, she was right. It would be dangerous to try and hide anything. She needed to know.

"I'm still feeling pretty weak and woozy, I'm sure from blood loss. The wounds hurt like the devil – what I wouldn't give for a little of Janet's happy juice right now. But I don't think I'm too bad. I should be able to make it in a day or so. I'm not going to be good for much but I should be able to get around."

"Maybe we should wait a few more days until you get your strength back."

"I don't think so Carter." He stopped and looked down. After a second he glanced up and she was surprised to see the openness in his eyes. "I expect these wounds are going to get infected. Drobe and Pratu told me that wounds from the big pork's tusks are usually pretty bad. If we wait too long I'm afraid I won't be able to make it. I think we'd better get going as soon as I can."

"Oh God Jack!" she had worried about this.

"Hey, look at the bright side – we make it out of here and back home and Janet can hook me up to her super duper antibiotic IV and I'll be fine." He looked at Sam and smiled. He then reached over and tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear. "I think we should plan on tomorrow Carter. We can do it!"

Knowing they had little choice she agreed and then filled him in on the Chief's plan. He didn't like it but agreed, knowing they had little choice. Unfortunately, it meant they wouldn't be able to get a sample from the mine – all their energy had to be on escaping. Jack just hoped that their account of what had happened would be enough to convince the powers that be to allow them to return.

The rest of the day he slept, drank and when able to, ate. By evening he could tell that an infection was starting to set in but he didn't say anything. There was nothing they could do and he didn't want to worry anyone. He just hoped he'd be strong enough to make it the next day.

Early next morning he was awoken by Sam, who had all their things gathered together and looked ready to depart. Although it was early morning and the sun wasn't up yet, he saw that the whole tribe had gathered around the communal fire, which was burning brightly.

With the help of two of the men he struggled to his feet. Limping over to the fire he turned and looked at the solemn faces that were watching as he and Sam stood together.

Glancing down at the woman by his side he was unsurprised to see the tears glistening in her eyes. He too felt the emotion of the moment and had to clear his throat a few times before he could speak. Turning to the Chief and Maru, who stood side by side, he began.

"Samantha and I would like to thank you. You have honored us with your friendship and your loyalty. You have become our friends and our family and we will never forget you! We wish you all the best and, if we can, we will return. Be safe." There was so much more he could have said but knew that that was enough. Besides, he didn't think he could have gotten the words out before choking up.

The Chief stepped forward and began to speak. He spoke of how Jawk and Samanta had honored them and had brought luck and fortune – and laughter (Jack received a few nudges from some of the men) to the tribe. Because of them, he said, the tribe would continue to be blessed. Their children and children's children would forever remember the two who had come to them from the Gods. He then walked up to Jack and taking the necklace from around his neck, placed it over Jack's head.

"You will always belong to our tribe!" As he stepped back the other men stepped forward and each placed a necklace around his neck. By the time they were done Jack's chest was fully adorned. It was then Sam's turn. Each of the women approached her and also gave her a necklace. Theirs were made of stones and leather rather than of animal teeth and claws.

Both of the Air Force officers were touched, knowing they had been given the rare gift of friendship.

As Sam hugged each of the women there were many tears shed. The children swarmed around Jack who knelt down and hugged them and gave them some words of wisdom (remember – obey your parents, work hard, bathe regularly! and hockey rules!). Finally, nearly exhausted, Jack stood. Drobe reached over and took Jack's arm and placed it around his shoulders. When O'Neill went to argue Drobe told him to 'shut up'!

"I knew I should never have taught you any English!" he said in disgust. His friend simply grinned.

It was time to leave so, with a last look at their home of the last few months, Jack, Sam and most of the men turned to leave.

Once they were away from the cave everyone stopped. Jack and Sam looked surprised.

"What's going on?" Jack asked. Two of the men approached carrying something.

"Oh no. No way." Jack backed away but was stopped by two of the men.

"Yes Jawk!" Drobe spoke seriously. "You hurt. Don't be stupid!" Sam had to grin, she was so glad the men were doing this and not her.

"Sam, tell them that I don't like to be carried."

"Uh no Sir."

"What?" he turned to look at her.

"No Sir. They're right. This is the best way. I know you don't like it Colonel but if we're going to make it you need to be as strong as possible."

He glared at her and then at the men but no one budged. With a groan of defeat he limped over to the stretcher. Okay, so she was right, but he didn't have to like it. He felt powerless and out of control when he was being carried. Lying down he frowned up at the men staring down at him.

"So, what are you all looking at? Let's get going." The four men who were carrying the stretcher smiled and reached down, picking up the poles. Sam started walking beside it.

"I hate this Carter."

"I know Sir. But you do have your weapon and you can watch out for anything dangerous or suspicious. This way you'll feel much better when we arrive."

It was true and anyway, he could feel the infection starting to take hold. Realistically he didn't think he could have made it on his own. And he was grateful they'd waited until they were away from the cave so the women and children didn't see him carried out.

He dozed as they continued; every once in a while opening his eyes to make sure Carter was still close by. He still couldn't believe how lucky he was to have her. Pretty quickly however, he stopped those thoughts. They'd both agreed that until they were safe they would have to revert to military mode. Today she was Carter or Major, he was Sir or Colonel. They really couldn't allow their personal feelings to get in the way. This was the whole reason for the regulations.

The plan was that the men were going to carry him to the fork of the road, where they could go no further (they still hadn't been able to figure that one out). At that point Jack and Sam were on their own and would have to move ahead until they found a safe place to hide that was close enough to the Jaffa camp. They would wait there while the men dealt with the animals.

A group of the tribesmen had gone to try and begin herding the large sheep and the ones with the Porku were standing by – in fact, they should be coming upon them shortly. Jack and Sam had explained to the men what they needed to do (all of those old western movies and stories of how the first peoples in America had herded the buffalo came in handy!). They prayed it would work.

By the time they reached the fork Jack was feeling pretty hot. He knew the fever was pretty bad now. The men set the stretcher down and looked at Jack.

Drobe reached a hand down and with a smile helped Jack to his feet. They looked at each other in silence for a minute until Jack reached out and gave Drobe a hug – and a slap on the back.

"Thank you my friend. I'll miss you!"

"You too Jawk!" answered Drobe. "Be good! Be careful!"

"I will and you too. Look after that woman of yours and may you have many strong sons and daughters!" Drobe grinned at him.

"You too Jawk! I name son Jawk, daughter Samanta!"

Jack smiled and hugged the man again. He was going to miss him. Saying goodbye to the others – and reminding them once more of what they had to do he and Sam headed off down the trail.

They hadn't gone far when they looked back, only to see that the tribesmen were gone.

"I don't know how they keep doing that! God, they must move quickly."

Sam stared for a moment and then looked at Jack. "Maybe, although I think there might be something else at work here."

"Like what?" he stopped. Looking back he nodded. "Yeah, I think so too. I just wish I could figure it out."

They walked on, Jack's arm over Sam's shoulder. Normally he wouldn't burden her like this but he really did need the support. He could feel the fever getting worse and his body weakening. He just hoped he could make it.

It didn't take them long before they had arrived near the end of the trail. Sam looked around and finally found a copse of bushes, up on the side of the hill. It would offer some cover and would also be out of the way when the herd (hopefully) stampeded.

"Over there Sir." Jack didn't answer so she tried again. "Sir, there's a place we can hide." When he still didn't answer she stopped and looked at him. His eyes were glassy and his face was flushed. She reached up and touched his forehead. Damn, he was burning up.

"Jack!" she called again. This time he started and looked at her.

"Carter?"

"Up there Sir. A place we can hide."

"Oh, yeah, okay." but he still stood standing, not sure what to do. Taking his hand she led him up the side of the hill, having to help him quite a bit. "There Colonel, just lie down." He dropped to the ground in exhaustion and was out in a second. She rearranged the bushes to make sure he was well hidden and then crawled in beside him. Gently touching him she waited.

It took almost three hours before they heard anything. At first it was no more than a vibration running through the ground. Shortly after she thought she could begin to hear the pounding of hooves. Next, she could see a huge dust cloud approach.

Finally, the angry, terrified herd approached, running at full speed. The sound had grown and she could hear the bleating of the animals and the huffing of their breath. Looking down she was amazed at the power and force that passed underneath them. She could see the sweat flying off the animals and could even see the terrified whites of their eyes as they ran for their lives.

As she continued to look she saw the Proku following behind. It was still some ways off but was growing closer. It was furious – screaming and running, trying to capture its dinner.

"Sir", she shook Jack but he didn't move. "Come on Sir, you have to wake up." With a moan he opened his groggy eyes.

"Wha?" he asked. He couldn't remember, for a moment, where he was.

"It's time to go Sir. The animals are almost past." She could see the moment his gaze sharpened and the soldier and officer came back.

"Okay Carter – upsy daisy!". He struggled to his feet, allowing her to help him. He looked down just in time to see Porky Pig run past. "Let's get a move on Major." Together they climbed the short distance down the hill.

The dust was still so thick they couldn't see. It made breathing difficult but helped to hide their approach. Fortunately Sam had predicted that this would be a problem so they each wore bandanas (made from strips of their uniforms) around their necks. As they got to the bottom of the hill they pulled them up so they could breath.

They began to run after the animals, knowing that they didn't have a long time to make it to the Teltak. In just a few minutes they had run out into the Jaffa camp. When they arrived they could see the mass chaos that was occurring.

There were screams and shouts from all through the camp. Jaffa and slaves were running about madly, trying to avoid the hooves of the huge sheep as well as the tusks of the maddened pig. Bodies went flying and they could see the destruction caused by the rampaging beasts.

"Over here Colonel." Sam cried, finding a relatively clear path. Jack followed her, knowing that his perceptions were off right now. They made their way to the waiting ship.

Suddenly, a staff blast hit the ground in front of them, forcing them to stop. Looking up they could see a platform on which stood a Goa'uld and what looked like his First Prime and a group of elite guards.

"Damn!" Jack muttered. They'd been so close. They could see the Goa'uld give orders to his men who began to shoot the beasts, quickly putting a stop to the stampede. When one of them finally brought down the wild pig things quickly quieted down, although there were still sounds of terror coming from many of the slaves – and the groans and screams of the wounded.

The destruction was terrible with buildings and equipment and tents all lying in tatters around the camp. What was worse were the bodies lying about. Jack felt a moment of sorrow and hoped that there were not many who were seriously wounded – although it was clear there were some – and some dead.

"Who are you!" a deep Goa'uld voice shouted above the continuing noise. He looked up and cursed again. Just what they needed; all that work and they failed anyway!

"Uh, we're hunters and we're real sorry about the mess!" He watched as the Goa'uld sent down two of his Jaffa who quickly came up behind them. Without any warning they were whacked on the back of the legs and forced down to the ground.

"Ow! You could have asked." Jack said, although in fact he was trying desperately to stay conscious, the adrenaline that had kept him going quickly running out.

"I ask again, who are you?" The Goa'uld spoke down at them.

"Uh, I told you. We're just a couple of hunters – we were trying to get some meat for the winter. We didn't mean to ah- " he pointed at the chaos surrounding them. "Can I ask to whom we have the – uh – honor of speaking?"

"I am Ptah."

"Ptah? Well, nice to meet you Ptah. Can I ask what your specialty is?"

"My 'specialty'?" The Goa'uld looked in disdain at his prisoners. He watched them for a moment, deciding whether or not to bother with them.

"I am Ptah. I control the present and future – and soon I will control the past."

"Oh, interesting. Can I ask how you plan to do that?" He could feel Sam at his side. She reached over and grabbed his arm, noticing that he was swaying and about to fall. He gave her a quick smile and was proud to see her looking undefeated. That was his Sam!

"No."

"Oh, okay. Just wondering, you know."

" But I will show you how I will control the future – your future. Guards, kill them."

"WHAT! Hey, no, come on. Give us a chance here. We just got here and haven't had a opportunity to even get to know you. We said we're sorry about the mess. We'll be glad to help clean it up. You really don't need to kill us."

The Goa'uld turned to his First Prime. "String them up in the middle of the camp. They will be whipped and left to die. They will serve as a warning."

"Hey! Ow! What'd you do that for?" he turned to the Jaffa who had struck him with his staff weapon.

"You will be silent", answered the Jaffa.

Jack looked at Sam, despair in his eyes. "I'm sorry." He whispered. He hadn't wanted it to end this way.

"It's not your fault Sir – no Jack. I love you."

"I love you too Carter. At least we're together."

Just then something happened. It was …. eerie. It was terrifying. It was as if time stood still and everything froze. A chill permeated the air and every sound stopped. Jack could feel the hairs rise on the back of his neck. He looked around but could see nothing. Sam looked at him, her eyes huge in her face. She felt it too – it was as if the very air was afraid.

"What is it?" she whispered.

"I don't know, but whatever it is it's giving me the creeps." He looked around and could see the terrorized faces of the Jaffa. Looking up at the platform it was clear that even Ptah was frightened.

Suddenly, the silence was broken by an ungodly scream. Sam reached out frantically and grabbed a hold of Jack – she had never been more frightened in her life. He was ashamed to acknowledge it but he felt just as frightened and held on to her with all his strength.

There was movement at the entrance to the camp and human screams were added to those of whatever had made the noise. Soon they could see bodies being tossed about – and then it was parts of bodies. The sound of ripping and crunching filled the air, alongside the cries of terror from the Jaffa. Interestingly, the slaves, huddled together by the side of the camp were not being attacked but they stood, frozen in fear.

"Chewi!" Jack shouted. He had just caught sight of the huge beast as it made its way through the camp. "Come on!" The Jaffa holding them had run for their lives and they were left alone. Jack grabbed Carter's hand and they ran towards the Teltak. They could see Ptah and his retinue also heading for the safety of the vessel.

They arrived at the same time as the Goa'uld and his guards. One of the Jaffa was opening the door, when again, things grew quiet. Sam could feel a tingle of fear spreading up her back. Turning she saw the tiger standing there, no more than five feet from their position.

"Jack", she spoke softly. He turned and saw the beast as well. They stood, not moving, not daring to breath.

Ptah was also standing frozen, as were his Jaffa. It was a strange tableau, thought Jack. Part of him was terrified but part of him was watching as if disconnected from the whole scene. He figured this was the end for all of them but it was almost as if he were not involved.

He reached out and took Sam's hand again. Looking at her he smiled – and she smiled back. Pulling her to him he put his arms around her and held her tightly. "Don't look", he said gently. He could feel her nod.

Immediately he felt, rather than saw, the tiger move. Again the afternoon was disturbed by the horrifying sounds of people being killed by the claws and teeth of the beast. Keeping his eyes closed and Sam close to him he waited for the feel of those claws and teeth once again. He tried to protect her, hoping his body would keep her safe and allow her to remain alive. If she could escape all would be worth it.

The noise continued for what seemed like forever, although it could only have been a few minutes. He heard some sounds of staff weapons firing but they didn't seem to be able to stop the beast. Finally, things grew quiet. Jack waited, sure that it was his turn. When, after a few moments, nothing happened he lifted his head. Turning around carefully he saw the tiger simply standing, looking at him.

"Jack?" he could hear the question in Sam's voice.

"I don't know. He seems to be waiting for something." He stared at the huge animal in front of him. It was only as he glanced around that he realized there was no Goa'uld and there were no Jaffa. There were not even any bodies or any remains.

"Jack, where are they?" Sam asked. For the first time he could hear the terror in her voice.

"I don't know. This is the same thing that happened before. I don't understand it." Still, Chewi had not moved. He simply watched the two people in front of him.

"Sam, lets see if we can make it into the Teltak." The door was still open.

"There's no way Jack. We can't get there in time."

"Probably not but we've got to try." With that they began to edge their way closer, step by small step, to the doorway. The tiger followed them with his eyes but didn't move. Jack was afraid it was going to let them just about get to safety and then attack. He was more than certain that the animal was intelligent.

They'd arrived at the door and still the animal hadn't moved. "Okay Sam, get in."

"Come with me."

"I will, I just want you in first. If Chewi attacks you're to shut the door."

"Jack -"

"That's an order Major!" He wasn't going to argue. This was possibly a way to save Sam. "Please Sam, do this for me." He begged. He heard her sob but she began to back into the open doorway.

When Sam was all the way in Jack decided he would now try. He slowly moved back but suddenly the tiger stepped forward. He could hear Sam scream and Chewi turned his head and looked at her.

"Now Sam, close the door."

"No."

"SAM!"

"No, Jack, I will not leave you out there. Just come on." With a curse he took another step back, but the tiger followed him. Each step Jack took the tiger took one. He could feel himself sweating – not just from the fever – but from fear and tension.

"Okay Chewi, what is it you want?" He couldn't figure out why the animal hadn't attacked him. Why was it playing with him? Just like cat and mouse! He laughed ironically to himself. He'd never thought of himself as a mouse before but now, that's exactly what he was.

"Get ready to close it quickly Sam – I'm gonna try this." He took a deep breath and counted to three. Unfortunately, he'd only gotten to two when the tiger pounced. As he was thrown to the ground, the beast on top of him, he could again hear Sam's screams. God, he so didn't want her to see this!

He waited with his eyes closed for the first bite. He hoped it was quick. He felt the hot breath of the beast as it lowered its head. He was sure his heart was going to jump out of his chest in terror. He couldn't breath and was really afraid he was going to wet himself.

"Come on you stupid beast – just get it over with!" he sobbed. He jerked violently as he felt something touch his cheek and neck. "God!" he screamed and then realized that he felt no pain. In fact – if he didn't know better he would say the animals – bite? - kind of – tickled?" He opened his eyes just in time to see a huge pink tongue come out and lick his face.

"Gaargh", he choked. He'd just received a face and mouth full of tiger saliva. As the animal continued to lick him he wondered if he was being marinated for supper. He still expected to be eaten any minute. However, the animal eventually stepped back and off him. Gasping as the weight of the beast moved off of him, he managed to pull himself to a sitting position.

"Oh God Jack, are you alright?" He looked over to see Sam with tears running down her face. She was sobbing in terror and looked like she was about to run to him.

"Stay there Sam." He slowly pushed himself to his feet. As he looked at Chewi the animal sat back on its haunches and began to lick its paw – and then it began to clean its face – just like a damned kitty cat, thought Jack. He backed away again and the tiger didn't move. Sam's arm came out and she grabbed him and pulled him into the Teltak. He continued to watch as the tiger groomed itself.

Just as Sam reached to close the door Jack saw the animal get to its feet. It looked directly at him. As the door closed Jack could have sworn he saw the animal bow its head. He must be more feverish than he knew.

He turned to look at Sam who was shaking and crying in reaction. He reached over and took her in his arms. In all the years they'd worked together he could never remember them being this close to dying. He held her tightly as she finally calmed down.

"We'd better get out of here." She hiccupped. Pulling back from him she looked at Jack, whose skin looked parchment white under the flush of fever. "Jack?" she asked in concern. "Are you okay?"

"No." he answered. "I think I'm going to pass o- ". With that he sank to the floor, unconscious.

She checked him quickly to make sure he was still alive. When she found his pulse – thready but there – she sighed in relief. She pulled him over to the side and tried to make him as comfortable as possible. Still, she knew they had to get out of here as quickly as possible. There were still Jaffa remaining and they didn't need to be captured just as they had a chance to get away.

Turning to the controls she checked everything out and soon they were underway. Once she figured they were at a safe distance from the planet she checked their coordinates and plotted a course to the nearest Stargate. She knew it was imperative that she get Jack home as quickly as possible.

Once the ship was flying in the right direction she ran back to Jack. Checking the ship she found some water and tried giving him a drink. After a few minutes he seemed to rouse.

"Carter?" he asked groggily.

"I'm here Sir."

"Good. We make it?"

"Yes, we're on our way to the nearest planet with a gate."

"You check to make sure there are no wild animals there Carter?" he said, his eyes still closed.

She laughed – although if her laughter had a hysterical edge to it no one would ever tell. "I'm pretty sure Sir. We're flying to P3R 2Z6."

"Oh goody. My favorite." He paused for a few seconds. "Carter?"

"Yes Sir?"

"What the hell is P3R – whatever?"

She smiled and replied. "It was the planet that had nothing on it but dirt Sir."

"Dirt? You sure?"

"Yes. We were there a few months ago, remember. There was no life there at all. Just flat fields with – dirt Sir."

"I like dirt Carter."

"Yes Sir."

"Yup – no trees, no pigs, no tigers. Yup – dirt is good." Smiling she wiped his burning forehead with a cool cloth.

"Go to sleep Sir. We'll be home soon."

"Home. Sounds good Carter."

"Yes Sir, it does."