Kono's phone rang, Chin confirmed the ambulance was in place and he was on his way with two of the firemen with a litter basket to get McGarrett out. Kono quickly past the message to Danny and the two medics.

5

0

Steve fought the sedative trying desperately to stay conscious, his fevered mind distorting his thoughts. The only grounding was Danny, Danny spoke quietly to him, he tried to stay focussed on him, but his eyes kept slipping shut. The grogginess created a fear that kept causing his body to jerk him awake. He groaned as the jolting movement shot pain through his back sending his thoughts spiralling back into the clarity of their situation.

Danny looked to Dave "you can't give him anything for the pain?"

"We already gave him what we are allowed without having him checked out first…..I'm surprised he's still fighting that…just try and keep him calm"

Steve tensed again, Danny rubbed his hand down his arm "relax buddy….we're going to have you out of here soon…..we'll get you fixed up and you'll feel better in no time"

5

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Chin and the firemen arrived, they placed the litter next to Steve.

Dave instructed everyone "we're going to lift him and keep him on his side….i don't want him to end up on his back…Sam as soon as we have him in, put these rolled up blankets behind him to keep him in place, then we'll get him strapped down….Kono you hold the IV….Danny?" Dave gave Danny a knowing look "let us know if you think there is going to be a problem, he only seems to be responding to you right now"

"Got it" Danny said with a nod

"Ok everyone we'll use the blanket too, but we need to keep him supported" Dave said as he slid his arms beneath Steve "On the count of three….soon as Danny says we're ready"

Danny worked his arm under Steve's shoulder and supported his head while the others worked their way around him.

Steve shifted slightly, his eyes sliding open taking in Danny's blurry features. Danny moved his hand, rubbing it across Steve's fevered brow "We're going to move you partner so we can get you out of here…..just relax ok?

Steve shifted weakly "D…Danno…"

"Ssshhhhhh…..it's ok" Danny nodded to Dave who then counted off and before Steve had time to understand what was taking place, they quickly had him moved and settled.

The blankets were tucked in behind him and the straps where secured into place to keep him as immobile as possible. The rest of the gear was hastily packed up so they could get moving.

All hands gripped the basket and gently lifted, Kono packed the IV bag as they started the hike back to the waiting ambulance.

Danny kept a close eye on Steve, he appeared to be comfortable and resting as they crossed towards the tree line. Soon as they had gotten within the trees, the terrain had gotten bumpy and he started to get jostled, his eyes would open slightly then would close. Danny noticed him grimace, tense and then a face he couldn't quite identify.

"Hey ….hey guys hold up…put him down for a minute…..Steve? Steve? "Danny ran his hand across his brow holding it there, Steve had started to take quick shallow breaths, then Danny recognised the face "he's going to be sick"

Sam quickly grabbed an emesis basin out of his kit handing it to Danny

Steve tried to curl into the discomfort, but the straps held him in place as he painfully got sick. Danny leaned over him, rubbing his hand across his back, talking him through the worst of it. Kono and Chin stood back, both at a loss at what to do, they had never seen Steve so vulnerable or sick.

"How you doing partner? " As Danny moved the basin out of the way and wiped his face

"S ss ck " Steve slurred

"Yeah I know buddy see if we can fix that" as Danny looked to Dave

Dave motioned to Sam "we'll give him something for the nausea…all this movement in the basket isn't helping and it's going to get worse soon as we start climbing up to the ridge. We'll let him rest for a bit til it kicks in"

Danny worked Steve's arm free to expose the IV port so Sam could administer the drug. Dave did a quick check of his temp and vitals, giving Steve's three team members a nod of approval.

Danny noticed Steve visibly start to relax "hey "he quietly spoke "you feeling better?"

Steve blinked tiredly at him " I s s good" as his eyes slipped closed once again

Danny nodded to Dave "Let's get going"

The climb to the top of the ridge took its toll on everyone, carefully trying to manipulate the basket without causing too much distress to its occupant. Steve had become oblivious to the movement, his body finally succumbing to his exhaustion. Danny looked worryingly at him, but Dave assured him it was a combination of the sedative and the fever that was raging through him.

The back doors of the ambulance were opened and the basket was slid in and secured to the gurney. Danny jumped in taking his place next to McGarret, his worry, as well as Chin and Konos, still evident on their faces.

"He's going to be ok brah" Kono and I will finish up here and meet you at the hospital later.

Danny acknowledged them with a nod as his eyes remained fixed on his motionless partner.

5

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Dave noticed the sombre expression on Danny, his hand covering his partners offering what comfort he could "He's going to be ok Danny…..the infections knocking the hell out of him, but he's a fighter."

Danny looked at Dave with a smile "yeah he's a stubborn SOB" then glanced back to his partner. Steve's hand twitched within his grasp as Danny leaned in closer to him "hey you with me?" The twitch turned into a weak hold that lightly squeezed Danny's hand. Danny smiled "Yeah that's right….. a stubborn SOB", he got a objecting grumble and another squeeze in return. Danny exhaled as a look of relief crossed his features.