"Something's wrong with me, Hannibal.". This came out more of a question than anything else and Hannibal could hear the fear in his voice. He tried to comfort his lieutenant. "I know Face. We're going to Maggie's just as soon as Murdock and Ba get the van packed. You're going to be okay, kid." He was awarded with a slight smile and a tiny nod of the head, then the blue-green eyes closed and the object of his worry dropped back into a fitful sleep.
Hannibal gently placed his hand on the sweaty forehead again, alarmed at the heat that radiated from the skin.
Murdock and Ba came through the door minutes later, announcing that they were ready to go.
"How's he doing, Colonel?"...Murdock was twisting his hat in his hands while looking down at Face in his agitated sleep.
"His fever is up. We need to hurry guys. I have no idea what we are dealing with here, but I don't like it."
"Can you get him Ba?". Ba nodded his head and started towards the bed. The concern for his smaller and younger friend was evident all over the face that usually held a scowl. He wasn't too worried about Face last night, he assumed the lieutenant had picked up a simple bug before they left for the last mission, and that he would be on the road to recovery by this morning. But now, as he looked at the stricken man in the bed, fear slowly started to form a sickining pit in his stomach. Face was like his kid brother, the one he always looked out for and protected. Sure, they had their disagreements and he threatened Face on a daily basis, but everyone knew that was an act. He would never hurt Face and if he could help it, neither would anyone else. But this was something he couldn't fight...and he was scared.
As BA got to the bed, Face's body suddenly began jerking and jumping. The big man's eyes widened as he looked back at Hannibal. "He's having a seizure, Hannibal." Murdock was on the other side of the bed and stepped closer to make sure his friend didn't fall to the filthy floor. Hannibal stepped beside Ba as they did the same thing from the other side.
"We just have to wait it out guys, it's probably the fever". Hannibal spoke and watched while Face went through the spasm that overtook his body. He noticed Murdock's eyes water across from him. He sensed the tension in BA standing beside him, and he noticed the dark stain form on Face's sleeping pants as his body continued to jerk violently. Finally it was over. It was over in only minutes, but it seemed like hours.
"Okay guys, we have to clean him up and try to get the fever down before we leave. I'll fill the tub up, Captain can you get some ice from the machine outside? Ba, get him undressed, if he convulses again just don't let him fall or hurt himself."
Ten minutes later, Ba gently carried his friend to the tub of ice filled water. Hannibal knew this wasn't usually recommended but felt it was necassary. If the fever wasn't contained his lieutenant could end up with brain damage. This was a chance they would have to take.
Once the fever was down, they would head to Maggie's.