It went pretty smooth. Although it meant not that good for Gordon. He just managed to mumble something, while still holding the beloved piece of metal. It kinda impeded the taking-off-clothes procedure.
They had a working thermometer and Alyx went through one of the most stressful minute of her life, waiting for the result. It wasn't that bad. They just have to keep him cool and give him water.
Half-conscious, Freeman opened his eyes and let someone to give him something to drink. He didn't fight or showed any aggressive behavior. Last two days had just exhausted him totally. He may had forgotten all the fear and paranoia… This is what she was hoping for, while watching him drinking with quite a pleasure.
She tried to erase all the thoughts of Freeman lying naked in bed or at least more naked than she usually could see him, but it was damn hard. She turned to another corridor, to get to the headquarters and discuss the current situation. If there was any alien attack, at least she could busy her mind with more important things… And it was all so calm. She talked to the watchers and they were pretty bored as well.
Except that looks they were giving here from time to time. How could she forget? Finally, when she wanted to leave and check Gordon, one of them asked: "Erm… So… How is he… How is doctor Freeman doing?" He was so much shy that it almost made her chuckle.
She smiled. Not really enforcing that smile… "He's having a fever and is absolutely exhausted."
They just went mute with the honesty of her reply. Their eyes were wide open.
There was no time for half-truths during war.
"So… He's …he's gonna be fine?" Asked the shorter guy with hesitation, fixing his eyes on her.
Alyx swallowed. "I don't know yet. We have to keep calm… For him. You guys know what was going on last two days. But don't talk too much about that. Just… Focus. If anybody attacks us, doctor Freeman will not protect us this time."
She turned around and left them a bit depressed.
"I don't wanna die… Why do you keep on doing this? Why are you doing this?" Gordon was going through the worst part of his fever dream. Feverishly squeezing the crowbar. It appeared even more pitiful to her. Alyx stood next to his bed, squeezing out another wet towel.
"Stop persecuting me!" He tried to scream but it was really quiet. Just aloud in his mind. She sighted and wiped another part of sweaty forehead. His glasses were put next to the bed, on the well-preserved cupboard. Expecting to be used by the brave man he once was.
Doctor Freeman got the best room, the best bed and the best bed sheets they could find. But he really didn't care. He was in delirium for last eight hours.
The guarding guy was really trying to be discreet. He avoided looking in their direction. Alyx stopped carrying too. But in the twilight, she could admire again the nice shapes of his arms and some of the chest muscles. Visibly thinner and sick, and yet exposing how his body got trained through the neverending story of combats with virtually any enemy that visited Earth for the last few months.
She wrinkled her forehead and squinted while forgetting about the man by the door.
And then Gordon opened his eyes. And seemed to be really clean and conscious this time… His breath was calmer. She jumped with the sound of metal hitting the floor. And then she focused on him again.
"Alyx… Help me…"
Tears filled up her eyes instantly and she started weeping. He closed his eyes. Someone knocked on the door using the secret code. Joe grabbed his gun and opened the door very slowly and cautiously… Alyx was kneeling next to the bed and managed to take a glimpse of the unexpected visitor.
"Oh my…" She said through the tears." It's you? We though you won't make it! He needs your help!" She exclaimed with hope and happiness.