Ben and Matt had both disappeared into the tent to try and get some sleep, but Tom wanted to check on Hal once more before turning in himself.
Anne looked up as she was taking Hal's vitals as Tom came in and sat down beside her.
"How's he doing?" He whispered.
"About the same," Anne replied. "Fever's up a little though."
"I finally convinced Ben to get some sleep." Tom said, his eyes never leaving his son. "He's still blaming himself for what happened to Hal."
"It wasn't his fault," Anne spoke gently. "How was he supposed to know Karen was going to do what she did?"
"I know," Tom replied while shaking his head. "He won't stop blaming himself until Hal is safe."
Line break
Back in the tent Ben lay awake. He was worried about Hal and he truly hoped Karen kept her word. Rolling over he watched Matt as he slept, and wondered what he would do if he didn't see him for a long time. He looked up as his dad came back in.
"What are you doing still up?" Tom asked as he sat down and started taking his shoes off.
"Can't sleep," Ben replied as he propped himself up on his elbow. "How's Hal?"
"Same," Tom said. "Fever's up a little, which is about the only change in his condition. Dan will be by in a couple hours to get me for duty."
Tom stretched out on his cot and was soon fast asleep. Ben lay there for the longest time thinking, and then finally dozed off.
In the bus, Anne took the rag off Hal's forehead to soak it again. As she turned back to place it back on his forehead she saw his eyelids flicker before slowly opening.
"It's okay Hal." She said as he looked around at his surroundings. "Your dad and brothers will be here in the morning. Just rest."
He nodded and drifted back to sleep. Anne replaced the cloth then sat back in her chair and sighed.
Ben stirred as Dai poked his head into the tent. "Dad," He spoke up, looking over at his sleeping father.
Tom woke with a start and when he saw Dai, he threw his covers back and started to pull his shoes on.
"Go back to sleep," He said as he stood up. "I'll check on you later."
Ben laid back as Tom followed Dai out of the tent.
An hour later and he still hadn't been able to go back to sleep. Glancing at his watch he saw that it was almost 7. Turning on a lap he pulled a book out of his bag and started to read.
Before heading out on patrol, Tom stopped by to check on Hal.
"Give me five minutes," He told Dai as they got near the bus. Dai nodded and headed toward Weaver's tent.
Anne woke up to the sound of the bus doors opening.
"I just wanted to check on him." Tom said, coming on the bus after opening the doors.
"He woke up not long after you left, then he fell back to sleep." Anne said, looking up at Tom.
"Okay." Tom started, "I'm on duty but come get me if anything happens."
"Are you and Ben still going this afternoon?" Anne asked.
"I have no choice." Tom replied. "Hopefully I'll be able to get Ben away before they get too far."
With one last look at Hal, Tom left the bus, making his way for Weaver's tent.
Weaver and Dai looked up as they saw Tom come in.
"How's Hal doing Tom?" Weaver asked as he joined them.
"The same, Anne said he woke up for a couple minutes early this morning." Tom answered.
"Before you and Ben head out later, I want to talk to you both." Weaver spoke.
Ten minutes later, Tom and Dai were headed out on bikes to scout around.
Ben looked up as Matt came over to his cot.
"Is Hal going to be okay?" Matt asked.
"Of course," Ben said. "By this time tomorrow he'll be good as new."
Matt left to see Hal while Ben put his book away, hoping he would definitely stay true to his word and he knew just what he needed to do and his dad wasn't going to like it when he found out.
Anne was taking a break while Lourdes kept watch over Hal when Matt walked over to her.
"Is he doing any better?" He asked as she pushed away from the side of the bus.
"Why don't you come in and see for yourself?" Anne said, pushing the doors of the bus open.
Hal looked over as Matt and Anne came over and managed a grin. He was still pale and running a fever that was over 103 degrees.
"You're awake." Matt said, placing a hand on Hal's arm and noticed how warm he was.
"Still here," Hal said. "Where's Ben?"
"Still in the tent," Matt started. "Dad's out on patrol with Dai. He'll be in later."
"Lourdes, why don't you go get a tray for breakfast?" Anne said, turning to her.
Lourdes nodded and left the bus to get breakfast, soon catching up with Ben who was headed in the same direction. "He's awake, and he's been asking for you."
"I'll go see him after breakfast," Ben spoke.
"Why don't you join us?" Lordes asked as they neared the food. "I'm getting some for Matt, Anne and Hal."
"Sure." Ben replied as they grabbed trays and plates.
Meanwhile Tom and Dai were about four miles north of the camp. "No signs of skitters or mechs. Let's head back." Tom said as he lowered his binoculars, turning toward Dai.
Dai nodded in response and soon they were on their way back to camp.
"You think Karen will keep her word?" Dai asked as they sped along the route.
"Let's hope so." Tom replied, "It's the only chance we have to saving Hal and I'll be not far behind Ben and I'll make sure I come back to camp with him."
"If you need back up, I'm your guy." Dai spoke up.
They were soon back at the camp where Weaver was waiting.
"Anything?" He asked as they got off the bikes.
"Nothing for four miles." Tom replied.
Afterwards Tom headed for the bus, he heard voices as he approached the door.
"I never did that," Matt protested while looking over at Ben who was laughing.
"Oh yes you did," Hal replied. "I think we both remembered that birthday."
Ben looked over his shoulder as Tom came up behind him. "I see someone decided to come around." Tom spoke, sitting down beside Ben.
They sat around chatting until Hal drifted off to sleep.
"Let him get his rest."Anne said.