Archive of Our Own

“This has gotta be the weirdest fuckin’ weather we’ve had. It was like a hundred and six yesterday and right now it looks like it’s gonna storm. Don’t get me wrong, not bakin’ in the sun all day is cool and all, but the humidity I’m feelin’ and how sweaty I get when we go out is worse than tryin’ to wrestle the hogs into their pen. I mean it’s still, what, like ninety-five degrees out with humidity at the same. It’s ridiculous.”

Mac had to agree. The weather had been going back and forth between sunny and overcast for the last few days. It hadn’t truly impacted anything except for some of the guys’ moods. He himself had preferred the dry heat of the every day sun in comparison. Having to be in the desert when it had that level of humidity without actual rain and needing to wear the protective bomb suit was horrid. The first time he had to wear it, when he took it off, there was more than a trickle of sweat forming in the feet.

“I spoke with a buddy of mine at another base, said they got hit with actual rain and not the drizzle we normally get. Only sucked because of how hot it was; not really refreshing but more like a lukewarm shower.”

“At least it’ll keep the dust down for a hot sec. If you’re not one of the first ones out then you’re just breathing in dirt your whole time out and that can give you some serious health issues.”

“You know what else can give you health issues? Getting shot.”

“If I were you guys, I’d hope it doesn’t rain.” Mac said. “It’s always been so dry out that the ground isn’t going to be able to soak up the water well and that would lead to flooding. If it’s just a bit then it’ll be okay but anything more than like an hour will risk everyone having a real bad time.”

“So what you’re saying is, all the guys on top bunks are safe.”

Everyone went back to doing their own after that. The bunks were still plenty lively with guys making bets on if it would actually rain, then on if it would be enough to float the camp away. The spot they had for camp was in a good position; not in the lowest area they could be in and not sitting atop somewhere that could easily be destroyed among any heavy rain fall. Mac was looking forward to rain of any type, but not whatever consequences would follow.

“Dalton, Macgyver. You’re being called.”

The two of them got up and followed the other, Jack nudging Mac with a playful, teasing glance.

“What’d you do this time?”

“Nuh uh, it’s your turn to take the blame. I got the last two.”

They arrived at the commander quarters and announced. They didn’t know what they’d done, if anything. Nothing had been different when they went out. They followed their schedule like all the other guys followed theirs. Maybe Mac was going to get reamed about all the unconventional things he used again, not that it would make him stop at all. If anything it made him use them more.

“Congratulations boys. You’ve won the lottery.” Lopez announced, not looking up from papers. “Starting tomorrow, you can say goodbye to this place for a week. You’ll both be in charge of taking care of the outer most sweep of our quadrants.” He held up a folder, which Jack took. “All the find point details are in there. There’s two bases makes out where you’ll be able to stop and get more supplies if needs be, and possible places to rest during the night. You’ll be loaded with everything you need to make the week go by as smoothly as possible.”

“A whole week by ourselves, huh?” Jack flipped through the folder. “Like kids goin’ on spring break.”

“We won’t be back at all?” That wasn’t exactly new. There were times Mac and Jack spent the night outside of base. “Sir, with how the weather is right now—”

“Don’t worry, Macgyver. Believe it or not we do actually have ponchos.”

“Sir I’m worried about possibilities of flash floods. The geologic structure of here by nature— it hasn’t rained in years. The ground is so compact with dry dirt and sand that if it rains anything more than a drizzle, the ground isn’t going to be able to soak it all in. Where we are now is relatively safe from flooding, but the outer most of the quadrants are in the lower sections and are a perfect place for floods to happen.”

The commander nodded. “We’ve been keeping up with the forecast. The storm is currently moving in our direction. You two will most likely be heading against it. You’ll get some but after you get a certain distance, it’ll be just like every other day. We’re going to be the ones having to deal with it.”

“Supposed everythin’ doesn’t go to plan and it ain’t like every other day. How’re we to deal with possible life dangerin’ disasters if we’re gonna be out in the boonies with limited resources and the nearest help hours away?”

“The other bases are well aware of the days to come. You’ll be able to contact them via their radio signal if you find yourselves in need of any help. One’s equipped with a chopper should a med-evac be necessary.”

“So don’t have an emergency if we’re not in range of that, got it.” Jack rolled his eyes, handing the folder to Mac.“Why we even have to venture out that way if there’s two other bases there anyways? Seems like a waste of resources to me.”

“They are not EOD specific bases. And because of how the weather is, the base normally in charge of that sector got rained out; most of their vehicles got stuck in sand and mud. We’re the second closest so unfortunately, the work settles on us, on you two specifically.”

“Terrific.”

“Are we really expected to do this in a week?” Mac asked as he flipped through some papers. “The amount of reports and towns looks like they haven’t had a check in weeks.”

“The timeframe is adjustable. You could be done quicker or may need to take several more days. Given it’s you two, I’d bet on a handful more days, and if the weather changes then maybe another week.”

“And, suppose we finish early—”

“You’ll get passes upon completion, Dalton, no matter how long it takes.” He looked at his watch. “You’re vehicle is being packed as we speak, and you’ll be given a more detailed and intricate  idea of what to expect before lights out. I suggest the two of you pack specifics you want and get as much rest as you can. It’s not going to be an easy week.”

***

“A whole week out there by yourselves? Can’t tell if it’s gonna suck or be kinda a mini getaway.” Joe flipped through the papers in the folder. “Why only one team? I’d say two at least; get it done faster.”

“Hell if I know man. I didn’t even know it was a thing ‘til we got called in earlier.” Jack had been stuffing things in his duffle. “Days gonna be just like normal, nights gonna be annoyin’; havin’ to find a place to sleep then sleep in shifts. I’m hopin’ for at least one night at one of the other bases to sorta reset everythin’.”

“They tell you how many things you’re supposed to be looking for?”

“It’s up in the air right now.” Mac answered. “We don’t even know the exact amount of towns we have to go to because of the weather.”

“How so?”

“The sandbox hasn’t gotten any rain in years. In higher populated areas, or really any populated area, the dirt will have been compacted down over years and essentially start behaving like asphalt or rock. Small amounts of rain would help with soaking and making it act like dirt or sand, it being absorbed into the ground over time. With the downpours that’ve been happening, only a small amount of  is absorbed, with the rest basically being repelled.”

“‘Case ya can’t tell, Mac’s really on it about floodin’.”

“Flash floods happen so fast and carry so much force in the current they create. Nearly every building structure out there is made from the same material and it’s not going to be able to withstand the force of a flood. I wouldn’t be surprised if we went out and saw buildings either partially collapsed or missing halves of their walls. Not to mention there’s legitimate quicksand spots out there now. Our vehicles are good for the desert but aren’t exactly considered all terrain. Generalized muddy areas too. I bet were probably going to have to put on chains like for in the snow.”

“Have to say that doesn’t sound too appealing.” Patrick said. “Being out in the rain in general doesn’t sound appealing. I’m more of a snow guy; take the kids to the big hill and go sledding with everyone else in the neighborhood.”

“Snow would be easier to deal with.”

“Well it ain’t like we can do anythin’ about it.”

“Sure there is.” Joe hopped up. “C’mere Macgyver, I’ll put you in a sleeper hold and say you passed out.”

Mac snorted. “Honestly I don’t think that would stop them from sending us out. Probably postpone it for a day or two, and by then the weather will have gotten worse.”

“Like it’s not going to get worse when you’re out there already.”

“”With the direction we’re heading, we’re going to be just out of range for anything direct. The wind could change in the next few hours and we would still be stuck in worse conditions.”

“Well let’s not jinx it then, don’t need any bad and worse case scenarios right before we head out.” The duffle went on the side of the bed, hanging from the top bunk. “This kinda weather does remind me ‘bout when it rained real hard on the farm though.”

“And you got your dad’s tractor stuck?”

“I mean yeah but not specifically. Nah, there was this one time when I was still in grade school and hada buncha friends over and we were playin’ outside and were up to knees in mud—”

***

“—and one by one, mama had us strip to our skivvies so she could hose us down before shooin’ us into a shower to actually get clean. Took a couple hours for everyone to be done, but mama had a fire goin’ and warm drinks for us and we all conked out pretty fast; woke up the next mornin’ with most everyone’s legs bruised to hell or just hurtin’ in general cuz of all the debris in the mud and us gettin’ stuck with how thick it was and tryin’ to pull ‘em out. Couple guys lost their shoes too.”

“Are you sure you haven’t told me this before? It sounds vaguely familiar.”

“Nope. I told ya when I got tossed off the porch and covered in mud, then when I got daddy’s tractor stuck, which got several other cars and tractors stuck.”

“You were in the mud a lot as a child.”

“And you weren’t in it enough.”

It had been six hours since Mac and Jack had left for their week long venture. They’d only gotten to one city in that time, if it could be called that; barely a completed building in the whole place with a handful of people that wanted nothing to do with them, and Mac didn’t find any IEDs either. They both knew how the mission would play out, but actually doing it was a different story.

“You think we’ll be able to reach the first base by tonight?”

“Depends on how the other towns go when we get to ‘em. Weren’t we told we’d pass four before actually reachin’ it? I mean I can go faster but we’re kinda pushin’ it right now. Can’t risk over heatin’, even with how weird and cloudy it is.”

“I guess we should get in the mindset of finding a house to settle in for the night, or sleep in here if we have to.”

“I think we’re makin’ pretty good time though. Barely goin’ on one right now. I think if the next few towns don’t give any trouble then we should make it to the first base just after light’s out. First to second was supposed to be the trip that really would suck and we would have to spend nights in the ‘vee. But all in all, can’t be hasty on what we do, what you do. Don’t want ya tryin’ to rush and end up settin’ somethin’ off.”

“And you’re the one who’s always telling me to hurry.” Mac snorted. “I worked on that a lot with Peña. During training I was always too focused on things I couldn’t see or handle and would forget to do the simplest tasks which ended up with me failing every time. Honestly he’s why I work so slow and deliberate.”

“Who’s the reason for askin’ for my laces every other week?”

“You just always seem to have whatever I need. It’s not my fault you’re always stocked on obscure items.”

“Yeah right; my laces and lenses and pieces of my gun, obscure.” The eye roll that followed was prominent. “Whaddya think ‘bout those clouds ahead? Looks like they’re fixin’ to burst.”

“It would suck to get caught in it, that’s for sure. Out here’s already had rain from the lack of extreme dust in your wake. We could get microbursts, that would be better than everything dropping at once and would lessen the possibility of flash floods, but… if it does burst when we’re at our destination, are we going to have to wait for it to stop if it’s not extreme?”

“Couldn’t tell ya, but would believe that if you made notes and handed them off to whoever then we might be in the clear. Wouldn’t be the first time we can’t work due to somethin’ outside our control. And we’re gonna be comin’ back the same way. If it rains on us while goin’ out and not when goin’ back, then they’ll probably make us stop for a check anyway.”

“I guess.”

The drive from then on was almost in silence, a comfortable one. Neither wanted to be out doing it with the added risks, and the energy in the humvee said as much. They were upset at each other, just the fact that the next few days were going to be bothersome at best.

They’d gone through two more towns before the gloomy sky started to actually turn dark and they needed to get somewhere to settle for the night. It had barely started to drizzle on them at the previous town, and they were hoping it would stay like that until they got cover, more so until they were at the first base.

“We got another ten clicks until were supposed to get to the next town. You wanna try and conk out right now? Get in a few extra Z’s before we gotta make heads or tails on if we gotta bunk in here or a buikdin’?”

“I’m okay right now. More damp than I’d like but,” a shrug, “what can you do in out situation.”

“Could turn the heat on for ya, try to dry you out.”

“Never thought I’d take the into consideration while in the desert.”

“We’ve had to blast the heat before to help cool the engine off.”

“Yeah but I didn’t get to consider it, just straight up hated being out then. I think I’m okay though. I’ll just get more wet when we reach the town. It’s supposed to be occupied so I assume we’re going to try and sleep in a building if we can?”

Jack stretched one arm after the other. “Check the notes. We could try if it’s friendly, but honestly I wouldn’t care ‘bout stayin’ in here; quick and easy getaway if needs be.”

“I don’t mind either way. Don’t think I’ll be getting a lot of sleep anyway.”

They drove for another hour before reaching the outskirts on the town. Assumed oil lamps hanging off the buildings being the only light sources. Mac had pointed out the feeling change in the ground as they went; wetter, muddy. It was still drizzling when they arrived, but it must have rained a good amount for the ground to feel so different.

“We’ll settle here behind the buildins. Ain’t too late but I doubt anyone wants to deal with us, and quite frankly I don’t wanna have to deal with anyone else either, no more than I have to.” The humvee was powered down, the only light on being the inside cab one. “You go head and knock out in the back. I’ll take first watch.”

“You’re more tired than I am. I can hear you slurring your words a bit. I can take first watch. I wanted to go through some of the papers anyway. Besides, I’m kind of hungry.”

“Well if you insist.” Jack made a big show of climbing over the center console to get into the back rather than enter through the back door. “Remember, don’t talk to no one, don’t open the door for no one, don’t get out for no reason. Wake me up if anythin’ happens.”

“Okay mom.”

“Don’t answer the phone, no stayin’ up late, no friends over, no girls over, keep the lights off—”

“Good night Jack.”

It was only a few minutes before Mac heard the tell signs that Jack was actually asleep. Given the training literally every guy had, it wasn’t all that surprising. Mac himself never really got used to it. He’d tried it before, make himself sleep at the drop of a hat, but he never caught on. And it wasn’t like he needed the sleep that second anyways. Jack had been the one driving all day, and he was always on the alert for anything. He deserved to sleep first.

Cross referencing the papers wasn’t an excuse to stay up. Mac had actually planned to do it when they reached the first base. Since they wouldn’t reach it until the following day, it was as good of a time as ever.

As much as he wanted to get it done, he wasn’t able to focus. The water on the windows kept catching his eye; small droplets coming together to form a large one then sliding down the glass and reflecting what minimal light there was. Then there was the larger drops in general, slapping the top of the vehicle with barely enough weight to make the smallest noise that usually would’ve been ignored.

It had been such a long time since they’d stayed out overnight. The last time it happened Jack had taken first watch, but actually stayed up the whole night and let Mac sleep through it.

He didn’t regret taking first watch. It was surprising Jack agreed so easily, showing just how tired he actually was. The conditions could’ve definitely been better for everything though. Mac supposed that both an up and downside was the rain; it was relatively cooler than anything in his years in the desert, but the risks of everything that came with it was just barely balancing out. The inside of the humvee was warm, and not overwhelmingly so, reminding him of the time he spent Christmas with Bozer and his parents; sitting in front of the fire, feeling the warmth from it and the chill from the air coming down the chimney.

Looking outside wasn’t like that Christmas. It was dark, cold, getting wetter and muddier by the minute. Mac kept thinking he saw shadows moving around through the street, and he very well could have, but it was so dark that the way he was viewing it didn’t make sense. He did see an actual person at one point, or more so a black figure walking around with a lamp. He assumed they were actually checking on them, and Mac was thankful they didn’t actually come up to the vehicle to ask anything. It definitely would’ve woken Jack and he would’ve insisted the barely two hours of sleep he got was enough.

Mac had been watching outside, listening to the rain slowly get heavier until it was something that was considered a regular shower. There was one house that he had direct line of sight with and saw someone piling sandbags at the doorway. The ground had puddles everywhere, most forming into one large one. If it continued through the night like that, he wouldn’t be able to actually search for an IED in that town.

And it had continued through the night, a steady constant of not easing up but not getting heavier. When Mac started actually having to fight off sleep is when he decided it was time for Jack to take watch.

“Jack.” Mac didn’t need to raise his voice, or even shake him.

A large, almost surprising inhale had been the loudest thing in the past few hours. “Yeah. I’m up.” The lack of movement to actually waking up  said different. “What time is it?”

“Close to four.”

“What?” That got him sitting up. “You let me sleep for nearly eight hours? You shoulda woke me up at least two hours ago.”

“You let yourself sleep nearly eight hours.” Mac was resting his head on the window, eyes nearly closed all the way. “You’re so good about getting yourself up with all the other times we’ve had to do this. Figured you really needed the sleep if you didn’t wake up after your normal five hours.”

“Sunrise is in like two hours. How d’you expect to do yer job on two hours of sleep?”

“In all fairness I was banking on sleeping until we reached the next town— or base if that was next in the lineup. It’s been raining pretty steadily all night; locals piled sandbags in front of their doors and there’s already a good amount of water on the ground. I don’t think I’ll be able to look for anything here safely.”

“I mean if that’s what you think is best. I ain’t gonna question it. Gimme a sec then I’ll let ya get all situated and conk out.”

***

Jack didn’t like being out of the base after dark. The sandbox was dangerous enough in the daytime, the night brought out the weirdos. Every other mission when he was Delta happened at night. That was the first time it had been raining though.

As soon as Jack hopped back into the front seat, Mac seemed to pass out right in the other, and Jack had told him to lay down in the back for comfort, if not for the pain his neck and back wouldn’t be feeling in later hours. It has only taken a minute for Mac to fully pass out in the back once situated.

Being out for a week didn’t sit right with him, whatever the reasoning was. Especially for them. Jack had looked over all the information and a separate map of the area they’d be around and while they were the supposed closest ones in their sector, there was a base ever closer to that section in a different quadrant. Not to mention that the two of them were always picked for missions like that. Some days Jack wondered if whoever was choosing for them to go, secretly wanted them out of the picture.

It wasn’t long until sunrise, but given the current state of the weather, the gloom would be the only thing that would be seen that day. The rain had stayed steady until it had actually passed sunrise, if not gotten a little more intense. Jack has seen two people exit buildings, most likely checking on their sandbags.

The both of them would need to get going soon as to not get caught in more horrible weather. And by the looks of the water pooling on the ground around the humvee, the mud they were undoubtedly surrounded by would be annoying at the very least to get stuck in.

Jack looked back to Mac, chest rising and falling in a slow deliberate pattern. Despite being slightly curled in on himself, that was probably more comfortable that the bunks at base, and a lot more peaceful. Jack hated that he would need to wake Mac up to tell him they were going to leave. The thought of letting him stay as is crossed his mind, but the ground condition only added in another factor of danger out there.

“Mac.” His voice was low, steady. There had been too many times in the bunks that he’d seen Mac get startled awake, a handful being followed by nearly falling from his bed. “Hey.”

Mac didn’t move, and Jack really wished he could let him sleep

“Hey Mac. We gotta get goin’. May not look like it but the sun’s up and if we sit here longer than necessary then we might start sinkin’ in quicksand. It’ll be like when you were in school and you were real worried ‘bout it cuz it was in like every book you ever read. That and grabbin’ a snake that looks like a vine, or gettin’ stuck up a tree and havin’ a rhino try to get ya and monkey are laughin’.”

“You’re just describing the boat ride from Disneyland.” Mac didn’t move as he spoke, words muffled and slightly slurred aa he started to wake up. “When have you ever been there?”

“Some of daddy’s squad members lived close. They had a reunion out there so we made it a trip and got to go experience it in full.” He continued when Mac didn’t reply. “I know ya still need sleep. I just need ya to either strap yerself in back there or hop up here. We got a couple hours before we reach the first base. Should be able to knock out there for a bit while we get our stuff stocked up.”

“How long is the next base from there?”

“Think a two day drive in regular desert weather. Handful of towns between that we gotta take a look at, but given the current weather situation, might be longer. We might not even be able to leave the base once we get to it.”

Mac pushed himself up, hand going through his hair. “Might not make it to the next base either.” He climbed over the center console and sat back in his seat. “Weren’t supposed to hit any weather until we were further along.”

“Yeah. Who knows. Maybe we might just be sent back.”

***

“He doing alright, soldier?”

“He’s okay. Gettin’ some rest on a bed would do him good though.”

Jack had driven three hours from where they’d stayed the night to the first base they would restock at. The rain had let up nearly completely, barely even sprinkling when they arrived. Jack was grateful overall. He’d gotten so used to the heat and wanted it to come back.

Mac had been out the whole time. Barely moving from the uneven road, and not even stirring when Jack called to the base to let them know they were at their front door.

The time allotted for being there was a complete twenty-four hours if they desired and depending on when they actually got there. They would be there for a few hours at least to get restocked and topped off on everything, and for a general look over of the humvee to make sure they wouldn’t be stranded anywhere.

“C’mon Mac. Let’s get you some real shuddeye.” Jack patted Mac’s shoulder before getting out of the humvee and venturing to his said. “Might be able to catch some breakfast before if ya want. I mean I know how ya love livin’ off rations and MREs, but we gotta take advantage of this when we can.”

“There’s no advantage. We eat it every day. MREs are a good change.” Mac shuffled out of the door, grabbing his bag as he did. “I think I could eat though.”

“Well yer gonna, the. You can pass out or do whatever until it’s time for us to skidaddle.”

“Bunks are straight down. All the guys know they’re having new temporary roommates. Honestly they were acting like school girls. We are kinda out here by ourselves so it makes sense; most excitement we’ve had in a while.”

They both walked in the pointed direction, almost near perfect boot prints in their wake. No one really paid them any kind aa they went past. They were just more guys trying to do their job just like everyone else, no matter how annoying the weather was being.

That base was different from their own; smaller tents, more of them, a heavier duty version of them. It was most likely one of the newer places established, or had several things replaced. Mac might fit in perfectly if that was the case.

“Well howdy fellas. I’m Jack and this is my EOD Mac. Looks like we’re gonna be roomies for a day.”

Their bunks were different as well. For one, there were no bunks, just single cots arranged in two rows all a few feet apart. It almost reminded them of what their med looked like. And like their med a lot of days, it was nearly void of people, save for three guys.

“Hey man. I’m Tony.” He reached for Jack then Mac’s hand. “Those two are Jacob and Mike. You can take whatever beds doesn’t have a bag hanging off them, or really which ever you want. Most everyone is out and won’t be back for another day or two.”

“Appreciate it.”

They’d taken two of the beds not previously occupied. Mac had promptly laid on his while Jack merely sat.

“You guys got the short straw, huh? I mean having to come to a completely different sector and quadrant hours away from your own base, and with this whack weather as well.”

Jack shrugged slightly. “Ain’t like we haven’t had to go outta our space before, but comin’ out here’s definitely the longest distance we’ve had to travel in a while. Been a hot second since needin’ to hunker in the ‘vee for a night too.”

“I heard you guys especially were like top of your sector. Should I ask for an autograph for meeting local celebrities?”

“I mean— I do all the braggin’, but he’s the one doin’ all the work and everythin’.” He have Mac a light slap. “You wanna chime in maybe?”

“Nope.” Mac turned over to ignore him. “I just do my job like everyone else.”

Jack rolled his eyes. “Someone’s just cranky from lack of sleep. Nah man, Mac’s a wonder kid. How he disarms and dismantles might be a little not outta the book, but he’s been doin’ it this whole time and never been any incidents; holds the record for most IEDs dealt with in a single day too.”

“How many?”

“Hundred twenty-six.”

“Shit. That’s a lot, right?”

“Average day for us is usually around like— I dunno, ten or less. Day of a thousand IEDs was a pain in the ass for everyone, but they got it done.”

“Man I’m glad I didn’t sign up for that. Trying to do anything except what I have now just seems like a fever dream. I couldn’t imagine going out there every day to disarm bombs, especially right now with this wack ass weather. It was reported we’ll get like a couple hour break before it actually starts to storm. Hopefully you guys won’t get caught in it.”

***

The beams of light poking through the clouds the next day seemed promising. Mac and Jack had stayed the night at the camp, if just so Mac could get an actual night sleep and be awake enough to concentrate in the coming days. If they made good time and depending on how horrible the towns where they had to check, it would take three days to get to the other camp in the very outskirts of the desert. And that would mean two nights where Mac wouldn’t wake Jack on time and let him sleep longer.

“Those guys gave us a legit bag of sour candy. You know how long it’s been since I had somethin’ like this and not the so-called army candy? At least a full year. I’m gonna save this and stash it somewhere where only we know where it is. Or we could auction it off to the highest bidder. I bet we’d be able to get someone to take a shift or two for it.” Jack’s eyes had been going from the road to the back in his hand. “I mean this is yers too so— of you wanna crack it open right now, we can.”

Mac’s own eyes had flicked to the bag before going back to the papers in hand. “I don’t know. Maybe we should eat them in front of the guys just because.”

“Whoa now. You lookin’ to start a mean streak? That’s somethin’ I would say.”

“I didn’t realize how much I liked what we did. Getting to sleep on a bed was nice, but it wasn’t mine.”

“None of the lumps were in the right places huh?”

“I dunno. I’m just frustrated over the whole thing.”

“Hey I getcha. We always get picked for the weird things. Ain’t ever been one where we were a second choice. Weather like this don’t make it easier either since were used to doin’ everythin’ in the boilin’ sun. Just makes everythin’ uncomfortable. But we just gotta get it done real quick. After that we can relax. We should be almost to that first town. We can o my hope nothin’ amiss or it’s too messed up from the weather to do anythin’ about it.”

“Were we ever told how we’re getting back? I know logically we’d drive but they said this whole things only supposed to take a week. It looks like it’s going to take a week just for us to get to the last base.”

“Week to get there and take care of everythin’, maybe a week back takin’ our time. Or since the first base didn’t have a bird, we get to the next one and leave the vee there and get flown back. We can always double check when we got a sec.”

The day went on as usual. No rain and increased sunshine seemed to put Mac in— not necessarily a better mood, but everything seemed like normal. The end of the third day had them much like the first; setting outside of a town in the humvee, with Mac insisting Jack sleeps first, and promising he would be woken up at the appropriate time. The day after that was nearly the same; still some clouds in the sky but the rain all but finished, and Jack said Mac was sleeping first that night, no room for arguments. If everything had gone right then they should’ve reached the next base by middle of the day, if not a few hours before night.

“How many is that now? All together like, twenty? Somewhere around there maybe.”

“This one is twenty-seven.” Mac’s answer was short, but not out of character. With Jack keeping a continuous stream of words through his ears, it really was just like another regular day and they were hundreds of klicks away from base.

“I still hear that grumpy tone you got. You get enough sleep last night?”

He didn’t honestly, but much like other nights, that wasn’t what was bugging him. “It’s too dry.”

“It’s pourin’ and it’s too wet. It’s sunny and it’s too dry. Don’t think ya can have it meet in the middle?”

“This town was built by a river bed a long time ago. It’s been dried up for decades most likely, but the channels and everything would still be there.”

The danger of a flash flood was still very much there. They might not be in the rain at that moment, and hopefully they were actually done with it, but there was no absolute way to predict the weather.

When he finished with that IED, he did a sweep of all the other buildings and found nothing. Just as he was going to tell Jack they could go, he suddenly realized most if not all of said buildings were actually on makeshift stilts. The urge to leave and forget about checking was there, but he wouldn’t be able to live with himself if another EOD did rounds there and got injured.

“Almost done? Looks like we got clouds rollin’ in pretty fast.”

“Unfortunately, no. I need to check underneath everything.”

“Well hop to it then. Yer complainin’ ‘bout how dry it is probably jinxed us. We’re ’bout to get real wet.”

Mac ignored him and got on his stomach. Honestly he hoped it would’ve been for naught and the one he already handled would’ve been it, but low and behold, there was an IED under the building.

“Maybe you should find cover indoors. This could take a while.”

“Man everythin’ with you takes a while. Besides, yer the one that’s gonna be all caked in mud down there.”

Jack wasn’t wrong, and he only had one change of clothes if that was the outcome. Either way, Mac got to work with the IED.

Apparently, he was so captivated with it and the general placement and how it was actually put together that by the time the actually noticed the barely a trickle of water, it was too late. Jack hadn’t told him, or he probably did, but Mac just pushed his voice back as he always did, ignoring it for the most part.

He scrambled out from under the building, things on his belt getting caught on every little edge there was, making him panic every time he pulled and got no where. The water was rising rapidly, and Jack yelling at him through comms and over the open air wasn’t doing any good either.

The rapid onset of water was always something that amazed him. The amount of force behind it was terrifying. Taking down everything in it’s path.

When Mac was finally free and able to get to relative safety, the whole front of his uniform was soaked and muddy. He watched as the water kept getting higher and faster, stepping back every second to stay out of it’s path and to not inevitably get swept away.

The town hasn’t been built near the riverbed, it had been built right on top of it.

He and Jack were on opposite sides of the street, and the water wasn’t showing any signs of slowing, instead picking up momentum at every second and growing width.

“Hey! We gotta get outta here!”

Mac wouldn’t be able to outrun the water to the end and cross, nor would be be able to just cross it normally. Not only was a river formed in mere seconds, the debris it was carrying was definitely a problem. Not to mention rain starting one more time as he was thinking it. It was like Mother Nature just giving him the finger.

And on top of everything else, the fact he was able to literally go under one of the buildings to look for the IED heavily implied it wasn’t all too stable in the first place and, if the water kept rising, it was likely it would fall— and the others would most likely follow.

Mac didn’t have anything on his person that would help, nor did he think there was anything in the humvee he could ask for. From the sweep he and Jack did of a few buildings, it was highly unlikely there would be anything in any of them he could use either.

For all intents and purposes, Mac was stuck.

“There’s no way for me to get over to you! I’d be swept away if I took two steps in!”

The only reasonable thing that seemed somewhat doable was to just wait until something cleared up a bit. Or—

“You can try and get in contact with the base. They should have a bird that could prove helpful.”

“Can’t hurt to try. You stay right there! Imma grab the satellite phone from the ‘vee.”

Not like he could go anywhere else. The only real direction was backwards.

Just as Jack left to get it, the thought of a bird being able to fly in that weather was most likely slim. It wasn’t the most horrible weather, but birds outfitted to travel in the desert wouldn’t do the greatest in the opposite. Not to mention the pilot and their skills.

A few minutes had passed before Jack reappeared, annoyed frown marring his face. “They said their bird can’t fly right now! The weather’s too janked. They said the best they could do was for a quick dry spell and fly out, or have someone drive to meet us with the equipment to get you over here. Either of those would take hours, and we might not even need them anymore.”

It was frustrating. Many aspects of the job were.

Then there was a boom. It was a sound Mac was used to hearing, along with a few others. There was the initial shock, the scare of something unexpected happening. The building Mac was first at dealing with the IED had collapsed, chunks and pieces of it’s walls flying in any direction from a would’ve explosion that was the IED he didn’t get to dismantle.

The water was displaced for seconds before it went right back to it’s flow, only increasing greatly from the new found destruction.

At least the IED was taken care of.

Or—

At least that IED was taken care of.

A secondary one at the building next to him was a definite surprise purely because of the proximity. Two IEDs next to each other wasn’t all that uncommon, and if things didn’t go the way they had, Mac most likely would’ve found and dealt with it. The third one that happened—

The water Mac fell into wasn’t exactly cold. Or it might’ve been. The overall shock and surprise he felt in the moment might’ve been blocking any other feeling. The current had dragged him so far from Jack in the few seconds he was in it. It had made itself a trench to pour down, and Mac had to fight to stay above the surface and not get knocked into anything.

He couldn’t see much of anything and really didn’t want to risk his eyes in looking. The water was already contaminated with whatever it could sweep into it’s path, and Mac definitely was covered in very minor scrapes and scratches, getting infected with every second he was still being carried downstream.

He kept trying to feel for the bottom in order to give himself a push, and luckily enough he did. Or it might’ve been something also being pulled by the rapids. Either way, Mac had kicked off it and was able to get close enough to the edge, but getting close and actually being able to get himself out were two different things. The water had eaten away enough of the dirt and sand that there was no real place to grab that didn’t completely disintegrate in his hands, and trying to push himself from the bottom where it was relatively less shallow didn’t work.

All in all, Mac was panicked. It was true that it would eventually come to a stop, but there was no telling how much water was accumulated from where it originated. It could’ve literally been a hidden oasis somewhere and all the rain caused it to overflow, and the continuation of rain just added to the problem. Not to mention he was thoroughly tired.

Another attempt of pushing himself up from the bottom and latching on to the side was met with failure and he didn’t know if he had anymore in him. He couldn’t even properly catch his breath without getting a mouthful of water. He had to try though. He never really expected to die in a flood, especially not in the desert.

With one final kick on the soft sand beneath him, Mac tried to get himself onto the makeshift bank. The dirt crumbled beneath him and his legs ere getting hit with debris. He was going to get pulled back in and didn’t know when he would be able to try to get out again.

Until something grabbed his arm. Or more so someone. Two hands latched on to his arm and pulled and as soon as he was mostly out, one switch from his arm to his belt and dragged him completely out of the water and a couple feet away from the edge before they both collapsed.

Mac was breathing hard, coughing and spewing the water he inadvertently got in his mouth, listening to Jack wheeze out questions. Mac couldn’t even understand him really. He merely held up his fisted hand and waited until Jack eventually bumped it with his own.

“Shit. You— you okay? Had to— had to run— keep up. Didn’t wanna— lose— lose sight of ya.”

Hearing how breathless Jack was made Mac wonder how far he’d actually been taken.

Mac himself didn’t have the energy to speak. He was practically sitting on Jack’s legs just trying to get his breath back. Despite how utterly soaked he was, he felt hot.

Jack had begun to check him over, holding out his arms, checking his head and neck, running his hands up and down his sides trying to see if anything was broken. It was completely fair. The amount of debris that was already in it and the two buildings that had exploded— Mac literally being apart of one— it wasn’t unlikely for something to be broken, or fractured at the very least. There were definitely scratches from what he felt while being carried away, but the seriousness of them was still up in the air.

“C’mon. Let’s try and get ya dry and somewhat comfy.”

Jack had maneuvered so he was kneeling, nearly fully supporting Mac’s weight as he moved to get up. Mac didn’t realize how shaky his legs were until he tried to stand and they all but gave out under him.

“I know. Just lean on me. We got a little bit of a walk.”

Mac looked at their surroundings. They were nowhere near where they first were.

“How— how far down?” His through felt scratchy. He was definitely in for the long haul for the future recovery.

“Just shy of half a klick probably.”

No wonder Mac was exhausted. Trying to fight against a current for half a klick, for any amount of time, would wear on him.

Jack kept hold of him as they walked, going slow so Mac’s legs wouldn’t fall out from under him. The rain had been steady in coming down and Jack had moved even further from the bank in caution if it was set to collapse. It took a few minutes to get back to where they started and see the humvee— which was dangerously close to the edge.

“Shit…”

Mac had assumed he and Jack thought the same thing. Both of them getting in and attempting to drive out of immediate danger would only make said danger happen. The ground above had been getting saturated and the ground below was getting eaten away. Mac was certain they weren’t going to be able to use it any longer.

“You stay right here. I’m gonna try and get some stuff from the back.” Jack pulled out the satellite phone and tucked it into one of Mac’s pockets. “You keep this with ya just in case.”

He didn’t need to ask what Jack was talking about.

Mac stayed where Jack had left him, breath finally caught, but also he was starting to feel everything. The tiny cuts and scratches, lingering pain of things smashing into him, the overall wetness that was seeping into his bones. He was tired.

He watched as Jack got into the back of the humvee and pulled out both of their packs and the small cooler, tossing them a little ways away before jumping in the front and starting it. He didn’t know what would be better for that particular situation; flooring it and getting away from the edge as fast as possible, or inching along as to disturb the ground the least amount possible. Both held nearly the same problems that would arise from it.

There wasn’t even any time to truly compare.

As soon as the wheels began to turn, the ground collapsed underneath them. In the blink of an eye, the humvee was sliding into the water.

There was one more full powered rev to try and keep it from going any further before Mac saw Jack jump out and run from the edge.

The urge to laugh at the whole thing was there. The situation itself wasn’t funny in the least, but thinking back to when they were first told about the mission, Mac had pointed out several times that he was worried about flash flooding. He had been in that desert for three years and there wasn’t so much as a thought of rain in that time. And the fact that they were only there because the EOD camp in charge of that sector had been flooded. There was definitely something to be said about irony in that moment.

Within moments the humvee was completely taken by the raging water. It wasn’t completely submerged or even drifting downstream, but there was no way they were ever going to get it out, not without several other people and trucks to assist, and even if they did, the chances of it working like normal were close to zero.

Jack was at his side, packs hanging off either shoulder and cooler in hand. Neither said anything for a moment and just watched as the ‘vee moved with the current inch by inch.

“Think they’ll be pissed? I think yer allowed to say I told ya so.”

Mac just wanted to sit. Everything was pushing down on him and he could feel himself losing the upright battle. His hand went to Jack’s shoulder in an effort to keep himself standing and to wordlessly signal to Jack that he needed help.

“Need to get in cover.”

It was a moment of Jack rearranging the things he had before wrapping an arm around Mac’s shoulder to keep him upright, before heading to a building that looked to be the furthest away from the water. It wasn’t anything to rave about; the windows had lost any sort of blockage long ago, the floor had wet spots everything— the two of them were just thankful it had a roof.

“Alright let’s set ya down right here. Ain’t the best but it’ll have to do for a bit.” Jack shrugged everything he had, putting the cooler in front of Mac while he rummaged through their packs. “Lemme hear what’s goin’ on with ya right now.”

Mac closed his eyes and leaned his head on the wall. “Tired. Hurt. Achy. Hearings coming back I think.”

“You couldn’t hear anythin’?”

“Thought it was just water stuck in there. Uh, might have a concussion just— because.”

“Bein’ exploded into a river ain’t just because.” He pulled out an emergency blanket and tucked it around Mac. “Don’t got much; basic first aid stuff and whatever we shoved in these things. Cooler’s got water and protein bars if you think you can stomach. You just take it easy, alright? Hand me that sat phone.”

Mac fumbled with it before handing it over. “Don’t think we should stay here.”

“We don’t really got a choice right now, Mac.”

“There were IEDs on the other side that detonated already. What’s to say there’s not some on this side just waiting? If the water keeps getting wider then it could trip any hidden IED over here and we could get trapped under a building in flood water.”

Jack’s face stayed stoic as he operated the sat phone. “That’s why I’m gonna call those guys again and tell ‘em we need an evac like yesterday. And you need to take it easy, that includes yer brain. I know that’s hard for ya but I need you to try. You just went through a natural disaster and came out swingin’. And you might not be able to feel it yet but the next couple of hours are gonna suck if you push yerself at all.”

Mac’s arm went over his eyes. “I can already feel it.”

“Even more reason for you to just stop then. Now I’m gonna call up that base and yer gonna just stay there and  do yer best not to fall asleep.”

“How can I rest if I don’t sleep?”

“Sorry bud. Yer on concussion watch now.”

It was a fair reason. It hadn’t even occurred to him that he might have a concussion. He didn’t think he hit his head on anything, didn’t feel any centralized pain anywhere. Really the pain was kind of everywhere at that moment. His head was pounding but he equated that to being next to an IED as it exploded… which could also mean he did actually have a concussion. And, he did say he might have one. Forgetting he said it mere minutes after— yeah. He definitely had one.

He shrugged off the blanket and began stripping himself of the wet clothes. In doing so, he could feel the tender spots where things had hit him, amount the various scratches. He thought about what he’d look like in a few hours when the bruises started to show; blotches of purple and brown, yellow in some places. He would look like a kindergartener’s art project.

“Hey, y’alright?” Jack was kneeling in front of him. “Anythin’ hurtin’ more than anythin’ else?”

Mac realized he’d stopped with his shirt midway on his chest, probably looking helpless in trying to take it off. “I— think I do have a concussion.”

A light snort. “I can tell, and unfortunately we’re stuck here ‘til tomorrow. Same story as before; the boys can’t fly in this weather and if they left in a car then they wouldn’t make it before night. Asked them if they could make their way with some aid stuff since ours was washed away, but they’re bein’ difficult.”

Difficult. Jack’s own word for absolute asshats.

“So we’re gonna get you nice and comfy and just wait it out. I know it’s gonna be hard for ya, so if you need to conk out then you do it. I’ll make sure nothin’ happens.”

That wasn’t anything different than what he always did. Jack always kept Mac safe, no matter how difficult he was being.

***

Jack hadn’t thought much about the whole thing. He was used to being sent off for an unknown amount of time to go do whatever was needed. Given it had been a while since having to do something like that, but it didn’t really make a difference.

It wasn’t the first time he and Mac had been sent out for days at a time either. Usually it was in a shorter timespan and not nearly as far out as they were currently, but it was all the same. The rain was really the only big difference that was screwing everything up.

He recalled one time when he wasn’t quite as seasoned as he was but also not a rookie, that it had rained hard for three days. It didn’t delay anything. He wasn’t an overwatch at the time, and it helped just a bit in getting the missions done. The current rain was miserable. Off and on; big and small, hard and soft. A continuous downpour would’ve been better, or really just none at all.

Stopping at the town was a mistake. And Mac was paying for it.

It had been on the way of places to check, but with how the weather was, despite it not raining when they arrived, they should’ve passed it and no one would’ve given it a second glance. Jack didn’t even remember Mac saying he wanted to stop. Mac could’ve straight up said they should pass it just to keep going. Mac could’ve been looking and messing with IEDs he didn’t need to. They were on their way to going off anyways, but Mac had gotten caught in the explosion.

Now they were stuck there for the night, and it was barely starting to actually be night. They had limited supplies, almost zero first aid, which Mac needed, and whatever food they had stashed in their bags, which Jack knew wasn’t a lot for either of them. Sure a night without eating would suck, but they’d live. Jack would at least. At the minutes ticked on, Mac looked like he was getting paler.

He watched as Mac shrugged off his wet clothes, watched the slight flinches he wasn’t really trying to hide. The moment he was about to offer assistance, he noticed a particularly large bruise peeking out from his side from his back. Larger, darker than any other ones he was currently sporting.

“Hold on a sec.” He stopped Mac from wrapping the blanket around him. “Hell, Mac. Why didn’t you tell me? This thing’s gotta hurt like a sonofabitch.”

“Tell you what?” Mac tried to turn his head to look, stopping short with a winch. “What’s wrong with my back?”

That was bad. That wasn’t bruising, not the run-of-the-mill kind. That was much worse.

“Did part of the buildin’ slam into you when the IED went off?”

“Maybe…? I don’t know. I can’t even really feel what you’re talking about.”

Jack’s hand hovered over Mac’s back. “You tell me how much this hurts.” The tips of his fingers gently pressed onto his back, ready at a second’s notice to fly off again. He started at the outer most past, gliding and carefully pressing into various areas, watching for any change or indication he might’ve been wrong in his assumption of what he was looking at. Mac didn’t say or do anything as Jack prodded.

“How much hurt did doin’ that cause?”

“It doesn’t hurt. Or, I mean, it feels normal? Kind of like a massage and it hurts, but in a good way?”

Hearing that was promising. Maybe it was just an actual bad bruise.

Except, when he moved towards the center of Mac’s back and pressed the slightest bit harder, Mac flinched away like a wounded animal.

“Maybe not right there.”

Jack bit back a curse. He’d seen internal bleeding before. Mac needed treatment as soon as possible if he was going to survive. Having him sleep was going to be a lot more involved instead of just waking him up every hour or so. But the fact that he was still conscious and speaking, even moving around, was a major plus. If only he would stay that was.

“Jack? You okay?”

“Askin’ if I’m okay when you got a little bit of everythin’ wrong right now. You ever try worryin’ ‘bout yerself at all?”

“How can you keep an eye on me if you’re not okay?”

It was a very Mac thing to say. He knew how to get under Jack’s skin and twist everything, not in a bad way, not for Jack anyway. It always had something to do with Mac’s own life, always seemed to be made up of some sort of self deprecation that never bugged him at all, no matter how horrible it seemed.

“I’m okay. You just take it easy. I’ll make sure nothin’ happens when yer sleepin’; make sure we don’t float away like the car did.”

***

“I’m sorry Sergeant, but it’s the same as I’ve told you before. The bird can’t fly in this weather, and we can’t send anyone in a ‘vee until sunrise. I understand your situation, but there would just be more casualties if we sent our own men to meet you.”

Rage couldn’t describe how Jack was feeling. He’d radioed the next base four times, giving updates on their conditions and stressing how much Mac needed medical, and every time the radio officer just sounded more annoyed he wasn’t taking no for an answer.

Mac had been in a restless sleep for just over an hour. Jack had hoped the base had gotten a sense of how urgent the situation was because he didn’t want to have to wake Mac.

“I don’t think ya do understand is the thing. Cuz if ya did, you woulda sent some guys to meet us. Hell if they wouldn’t have got here after dark, at least they woulda been here to give us some assistance. Now my partner’s got internal bleedin’ and needs medical asap. We got the very bare minimum for anythin’ and no way outta this cesspit cuz out ‘vee is slowly movin’ down the rapids. You either get someone to our location now, or you start writin’ a letter ‘bout how medical assistance was requested and denied because yer guys are too scared of the dark to come help, which resulted in the death of the number one EOD in the whole goddamn army.”

Jack would do everything in his power to make sure Mac was alright, but the person over the radio didn’t need to know the extend Jack would go.

“I’ll see what we can do, Sergeant. We’ll be in touch.”

In touch. Army speak for we need to keep the line clear. Jack knew all the codes and tricks, and knew they would most certainly not be in contact again that night unless he himself initiated it first.

He walked over and crouched next to Mac, feeling any uncovered skin for temperature differences. He felt clammy in some places, warm in others. When Jack felt his back he let out a curse. Mac’s back was hot, color darkening by the minute. If he had enough of something, he’d do his best to wrap the whole area, attempting to put pressure on it. But Mac had moved around so much that Jack couldn’t tell where the injury originated enough to try and stop it. He could end up making the situation worse.

“How you feelin’, bud?”

It was a second before Mac actually answered, words slightly slurred with either pain or sleep, most likely both.

“I’ll give you two guesses.”

“Sorry kid. Think you can hold on for a little while til these assholes get their priorities straight?”

“Yeah… I’ll be alright.”

Jack wished he believed it. The hurt in Mac’s voice and clamminess of his skin was telling a vastly different story.

Nightfall had hit a few hours earlier and the time was approaching midnight. Jack had gone out a few times just to survey the surroundings and the only good thing was the rain had actually stopped. Sunrise wasn’t going to be for at least six hours, and that was time Mac might not have. He knew they were out of range of their own base, and the one they were going to wasn’t going to help, so Jack figured he might as well backtrack.

“Hey Sergeant Dalton. Didn’t expect to hear from you again.”

Radioing the base they were two days from was a good idea in theory, but the likeliness of them getting out and to them in time was just as much as the first one.

“No time for pleasantries my man. I’m callin’ on ya to see if you can somehow work a miracle.”

“What’s your status?”

“We need medical asap. Town we’re in was build on a riverbed and the rain turned the whole thing back into a river. Mac got caught in an explosion and went head first into the water. I got him out but he’s— he’s pretty messed up; concussion and internal bleedin’. Our ‘vee’s gone in the water other wise I’d be breakin’ the speed limit to get him help.”

“You weren’t lying when you said you guys don’t do anything half assed.”

“I’ve been radioin’ the base were closer to but they keep sayin’ they can’t get to us ‘til mornin’…” Jack lowered his voice, turning further from Mac. “To be honest, I ain’t sure Mac’s gonna last that long.”

“Roger that, Sergeant. You ask for a medical evac and that’s what you’re getting. Transmitting the last signal we’ve received.”

Jack felt like he should laugh. The whole thing had to be a joke. A two minute conversation and he’s been promised an evac?

“I appreciate it man, but I don’t think you’ll get here on time—”

“We got a long reach. And just for the record, the guys at that base are complete jackasses. Hang tight Sergeant. Keep your EOD there with you.”

It would still take a full day for them to arrive at the very least. It was more than the other base had done. It wasn’t that Jack wasn’t grateful someone was listening to his pleas, of course not, it was just— Mac was injured, pretty badly. Every second medical was delayed was another second a rock that was sitting atop a hill could tumble right off, straight down into oblivion. Mac was that rock, and Jack was doing everything in his power to keep him steady until help arrived.

“Got someone comin’.  We’ll be outta here in no time.” Jack sat next to Mac, watching the steady rise and fall of his shoulders from under the blanket, watching for any hitch or skip or freeze of any sort. As long as Mac kept breathing, Jack could keep him breathing.

“Jus’ startin’ to like this camping trip…” Mac’s words were more slurred than before, and Jack didn’t know if it was because of the constant waking from sleep or the concussion had been getting worse.

“You hang on, okay? Just a little bit longer in this hellhole.”

***

The whirl of helicopter blades jolted Jack awake. It took a moment for him to remember where he was, and that he shouldn’t have been sleeping. He didn’t know when it happened or how long he’d been out. All his attention went straight to Mac.

Mac, who hasn’t moved him his previous position. Mac, who didn’t stir at the rather loud noise outside. Mac, who was concussed and was bleeding internally.

Jack knelt next to him, a hand going to his neck to feel for a pulse and panic rising as he couldn’t find it immediately. The other hand went to his wrist to look and after calming himself down, Jack was able to feel it in both places. It wasn’t strong though; fast and a bit thready, but it was there. It was the least Jack could hope for.

“Mac. Need ya to wake up for a check.” The softness of his voice seemed drowned out from the noise outside. It had to be, because Mac didn’t move.

His skin was hot to the touch, and the mark that had previously only covered some of his back had spread immensely.

“This ain’t the time to be catchin’ up on any missed sleep. Wake up.” A gentle shake that got a small groan in response.

Mac had started tumbling down a hill, and it was Jack’s fault because he fell asleep.

He had gotten up and placed his flashlight on the windowsill, blinking SOS so whoever was there would know where they were before going right back to Mac’s side.

“C’mon Mac. Don’t do this. Yer a fighter. I need ya to fight a little longer.” Another gentle shake had no response. “Dammit.”

Slowly, carefully, Jack pulled Mac into his lap in an attempt to— what? Comfort him? Comfort himself? Try to stop or slow whatever bleeding was happening internally? Make sure Mac was still breathing? The only reason Jack had for doing it was that he must. It was as simple yet as complex as that. There was no why or why not. It just had to be done.

“Yer gonna be alright. Calvary’s here to get you taken care of. Just need ya to hold on a little longer. I know you can do that.”

Whether Jack was actually speaking out loud or not was anyone’s guess. Mac wasn’t conscious to respond.

The slushy steps approaching from outside were somehow so much louder than the helicopter blades whirling. The men calling out for them sounded thunderous, yet we’re almost whispers. He listened as they assessed Mac, answered questions about what happened, almost fought the ones who took Mac from his grasp and prepped him for transport.

“You boys have been through hell it looks like. We’ll take care of you and get you back where you belong.”

***

Mac was uncomfortable. It was hot. He was sweating. Everything he had on was definitely saturated with sweat. Moving hurt. Breathing kind of hurt. Tweaked something in his back. He was uncomfortable. His stomach was growling. His head hurt. He was hot. His back hurt. It was sweaty. He was uncomfortable.

He couldn’t say anything about it. He and Jack had been stranded, day away from any help. Jack had told him over and over that he just needed to wait, that help was coming for them just a few hours away. He knew his injuries were bad, he just didn’t know how bad. Concussion, yeah, it sucked. His head hurt. The only treatment for that was rest that he couldn’t really get. Jack said his back was messed up but never said how. It didn’t feel broken, but in all fairness he didn’t know how it was supposed to feel. He could still move his legs and feet so he ruled out a spinal injury. Nothing felt particularly more painful than anything else.

That was what was scary. Mac knew injuries. If it stung, it was practically nothing. If it hurt, it needed taking care of. If it didn’t hurt— it was cause for panic.

Jack pressing on his back did give some relief until he pressed on a particular spot. Laying on it sort of helped. He didn’t really move during the night, and thought he’d done a good job of speaking to Jack every time he got woken up. He could hear every time Jack called to try to get them an out, and the disappointment that followed at the denial. After the last one, everything just kind of stopped. The slight consciousness he had started slipping away and trying to actually answer Jack had proved a feat he couldn’t handle.

He didn’t know what happened after that, only that he was uncomfortable.

The sun must have finally come out with how he was nearly blinded when he opened his eyes and how sweaty he was. He tried to shed off the blanket. That must have been it. Jack had given him the emergency one from their packs, and he was probably laying on Jack’s own since he didn’t remember falling asleep with one at first. Then the most obvious thing hit him—

He was laying face down, not in dirt, not using Jack’s pack as a pillow, not stripped of his wet and torn clothes. He was on a bed; white pillows, sheets, blanket. Unfamiliar but not unwelcoming.

Trying to move proved to be a problem, and not just because the sheets felt like a straight jacket. His arms had been at his sides for however long he’d been there and any attempt at movement made it feel like pins and needles, and moving his head caused the same sensation in his neck. How many hours would he have had to stay in that position to get to that point? Not to mention the actual needles in his hand giving him, presumably, fluids and medication.

Slowly and surely, Mac was able to push himself up the smallest bit, getting the unused arm underneath his torso for support. Trying to turn over proved useless; both the sheets and the pain preventing him from doing so. He tried to turn his head to see if there was anyone else with him but that was also cut short.

He push himself up more, trying his damnedest to dislodge the sheet to try and get an angle on where he was despite the pain it brought. When he stopped to take a breath is when he actually heard more sounds in the room, more importantly alarming beeping coming from the machines to his side. At least that should alert someone.

“Whoa whoa whoa. Slow yer horses man.”

Speak of the devil.

Hearing Jack made something settle in Mac. He stopped trying to push himself up and went back to the uncomfortable position on the bed.

“I leave for five minutes to take a wiz and try to find decent coffee and yer tryin’ to break out.” He sat in a chair Mac hasn’t noticed. “How you feelin’? I’d assume good since yer attemptin’ a jailbreak.”

Mac breathed in heavily. “It’s hot… I’m uncomfortable.”

A nurse had stepped in, assumed to be checking on the noise and alerts on the machine. “Good to see you awake, Specialist.” He pressed a few buttons and quieted the beeping.

“Hey man, any chance of maybe droppin’ the temp just a bit?”

“Unfortunately, no, but I can get a cooling blanket.”

“How ‘bout makin’ it so he can get comfy? No one likes bein’ in pain and uncomfy.”

The nurse hesitated. “You can listen the blankets on your legs. I’ll let the doctor know he’s awake and she’ll give you the rundown on everything that can and can’t happen as of right now.”

With that, he left, and Jack wasted no time in pulling out the sheets that had kept Mac’s legs hostage.

“Geez. This thing is comparable to bein’ chained up. No wonder yer uncomfy.”

Upon his legs being release, Mac started to shift, slowly, carefully, so he was mostly laying on his side and facing Jack.

“Better?”

“What happened? I remember you calling that one base for evac and getting shot down but— nothing much after that.”

“Yeah. Those guys? Assholes, or really just like a handful I think. Called up the first base, or second— ya know the one we hunkered down at the one night— tryin’ to see if they could work some sort of miracle to get us out, and they delivered. Dunno the whole of it but a call from them to someone at that base we didn’t make it to made that base kick into gear and head out; said they had no idea we needed help cuz the radio guy and whoever his commanding officer was hasn’t relayed any information to anyone else. Honestly I’m pissed at that and thank god for the other guys for callin’ them out on their bullshit. You wouldn’t have lasted in the time it would’ve taken if we’d been forced to wait all night.”

“How bad am I?”

“Better now, formin’ complete sentences. Bumps and bruises that’ll heal over time, ya had a bad fever when we got here, probably still do since yer so hot. Had some pretty nasty internal bleedin’, it’s why yer back was all the colors it was. Luckily the doc was able to get ya all fixed up with surgery and you should make a full recovery, and the fact there was no broken bones or anythin’ givin’ the circumstances.”

That made sense. Gave insight as to why he felt so miserable. Internal bleeding does that to a person.

“How long have we been here?”

“Just finishin’ up day two… I think. Kinda lost track of time between then and now, but you were in surgery for hours when we got here.”

“Specialist Macgyver.” A woman walked in with a clipboard. “I’m Dr. Yeu. How’re you feeling? Scale of one to ten for pain.”

“Pi.”

“Pardon?”

“It’s low but it’s there and never ending.”

 “Yer feelin’ a lot better if yer makin’ these stupid jokes.” Jack snorted. “He said he’s hot and uncomfy. Mac, give the doc a real answer for yer pain.”

Mac sighed. “I’ll round up to four.”

She sent him a look before continuing. “Any pain specific to a particular area?”

“No, just overall achy.”

“It’s to be expected after what you went through.” She looked at his chart and at the machines. “Looks like you still have a fever. I want to get that gone before anything else, but overall after a few weeks of rest, you’ll be good to get back in the field. We’ll keep you on fluids, painkillers, and antibiotics for the time being. If you experience pain you’d classify as a seven or above, call for one of the nurses or orderlies. And try to stay off your back. I know stomach isn’t the most comfortable to everyone, but until the incision heals, I don’t want any unnecessary pressure on it.”

“Can do, Doc.” Jack answered when Mac didn’t. “Any chance for some chow? He hasn’t had a real meal in a couple a days.”

“I’ll let an orderly know to bring you something.” She left the room.

“How ‘bout that? I bet if we ask real nice, we’ll even get a little tv in here.”

“Jack.” Mac’s eyes had shut, an overwhelming tired taking hold.

“Yeah?”

“I think— I prefer the heat.”