Swept Away: Treasure Hunt

[ebonyviper]

"Oh, geez," Ebony's eyes widened at the news of Bree being sick, "That doesn't sound good. How'd she get sick? It's not anything bad, is it?"

[Evangeline]

"I dunno for sure, but news travels around, and it's said that she had Gulf Fever during her second year at the academy." Jastrow grimaced. "It's not common and only helos get it, but it's nasty, with something like a 50-50 survival rate. Even if one survives, they can still get a relapse, even years later, if conditions are right. I hope it doesn't get any worse."

[ebonyviper]

"Nasty," frowned Ebony, "I hope she gets better soon."

[Evangeline]

"That's something Delfina might want to know, when she's awake." Jastrow turned back towards the huddle of sleepers at the clinic's docs.

[ebonyviper]

"That's what I'm thinking, but she might not be awake for another couple of hours," said Ebony, "What she had just done was really draining on her."

[Evangeline]

"I'm just hoping it doesn't get any worse now." Jastrow's mouth corners wrinkled. "She's a good sort, as ranking officers go. She always keeps it together, never takes her temper out on subordinates, and works as hard as the rest of us."

[ebonyviper]

"And she has Shale," added Ebony, "Someone who loves and respects her for who she is."

[Evangeline]

"You suppose he should know?" Jastrow wondered. "If it's that serious, they'll certainly notify her family."

[ebonyviper]

"I'd say he should be notified," nodded Ebony, "Better safe to have loved ones there with her than be sorry."

[Evangeline]

"They might not remember to call him, though." Jastrow warned. "Since she's relatively new here, like me, and they may not be aware of the relationship. Do you know his number?"

[ebonyviper]

"Yeah, it's on my cell system," said Ebony, "I can call him up."

[Evangeline]

"That might be the best thing to do." Jastrow concurred.

[ebonyviper]

"I hope he isn't on a case at the moment," Ebony said as she dialed Shale's number and listening to the ringing on the other end of the line.

[Evangeline]

Jastrow also waited, while monitoring his radio to hear any updates on Bree's condition.

---

At the Coast Guard station, Bree lay in the hangar as the resident technician poured crushed ice into a heavy vinyl bag and put it against her body, along with many others. They were hoping to keep her temperature down until the aeromedical doctor arrived to have a look at her. Bree had topped off early that morning and went on a practice exercise with Lt. Stokes, but about midway through this task, she started feeling faint and returned to the station, where they discovered that she was running a fever. Bree was also starting to experience shortness of breath and dizziness, and while she maintained her calm on the outside, she was starting to worry because this was how her first bout with Gulf Fever had started.

[ebonyviper]

It wasn't long until someone picked up, "Huntington."

"Shale, it's me," Ebony said, "Are you on a case with Luke at the moment?"

"Not right now," Shale answered, recognizing the voice, "Luke's spending the week with Meredith and Juniper in New York. A little family vacation. What's up, Ebony? How're you doing?"

"I'm fine, but it's Bree," said the Viper, not wasting any time, "She's sick. Possibly with Gulf fever."

"Chrysler, it's not bad yet, is it?" Shale's voice grew serious and concerned as he asked the question.

"Not yet, I'm told. But I think you might wanna head on over here to be with her," said Ebony, "She might need you."

"Alright, I'll be there in a few hours," Shale said, "Let Bree know, will you?"

"I will," said Ebony.

"And Ebony?" added the Agusta Bell mix.

"Yeah?"

"Thanks."

"You're welcome," Ebony said softly as the line disconnected and she put her cell away.