[bluegirl]

Hi there!

It's been a while since I've shared a new story... and it's gotten fairly quiet around here... but here I am with an add-on scene to the first season episode 'Nightmares'

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?Stopping by? - a missing scene to ?Nightmares?

By bluegirl

I know that due to the given length of an episode, some parts of the story won?t make it onto the screen? but I always felt, that MacGyver?s ordeal wasn?t really over once he?d swallowed the pill in Nightmares? some questions were left unanswered?

How could MacGyver be sure Neilson had told him the truth about the antidote? Why did the sirens we hear during their fight fall silent again? When did Pete turn up at the warehouse? What did it take for him to fully recover? How long did it take to recover? Who took care of MacGyver in his serious condition, after all? How did the hidden list turn into a bargaining chip for Lisa ? especially since Pete should be aware of where Mac hid it ? the location should have been included in Lisa?s message to him??

So here?s my attempt at answering those questions? and at giving MacGyver some well-deserved care after all the suffering he?s been through during that day? we step in after MacGyver has recovered the canister from the storm drain?

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MacGyver stared at the small, red pill on his palm for only a second before he quickly swallowed it. He?d noticed Lisa sitting down next to him? and now she wrapped her arm around his shoulders and pulled him close. He hadn?t needed to explain his whole situation to her ? the smart girl had grasped what this was all about real fast. He gave in to her pull; let himself exhaustedly drop against her shoulder, but then Neilson?s words popped up in Mac?s mind.

?If you don?t take the antidote within six hours ? give or take a few moments ? the serum is irreversible. Six hours, and you begin to die.?

During the time he?d been occupied with taking out Neilson?s thugs, the fight with Neilson himself, and his struggle to retrieve the canister from the storm drain, he hadn?t had the chance to check the watch, Neilson had equipped him with after the injection. At once, he felt the urge to make sure he?d made it in time. Hurriedly, MacGyver turned his left wrist and grabbed the watch with his right hand. Not caring much about anything around him, he stared at the digital display.

2.30 ? 2.29 ? 2.28 ?

MacGyver?s eyes were fixed on the numbers that were still counting down.

?Give or take a few moments?? it echoed again in his head. Two and a half minutes, his own thoughts answered. That should count as a few moments, shouldn?t it? I should be safe, right?

A bit of relief washed through him, despite his weakened and pained condition. Lisa had looked down at the watch with him and again seemed to understand the implication of the countdown because Mac sensed her exhale deeply and wrap her second arm around him as well. She pulled him even closer into her hold. MacGyver didn?t resist, in fact, he appreciated her stabilizing hold. When Neilson had mockingly told him ?You don?t even have the strength left..?, MacGyver had defiantly gathered the last of his energy reserves and proved him wrong by punching him out, but by now? he wasn?t sure if he?d be able to hold himself upright on his own anymore.

He was exhausted to the core. He felt beyond awful. He was glad that the hallucinations and the disorientation were gone, but the pain was still excruciatingly cutting through him. The logical and scientific part of his mind knew that the pill would need more time to dissolve in his stomach and be absorbed by his system than the few moments that had passed since he?d swallowed it. Even more so because he hadn?t eaten or drunk anything since his sparse breakfast on the ship in the early morning, before they?d arrived at the dock. The antidote would need even more time to spread through his body and fight back the poison that was coursing through his veins. It would take some time until he would feel the effects, MacGyver knew that. Logically.

His gaze was still glued to the watch though while he strove to slow his labored breathing and relaxed a little into Lisa?s hold. Another part of his mind wasn?t willing to calm down.

Being threatened with death while staring down the barrel of a gun isn?t one of my favorites, but compared to this? What if Neilson hasn?t told me the truth about the serum, a voice in the back of his head suddenly asked. What if two and a half minutes is too close to the six-hour deadline? I?d be safer with a doctor keeping watch over my condition, MacGyver mused. But where to find one that is capable and equipped to deal with a custom torture poison? A mixture that can?t be found in any books? let alone how to deal with it? Pete would know, he suddenly realized and slowly lowered his hands. He?d have the right connections, know the right people.

In the next moment, when MacGyver?s concentration shifted from the watch to his surroundings, he noticed that the sirens he?d heard a few minutes ago had gone silent? and that no cars filled with DXS agents had arrived in the quiet back street yet. But they should be here by now if Lisa has called Pete like I?ve asked her to, Mac thought. Has she really called?

MacGyver straightened himself a little within her hold and half-looked up at her.

?Did you make the call?? he asked hoarsely between strained breaths. ?To the DXS??

?Of course.? Lisa nodded immediately. She adjusted her arms around Mac to allow him a little more room, but still be able to hold him safely. ?But I didn?t get forwarded to Peter Thornton,? she added with a small frustrated snort. ?The operator wasn?t all too helpful. He told me I?d have to come to the Federal building to tell my story. That was when I asked him to just pass on the message and that it was important.? Lisa drew in a deep breath. ?Coming here in case you needed help made more sense to me than going to the Feds.?

?Thanks.? Mac nodded feebly. His eyes left Lisa while his thoughts wandered off again.

What was keeping Pete?

Then a brief memory popped up in his head. Only moments after Pete had assured him he?d take care of both goons, and he and Pete had separated on the parking lot in the morning? MacGyver had heard a gunshot? and then Neilson?s henchmen had caught up real fast with him. All of them.

What if Pete has been seriously wounded? Or even killed?

The sudden thought scared him, an icy cold rushed down his back, and his body subconsciously tensed up with alarm. It seemed he had to get in touch with headquarters himself if he wanted to know what Pete?s condition was? and to brief them about his own? and ask for help. But how?

Mac?s mind switched into high gear again as he searched his memories of the area and the warehouse. Only seconds later, he remembered that he?d seen a telephone on the desk of Neilson?s office. He could call in from there ? but before, he somehow had to make sure that Neilson and his goons would get away in the meantime. Meaning, he couldn?t afford to relax yet. MacGyver drew in a deep breath. No matter how physically drained he was, his work wasn?t done yet.

He stifled another moan as a fresh wave of pain rolled through him and mentally prepared himself to get back on his feet. Lisa noticed the shift in his concentration and tightened her hold on Mac once more.

?What?? she asked worriedly. ?What?s the matter??

?I? I gotta get up,? Mac stammered between shaky breaths.

?You can?t!? The girl shot back exasperatedly. ?You gotta spare your strength.?

MacGyver feebly shook his head and placed his right hand on the ground between them.

?If your message didn?t get through?? he started out while he pushed himself to a more upright sitting position.

?You?re still sick,? Lisa objected while she reluctantly released her hold around him. She kept her left arm wrapped around his shoulders since she sensed him sway a little. ?That pill you took??

?I know.? MacGyver cut her off with a brief sideways glance while he steeled himself to stand up. He noticed that her expression was full of doubt and worry, but she stopped holding him back.

A moment later though, they both froze when they heard a car, no several cars speeding through the road that led up to Tucker Street. Tires screeched as they drove around the far corner, hidden from Mac?s and Lisa?s sight by the huge trucks parked behind Neilson?s sedan. MacGyver?s head snapped around with a weird mixture of alarm and hopeful expectance. Automatically, adrenaline rushed into his veins and his body got ready to snap back into action, no matter how weakened he was. He also sensed Lisa tense up next to him and reflexively reached out to calmingly lay a hand on her arm ? even if he didn?t know who was coming up fast. Inwardly, he clung on to the thought that it was Pete? and their colleagues from the DXS.

It took only a few seconds until the non-descript sedans came into view, with no sirens blaring, but flashing blue lights on top of their dashboards, just behind the windscreen, and government license plates. Mac recognized them immediately. The sedans rushed along the street and for a moment, Mac was worried they?d drive past him because they hadn?t noticed him where he was sitting on the sidewalk and leaning against the warehouse?s outer wall. But the first car had passed him only for a few yards when it came to a sudden halt with screeching tires again and the ones following it, of course, stopped as well. Mac felt Lisa stay close to the wall when he straightened himself and readied himself to get up. Barely a second after the first car had stopped, its passenger door flew open.

?MacGyver! Thank God!? Pete Thornton exclaimed as he emerged from the car.

A couple of DXS agents got out of the other cars right after Pete, and while her arm stayed around his shoulders, Mac sensed Lisa shrink back a little at his side. Her body stiffened instinctively at the sight of that many government authorities, and she pressed herself against the wall, somehow trying to render herself impossible, despite knowing it was impossible. The last thing she wanted was to be recognized and brought back to her parents. MacGyver gently squeezed her arm to get her attention as he blew out the breath he hadn?t noticed he?d been holding.

?It?s okay,? he softly assured her with a sideways glance. ?Those are my colleagues? my friends. No one will harm you.? Then he concentrated back on Pete who had, in the meantime, noticed Neilson and his hired goon lying unconscious on the sidewalk and barked a few commands toward the agents who were accompanying him. Now he turned to MacGyver and saw him gingerly get up on his feet.

?I?m sorry, we didn?t get here any earlier,? Pete apologized. ?But the operator didn?t forward your message to me immediately. I?m gonna have a serious word with him after we get back.?

MacGyver only nodded silently as he cautiously straightened himself. He was just glad that Pete was finally here? and alive. Then he saw the sling that held and protected Pete?s left arm and the sound of the gunshot returned to his mind? as did the worry about his friend.

?Glad to see you, Pete!? MacGyver greeted his boss. ?But you?re wounded!?

?Nothing too serious. They quickly got me at the parking lot. I?m sorry, I failed to protect you.? Pete brushed off Mac?s concern and apologized to him, but then he got a first good look at his friend and froze. He noticed MacGyver?s deathly pale and sweat-covered face, his red-rimmed eyes, and the dark shadows below them, as well as his unsteady movements.

?But what, in God?s name, happened to you?? he asked alarmed as Mac staggered toward him.

?That?s a long story,? Mac said with an apologetic gesture, yet at the same time, he sensed his legs getting weaker since a new bout of pain cut through him. He stifled a groan, stopped, and tried to draw in a deep breath.

?Carlyle! Call an ambulance!?

Mac only heard Pete?s shout and a few hurried steps after he?d lowered his head. He strove to breathe through the agony, tried not to double over, and then felt a strong hand grab on to his upper arm.

?MacGyver!? Pete urged. ?What?s the matter with you??

MacGyver raised his head again and saw Pete?s deeply worried expression swimming dizzily before his eyes. With an apologetic gesture, he opened his mouth, wanting to explain to Pete that an ordinary ambulance probably wasn?t going to be enough, but then his knees gave way and he collapsed against his friend. He felt Pete catch and cradle him against his rotund body with his good arm as he went down.

?Mac!? Pete tried once more as he crouched down holding on tight to the younger man. ?Talk to me! What?s wrong with you??

MacGyver sensed Pete adjust his hold around him once they?d reached the ground and let his head drop against the older man?s shoulder while he strove to regain some control over his body and mentally willed the pain to stop. A surge of panic sent a freezing cold through him when he realized just how weakened he was.

Has the antidote really been designed to save me? Will the red pill stop it from killing me? Or has Neilson lied to me?

?He?s been poisoned.?

Suddenly, they both heard Lisa?s voice from a little distance. Pete Thornton hadn?t paid a lot of attention to the young girl up until now. He?d known MacGyver for a couple of years, and he was used to Mac finding help through the most unlikely people at times. Now though, his head instantly snapped up to her and he focused on the girl who just stepped a little away from the wall and toward him and Mac. The meaning of her words needed a second or two to register in his head. Pete?s heart skipped a beat.

?He?s been WHAT?!? he then asked shocked about the revelation and a little too loud.

Lisa froze on the spot when Pete addressed her that harshly.

?I don?t know a lot more about it,? she offered. ?A couple of hours ago, I found him on the street. He was sick; he couldn?t remember that we?d met on the docks this morning? he?? She broke off when MacGyver gingerly raised his head and looked up at Pete.

?Neilson injected me with a serum that they?d designed especially for me,? he told Pete between strained breaths. ?To get me to cooperate and tell them where I hid the list.?

Pete had listened intently to them, but now he drew in a deep breath and looked up. His thoughts ran berserk. A custom poison? A common ambulance and hospital probably wouldn?t be able to help MacGyver? He needed someone more capable? Then Pete Thornton remembered an organization which the DXS worked together with once in a while. Those think-tank people should be adequately equipped? have better scientific knowledge? and they had security clearance.

?Carlyle! Scratch the ambulance!? he suddenly shouted over his shoulder. ?Call those Phoenix Foundation people! Tell them to send one of their EMTs! Poison specialists! And tell them to hurry!?

Mac had winced at Pete?s unexpected shout and now found Pete?s left arm with one of his hands.

?Pete? I should be okay,? he tried to calm his friend and boss. ?Neilson also had an antidote? he said, if I?d take it within six hours of the injection, I?d live.?

Pete held his breath and looked down at MacGyver?s pale face again.

?Which you did?? he asked cautiously, hopeful and worried at the same time.

?Yeah,? Mac nodded with a feeble smile. Some relief washed through him, now that Pete had called in some specialists. He knew, he?d heard or read the name Phoenix Foundation before, but couldn?t remember the connection right now. He exhaled deeply although the nagging doubt if Neilson had lied to him still lingered in the back of his head. He also sensed Pete let out a deep breath. Only Lisa remained still and tense where she?d frozen a few moments ago, MacGyver realized. He looked up at her.

?Lisa, this is Pete Thornton? whom I asked you to call,? he explained hoarsely. ?He?s my boss? and my friend.? Then he half-turned to the older man. ?Pete, this is Lisa,? he introduced the girl. ?She helped me and took care of me when I was?? MacGyver broke off when another surge of agony cut through him. His body stiffened, and he held his breath and bit his lower lip to stifle a moan.

When Lisa saw him suffering badly, she suppressed her fear of all the unfamiliar men and quickly came closer. She knelt down next to Mac and helped Pete, who had difficulties with just one arm, to hold and steady MacGyver. Thankfully, Mac?s pain let up a bit after a couple of moments, and while he was still breathing heavily, he relaxed his strained body somewhat.

Pete Thornton puffed out a sigh when he sensed the younger man?s muscles loosen up, but then raised his head when he noticed movement in the corner of his eye. He looked over and saw one of his agents apprehend Neilson, who was just regaining consciousness. Suddenly, the senior agent felt the urge to talk to the East German colonel, to try and get some confirmation about what Mac had related concerning the poison. He turned to Lisa.

?Can you stay with him?? he asked the girl.

?Of course.? Lisa nodded her agreement immediately and shifted her position so she could safely hold MacGyver.

?I need to make sure our agents have a hold on each of their men,? Pete explained when Mac looked up at him once he released his hold around the younger man. Mac tiredly nodded his understanding. ?I?ll be back soon,? Pete assured.

?I left two of Neilson?s goons in the warehouse? knocked out cold,? he added when Pete got up.

?I?ll take care of them,? Pete assured and hurried away.

MacGyver slowly let out a deep breath and allowed himself to sink against Lisa. His eyes fell closed as his exhaustion bit by bit took over and he tried his best to focus on his mental relief.

Pete is here? A specialized ambulance is on the way? I?ll recover? I?ll be okay?

He strove to slow his breath as he sensed Lisa?s slender arms cradle him close. The girl remained silent and Mac couldn?t precisely tell afterward how much time had passed until Pete returned to his side. He?d solely concentrated on getting some rest. But he didn?t have to look up to know it was his friend?s when a hand settled on his shoulder.

A minute later though, MacGyver pried his eyes open and looked up when they all heard a siren and screeching tires once more. A non-descript white van stopped close to all the DXS cars. From the outside, nothing gave away that it was an ambulance; it only bore some kind of orange-colored logo on its sides. Two men got out of the front seats hurriedly, one surveying the scene, trying to find out who of all the people on the street they had been called to, while his colleague opened the back doors of the van and climbed inside.

?Over here!? Pete called out once he spotted the men. He half got up and waved toward the one who was scanning the sidewalk with his eyes. That man immediately spurred into action once he heard and saw Pete, ran toward them and crouched down next to MacGyver.

?Hello, I?m Dr. Thompson,? he introduced himself as he looked Mac all over to get a first impression of his condition. ?I?ve been told we?ve got to deal with poisoning??

MacGyver nodded and drew in a deep breath, preparing to explain, but Pete was quicker.

?He?s been given a custom torture poison,? he related what little he knew. ?There also was an antidote he had to take within a given time to keep it from killing him.?

The doctor didn?t take his eyes off MacGyver while he listened and reached for his wrist to feel for his pulse.

?You managed to take the antidote? In time?? he asked with a serious expression when he found Mac?s pulse racing under his fingers.

?Yeah,? MacGyver confirmed. ?In time.?

?You?re sure about that, right?? Pete suddenly asked worriedly.

MacGyver?s own concern spiked abruptly with the tone of Pete?s question. I?ve already told him that? why doesn?t he believe me? Does he know something about Neilson that I don?t? Mac?s gaze snapped up to his boss as the nagging doubt about Neilson?s words returned to the forefront of his mind. An icy cold ran down his back and made him shudder with the returning fear.

?Yeah,? he repeated breathlessly. ?Why are you asking?? he added after a beat with an anxious frown. His body subconsciously tensed up with alarm. Pete?s grip on his shoulder tightened a little as he held MacGyver?s gaze with an equally worried expression.

?Neilson just boasted about him winning and you losing and dying because he threw the canister with the antidote down a storm drain,? Pete stated.

?But he didn?t see me retrieve the canister and swallow the pill,? MacGyver argued between labored breaths. ?He was out cold at the time.? He straightened himself a little and sensed Lisa nod her agreement. ?I had two and a half minutes left on the countdown,? he told Pete and the doctor a moment later, trying to sound convinced. Both men listened to him intently.

?I?m sorry, MacGyver,? Pete apologized low and with a soft squeeze of Mac?s shoulder. ?I didn?t mean to scare you. I?ve seen you beat fairly impossible odds uncountable times, but he??

Pete broke off when Mac raised one hand to silence him and let out the deep breath he hadn?t realized he?d been holding. Then the doctor got their attention again.

?How long ago did you take the pill??

Instinctively, MacGyver glanced at the watch but the countdown had stopped at 0.00.

?A couple of minutes,? he shrugged a little clueless. ?Ten? maybe 15, at most.? He sensed Lisa nod her agreement from where she was holding him. ?I guess, it?s still in the stage of?? he added.

?Dissolving?yes.? Dr. Thompson finished his sentence. His colleague had joined them in the meantime and had set down an emergency case next to the doctor. Thompson still scrutinized Mac closely.

?When was the last time you?ve eaten or drunk something?? he queried.

?Breakfast,? Mac offered with an apologetic half-smile.

?So, well before you were??? The doctor?s words trailed off into a question.

?Yeah,? Mac confirmed. ?The injection was a little more than six hours ago.?

Thompson shot his colleague a silent sideways glance, who immediately hurried back to their van. MacGyver was inwardly impressed by how smooth their wordless communication worked but then the doc turned back to him.

?So the poison was a liquid,? Thompson stated. ?Any chance, we can get a sample of it? To properly analyze it??

Another chill ran down MacGyver?s back as the memory of how he?d, already strapped to the chair, been forced to watch Neilson fill up the syringe returned to his mind. His face went serious.

?There was some left,? he recalled. ?He kept the vial and syringe in his desk? in the office in the back of the warehouse.?

?I?ll see if it?s still there.? Pete immediately got up with a quick squeeze of Mac?s shoulder.

The second medic returned as Pete jogged away and knelt down next to the doctor with a bottle of water in his hands that he offered to MacGyver.

?Drink,? Thompson advised while he turned to the emergency case. ?Your body sorely needs the fluids and it?ll help the resorption of the antidote.?

MacGyver straightened himself a little and took the bottle that the medic had opened for him while Lisa eased up her hold on him. He took a few large gulps under the close watch of the doctor. The cool water made him shudder a little once it reached his stomach and although it brought some relief to his parched throat, he had to cough afterward. Thompson?s hand was on his shoulder quickly when Mac doubled over with the sudden return of the pain the coughing fit caused. He held his breath and fought to remain silent until the agony subsided.

?Apart from the pain, what other symptoms did the poison cause?? The doctor continued his assessment as soon as MacGyver had gotten a handle on himself again.

?Hallucinations, disorientation? a few hours of amnesia,? Mac answered hoarsely. ?The injection itself left my arm throbbing for a while.?

?Show me that injection site, please,? Thompson asked with a nod. ?You need to get out of that jacket anyway? and open up your shirt.? He gestured to the stethoscope and the blood pressure cuff he?d readied before Mac?s coughing fit.

MacGyver handed the bottle back to the medic and gingerly complied with the doctor?s request. Just then he realized just how worn out and sore his muscles were. He had to rely on Lisa?s help to shrug out of the leather jacket. When he slid up his right shirt sleeve, Mac revealed an angry-looking reddish bruise around the vein that Nelson had used. The sight of it made him freeze for a moment as the fearful memory returned to his mind. He hadn?t noticed that bruise forming.

?Still hurting?? Thompson ran his fingers cautiously along the bruise, feeling for any swellings.

?No,? MacGyver said curtly while he opened his shirt and forced himself to raise his gaze to the doctor. His eyes followed the doc?s hands back to his arm quickly though, sensing the overwhelming inner urge to keep track of how he attached the blood pressure cuff to his arm. Subconsciously, his body stiffened with the pressure building up around his arm? just like the rubber band had tightened around his bicep a couple of hours ago. MacGyver forced himself to draw in a deep breath and exhale slowly, knowing he needed to relax to allow the doctor a good reading.

?Just getting your vitals to complete my assessment,? Thompson explained softly as he sensed Mac tense up.

?I know.? MacGyver puffed out another deep breath as the doctor placed the stethoscope in the crook of his arm. ?It?s alright? It?s just? after a day like the one I?ve had??

?That?s okay,? Thompson cut him off. ?Comes with the line of work you?re in.?

MacGyver looked up to see the doctor give him a lopsided, but understanding smile. For a moment, Mac was baffled. Those Phoenix Foundation medics seemed to know quite a lot about the nature of his work. They also had to have security clearance, otherwise Pete wouldn?t have been able to call them for help, he realized. He let out another deep breath when the thought that they had to be trustworthy settled in his head.

?Yeah,? Mac nodded slowly as some of the tension left his body again. He still focused on breathing slowly though while Dr. Thompson took his blood pressure and then listened to his heartbeat and checked his lungs. He had to have warmed up the stethoscope?s head in his hand, Mac also noticed. He didn?t feel the usual chill on his skin during the examination.

?Deep breaths, please.?

Thompson?s request broke him out of his thoughts. MacGyver did his best to comply but exhaled shakily since the hurting returned to his abdomen with his attempt. The doctor watched him closely while he held the stethoscope to various places on his chest, listening intently. Mac was sure that even though he remained silent, the doctor knew about his suffering.

?Alright, even if your condition isn?t critical and seems fairly stable at the moment, I?d rather take you to our hospital. There, we?d be equipped to handle whatever issues might come up? especially since we don?t know what kind of poison we?re dealing with,? Thompson stated once he was done and then straightened himself and turned to his colleague. ?Let?s get the stretcher.?

?What?? Mac had listened quietly and inwardly agreed but perked up at the last sentence. ?No, wait! ? I can walk.? He reached out toward the medics with one hand.

Dr. Thompson slowly turned back to him with surprisedly raised eyebrows and a serious and doubtful expression. For a moment or two, he silently gauged his patient. MacGyver held his gaze with as much determination as he could still muster up. Despite how awful he was feeling, he tried to not let the agony show on his face.

?You?re sure?? Thompson asked slowly, considering if it was safe to proceed without the stretcher, and very well aware that Mac was probably trying to display more strength than he had left. His previous experiences had shown him that concealing or not admitting weakness was quite a common trait among government agents.

?Yeah,? MacGyver nodded resolved. ?I?ll be okay.? Subconsciously, he squared his shoulders and held his breath while he waited for the doctor?s reply. Thompson, on the other hand, drew in a deep breath and measured the condition of the young agent in front of him again.

?Alright,? he half-sighed his agreement a few seconds later. He returned stethoscope and blood pressure cuff to his emergency case, which his colleague immediately closed. The medic grabbed the handle and quickly took the case back into the van while Dr. Thompson held out his hands to MacGyver.

?At least help you get up?? the doc asked.

Mac nodded silently, held on to the doctor, and gingerly got to his feet. Lisa had stabilized him from behind and was there to drape his leather jacket around his shoulder when she sensed a shiver running through him. MacGyver noticed that she was a bit clueless about what to do next once she stood beside him, and also still quite nervous. He knew, he had to give her a chance to leave before she got tangled in the government red tape apparatus and they would have to notify her parents. Mac also knew that him doing so meant bending a couple of rules and laws to and beyond the limit ? and that Pete wouldn?t be happy about it. But he owed her. A lot.

?Thank you for all that you?ve done for me, Lisa,? MacGyver said to her while she looked up at him still worried. ?They?ll take care of me now. I?m really grateful? but I?m afraid you can?t come along any further.?

?Again this ?the less you know, the better?-stuff?? the girl asked.

MacGyver nodded silently. ?Are you at the docks every morning?? he then wanted to know.

?Usually?? Lisa answered slowly.

Mac let go of the doctor with one hand and reached for hers.

?I?ll stop by to see you there,? he promised low and a bit hoarse as he fought against another wave of pain. He sensed Thompson tighten his hold on his other arm. ?Once they allow me to leave that hospital again,? he added with a lopsided weak grin and a squeeze of her hand before he let go.

Lisa smiled back at him, now hopeful that she would see him again, and then turned and hurried away in the direction of the abandoned house she called her home. While MacGyver watched her disappear around the corner, an idea rose within him about how he might be able to help her, to repay her at least a little for her help in saving his life.

?We?d better get going.?

Dr. Thompson?s statement interrupted his thoughts. MacGyver?s head snapped back to the doctor; he nodded and then directed his gaze to the van. The doctor had a safe hold on him while he led Mac to what was a high-end ambulance on the inside, MacGyver realized as they got closer. They had just reached the open back doors when Pete left the warehouse and ran toward them.

?I think, I found it,? he declared breathlessly once he?d arrived at the ambulance and held out a small metal case to MacGyver. Mac drew back a little subconsciously at the familiar sight of it. After a second of hesitation, he took and opened it. Again, he froze for a beat when he recognized the small glass bottle holding the transparent green fluid.

?Yeah, that?s it,? he confirmed tensely, closed the case and passed it on to the doctor.

?Very good,? Thompson said and handed it to his colleague. ?Analyzing it will help us a lot.?

Suddenly, Pete realized that the girl who?d been with Mac was nowhere in sight anymore.

?MacGyver? the girl that was with you?? he queried with a bit of alarm in his voice. ?Where is she??

?I sent her away,? Mac admitted, ducking his head a little since he anticipated how Pete?s reaction would be.

?You what?!? Pete exclaimed exasperatedly. ?MacGyver! You know very well, we need to??

?Pete.? MacGyver cut him off low, but resolutely. ?I know, but? well, it?s a long story. You?ll understand.?

?I?ll understand?? Pete gaped at him, still angry about the younger man?s decision. ?How can you??

?Yes, you will,? MacGyver assured his boss. ?I can explain??

?Gentlemen.? Dr. Thompson raised one hand to interrupt them both. He?d sensed how unsteady the young agent was on his feet. ?Can you discuss this later? We have more vital business to deal with.?

?Of course.? Pete?s exasperation deflated as quickly as it had flared. Seeing Mac back on his feet had momentarily let him forget the urgency of his friend?s situation. He drew in a deep breath and steadied MacGyver while the doctor climbed into the ambulance. ?Mac, I?ve got to stay here and make sure everything?s??

?It?s okay, Pete.? MacGyver stopped the older man in mid-sentence with a sideways glance. He let Thompson help him inside and sat down on the stretcher. ?I?ll be fine,? he sighed with a feeble smile.

Pete nodded and took a step back.

?Carson! Carlyle!? he hollered to two agents who were guarding the warehouse. ?Over here!?

Inside, MacGyver complied gingerly when Dr. Thompson asked him to lie down. He wasn?t going to admit it openly, but he was truly glad about finally being able to lie down and relax. He briefly eyed the equipment the medic had readied but then heard Pete talking to the agents he?d called.

?You?re going with MacGyver. I want him guarded wherever he is taken, is that clear??

The agents agreed to Pete?s order, while Mac and the doctor had overheard their conversation and looked at Pete at the same time. MacGyver was just about to protest when Thompson spoke up.

?You are aware that the Phoenix Foundation?s hospital is a high-security facility?? he asked Pete. ?Mr. MacGyver will be perfectly safe with us.?

?I know,? Pete replied sharply. ?I want our own men watching over him nevertheless. I?m not taking any chances on him.?

MacGyver swallowed his protest. Pete?s tone had left no room for any argument. Dr. Thompson didn?t seem all too happy either, but he nodded and turned back to his patient.

?I?ll see you once I am done here,? Pete assured MacGyver who only gave a silent thumbs-up from his position on the stretcher.

?Tell your men to drive? so we can both stay with him,? the doc said curtly while he was already busy with preparing everything for the trip.

His hand on Mac?s forehead, feeling for his temperature, made MacGyver sink back onto the raised head-end of the stretcher. He slowly exhaled a deep breath as he noticed someone close the back doors at the edge of his awareness. In the next moment though, he held his breath and pressed his eyes shut when the sharp pain returned unexpectedly and with full force.

?It?ll take another ten or 15 minutes until the antidote will spread and you?ll start to feel its effects,? he heard Thompson tell him softly. ?I?d prefer not to give you any painkillers for now? since we don?t know how the serum might interact? that is, if you can still cope with it.?

MacGyver kept his eyes shut as he suppressed a groan and nodded. I have for the past couple of hours, I can bear with it for another couple of minutes, he thought wearily. He tried to focus on breathing while he sensed the doctor?s one hand leave his forehead, the other one squeezing his arm in a silent gesture of compassion, and then both spreading the front of his shirt open. Then the doctor reached under his t-shirt to attach the electrodes of a heart rate monitor, and only a moment later a fast, but constant beeping mirrored Mac?s heartbeat. The somewhat familiar sound allowed him to relax a little further as it added to him feeling safe? at last.

He managed to remain calm as the blood pressure cuff was wrapped and then tightened around his bicep again and an oxygen sensor was attached to his ear. He heard the medic give directions to Carson after the front doors had closed as well and seconds later, the ambulance started to move.

Abruptly, dizziness added to the agony MacGyver was battling. He tried to breathe deeply to keep the sick feeling that threatened to take hold of his stomach in check, but realized quickly that it wasn?t working all too well. He gave in and opened his eyes again, hoping it might help him to be able to focus them on something steady. What he saw though instantly set off all his inner alarms.

Dr. Thompson held a rubber band in his hands that he?d just been about to tie around MacGyver?s arm, and beside him, on a small metal tablet lay a needle and a couple of vacutainers. Sudden panic overwhelmed MacGyver before he even had the chance to consciously think about what was going on. His body tensed up startled at once, and he bolted up and away from the doctor but crashed against the opposite side wall of the ambulance quickly. Instinctively, he raised one hand in a defensive gesture while he used the other one to balance himself, although there wasn?t enough room for him to slip off the stretcher anyway.

?Hey! ? Whoa!? Thompson exclaimed surprised at the intense reaction and drew back from MacGyver. He quickly dropped the rubber band onto the tablet and then held up both hands with open palms to MacGyver to show that he meant no harm. Mac stared at him frozen in his shock and gasped with the hurt the sudden movement had caused. The medic wanted to reach out from behind the headrest of the stretcher and grab on to Mac?s shoulders, but was stopped by a quick warning look from the doctor.

?I?m sorry,? Thompson apologized to MacGyver once he?d directed his gaze back to him.

Part of Mac?s tension left him only seconds after his initial shock. He couldn?t tear his eyes off the needle and the vials though. He felt his hands trembling slightly as he forced himself to raise his eyes and meet the doctor?s gaze. Inwardly, he chided himself for his sudden, panicked reflex. When he?d told Neilson that he had a thing about needles in the morning, it hadn?t been entirely true, but after a day like this?

?I should have kept in mind that after what you?ve been through?? Thompson continued low but firm. ?You?re probably not a fan of needles.?

?Something like that.? Mac swallowed hard while he relaxed a little further and returned to his previous position on the stretcher.

?I need to get a blood sample though,? Thompson told him softly while he lowered his hands but kept them where Mac could clearly see them.

MacGyver drew in a deep breath and nodded. His mouth had gone dry instantly a moment ago. He urged his mind to switch to its scientific analyzing and explaining mode. It is perfectly logical that the doctor wants a blood sample before the antidote has spread and neutralized the serum, he inwardly reasoned with himself. He needs it to compare with samples taken later on? after the antidote has done its work? and he?s just taking samples? not injecting anything. Mac puffed out a breath, lay back again and held out his arm for the doctor.

Pete has called them? they?re here to help? not to harm, Mac added in his head while Thompson loosened the blood pressure cuff with slow, careful movements. Mac felt adrenaline rush into his veins nevertheless as he watched the doctor roll up his sleeve, tie the rubber band around this bicep and prepare the crook of his arm with an alcohol wipe. Thompson noticed his inner tension not only due to the faster beeping of the heart rate monitor and laid a hand on Mac?s shoulder.

?You okay?? he asked. ?I?m afraid, there?s no other way to??

?Sure,? Mac cut him off, trying to sound firm. ?Just? go ahead. I?m sorry. I shouldn?t have??

?No need to apologize.? Thompson raised his second hand to silence him. He shot MacGyver a lopsided smile while his hand left Mac?s shoulder and picked up the needle. ?Again? comes with the work you?re doing.?

MacGyver?s eyes were glued to Thompson?s doing as he nodded silently. So it seems, he thought grimly. Inwardly, he was impressed by how steady the doctor kept his hand despite the van moving swiftly through the traffic. He was sure, Carson was bending or probably even breaking some traffic laws and speed limits.

Mac barely felt the sting when Thompson slid the needle into his vein; a stark difference to the sharp burning pain he?d felt a couple of hours ago. He exhaled deeply to keep his calm as the doc inserted the first vacutainer into the needle holder and his blood rushed into the small vial. Again, MacGyver noticed the fluent wordless communication between the doctor and the medic. The latter instantly took care of the samples, making sure they`d maintain their quality until they were analyzed in the labs.

MacGyver?s concentration on the doctor?s actions was distracted though with a new assault of pain. He fought to keep his arm steady, but his hands closed into fists and his jaw tightened as he suppressed a moan. Thompson shot him a short upward glance while he filled the last vial and then quickly removed the needle. His thumb kept some pressure on Mac?s vein as he straightened himself and looked up.

?All done,? he stated with a concerned smile. ?How are you doing??

MacGyver met his eyes but remained silent for a moment as he breathed through the agony. ?I can handle it,? he then assured.

The doctor held his gaze but his expression sobered up. Clearly, he either doubted Mac?s words or he had been hoping for more information. Or both.

?Any new symptoms?? Thompson asked on after a beat.

?Somewhat dizzy,? MacGyver admitted through clenched teeth. ?A bit sick.?

Thompson glanced over the monitors before he directed his eyes to the front of the van, recognizing their current surroundings through the part of the windshield he could see.

?We should arrive in a couple of minutes,? he stated as he slowly let go of MacGyver?s arm. ?I know it?s kind of obvious? but try to relax.? Suddenly, the water bottle was back in his hand. Mac hadn?t even noticed that they?d taken it along. ?Some more water?? Thompson held up the bottle for him.

?I?d rather not.? MacGyver feebly shook his head. He sunk back onto the stretcher as the pain let up again. ?Don?t know if it?d stay down.?

The doctor nodded and set the bottle aside. One of his hands returned to Mac?s shoulder as his eyes scanned the monitors once more. He made a mental note to hook the young agent up to an IV as soon as they?d settled him in their hospital and conducted a more thorough examination. The returning episodes of severe pain worried Thompson since he didn?t know what exactly was causing them.

?Get some rest,? he advised softly. ?Your condition still seems stable? despite how awful you?re feeling.?

?Trying to,? Mac sighed with a weary smile. His head sunk back into the small pillow of the stretcher and he half-closed his eyes. He focused on his insides and became aware of how totally worn out he was, physically. Each and every one of his muscles was sore from being strung tight for so long. His eyelids grew even heavier as the exhaustion also took hold of his mind. The doctor and his colleague noticed Mac?s tiredness and remained silent during the rest of the drive, allowing him to calm down even further.

Therefore, MacGyver couldn?t exactly remember how much time had passed until the ambulance left the street and stopped briefly before it rolled on and into some large building. He only noticed that the surroundings of the van had grown a lot darker when Thompson?s hand found his arm and the doc addressed him low.

?Mr. MacGyver? ? We?ve arrived.?

Mac?s eyes snapped open and he instantly tried to take in what little he could see through the windows in the back doors of the van. It seemed like a huge warehouse, but the doctor interrupted his thoughts about it.

?Do you insist on walking again?? Thompson asked. ? Or will you allow us to?? His words trailed off when MacGyver turned his head to meet his gaze.

?I?d rather walk,? Mac answered. ?I?m feeling a little better? I think.?

Thompson eyed him probingly for a moment, then nodded and disconnected all the surveillance equipment from MacGyver?s body. When the ambulance came to a halt, MacGyver gingerly sat up on the stretcher and drew in a deep breath. He readied himself to climb out of the van, but it took a couple of seconds until the back doors were opened from the outside. He instantly noticed the high tension Carson and Carlyle were under due to their unfamiliar surroundings.

While he cautiously climbed out of the ambulance, Mac saw that the rolling gate they?d driven through had almost fully closed again, and that they were indeed in an ample, but almost completely empty hall.

?Over here, please.?

Mac had gazed around while he?d adjusted to standing upright again. The brief rest had helped him, but he was still a little wobbly on his feet. The doctor?s words and Thompson?s hand on his arm made him turn around. The medics led him to doors in a concrete wall that somehow seemed as if a smaller building had been constructed inside the large room. MacGyver was still puzzled about where or how a hospital could be located here, when Thompson used his keycard to open the sliding doors, only to have them reveal an elevator car.

?Our facility and labs are underground? for security and also safety reasons,? the doctor explained when he noticed MacGyver?s baffled look. ?We?re conducting a lot of sensitive research? Is this a problem??

?No? no, not at all.? MacGyver?s surprise was partly replaced by curiosity as he shook his head and stepped inside the elevator together with the doc. Thompson?s hand left his arm when he stepped to the back, turned around and leaned against the wall of the car. Mac saw Carson and Carlyle stay close to the doors while the medics kept him under observation. The doctor chose sub-level 2, and MacGyver focused on breathing deeply when the doors closed and the car softly started its descent.

The dizziness, he?d chalked up to the movement of the ambulance hadn?t let up. In fact, it was getting worse since he was back on his own feet. He lowered his eyes when the car seemingly started to rotate around him and an icy cold rushed down his back when his vision also began to distort ? again. All of a sudden, MacGyver was scared. His fragile trust in Neilson?s words about the antidote crumbled.

I?ve been through that stage before? those symptoms ended a couple of hours ago? why are they returning?

Mac pressed his hands against the wall beside himself when he sensed himself sway a little. Dr. Thompson was immediately alerted when he noticed the change in his patient.

?Mr. MacGyver?? he asked alarmed. ?What?s the matter??

?I?m not sure?? MacGyver gingerly shook his head. ?Another bout of vertigo? my vision?? He broke off as his sight blurred, bent a bit forward and covered his eyes with one hand. Only a second later, he felt the firm grip of the doctor?s hands on his arm and his shoulder, heard the ping that signaled that the car had arrived at the desired level, and heard the doors slide open.

I just hope I don?t have to walk all too far anymore? I hope they can figure out what?s wrong with me in time?

?Just? give me a moment, please,? Mac asked as he sensed the medic hold on to his arm opposite to the doctor. He slowly let out a deep breath, cautiously raised his head and strove to focus on the corridor outside the elevator. Hang on, MacGyver, he urged himself inwardly. Just a little longer. You?ve almost made it. He blinked some of the haze clouding his eyes away and then pushed himself off the wall. His DXS colleagues as well as the medics kept him under close watch as he took a few steps forward. Mac saw a few of what he suspected to be Phoenix Foundation employees in the hallway, with a small group heading toward them.

But he had no time to think about who they might be because only a couple of yards into the corridor, MacGyver?s eyesight blurred completely and he stopped abruptly. He held his breath, lowered his head and pressed his eyes shut. This time, Thompson didn?t address him directly anymore but shouted a couple of orders that Mac didn?t understand. He wasn?t able to pay attention to them at that moment.

All the energy he had left was focused on staying upright, but with his distorted sight and the vertigo? and the floor seemingly tilting uncontrollably below his feet? his knees gave way despite the medics trying to stabilize him. MacGyver felt himself falling; he barely heard Thompson call his name; he barely sensed the doctor catch him before he would have hit the floor hard. At the edge of his awareness, he noticed a sudden boost of activity around him while he fought to regain some control over his body. Within seconds though, he realized, it wasn?t working out? he was losing the battle? and fear took over his mind.

Is the serum about to kill me? Didn?t I take the antidote in time? Or wasn?t it an antidote? Has Neilson lied to me?

But his thoughts faded as quickly as MacGyver?s consciousness did? and everything around him went dark? and silent.

++++++++++

Silence? warmth that enveloped him? comfortable softness below? his head and upper body raised a little? sheets that covered him? a bed? A low, but constant beeping? a heart rate monitor probably? MacGyver?s still somewhat dazed mind started analyzing at once.

If that?s my heartbeat? I can?t be dead? right?

A bit of relief made him draw in a deep breath and familiar hospital smells filled his nose. His clothing had also changed for something more hospital-like.

I also wouldn?t be lying in a hospital bed if I?m dead? right?

Slowly, the events of the past day returned to his memory and Mac let out a low moan when he felt an echo of his previous agony course through him. Almost immediately, he heard the rustling of clothes, a few hurried steps and a door opening.

?I think, he?s waking up. Get the doctor.?

MacGyver recognized Carlyle?s voice at a little distance before the door closed and everything fell silent again. He let out a deep sigh and inwardly took stock of his condition while his eyes were still shut. He felt sore, weak, and exhausted beyond anything he?d experienced before, but the dizziness and nausea were mostly gone. His eyes needed a moment to focus when he pried the open, yet his sight was clear and undistorted when he started to take in the room he?d been settled in.

Then the door opened again.

MacGyver?s head turned and his gaze snapped toward it as he subconsciously held his breath. Some adrenaline flowed into his veins and made him tense up reflexively, even though he quickly recognized Dr. Thompson enter the room. A smile eased up the concerned look on the doctor?s face when he saw MacGyver looking at him.

?It?s a relief to see, you?re with us again,? he said as he stepped up to Mac?s bedside.

Mac slowly let out the breath he?d been holding while Thompson checked the readings on the monitor beside his bed. He urged himself to relax.

?The men, Mr. Thornton has sent with you are just outside,? the doc stated since he?d noticed Mac?s alerted reaction. ?They?re guarding this room, you, as ordered? in addition to our own security measures.?

Mac nervously licked his lips and nodded. He was just about to open his mouth to respond when Thompson felt for his pulse on his wrist and met his gaze.

?You?re safe with us,? the doctor assured. ?And once again? it?s okay? after what you?ve been through today.?

Mac swallowed dryly. He appreciated that Thompson, who, for whatever reason, had a good idea of the work Mac was doing, not only cared about his physical recovery but also took his frayed nerves into account. Then he cleared his throat.

?How long have I been out?? he asked the doctor since the underground room gave him no clue as to how much time had passed.

?Not long? about one hour,? Thompson told him after a brief glance at his watch. ?How are you feeling??

?Better,? Mac assured. ?No nausea and vertigo at the moment, the pain?s faded a lot? still extremely worn out though.?

?Good.? The doctor let go of his wrist and walked around the bed to check an IV line that MacGyver just now noticed was connected to a vein in his arm. ?Seems, you may have made it through the worst.?

?Seems? ? I may?? Mac raised his eyebrows questioningly, hoping the doc would continue to explain.

?Our lab isn?t fully done with analyzing the poison yet? or your blood samples I took in the ambulance,? Thompson sighed with an apologetic shrug. ?I took new ones about 15 minutes ago and our scientists are working on those as well? so, we?re still not exactly sure what we?re dealing with. Whoever designed this serum did a thorough job. But we?re doing our best to identify all of its components.?

Mac nodded silently as he took in the information ? which wasn?t all too much. He?d hoped for more ?tangible? facts. His eyes followed the IV line up to the bottle hanging next to his bed. He couldn?t read the inscriptions on it.

?Your vitals have improved significantly, though,? the doctor carried on when he noticed MacGyver?s probing gaze. ?The IV fluid is meant to support your system get rid of any remnants of the poison? and help you recover while you?re staying with us.?

Mac nodded quietly again, but then the last few words registered in his head.

?Staying with us?? he echoed. ?I?d hoped to finally be able to return home once you?re convinced I?ll survive.?

?Not tonight.? His protest was met with an apologetic smile and a firm shake of Thompson?s head.

MacGyver sighed. He?d already been longing for a hot shower at home and lots of rest in his own bed when he?d stepped onto the docks this morning ? before this seemingly endless day ? and now he wasn?t allowed to go home at all.

?I know, you?d prefer to head home. It?ll be a lot safer though to keep you at least overnight for observation,? Thompson stated as if he?d read MacGyver?s thoughts. ?Especially since you passed out on our arrival here? and not only concerning the poisoning but also the mild concussion you?ve sustained a lot earlier today.?

Mac was speechless for a moment. He was quite sure he hadn?t mentioned having gotten knocked out on the parking lot to the doctor. But he?d noticed. Obviously, the Phoenix Foundation?s personnel was very thorough in doing their job. Once again, Mac was impressed.

?Alright,? MacGyver sighed and nodded his agreement. Then a thought popped into his head. ?But? I was already feeling better when we arrived? Why did I collapse??

?The antidote had only started to spread during our drive. When it began ?fighting? the poison ? around our arrival ? the added strain to your body was too much, drained of energy as you already were at that moment,? Thompson explained. ?Another reason why you?d better stay with us. You need to rest? with someone watching over you? should you push your limits too far again.?

The doctor held Mac?s gaze with a serious expression and his last words had a slightly chiding tone. MacGyver nodded again, this time with a more contrite look on his face. Thompson?s expression eased up quickly once he saw that his point had been taken.

?A rather common trait among field operatives from my experience,? he added with a wry smile. ?And with you, I?ve been told? we need to be extra careful about that fact.?

MacGyver shot him an apologetic half-smile while his mind caught on a phrase the doctor had used. He has experience with field operatives? He regularly gets to treat injured agents? Now, Mac remembered seeing the Phoenix Foundation?s logo on a lab report once in a while when he?d read through DXS case files. Pete hadn?t mentioned them often and barely shared any information about the organization. MacGyver?s curiosity peaked, no matter how sore and tired he was.

?So you frequently take care of our agents?? he voiced his main thought.

?Only on occasion.? Thompson straightened himself a little. ?Most of the time it?s rather taking care of our own operatives and employees? sometimes taking over cases other hospitals can?t handle? and a lot of research, of course.?

?Own operatives? Research?? Mac frowned up at the doctor. His interest grew as the scientist in him awoke. ?What kind of research? ? And what else do you do for the DXS? What is the ?Phoenix Foundation?, after all??

Thompson couldn?t help but smile when he noticed the energetic sparkle that returned to his patient?s otherwise tired eyes with those questions. It didn?t surprise him though, since he?d been provided with part of MacGyver?s dossier in the meantime ? especially his medical record - and knew that this young agent also had a scientific degree.

?The Phoenix Foundation is a, for the most part, privately funded organization. We focus on research and development in a wide variety of scientific fields,? Thompson explained. ?Some might call us a think-tank, but we also try to make this planet a better place with the help of our own operatives? a more hands-on approach. We cooperate with several government authorities? yet most of the time, it?s them asking for our help. Like lab work that is beyond their capabilities. Or contract work concerning technology development. The labs in this facility concentrate on medical research ? as you might imagine? and environmental work.?

MacGyver needed a moment to digest all the information. His fascination grew.

?Environmental work?? he repeated with curiously raised eyebrows. ?Sounds interesting. What kind of??

Mac broke off when Dr. Thompson held up one hand in a warning gesture. Even if the young man had momentarily forgotten about it ? due to his sudden urge to learn more about the Phoenix Foundation ? the doc saw how worn out the agent was.

?Whoa? that?s enough questions for now,? he stopped Mac. ?I?ll be happy to provide you with more information about the Phoenix Foundation? tomorrow, when you?re rested and we haven?t had any complications overnight? once we?re sure that you?re out of the woods. For now, I?d rather see you take it easy? and sleep. For your own good.?

For a moment, MacGyver was tempted to protest, but once he thought about it, he noticed how heavy his eyelids were and how tired he?d gotten after this short conversation with the doctor. He nodded with a feeble smile.

?I guess, you?re right,? he agreed. ?But I?ll take you up on that offer tomorrow.?

Thompson returned the smile. The young man?s interest in the Phoenix Foundation was a good sign after all.

?Will you be able to go back to sleep by yourself?? the doctor wanted to know.

?Yeah,? MacGyver assured with a single nod. As exhausted as he was, he was sure he?d fall asleep only moments after he?d closed his eyes again.

?Good? and don?t hesitate to use that call button should anything change for the worse,? Thompson advised with a gesture toward a red button situated right beside MacGyver?s bed. ?The sooner we know about it, the faster we can help you?? The doc let his words trail off while his hand found MacGyver?s arm.

?Yes, Sir. Will do,? MacGyver promised and gave Thompson a thumbs-up. ?Thanks, doc.?

?I?ll look after you again later in the evening,? Dr. Thompson told Mac with a little smile and a soft squeeze of his arm before he let go, turned and left the room.

MacGyver let out a long, quiet sigh once he was alone in his room. His eyes wandered around, taking in more details than he had been able to earlier. The equipment next to his bed seemed hospital-like at first sight, yet at a second glance it was more high-end, more sophisticated. The room itself though looked more like a lab that had been turned into a sick room on demand. But while he started to think about it, his tiredness got the better of him. MacGyver?s eyes fell closed, and he was swept away by the darkness and quietness of sleep.

++++++++++

Pete Thornton puffed out a deep breath once he?d closed the door to Dr. Thompson?s lab behind himself. Making sure that every detail of the situation at the warehouse had been taken care of had lasted way longer than he had anticipated it might. Since he hadn?t gotten any news concerning MacGyver while doing so, he?d been quite nervous and worried about his friend when he?d finally arrived at the Phoenix Foundation?s lab complex. What the doctor had just told him though, had relieved him of a lot of his concerns. Thompson had briefed him about MacGyver?s condition, on what they knew about the serum by now, and that they ? at the moment ? assumed that Neilson had told the truth about the antidote. They still kept Mac under close surveillance nonetheless? just in case. The chance of complications was still there.

Knowing about the optimistic prognosis of the doctor, about the good possibility of Mac being fine after getting some well-deserved rest, lightened Pete?s step as he walked along the corridor toward MacGyver?s sick room. Thompson had told him that Mac was likely to be sleeping, but Pete could still see him if he promised he wouldn?t disturb him on purpose ? to which Pete had, of course, agreed. After all, he?d also promised MacGyver he?d come by to see him. He owed that to his operative, his partner, his friend? especially after what the younger man had endured today.

He saw Carson and Carlyle standing guard as ordered just outside Mac?s room, and both nodded a greeting once they saw him coming. Pete Thornton returned the greeting to his men when he reached the door. He?d already called in two other agents to take over the night shift and relieve those two of their guarding duty ? despite Dr. Thompson?s assurance that no unauthorized person would be able to make it through the security measures Phoenix itself had in place for their complex. It wasn?t that he didn?t trust Phoenix security ? but he still wanted his own men guarding his friend.

Carlyle wordlessly read his intention and opened the door for him. Pete drew in a deep breath as he entered the room, slowly, carefully, not wanting to wake up a potentially sleeping MacGyver. He quickly discovered that the doctor had been right. Mac was lying quietly on his back; his eyes were closed; his head had dropped a little to the side. His breaths were calm and deep, but his pale face and the exhaustion etched onto his features bore testament to what he?d been put through today. He didn?t react to Pete walking up to his bedside.

Pete let out a sigh and adjusted the sling that held his wounded and aching arm as he stood there. He didn?t even know any details about what exactly MacGyver had been through today yet. So far, they hadn?t even had a chance to talk. Thompson had warned him to wait anyway, had asked him not to question the young man tonight. The doctor had insisted that any unnecessary strain might slow down MacGyver?s recovery at the moment. Now seeing Mac lying in the hospital bed, worn out and feeble, Pete understood why Thompson had insisted.

The IV line wasn?t connected at the moment, but they?d left the needle in Mac?s arm? again, just in case. The heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing monitors were all still connected and observing the young man though.

Pete Thornton watched his friend silently for a couple of minutes before he turned and settled into a chair standing close to the room?s side wall. He?d made sure that, for today, his work was done and he was free to stay here as long as he wanted to. Should anything urgent or unexpected occur? the DXS knew how to find and contact him. At this very moment though, Pete Thornton?s main concern was MacGyver?s recovery? and only once they were absolutely sure about that, the list he?d brought with him from East Germany.

++++++++++

Pete Thornton had soon lost track of time while he sat there, either observing MacGyver?s sleep or staring at his own hands while he allowed his thoughts to wander off. He?d known the younger man for about five years by now, and those five years bore a lot of abiding memories. Ever since they?d met due to Murdoc, ever since Pete had convinced MacGyver to become a part of the intelligence business, ever since Pete had gotten know about MacGyver?s special skill set and his unique approach to handling his assignments? they?d been through a lot together.

Mac had grown to become the best agent Pete had ever met and had also become somewhat legendary among the intelligence community for being able to escape extremely tight situations and for handling seemingly impossible circumstances. Several government agencies called for his help when there were no other options anymore. Most of the time his abilities had allowed him to evade his adversaries and solve whatever problem he faced unharmed, but every once in a while, he?d ended up in a hospital.

Like today.

Pete sighed deeply as he scrutinized his hands for what felt like the umpteenth time. It was a long time since Mac had brushed with death that closely ? at the moment he couldn?t remember if it had ever been that close - and sitting by Mac?s bedside, waiting for the young man to wake up, to heal, was always trying for Pete. They?d become more than colleagues, more than partners very soon after Thornton had recruited MacGyver ? their first assignment together had made them friends. Each and every time Pete chose to send off MacGyver to an assignment, and each and every time MacGyver accepted the assignment, Pete hoped that his friend would return alive and in one piece.

He?d been truly relieved to see MacGyver step onto the pier alive and well this morning. How quickly things and situations can change in our business, Pete mused while he felt for his injured arm. The painkillers he?d been given when the doctors had taken care of his arm during the morning had worn off over the last few hours. His upper arm was throbbing again. He thought about asking Dr. Thompson for some pills ? since he?d left the ones he?d been prescribed at headquarters. Their departure to help MacGyver at the warehouse had been too sudden, too rushed. Pete hadn?t thought about taking his pills along when Mac?s message had finally reached him.

His thoughts were cut off abruptly though when he heard a low moan from the bed.

Pete Thornton?s head snapped up and his eyes found MacGyver?s face quickly. The calm and quiet expression on his friends was gone and had been replaced by an anguished grimace. Pete?s inner tension rose instantly and he straightened himself in his chair. Dr. Thompson had advised Pete to notify him immediately ? should Mac?s condition change for the worse.

At first, Pete couldn?t tell if Mac was really in pain or if he was having a bad dream ? the latter was, how Pete knew after all the years, not unusual for MacGyver. His bright mind and active imagination often conjured up vivid nightmares after trying experiences. Pete sat there frozen, watching his friend, trying to assess if it was just a bad dream or if ? which Pete was desperately hoping wasn?t the case ? Mac was unexpectedly getting worse again. He saw MacGyver moving in his bed, tossing his head from side to side, and his face was glistening with beads of sweat. After a minute or so, Mac?s moans changed into words? words, that showed how worried? or even scared he was.

?No, please? don?t? you don?t need this? let go!?

Slowly, Pete Thornton rose from his seat and closed in on Mac?s bed. He shot the monitors a probing look during those few steps and noticed that MacGyver?s heart rate had gone up, but not enough to set off any alarms. He puffed out a sigh, at least partly relieved that it seemed as if his friend was only bothered by a bad dream and he didn?t have to alert the doctor.

?Calm down, MacGyver,? Pete addressed Mac low and soothingly. ?You?re safe. You?re just dreaming.?

At first, MacGyver didn?t react. His inner struggle and suffering got worse.

?Mac, listen to me!? Pete tried a little louder. ?It?s over? you?re safe.?

For a few moments, the younger man was quiet and Pete thought he?d gotten through to him, but then Mac moaned again and his face screwed up with renewed anguish.

?MacGyver, please! Listen to me!? Pete urged on. ?You?ve got to come out of this! Wake up! ? This is just a dream!? Without thinking too much about it, Pete Thornton laid a hand on MacGyver?s right forearm and squeezed softly.

++++++++++

MacGyver?s sleeping and exhausted mind was filled with pictures, feelings, and emotions of the past day. He reexperienced fleeing from his pursuers on the parking lot, heard the shot that struck down Pete, got knocked out himself, and ended up strapped to the chair in Neilson?s office. Neilson was approaching him and threateningly held up the poison-filled syringe. Mac felt cold fear rising and taking hold of his senses? just as he had earlier today. He heard someone else talking to him but those words were barely more than a background whisper. He was too overwhelmed by his memories to be able to listen to them. Then someone grabbed on to his right arm. The same arm that Neilson had injected the poison into.

His survival instinct kicked in within a split second and, out of reflex, MacGyver flinched away from the hand that held him. He awoke suddenly, startled, bolted up and away from whoever had to be next to him, balanced himself with one hand, and defensively raised the other one to where he suspected his attacker. His eyes flew wide open with alarm as he tried to assess the threat.

Mere seconds later though, he recognized his friend and boss next to his bed. Pete had also flinched back with MacGyver?s intense reaction and now held up his good hand to show that he meant no harm.

?Easy there, MacGyver!? he exclaimed. ?It?s just? me.?

?Pete? good to see you.? Mac puffed out a sigh when a lot of his sudden tension left him as rapidly as it had built up. He lowered his hand and then rubbed it over his face and ran it through his unruly hair.

?I?m sorry. I didn?t mean to startle you,? he heard Pete say. ?But you seemed as if you were having a really bad??

?Yeah,? Mac cut his friend off between labored breaths and raised his gaze back to him. ?Something like that? Thanks for getting me out of it.? Slowly, gingerly, he eased himself back onto the mattress and let his head sink into the pillow while he strove to slow his breath. With some relief, he noticed that despite his muscles still feeling sore, his other symptoms had diminished even further. Pete also relaxed and returned to Mac?s bedside.

?Are you okay?? the senior agent asked worriedly.

?Yeah, fine,? MacGyver assured. His right hand found Pete?s arm when he noticed his friend?s deeply concerned expression. ?The doctor expects me to be as good as new after a good night?s sleep? relax, Pete.?

?I know,? Thornton replied quickly. ?I talked to Dr. Thompson right after I?d arrived.? He fell silent for a beat and just held MacGyver?s gaze. ?I?m glad, you managed to cheat death? once again,? he then added low and with a very serious expression.

?So am I,? Mac answered with a feeble, lopsided smile. ?Although I probably wouldn?t have made it without help this time. If Lisa hadn?t taken me in? I owe her a lot.?

?The girl?? Pete raised his eyebrows questioningly. Then he drew in a deep breath. ?You shouldn?t have let her go like that, you know?? A bit of a scolding tone entered his voice. ?After all, this is still a top-secret mission.?

?I know,? Mac nodded tiredly. ?But we need to keep her out of the records. She already took a huge risk even trying to call you. Her situation is kinda? special.?

?Out of the records? A huge risk? Mac!? Pete snapped back exasperatedly. ?You?re asking a lot! ? We at least need to talk to her concerning??

MacGyver interrupted his boss and friend by holding up one hand.

?I know that too, Pete,? he replied calmly. ?I?ll talk to her. I know how to get in touch with her.?

Pete puffed out a breath but didn?t answer. He trusted the younger man?s words, but Mac?s assurance didn?t fully satisfy him. DXS standard operating procedures dictated otherwise ? should any outside people get involved in an assignment. Pete?s disapproval was written on his features, which MacGyver of course noticed. He sighed and hesitated a moment, thinking about how much he could or had to tell his boss.

?Pete, Lisa is a runaway,? Mac then admitted with a serious expression. His words only fueled Pete?s indignation though and Mac had to raise his hand again to keep him silent. ?She split from her parents for a good reason? she?s a victim of child abuse? she?s been beaten? and the system of cops, social workers, and judges, who should have listened and helped her, didn?t.?

Pete Thornton had listened silently, and now drew in a deep breath and let it out in a long, quiet sigh.

?Alright,? he nodded slowly. ?I understand your reasoning? we would have to return her to her parents since she?s a minor. We can?t just leave her to herself though.? He scrutinized the younger man for a moment. ?But I assume, you already do have an idea about how to help her?? Pete?s last words trailed off into a question.

?Yeah, I do,? Mac nodded with a tired smile. ?The bonus I usually ask for after an assignment? well, it?s not gonna be for me this time.?

?Just name it,? Pete immediately replied. It wasn?t new to him that MacGyver sometimes used his bonus for a person who had helped him out. ?I guess, our director of operations probably would agree to almost anything? once he has the list in his hands.?

?It?s something special this time,? Mac breathed. His exhaustion was getting to him again. ?Lisa?s determined to make something of herself. She?s not sure yet what, but? well, her chances of going back to school, let alone college are slim? since she?s all alone. Are there any government-run scholarship programs where the DXS can arrange something for her??

Pete Thornton puffed out a deep breath and straightened himself.

?That?s a lot to ask,? he sighed. ?I honestly don?t know. Our director has a lot of excellent connections, but I can?t promise you anything at the moment.?

?You can?t?? Mac echoed surprised. That hadn?t been the answer Mac had been hoping for. ?You just said, he would agree to almost anything.? He frowned up a bit disappointed at Pete.

?I said, once he has the list,? Pete corrected. ?We don?t have it yet, remember? You hid it; you?re the only one who knows where it is.?

MacGyver?s frown deepened.

?But Lisa?s message to you should have included its location,? Mac stated somewhat confused. ?Didn?t you retrieve it??

?I didn?t talk to her directly, remember?? Pete?s face suddenly was a mask of carefully controlled innocence. He didn?t take the time to get the list between taking care of the situation at the warehouse and coming here. He?d prioritized seeing his friend over retrieving intel from a light pole, but he couldn?t let the director of operations become aware of that fact. ?Seems, the operator only forwarded part of her message. You?ll have to get it yourself.?

MacGyver?s eyes narrowed a little with Pete?s expression and the tone in his voice. He knew the older man long enough to know that he was hinting at something he couldn?t say outright. His somewhat confused thoughts were running wild in his tired mind.

?I plan on doing so,? MacGyver assured cautiously. ?Once they let me out of here.?

?Good,? Pete replied, still very guarded. ?That list is very important, as you know. It?s worth a lot to our director? well, all of our higher-ups. They?ll be very glad once you hand it over.?

Slowly, it dawned on MacGyver what his friend and boss wasn?t saying. He scrutinized Pete for a long moment.

?Pete, are you suggesting I might?? Mac started to ask but was cut off by Pete raising his good hand.

?I am not suggesting anything, MacGyver,? he warned, but then a fleeting half-smile showed on his face, only for a brief moment. ?But you?re a smart guy. You?ll figure it out by yourself. According to me, we didn?t talk about the list tonight? neither about the girl. I just stopped by to see how my partner and good friend was doing.?

Mac nodded with an understanding smile. Of course, Pete couldn?t outright tell him to use his knowledge about the location of the list as a bargaining chip to get the scholarship for Lisa, or that he was in a unique position with his special freelance contract and it would give him some extra leverage when negotiating with the director of operations ? and not endanger Pete?s position at the same time by leaving him out of his ruse. They?d talk about it again, officially, probably as soon as tomorrow, before Mac would hand the list over, and then Pete would officially pass on his request for this special bonus to the director. The director wouldn?t be all too pleased, Mac was sure about that, but he?d get back to MacGyver in person ? and he?d agree to quite a lot to get that list.

?But I do suggest, you get some more sleep now.? Pete?s soft words broke MacGyver out of his thoughts. ?You look beat. I shouldn?t have kept you awake that long? I?ll pick you up tomorrow? once your doctor allows you to leave.?

Mac gave Pete a single, tired nod. Pete was right, he realized. He was exhausted to the core.

?Thanks for stopping by,? MacGyver said with a feeble and lopsided grin. He raised one hand and Pete instantly took it. With a quick squeeze of their hands, they exchanged a smile, both relieved that the other man was still alive and breathing before Pete left. After the door to his room had closed again, MacGyver slowly let out a deep breath. He?d survived, the list was safely hidden overnight, and he?d likely be able to repay Lisa for her help. All in all, the nightmarish day had ended well. He let his eyes fall shut and was fast asleep again within a couple of moments.

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[bluegirl]

I'm sorry for all the question marks... that copy&paste issue is still there... in the preview it looked fine, but...