Kowalski stood panting. The blade of the ax rested on the ground. Blood and some sort of grayish slime were smeared on it.
Kowalski could feel the other watching him. He picked up a vibe from them; uneasy, cautious.
Private let out a choked sob, followed quickly by Skipper telling him to shush.
Kowalski looked into Rico's deep blue eyes. They stared back at him: neither scared nor unafraid, neither trusting nor wary.
Kowalski looked at the puddle of blood forming near Rico's leg. He looked at Rico's pale face.
Kowalski went to Rico's side and dropped down next to him, taking his hand.
"Dizzy," Rico murmured.
Kowalski took off his shirt and wrapped it tightly around Rico's leg. It soaked through in seconds.
Kowalski was tearing off one of his pant legs to tie around Rico when Rico touched his arm. Kowalski looked up.
"Love ya, brother," Rico said.
"Rico, you're going to be okay," Kowalski said, tears forming in his eyes.
Rico shook his head and squeezed Kowalski's hand. "Love ya," he repeated.
"I love you too," Kowalski said, his voice thick and choked.
Rico smiled.
It took a few moment for Kowalski to realize that Rico wasn't blinking anymore. He patted Rico's arm, then waved his hand in front of Rico's still face.
Rico remanded unresponsive.
Kowalski reached out and gently closed Rico's eyes. "Goodbye," he whispered.
Then he got to his feet and walked into the jungle.