I don't know if you all still get review notices, but I thoroughly enjoyed this. The texture and Doc & Al's voices were rich and true. I like that you gave some redeeming qualities to Al and allowed Doc to accept compassion. Very multi-dimensional characters and the start of Doc's career, his fall, and his fresh start in Deadwood were completely believable and made sense in the context of the Deadwood storyline. Thanks.

I'm as puzzled by al's actions as the doc seems to be - nonethless, this piece made me very happy. I love how...textured... everything is.

Thank you so much for writing a story about Doc Cochran. He's one of my favorite characters on the show (thanks to the always-wonderful Brad Dourif).

I really enjoyed the episodic, feverish nature of your fic. The Doc does have this sort of...PTSD, Vietnam vet feel to him. I wonder if you could have changed the order of the scenes a little. We didn't need to know about the TB any earlier...maybe not start with the battlefield? Maybe start with the dead nurse? I dunno.

Your portrayal of the interaction between the Doc and Al is totally IC (slash notwithstanding). You really got ahold of their crotchety relationship. The only thing I wonder: is the Doc really as kind as you portray him? I'd like to think so.

Some excellent writing, and an interesting twist. Well done!