Sentinel fic - A Tale of Two Sentinels, part 1

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Notes: This is a gift-fic, requested by Nancy. She asked for a Sentinel/Pirates of the Caribbean crossover (like THAT'S easy!), with Jack as a Sentinel and Commodore Norrington as his non-too-impressed Guide. Well, this is the end result. Nancy, I hope you like it. :oD

I am positive that Susan's wonderful Sentinel Pirates crossover had an influence on this story - it definitely showed me (in times of despair) that it is possible to reconcile two very different universes.

If you're looking for a story that features Elizabeth, Will, Barbossa or the monkey, please look elsewhere. In this story, Jack is Captain of the Black Pearl, Elizabeth appears as a minor character, Barbossa and his monkey do not appear at all (hopefully Barbossa's visiting a good dentist), and Will gets to stand on the street and smile. Once. Sorry, Will!

Thanks: My thanks go to Susan and Eileen for allowing me to post my AU stories on their site, Nancy for the constant encouragement (harassment), and Georgie for taking the time and trouble to beta my story, replace my mislaid commas and generally point out when I was writing total gibberish. Thanks, guys!

~~~

A Tale of Two Sentinels
by Arnie

Blair Sandburg lifted his face to the breeze as the ship he was on neared Port Royal. It was sheer luck that had led to him being on the boat on his way to the thriving colony. He was, by heart, a scholar, but studying, while fascinating, did not pay well; it was only rich men's sons who could afford to study. He was neither a rich man's son nor any man's son, and he therefore had his own way to make in the world.

However, he was a writer. And, fortunately for him, a friend of his, John Walter, was editor of the recently founded English newspaper, The Times. Determined to make his newspaper the envy of the civilised world, John had contacted Blair and asked him to travel to Port Royal and write an article on the men who had turned the port from being a den of pirates into being the envy of the Caribbean. Naturally, all of his travelling expenses had already been covered and Blair had received a handsome advance on his writer's fee.

He smiled. John had made it sound as though Blair was doing him a favour but he knew that it was the other way around. Although he'd had a few articles published before, he could not flatter himself into believing that he was such a sought after writer that newspapers were lining up to ask him to write for them. No, John had offered this temporary position to an old friend who was sorely in need of funds, although the fact that Blair had never yet let him down was undoubtedly enough to ensure that the favour was offered in the first place.

And now, Blair was about to arrive at his destination. In his pocket he carried letters of introduction to the Governor of Port Royal, and he had hopes that Governor Swann would introduce him to the high ranking officers who ran the garrison stationed here.

Once off the ship, he left his bags at a respectable looking inn and hired a hackney carriage to carry him to the Governor's mansion. The Times' writers must arrive in style, John had insisted, although he added that it would be well not to give too much of a tip to the driver.

Peering through the window, Blair gasped when he saw the governor's mansion. It was easily the most impressive building in Port Royal, although it was situated a few miles from the fortified town itself.

Once out of the carriage, and unhappily watching as it returned to Port Royal without him, he took a deep breath and approached the front door. He'd never been good at facing butlers in impressive mansions - although he hadn't had to face that many before. Adjusting the modest ruffles at his throat and wrists, he knocked at the door and assumed the air of a writer for a reputable paper. Even if he himself would not be welcome, his letters of introduction should ensure his entrance.

He stiffened his backbone as a most impressive butler, obviously chosen to go with the building, opened the door.

"May I help you, sir?" The raised eyebrow and accent on the 'sir' would have betrayed a well-restrained sneer even if Blair hadn't been able to discern it.

"My name is Blair Sandburg. I believe that Governor Swann is expecting me."

The sneer disappeared. "Ah, yes, sir. If you will follow me, I will inform his Governorship of your arrival."

Blair was unsure whether or not to thank the man but he did anyway. Civility cost nothing and it always paid to have the servants on your side or, if you couldn't manage that, to at least avoid antagonising them.

"Ah! Mr. Sandburg!" The governor surged towards him with all the friendliness of a puppy. "Mr. Walter said that you'd be arriving today and he was right! Excellent man!" There was a pause as the governor shook his hand enthusiastically.

"How do you do, Governor Swann?" Blair flexed his hand unobtrusively as he tried to get some feeling back into it.

"Capital, man, capital! Where are your bags? Has Sutton taken them up to the blue room already?"

"I left them at the King's Arms. I assumed -"

"Nonsense! Of course, you'll stay here. Sutton!" The governor rushed to the door. "Send the carriage to the King's Arms and collect Mr. Sandburg's bags."

"Very good, sir."

"I - I really don't want to put you out -"

"It's no trouble at all! We have plenty of rooms! Now," he wrung his hands happily, "where would you like to start?"

By the time Sutton returned to remind the governor and his guest that it was time to dress for dinner, an almost breathless Blair had heard all about the governor's early life and military career before being given the charge of Port Royal. He'd thought that he could talk non-stop but the governor had him beat! Any comment sent the governor careering off along a diversion that was as entertaining as it was interesting.

Dinner passed in a blur of several courses, different wines and an array of cutlery that made Blair watch his host carefully in order to figure out which piece of silverware was the correct one to use. And the whole meal was accompanied by a non-stop biography of the governor's life thus far. The governor's daughter, a very lovely Miss Elizabeth Swann, seemed used to her father's monologues and only interrupted to draw him back on course when he threatened to sink into a whirlpool of diversions that had no end.

After her third such intervention, Blair bit his lip and gazed sternly into his dessert. He would not laugh. To do so would be to insult his host and Blair liked the man too much to do that even if convention had not forbade it.

"I'm rambling again!"

He looked up into the smiling face of his host.

"Do forgive me, dear boy. I have a terrible habit of running on."

"Not at all, sir. It was most entertaining," Blair assured him sincerely.

"You're being polite! My feelings won't be hurt, I assure you. Elizabeth has told me time and again that I talk too much!"

"As it's a fault that I share, sir, I assure you, I do not object to your talking. In any case, as I am here to write about you, your men and Port Royal itself, it would be most unfortunate for me if you did not talk!"

"Ah! There, you see, Elizabeth? Sometimes talking is to be encouraged!" He nodded at his smiling daughter then turned back. "Have I missed anything? Do you have any questions left to ask?"

Blair laughed. "I do not think so, sir, you were most comprehensive. I would like to take some time after dinner, if I may, to make notes of what you have told me so far."

"Of course, of course! Take all the time you need! Tomorrow, we'll be meeting Commodore Norrington..."

He threw a glance at his daughter as he said this and Blair's interest was piqued. Obviously the governor wasn't above a spot of matchmaking.

"...who is in charge of the Navy here. The day after will be spent with the members of the Watch. Admirable men! They keep order here in Port Royal, you know." He shook his head. "If it weren't for them, we'd be overrun by pirates. Port Royal used to be as bad as Tortuga but now, well, it's so respectable that ladies can walk about without armed guards!"

"I have heard that pirates were very active in this area," Blair admitted.

"Active! That's one way to describe it! Port Royal was infested with them, positively infested. However, thanks to the Watch they're all but gone now. Naturally, we still catch them now and again, but most pirates know to avoid Port Royal unless they want to do the hangman's dance!"

~'~

Like most days in Port Royal, the next day was bright and sunny as Blair and the governor went to the fortified castle that dominated the port. Miss Swann accompanied them, although Blair could tell she was more interested in the local blacksmith's shop than she was in Commodore Norrington. The commodore, however, was very interested in Miss Swann and Blair was positive that Norrington would have preferred it if he, Blair, had taken a walk with the governor, instead of Miss Swann being escorted down to the town.

Once the pair had disappeared out of sight, the commodore's gaze turned back to Blair and he found himself being looked up and down.

There was a second's pause as each of them recognised the empathic ability hidden within the other, then Blair exclaimed, "You're a Guide!"

One eyebrow was raised. "As are you, Mr. Sandburg."

Blair nodded, then began, "Are you -" He broke off. Guide etiquette insisted that he did not demand information of another Guide about the state of his or her bond.

"Bonded?" Norrington continued. "No, I am not." He raised an eyebrow again, the question obvious.

Blair shook his head. He did not intend to bond with anyone, although he had no intention of divulging that to the commodore. Military Sentinels and Guides tended to take a dim view of those who did not intend to 'do their duty' and bond when a suitable partner appeared. "Do you...intend to bond?" he asked, as delicately as possible.

"Naturally, when my Sentinel appears, I will bond with him. Of course, there are a few provisos."

"Provisos...." Blair repeated blankly. The commodore had a list of conditions his Sentinel had to fulfil?

"It would be most awkward if my Sentinel were to be an ordinary sailor. I am, after all, an officer."

"Of course!" Blair understood now; social niceties must be observed at all times. As the Sentinel would nominally be in charge of the partnership, you couldn't have a Guide who insisted on being saluted every five minutes.

"However, I would not object if my Sentinel were to be, say, a respectable member of the town."

Blair nodded. He could not see such a rigidly correct officer as Commodore Norrington deigning to bond with anyone but a respectable person, and he would obviously prefer an officer to a civilian.

"My intended Sentinel, however, is neither here nor there. You have some questions to ask of me, I believe."

"Yes." Blair dismissed his thoughts of Sentinels and Guides and dragged his mind back to the interview he had planned. "I'd like to get some background information, if I may, before we move onto your early career."

The commodore nodded and settled back in his chair, a resigned look on his face.

Blair smiled, feeling nervous, and began to ask questions. Hopefully, the members of the Watch would be more like the governor when it came to interviewing them.

~'~

By the time Governor Swann and his daughter had returned to take tea with Commodore Norrington, Blair felt as though he'd been put through a wringer. Every piece of information had had to be extracted with numerous questions. Blair sincerely pitied anyone who attempted to interrogate that military officer; he was naturally close-mouthed.

Even with the lovely Miss Swann, there was an economy of words. Blair was more than happy to sit back and allow the governor to dominate the conversation, while he watched the subtle courtship being enacted before him, and picked up more about the commodore's character than his brief responses to Blair's questions could possibly portray. Although Norrington would have died rather than admit it, Blair could tell that he was in love with Miss Swann, although her affection for him seemed to spring from having known him for so long instead of a genuine love of his character. In spite of his taciturn nature, Blair had a liking for the steadfast officer and hoped that he was not headed for a disappointment in that area.

It was obvious that the governor was very much in favour of a match between his only child and one of the youngest commodores alive. Few men had reached the heady heights of that rank at such an early age and the governor seemed disinclined to let such a prize slip through his daughter's fingers.

All too soon, duty called the commodore away and the party were left to return to the Governor's mansion. Miss Swann had an air of relief that was obvious to Blair, although he was positive the garrulous governor had no idea of it.

As the carriage made its way through the town once more, Miss Swann leaned forward, a blinding smile on her face. Hurriedly glancing over, Blair caught sight of a young dark-haired man with a similar smile on his face and knew that the commodore was indeed headed for a broken heart.

~'~

The conversation that evening veered from Commodore Norrington and his glittering prospects to the officers who headed the Watch under Governor Swann's command. The governor admitted freely that he left all aspects of the Watch to their admirable Captain, a man called Simon Banks who was, to Blair's surprise, a black man.

"He was a slave?!"

"No, no, dear boy! Captain Banks has never been a slave. His father was, I believe, an emancipated slave but Captain Banks was born a free man. He's the first black man to be a captain, you know. Admirable man! No pirate would dare stand against him. The Watch is safe in his hands, I assure you! In fact," the governor leaned across the table and spoke confidentially, "it's said that he and Captain Ellison were the ones who captured the dread Pirate Roberts!"

Blair's fork hit his plate with a clatter. Everyone had heard of the dread Pirate Roberts whose exploits had left many a seafarer trembling with fear that they might run into the fearsome pirate who never left captives alive. His capture and death had relieved not only the law-abiding communities he had terrorised, but also his rival pirates who had lost many a ship to that pirate. The dread Pirate Roberts was not a man who believed in the accord. It was rumoured that the first attempt to parley with him had left the attempted parleyer fit only for a lunatic asylum. After that, no pirate was willing to attempt parley in case it was true.

"Now you see why Port Royal is such a safe place to be!" the governor told him. "Captain Ellison, too, is a fine man. His father is, I believe, a lord, although Captain Ellison has never boasted of his connections. Very modest man - he was a very good soldier, as was Captain Banks!" He nodded and smiled. "We're lucky to have them heading the Watch."

Blair blinked down at his plate. Port Royal was certainly unusual, he'd admit that.

~'~

"Now then, dear boy, this is Captain Banks, and this is Captain Ellison."

Blair shook hands with the tall black man who was looming over him. He could see why pirates tended to give Port Royal a wide berth; if he'd had a guilty conscience, he would have done the same thing rather than run the risk of offending the overly tall Captain Simon Banks. Turning, he went to offer his hand to the other captain, who was only a couple of inches shorter than his companion, but stopped. Captain Ellison's eyes were fixed on him in a narrow glare, and his nostrils were flared as if he was scenting the air. And...was the man growling at him?

His heart leapt into his throat as his mind caught up with events. Sentinel!

As Ellison moved forward, he reared back and retreated to behind one of Governor Swann's elegant chaise-longues.

"Guide!"

"No!"

"Is there something wrong?" Typically, the governor seemed to be the only one present who hadn't realised just what was going on.

"Bond, Guide!"

"Look, you don't want me!"

"Oh my goodness," the governor had caught up at last, "is Mr. Sandburg a Guide? How exciting!"

"We'd be better off staying out of their way." At least Captain Banks seemed to realise that this was neither the time nor the place for Governor Swann's enthusiasm - although Blair would have appreciated some help in dealing with the feral Sentinel.

As Captain Ellison moved forward, Blair backed off yet again, trying to keep away from the walls. The Sentinel would try to trap him.

"I'm not the right Guide for you - really! The Guide you want is Commodore Norrington!" He heard an exclamation from the governor as that piece of news sank in. Obviously Norrington hadn't exactly spread it around that he was a Guide. "He's from a good family - so are you! He's in the Navy, you were in the military. I'm telling you, you have so much in common, you're perfect for each other."

The Sentinel wasn't talking as he moved forward, angling his approach in an obvious attempt to back his chosen Guide into a corner.

"You're both based in Port Royal as well. What a coincidence!" Blair was seriously beginning to panic now as nothing seemed to be putting the Sentinel off. "You really don't want me. I rarely stay in one place longer than a month. And I have no idea who my father is!" He could hear the governor tut tutting in the background at this scandalous revelation but the Sentinel didn't even blink.

Finally, he was backed up to a large table which had a vase of flowers on it. Desperate, and not really caring that the vase looked valuable, he grabbed it and hurled it at the Sentinel.

The governor made a horrified noise then visibly relaxed as Captain Ellison caught the vase safely. There was a second's pause as Blair almost gave up hope, then the Sentinel began to sneeze.

Taking his chance, he fled. From the sound of smashing china and the cries of distress from Governor Swann, he guessed that the Sentinel had dropped the vase after all, but then he was out of the front door and running for his life.

~'~

By the time he reached Port Royal, Blair looked dishevelled and windblown. Unable to stop and catch his breath, he had run all the way, although he was careful to keep off the main road in case the Sentinel had recovered and was trying to hunt him down. As the two captains would have visited the governor on horseback or by carriage, Blair was definitely at a disadvantage as he was on foot.

As he approached the harbour, he turned several plans over in his mind. His first objective, he decided, was to find a ship that was leaving soon and buy passage away from Port Royal. Hopefully, he would have time to return to the governor's mansion to collect his things, however, as he had all of his money safely on his person, he was prepared to do without them and simply buy what he would need for the journey home. He hoped that John would not be too angry at him for abandoning his report partway through. He had enough notes to write up the majority of the article he had planned, although the view of the Watchmen would, naturally, be missing.

Putting it from his mind, he concentrated on finding a ship that was preparing to set sail with the evening tide. Suddenly, he froze, then hurriedly ducked behind a nearby group of people. The large figure of Captain Simon Banks, unmistakable even at this distance, was on the pier - accompanied by a group of men whom Blair could only assume to be the Watch.

As he lurked and observed, he noticed the men taking up positions along the pier, almost as if to ensure that a wanted felon, or Guide, would not escape. He cursed fluently in Spanish. Obviously Captain Banks was willing to aid his friend in finding his chosen Guide, regardless of the chosen Guide's views on the matter.

Easing back, he did his best to keep out of sight as he left the pier. A straightforward escape was now out of the question.

~'~

James Norrington was surprised when Mr. Sandburg arrived back at the fort; he had assumed that the writer had asked all the questions he had needed to. "Mr. Sandburg, to what do I owe the pleasure?" He frowned as he looked the younger man up and down. Mr. Sandburg looked as though he'd run all the way from the governor's mansion and desperation was leaking from his very pores.

"You have to help me!"

One entreating hand was laid on his sleeve and James looked at it before looking back at the anxious face. "I am an officer of the King's Navy; naturally, I will do what I can to assist you."

"You know Captain Ellison...of the Watch...?"

"I haven't met him myself but I know that he's a good Watchman. He and Captain Banks were both in the military, you know."

"Yes, I do know. Well...he's a Sentinel."

"I see." James didn't really see why one Guide was telling another Guide that someone was a Sentinel, but he was prepared to listen.

"He...tried to bond with me." Mr. Sandburg's face flushed.

James was surprised. "He failed?!"

"Not quite. He...I...."

"You ran away."

"Well...yes."

James was sure that he knew what the difficulty was now. "I'm certain that Captain Ellison will understand how nervous you were, and that he'll be willing to give you another opportunity. Perhaps I could explain it to him for you? If you feel unable to explain it yourself, that is."

From the look on Mr. Sandburg's face, James was beginning to think that he didn't know what the difficulty was, after all.

"I don't want to bond with him," the Guide whispered, his face reddening even more.

"What?!" James was shocked, then hurriedly moderated his tone. He did not want to draw attention to this disgraceful state of affairs. "I mean...what?"

"I don't want to bond with him!"

"Captain Ellison is a fine man and, I am sure, a fine Sentinel. Why don't you want to bond with him?"

"I just don't!"

"Mr. Sandburg, it is the duty of every Guide to bond with their Sentinel. If Captain Ellison has chosen you, you should be honoured," James stated repressively.

"Well, I don't want to be honoured! Look," the hand was back on his arm and this time James frowned as he picked up far more emotion than he had the first time around, "I don't want to bond with anyone."

"It appears that you have little choice." He shook the hand from his arm. "I suggest that you return to Captain Ellison, admit to being a little...hysterical..."

"I'm not hysterical!"

"...and ask him to forgive you."

Indignation filled the blue eyes facing him. "Forgive me? Forgive me?! I'm not the one who was growling! I'm not the one who attempted to leap on a Guide and drag him into a bond! He has nothing to forgive me for!"

"I think you will find that he may take a different view of that!" Suddenly noticing that Lieutenant Gillette was standing at his elbow, James turned, his tone far less calm than he would have liked, "What is it?"

"Excuse me, Commodore, but Mullroy and Cotton apprehended a civilian attempting to board the Interceptor."

"Attempting to b-" James' jaw dropped. "What civilian?"

The lieutenant turned and indicated a group of three men standing not far away, the one in the centre apparently extremely reluctant to enter the fort. "That civilian, sir."

"Hmmm." James frowned. "Looks like a pirate to me." Turning back to the other Guide, he ordered, "Wait here." Matters of piracy took precedence over reluctant Guides. Approaching the three, James was conscious of a pride in his job. Ridding the world of pirates was an honourable profession that he was happy to undertake. Annoyingly, Mr. Sandburg was close behind him, but James put that to the back of his mind; he would deal with his fellow Guide later. "Well, well, so you were attempting to board a ship, Mr...."

The dark-haired man didn't answer, but his dark eyes narrowed as he returned James' stare and his nostrils flared. Tension seemed to drain from the lithe body as a flashy gold grin spread across the face. "Sentinel Sparrow, at your service, mate. Or should I say, Guide."

James stiffened, resolutely ignoring anything but the man's name. He held out his hand as if to shake hands with the other man. "How do you do, Mr. Sparrow?"

There was a delicate hesitation, then one hand firmly gripped his. "Sentinel. Or Captain, if you prefer."

The Guide ignored the tingles of sensation that warned him that this was a Sentinel, and instead forced up the man's sleeve revealing a branded 'P'. "I see you've already had a run in with the East India Trading Company."

"Some time ago, Guide. Nothin' that need worry you, savvy?"

James frowned. The damned...pirate was scenting him again and he could feel a pressure on his mental barriers that wasn't there before. "That's Commodore Norrington to you, Sparrow."

"Commodore, that's such a harsh Christian name. Didn't your parents like you?"

"His first name's James," Mr. Sandburg chipped in, altogether too cheerfully for James' taste.

"James! Good strong name is James. I think I'll call you..." his eyes wandered up and down briefly, "Jamie, though."

James thought that Lieutenant Gillette was going to have a stroke. "That's Commodore Norrington to you, pirate!"

"I'll call my Guide what I please, mate," the pirate snapped in return. "And Jamie is what pleases me."

Four people choked loudly as Sparrow and Mr. Sandburg positively smirked at each other.

"I am not your Guide!" James was determined to take back control of this absurd situation.

"Not yet, mate, but you will be!" That damnable pirate winked.

"I hardly think so, Mr. Sparrow."

"Captain, Captain Sparrow!"

Ignoring that, James forged on, "After all, you'll be meeting the hangman tomorrow morning."

Sparrow did not seem in the slightest bit worried about that pronouncement. "You won't be 'angin' me once we're bonded, Jamie!"

"I think you'll find it difficult to bond with anyone from a prison cell, Mr. Sparrow."

"You don't know what I can do from a prison cell, Jamie. Very versatile, I am."

James lost his temper. "Take him away and lock him up!"

"Don't worry, Jamie. I'll be back soon." The pirate continued to call reassurances as he was dragged away, leaving the two Guides alone.

"And as for you -"

Mr. Sandburg interrupted him with a wicked gleam in his eye, "Commodore, it is the duty of every Guide to bond with their Sentinel. If Captain Sparrow has chosen you, you should be honoured."

"Honoured?!" James couldn't remember when he was last so angry. "Honoured in bonding to a pirate?"

"Well, I know he's not a respectable member of the town but he is an officer...of sorts."

"He's a pirate!"

"And a Captain!"

"Mr. Sandburg," James drew himself up to his full height and glared down at the shorter man. "I am aware of your reluctance to bond with Captain Ellison but to compare my situation to yours is absurd!" He raised as hand as Mr. Sandburg attempted to speak. "I do not know what purpose you had in coming to see me, but if you believed I would aid you in your foolish attempt to escape your duty in bonding to an honourable man, you were mistaken!"

There was silence for a few seconds, then, "Yes...I can see that I was." His voice was softer, sorrowful rather than the teasing tone of a few seconds before. "I'm sorry to have troubled you, Commodore."

The sincerity deflated James' anger somewhat and he grasped the other Guide's arm as he made to move away. "Mr. Sandburg...Captain Ellison is a good man. I am sure he will take good care of you."

"Commodore, I don't want anyone to take care of me. I'm quite capable of taking care of myself." The blue eyes stared at the ground. "And if Port Royal weren't a port, I wouldn't be asking for your help now."

James believed him. Port Royal's main access was by boat. The rugged terrain behind the town made travelling in that direction difficult for a native and downright impossible for anyone not well acquainted with the area. He sighed and said, much against his better judgement, "I will go and see Captain Ellison - attempt to intercede with him on your behalf. That's all I can do!"

He got a beaming smile in return. "That's all I ask!"

"You'd better avoid the fort today as he'll know that I've seen you. Come back at sunset."

"Thank you, Commodore."

"Don't thank me yet!" As he left, James was conscious of a sense of irony. While bonding to a Watchman was not ideal, it was certainly far better than bonding to a pirate - especially one who would be hanged in the morning. He sighed and shook his head as he made his way to the port. He should have stuck to his first answer and told Mr. Sandburg to do his duty instead of answering the desperate appeal exuded by the other Guide and agreeing to talk to a determined Sentinel.

~'~

Captain James Ellison finally arrived at the pier. After catching a vaseful of flowers thrown at him by his prospective Guide, he'd spent a good fifteen minutes sneezing and a further five minutes apologising to the governor of Port Royal over the loss of his Ming vase. Fortunately for him, his friend and colleague, Captain Simon Banks - his superior in the Watch despite their equality in rank - had agreed to head straight for the pier and make sure that a certain Guide was not allowed to board any ship.

Jim was certain that Sandburg would have made his way directly to the pier in an attempt to escape but, as Simon had been on horseback and Sandburg had fled on foot, he was positive that his Guide had not had a chance to escape by boat before the Watch reached the pier. Therefore Sandburg was still in Port Royal. Somewhere.

He noticed Commodore Norrington's approach but paid no heed to him until the commodore enquired for him by name.

"Commodore Norr-" He broke off. A recently learned but bone-achingly familiar scent reached him. Norrington had been with his Guide! He grabbed Norrington's arm and held on firmly. "Where's Sandburg?"

"That is what I came to speak to you about, Captain. If we could talk in private?"

Refusing to let go of his only lead to his Guide, Jim towed the commodore along to a quiet corner of the port. "Where is he?" Inhaling, the Sentinel realised two things. Norrington was also a Guide, and this Guide was nervous.

There was a few seconds' pause as Norrington appeared to debate how to begin then, "Are you aware that Mr. Sandburg is...unwilling to bond with you?"

He tightened his grip on the arm he held. "That's none of your business, Guide. Where is he?"

The eyes met his, holding his gaze firmly. "At the moment? I have no idea."

"But you know where he will be at some point," Jim replied, certain it was true.

The gaze dropped.

"When and where?" When the Guide in front of him remained silent, Jim leaned in slightly and inhaled sharply. There was a faint tang to the Guide's scent that confirmed the uneasy feeling he'd had for the past couple of hours. "And where is your Sentinel?"

Norrington looked up, startled. "I'm not bonded!" He took a breath, then continued, "Captain Ellison, you are looking for a Guide. I am...."

He paused and Jim crossed his arms and leaned back against the wall. Was he about to be propositioned by a Guide? With an effort, he kept his smile off his face. "You were saying?"

The man flushed, and Jim bit his lip. Whoever this other Sentinel was, he had this Guide panicked if the Guide was willing to approach another Sentinel in an effort to escape him.

"You are based in Port Royal, as am I. We are both used to a military life. A...bond between us would make sense."

A bond of convenience, there was an unusual idea. Regardless of how comical he found the situation, Jim kept his voice gentle. "It would indeed, however, I have already met my Guide and I can choose no other."

"I see." The head was held high with pride. "Thank you for your time, Captain Ellison. I am sorry to have disturbed you."

"Not so fast." Jim grabbed his arm once more and brought the Guide to a standstill. "There's still the matter of my Guide and his whereabouts."

The startled gaze met his. "I do not know where Mr. Sandburg is."

"But you know where he will be at some point. Is he with the other Sentinel?"

"No."

Jim's voice tightened as his anger and fear surged at the very thought, "Will this Sentinel attempt to hunt him?"

The Guide shook his head, the embarrassed flush deepening. "No!"

The Sentinel relaxed. Whoever this strange Sentinel was, he must have chosen Commodore Norrington to be his Guide.

He relaxed even more as Norrington added, "The Sentinel in question is in a prison cell and will be hanged in the morning."

That explained everything! A rigidly correct officer like Norrington would find it hard being bonded to a Sentinel with criminal tendencies. "I see. However, that still leaves us with one problem." He waited until Norrington's gaze met his. "You know where my Guide will be at some point."

"Captain -"

"Therefore, I see nothing for it but for us to stay together until I find him."

"I'm afraid such a thing is impossible, Captain Ellison," Norrington replied, admirably firmly. "I have my duties at the fort to consider."

Despite the fact that Commodore Norrington was only an inch shorter than himself, Jim invaded the Guide's personal space intimidatingly, forcing him to step back, his head and gaze dropping submissively. "Your duties at the fort will have to wait, Guide, until my Guide is found. Of course, the sooner that is, the sooner you may return to the fort alone." He waited for a few seconds until it became clear that Norrington would not give up Sandburg's whereabouts. "Very well. We are helping to search the town."

A muscle flexed in the Guide's jaw but he remained stubbornly silent.

"After you, Commodore."

~'~

This was getting ridiculous, Blair decided as he ducked, yet again, into a small alleyway. The Watch were not only guarding the pier, they were also searching the town, and he had a strong suspicion he knew who they were searching for: one Guide by the name of Blair Sandburg!

Glancing around, he made sure that there were no Watchmen in view as left the alleyway. If he could just find somewhere to hide out of sight until sundown, he'd be fine. Once it was dark, he could make his way back to the fort to see Commodore Norrington and, hopefully, persuade him to help him get on board a ship in order to escape from Port Royal.

If Lady Luck were smiling upon him, or upon Norrington, then Captain Ellison might, just might, be persuaded to bond with the Guide in front of him, instead of chasing a reluctant Guide around the town. That would solve all of their problems. Captain Ellison would have a Guide; Commodore Norrington would have a respectable Sentinel who was also an officer, or ex-military officer anyway, and he, Blair Sandburg, would be free to leave Port Royal after completing the story he was writing about it. Of course, Captain Sparrow would not be happy but, as he'd be dead in the morning, his happiness didn't really come into it. It was a pity. Blair had liked what he'd seen of the pirate and he suspected that Captain Sparrow would have been rather good for the uptight Naval officer he'd chosen as a Guide.

Shaking the regrets from him, he ducked down another alleyway. If he kept this up, he'd be well qualified to write about the alleyways of Port Royal instead of the Watchmen!

Blair stopped at the other end of the alleyway and looked around carefully. If he could make his way to the edge of town then he could go back to the governor's mansion and collect his things. Fortunately for him, he always travelled light. And it was possible that the search was being concentrated on the town - surely no one would expect him to return to the mansion?

His thoughts were interrupted suddenly at the sight of one Sentinel and Guide. Captain Ellison had a tight grip upon the arm of a poker-faced Commodore Norrington and that told Blair all he needed to know. They hadn't bonded. If they had then the Sentinel would not need to keep such a tight hold on his Guide. And the only reason that Blair could think of for the Sentinel to be escorting Norrington around the town, was that the Sentinel realised that the two Guides were planning on meeting up again. 'Damn and blast!'

He withdrew into his alleyway and chose a different route to the edge of the town. Keeping out of sight until nightfall was even more of a necessity now.

~'~

Commodore Norrington would not normally have noticed the sunset. Naturally, any vagabonds and thieves in the town became more active after dark but, aside from that, he had never really paid much attention to the setting of the sun. Tonight, however, was different.

He had failed in his attempt to dissuade Captain Ellison from pursuing Mr. Sandburg and, at sunset, the aforementioned Guide was due to return to the fort. As he was unable to stir a foot without Captain Ellison by his side, that meant that when Mr. Sandburg returned, he would be caught. James Norrington could only feel that he had failed in his mission...and he did not like that feeling.

Therefore, when sunset came and went with no sign of any Guide apart from himself, he was almost overcome with relief. Not that he showed it, of course. However, Sentinel abilities don't need a visual display in order for them to pick up on something, (which is why you should never play cards with a Sentinel).

"He was due back at sundown, wasn't he?"

James turned to look the Sentinel in the eye. "Obviously he saw us together and realised that to return would be dangerous."

"He has nowhere else to go, no one else he can turn to for help. He has to come back to you."

His gaze dropped as shame filled him. James knew that he had hardly been welcoming when Mr. Sandburg had turned to him for help, and hearing his stark situation put into words so bluntly brought that home to him. However, that would help neither of them at the moment. "He'd be a fool to come back here," he insisted.

"He's desperate. My men are watching the pier, there is nowhere else for him to go. He'll return."

~'~

Jim realised that he was attempting to reassure himself with that statement. He was not positive that Blair Sandburg would return, but he hoped that he would. Port Royal, while far from the den of iniquity it had been, was not a safe place to wander during the dark hours of the night. Dark creatures with black motives stalked the innocents abroad during those hours, and the thought of his Guide being attacked was a real enough fear to turn his stomach.

Surely Sandburg would return rather than risk being murdered? Surely, his reluctance to bond was not so great as to force him to spend a night hiding in an alleyway, prey to every thief or robber who passed his way?

He made a decision and stood. He could not risk his Guide's life for the sake of the bond. If his Guide were waiting for him to leave, then leave he would, and hope that he could catch his Guide before that individual fled from Port Royal.

~'~

Blair watched the main gate of the fort. He had seen, from as far a distance as he could, Captain Ellison escort Commodore Norrington into the fort but he had not seen the Sentinel leave. He sighed and leaned his head against the stone wall behind him. The commodore was the only one he could turn to, for he doubted if the governor would help him now, but with the Sentinel on guard, he could not approach without being captured.

However, lurking in alleyways after the sun had set was an open invitation to be mugged or murdered, therefore a decision had to be made, and quickly. He could attempt to spend the night in the alleyway and hope that the nearness of the fort would afford him some protection, he could go into the fort and be caught and bonded, or he could retire to an inn and hope that the Watch had not placed men in every inn in town.

He had finally decided upon the third course of action when the gate opened and Captain Ellison strode out. Feeling as though his insides had melted with the relief, he watched the tall, imposing figure walk away and waited until there was no risk of the Sentinel hearing him. As soon as the coast was clear, he ran from his dark alleyway to the safety of the fort and banged upon the gate for admission.

The gate opened and one of the first faces he saw was that of Commodore Norrington.

"Let him in!"

He grabbed at Norrington's arm, almost frantic in his relief. "I was surprised to see Captain Ellison leave! I was convinced he would stay until morning!"

"Wait! Not here." Glancing back he ordered, "Lock the gate!" before escorting Blair inside.

Once in the commodore's office, Blair dropped his bag, sank into the seat offered him and accepted the brandy he was given. "Why did he leave?"

"He believed that you would spend the night outside rather than approach the fort while he was here. He could not stay and put you in danger."

Blair felt his face redden.

"He is an honourable man, Mr. Sandburg. I urge you to reconsider your position on bonding with him."

He put the glass down and stood to pace over to the window. "I never thought he'd - I thought..." He sighed and rubbed his hands over his face. "What am I going to do?"

"Bond with him. He put your safety above his own needs and wants. You cannot ask for more."

"He's a Sentinel, that's what they do! It's...instinct - inbred!" Blair knew that he was arguing with his own conscience as well as the commodore. Yes, Captain Ellison was an honourable man and would undoubtedly treat him well as his Guide but was that enough to make him give up his own dreams?

"Regardless, he did leave this fort in order to enable you to seek safety here."

Blair turned...to argue, to capitulate, to plead with the universe to not put him in this position, he was never sure what he intended to say. His words were disrupted by the sound of cannon fire.

"What on Earth -"

Blair followed Norrington as he ran to the door and threw it open to practically collide with Lieutenant Gillette on the step.

"Sir! Pirates are attacking the town!"

The fort was thrown into chaos with soldiers running through the gate in order to protect Port Royal. Blair ran after Norrington.

"You're a civilian - stay here!" The order was curt.

"I can fight!"

"I don't have time for this!" Norrington attempted to brush past Blair, a pistol in his belt and a sword in his hand, but Blair stopped him.

"You need all the men you can get!"

For a second they stared at each other then, "Give him a sword and a pistol." To Blair, "You get injured and Ellison will have my head!"

Blair took the pistol and shoved it into his belt. "A win-win situation then!" he grinned.

~'~

Outside, it was even more chaotic as soldiers, the Watch and civilians all fought in an attempt to drive back the pirates who were attacking them.

Soon, the area around the fort was clear, although that was mainly due to the amount of soldiers who had come pouring out of the fort.

"Do we know who they are?!" James shouted as he headed towards the sounds of the battle, one hand holding Mr. Sandburg's shoulder firmly in order to make sure that he didn't lose the civilian in the middle of the fight.

Lieutenant Gillette shook his head, a dazed look in his eyes as blood trickled down the side of his face. "From all accounts, they're retreating to the port, sir."

The commodore let go of his civilian and grabbed for his lieutenant's chin. "Go and see the doctor. Get patched up."

"I'm fine, sir!"

"Go back to the fort - that's an order!" For a second he thought that the lieutenant would disobey him but then he got a nod in return and the officer retreated. James watched to make sure that Gillette reached safety, although he doubted that there were any pirates near the fort now, and absently grabbed for Mr. Sandburg's shoulder again.

"I'm not going anywhere, you know."

His attention brought back to his present surroundings, James smiled grimly. "I have no intention of facing Captain Ellison alone and attempting to explain that I lost you on the way. Come on, it sounds as if they're on the run now."

They reached the port in time to join in the final push to rid themselves of their invaders. Two pirate ships could be seen at the pier, their black flags with the skull and crossbones flapping in the wind. A third ship could be seen at anchor a mile or so out, but she made no attempt to approach and was flying no flag at all, so James put it down to cautious civilians who were keeping their distance until the battle was over.

"Commodore!"

The cry of warning took him by surprise and he gasped with shock as a ball of fire seemed to engulf his shoulder. Looking down, he realised that he had been shot and staggered back to be caught by Mr. Sandburg.

A roar of fury dragged his fading attention back to the battle and he saw Captain Sparrow leap at the pirate who had shot him. "It's a delusion," he murmured.

"No delusion, he's out!"

"Fort. Back...fort."

The other Guide understood him and hurriedly helped him from the port. Although his men were there, they were engaged in fighting the enemy and James knew that Sparrow would have no difficulty in kidnapping him in the middle of the battle. His only chance for safety lay in getting back to the fort. Even Captain Jack Sparrow would think twice about storming a fort alone. He hoped.

~'~

Holding onto his companion firmly, Blair hoped that he'd be able to get them back to the fort without encountering any Sentinels at all. He still had not made up his mind what to do about Captain Ellison. Dismissing that Sentinel from his mind, he was determined to get the commodore to safety. Norrington had done his best to help Blair, and now it was Blair's turn to help Norrington.

He avoided the narrow alleyways as much as he could, preferring to stick to the empty moonlit streets, but they were only a short distance from the fort when he spotted a group of men in the distance. He knew that all the able-bodied honest men were at the port, so he suspected that these able-bodied men were not honest at all. Accordingly, he hurried down a nearby alleyway. They had not survived this far to be mugged and possibly murdered by a gang of opportunists.

Norrington offered no protest. Either he too had seen the men or he was too out of it to realise they had changed direction. Blair cursed himself for an empty headed fool. After infection, the main risk of being shot was blood loss. He propped the commodore up against the wall and thrust his hand inside his jacket. The blood he encountered was sticky. Sighing with relief, he realised that the bleeding had slowed and the wound was merely oozing blood; Norrington was lucky.

The brief pressure Blair had exerted on the wound had been enough to rouse the wounded man from his stupor. "What?"

"Just checking. I never thought of blood loss!"

"It's fine. The ball's still in there, so I'm only bleeding from one hole," he gasped.

"Oh. One hole. That's all right then." Blair slid his shoulder underneath Norrington's other arm. "Come on, we're almost there."

They had almost reached the end of the alleyway when a yowl rent the air and something ran up Blair's leg and leapt away, digging a thousand claws in as it went. He shrieked with the shock of it.

Norrington hissed with pain as Blair jerked to one side to escape the claws. "What are you doing? Sparrow is a Sentinel!"

Blair resisted the urge to grab at his perforated leg. "It wasn't my fault! I think I tripped over a demon."

"What would a demon be doing lurking in an alleyway?" The pain from his wound was evident in his voice and Blair hurriedly straightened up, giving the commodore more support.

"Waiting for me to trip over it, obviously! It must be in league with Sparrow!"

"Well, shhh...we don't want him hearing us."

Blair fell silent. He didn't want the Sentinel to find them either.

~'~

After disposing of the pirate who had shot Jamie, Jack swung around to look for his Guide but the spot were Jamie had been standing was empty. His eyes narrowed as he thought back. There had been another man standing with Jamie - another Guide; the one from the fort today. He fought his way past the last few desperate pirates until he reached where his Guide had been standing. Looking down, his sharp eyes spotted the drops of blood left behind when the two Guides had fled.

The hairs on the back of his neck pricked up and he spun to face the danger behind him. A Watchman was there! He sniffed. A Watchman...and a Sentinel.

For a few seconds the two Sentinels weighed each other up, ignoring the dying battle going on around them.

"The other one yours, is 'e?" Jack asked, a jerk of his head indicating the spot where the two Guides had last been seen.

The Sentinel nodded. "And Commodore Norrington is yours."

"That's right. Got a problem with that?" Jack watched carefully. If he had to fight this Sentinel for his Guide, he would.

There was a shake of the head. "As long as you leave my Guide alone, you can take yours and welcome to him."

Jack nodded. The Sentinel was telling the truth. "Let's go then."

~'~

As they followed the drops of blood away from the pier, Jim glanced at his temporary companion. He had not attempted to introduce himself and, if this was the Sentinel that Norrington had mentioned, he was supposed to be in jail. "I'm Jim Ellison, Captain Ellison, of the Watch."

The figure beside him tightened with tension. "Jack."

"Just Jack?"

"Just Jack, savvy?"

Jim nodded. He doubted if this Sentinel would remain in Port Royal once he had his Guide and that was fine with him. He did not know why the Sentinel was supposed to hang in the morning; he could not believe it was simply for being a Sentinel and wanting to bond with the commodore - Norrington had not struck him as being an unfair man. But, as long as Jack did not stop him from bonding with Sandburg, he was prepared to look the other way as the Sentinel collected his Guide. If Jack had been intending to hunt Sandburg, though, he would have handed him over to the nearest Watchman.

They passed a group of drunken men and Jim inhaled carefully, filtering out the smell of booze; he could not detect the scent of either Guide upon them. He heard Jack sniffing the men too and knew that he was searching for the same scents as he was. Fortunately for the men, they had either not encountered the Guides or they had given them a wide berth.

They were not far from the fort when the bloodstains veered off into an alleyway. Jack look puzzled for a second but his face cleared when Jim reminded him of the drunkards they had passed. Obviously Sandburg had taken care to avoid meeting them.

A shriek of pain caught both of their attentions and the two Sentinels sped into the alleyway. Jim recognised the voice of his Guide and relaxed slightly as he heard him bickering with Norrington. He couldn't be badly hurt if he was able to argue.

The scent of Norrington's blood reached them far more clearly now, and the two Sentinels quickened their steps. Jim thanked God that it wasn't his Guide who was bleeding, but he ran faster anyway. Jack would not be interested in getting to Sandburg, therefore his Guide might escape while Jack's was caught.

The sound of a scuffle greeted him as he rounded the corner two steps behind Jack.

~'~

Blair was horrified when his fellow Guide was firmly grabbed by his Sentinel.

"Easy there, Jamie, I've got you."

Norrington recovered from the shock quickly, although his voice sounded forced, "It's Commodore Norrington to you, and you can let go of me!"

Valiantly, Blair threw himself forward, intending to wrench the Sentinel away from his wounded companion. However, his best laid plan went astray when two strong arms encircled him mid-leap and yanked him back to rest against a taller, stronger body.

In the moonlight that was flooding the alleyway now, Blair saw the gold flash of a grin that the pirate Sentinel sent his way. "You've got your Guide, Ellison, I've got mine. I suggest we part company now."

"Agreed!"

The voice was terse and Blair could hear the Sentinel scenting him, snuffling at his hair.

"Let go!" Blair wriggled, but was dragged away in spite of his struggling.

The last he heard from his fellow Guide was a muffled curse that was half a cry of pain, followed by a soothing, "Now, now, Jamie, just relax. I'll get you back to the Black Pearl in no time."

Held securely by his own Sentinel, Blair had no chance to escape as he was taken back to the nearest inn. The fighting had long ceased in this quarter of town, and the inn was quiet and looked relatively undisturbed.

"A room!"

Blair's breath quickened as his panic grew. His struggles were getting him nowhere, and the leering look the landlord had sent him promised no help even though the landlord had quite the wrong idea.

"You can't do this! I won't - you can't!" Blair's earlier doubts were lost in his terror as he kicked at the stairs, pushing the man behind him back although the grip around his torso never loosened.

"Settle down, Guide."

Unsurprisingly, he refused and continued to keep them from the stairs, and the private rooms upstairs, by the use of his feet.

The Sentinel growled warningly in his ear, then suddenly released him. Before Blair could do anything with his brief freedom, he was spun on the spot and upended over the Sentinel's shoulder.

Half-dazed at his change in position, he grabbed at the back beneath his face, trying to ground himself somehow. He realised that his position had worsened, although he wouldn't have thought it could. Held over Ellison's shoulder, he was even more helpless than before, and they were going upstairs. Blair wriggled frantically from side to side, hoping to tip himself free in spite of the arm that was hugging his knees, but the Sentinel remained steady and they continued along the hall.

"I'm afraid the bridal suite is occupied...gentlemen, but I'm sure this room will be to your liking." The oily voice of the despicable landlord made Blair feel sick. The man believed that he was leaving him to be raped and wouldn't raise a hand to save him.

"This will suffice. Thank you." From the clipped tones of the Sentinel, he had no more liking for the landlord than the Guide had, although that was small comfort in his present circumstances.

"No!" Blair kicked and wriggled some more as he grabbed for the doorframe. This was not going to happen to him! His hands were wrenched free as the unstoppable force that was the Sentinel continued into the room then turned to slam and lock the door.

There was silence for a few seconds, then his world tipped again and he was flat on his back on the bed. Horrified, he rolled to one side, but the Sentinel was quicker than he was, and two long arms wrenched him back and pinned him to the unsanitary mattress.

Since he couldn't run, Blair went for his second line of defence and tried to talk his way out of it. "Look, this mattress is probably years old - who knows what it'll do to your senses!" He stared up into the Sentinel's face, half-fascinated by the feral look, and half-terrified as that feral look was aimed at him. "Feathers, bedbugs...you should complain!"

The face above him tightened as the Sentinel inhaled. The mouth opened too as his scent was tasted and Blair's fears grew. Forget fascination, all he was feeling now was panic.

His arms were pinned to the mattress so he bucked, trying to force the Sentinel away from him. "You're not going to do this!" Bucking again, he realised his mistake when his throat was exposed briefly, but that brief second was all it took.

He gasped at the bite to his neck, then moaned as endorphins rushed through his brain and the resistance left him, his mind melting into acceptance. Slowly, his eyes drifted shut as the sensations of bonding over-ruled everything. He tilted his head back into the still-unsanitary mattress and eagerly welcomed the mind that was flowing into his with a determination to possess, to own, that would have terrified him only a few short seconds ago.

~'~

James gasped with shock as a gold-toothed Sentinel loomed up out of the darkness of the alleyway and grabbed hold of him firmly.

"Easy there, Jamie, I've got you."

"It's Commodore Norrington to you, and you can let go of me!"

As he had expected, Sparrow ignored him, instead flashing a smile at Captain Ellison. "You've got your Guide, Ellison, I've got mine. I suggest we part company now."

"Agreed!"

"Let go!" Mr. Sandburg struggled but it was obvious to James that the Sentinel was far stronger, and the pair quickly disappeared out of sight.

Hoping that Sparrow was distracted by the other Sentinel, James attempted to wrench himself free, but only succeeded in causing a flash of pain to run through his shoulder.

"Now, now, Jamie, just relax. I'll get you back to the Black Pearl in no time."

James gritted his teeth against the pain and against the annoyance of having such a soothing tone used towards him. If only he hadn't been injured! However, he had and, in spite of his struggles, he was forced to submit to being helped along the alleyway by the Sentinel who was determined to claim him. "Where are you taking me?"

"Back to the Black Pearl, Jamie. Once I've got you tucked away, safe and sound, I'll fetch a doctor for you."

"The fort is closer." James didn't think that Sparrow would fall for it, but he had to try.

"They'd never let me in the gate...or rather, they'd never let me out again." Sparrow flashed a grin at him. "Your Sentinel's too wily a bird to fall for that one, mate, though I don't blame you for tryin'."

The pain was making him feel sick but he had to keep talking. Surely he could dissuade this pirate from such a foolish course of action. "A bond between us is impossible!"

"Nothin's impossible, Jamie, if you put your mind to it." There was a pause as the Sentinel inhaled then, "And your scent tells me our bond is very possible. So don't you worry about that, savvy?"

James tried once more to wrench himself free but Sparrow had taken his good arm and was holding it across his shoulders, another strong arm wrapped around his waist, making any struggle of his ineffective. Nevertheless, he continued to try, and gritted his teeth against the nausea that was rising in him. He swallowed and hoped that he wouldn't be sick - then hoped that he would if there was a chance it would put the Sentinel off!

As the lights of the pier came in view, James increased his struggling. They were not close enough for any cry for help to be heard, but surely, if he could break free, he could get close enough.

Sparrow seemed to know what he was thinking and they veered away from the port down a narrow path that led them to a small beach. The lights of the pier could still be seen in the distance but only a Sentinel could have heard him shout from where they were.

"Jack! What are you up to now?"

James turned his head at the impatient tone and stared in astonishment at the man who had spoken. "Mr. Gibbs!"

"Commodore Norrington!" Almost by instinct it seemed, Gibbs straightened up and saluted.

"I see you two know each other," Sparrow said, another grin shining out in the moonlight.

James gazed blearily at the man then turned his head to look at the lights on the pier. So near, yet so far, from safety. They danced in front of him, taunting him with their beckoning haven, as the blackness grew deeper around them.

"Jamie? Jamie?" There was a sigh. "'Elp me get 'im in the boat, 'e's almost out of it."

"You can't kidnap the commodore, Jack. 'Eap o' trouble, kidnappin' an officer."

James would have agreed with him but the darkness surged up and swept him away.

~'~

By the time James regained consciousness, he was flat on his back and he wished he hadn't bothered waking up. His head was aching, he felt hot all over, and someone was poking at his shoulder with a red hot iron.

"Jamie?"

The red hot iron was removed and he opened his eyes slightly. There was a man bending over him, a man he didn't recognise, although he'd definitely heard Sparrow's voice.

"It won't be long now, Mr. James. Just hold still."

The prodding resumed although the man did not appear to have a red hot iron in his hands, instead he was wielding a scalpel.

Of course...he'd been shot. This man must be a doctor. James regretted his decision to wake up even more as the doctor probed inside his shoulder. He groaned.

Instantly, the probing stopped and the doctor could be heard spluttering indignantly. James opened his eyes to see the doctor being shook back and forth by an irate Sentinel.

"You're hurting 'im!" Sparrow looked feral.

"Please, Captain Sparrow! It can't be helped; the ball must be removed."

Finally, the doctor was released and allowed to turn back to James.

James gritted his teeth. He was an officer, a commodore, he could deal with this pain. He dug his fingers into the mattress beneath him and held on as the doctor investigated his shoulder again. Surely the man could not take much longer!

"Ah! I have it!"

The probing stopped for a second then he felt a tug deep inside his shoulder. The pang of pain it sent through him was stronger than any he'd had before and he gratefully fell into the approaching blackness again.

This time when the darkness receded, James came around enough to be more aware of his surrounding. To his surprise, the doctor was still there, as was Sparrow, although James wasn't surprised about that in the slightest. He'd barely opened his eyes before Sparrow moved forward to lean over him solicitously.

"Welcome back, mate. Your shoulder's all bound up now and once you've drunk this potion the doc's made up for you, you can go back to sleep."

James forced himself to talk. "Fort."

"No, Jamie, just relax. You ain't going nowhere for a while yet." Far more gently than James would have expected, Sparrow slid an arm under him and lifted him slightly. "Come on, mate, drink this. It'll put 'airs on yer chest."

James tried to turn his head away as a glass was held to his lips. He did not doubt that the potion was a sleeping draught and he had no intention of sleeping. He needed to talk to the doctor, possibly enlist his help - at the very least get him to carry a message back to the fort for him. However, his hopes were dashed as Sparrow far too easily held his head in place and tipped some of the noxious mixture into his mouth. He struggled weakly but was forced to swallow or choke.

"That's the dandy, Jamie. Just a bit more now!"

He glared at Sparrow as more of the awful stuff was poured in. He'd like to see the Sentinel drink this stuff - it'd be hell with his enhanced sense of taste. Finally, the glass was empty and James sighed as he was laid down again. Through the swimming in his head, he heard the doctor speak.

"I presume one of your sailors will be able to row me back to Port Royal, Captain Sparrow?"

"Back?" The pirate sounded surprised.

"Of course. I have patients to tend to."

"You 'ave a patient to tend to 'ere, mate, and you ain't goin' nowhere until 'e's well!"

James smiled as he slid into the depths of a drugged sleep. Perhaps he and the doctor would be able to help each other after all.

Part 2.