Jack stood and watched Stephen take off his shirt. His mind was blank. No
thoughts at all, for he refused to believe that they went this far.
They took their pistols and stood opposite each other waiting for the
signal. Jack saw Stephen lift his pistol and did the same. Thoughts rushed
through him like huge ocean waves. "Why didn't I apologize? I had an
opportunity and did not use it. I did not find courage in myself to admit
that I was wrong. I acted like a child". Jack looked at doctor's face:
there was something reptilian about its expression, a cold and evil gaze,
which burned a hole in captain's soul. Then he heard the signal but did not
pull the trigger, he just could not contemplate the thought of harming
Stephen even more than he has already done. He felt rather than knew that
he shall never be able to forgive himself for that.
Jack was so absorbed by the renewed flood of thoughts that he did not
notice Stephen pulling the trigger. Sharp pain somewhere in his chest
surprised him. He put his palm over the wound and felt the warmth of his
own blood. Captains remained standing for several seconds, and he could
have remained standing and show no signs of weakness, but he fell onto the
damp ground. Perhaps it was the shock or the tiredness that did their job,
but there Jack was lying on the ground, trying to hold on to the remains f
his consciousness. He was aware of cloak being thrown over his body, but
felt no need for it. His body was numb and the only thing that told him he
was alive were the pangs of pain.
Lift him! We must take him to the ship. My instruments are there and I need to operate on him as soon as possible! – Jack heard Stephen's worried voice and felt consciousness – despite his struggles – slip away.
* * * Through the darkness Jack heard two voices.
Doctor, I do not want to insult you, but do you not find anything hypocritical in your actions? It was you who shot him and now you snap at anyone who comes close to him, saying that he should not be disturbed. He is unconscious for God's sake! How can I possibly disturb him? Listen, I am his friend as well, and perhaps I have not been with him when he needed me, but I do have a right to be with him if I can.
I see your point, Mr. Sayers, but after all I am a doctor here, I know what is good for my patients.
I hope you do.
Aubrey knew the voices, but could not remember whom they belonged to. After trying to open his eyes for several times, he gave up and sank back into comfortable murkiness.
Lift him! We must take him to the ship. My instruments are there and I need to operate on him as soon as possible! – Jack heard Stephen's worried voice and felt consciousness – despite his struggles – slip away.
* * * Through the darkness Jack heard two voices.
Doctor, I do not want to insult you, but do you not find anything hypocritical in your actions? It was you who shot him and now you snap at anyone who comes close to him, saying that he should not be disturbed. He is unconscious for God's sake! How can I possibly disturb him? Listen, I am his friend as well, and perhaps I have not been with him when he needed me, but I do have a right to be with him if I can.
I see your point, Mr. Sayers, but after all I am a doctor here, I know what is good for my patients.
I hope you do.
Aubrey knew the voices, but could not remember whom they belonged to. After trying to open his eyes for several times, he gave up and sank back into comfortable murkiness.
