Hey Ya'll!! sorry it took so long, school and all! I believe that this will be the last chapter so I can start on my new stories, I have some a brewin' in meh head!!

Thanks to all my reviewers and readers, I love you all! Hugs the computer uncontrollably

ENJOY!!!

The sound of scuffling feet and yells of men could be heard above, a sure sign that the battle was still raging on. The sick bay smelt of spilt blood and sounds of groaning men in pain echoed eerily. Stephen stood over the operating table and looked down at yet another victim that was brought to his attention. He wiped the sweat off his brow with his one hand and sighed rather loudly.

"Doctor, are you alright?" Higgins asked.

"Yes I am fine, now just grab me some of that salve, those tweezers, and some bandages, if you please, so I can remove this man's splinter." Higgins nodded but not without a quick glance over the doctor. He seemed to be tired, but being as stubborn as he was, would not admit defeat. Not when it came to losing his job on this ship, the only thing, besides Jack, that kept him sane.

Higgins handed the doctor the tweezers and watched over him carefully to make sure that he wouldn't slip or wasn't shaking, which he was.

Stephen could feel Higgins controlling gaze upon him and looked up. "Mr. Higgins, if you please, go get the next patient ready. I will be done in a moment." Seeing that Higgins was hesitant he continued, "Mr. Higgins, if you please." This time Mr. Higgins nodded and left the doctor to his work.

"Finally," Stephen muttered to himself, "I feel like I am being watched like I cannot be trusted with my trade. I know what I am doing." Stephen lowered the instrument carefully, clasping the splinter when he was close enough. He tightened his grip and with one big yank, pulled what looked like a two foot long splinter from the man's stomach. He carefully placed the tweezers down and applied the salve and bandages. Stephen took a moment, as there was not another patient lay out in front of him, and sat down.

He slumped down with a loud sigh. It was true, this had been more exhausting than he had first thought it would be, but nevertheless, he was going to do this. He couldn't fail at this, this was something that he loved, and he would never give it up. Higgins came scuttling back, wiping his head of sweat as he did so, with a look of joy.

"Mr. Higgins, what is it that has you so content?" Stephen asked.

Higgins' smile widened and replied, "Well, doctor there aren't anymore patients in waiting. We have some peace for a moment."

"That seems strange," Stephen mused, "we are in battle, yet no more injured warriors." The answer to why there were no more patients soon came to them. The cannons and guns stopped, as did the clash of swords.

"HUZZAH!!!" rang throughout the ship. Lucky Jack had been true to his name yet again.

Stephen smiled and looked over at Higgins and Padeen and said, "I believe that we have yet another prize in our grasp. Let us hope that the men won't go too crazy as I sense an extra serving of grog is in order here."

Lord Blakeney raced down the stairs, found the doctor, and declared, "We have done it Doctor Maturin! We didn't think we were going to, but we did! HUZZAH!"

The doctor smiled. "I see that some spirits never dampen, even in the time of war and death. I find it very refreshing."

Blakeney, soon realizing where he was, looked down and replied, "I am sorry doctor, you are right. It isn't so cheery down here."

"Cheer up my lad," the doctor stood, "the butcher's bill is a mere one and the injured will recover soon. Now, where is Captain Aubrey I wonder?"

"I am right here Stephen my dear," Jack emerged out of the shadows and walked into the light. "How do you feel love?"

Stephen tried to hide his obviously exhausted expression with a smile. "I am fine, thank you Jack."

Jack looked around the room, cueing the others to leave the two friends in private. The others, understanding, saluted the captain and walked out quietly.

Jack glared unbelievingly at Stephen. "You look absolutely exhausted, Stephen. I don't know if you should be doing this in your condition."

Stephen sighed. "You worry too much Jack, I can do this just fine thank you."

Jack stifled a laugh. "Stephen, you cannot do this by yourself. Look at you, you're a ghastly pale and you look like your about to fall asleep on the table. You need to learn that you are not invinsible, joy. Even the strongest of men must admit defeat, believe me."

This angered Stephen, it was a smack of pride. "Do not underestimate me Jack," Stephen warned. "I am stronger than you think and you know it. Besides I am not doing this by myself, I have Higgins and Padeen."

Jack frown, expecting this kind of reaction, and replied, "I am going to make Higgins the doctor, you just cannot do this anymore."

Stephen's eyes widened with fury. "You're going to replace me with Higgins!? Mary, Jesus, and Joseph Jack! He is a damned tooth puller not a surgeon. What is he going to do? Extract bones from the bloody crew?"

"Stephen calm down..."

"No Jack, I just want to do my job! I can do this, I'll just get more help. I'll let Higgins and Padeen help me, I swear to you Jack. I. Need. To. Do. This. This is my life. Don't take that away from me."

Jack sighed. "Listen Stephen, I just don't want you to be so worn out strained, that's all."

Stephen gave a pleading look, which is very rare to see from him. "Don't be so impractical Jack. I can handle this with some help, nothing to worry about."

"Of course," Jack looked down. There was a long silence which was broken by Jack. "So tell me Dr. Maturin, what is the butcher's bill?"

Stephen smiled and gave his friend a hug. "Thank you Jack, thank you very much."

WOO it's over! Not to worry though, Stephen will have his arm back in my other stories. he needs it and I feel bad for taking it away....I am sorry Stephen! hugs Stephen