AN: So, unfortunately this took me a while because I have been going over how to deviate from the story best without losing the tone or the general premise. So for now I'm switching it up a bit but hopefully not too much. ^_^ Enjoy! Next chapter hopefully coming faster because I enjoy this story and universe so much.

It had proven a difficult task to steer the Hispaniola safely into the anchorage. Not due to the environment - for Silver, who knew the place best, guided them in. Rather it was because the crew had become so discontented after spotting the island that there was not a man in the known faithful party that was not carefully considering their every move for fear of either discovery or causing provocation.

Dr Livesey had helped where he dared and could be useful but he and the squire both had been advised by the captain to stay below whenever possible. It was to make it easier for Silver to ease the tension among the men. Silver, it seemed, was trying his very best at singlehandedly keeping up the pretense of a merry crew. This meant that Livesey and Trelawney relied primarily on Jim Hawkins and Trelawney's servants to follow the development of the situation - for although Captain Smollett understood best what was happening among the hands, he too could not be long on deck before his presence would worsen the situation.

The doctor was rather tense but managed to remain seated below while his friend the squire paced and seemed unable to settle himself. Livesey did not worry about him. His friend might have loose lips and an expressive personality but he understood the danger as well as any of them and did not appear any different in front of the crew. But here, as they were alone he dared mutter under his breath. Livesey thought that from time to time he had even heard a few words the squire should never admit to having used.

"That's the last of it," said the captain as he walked in closely followed by young Jim. "If I issue one more order even Silver can't keep them at bay - though he would if he could and I propose to give him the chance. I'll allow the men a day ashore."

"Will they go?" Inquired the squire.

Meanwhile the doctor had been watching the boy who looked both tired and dejected. He silently promised himself to speak to Jim later. This was not a pleasant situation for any of them but who knew how the boy was taking it. He did feel rather guilty for having brought Jim along now should the worst come to pass but in the pragmatist spirit of war he ignored these emotions in favor of listening to Smollett.

"It is my belief they will," said the captain.

The doctor agreed. There was no telling when the men would strike but if they were half as greedy and impatient as their sudden mood changes seemed to suggest they should be rid of the lot of them within ten minutes should the men be given the opportunity to leave and begin their search. The room was dim as no lamps were lit. The sun was intense above and so, although it was cooler below, the gentlemen had decided not to waste the oil on heating their own personal hell. So a plan was made to wait and see how many would go. If they all went they should take the chance and escape with the ship but no one was so entirely optimistic as to count upon it. The worst thing in Livesey's opinion was the powerlessness of having to wait and depend upon Silver's actions. The smell of sea, salt and tar around him made him dizzy now and he wished himself miles and miles away to his comfortable sitting room at home.

"I shall deliver them their good news," said Captain Smollett with contempt for the recipients dripping from every syllable. "I do not think I can give another order, should I not do so."

The doctor murmured his agreement and blinked in the dim light. He should have a word with Jim before the chance passed him by but he found to his surprise that the boy was nowhere to be seen. He had most likely been ordered away at some point by the captain while Livesey had been lost in his own thoughts. He rose from his chair and made to follow the captain out the door. It was after all not as dangerous to appear when good news were given to the men. He paused, feeling eyes upon him.

"Old friend," said Trelawney, when the doctor turned to face him. He closed his mouth as if having reconsidered his words and then spoke again a moment later. "I am at once both horrified and delighted that you are beside me in this predicament."

Livesey smiled faintly with a grimace of fatigue. "We have all gone by choice and now, my dear friend, I dare say we own the consequences. Let us put our faith in Smollett," replied the doctor in his usual mild manner. He knew his friend had a heavy conscience. So did he. The tall man nodded at Livesey's comment. He had seen many things but this situation was new to him. To Livesey it was not unlike what he had felt in the army - there it had been a defeat for him and his countrymen. He was determined this should not be one. With a nod the squire proceeded past Livesey and, following Trelawney, the doctor left to go up upon deck.

The news were well received to say the least and this surprised no one in the faithful party. However with the enthusiasm so clearly emanating from every man it was clear that were there any loyal men left unknown to them, they were not likely to discover them easily - nor were these men likely to remain behind on the ship. The doctor carried his hat in his hand and fanned himself with it. The wind, he thought, seemed to have gone. If it remained so it would likely be bad news for their party if they were to gain possession of the ship. With any luck the breeze would return not only for the sake of their escape but, he noted, also for the sake of their wellbeing. The men and Smollett did seem unaffected by the heat so far but he and his friend should both have preferred a chair in shade.

Following the announcement there was much noise and bustling as the men joyously prepared to go ashore. Jim had initially been with Silver as he had been asked to appear as if he was still fond of the man but before long the boy eeled his way through the men and stood at Dr Livesey's side. The doctor did not blame him. The captain walked to the squire's side and Livesey heard him grumble to Trelawney that 'the weather seemed overly suitable for a day ashore'. The doctor, understanding his meaning, watched the boats being prepared to go into the water with a sigh. The first boat began to be lowered down. 'Well,' thought he. He had best give a discreet warning to Jim now as it seemed their initial plan would not work without wind and they would have to prepare for struggle. He looked to his side and opened his mouth to address the boy only to find that he was not there.

"Jim?" He called loudly and then to the others: "Has anyone seen Jim?"

A panic took hold of him as he looked about for the boy.

"Was he not with you, Livesey?" Replied the squire, now also looking about.

But Livesey looked up in time to see Jim over by the second boat, foot on the side of it, about to jump into the other boat as it was lowered.

"Jim!" The doctor cried rather sternly and, if he had to admit it, with a rather excellent impression of the captain. This certainly got the boy's attention for Jim looked up with wide eyes and stumbled backwards in surprise, falling and landing on his behind. The boat was lowered out of reach while Livesey stormed over to the child. He grabbed him by the sleeve and pulled him to his feet a little roughly. His heat was racing still and a clammy coldness of panic was slowly washing away. For a fraction of a moment he did not move but then the sound of boots behind him roused him and he schooled his expression as best he could, knowing that his concern might alarm the remaining crew. Of course his display could have left no one in doubt that he had been given a fright.

"How forgetful you are, Jim!" He said in a slightly shaky but jovial tone. It was hard not to look shaken now that the boy had been about to do something sincerely foolish. Never the less he continued in a steadier air, much nearer his usual pleasant tone: "Had you perhaps forgotten I would need your help packing my medical supplies prior to going ashore?"

In truth he did not need assistance. His case was already packed with the essentials though whether they should need more depended on Smollett's plans. Jim did not reply but kept glancing behind the doctor where Livesey had no doubt the captain would be, looking very... Like himself. It was no matter as two of the hands had also taken notice. Being in no mood for providing their entertainment, Livesey released Jim in a delayed reaction and turned to go his friend.

"We will go below shortly, Jim, I will just have a word with Mr Trelawney."

He sighed slightly and momentarily closed his eyes, reaching his destination. He was right to prevent Jim from leaving but he had also overreacted. Hopefully it would not cause further trouble. He did not mind his dear friend seeing him get a hold of himself so long as his back was to the others. Trelawney nodded understandingly to him without saying a word and the doctor sent him a grateful smile in return. His nerves had not been as dependable as he would have liked. He should probably take something for it as there was worse to come.

"Livesey, should you like..." Began his friend when suddenly a cry was heard from the island which caused all those left on the deck to freeze. They all looked to the island. There was nothing to be seen but a few birds flying over the trees. The squire had gone a sickly pale. They stood there in silence for some moments when there sounded another as horrid as the first.

-O-O-O-

A myriad of thoughts had clouded his mind. It was not fear. Jim knew true fear. He had felt it when the blind man attacked him and in the apple barrel where he heard of Long John's betrayal. He'd admit he'd been slightly fearful when the captain hauled him off. What he felt now was not that. Jim just felt stupid. He did not really know what he had been thinking. It had just occurred to him that he might go ashore since they likely could not move without wind.

He had not at all considered how it might look to the doctor, the squire and the captain. Did they think he was going to join the pirates? Jim longed to protest this notion but he could not. All he could do was stand there and silently pray for the deck to swallow him. He felt like everyone's eyes were upon him - even though that was likely only partly true.

The first scream pulled him forcibly out of these thoughts. Jim stumbled backwards a little in shock but was caught by the captain just in time for the second scream. Even he looked pale although Captain Smollett seemed to be the the person least affected by the horror these sounds conveyed. They all remained frozen for a moment - even the hands, whom they already knew to be mutineers, were eerily silent. The captain, who had been holding Jim up by the shoulder, released him and this seemed to trigger the return of movement in everyone.

"There's one who's new to his work," Jim heard the captain say to the doctor but the rest of what he said seemed to melt into distant sounds as if he heard them through water. At once he realized that he could have been a third scream. He did not know what the captain was talking about and quite frankly, he did not care. The boy staggered closer to the ship's side for it felt to him as if he was about to be sick.

"Come now, my friend," said a gentle voice behind him. "I think you and the squire both are overcome by seasickness. I shall fetch something for him. Why don't you come along a help me?"

The cabin boy turned slowly. Everything still felt a bit fuzzy but he did not think he was actually ill and judging by the look in the doctor's dark eyes neither did he. "Yes, doctor. Right away," he squeaked and followed him as fast as he could - eager to escape the crushing feeling that overhung all on deck.

Once they had entered the small surgery Dr Livesey swiftly closed the door before turning to face Jim. "My word, Jim! What on earth could have gotten into you? What could have possessed you do such a thing?" he inquired directly.

"Sir," replied Jim hastily. "I swear I had no idea of betraying you all. It just occurred to me that... - I do understand it myself! Please believe me!"

"I do, my boy, of course I do," the gentleman assured him. "It is a joy to be young and foolish, Jim, but not if it costs you your life." Dr Livesey's voice had the same air of lecturing Jim had so often heard him use with drunkards and patients who were unwilling to follow his advise. Jim couldn't help but feel rather small and stupid when hearing it directed at him. He thought of his mother suddenly, something he had not done for a while. He missed her and then the thought occurred to him that if Long John had his way he should never see her or the old Admiral Benbow ever again.

"Whatever it is you have on your mind, lad, I hope it has done its bit to improve your mind. We have not another moment to lose. The captain and the others will have surrounded those scoundrel still aboard by now. Take this parcel here for me and make haste. We are going ashore!"

"Ashore?" Cried the boy but Jim didn't have much time to react before he had a parcel - probably containing some sort of medical supply, in his hands. The doctor was swinging his bag over his shoulder before he picked two small vials off of the shelf. He turned to Jim with a gentle expression and held out one.

"Take this, my friend. Quickly now. You're going in the first boat."

TBC