by K Ryn
"And I suppose you charmed the details out of her in no time," Jim snorted. "I had a touch of the same flu bug you did. That still doesn't prove your point. "
Blair was silent for a long time, then he shook his head and turned to look out into the storm.
"You're right. There are lots of rational reasons for what happened. But I know that this was something beyond coincidence or my overactive imagination. I also know that you have a hard time accepting the mystical aspects of being who you are -- you won't even admit to the number of times you've seen your own spirit guide. It must be driving you crazy to have felt some kind of psychic connection to me."
"Sandburg..."
"Just think about it, man. Why did this happen when it did? I was safe, I knew you were going to be okay with Brown watching out for you..."
"That's not the impression you gave me when I left," Jim argued.
"Guides have their own protection modes, Sentinel. You should be used to my ravings by now. I did overreact a little. I realized that after you'd left. The point is, my propensity for finding trouble aside, it's too much of a cosmic joke to think that all of this was just coincidence -- or the result of an accident."
"So we're back to discussing fate," Jim said softly.
"Maybe. Most earth shattering events tend to be pretty circular in nature and I confess to feeling a little like a hamster on one of those round treadmills, lately," Blair admitted with a dry chuckle. His demeanor turned somber again and he turned back to face the Sentinel, a look of determination and calm acceptance on his face.
"You're the one that took the trip, but I think that I started on a journey. A first venture into the world that Incacha's bequest opened up for me. A Shaman walks in more than one world, Jim. I think that's what my dream was all about. Stepping into an alternative universe, manifested as a hallway filled with doors that represented choices. Options that I tried along the way and abandoned. The door that I sensed you behind beckoning to me because deep down inside I knew that you of all people would hear me calling for help, even though I didn't realize that I needed it. Waiting for you at that final door..."
"The final door?" Jim asked in confusion. "I thought you said that in the dream all the doors disappeared."
"They did for a while. Then one reappeared. A green door with three numbers."
The Sentinel's eyes widened as he realized the significance of his Guide's words.
"The final door that led me home," Blair confirmed, his voice so soft that Jim had to strain to hear the words. "Before that door appeared I was lost. Alone. It was terrifying. I was ready to give up. I was sure I was going to die, man. I think, that for a time, I even forgot who I was..."
"What made you remember?" Jim voice was nearly as quiet as Blair's.
"A voice. Ancient. Fierce. It was pretty demanding, really. Reminded me of you in one of your over-protective modes."
Jim ignored the teasing jibe. "And what did this voice have to say?"
"It said you needed me. It reminded me that our lives were tied together as Sentinel and Guide."
And as friends and partners, Chief, Jim added silently.
"That's when I realized that I wasn't alone -- that whether you were physically present or not, we were connected. That gave me the courage to wait."
"For me. How could you be so sure that I'd come, Blair? That I'd be in time?" How can he trust me that much?
"Hey, you've got a great track record in that department, man." Blair pushed back a stray lock of hair and grinned up at Jim. "Your timing's always superb, Ellison. Must be all that military training."
The lightning flashed and the thunder rumbled, but the special effects were less spectacular than they had been a few minutes earlier.
"Looks like the worst of the storm is over," Blair murmured. "I don't know about you, but I could use a cup of tea... chamomile, this time, I think. I know there was some in the basket that Joel sent from the station."
He brushed past Jim and picked his way across the darkened room, avoiding all but one minor collision with the couch. He flipped on the light in the kitchen and Jim heard the running water as he filled a kettle.
Somewhat dazed, Jim dug through the boxes of presents and found the basket Blair had mentioned. His partner never ceased to amaze him. One minute he was talking about walking on an astral plane and the next he was puttering around making tea. He carried the basket into the kitchen and placed it on the counter. When Blair reached for it, the Sentinel stopped him, long fingers wrapping around the slender wrist and tugging gently for attention.
Wide blue eyes met his curiously.
"Where does this leave us, Chief?" Jim asked quietly.
"Right where we are, man. Nothing's changed. Not really," Blair answered with a smile. "You're still the Sentinel of the Great City and I'm still your Guide."
"And this... connection?"
"It was always there, Jim. Just like your senses have always been a part of you. Whether we acknowledge them or not, some truths remain constant. Sometimes we need to take a journey to see what's right in front of our eyes."
Correct as always, partner, Jim mused.
"I think I'd rather take the next trip together," the Sentinel replied with a smile of his own.
His Guide's eyes danced with enthusiasm. "Deal!"
Blair raised his hand and Jim delivered the 'high five' with a snap that stung both of their palms.
"Ouch... jeez, Jim. Take it easy, man. I'm still recuperating, remember?"
END
Author's Final Notes:
I think it's probably time for Blair to stop drinking tea for a while, given the number of writers -- myself now included - that have used that liquid plot device to make life difficult for our favorite anthropologist. ~g~
Obviously I've taken some liberties with the story; however, chemical poisoning is a very real issue. Worldwide, over 9 million natural and synthetic chemicals have been identified; fortunately, fewer than 3000 cause over 95% of accidental and deliberate poisonings. Identifying a poison and accurately assessing its potential toxicity are critical to a physician's successful management of poisoning. Otherwise, the physician must rely on simple general supportive treatment. Increasingly, physicians are depending on local or regional Posion Control Centers for technical information, particularly concerning ingredient data (toxic potentials) and consultations.
Even the most innocent looking household cleaning agents can interact -- when mixed inappropriately -- to form a toxic so please read your labels carefully, ladies and gentlemen. An extra layer of grundge in the sink is better than searing your lungs!
Children, as a group, are most likely to be treated for caustic poisoning -- most often in the form of household cleaning supplies. If you have children in your household, or have friends that do, PLEASE take the few minutes necessary to place the chemicals beyond reach. But don't stop there. EDUCATE your little ones -- and keep the phone number for your local Poison Control Center handy. -- Karin
Comments? Please e-mail me at [email protected]. Thanks!
