New
Arrivals
Author-Starzy
Titles
One Thoughtless Act
by Starzy
Summary: You're safe with your friends, aren't you? Well, aren't you? Rated PG-13.
Disclaimer: Jim, Blair, Simon, Rafe, Brown and The Sentinel belong to Pet Fly, UPN, and Paramount and no copyright infringement is intended
Notes: Not beta'd mistakes are all mine. This was originally posted to the Sentinel Angst mailing list, I dragged it out and touched it up to torture some poor unsuspecting English major. ~EG~
Feedback: I wouldn't mind, but I don't answer back so it's up to you.
"No I need something really loud, something that would make any animal within a 30 foot radius run screaming"
The clerk eyed the rumpled man "Ok sir I have the super subsonic screamer here that would practically blow away any dogs or whatever, and I guarantee you won't hear a thing."
"Yea, that's gotta work let me have that bad boy"
"Dogs been bothering you sir?" he asked while ringing up the purchase
The shabby man gave him a friendly grin "I'm gonna prove a point to some chowder heads that think their detectives and take them for all they got." He gave the bemused clerk a jaunty wave and left whistling cheerfully.
.
"Your full of shit Maze" Brown said in a exasperated tone "Sandburg admitted it was all faked, hell he practically made out Ellison a comic book super hero for Christ sake. He made a mistake and paid for it, leave it alone those two don't need rumors started up again."
"I can prove it H" Maze goaded with a smirk
Brown rolled his eyes, the other men it the break room grinned. Maze was an ok cop, sure he looked like a slob but he worked hard and helped anyone out that needed it. But when he got an idea he ran it into the ground, while that made him a decent detective now however it was plain annoying "Yea right what you going to do go up and ask them? Ellison would eat you alive."
"Nope I'll prove it to you guys without a shadow of a doubt without asking Sandburg or Ellison."
"Yea right an how you going to do that?"
With an insolent grin Maze pulled out the subsonic screamer and waved it under the other detectives nose. "He's suppose to have super hearing right?" he flicked on the device, a barely discernable hum came from it. "Well only dogs can hear this baby, if Ellison can hear this either he's a dog or he's that sentinel thing Sandburg wrote about."
The break room erupted with divisive laughter "Maze like I said before your crazy."
"I'm willing to put money on it" Maze said nonchalantly.
Silence descended, Brown's eyes narrowed "Ok Maze its your money, but no talking to Ellison or Sandburg, their way touchy on this."
Maze laughed, suckers he thought "No problem, gentlemen place your bets."
It was early morning at Major Crimes, an unusual amount of people were present trying to look busy. All agreed Maze was going to be very poor this payday and were looking forward to tease him for months to come. Also there was just a touch of nervousness, even H was having second thoughts, Rafe already read him the riot act and was busy glaring at him from across their desks, but it was to late the bets were down, too many people were in on it.
Joel strolled in blinking at the crowd that was studiously ignoring him, slowly he made his way to his desk. "Do I want to know?" he asked an obviously ticked off Rafe.
"No you don't" the detective answered shortly.
Ok the older man thought, with a shrug he began going through his messages, but the sudden silence and rise of excitement drew his attention back. Everyone in the room held their breath as Sandburg and Ellison walked into the room, already Ellison had a suspicious look on his face.
Blair's curious eyes looked at Joel "is there a party today or did Major Crimes kidnap all the donuts" He asked with a grin.
Taggert never got a chance to answer.
..
I'm in the money, I'm in the money Maze chortled to himself, how could they be so blind? He'd seen Ellison at work on a crime scene, not to mention that Tommy Juno case. A momentary thought of doubt came over him, maybe Ellison's hearing wasn't strong enough to hear the subsonic screamer, he had tested it on a vicious dog his neighbor had, he'd never seen a mutt move so fast his tail between his legs yipping, he still hadn't seen Fido since then. Well a couple more feet closer wouldn't hurt, casually he stepped forward and sat on the corner of Brown's desk studiously ignoring the smirk on his face. Gotta think positive here, I'll switch this baby on, old Ellison would do his bird dog routine, then I get a little richer. A thrill shot through him as the unmistakable cheerful voice of Detective Sandburg could be heard, a few seconds later he and his partner strolled in. Maze ignored the young mans offbeat question, all his attention was focused on Ellison. It's ShowTime he thought with a grin, time to show your sentinel stuff Ellison, then slipped his hand in his pocket and switched on the screamer.
.
"Jim I keep telling you man this meditation technique would work if you just gave it a try."
"Sandburg for the last time I am NOT going to stand on my head an chant some weird new age shit" Ellison growled, much to the amusement of the elevators other occupants
"If you'd only be a little more open to new things you would .. Oh hi Sam how you doing?" Blair asked his voice dropped into more seductive tones as the young forensics tech stepped into the elevator.
Shaking his head at his partners fickle brain Jim ignored the make out king work his magic on the ice queen. A couple other passengers in the elevator hid their smiles as it was well known Blair's moth to a flame attraction with the young woman, more times than not he came out singed, hopefully someday he'd learn. Ellison idly wondered if Simon was in yet, extending his hearing he could make out his captain's distinct voice grumbling about the budget.
"Yea but Ellison's going to kill him if he finds out"
What the? Cranking his hearing up a couple more notches he focused on the conversation, guilt was not a factor, if he was going to kill someone he'd at least like to know who and why.
"Yea not to mention Sandburg would be hurt again, god I've never seen such puppy dog eyes on anyone as that kid, can't believe they made him a cop. He has no temperament for it, definitely a lover not a fighter type."
"All I know is Maze is going to owe me a hundred dollars once this is over and.. . shit their here."
Maze? What the hells going on? He thought irritably. Putting on his don't piss me off or you'll be sorry look Jim and his partner strolled into Major Crimes, the small crowd made him even more suspicious. Maze he could see was sitting on Browns desk, the look of eager anticipation on the rumpled man face set off more alarms. On guard now Ellison extended his senses trying to detect what was going on. If this has anything to do with Blair I will kill ..
All thought ended as agony pierced his skull, like ice picks stabbing through his ears. Falling to his knees Ellison clawed at his ears trying to stop the torment but the pain was to intense, finally he managing to gasp in a breath ..
Then he screamed.
.
Blair was froze in place terrified, one moment he wondering what joke was being played and who was the victim. The next his Sentinel jerked as if shot then fell to his knees grabbing at his head but what made his blood run cold was when tough as nails Jim Ellison screamed in agony. "Jim! Man what's wrong?" he shouted grabbing his partners hands keeping him from clawing into his own flesh. The stricken man responded with a choked off groan and ripped himself away from Sandburg's grasp.
"Sandburg what the Hells going on." Banks shouted only to stop as he saw his best detective kneeling on the floor in convulsions.
"I don't know" he shouted back "its some kind of spike help me get him into the office." Just as he grabbed his partner Ellison shuddered then like a puppet with its strings cut, slumped in Sandburg's grasp. Cursing Blair hauled the semiconscious man towards Simon's office. Meeting him half way Banks picked up his detective like a father would his son and carried him gently into his office. Sandburg was right behind the captain but someone grabbed his arm pulling him back.
"Oh god, Oh god, I'm so sorry I didn't know, I didn't think." Maze babbled in horror shoving the screamer into Blair's hands.
His mind still focused on his Sentinel is took Sandburg a moment to realize what he'd been given, shocked horror surged through him as he realized what torture Jim must have gone through. Looking up at Detective Maze who was still mumbling how sorry he was, that horror quickly burst into searing hot rage, with a shout he threw the subsonic emitter across the room shattering the glass window making several stunned detectives duck. Then like Jim had done when they first met the enraged Guide seized Maze and threw the much heavier man against the wall. "Do you know what you've done?" he howled slamming the detective repeatedly against the wall.
Maze gulped as the normally cheerful peace loving kid tagalong whom he out weighed by 70 pounds held him up three inches from the floor shaking him like a dog with a bone with no apparent effort. "Please I don't .. "
"Your dead" Blair hissed with a furious crazed look in his eyes, and wrapped one hand around the mans neck started to choke the foolish man.
"Blair this isn't helping" Taggert pleaded trying to pull him off the other man, quickly several others jumped in to help, Blair casually shook them off ignoring their efforts fully intending on eliminating this threat to his sentinel.
..
"Its ok Jim just relax" Simon said softly to his insensible detective, carefully he laid his friend on his leather couch.
"Chief?" Jim asked in a breathy whisper then began to tremble as shock set in.
Furious shouting distracted Simon, torn he looked down at Ellison who was curling up into a fetal position, then heard Taggert's pleading voice. "Stay here Jim I'll get Sandburg just hold on."
..
Control ... Gone
Pain, Pain, Pain .. nothing.
Cold black nothingness. Couldn't think, could barely breathe.
Dials .... Gone
Bright stabbing light crashed through the darkness, followed by scents so strong he wanted to gag. Coarse sandpaper grinding into his skin, but strangely no sound.
Guide .... Gone
Where was The Other? A small part of him screamed. Need him, please, please, help me.
Sanity . Gone
.
It took only a second for Simon grasp the situation, the look on his newest detective face chilled him to the bone. He knew without a doubt if he didn't get through to Sandburg he'd be arresting him for murder before the hour was over. "Sandburg! My office your partner needs you NOW!!!" He held his breath as the young man stiffened, then slowly released Maze who slid dazedly to the floor and stood back from the gasping man. The kids face was blank but his eyes, Simon swallowed then stepped aside motioning the young man towards his office. Without a word Sandburg walked passed him into the office and shut the door locking it.
Suddenly he could breath again, gasps and coughs around him said he wasn't the only one. He turned to glare at the gaggle of officers "Would any one care to fill me in?" he asked it a deadly quiet voice. Stuttering Brown explained the events that led to this disaster. Simon closed his eyes for a moment and took a deep breath, ok he thought time for some damage control, facing his men he could see he wouldn't be able to explain this one away. But maybe, just maybe he could contain this if they would understand and play along. "Rafe" Simon barked waving the man over.
Rafe came forward "Yes sir" came a shaky reply.
"You still seeing Kate from the security room?" Simon asked, his detective nodded. Ok now was the test "go down to the surveillance room, ask her for the security tape on major crimes for the last three hours, tell her I'll be responsible for it." He'd erase the tape and take the flack for it later, with that gone everything else was hearsay. But all that was moot if the bewildered detective in front of his wouldn't go along with it. For the second time today he held his breath wondering if he pushed this to far.
Rafe eyed his captain, his mind churning through the past events and the request asked of him. Taking a deep breath he nodded "Yes sir" and set forward on his mission.
Banks could breath again, one down, "Brown, Taggert" he waited till the men joined him "I assume you know everyone that was up here and seen this little farce."
Brown looked shamed face, Taggert was grim, the older captain was well aware what Banks was trying to do, this could backfire on all of them, but if he understood the situation right the alternative could be worse. "What do you want sir" Joel asked calmly
Simon sent a little prayer of thanks for Joel Taggert, "Find them, tell them to forget whatever they thought they saw, tell them if I hear anything about this, I'll find out who and that person and will be dealing with Simon Banks not Captain Banks, make that very clear to them gentlemen."
"You got it Captain" H replied eager to make up for his part of this fiasco.
"We're on it Simon" Joel assured him, quickly the two men departed, the faster they do this the better chance they had of this working.
Ok two down, Simon thought, "Maze" he said kneeling beside the remorseful detective. "Go home, don't come back till Monday Night shift. If we're lucky Sandburg will calm down enough and not kill you."
"I didn't know captain I swear, I had no idea it would hurt him" guilt tearing at the man as he rubbed his bruised neck.
The big captain sighed "I told everyone to let that whole dissertation mess go, as I recall you were there when I said it. Detective I do not give orders lightly nor do I appreciate those orders being ignored. Stay on night shift and say nothing, do your job, understand?"
"Yes sir" Maze answered, carefully he stood and gathered his things, he wished this never happened, god he could still hear Ellison scream. He swallowed heavily then glanced back at the silent office "Sir "
"I'll tell them later detective" Simon assured him "Go home" he watched as Maze left Major Crimes his body hunched over with shame.
The captain looked over the rest of his people, they looked back with varying looks of shock, uncertainty and grim knowledge. "Ok people listen up I only have one thing to say .. We Protect Our Own!!! Now get back to work, and someone clean up that glass." He watch as his people slowly returned to there tasks, only time would tell if this would work. But now he had to face the lions den, with a grimace he pulled out his keys unlocked and entered his office praying all would be well.
.
The Guide knelt before his oblivious Sentinel, distantly he noted the blank staring eyes with pin sized pupils, the bleeding claw marks on both side of his pale face, the tremors that came over his body like waves. Remotely Blair Sandburg agonized at his friends state, but the guide couldn't afford such feelings if he was to help his sentinel, ruthlessly he suppressed his emotions and concentrated letting his instincts show the way.
Somehow he knew sound was not an option, gently he closed the sentinels unblinking eyes. Then took a lax hand and placed it over his own heart. Carefully unbuttoned Jim's shirt and began stroked his bare chest with slow circular motions, at the same time he leaned forward and breathed into Ellison's face each time the other man inhaled. Time lost its meaning as Blair struggled to bring his friend back to reality, he heard a presence enter but a small part of his mind assured him there was no danger. So he continued, touching, breathing seeking every avenue to ground his partner in the here and now.
Peaceful. Thump-thump. Thump-thump. Thump-thump,
Calming the torrent of sensations that was destroying his mind. Thump-thump. Thump-thump. Thump-thump.
Stilling his fear. Thump-thump. Thump-thump. Thump-thump.
Scent breathing in sweet damp warm air banishing the cold feeling of death.
Touch . Making him aware of his body once again, soothing his tremors, bringing back a sense of self.
The Other had returned and was guiding him back. His eyes felt so heavy but the desire to see The Other gave him strength. Slowly they opened, blurred shape focus into the face of his savior. Intense relief tightened his throat making it difficult as he struggled to speak.
"Blair."
For three hours Simon watched Sandburg work, never stopping not even acknowledging his presence, nothing distracted the young man as he fought for his partners life. The captain was still bewildered that such a simple device could almost destroy his friend. He had no idea this sentinel thing made Ellison so vulnerable, he thanked god he listened to Jim about making Blair a detective and his permanent partner if he hadn't .. he shuddered shying away from that possibility. This will work, it had to.
Lost in his thoughts he almost missed the weak whisper of his best friend "Blair." He heard. Overwhelming relief made Simon weak, stepping a little closer he could see Jim's eyes were open and somewhat aware. "Hey Jim how are you feeling?"
"He can't hear you captain" Blair said in a low voice still looking and grounding his partner. "Subsonic's is one of the things Jim didn't want to test with after that dog whistle incident, I don't know if there's any damage or not, but its taking everything he has just to maintain control right now."
Simon rubbed his aching head "What do you need Sandburg?"
"I need to get him back to the loft its his home territory he'll be more comfortable there, we need your help and a ride."
Banks growled in frustration, he knew the hospital was out so no ambulance but he couldn't leave not with how shaky everything was right now. "Blair would you trust Joel to take you and Jim? He can help. If I leave now there's a good chance this will all go to hell."
"Call him" Blair answered shortly.
Almost pouncing on the phone Simon located Joel, after the older man assured him that everyone had received his message/threat, Banks asked if he was willing to help. Taggert just said he would have his car by the elevators in the garage in five minutes, and would be there for any thing else they may need. Smiling the captain thanked his intuitive friend, and hung up the phone.
"Sandburg, Joel's down in the garage, do you think Jim could make it or should I carry him again?"
"Uh Simon, Jim's somewhat aware now if you tried carrying him out the station death would be pleasant after he'd be through with you" Blair answered.
A humorous Sandburg even though it was weak was encouraging, anything was better than that LOOK earlier. "I see your point" he said dryly. "I'll take one side you take the other we'll get him out of here."
"No Captain I'm not sure how Jim would react to your touch" Blair frowned at Simon's hurt expression "Simon I'm running on instinct here and its saying no one else touches the sentinel, humor me ok."
"Yea fine whatever Sandburg just get him home."
Blair pulled his partner to a sitting position on the couch "Ok Jim time to go home."
"Home" the sentinel whispered, the pain was gone just a peaceful floating feeling was all that was left, closing his eyes Ellison placidly let his guide draw him to his feet, he could hear talking from a far off distance but he couldn't quite make himself comprehend what was said and was to tired to care.
"Yea Big Guy, home" Blair said in a hitched voice. Jim had heard him! He thought with rising hope, maybe there was no damage. "Get the door will you Simon, and tell everyone to back off or I'll rip them a new one" he said grimly.
From the look in the young detectives eyes Banks thought it best not to argue, opening the door he stepped out to a silent bullpen, every eye trained on his with worried questions. "Rafe hold the elevator, everyone else be quiet and get to work."
"Shit" Brown muttered, as Sandburg and Ellison emerged from the office. The older detective looked like death sleepwalking, carefully steering him through the gauntlet of co-workers Blair's cold angry eyes was more than enough to keep them at bay.
Captain Banks watched as the two partners made there way to the elevator, he could literally feel a drop in tension in the room as the doors slid shut. Low murmurs of conversation slowly sprang up, he could only imagine what was being said, hopefully it would go no farther than those involved. "People I'll be in my office if you need anything clarified or have any questions come to me!" with that said he retreated back to his sanctuary and waited.
.
"How's he doing Blair?" Joel asked somewhat nervously as he held the car door open for the two men.
"Better" Sandburg answered while carefully sitting his sentinel in the back seat. "Right now we need to get home pronto, and Joel" he looked hard at the older man "No sirens, no horns, no excitement whatsoever is that clear?"
Taggert blinked at the steely tone coming from the normally laid back young man. "no excitement, I understand." Walking to the drivers side he quietly slid in the car and shut the door. A low whine echoed from the back seat as he started the engine, startled he looked back to see Ellison hunched down arms wrapped around his chest eyes and jaw clenched shut. "you want me to turn it off?" he asked hurriedly.
"No don't, its not the sound Joel it's the vibration." Gently Blair took his sentinels head and laid him against his chest, after a couple of minutes Jim relaxed somewhat. "Go Joel I'll take care of him, just get us home."
Nodding Taggert shifted into gear and pulled out of the parking garage, mentally he plotted the quickest route to the loft, all the while keeping an eye on the two partners in back. He had long since suspected Blair's claims of fraud were untrue, but he respected their unspoken wishes and kept his suspicions to himself. Unfortunately it seemed his fellow co-workers did not have that same respect, if he had only known he could have stopped the disaster before it happened, instead he was now helping with the cover-up.
..
HOME
He could barely make out that word in the midst of mumbling conversation but it was one he latched onto with intense longing. Almost like a dream he could feel The Other helping him to his feet and hopefully guiding him to the safety of their home. He clutched at The Others supportive arm as a nauseating free falling sensation from the elevator threatened his stability. Once that ended the rush of exhaust fumes, gasoline and oil kept his stomach rolling. But the teeth grinding vibration almost dragged him back in the cold darkness he so recently struggled from. The Other knew and drew him close to that calm steady Thump-thump sound/throbbing that held his sanity. Nothing else mattered except that wonderfully soothing sound, the clean spicy scent, the firm arms wrapped protectively around his frail feeling body. He sank deeper into this calm world, blocking out everything else, time had little meaning here as he floated in the rhythms of The Other. Finally he felt the comfort of his own bed, a soul weary sigh escaped his lips as he let the scents and feeling of Home caress his tortured senses.
"Stand down Sentinel, I will Guard"
The Other would keep him safe, he thought drowsily and he was so very tired.
"Sleep" came a command.
He slept.
"How's he doing?" Joel asked quietly as Sandburg came down the stairs form the upper bedroom.
"Better I think, he's sleeping at least" Blair answered wearily.
"Come on over and sit down I have a beer with your name on it" the older man implored.
Blair slumped down on the couch "thanks man" he said gratefully while taking the offered beer. "God what a day" he eyed the man beside him "What the hell was going on Joel?" he asked in a hard tone, all the anger he'd bottled up to help his sentinel flared back with a vengeance.
With a sigh Taggert retold Browns story "They didn't do it to hurt Jim, they just didn't know."
"Oh I'm sure that will help Jim if he wakes up partially deaf, hey chill man they didn't know" he said sarcastically.
The older man frowned "You think there may be permanent damage?" he asked grimly.
"Hell I don't know, I tried testing subsonic's a couple years ago with Jim but the dog whistle I used gave him a migraine that lasted for days. This Screamer thing" he closed his eyes swallowing hard "it's a thousand times worse."
"Whatever you need Blair, me, Simon and the guys will help" Joel leaned forward putting a reassuring hand on the young mans slumped shoulders. "Were here for you both, you and Jim are not alone."
"Thanks man but that may be moot point now, everyone and there dog was in the bullpen and saw Jim's reaction. Most of them are detectives and I'm sure they'll put two and two together, sooner or later someone's going to call the press and tell them they came up with four." He opened his eyes and starred moodily at his half empty bottle "I don't think I have to tell you that Jim could never live like that again, hell I cant live like that again."
"It may not be as bad as you think" Joel smiled at the young mans disbelieving look. Smugly he described Simons cover up and there comrades assistance. "There all putting there careers on the line here, so expect the poker party at your place for the next six months" he said with a slight grin.
Blair looked at him wide eyed "Shit Joel if this backfires, you, Simon, the others ." He sat speechless.
"As Simon so eloquently put it We Protect Our Own!!! This may not have solve all the future problems but between all of us, you and Jim will have the backup you need."
Sandburg blinked back the suspicious moisture threatening his eyes, the events of the day were catching up with him "Thanks Joel" he said roughly "It helps, I'm sure it will help Jim to."
Taggert grinned patting Blair's shoulders one last time he rose to his feet "you look like you need to rest, I have to get back to the station Simon may need some help."
"Yeah Um Joel Tell Simon to put Jim and I on leave I don't know how long this may take."
"Don't worry Blair as I said we have you covered."
"Its good to hear man . And Joel."
Taggert turned at the door "Yeah Blair?"
"We will be back!"
The older man smiled at Sandburg's determined vow "I don't doubt it."
.
End
Are there any English majors shaking with fear yet ~snicker~
Starzy