Negotiation at Sunset"
Jack Dawkins Sets the Terms While Rourke Offers Proof
The sun had nearly disappeared below the horizon, leaving a faint crimson glow over the lighthouse. I stood in the shadows, watching Captain Rourke carefully. He was composed, calm, and deliberate — exactly the type of man who could recognize a game of rules when he saw it.
It was time to speak.
1. Jack Sets the Terms
I stepped forward, keeping my hands visible but relaxed, showing no aggression.
"Captain Rourke," I began, voice low and deliberate. "You have made a choice to pursue me. That choice carries consequences — consequences you may not survive if you misstep. But I am willing to speak… under my terms."
Rourke's eyes narrowed, but he did not flinch. He had expected as much.
I continued:
"First — this is not a negotiation for obedience. I will not be commanded.
Second — any discussion here is temporary. The moment you overstep, leave the premises, or threaten anyone I care for, the conversation ends. Permanently.
Third — you provide proof of what you seek, and I decide the limits of my assistance.
Fourth — you never reveal my methods, my abilities, or my identity to anyone, unless I allow it."
I paused. The wind blew lightly through the lighthouse, carrying the faint scent of salt and metal.
"If you cannot accept these conditions, Captain, you may leave. And I will not pursue you — but neither will I aid you."
Rourke did not move. His gaze was steady.
"Understood," he said. "I will abide by your terms. I came to negotiate… not to fight."
2. Rourke Presents the Proof
Rourke reached into his coat and produced a small, carefully sealed document. He handed it over without a word. I took it and opened it slowly.
Inside was a report of the Princess's illness:
Symptoms described in detail, far beyond common understanding.
Prognosis that predicted rapid deterioration without expert intervention.
Observations that only someone with precise medical knowledge could have gathered.
He looked at me evenly.
"This is why I sought you. No one else can help her. If she dies, the line of succession suffers… and the Crown collapses."
I studied the pages, noting the accuracy and attention to detail. He had proof. Not threats. Not exaggeration. Evidence.
He knows the stakes. And he understands the rules I live by.
I folded the paper carefully and handed it back.
"This is sufficient," I said. "I will consider involvement — but under my conditions. And make no mistake: I do not owe you. I only owe those I choose to help."
3. Understanding the Game
I stepped back into the shadows, letting Rourke process the terms.
He is clever… disciplined… patient. But he underestimates what I protect.
Rourke nodded slowly.
"I understand. You will have freedom to act as you see fit. I ask only for your cooperation for the Princess."
I smirked faintly.
"Cooperation, yes. But not obedience. Remember that."
The wind carried the faint scent of herbs from my coat — a subtle reminder that the Doctor was watching, always prepared, always untouchable.
We had reached a tenuous agreement.
The game had begun.
And for the first time, Rourke understood: Jack Dawkins, the Doctor, operated on his own rules.
Enemies in the Smoke"
Jack Prepares for the Worst as the Princess's Secret Spreads in Dangerous Whispers
Jack Dawkins knew one thing with absolute certainty:
If the Crown needed him, then someone else would want him dead.
The moment Rourke handed him the Princess's medical report, Jack's mind began moving like a machine — fast, methodical, cold. The wind outside the lighthouse carried voices from the docks, footsteps fading into the night, horses snorting somewhere in the dark. Every sound felt like a warning.
He turned away from Rourke and pulled out a folded, weather-stained ledger: his contingency book.
Uncle Fagin used to call it:
"Little Jack's Book of Nightmares — planning for trouble that ain't even happened yet."
Tonight, those nightmares felt very real.
1. Jack Identifies the First Threat — The Crown's Internal Enemies
If the Princess was truly that sick, then somewhere in the kingdom…
someone wanted her to die.
A sick heir meant:
a shake in succession
political chaos
nobles fighting over influence
and most importantly…
someone with power benefiting from her death
Jack murmured to himself:
"If they find out the Princess has a chance to live… they'll find me. And they'll make sure I don't."
He turned to Rourke.
Jack: "Who inside the Crown knows about her condition?"
Rourke: "The King. The Queen. Myself. Two royal physicians. And a handful of advisors sworn to secrecy."
Jack: "Advisors." He scoffed softly. "Narrows it down to probably all of them."
Rourke didn't disagree.
2. Jack Warns Rourke
Jack stepped close, eyes sharp.
"Understand this, Captain. Once I begin treating her, people who don't want her alive will try to kill me before I succeed."
Rourke stiffened.
"I will protect you."
Jack tilted his head, almost amused.
"You can't. Not alone. And not against nobles who command armies with a letter."
A pause.
"So I prepare for them. Starting now."
3. Jack Sets His Contingencies
A. Move the Clinic Again
If nobles arrived… the underground clinic would be the first place they looked.
"Hetty, Belle, Fagin — they'll help me move the clinic a third time. I'll make sure only we know the location."
B. Fake Weakness
To make himself less of a threat:
"In the hospital, I'll work slower. Dumber. I'll let the other surgeons shine. Let them think I'm only skilled, not miraculous."
Only Belle and Agatha would understand why.
C. Set Up Witnesses
If someone tried to kill him:
"I'll make sure the criminals who owe me favors see everything. The Crown fears nobles. Nobles fear the people."
D. Lady Belle as the Shield
She didn't know it yet, but:
"Belle will stand between them and me. Not with a sword. With influence. With her father."
A Governor with a daughter tied to the Doctor?
They'd hesitate before moving.
E. Rourke's Role
Jack pointed a finger at him.
"If you want me to save your Princess, you follow my orders. No questions. No heroics. No surprises."
Rourke nodded once.
"What do you need first?"
Jack's expression darkened.
4. The First Enemy Reveals Himself
Before Jack could answer, they heard a faint whistle — one Jack recognized instantly.
A signal.
Hetty's signal.
Someone was watching the lighthouse.
Jack grabbed Rourke's wrist and pulled him deeper into the shadows.
Two silhouettes appeared on the cliff above — dressed not like soldiers, but like noble agents.
Jack whispered:
"There. You see? It's already begun."
Rourke exhaled slowly.
"Who are they?"
Jack: "Enemies of the Princess. And now… enemies of mine."
He loosened his scalpel case.
Not to fight.
But to make his message clear.
"If I'm going to treat your heir, Captain… I need to survive long enough to save her."
The game had entered a new phase.
And Jack Dawkins had just identified his first hunters.