Fourth Vector Ch. 06

"You're now the third person to tell me this since I arrived," said Jack while running his fingers through his hair. "But I'm afraid you're wrong on that. My ancestry is deeply Javan and goes back centuries and that's just what we know of."

Heron shrugged. "If you ever see them, you'll understand why I brought it up. The resemblance is fairly strong. Anyway, no one ever figured out why the royal family was killed off but once the king was gone, that was it. That same family had ruled Galicia for two millennia, and there was no one to replace them."

"Surely they could have just picked another house to rule, right?" asked Jack. "There had to have been other nobles or an aristocracy to choose from?"

"Normally that would be the case," said Heron. "But the Galicians are an odd bunch. Their royal family had traditions going back to their founding with tales and stories about their royals being descended from their gods. In any event, Galicia would have no king if it wasn't from that particular family."

"Is that when they started to go downhill?"

"Exactly. It's almost like the whole people just kind of gave up. I may be exaggerating but that's how it's always looked to an outsider. It's always been said that the Galician people had an extraordinary bond with their king and most people would dismiss that as being fantastical. Yet, it's like the entire moral spirit went out of those people. Their traders started to melt away. They lost their status as overlord of the Vector and began to pull back. Or turn inwards to themselves. They began to fight each other in civil wars. All the while, large chunks of their territory were swallowed up by the reinvigorated Swabians."

"Is it still like that to this day? Still fighting each other?" asked Jack.

Heron spread his hands. "I'm not sure to be honest. We don't get very many Galicians in Sorella anymore, especially since the war. They have somewhat stabilized with the regent however."

Jack's brow furrowed. "Who is the regent?"

"At first, he was an elected leader to run the country in the absence of the king," said Heron. "Over time, it has cemented itself into one dynastic family who passed the leadership of the country from father to son. Well, all except the last regent who tried to give the title off to his daughter. She was quickly deposed and replaced by her cousin. Anyway, the regent rules Galicia now. Some say they just watch over the throne until the true king returns but that's just wishful thinking," said Heron before taking a swig of water. "That line has been destroyed. They'd almost be better off just to choose a new king."

"They sound like interesting people, despite their story," said Jack.

"That they are. I haven't met many Galicians that I didn't like. They're just levelheaded and sensible people all around. The family that holds the regency is just all right though. I met the previous one, but only briefly years ago. A tad bit uninspiring I would say, but you could fairly apply that term to the whole people now," said Heron.

"I would like to meet them eventually," said Jack. "Even if their story is filled with recent tragedy, perhaps there's a lot that we can exchange culturally."

"I'm sure you'll have the chance, no doubt. Especially with word getting around about you and your ships making their way through the Vector," added Heron.

Jack squinted and looked at the king. "You reminded me of something by saying that. When we first met with Daimanos, he mentioned that he had advanced warning of our coming. Well, rather his minister Barak did. Either way, they said a pair of drifters alerted them to our presence, but I never got the chance to ask him further details."

Heron nodded quickly. "Yes, Nikias passed part of that message over as well. I still remember the day I received the message as it's not often we have someone from outside the Vector come to our island. The drifters he spoke of were an older man and young woman but that's about all we know. I know the description is not much, but does that give you any clue of someone you might have run into before?"

Jack sat back in his chair and searched his mind. An older man and a young woman? But from where? There were no other humans in Lishkerra, and that's the only other land they stopped in before arriving in Sorella. There were no outbound ships from Quiller's Cove going to the Vector so who would have known about their arrival early enough to give them advance warning?

"I'm just as baffled by it as anyone else," said Jack finally. "We've met no such people in our travels."

"That is a bit perplexing," said Heron while rubbing his chin. "Perhaps you'll learn more when we get to East Sorella? If the minister Barak is still alive, he might be able to give you some more information. Especially if this duo is up to anything nefarious."

"What could be the point of alerting people to our arrival?" asked Jack out loud. "Especially someone we don't know?"

"That's why I think we should be careful about this, Jack. You never know just what these drifters may be up to," warned Heron.

It gave Jack plenty to think about. Largely the mystery of how they knew about him but for what purpose? He had to wonder just how long they were going to stay one step in front of him. He didn't have long to ponder the question when there was a knock on Heron's door.

"Come in," answered the king.

Lt. Brittany Noble stuck her head in. "There you are, sir," she said while addressing Jack. "Good evening, Your Majesty."

Heron smiled kindly. "Evening, Lieutenant."

"I take it Abigail is looking for me?" asked Jack.

"Yes, sir. Seeing as you made it out of the infirmary, she asked that you stop at her quarters when you have a moment," said Brittany.

"Doesn't she know that I'm still wounded?" asked Jack with a cheeky smile. "And she's askingme to come toher?"

Brittany raised an eyebrow. "With all due respect, sir, she only gave me that order when she personally went to the infirmary and found your bed empty."

"Busted," said a clearly amused Heron.

"It would appear that way," said Jack while trying not to chuckle. "Do you mind if I cut our meeting short?"

"Not at all," said Heron while shaking his head. "It is getting rather late, and you've been here for several hours. A king needs his rest after all."

Jack looked down at his watch to see he'd been in the king's quarters for close to three hours. "How did it get so late already! My apologies for taking up so much of your time, Heron."

"None required—I enjoy your company, Jack," said the king with a warm smile. "Give my best to Abigail as well when you see her."

"Will do. Goodnight, Heron," said Jack as he followed Brittany out the door.

Jack was content to stay a pace or two behind Brittany as he walked the passageway toward Abigail's headquarters. If he expected the entire journey to remain quiet, he was soon surprised when she turned to look at him.

"Well, I for one am happy to see you out of bed and mobile again, sir."

"That makes two of us," added Jack. "I take it Abigail wasn't so pleased to see my bed empty?"

Brittany shook her head firmly. "She had several choice words to say about it."

"Were any of those kind words?" Jack asked while squinting at the lieutenant.

"Not at all, sir."

"We better go see what she needs then," said Jack with a degree of finality.

"Oh no, sir. Not we. You. I'm off duty as soon as I bring you back to her quarters," said Brittany with an amused expression.

"You're just going to ditch me in her quarters? Leave me all alone just like that?" asked Jack playfully.

"You're a grown man. I think you can take it," she said with a wink.

They finally arrived outside Abigail's quarters. Brittany snuck her head in and announced his presence. "I have the Commander for you, ma'am."

"Send him in," came the voice from the other side of the door.

"Good luck," whispered Brittany as she opened the door.

Abigail was waiting for him as soon as he stepped inside. She was leaning against her desk with her arms crossed in front of her chest. Her expression wasn't one of amusement or happiness to see him. Quite the opposite.

"What are you doing out of bed?" she asked as soon as the door was shut behind him.

"Good evening to you too," said Jack as he sat down.

"You didn't answer my question," she said with a stern look.

"For the record, I like you like this. With this edge to your voice and the stern demeanor. It's rather hot," said Jack with a chuckle.

Abigail's arms fell to her sides as her eyes rolled. "Jack, be serious. You know you shouldn't be out of bed, so why did I find yours empty just a little bit ago? You should be resting."

Jack finally decided to be serious. "I know, I know. I was just getting tired of being stuck in there. Besides, I just went to see Heron. I've spent the last few hours picking his brain about the Vector and the peoples within."

Abigail raised an eyebrow. "Did you get some good information?"

"Some of the best," confirmed Jack. "He even drew a map of a good portion of the Vector. From the sounds of it, much more detailed than what the Lishkerrans had. He kept naming different peoples that populate this portion of the world."

Jack watched as her eyes rolled up in thought. Finally, she said, "Well, I'm glad the time was at least productive. That does sound like good knowledge to have."

"So does that mean you won't scold me nearly as hard?"

She hit his arm lightly. "Not in the slightest! Especially not with all of your cheek tonight."

"It's fun to tease you though," said Jack with a chuckle. "That really doesn't get old."

"What does get old really quickly is expecting to find your commanding officer in his bed but finding it empty," she added with a stern look. "You outrank everyone on this ship with the exception of Heron. You could have just sent for them to visit you."

"But if I did that, then I wouldn't be having this lovely conversation with you just now," said Jack while struggling to keep a straight face.

Abigail bit her lip and then swatted at his arm again. "What am I going to do with you, Jack? Just promise me you'll take it easy until you've healed further? And no smartass Jack right now. Be sincere with me."

Jack took a deep breath and looked up at her. "Okay, I promise. Honestly, I just needed a change in scenery. I was going stir-crazy."

She leaned down to look at him more closely. "This crew almost lost their commander once. I almost lost you, Jack. I can't have that happening again, okay?"

He opened his mouth to say something but closed it just as quickly. It was a rare moment of true honesty from her, and he could tell there was something deeper conveyed behind her eyes, something more tender that she would never admit out loud. He could tell his brush with death had deeply affected her and his laissez-faire attitude about healing wasn't doing her any favors.

He reached out to grab her hand and gently squeezed it. "You won't lose me. I promise."

She held his gaze for a second too long before lowering her head to look at the floor. "Thank you, Jack," she said finally.

He smiled at her. "I figured you didn't call for me just to scold me for being out of bed though, right?"

A worried look filled her face. "You're right. Something is bothering me, and I wanted to talk about it with you."

"Something with the ship? Or is this something else?"

Abigail bit her lip. "Something else."

"What is it?"

"It's Anna."

Jack's gaze fixed on her. "I had a feeling you were going to say that."

Abigail took a deep breath. "She knows. About us."

Jack's brow wrinkled. "How did she find out?"

"I'm not sure if she truly has or if she just figured it out on her own based upon her suspicions, but she confronted me about it the other night."

"What did you say?"

"Honestly, Jack, I was caught completely off guard. I couldn't even respond to her or think of an excuse or anything," said Abigail before retreating back behind her desk. "She took my silence as my admission of guilt."

"Well, she's not exactly wrong either," added Jack.

Abigail folded her arms back in front of her chest. "So what do we do now?"

"That's a great question," muttered Jack before running his fingers through his hair. "I knew something was up with her earlier."

"What do you mean?" asked Abigail. "What happened?"

"She brought me breakfast this morning, but she was a little distant. I could tell something was bothering her but she wouldn't admit to anything. It was a little off-putting. As soon as I so much as questioned her about it, she fled the room."

"That sounds like the Anna I know," said Abigail. "She's not much for confrontation."

"She still managed to confront you about it," said Jack.

"That would have been easier for her given that we're family."

Jack shrugged. "I had my own reservations about it as well though. Something that she said to me back when we first arrived in Sorella."

Abigail raised an eyebrow. "What was that, Jack?"

Jack took a deep breath. "We were . . . in bed one morning. And she asked that the next time we go home that I come to meet your parents."

Abigail let out a low whistle. "She's got it for you bad."

"I realize that," said Jack with a sheepish look. "Although, I didn't know she viewed it like this."

"Viewed it like what?"

"I mean, I thought we were just sleeping together," admitted Jack.

Abigail smiled. "Like you and I?"

"Exactly!" Jack leaned forward in his seat. "She never really said anything to make me think otherwise, and she dropped that on me rather suddenly. I was confused."

"You didn't tell her no, did you?" asked Abigail.

Jack shook his head. "Not at all. I just told her we'd see how we felt about it the next time we sailed into our home port."

"Sensible. That's a good answer," said Abigail with a nod.

"It buys me some time, but I don't know if I'll ever get to the same place that she is already," muttered Jack. "I don't know if I feel that strongly about her."

She watched him while he spoke, keeping her eyes trained on him. Jack expected to see anger behind them but there was another emotion. Something different that he couldn't quite make out.

"If you don't feel that strongly about her, then you can't go see our parents," said Abigail finally.

"I know that. It's just how to break that news to Anna," said Jack.

Abigail shrugged. "You're going to have to figure that one out sooner or later. Especially before her feelings get any stronger."

Jack grunted. "I feel like what just happened did some serious damage to that."

"Probably," said Abigail. "I'll have a talk with her eventually. She can't stay cold with us forever."

"And if she does?"

Abigail thought about it for a moment before responding. Finally, she shook her head. "I know my sister. She'll be upset for a while before she finds someone else's bed to slip into. Once that happens, she'll be fine."

"Funny, that's exactly how all this started," said Jack with a chuckle.

Abigail started to laugh. "Somehow I'm not surprised. That seems to be her signature move."

Once he was done laughing, Jack took on a more serious look. "I do want what's best for her. She's a great girl even though I know something deeper isn't in the cards for us."

Abigail smiled. "For what it's worth, I'll be glad when it's over between you two as well."

"Oh? So you can have me back to yourself again?"

Abigail crumpled up a piece of paper and threw it at him.

"I guess that's my answer," said Jack with a chuckle.

"I just think things were always going to be awkward between all of us if it continued, you know? I don't want to walk on eggshells around her. As inconvenient as it was to have her confront me, I'm glad it happened. It was going to come out sooner or later."

Jack nodded slowly. "Maybe now things can go back to normal."

Abigail smiled. "Hopefully."

"Thank you, by the way."

"For what?"

"For not kicking my ass for that conversation. Most siblings wouldn't have taken that conversation so well."

Abigail giggled. "What, about wanting to break up with her? Who says I'm not secretly thrilled?"

Jack arched an eyebrow. "Oh, are you?"

"That's the thing about the word secretly, Jack. It means you'll never know," said Abigail with a wink.

"I'm glad I'm not on your bad side at least. I think you would make it a lot harder on me."

Abigail started to laugh. "And don't you forget it!"

Jack turned to leave and moved closer to the door. Before he left, he turned toward her one more time. "Do you ever regret what happened between us? That first night in Quiller's Cove?"

Her gaze rose to meet his, locking in place. "Not at all, Jack. I enjoyed our night together thoroughly."

Jack grinned. "Me too."

"I just hope that for Anna's sake we can navigate through this little bump in the road without anyone getting hurt too bad. She's still my sister, and I hate to see her hurting."

"I'm sure there are some officers we could introduce her to after this all blows over," added Jack. "To help her forget about me."

Abigail started to laugh once more. "You really think that will help? You're going to have hard shoes to fill. Our dashing and brave commander who just so happens to be so attentive in bed. She's not liable to forget that anytime soon."

"Attentive, huh? Glad I could satisfy," said Jack with a chuckle.

Abigail rolled her eyes and then looked back to him. "Jack?"

"Yes?"

"Goodnight!" Abigail pointed to the door before she had to contain her laughter. Jack grinned sheepishly and then slipped out of her quarters, feeling better about the situation with Anna. Just knowing that Abigail wouldn't hate him was a big start. He surprised himself that the first thought of breaking up with Anna had been to question what her sister might think of him. Shouldn't he have been more concerned about Anna? As he slipped back into his hospital bed and rubbed his eyes, Jack wondered if it meant anything might change about their relationship.

Once Anna had moved on, would Abigail be open to rekindling their night of pleasure?

*****

"All right, ready when you are. Open fire at will."

Luke slipped off several short bursts of fire as the assault rifle rattled to life. Out to sea, the target was soon riddled with hits, most of them clustered on the upper half of the torso. Soon enough, Luke quit firing.

Greg let the binoculars slip away from his eyes. "Not too bad. You're getting better at this."

"I think it helps that I have something to shoot at instead of just the plain, paper target.

Greg started to chuckle as he looked back out at the target. Their standard one had been done up to look just like an image of the late Daimanos. Most of the enhancements had been added with marker, like his long, flowing dark hair and the glittering crown that held it all. The other accouterments were more real, such as having the late king's actual cape fastened to the board. It added a level of realness to the entire affair to see the cape blowing with the wind and waves.

"Ol' Daimanos never really stood a chance," said Jack, watching from the side. While he wasn't able to do any shooting with his wounds, he was still content to watch the both of them in what was becoming a daily ritual for them.

"I wonder if he would've preferred this outcome instead of being stabbed by Jack?" asked Luke while giving a cheeky grin to his commanding officer.

"What's it matter to him?" said Jack with a shrug. "Dead is dead!"

"It was probably a little more satisfying for him to poke Jack full of holes before he died," said Greg.

"I wasn't poked. I was slashed at. Big difference," muttered Jack.

"Does it really matter? It still earned you almost a week in the infirmary," added Luke.