Fourth Vector Ch. 10

"What happened when they did?" asked Jack.

The man's face turned to abject horror. "They treated us like criminals. Like we directly disobeyed their order to turn around, even though they let us go in the first place! It made not the slightest bit of sense, sir. What came next was indescribable."

"Tell us, Wally," said Heron. "If we are to bring whomever did this to justice, we have to know the full extent. Tell us when you're ready."

Wally swallowed hard. "They confiscated all my goods. My ship is completely bare save for empty crates. All that product and all that money, gone. After they confiscated the goods, they took the women too. I had several female crew members, and all of them are now gone. Only the gods know what will happen to them. The rest of our crew were abused like this." Wally pointed to the various wounds all over his body.

"They took their turns, sir. It was the most sadistic thing I've ever seen. They seemed to have fun with sticking us with their swords and seeing who could bleed the most. The lucky ones died quickly and were tossed in the sea. Some more of them that were unlucky enough to survive the entire encounter died on the remaining voyage here."

"When did they set you free?" asked Jack. "How long did they detain you?"

"It felt like days but it was only a few hours. Once they striped us of everything of value, they just left. Thankfully, enough of us could cobble together enough of a force to operate the ship and come south."

"You're safe now, man," said Heron. "Sorella is safe again. We'll help your men get aid and get patched back up."

Wally grabbed Heron's collar. "Those Swabians are like demons, sir. Demons, I tell you. I can only imagine the fate of our women. Sold as slaves, I have no doubt. I've heard chatter on the Swabian ship when they were torturing us. They're selling slaves to the Andalucians."

Heron looked up at Jack before turning his attention back to Wally. "We've heard something similar."

"My heart aches for them," said Wally. "I just hope for a merciful and quick death for them. I don't know how it's come to this. In my entire life, I haven't seen anyone attack a trading ship. Why would they do this to us, sir? What did we do to warrant such treatment?"

"We live in interesting times, Wally," said Heron solemnly. "Unfortunately, it seems like things are going to get worse before they get better."

"I'm done with all of this," said Wally. "To hell with trading in this environment. I'm going back to Picardy once the coast is clear and I'm going to try farming again. It's not worth dying, sir."

Heron nodded. "Come, Wally. Let's get you and your men some medical attention. You've suffered so much that it's our time to take care of you now."

With a coordinated effort, Heron began to get the men of theSunflower onto stretchers, taking them to the small naval hospital not far from the barracks. It was only just in time too, as after the last stretcher left the docks, theSunflower slowly capsized and sank at its mooring at the dock. Just like Wally had said, the only crates they were able to recover from onboard were either empty or containing the sailor's personal effects.

With a great sigh, Heron turned to Jack. "It appears now they're targeting merchant vessels coming to Sorella peacefully. The Swabians have gotten awfully aggressive lately."

"It's important that we get moving quickly," said Jack. "I want to take our task force up this same passage and see what happens."

"I just don't get it, Jack. Trading vessels have no military value. Especially not loaded down with spices and fish. What's the point in attacking them?"

"They are tightening their hold on the waters around you, Heron. First they wanted to steal your gold and next they wanted to seal off all routes in and out of the island. An attack is coming."

Heron shook his head. "We need reinforcements. We need help from abroad. We can't stand on our own."

"We're going to be off at once," said Jack. "With a little luck, we can rope the Picards into an alliance and be in better shape." Jack trailed off at the end, his mouth falling open as he remembered a crucial detail."

"Jack? What's wrong?" asked Heron.

"They're attacking trading vessels," whispered Jack. "Kat and Vera left on theSwordfish two days ago! They are going to be in grave danger if they sail right into this Swabian force."

Heron nodded at once. "Come, we need to get you back out at sea. If anything happened to those two, I'd be very distraught."

You and me both, thought Jack. He pictured Vera's friendly smile and easy laugh. His relationship with the woman had developed into something that resembled a real friendship. There were no words for how much he enjoyed her company, but even as much as he liked Vera, his heart ached for Kat more. The very idea that Kat was now in danger with the mortal enemy of her peoples set his heart ablaze. He had to get back out to sea and make sure she was safe.

He couldn't let anything happen to her.

---------

Shortly after the debacle with theSunflower, Heron made his way back to his quarters in the barracks. There was still much to be done that morning and he wanted a good portion of his work tackled before the Javans left Sorella that afternoon. Heron trudged up the hill back into the barracks and went into the small room that he'd made his office.

Except, he wasn't the only one in the office. Inside, he found Elektra and Nikias waiting for him, both watching him with expectant eyes. As soon as he entered the room, Heron stopped in his tracks. Something was up. Or off.

Elektra put on her best smile. "Papa," she greeted him.

Heron looked back and forth between them and then raised an eyebrow. "What are you two up to? I've been around long enough to know that you're about to request something out of the ordinary." The king moved to sit down behind his desk.

His intuition was right on target so far. The two of them looked at each other nervously before trying to put on a brave face to Heron. His gaze drifted back and forth between them both, not knowing which one to settle on.

"Well? Out with it, please," he said with a chuckle.

"You see, the thing is, Your Majesty—" started Nikias before Elektra raised her hand to his arm.

"Let me do it, okay, Nikias?" she said softly. She then turned to her father. "Papa, there's something we were hoping to discuss with you. Something we were hoping to get your permission for before we moved forward with it."

"Permission? What do you need permission for, my child?"

Elektra began to turn red. "Well, you see, there's something that we want to do. Something that needs to happen. Um, something that you want to happen! Yes, and we need your permission in making this thing happen."

Heron chuckled again. "You're starting to lose me."

Elektra looked back to Nikias for help.

"Your Majesty, we're seeking your permission to marry," said Nikias confidently.

Heron leaned forward. "Marry? As in marriage?"

"Yes, Your Majesty, that's right" answered Nikias, sounding less confident the longer that the confusion reigned on Heron's face.

"The two of you? You're sure about this?"

"You're always saying that I need to find a husband, Papa," said Elektra before giving a coy smile to Nikias. "Well, I've found one. One that's a good man and would be a good partner."

"I don't mean to sound pompous, and Nikias will forgive me for saying so, but he's not of our station, Elektra. He's of the common blood. There's no custom for the royal family marrying commoners."

"It's high time that custom was done away with, Papa," said Elektra fiercely. "It's an outdated and foolish custom that serves no purpose. Nikias is the best of men. I care not that he isn't of noble birth because he's noble in his actions. He has my heart and that's all that matters to me."

"How do you feel about this, Nikias?"

Nikias took a deep breath and then smiled. "My thoughts on this subject are very clear. I love her, Your Majesty. I've loved her for a long time. You're right—I may be of common blood, but I would be the husband that she deserves. I would spend the rest of my life showing her that I can be devoted to her and treat her with all the love and respect that I can muster."

Elektra beamed at him while her hand reached out to caress his face. "We're in love, Papa. Deeply and truly. I know of no better man to call husband."

"I don't have any objections to his character," said Heron. "Only the manner of his birth. Do you know what this means, Elektra? One day, I'll be dead and you'll be queen. That means that Nikias will be king alongside you."

"And he'll be the best of kings, Papa. Just like you. And I'll be his queen."

"Are you prepared to be king one day, Nikias? Do you know the demand that is on your body and your spirit to be the king of an entire people?"

"I only make this request because I love your daughter, Your Majesty. If that should make me a king someday, so be it. I will say this—I'll have had the best of instruction in the matter of kingship just by watching you."

Heron smiled. "I'm afraid I'd have to disagree with you there. I've made many mistakes as a king. And it's under my watch that the entire island fell into civil war. I don't think history will be very kind to my reign."

"It will be, Papa," said Elektra. "Because we'll be the ones writing the history books."

Heron locked eyes with his daughter. "You're completely sure about this, dear one? No hesitations?"

Elektra's eyes blazed with confidence. "I couldn't have any more confidence in him, Papa. Nikias is the man I'm supposed to be with."

Heron took a deep breath and then smiled. "Then let custom be damned. All I've ever wanted is to see my children grow up and be happy. And I know we've talked so many times about marriage that I was beginning to think you'd never do it just to spite me."

"It would've been hard to get me to do it to any other man," said Elektra with a giggle. "I just had to find the right one."

"It won't be easy, you know," warned Heron. "A good marriage isn't just found on the elation of love alone. A good marriage is made from equal parts of love, respect, loyalty, and partnership. There will come a time when both of you are old and wrinkled and most people fall out of love because the underlying attraction is no longer present. Make your marriage grounded in partnership. Devote yourselves to each other, to family, and to Sorella. Only then can you have a relationship that'll last the ages."

The two of them looked to each other as smiles appeared on their faces. "I can say with all honesty Papa that I don't think that will ever be a problem. How could it be? This is the best of men," said Elektra fondly.

"And the best of women. She's had my heart since the first time I laid eyes on her," said Nikias.

"Well, that settles it then," said Heron. "We'll have to get to planning a wedding. You have my permission to be betrothed. We'll have to have a celebration to acknowledge this with the people."

"Hopefully, the people will be as accepting of this as you are," said Elektra. "It makes me nervous to think about the reaction among the noble houses about hearing the news."

"You and I both, dear one," said Heron. "However, my word should be enough of a reason to accept this. And Malicoe knows we need something to celebrate here in Sorella."

"I don't think we'll have any issues with the common people, sire," said Nikias. "They'll be eager for a celebration after the ravages of war. Any reason for them to get out in the streets and remember the good days from before the war."

"I have to agree with you, Nikias. A good celebration is exactly what the people of this country needs. I only hope that the noble won't sour it," said Heron. "There were many of them that had their eye on Elektra."

"Then they'll be happy to know that I've found true love," added the princess. "Especially if it was my well-being they were holding first in their hearts."

"I think it was more related to the enhanced standing they'd gain in marrying you," said Heron. "Or the prospect of being king."

"We'll just have to keep an eye on the houses. If we see any one family causing any trouble or being too vocal about the match, we may need to intervene," said Nikias.

Heron waved his hand. "It's of no matter right now. Today is a happy day. Today is the day I get to see my beloved daughter take the first step towards marriage. It's also the day I get to accept a son into our family."

After those words, Heron emerged from behind his desk and wrapped the both of them in a large hug. Elektra broke down as tears of happiness careened down her cheeks. She beamed with a smile as she looked at her father, and for that moment, they enjoyed the tidings of love.

---------

After a short briefing with all the commanding officers that morning, Task Force 21 was ready to set sail. All the provisions had been loaded onto the two ships, including the new Sorellan fire ordinance, and it was high time for them to continue the rest of their journey. There remained only one task left at hand, and for that reason, Jack, Greg, and Abigail made their way to the barracks to say one last goodbye to the king of Sorella.

It was a somber moment for Jack, knowing they were about to leave the island where they'd spent the past month. Sorella had almost started to feel like a home away from home, with people that he enjoyed spending time with. It also gave him a sense of purpose that he was doing the right thing. However, Jack knew it couldn't have gone on forever. Soon they would have to get moving to the next island.

The three of them headed inside the barracks to meet with Heron, who was to be found in his main office on the first floor. As soon as Jack opened the door, he found the king, Elektra, and Nikias embraced together in a hug.

"I hope we're not interrupting anything," said Jack as his hand rested on the knob of the door.

Heron was the first to pull away, beaming with a joyous grin. "Not at all. In fact, you'll be the first to hear the great news."

"What news would that be?"

Heron turned to look at his daughter. "Go on, tell them! Tell them the wonderful news."

Elektra wiped away a tear from her face. "Nikias and I are engaged to be married."

Jack brought his hands together in a loud clap. "That's wonderful! Congratulations to you both!"

"I knew it," said Greg excitedly. "I knew there was something going on between you two!"

Both Elektra and Nikias went red in the face as the three Javans rushed forward to offer their congratulations to the Sorellans. Nikias received several hearty pats on the back as well as handshakes while the women hugged each other with happiness. Even with all that was going on in the world right now, knowing that Elektra and Nikias were able to find love with each other was cause enough in its own for celebration.

"The only thing I regret is that we have to leave so soon," said Jack. "Or else we'd stay for the wedding."

"You might even be back before they are able to wed," said Heron. "The betrothal process for the royal family of Sorella is a long one. There are many traditions that they'll need to fulfill. Perhaps you'll see their wedding day by the next time you come back."

"I couldn't be more excited for you," said Abigail. "My congratulations to the both of you."

Elektra grinned. "We're very happy and thank you!"

"Yes, as will most of Sorella," said Heron. "This will be exactly the celebration that we all need. Although, I echo your thoughts on the matter, Jack. I wish you could be here for the betrothal announcement at the very least."

"As much as we'd love that, it's time that we got going," said Jack. "Especially if merchant shipping is being attacked, I'll want to get on ahead and make sure we meet up with Kat and Vera in Picardy. It's about high time we had our official introduction to these Swabians."

"About that, Jack, I want you to be careful on your way north," said Heron. "The Swabians have a mighty empire with lots of resources at their disposal. While you may have the best of technology in your ships, there's still only the two vessels. If they wanted to, I'm sure they could overwhelm you."

"Hopefully it wouldn't come to that," said Jack. "But if it's a fight they're looking for, then we'll give them one."

"I just want you to be cautious. This is far outside their normal behavior," said Heron. "They're doing things now that they've never done before. An unpredictable enemy is an especially dangerous one. Be on your guard, and most importantly, never trust a Swabian. Their word means nothing to outsiders. You saw how they treated Wally, and he's still part of the Fourth Vector. Imagine what they'd do to you as a foreigner."

"We'll be cautious, Heron. You have my word," said Jack. "But we won't allow ourselves to be threatened. Nor will I let any innocent traders be bullied while on peaceful expeditions."

Heron nodded. "We live in interesting times, my friend. The world is becoming a darker place. For that reason, I urge you to go straight to Picardy and sign an alliance with my friend, King Aedan. We need strength in numbers."

"I will, Heron. And I'll send word as soon as we do. As well as our next step," said Jack. "Whatever happens, you and I won't stand alone against the might of the Swabians."

Heron smiled and offered his hand out to Jack. Jack took it, grasping it firmly. "It's been an honor, Jack Easterbrook. If not for you, I don't think either of us would still be alive today. You've given me my kingdom back, and for that gift, I'll treasure our alliance until my last breath."

"You're a mighty fine man and an incredibly wise king, Heron," said Jack. "These people don't know how lucky they are to have you at the helm of the ship. It's been a great pleasure getting to know you, and I'll look back on my time in Sorella with great fondness."

"Even when we were getting blasted by my brother's artillery?" quipped Heron.

Jack laughed. "Even then. It's been a hell of a ride."

"That it has. Thank you, Jack," said Heron finally.

The rest of the goodbyes played out in the same somber tone. Jack offered his congratulations once more to Elektra and Nikias and his wish for them to have a happy and fruitful marriage. The new couple remained side by side, clinging to each other in happiness at the first display of their love to the world. Around him, they all said their goodbyes, most of them wishing for the day when they could come back to Sorella with news of peace. Even though Jack doubted that time would come soon, it gave them all something to hope for.

For that reason, the three of them left the barracks one last time and made their way back down to the docks where theDestiny idled in the water.

"I'm really going to miss it here," said Greg one last time as their feet stomped across the dock. "It's not home but it very well could have been."

"I know what you mean," said Jack. "They were incredibly welcoming to us. We could only hope for this kind of reception everywhere."

"If I remember correctly, you two had avery welcome reception back in Lishkerra," said Abigail. "I wonder if you both are fathers yet?"

Jack gave her an embarrassed look. "I'd almost forgotten about that."

"How could you forget about that night?" said Greg. "Five women at one time!"

"Yeah, Jack," added Abigail with a coy smile. "How will any sexual encounter ever compare after that?"

He turned to look at her and raised an eyebrow. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"

She started to laugh. "More than you know!"

The three of them finally reached theDestiny and boarded the ship, making their way to the bridge. Inside the bridge, the three division head officers waited for the order to launch the ship, with Stephanie at the operations command desk, Kyle at the weapons command desk, and their newcomer, Cory at Anna's old engineering desk. Jack nodded to all three of them, still getting used to seeing Cory's face in the bridge of the mighty cruiser.