Fourth Vector Ch. 16

It almost sounded comical to think in that way. He was a nobody, just a damn naval officer from some country to the east. How could he be this long-awaited king? Yet, Kat seemed so sure of it. And she was so torn up about telling him.

It serves her right, for holding it from me for so long. She should have told me sooner!

But would he be any less mad at the outcome? Perhaps not. He just might have thought she was crazy instead and left her behind. She'd waited until he'd developed feelings for her in order to spring the news on him. When he wouldn't be willing to send her away for the news. It was a calculated move, and it hurt his head as well as his heart. Was she keeping anything else from him? And who did she want him to meet tomorrow? Could it be his real family? His real mother or his father?

How did she just manage to turn my world completely upside down?

*****

Needless to say, Jack didn't get any sleep that night. His mind kept turning with the revelations from last night. Most importantly, he wondered what they would mean if they were true. Having to confront that those he called family for his entire life were strangers was the hardest part. In a way, it was a disparaging feeling. He almost felt abandoned by the real parents that he never knew.

Part of him wanted to shrug it off as a mistake. That maybe Kat really did have the wrong guy, and nothing had to change about his life. Jack wasn't sure if it was his sense of irony, but something told him that there was merit to her words. The small voice in the back of his mind told him that she was likely correct. However, that didn't mean he would blindly accept anything without proof.

And she still owed him a lot of proof. He hoped that whatever they would find today would put an end to any doubts that he might have. Either he was Jack Easterbrook, Commodore in the Javan Navy, or he was this long forgotten heir of the Galician throne. One way or another, he needed an answer.

Unfortunately for him, his request to be left alone was honored for the entire night. Even when he half-expected Abigail to come to bed at the end of her shift, he received no other visitors until dawn when his deputy, Twitch, brought him the morning dispatches. The evening hours were quiet for theDestiny and the rest of the task force, and by all accounts, they should be reaching the coordinates of Kat's island by midmorning.

And it was there that he hoped to find more answers to just exactly who he was.

However, being alone all night made him want to talk to someone, anyone that would listen. He was tired of being alone with his thoughts, and he wanted to open up, even if it was just to chat about trivial matters as a means of distraction.

For that reason, he first headed down to Greg's quarters, however the man was not there. It was still early enough in the morning that it wasn't entirely a surprise, and Jack figured he'd probably spent the night with Abigail's deputy Brittany like he'd done before. Thinking about who else he could see, he went above deck to track down Vera. The Galician woman was always a good sounding board for just about anything, and she'd surely be able to find something to help take his mind off of recent events.

"Come in," she yelled through the door after he'd given a firm rap to it.

Jack opened the door to find three pairs of eyes looking at him. The first was Vera's, and she was sitting in a chair right next to her bed. Beside her was Kat, also sitting in another chair and facing the bed. The person in the bed was Abigail, still half-asleep, which Jack didn't consider surprising since she would have been on the bridge for half the night. The three women were talking amongst themselves, but the chatter died down instantly as soon as they saw him.

"I was just hoping to talk to Vera," he said quietly, as he watched the three of them.

Kat was the first to nod, and she soon sprung out of her seat. "I'll give you both some time." She passed by him while offering a conciliatory look.

Abigail was out of bed next, thankfully still wearing most of her uniform. She only had to put on her jacket before she too left the room, offering him a kiss before she slipped out. It left Jack alone with the last woman finally.

"You look like you've had a rough night," said Vera jokingly while gesturing to the bags under his eyes.

"You have no idea," he answered. He made for Kat's now empty chair and sat down across from the blue-eyed, blonde woman. "I felt like I had a bomb dropped on me."

"That's what Kat said but she wouldn't tell us why," said Vera.

He gave her a look of confusion. "You sure she didn't? You don't know what this is about?"

Vera shook her head. "Not a clue. She said it was between her and you, and that you would tell the rest of us when you were ready. I take it that time is now?"

Jack mulled that question over for a moment before answering. Did he really want to start talking about something that he didn't have his own proof about? What if Kat was wrong? What if this was just a whole case of mistaken identity?

"Maybe not yet," he said finally. "Just not the right time yet."

Vera nodded quickly. "I understand. Are you two having any issues? I understand the relationship between the three of you is not exactly routine, but I'd hate to see it cause any problems."

"That's the least of my concerns right now," he said a bit too honestly. "This is much bigger."

Vera really looked at him. "Are you okay, Jack?"

Jack took a deep breath. Was he?Not really.

"I don't know," he answered. "But I hope to get more answers today."

"I really hope you find the answers you're looking for," she said sweetly, offering a touch of support against his arm. "I hope you're as excited to see Kat's house as I am."

"You're going too?"

Vera nodded. "That's just what Kat was in here about. She requested that the four of us go to the island together. Me, you, her, and Abigail. She said there's something important there that will require all of us to be on the island."

Jack wanted to groan. "You too? What in the world could it be that involves you too, Vera?"

She gave him a look of confusion. "I'm sorry? What do you mean?"

"I thought this had to do with me alone. Why are you and Abigail involved?"

She shrugged. "I don't know, Jack. Kat wouldn't tell us anymore than that, only promising that we would find out once we were there."

Jack wanted to swear. It was bad enough that he had to suffer through this but to get the other two involved only served to agitate him further. For the first time, he felt real anger at Kat for the way she'd turned his world upside down.

"I know why I'm going, but I don't know what it has to do with you and Abigail," he said finally, once he calmed himself. "I didn't think this involved either of you, but I guess we'll find out more shortly."

"Is everything going to be all right, Jack?" she asked, giving him a vulnerable expression. "I've never seen you like this, and it's not right for Kat to be this cryptic with me."

"I really hope it will be just fine, Vera," he said, pulling the younger woman to him. She hugged him tightly. "I really just want to get to the bottom of this."

"You and me both," she said with a half giggle. "This trip has been strange enough for me without adding in anything else."

You have no idea what's in store for you then, thought Jack.Especially once you find out that I'm supposed to be your long forgotten king.

"I'm sure whatever it is, it can't be that bad," said Vera once she pulled away. "Then maybe we can enjoy a couple of days of quiet before we head further into Picardy. Maybe even get a chance to enjoy some time on the beach?"

Jack chuckled. "That would be relaxing if anything. I think all of us have earned a little reprieve after all that we've been through in the last few months."

He stayed to chat with Vera for another thirty minutes, mostly about casual subjects, until he was ready to go. The time spent with her helped him greatly. There was always something calming about her personality, something soothing about her presence. He could never quite put his finger on what it was, but Jack was grateful to have her along in any event. In times like these, true friends could be few and far between.

After he left Vera's room, he made his way to the closest mess kitchen for breakfast. As luck would have it, he finally found Greg sitting alone with his own tray in front of him. Unfortunately, the look on his face seemed to match Jack's inner feelings, so he sat down next to him to find out what was going on.

"There you are," said Jack. "I was looking for you this morning."

Greg nodded quietly. "Yeah, sorry, I was in Brittany's room over the night."

"I figured. How's she doing?"

Greg took a deep breath. "Better than me. She dumped me."

So that explained why he looked the way that he did.

"How did that happen?" asked Jack.

"I'm not really sure," said Greg sullenly. "One minute, things were fine between us. She went wild once I was back aboard the ship. I mean, she usually always was a little on the wild side anyway, you know? Things have been great since we left Andalucia but the past few days, she was a little withdrawn. Then last night, we had sex and she said she doesn't want to do this anymore. She said she's basically bored of what we're doing, and she wants to see other people."

Jack let out a low whistle. "Damn, she said all of that?"

"Not in those words, but that's the intended message," said Greg quietly. "It is what it is. I get it. I didn't think she was the marrying type but she was fun to be around. I just didn't expect it to go south nearly this soon."

"Well, I'm sorry to hear that, man."

"I'll be all right," said Greg while turning his attention back to his plate. "Eventually."

"Maybe it's better that it ends now then. Especially if you think it didn't have a future."

"Maybe," said Greg. "Just because I didn't intend to marry her though doesn't mean I didn't care about her. This one will sting for a little while."

Jack nodded. A small part of him wanted to commiserate with Greg about the news he'd received last night, but he held back. He got the impression that the marine just wanted to vent, and the last thing he wanted to do was to steal his thunder. So he just listened to Greg talk. He nodded when the man asked a question or gave his opinion when necessary. Mostly, Jack stayed quiet to just listen. It was what Greg really needed at that moment, and he was all too happy to provide it.

"Sorry, Jack. You didn't come here to listen to me bitch and complain," said Greg finally, once both their trays were long since empty. "It just felt good to get all of it out there."

"I know the feeling," said Jack. "You'll get back on your own two feet, I have no doubt about that."

"It's just hard being on the same ship as her right now."

"Well, maybe once we get to Picardy, some time ashore will be just what you need," said Jack. "I don't intend to leave the ship without you with me, so there's that to look forward to."

"Speaking of Picardy, I heard we should be arriving at Kat's house lately. Anything you want me to do while you're on the island?"

Jack shook his head. "No. I don't know how long we'll stay there, but we do have our own business to attend to while we're there. Just hold down the fort for me here while I'm away?"

Greg nodded. "I can do that." He reached out to smack Jack on the back. "Thanks for hearing me out again. I appreciate it, Jack."

"Of course. Anything to help a brother," replied Jack.

Shortly after he'd parted from Greg, Jack got the message through his radio that they'd arrived at Kat's island home. Coming to the top deck, he looked out across the waves to see a small, light-blue cottage set right off the beach. He couldn't see many more details from this distance, but he hoped to find all the answers he needed inside that little house.

As he prepared to go ashore in a launch boat, he heard a familiar voice from behind him.

"Are you ready?" asked Kat as she walked to his side.

"As ready as I'll ever be," he said quietly.

She bit her lip nervously. "Are you still upset with me?"

Jack wanted to chuckle at the look on her face. "A little."

"I care for you so much," she said, pressing into his arms. "For who you are in here, not for who your blood makes you. Please know that, all right?"

He nodded wordlessly as she hugged him. She placed a soft kiss against his cheek before separating as Abigail and Vera appeared alongside them.

"Are we ready?" he asked all three women. All of them nodded. He helped them get into the launch boat one at a time before hopping in himself, and they were swiftly lowered to the ocean to go ashore. While the rest of the task force anchored just off the coast, Jack watched as the little cottage appeared to get larger as they moved closer to it.

It really was a cozy looking home. As they neared the shore, Jack was able to see more of the light-blue colored building tucked in just off the coast. The roof was sloped along two sides, highest in the middle, and deep gray in color. He could make out two windows along the side closest to the water, and what looked to be a small deck that wrapped around the other side.

"It's been so long since I've been here," said Kat by his side. "There were times when I thought I'd never see it again."

"Well, you're home now," said Jack. "I'm sure it will sink in once we're inside."

She nodded and looked back to the house. Jack steered the vessel past the waves until it nudged into the sand. Hopping off the boat, he helped each of the three women with stepping off until they were more firmly planted on ground. Jack then pulled the boat from the water, depositing it not far from where the grass met the sand. If anything, it would be safe in this position despite the risk of the tides.

Once they neared the house, it quickly became apparent to Jack that they weren't alone. He could see curtains against the window moving on their own, a sure symbol that someone had just been watching them. Even though he knew that Kat wanted him to meet someone, part of him wondered just who this person could be. He rested his hand against the pistol at his waist, wanting to be ready in case he needed it.

It hardly came to that point. As Kat led them to the door, it opened before she even neared it. An older woman poked her head out from the door, followed by the rest of her. At first, she had a look of curiosity on her face.

That is, until she saw Kat. At that point, she broke out into the biggest smile and rushed forward to hug the much younger woman.

"Kat!" exclaimed the older lady as she hugged her fiercely. "I'm so happy to see you. It's been way too long."

"Evelyn, I've missed you terribly," said Kat against her. "There were times when I thought I'd never see your face again."

The other three hung back to let the two women continue to greet each other. Jack looked over the older woman while she chattered. Her hair was a silvery-blonde color, and her eyes were piercing blue even despite her advanced age. She was short in statue, although he couldn't tell if she started that way or age had just brought her down over the years. She was clothed in a white garment that seemed to be just a shade duller than her own hair. There was a look of genuine joy written into her face at seeing Kat once more.

It was only once she'd greeted Kat that her eyes turned to look at the rest of them by the door. They started with Abigail, only to move to Vera, and finally to Jack. She did a triple take after looking at Jack, and she soon brought her hand up to cover her mouth in shock.

"Is that him? Is it really him?" she asked Kat, her eyes wide with excitement.

Kat nodded. "It's really him, Evelyn."

The older woman rushed past her to embrace Jack. He nearly felt the wind knocked out of his chest at the intensity of her squeeze, and she rested her silvery hair against his chest. He didn't know who this person was, but she was weeping and smiling at the same time, dampening the front of his uniform. He looked to Kat for help.

"I'm sorry, but can someone fill me in?" he asked before his voice turned to a whisper. "Who is this?"

Kat locked eyes with him. "That's your grandmother, Jack. Your real grandmother."

*****

Jack felt numb as he was led inside the cottage by the older woman who was supposed to be his grandmother. Kat had called her Evelyn, and he couldn't deny the fact that there was something familiar about her as they walked inside. A quick glance back at Abigail and Vera seemed to confirm that he wasn't the only one that was confused.

However, it was about to get worse.

"Her too," said Kat, referring to Vera. Evelyn wiped tears of happiness from her eyes as she looked at Vera, rushing just as quickly to scoop up the baffled woman in her arms.

"How is this possible, Kat? How did you find them both?" asked Evelyn, weeping happily. "I thought it would be hard enough just to find one, but you've really managed to surprise me."

"They both came to me. Or rather I to them," said Kat. "Just like the fates intended."

"I'm sorry, but I'm with Jack on this one," said Vera with a confused look around the room. "What is going on? Is this lady really Jack's grandmother?"

Kat nodded. "Yes, she is. And she's yours as well."

"What?" whispered Vera. "How can that be?" Vera shared a look with Jack as the realization hit them both at the same time.

Kat walked over and slipped her arm around Vera's back. "Vera, Jack is your brother."

The younger woman cupped her hands over her mouth and took several steps back. "What? How?"

"Kat, you really need to explain this to us. This is getting ridiculous," said Jack, looking around the room. "In the last day, all you've done is drop bombs on me with half-hearted explanations. That needs to stop. I need the full story. So does Vera for that matter." Jack looked to Vera one more time.Could she really be my sister?

"Why is he talking like that?" asked Evelyn. "Does he not know?"

Kat flinched. "I only told him last night. Not the whole story, either."

"Good heavens," squeaked Evelyn as she fanned her face. "No wonder they're so confused."

"I'm sorry, Evelyn. That is all my fault. I delayed too long in coming out with it. There were other complications as well," said Kat as her cheeks tinged with red. Kat's hand slipped into Jack's, a movement that was noticed instantly by Evelyn.

"Ah, I see then. I think I understand now," said Evelyn. "Very well, it's time that we explained everything. We owe it to the both of them. Jack and Vera, will you please sit? And who is this lovely woman as well?" she asked, gesturing to Abigail.

"Commander Abigail Wainwright," she answered proudly, sticking her hand out to Evelyn.

"The dark seed," muttered Kat quietly to Evelyn.

Evelyn's face turned to shock with the realization. "Goodness, you've found all of them." She then shook Abigail's hand warmly. "Pleased to meet you, dear. Please have a seat." Abigail only gave her a slight look of confusion before the older woman turned away.

Evelyn led them into a small living room that overlooked the coast. Jack recognized the drapes behind the windows, the same ones that Evelyn had been watching them from while they walked up to the house. In the distance, he could see the task force floating off shore. Part of him wanted to leave now, go back to theDestiny, and resume life as he knew it before yesterday.

The other part desperately wanted to hear everything that Evelyn had to say.

Jack sat down on a large couch and took the one side. Vera gave him a funny look as he sat down, no doubt because her own mind was still reeling, but she sat down in the middle beside him. Abigail took the other end, while Kat pulled up two chairs for herself and Evelyn to sit facing them. The tension in the room was heavy, and no one seemed to want to start talking first.