Fourth Vector Ch. 18

"The queen seems awfully bubbly," said Greg as soon as the door closed. "Is she always so . . . excitable?"

Kat nodded. "She's always been that way. She makes for terrific company, and she's one of the loveliest people I've ever met."

"He seems very doting on her as well," noted Jack. "First child, I take it?"

"First child that's gotten this far," said Kat quietly. "They haven't had the best luck when it comes to children. They've been married for nearly ten years, and several of their pregnancies have failed. It's not surprising he's as doting as he is. He's probably just so thankful that one is nearly full term."

Jack nodded silently. He couldn't imagine having to try for a child for ten years without success. He wondered if perhaps it had an effect on Aedan's current behavior concerning the plague and the Swabians. Was he being so fearful because he feared for Ciara and their unborn child?

He couldn't help but speculate out loud. "Bad timing for them to have this now with all that's going on."

Kat gave him a knowing look, one that silently agreed with his internal thoughts. "We just have to find a way to overcome it."

Jack didn't have long to ponder that statement when Aedan returned to the room. "My apologies about that! I didn't expect my servants to just take off or I would've had one of them help her."

"No apologies necessary, Aedan," said Kat with a gentle smile. "I'm sure we can all appreciate the care you have for her. She's lucky to have you."

Aedan chuckled. "If you ask me, I'd say I'm the lucky one. I've known Ciara since she was a teenager. She's always been just as beautiful. Myself, I was cursed with an awkward teenager phase so I can honestly say it was the best day of my life when she agreed to marry me."

Jack couldn't help but feel eyes on him. He shifted slightly, catching Kat watching him. She smiled softly before turning her attention back to Aedan. Part of him wondered what that was about, but then he remembered Aedan was just talking about marriage. He tried to catch her eye again, but she remained focused on the king. Reluctantly, he did the same.

"Anyway, I'm glad you were able to come here to the palace to meet with me again," said Aedan before he looked over in Greg's direction. "You must be Colonel Vaughn that my wife mentioned."

"Ah, Lt. Colonel, I'm afraid," said Greg with a bow of the head. "But yes, that's me."

"Welcome to my kingdom, Lt. Colonel," said Aedan before turning his attention back to Jack and Kat. "Well, now that we're all here and comfortable, let's begin. Jack, I know that you wanted to continue our talks after last night."

Jack nodded. "I know we didn't have much time last night, but I was hoping we'd get a chance to expand on a few topics. The plague being the first of them."

Aedan's shoulders slumped in the same manner as they did with the same topic from last night. "Of course. What would you like to know?"

"Have you pinpointed the start of the outbreak yet?" asked Jack.

Aedan blinked. "We know it started here in Daban a few weeks ago."

"But where in Daban?" pressed Jack. "Where were the first cases?"

Aedan rubbed his beard as he thought. "Come to think about it, most of the first cases were merchants from a small marketplace near seventeenth street. It's not the largest of markets, and it does attract an unsavory sort to be honest, but that's where the first few cases developed."

"Interesting," said Jack as he began to unravel the king's words. "Where did it spread next?"

Aedan took a deep breath. "Unfortunately, it became hard to pinpoint after that. People all over the city started to come down with it. Most of the outbreaks were in the poorer sections of the city at first until it began to spread to the city's industries."

"Hmm," said Jack. "So if I follow you, it started in this unsavory marketplace and then it quickly took off, starting in a poorer section of the city. That was probably the case because those citizens were more likely to shop at the unsavory marketplace?"

Aedan nodded. "But what of it?"

Kat then joined in. "And those poorer citizens will be the ones that were working in the factories, which is how it started spreading there next I'm guessing?"

Aedan crossed his arms. "It certainly seems plausible to me, however the heavy outbreaks have always been near the marketplaces. I'm guessing it's just because the people are congregating there more often."

"That is interesting," said Jack quietly as he thought about it some more. Part of him was curious about the nature of the outbreak and how it spread, but another part of him remained more skeptical. While thinking about the plague last night, part of him questioned whether the Swabians could be involved in any way with the pestilence. They'd already proven the lengths that they were willing to go to in Sorella and Andalucia that he wouldn't put it past them, but could that even mean some form of biological warfare as well?

More importantly how would that even work?

Secondly, how could he even mention such a thing to Aedan without the king immediately shutting it down?

Jack caught Kat's eyes to see that she was looking at him curiously. He wondered if she was on the same wavelength as he was. "What are you thinking, Jack?"

"Aedan, just out of curiosity, when did the Swabians arrive in Daban?"

"About a few weeks ago, to be honest." Aedan then caught his breath and an angry look appeared on his face. "Now wait just a second, Jack. I certainly hope you're not insinuating what I think you are."

"Just asking questions, Aedan," said Jack with his hands held up innocently. "It is curious thought that they showed up at precisely the same time as this plague broke out, don't you think?"

"No, I don't," said Aedan acidly. "And I do remember telling you last night that I didn't wish to speak about my accommodations with them again. Times are changing, and I expect you both to accept that."

Kat lightly touched Aedan's arm. "Aedan, no one here is attacking you, but Jack does bring up a very interesting point. Didn't you say the Swabians were here on a trading mission?"

"As are traders of all the western countries," snapped Aedan. "That doesn't make them capable of this! Enough on this. They've shown me nothing but goodwill since they've been here. I'm willing to believe that they do desire better relations with Picardy and that's what's driving their current actions. They've been remarkably cordial in their dealings with me."

"That's how they always start out," said Kat warily. "They start cordial and willing to compromise but their demands only grow as time goes on. That's how they work."

Aedan made a face that was hard to read, but if Jack didn't know any better, it was a silent confirmation of Kat's words. He had to wonder if the Swabians had already started to push the king.

"I will hear no more of this," said Aedan firmly. "I suggest you both start to come to terms with the changing nature of western politics. Just because we are friends with the Swabians now doesn't mean we have to be hostile to Galicia." He then turned to Jack. "Or Java for that matter."

"Aedan, the last thing we want is to see anything happen to Picardy or its people," said Jack calmly. "We've just seen too much in the last few months. Too many people that trusted the Swabians when they shouldn't have. This only comes from a position of care for your own people."

Aedan raised his chin. "While I do appreciate the care you must have for Picardy, it is ultimately my job to keep my people safe and well. If Picardy can no longer rely on our traditional allies, we must seek others. I've had to have this very conversation with the Swabian delegation before you, and the Carinthian ambassador earlier this morning."

Kat's eyebrows crinkled. "Carinthian ambassador? May I ask what that is about?"

"Normally no," said Aedan before relaxing his shoulders. "But seeing as I do trust you, Katherine, I will tell you. As I stated last night, our relationship with the Carinthians continues to deteriorate. In the very early morning hours, we had to detain a detachment of their troops trying to sneak into Picardy."

"Sneaking in? You mean, like what I had to do?" she asked.

"That's different," said Aedan. "I know you, and you came straight to the palace to find me. These Carinthians soldiers snuck ashore from their warship to get drunk, showing little disregard for the measures we've put in place to contain the plague. They've all been rounded up and imprisoned for what they did."

"I can see now why the ambassador came to see you," said Kat quietly. "I'm guessing they didn't like that one bit."

Aedan shrugged noncommittally. "I don't care whether they liked it or not. They will face proper punishment for being on Picard soil when they shouldn't have been, especially with all that's going on. The Carinthian ambassador wanted me to release them into his custody. He said he promised they would be sufficiently punished for their actions." Aedan let out a low laugh. "It's as if they think I'm stupid. I don't know why they were ashore, but I'm willing to bet there was more to their actions beyond an attempt to find some drinks for the night. They will be questioned until they give up what they werereally doing here."

"You know the Carinthians are going to be really sensitive over that subject," warned Kat. "They won't take it lightly that one of their allies is holding their soldiers or subjecting them to such treatment."

"At this point, Katherine, it's long overdue," said Aedan while crossing his arms in front of his chest. "Since I've been on the throne, and hell, since even my father, they've made for poor allies. Perhaps they think they can waltz into my capital city and dictate orders to me but I will show them that Aedan rules in Daban, and no one else!" The king brought his fist down onto the table hard to emphasize his point.

"Maybe I can intercede with Queen Reina of Carinthia," offered Kat. "She's an old friend as well, and I'm sure I can help mediate any disputes between you both."

Even with all his previous bluster, Aedan's voice lowered when he spoke next. "I'm sure it won't come to that," he said quietly. "I think I just need to show some strength to them, and this whole ordeal will be swept under the rug."

Kat gave Jack a look that seriously doubted the king's words, something that he made a mental note to himself to ask her about later. He turned his attention back to the king, who was now staring down at the floor in front of him. Jack had to wonder what was going through the man's mind. Volatile and blustery in one minute and docile and calm the next, Aedan seemed to be a man of contractions. Jack had to wonder if he was always like this, or if perhaps his behavior had been influenced by his pregnant wife and the threat of the plague.

"Aedan, I know the last few topics have gotten a little . . . passionate," said Jack, lowering his voice as the king focused his gaze on him. "But we came here with a sincere desire to look for ways to partner with you. Perhaps it's not the best timing on our part but Kat and I are united as one in our purpose." He grabbed Kat's hand as a metaphorical symbol of his words. "Despite the circumstances, I'm not willing to give up on a partnership with you and your people."

Aedan regarded him for several moments before he responded. "I have to admire your pluck, Jack. You don't seem like a man that takes no for an answer."

Jack chuckled. "There's too much at stake for us to do that."

"Well then, we can always continue our dialogue," said Aedan. "Perhaps we'll find more areas of compromise that we can work with."

With that spirit, the meeting continued forward as they searched for ways to work together. As they neared the end of their time together, Jack felt a little better about his prospects with Aedan, even if he knew it would take a lot more work to get the man to commit to any sort of alliance with him. He even had to wonder if an alliance would be in his best interest as long as Aedan held the Swabians in such high regard. Would such an ally truly be trustworthy in that case? Could he ever let his guard down against the Swabians?

He didn't see any scenario where the answer to that question wasn't a resounding no.

About an hour after they'd arrived, Aedan looked at the clock and took a long sigh. "I'm afraid I'll have to cut this short. I have a lunch meeting planned, and I'm going to be late if I don't get moving soon."

"We can surely take our leave at that then," said Kat as she rose to stand. "I know Jack speaks for me as well with what he said earlier. We want nothing more than the well-being and care of Picardy and her people and especially their sovereign."

Aedan smiled. "What a regent you would've made. I really wish you were still in charge of Galicia, Katherine. I think a lot of things would've turned out differently with you at the helm."

Kat nodded sadly. "There is still time for us to correct the wrongs of the past," she said cryptically, thankfully not expanding on what she meant. A quick glance back at him confirmed for Jack exactly what she meant.

As they said their goodbyes to Aedan, the trio was soon whisked from the elaborate parlor room and headed toward the entrance.

"Well, that could've gone better," muttered Greg under his breath.

Before anyone could answer him, they heard the sound of apsst coming not far down the hall.

The three of them turned their heads, only to see the pregnant figure of Queen Ciara hiding behind a door. She rapidly waved for Kat to join her.

"I should see what she wants," said Kat as she started walking toward Ciara. "I shouldn't be long!"

"We'll wait for you just outside," said Jack as the two men walked back toward the entrance.

*****

Kat separated from Jack and Greg and walked quickly down the ornate hall in the direction of Ciara. She beckoned her through the door and closed it once Kat had crossed the threshold.

"Is everything all right?" asked Kat as soon as they were alone.

Ciara nodded quickly and grinned. "Of course it is. I just wanted more time to talk with you before you left! It's been too long since you've been here and a scant five minutes with you just wasn't enough!"

Kat found herself laughing along with the Picard queen. "For a moment there, I thought something was up!"

Ciara shook her head. "Not at all. It is so good to see you again. How have you really been, Katherine? It seems you find yourself in some odd company."

Kat grinned. "This is true, but these are odd times."

"Isn't that the truth?" Ciara managed to carefully sit down in a chair not far from Kat while clutching her very pregnant stomach. "I really wished I wasn't about to give birth in such turbulent times, but such matters are far beyond us."

Kat moved to sit down beside her. "I have to say though that I couldn't be happier to see you with child. I know how hard it's been for you and Aedan, and I can't wait to see you both as parents."

Ciara beamed with a smile. "I can't wait either. It's been a hard road for us, and this pregnancy thing is harder than it looks. All day every day, I feel like I'm being punched on the inside. It's really an odd feeling."

Kat started to giggle. "Unfortunately, I wouldn't know!"

"Just wait until it's your turn someday. You'll see what I mean. Half the time, I feel like I need a servant to help roll me out of bed or help me out of chairs. I hope that I can still get my body back after this child. I used to be so skinny!" Ciara made a pouting face as she ran her hand over her thigh.

"I highly doubt that Aedan cares what size you are. He's loved you forever."

"Oh, but I still like to see the look of desire in his eyes," said Ciara with a wicked grin. "When he gets all turned on and can't keep his hands off of me. It's been a little less as of late, and I'm looking forward to eventually going back to that."

"Okay, I don't need all the details," said Kat with a laugh, holding up her hands.

"Sorry!" Ciara nearly snorted with laughter. "But it's true! It will be good to go back to old times." Ciara's face became more serious. "Especially with all that's going on."

"What's your take on all of this, Ciara? I always knew that Aedan had a sound head on his shoulders but what he's proposing right now seems to be crazy. To forsake the Galician and Carinthian alliance in favor of Swabia? What is he thinking?"

Ciara frowned. "I'm afraid he's not thinking much at all. He's too worried about the pregnancy." She rubbed her stomach once more. "And now with the plague coming at the same time, he's a bundle of nerves. He'd never show it to anyone else, but it comes across in his behavior. What's worse is the common people are starting to lose faith in him."

"Are you sure about that? How do you know?"

"Whispers and rumors," replied Ciara. "First hand commentary from our agents stationed around the city. Aedan makes them report the conversations they hear on the streets as a way for him to measure what the common people are thinking. Most of them are blaming him for this plague. A good portion still remember his father and think that he makes a poor substitute." Ciara sighed deeply. "I'm afraid he takes such commentary too seriously."

"Surely he knows he can't please everyone though? That's the first tenet of ruling in that you can't make everyone happy at once," said Kat thoughtfully. "He should know to take their words with a grain of salt."

Ciara pursed her lips. "You know, they say it's women that are affected by pregnancy the most. That it makes our screws come loose in here." Ciara tapped her forehead. "But Aedan is hardly any better. I think the thought of finally getting an heir and this coming down to the wire is having a profound effect on him."

"How so? What do you mean by that?"

"He's being weak to those that he should be strong to, and too strong with those that he needs to be more delicate with," said Ciara while waving her arms. "The Swabians are a perfect example. They keep pushing him, Katherine. All they want is more. When they first brought up this deal, it was only a trading contract. Then they wanted to do an alliance. Aedan kept them at bay with that at first, but they kept pressing the issue. Eventually, they made him think it was his idea to have the alliance, and all of a sudden, he thinks he'll be the one to realign geopolitics by accepting their hand of friendship. Then they push for their soldiers to come here to train with ours, and now they keep pushing to expand their trading into other cities. What will be next?"

"That's how the Swabians operate," said Kat. "They don't know when to stop. They just keep pushing until they get what they want. We've seen it all too frequently lately in Andalucia and Sorella." Kat took a few moments to catch the queen up on their last few months of travels, including their encounters with the Swabians in both countries.

"See, now that sounds like something the Swabians would do," insisted Ciara after she heard the story. "I've tried to tell him before that it seems like they're up to no good, but he won't hear a word about it. He's trying to do too much right now, and I'm afraid it's going to bite him eventually. And that's not to say a word about the Carinthians!"

"He told us about that incident with their sailors," said Kat. "I can already tell that Reina is going to be less than pleased when she hears about it."

"She'll think he's lost his damn mind!" exclaimed Ciara before shaking her head. "I'm sorry, I'm getting a little heated. The doctor says I need to control my outbursts as we get into this late stage of pregnancy. Let me try again." The queen took a deep breath before continuing. "Reina is not going to forgive this easily. I'm almost afraid to see the next message the Carinthian ambassador is going to bring us."