Fourth Vector Ch. 19

Reina's expression hardened. "That's going to be a problem. I'm willing to overlook the Swabians interfering in Picardy and attribute any wrongdoing to them, but I can't overlook a sovereign not intelligent enough to realize what they're doing. Especially now, with our pride on the line. That was one of our best ships. Carinthian honor demands that I avenge it."

Kat raised an arm. "I understand it's going to be tough to persuade you otherwise with the loss of your ship, but the Swabians are the enemy here, Reina. Not the Picards. Aedan means well, but he's misguided on this subject. The last thing we need is for a war to break out between two former allies."

Reina turned her attention to Kat while an incredulous look filled her face. "Katherine, forgive my words, but what does it matter to you? The Swabians are only capable of such an action because of the weakness of Galicia. Your cousin is a treacherous little shit but heis the regent. If he wasn't afraid of the traditional duties, the Swabians would never have gotten a foothold in the old alliance."

"I agree with you that he's a terrible excuse for a regent," said Kat with a quick nod. "But it's important that we do everything we can to keep the old alliance together."

"Oh, I intend to do just that," insisted Reina. "I can't very well lose the Galicians as well as the Picards, as much as I hate Eric Rosdahl. If Picardy pivots to Swabia, we'll find those bastards right on our doorstep. I can't have that." Reina took a deep breath. "But unfortunately, your presence here puts me in a bad spot, Katherine. If your cousin finds out, he's liable to complain about it. As much as I hate to say it, we need the Galicians more than ever right now."

"Eric won't save you from the Swabians, especially if Picardy falls," said Kat with a firm shake of her head. "He cares for nothing outside his own borders. Like you said, it's only his inaction that has allowed the Swabians to be so bold. That's the other reason why we're here. Jack and I are building an alliance to withstand the Swabians. We have the might of Java, as well as the Sorellans and the Andalucians so far."

Reina snorted. "Forgive me, Katherine, but you don't have much. The Sorellans? They are a small nation, not capable of projecting force. The same can be said for Andalucia. Desert savages. I don't know why Java would have a sudden interest in the West, but I will discount anything I hear from them until I see it with my own eyes."

"That's why we need Picardyand Carinthia in this alliance," said Jack. "Two nations of the old anti-Swabian alliance. If we can add the both of you to this, we can be strong enough to resist them."

Reina pursed her lips and seemed to consider that thought for some time before answering. Jack swallowed heavily as she mulled the idea over for almost a full minute before she replied. "You want me to not only give up this conflict with Picardy but toally with them? The people won't like that, Jack. They are in the mood for blood. How can I dissuade them from that?"

"By letting them know that the Swabians are behind it. The Picards are your friends. Aedan wishes for your friendship, Reina," said Kat.

"Then he shouldn't have flirted with the Swabians," she insisted, crossing her arms. The queen then took a deep breath. "I'm sorry, Katherine. There will have to be a war with the Picards, Swabians or not. As much as I like the idea of your alliance, there's no teeth to it. You aren't the regent anymore. And despite the good looks of this man here," Reina gestured to Jack, "I don't trust easterners as far as I can throw them. I need to put faith in what alliance I have left, and that means the Galicians. The legitimate Galicians," said Reina, instantly getting a defeated reaction out of Kat.

Jack had heard about enough at that point. There was no scenario of success that involved losing both the Carinthians and the Picards, especially to a war with each other. Reina's insistence in working with the legitimate representation of the Galician government was the final straw. His fingers wrapped around the Galician sword at his waist, and even though he couldn't see it directly, he imagined the blue light exploding with brightness at the touch of his skin.

"You want to work with the legitimate representative of the Galicians?" he asked Reina quietly, waiting for the woman to turn her attention back to him. "What if you can? What if Eric isn't the legitimate representative?"

Reina let out a low sigh. "Jack, I know that Katherine is the proper regent, but she's been deposed. There's nothing I can do about it—"

"Not her," said Jack. "I meant me. I am the legitimate sovereign of the Galician government." Jack pulled the sword free in the next breath, causing a shocked Reina to step backwards. Her eyes instantly went to the blade, now fully ablaze with the blue shine from the pommel.

Reina turned to Kat as anger filled her face. "What madness is this, Katherine? What is he talking about?"

Kat simply nodded in return. "He's right, Reina. Jack is the Galician King. An heir of the old line of Galicia, his family has existed in secret for the last two hundred years. That sword he wields only responds to the King of Galicia."

Reina's eyes went wide as she turned her attention back to the blade. She started to stammer. "The b-blue light. I've only heard of s-such things," she muttered, taking it all in. She then fixated her gaze on Jack. "Show me the birthmark. I know the stories well. If you're really the heir, you will have a birthmark on your body."

Jack nodded quietly as he lowered the sword. He reached for the buttons on his uniform, undoing them one at a time until he was able to pull his muscled arm free. He pointed to the cross-like birthmark on his arm. "There it is. The Galician royal symbol."

Reina stepped closer to inspect him, but she jumped back after a moment. Her hands went to her mouth, gasping in astonishment. "This can't be! The Galician line is dead!"

Kat shook her head. "It is very much alive, Reina. Jack is the king. And as the king, you owe him your allegiance."

"My gods, my gods," whispered Reina, taking several steps back. Her hands never left her mouth, her eyes raking his body over and over. "How can this be true?"

"That doesn't matter right now, Reina," said Kat, placing her hand on the queen's arm. "It's a long story, and we are always short on time. The long and short of all it is that you have the legitimate members of the Galician people in front of you. The rightful king and the last true regent. And we're here requesting that you honor the old alliance, and stop this brewing conflict with the Picards."

Reina's eyes finally met Kat's. "What you're saying is too incredible, Katherine. I must say, it's hard to ignore, but it's just incredible." The queen seemed at a loss for words. "What will your cousin say?"

"We'll deal with him eventually," said Kat firmly. "For now though, we can't let the Swabians pick us apart and defeat us one by one. The path to failure lays in letting this war continue to escalate with Picardy. Stop it, please? For all of us?"

Reina's mouth dropped open, and for a brief moment, Jack thought she might actually give in on the spot. Such was the look of amazement in her face from what she'd just witnessed that Jack imagined she might immediately call off the fight.

If he hoped it might be that easy, he was soon to be disappointed.

Reina recovered her composure before looking at Kat. "While I don't doubt you now, Katherine, it does put us in a bad spot. You may be the legitimate Galician representatives, but you don't command the armed forces of the country. Your cousin does. And let's face facts. The Swabians have been on a war march for the last hundred years without an end in sight. What you're asking me to do is to ignore Carinthian honor. I don't think that's happened once in all of our history."

"You'll get your chance for revenge," said Kat. "On the Swabians, who are really behind this war. Tell your people that their anger is justified, just not against the Picards."

"You've given me a lot to think about, Katherine. You really have," said Reina as she paced around them. "For now though, I need to think on this. I need to consult my cabinet."

"How long do you need?" pressed Jack. "When can we expect an answer from you?"

Reina shrugged. "What you're asking me flies in the face of all this country stands for. It will not be easy to convince my people. You will need to give me a few days."

"We don't have days. Your ultimatum to the Carinthians expires in three. We need to know before then," said Jack.

Reina took a deep breath. "All the more reason why you need to step away and let me do this. You can have rooms here in the palace for you and your group. But I will need time, and if we are to get you a quick answer on this, I need to get started."

Kat nodded quickly. "That's quite fine, Reina. I'm sorry to put you in this position. I know the responsibility it puts on your shoulders, and I wouldn't be here asking if I didn't think it was the right thing to do."

Reina gave her a hollow look before she pointed at Jack. "This will upset a lot of things. This revelation will change the entire world."

"That's why we need to take one step at a time," said Kat. "That first step is preventing a needless conflict between allies."

"Give me time," said Reina. "Just a little time."

Their meeting ended just after that, as Reina soon left the room. Once she was gone, Kat took a deep breath and looked at Jack. "Well, that wasn't too bad."

Jack chuckled. "It could've been worse, I suppose. I guess we wait now?"

She nodded. "Reina will do the right thing. I know she will." She sounded more like she was trying to convince herself more than she was giving a statement, and that worried Jack a little. They both turned around and approached the door, finding a wide-eyed Dustin watching them. The look on his face meant that he'd heard everything.

"I'm wondering what you two just got me into," he said quietly, his eyes fixed on Jack.

Jack took a deep breath. "Like we told Reina, it's a long story, Dustin. Only a few people know within the task force."

"It's true then?" he asked. "Are you even really Javan?"

Jack nodded. "I am. I grew up there. I'm as Javan as you."

"Then what is this nonsense about Galicia? The king? You?" Dustin looked incredulous before he turned to Kat. "And her? What the hell is a regent?"

"We'll tell you all of it," said Kat, before placing her hand on Jack's elbow. She turned her attention back to him. "He has the right to know."

"What will the men say?" asked Dustin. "You can't serve two masters, Jack."

"Believe me, I know. This is a recent development, Dustin. I'm still figuring it out myself. I'd just ask that you keep it quiet for now. Greg knows as well."

Dustin crossed his arms in front of his chest. "And he still fights? I'm surprised."

Jack pursed his lips. "We'll sit down soon to talk this out. Will you at least keep it to yourself until you and I can talk?"

Dustin regarded him with an uneasy expression. Almost a minute passed before he finally replied. "I can do that. But I want to know everything. And I want you to know that I will never fight against my home, Jack."

The warning seemed ominous enough to Jack. "With any luck, Dustin, it will never come to that."

*****

Reina's servants were able to get them situated in their own quarters within the palace a short while later. For Jack and Kat, it meant a shared suite dominated by a large king-sized bed and several ornate vanities and wardrobes around the room. It had its own en suite bathroom as well, with a large claw-foot tub taking up most of the space.

"I could get used to this," said Jack, looking around the intricate bedroom. "This place is magnificent."

"If you like this, my king, wait until you get to Kalmar," said Kat as she playfully skipped to the bed and jumped on it, bouncing across the sheets. "The king's suite in Galicia will put this to shame."

"And here I thought we had it made in Andalucia," he said with a chuckle.

Kat giggled at him and launched a pillow from the bed in his direction. He had barely ducked before she'd grabbed another, ready to send it flying his way.

"What are you doing?" he asked with an easy grin. "Are you feeling playful?"

She nodded. "With all that's going on right now, I just need to release some pressure. I need some mindless distractions right now before I go crazy thinking about everything."

Jack slipped onto the bed. Shortly after, she wormed her way into his arms. He was instantly surrounded by her sweet scent, her blonde locks tickling his nose. "I can give you much to be distracted about."

Kat purred. "You promise?" Her hand quickly went to his crotch, rubbing at his cock through the material.

Jack chuckled. "You're that ready to go, huh?"

She nodded while unbuttoning his trousers. He gasped once her hand gripped the bare skin, stroking him forcefully. "I am. Do you want me?"

"I always want you."

"Then take me, Jack. Right now, please?"

They quickly shed their clothing, and Kat soon mounted his hips, moaning loudly once he'd slipped inside of her. She leaned down completely and mashed her lips with his, kissing him passionately while their hips began to move in unison. She was soon panting heavily as the sounds of their flesh meeting filled the ornate room.

"Oh, yes, Jack. Cum in me. Give it all to me," she moaned as their thrusting reached a furious pace.

All too soon, he stiffened and emptied himself into her body as she moaned in delight. Her body soon collapsed onto his, her breasts smashing against his chest. Jack could only grin as he came down from his orgasm, kissing her lightly as they exchanged playful whispers.

Soon, Kat slipped off his chest and came to a rest against his side. Her leg draped possessively against his own while her fingernails raked his chest.

"After all that's been going on, I needed that so badly," she whispered, kissing his chest.

Jack chuckled. "I'm glad I could satisfy you."

"You always do, my love. You always do."

"Can I ask you something? When we met with Reina today, was she what you remembered?"

Kat's eyes rolled up in thought. "Yes and no. Her reaction was as warm to me as I remembered it to be. I'm just a little upset that she still has to think it through. I thought we gave her more than enough evidence to come over to our side."

"She makes a good point though," he said. "We don't command any Galician forces. Even with Sorella and Andalucia included, we are still quite weak in comparison."

"You're right. We could be quite strong with them and the Picards though," she replied.

Jack chuckled. "'Could be' isn't a phrase I'm used to when I'm in command of my ships. 'Could be' tends to get you in trouble."

Kat sighed. "I know, Jack. But it's all we have right now. Even though we've done good things, we still have a way to go."

He nodded slowly, letting a small silence descend on them both. It was only after a few minutes that he opened up again. "What Dustin said is still on my mind."

"About serving two masters?"

"Yeah," answered Jack. "He's completely right. Eventually, I'm going to have to pick between Galicia and Java."

Kat remained silent. She propped herself up on her elbow to look at him.

"The main source of our power right now comes from Java," he continued. "Without them, we lose the majority of our firepower."

"Do you think we might lose it?" she asked.

"I think this doesn't help the situation, especially if my superiors find out about this. We took a chance telling Abigail and Greg about this, and luckily, they took it well. Dustin's response almost worries me. What about the rest of the task force? If the day comes when I have to pick between the two, how many of them would abandon their home to fight with us? I don't think that's something we can ask of them."

"They might fight for you though," said Kat. "They would follow their leader anywhere, as long as he's a good one."

"But Kat, what if the day comes that they have to pick between Galicia and Java in a fight? As much as I hate to even think of such a scenario, it is possible. They won't fight against their own families."

Kat snuggled in closer. "Then we just can't let that happen. If we stay united against the Swabians, it will never come to that."

Jack didn't answer that question, choosing to remain quiet. Soon, Kat was sleeping quietly against him while his mind still raged with the main question at the core of his identity. Was he going to be loyal to Java forever or to Galicia? If he thought the question was hard for him to answer, it may not be so hard for his own men, owing nothing to Galicia to make them want to abandon their homes and their families.

What would happen to his force when the day came that he had to make them answer that question?

He shuddered to think of their response and what it might mean for his forces.

It meant the possibility of losing everything.

*****

In an adjacent wing of the Carinthian palace, a blond man rushed back to his own quarters. There was a spring in his step, driven by the sight of two newcomers to the palace that just happened to trigger something he'd heard on a dispatch from over a week ago.

A description of two people. He was sure it was them.

As he reached his quarters, he threw open the doors only to see his bewildered young assistant looking at him with surprised eyes.

"Edwin, what in the world? Where's the fire?" asked Neil, his shocked companion.

"It's them," croaked Edwin as he passed the still startled Neil to the pile of received dispatches. "I saw them."

Neil gave him a confused look. "Who is them? What are you talking about? You're not making much sense right now."

Edwin paid him no attention as he rifled through the dispatches. It took him a few moments to find what he was looking for, but eventually it materialized in front of him.

"A-ha! Here it is," he said triumphantly, holding it above his head. He quickly scanned the contents just to be sure before handing it off to Neil. "These two are here."

Neil started to read out loud from the dispatch. "Be on the lookout for a mid-twenties aged woman with long blonde hair and blue eyes answering to the name of Katherine Rosdahl. You'll recognize her as my predecessor. There may be a blond man with her in charge of a foreign naval unit. Let me know immediately if they are spotted anywhere in your jurisdiction." Neil then looked up at Edwin with a shocked face. "You mean it, Edwin? The deposed regent ishere? In the palace?"

"I'm sure of it, Neil. I saw her with my own eyes. It's been some years since I last saw her back in Kalmar, but I'm positive it was her. If her description didn't give it away alone, his presence would've. I'm telling you, we have to radio back to Galicia and let them know they're here in Carinthia!"

"This is going to be huge," said Neil as he excitedly clapped his hands. "Can you imagine the reward for when we lead the regent's forces directly to them? He's been after his cousin for years! I'm sure there's a big fat payment in order for the ones who actually lead him to her!"

Edwin quietly prepared a fresh dispatch. "We need to await further instruction on how they want us to proceed. I'll send this back to the state department now and see what they want us to do."

"Ask if there's a reward, will you please?" plead Neil.

Edwin shook his head and shooed his overeager assistant away. "Silence, will you? I can't write and think at the same time with your endless chatter!"

Neil began to hop around Edwin as he wrote, thankfully remaining silent, but still being annoying in his own special kind of way. It wasn't until he was done with the dispatch that Neil finally settled down and watched him send it.