Fourth Vector Ch. 26

"And what does Admiral Sevolz need from me?" asked Magda. "I don't have any ships to give him. And unless he has more men to transfer to me, I'm afraid I won't be much aid to him."

"You might recall that Admiral Sevolz was the one that defeated the combined Picard and Carinthian fleet several months ago," said Harmen. "We sunk a few of their cruisers and they've been running from us ever since."

"My hats off to Admiral Sevolz then," replied Magda.

"Well, we'd now like to finish the job," said Harmen. "Our reports indicate that the enemy fleet is now moving toward Daban. It makes sense from a strategic perspective. Daban is the only place in the country where they can land on friendly shores. Your army has simply taken every other part of Picardy from them."

Magda smiled. "We did what we could."

Harmen returned the look with an easy grin. "Indeed you did. When they get back to Daban, our plan is to trap them in the bay. This won't be hard for us to do since the mouth of Daban Bay is quite small and leads on for fifty miles before it reaches the city. Once we're positioned near the mouth, they'll be trapped."

"That seems fitting for them but I'm still questioning where we come into all of this," she said. "The Picards are already trapped in the city and there's nowhere for them to go."

"Exactly what we're trying to accomplish," said Harmen. "We would like to coordinate our efforts with your army to extinguish the last spark of resistance here in Picardy. Admiral Sevolz doesn't intend to just blockade the bay until they surrender. We're going to force a battle in the bay and destroy what's left of the fleet but we don't want them to have any support from their land-based fortifications."

"So if I'm hearing this correctly, you'd like us to keep them occupied when you make that final attack?" she asked.

Harmen nodded. "Exactly. Admiral Sevolz envisions a joint move against Daban from land and sea. We push and attack on them at the same time and then neither of their forces can support each other because both will have their hands full. We destroy the last remains of Picard forces in Daban and then the entire country is ours."

Magda pursed her lips as she thought over the plan. Objectively, she had no qualms with it, liking the pincer movement that would squeeze the Picards between two forces. There was only one small problem with it though.

"As much as I like your plan, Captain, I'm not in the position to attack just yet," said Magda. "Our army is largely at equal strength to theirs. We can't take the city just yet but they can't push us out. I've requested reinforcements to finish the job but Lord Avila is a little occupied at the moment if you didn't know."

"You'll get your reinforcements," promised Harmen. "There is a ship docking in Zarah now that will bring you an additional three regiments."

"Three regiments?" she asked with a coy smile. "That is wonderful news indeed."

"The only thing you'll have to wait on is the time to get them to you by the march overland. Two weeks at most," he said. "We'll need that time ourselves to get into position outside the bay. The fleet has had to refuel and resupply back in Cormfeld so that's added some time onto our projections. But they should be in place right around the time you get your regiments."

"Then we'll crush them together," said Magda quietly.

"That's the plan," said Harmen with another charming smile. "And this should be the start of an excellent year for Lord Avila."

"I'm onboard then, Captain," said Magda with a small clap of her hands. "What do you need from us for the time being?"

"Nothing yet," said Harmen as he moved to stand. "What we wanted was your cooperation at first. There will be more information to come as we put this operation in motion but for now, I just needed your approval."

"So where will you go now?" she asked, shooting him a coy smile. "Back out to your ships?"

"I must let the admiral know what happened here today," he said, closing the gap between them. "He'll want to know as soon as possible."

"Didn't you say the fleet was currently back in Swabia though?" asked Magda, taking a step toward him. "It would seem you might have to wait a few days in Picardy."

"I have my own quarters back in Zarah," said Harmen quietly but while maintaining intense eye contact with her. "It might be best if I start my way back there to be picked up."

"I think Zarah can wait a day longer or so, don't you?" she said, coming to a stop mere inches from his body. She looked up into his handsome eyes. "I'm sure we can find other ways to amuse you during your stay in the city."

Harmen cracked a smirk. "What did you have in mind?"

She grabbed his hand while using her free one to signal Meyer to scram. "Why don't I show you?"

*****

Back on Sorella, Jack gave a signal of his own back to the task force to let them know that hostilities were to be averted with their former allies.

"That's great news, Jack," said Abigail over the radio, all the while letting out a huge sigh of relief. "You were gone for quite a long time there."

"It took me a while to undo all the damage that was done," he replied. "But we ended in a good place. I think we've really set things right here. Anyway, we've been invited in for dinner this evening. Do you want to grab Kat and take a launch boat to shore?"

"Anything you say, Admiral," she answered in her signature sultry voice. "We'll see you soon."

Soon turned out to be about a half hour later when the two women finally arrived at the docks. Jack went down personally to greet them, helping each of them out of the boat.

"I can't believe you really did it," said Abigail with a toothy grin. "I expected to be in the city tonight but not like this."

"It took a lot of persuading on my part but nothing that was too fantastical," said Jack with a chuckle.

Kat beamed with a smile once her feet were planted on a dock. "I can't believe we're back in Sorella. Most of the memories I have from Sorella are good ones." Her hand wrapped lovingly around Jack's.

"Hopefully we can keep making those good memories," he promised. "Now come on, let's go up to Heron's palace.

It was a short walk to the home of the king where pleasant greetings were exchanged once all the old friends had been united. Elektra was most happy to see Kat again, having become close friends on the treasure journey last year. Heron gave a fatherly hug and peck to Abigail who blushed a deep red at being treated as such. Jack could only grin in response, thankful that their reception was a lot different than the one he received earlier.

"Come inside, my cooks are preparing a splendid little dinner for all of us," said Heron as he led them into the dining hall. Jack was pleased to see that it looked to be in better condition than the last time he left, with much of the damage from the civil war having been repaired.

Before Heron could guide them to their seats, Jack saw another familiar face, one that he instantly linked back to Vera.

"Melora, is that you?" he asked, seeing the familiar honey-brown eyes and bright smile on her lips.

"Jack, it's wonderful to see you again," she said, embracing him in a long hug.

"As it is you," he replied. "I'm surprised you're still here. I thought you would have left Sorella ages ago. Maybe go back home?"

Melora only smiled as Heron moved to her side. The two of them looked at each other as their hands soon linked. "Sorella is my home now, Jack," she said. "I've found a happiness here that I've been missing for so long."

Jack was able to put it together quickly once he saw the look of affection that passed between them. "Well, this is a pleasant surprise. Definitely a new development!"

"It is something new, but I think it's the right thing for us," said Heron. "I don't mean to speak for Melora but for the first time in ages, I feel whole again. She makes me feel like a young man again, and I can't imagine my life without her."

"That is simply adorable," squealed Kat as she worked her way closer to Melora, engulfing the woman in a long hug. "I really do want to hear everything about this."

"You'll get every respectable detail," said Melora with a laugh before she looked over Kat's shoulder. "Jack, I don't see Vera with you. Did you two part ways by any chance?"

"She's in Picardy right now," said Jack. "But the last I saw of her, she was well and happy. And she was seeing Greg, my counterpart in the marines."

Melora's face beamed with acknowledgment. "She did pretty good then. I'm happy for her!"

"We hope to see her again when we stop in Picardy," said Jack. "And I'll be sure to pass on your greeting!"

It was only a short time later that Heron had them all seated before the food began to flow. His servants brought out a smorgasbord of tasty meats, fresh produce, and a variety of bread that had been baked within the last few hours. For Jack, who was so used to the chow on theDestiny, it was an opportunity to overindulge.

After he'd passed on another serving of roasted duck and avoided picking up a third dinner roll, Jack reclined in his chair and patted his stomach. Around the table, everyone could be seen talking to someone. Abigail gushed with Nikias and Elektra about their recent nuptials while Melora updated Kat on all that had happened with Heron. It was only once Jack was left alone with the king that they began to talk once more.

"This reminds me of old times," said Heron with a genuine smile. "We had a lot of good times here together. I'm glad that we're spending this evening eating and drinking instead of fighting."

"You and me both," said Jack. "It wasn't the easiest to come all the way here knowing what they wanted me to do."

"Are you going to catch a lot of shit for this, Jack? You're risking a lot just for us."

Jack took a deep breath. "I've been risking a lot lately. Being back in Java showed me that there were a lot of things back at home that weren't how I expected them to be. Some people that I thought I knew changed. Some that I never knew confirmed all the rumors I've heard about them. The short story is that I'm willing to risk this for Sorella."

Heron raised his glass. "Then we're glad to have such a faithful ally once again. Shall we toast to our renewed alliance?"

Jack grinned and raised his glass. "I'll drink to that."

The king took a long drink of his wine before looking back out at the rest of the room. "You'd think they hadn't seen each other in years," he joked. "So much to share about what's happened this year."

"It's been the most memorable year of my life," said Jack. "After all the places I've been, I can truly say that I won't forget these experiences for as long as I've lived."

Heron turned to look at him. "Do you know what the best part of my year was?" He then pointed over to Nikias and Elektra. "Them. Their engagement and their nuptials. Seeing those two find love in each other has been the highlight of my twilight."

Jack grinned. "Anyone could tell that they were meant for each other. Just look at them. You can see how much they care for each other just by the look in their eyes. It's a genuine affection that you don't see too often."

Heron scoffed. "You're right about that. There are a lot of things I doubt in the world but not them. I could die tonight and do so happily knowing they'll take over for me. Not many kings have been able to say that."

"You still have a lot of years to go though," said Jack with a laugh.

"Gods willing," quipped Heron. "I hope I live long enough to see my own grandchildren. I don't think those are coming anytime soon but I sure would like to be around when they do come."

Jack turned to look at the king and flashed a smile. "You're a lot calmer now than I remembered. Peacetime agrees with you. Either that or being with Melora but you seem a lot more composed than when I left you last."

Heron grinned. "I think it has a lot to do with Melora but Elektra and Nikias have a role in it too. In a way, it's like the pressure is off of me. Melora gives me someone to talk to when I'd been missing having a partner for way too long. The pressure of handing my kingdom to an heir is off of me now too, with Nikias in the picture. I know once they start having children, our line will be secure. A lot of the worries I'd carried with me for years have melted away because of that, Jack. Because of my family."

Jack nodded. "You're fortunate to have such a family with you. Besides having two sisters, I don't have much family. Most of mine have long since departed this world."

Heron raised an eyebrow. "Are not Kat and Abigail your family in a way?" he asked. "They are your women, right?"

"Of course, but I was more referring to blood relations," said Jack.

"Blood relations don't mean much," said Heron with another scoff. "I love Nikias like a son. Like he was my own son. While he can never replace the son that I lost, he'll be a surrogate son to me for the rest of my life. I don't care that we aren't related by blood. It's enough for me to know that he'll be the father of my grandchildren."

Jack mulled that statement over for a few moments without responding. His eyes naturally sought out Kat, focusing on her stomach under her blue Galician dress. In a way, Heron was right. Kat and Abigail were his family. Not only were they his lovers but they were his partners as well. Equal, loving, tender—everything he could want in a significant other.

"You look like you're deep in thought, Jack," said Heron after a few quiet minutes.

"I'm just trying to think my way through a situation," said Jack cryptically. "I've found out some news lately, and I didn't react in the best way to it. I haven't exactly fixed the situation either."

"A family issue then, Jack?" asked Heron.

Jack nodded. "It is. Concerning children," he added at the end.

Heron opened his mouth and nodded slowly. "Well then, I don't think I need to tell you what you need to do. My guess is that you already know what you need to do?"

Jack nodded again.

"I'll just say this, Jack. I can finally get to this point in my life because my daughter is happy. My family is complete. You don't understand until you have them how much children change your life but they're everything, Jack. Your family is everything. If you always keep that point centered in your heart, it makes a lot of other issues pale in comparison."

Jack smiled and looked at him. "You make a lot of sense, do you know that?"

Heron started to laugh. "It might be why they made me king."

"You might have a point there. But thank you," said Jack. "You've given me some perspective on this. I appreciate it."

"Any time, Jack, any time. But if it's all right with you, I do have a question for you," said Heron.

"Shoot."

"I thought you only had one sister?" he questioned.

Jack put his hand in Heron's back. "Well about that, there's a long story there. Do you remember what I was telling you this afternoon in the warehouse?"

"Something about a personal duty? You said you wanted Kat to explain something, right?"

"Right," said Jack before refilling his cup of wine. "Why don't we get started with that. I guess the story starts with the death of the last Galician king."

*****

It took the better part of an hour for Jack to go over the entire story with Heron, and at one point, he had to break Kat away from her company in order for her to confirm it as well. Of course, Heron was shocked as could be. He was even shocked to find out who Kat really was, never having suspected that she could be the deposed regent that he'd only heard about.

"This changes everything, Jack," said Heron with a shocked expression. "How in the world did I have the Galician king and the deposed regent in my country and I didn't know a thing about it?"

"If it helps you at all, I didn't know anything about it either," said Jack with a chuckle. "I didn't find out until I got to Picardy."

That was of little comfort to Heron but the shock was slowly digested as the night wore on. What really helped Heron was having the story shared with Elektra, Nikias, and Melora, each of whom was more shocked than the next. By the end of the night, Jack had many requests to see the birthmark as well as a couple to bring his sword off theDestiny to see its powers for themselves.

That would have to wait for the next day though. Heron saw to it that Jack, Abigail, and Kat were put into an unoccupied suite where they were given fresh bedding as well as a servant to make themselves as comfortable as possible.

"I'm exhausted," said Kat as the door closed behind them. She hurried to kick her shoes off as she sat on the bed. "My feet are absolutely killing me."

"Well, that's understandable in your condition," said Abigail as she did the same. "But at least we get this nice room all to ourselves tonight. It beats the cramped conditions on the ship."

"At least we get this room without going to war," said Kat before she looked at Jack. "You did really good today, love. I didn't know how we would get out of this issue but you found a way."

"I had to get a little creative," said Jack as he started to step out of his uniform.

"Just how creative did you get?" asked Abigail with a raised eyebrow. "Did you have to promise them anything?"

Jack shrugged. "Not too much. Just had to promise them that they wouldn't see a viceroy ever again."

Abigail gave him a shocked expression. "How are you going to get away with that, Jack?"

"Commodore Lucas will help me run interference with them," said Jack. "Bancroft and the emperor will be too busy to worry about viceroys on this side of the world."

"Don't you think that's a little dangerous, Jack?" asked Abigail, the concern written deep into her face. "You'd be going against the emperor to do such a thing. You could get kicked out of the navy for that kind of thing."

Jack swallowed heavily. "I'm doing what I think is right, Abigail. This was the only way we could maintain the alliance against the Swabians."

"It seems like a high price to pay though," she said quietly.

"There was always going to be a price to pay," he said. "We knew that this would happen with the viceroys. That's why I worked so hard to try to get them removed."

"I'm not doubting what you did, Jack," she said while putting a hand on his arm. "It's just it worries me what might happen when Bancroft finds out about it. You're not exactly high on his list right now."

"He's already banished me from home," said Jack. "What more could he do to me out here?"

Abigail shuddered. "I don't really want to find out."

*****

The fighting for the city of Dagobern was only getting more intense as the day wore on. Lord Avila found himself huddled behind the bodies of several of his own soldiers, rapidly firing a rifle in the process in an attempt to stave off the latest attack by the Guard as they flung themselves down the hill from their strongpoint around the second bend. It was getting so heated that Avila grabbed his radio and called out for Godric Katla on the other side of the city.

"Katla, we could really use your help right now!" yelled Avila through the device. "I need all the pressure you can bear against the other entrance to the palatial hill!"

Katla replied back within a matter of moments. "We're making good progress but we're still a distance away from it, my lord. We'll bring the full weight of our numbers against it shortly!"

Avila dropped his radio and got off a shot against a Guardsmen who managed to come about twenty yards from his position. The blast took the man directly in the shoulder before another one of Avila's soldiers hit him in the gut. Across the entire road, similar scenes were being played out as the desperate counterattack was fended off.