Fourth Vector Ch. 43

Chapter 43: Another War

*****

Even the passage of time did little to heal the wounds of the heart.

It had been three weeks since the arrival of the Javan envoy and Jack was still having nightmares about it. He would awake from a dead sleep full of sweat, bolting upright as if there was still some way he could save them.

Try as he might, he couldn't picture Jocelyn's face. Even though he had a thousand memories of all the time spent with her while growing up, the only thing he could picture was the gruesome sight within that box.

It made for many restless nights. Quite often, Jack would find himself leaving the bedroom and finding an empty balcony. He would watch over the city of Kalmar, listening to the sounds of the city below. The lack of rest was preferable to the nightmares that visited him when he tried to sleep.

The hardest thing for him to accept was the failure to rescue them, despite his efforts. If there was one thing he understood lately, it was failure. This was the kind that stung more than the temporary failures he had on Swabia. Even when he lost the battles of Sepolz and Murgullah, there was still hope that the situation could be turned around, and it was eventually.

This was a type of failure that was permanent. He would never see Jocelyn again. He would always have to live with the fact that he couldn't save her in time, and there was nothing that could console him about that fact.

Despite the tragedies of their deaths, Jocelyn and her family deserved proper burials. Jack knew just the place where he could intern them. The small grove cemetery where Art and his family were now buried was the perfect spot. It was peaceful and lush, and it had a perfect view of the city in the distance.

Even though Jack couldn't have Jocelyn spend the rest of her days in Kalmar, she would at least get to spend eternity buried on friendly soil under the careful watch of her brother. If there could be any silver lining to the situation, that was it.

On the day that Jocelyn's family was buried, Jack had ample company with him. Evelyn, Vera, Kat, Abigail, and John were there by his side as they were lowered into the ground. The Calland family was there as well, all four of them, to show solidarity with their king. The service was solemn but brief, and as they were buried, he couldn't help but shed tears at the thought of never seeing any of them again.

Over the next few weeks, he was a frequent visitor to the site of their graves. Usually, Jack made that trip alone, but today, he had a special visitor with him.

Vera held his hand as Jack stopped in front of the headstone that proudly displayed the name "Hutton" across the front. He knelt before it and used his fingers to brush across the names of all five of them.

"It will get easier someday, Jack."

Vera's soft voice from just behind him caused him to let out a deep breath.

"When will that be, Vera? Because it's certainly not right now."

Vera helped him to his feet. "It's still going to take time. Nobody expects you to get over this quickly but it will continue to get easier. Every day, little by little."

"Even when I feel responsible for their deaths?"

Jack centered his eyes on his sister. Vera gave him a sympathetic look.

"It wasn't your fault, Jack. You did everything you could to save them. You're the one that sent the ship to pick them up."

"And in the process, I alerted Bancroft to their importance to me," whispered Jack hollowly. "If I hadn't done that, would they still be alive today?"

Vera shook his head. "With how vindictive and evil this Bancroft person is, I don't believe they would have ever escaped his notice. I don't believe there was anything that could've been done."

Those were tough words for him to swallow. In Jack's mind, there was always something that could have been done to alleviate the situation. Part of him wondered if he should have smuggled Jocelyn out of Java over a year ago, right after the Battle of Aberdeen. By that point, tension had already started with Bancroft, and it seemed to have been, in retrospect, the best time to extract them.

"Jack, no one could have predicted things would have turned out this way," said Vera, likely reading his emotions by the expression on his face. "You can play the what-if game all day, but it doesn't change anything. You can't keep blaming yourself for their deaths. There is one person, and one person only, who is responsible for this. That person is Bancroft."

"And he will pay for this," vowed Jack. "If it's the last thing I do, I'll make him pay for this. He couldn't have just left it alone. There was no reason to bring the hatred to this level. We're separated by a large ocean and he could have stayed in his half without interfering in ours. But his lust for power, his madness, have made it impossible for us to think that we can keep the peace. We have to take the war to him."

Vera said nothing but nodded as he finished speaking. Despite the seeming righteousness of his cause, no one was thrilled about the prospect of another war so soon on the heels of another one. Dagobern had just about finished smoking, and now the Galician armed forces would soon be asked to answer another threat when they should be enjoying a measure of peace.

It was going to be hard for Jack to ask them to be the guardians of the state once more but they had no choice in the matter. Bancroft had shown his hand. There was going to be no chance of any possibility of living in peace as long as he was still alive.

"Is that why I saw the flurry of dispatches go out this morning?" asked Vera. "One to each head of state of every member of our Western alliance?"

Jack nodded. "That's right. I need to have the backing of everyone in the West for another conflict. That's going to be our toughest battle. There's no way we can face Bancroft alone. Not with the resources of Java, especially with having recently conquered Occitania and Ruthenia. The only way we'll stand a chance is if we do so united together."

Vera raised an eyebrow. "And does that include Swabia?"

That was an excellent question. A dispatch had been sent to Dagobern for the eyes of Greg and Ferberg alone. The pair had done an excellent job in keeping the peace in Swabia so far, and there had been no reports of any uprisings or disgruntled lords looking to take power for themselves. But Vera had touched on a subject that would be hard to ignore.

In order for Jack to confront Javan power, he would need the help of all the major powers in the West. That would include Swabia.

How that would look was still to be determined. Jack hadn't decided yet what kind of commitment the Swabians would be asked to make. At this point in time, he only had a vague idea of leadership for the Swabians, and even that would be a tough pill to swallow for the rest of the Allied leadership.

In short order, Jack had his work cut out for him. The first step on that long road was gathering everyone together to discuss the matter.

"Swabia will be included but I don't know the role they will play just yet," replied Jack finally. "But the first thing we must do is have a council of all the leadership in the West. I've asked Aedan, Santino, Hendrick, Reina, Gaius, Nikias and Elektra, as well as Masud of Andalucia to sail to Kalmar to discuss the issue. And I'd like to ask them to go to war with us."

Vera cringed visibly. "Half of those countries are still recovering from the last war. What makes you think they're going to sign up for a new one against a greater opponent?"

"Honestly, that's what worries me the most," admitted Jack. "I grew up calling this area of the world the Fourth Vector. We've managed to unite most of it under our leadership but we would still be going up against a power that has united the other three vectors of the world. It's not going to be easy and I fear getting their involvement is going to be the hardest part."

"Not to mention, where would you fight the Javans?" asked Vera. "Over here? Would you wait for them to invade the West or take the war to them?"

Jack shrugged. "It depends on how fast the Javans move but my personal philosophy on the matter is that no war is won by playing defense. Wars are won by attacking. Sooner or later, we're going to have to defeat the Javans on their own turf. That involves sending an invasion fleet and an army across the great ocean."

Vera shuddered. "And I thought the Swabian War was bad. This conflict sounds like it's going to be a lot worse."

Jack wrapped his arm around his sister's shoulder. "I think you're right. Which is why it's crucial we have the support of our allies. We can't go at this alone. We'll need help."

"I don't envy the task in front of you, Jack," admitted Vera as they started walking back to Kalmar. "Do you think this might have been the task you were meant to do? The one prophesied about?"

Jack didn't answer that question right away. The thought had occurred to him, and he had to think that Vera had it right. Even though the Swabians had been a long distraction, Bancroft had always hovered in the distance—a future foe who hadn't shown his cards just yet. Now that Jack's bluff was called, would Bancroft prove to be his toughest enemy?

And what exactly were his chances of survival if he managed to cross the ocean? Even with a large army, could he hope to go toe-to-toe with the rest of the Javan Navy and win? Some of those men on the other side he would have commanded at one time. Could he really hope to fight them to the death?

Such questions were on his mind as they made their way back to the Castle that afternoon. Jack wasn't able to settle in for very long when Twitch found him and announced that an Apulian cruiser was on its way into the harbor.

"Onboard the cruiser will be King Aedan of Picardy, Hendrick Tysen of Samara, as well as Director Santino Altieri of Apulia," informed Twitch. "It sounds like Hendrick and Aedan met up with Santino in Marmora and the three traveled together."

"Excellent, Twitch, thank you," replied Jack. "Please let me know when they are docked so we can go down to greet them. And let Kat know to be ready too. I believe Abigail is already down at the harbor but send a message to her as well."

As such, it was about a half hour later that Jack and Kat made their way down to the harbor to greet their allies. Jack had requested that Kat bring John, knowing that Queen Ciara of Picardy (and likely Giana Altieri as well) would love to see how much he'd grown. John wiggled in Kat's arms all the way down to the harbor, a sign of his newfound independence now that he was able to walk.

"He just won't stay still," said Kat as she attempted to hold John against her. "He just wants to run the whole way. He doesn't want to be held anymore."

Jack gave her an amused look. "Our son isn't a baby anymore, love. He's a little boy, and he wants to walk on his own two feet."

Kat's face assumed a look of deep melancholy. "What happened to my baby, Jack? He's all grown up!"

Jack couldn't help but chuckle. It was a conversation for another time, but Kat was right about one thing—John was decidedly more toddler-like now than ever before. The baby that they'd left in Kalmar had turned into a little boy. Jack was already seeing signs of his genes in the boy. John had his father's nose and his strong chin. He had his mother's soft blue eyes though, not nearly as stark as Jack's. Of course, John's penchant for wanting to get into everything reeked of his father's influence as well.

Jack remembered all too well the mischief that he'd caused his adoptive parents at a young age. It only seemed fitting that some of that trouble now revisited him in the form of his own son.

"All children grow up," said Jack, putting his arm around his wife's waist. "Someday soon, he'll be his own man. Then what will you do?"

Kat pursed her lips. "I'll remember the days when I used to hold him in my arms."

Jack started to laugh. "I guess there's that."

Kat pushed into his side. "Or we could always get cracking on a second one. I wouldn't mind having another child with you, Jack. In fact, I'd like that quite a bit."

Jack gave her a knowing look that contained his answer. With war on the horizon, he didn't want to think about two of his wives being pregnant.

The fact was that Abigail might already be pregnant. She'd stopped taking her pills right after the fall of Dagobern (and before Bancroft essentially declared war) with the hopes of getting pregnant as well. Since Jack felt already committed to seeing that through to fruition, it had already been agreed to let Abigail have her baby, and then when the next war was over, to let Kat try for another.

"I know, Jack, I know," said Kat with a teasing sigh. "It's Abigail's turn. But don't think the thought is never far from my mind. I loved every second of knowing that I was carrying your child inside me."

Jack leaned in and kissed her. "As did I, love. As did I."

They reached the harbor minutes later to find their friends already in the middle of disembarking from the Apulian cruiser. Naturally, the first one off was Aedan. The Picard King, his wife, Ciara, and their son, Davin, were waiting at the end of the gangplank.

"Davin, what are they feeding you?" asked Jack as he looked at the young two-year-old prince. "My goodness, you're almost as tall as me!"

The little prince let out a smile but he wasn't confident enough to let go of his mother's leg.

"This one eats everything in front of him," said Ciara with a laugh. "I'm convinced he's going to be a big man when he's older by the way he eats. Would you believe that he devoured nearly as much meat for dinner last night as his father?"

"I'd only believe that if Aedan didn't like his supper," joked Jack as he clasped hands with the redheaded royal. "How are you, Aedan? Are you well?"

Aedan gave him a knowing look. "I'm a bit perplexed at the reason for this meeting in Kalmar, Jack. You haven't exactly been forthcoming with the reason for us being here."

Jack nodded solemnly. "That will be revealed at the council. Just know that I wouldn't have called everyone here if the matter wasn't of the utmost urgency and danger."

"Danger?" asked Aedan as he raised an eyebrow. "What could be so dangerous? The Swabians are defeated. We're at peace now."

Jack opened his mouth to say something but another voice soon yelled out from further up the gangplank.

Director Santino Altieri and his wife, Giana, were next to exit the ship. Just behind them were their two daughters, Emilia and Pia. Giana hadn't aged a day since the last time Jack saw her but the girls seemed somewhat older from the last time they met back in Samara.

"How are you, my friend?" yelled Santino as his eyes centered on Jack. He wore a beaming grin as he strolled down the plank and embraced Jack.

Jack nodded. "I've been better, Santino. How are you? The family is well? Apulia is well?"

Santino patted Jack's shoulder. "We are doing just fine. I've always wanted my wife to see Galicia too so this is just wonderful."

"I already love it here," gushed Giana to Kat as the two women embraced. "I'd love to be able to see the city in more detail."

Kat smiled. "I'm sure that can be arranged."

Santino focused on Jack. "Although we have to wonder why we're suddenly taking a Galician vacation in the middle of summer. I certainly wasn't expecting your dispatch so soon after the end of the war."

"A most apt question," added Aedan. "Something I was trying to get to the bottom of myself."

"And like I told Aedan, it will be explained more thoroughly later," said Jack while giving the Picard King a firm look. "For now, I'd like you all to make yourselves comfortable at the Castle. We'll go over more details at the council."

Aedan turned to look at Kat. "Are you going to give us any details then? If he won't, surely you'll tell us what's going on."

Kat shook her head. "Sorry, Aedan. This is Jack's fight. You won't hear a word from me until he's ready to give it."

Aedan threw his hands up. "I thought we were supposed to be allies!"

Jack patted the Picard King's shoulder. "We're the best of allies, Aedan. The very best."

Santino shrugged. "You would fit right into Apulian politics, Jack. Not showing your hand under pressure takes guts. I have to wonder what kind of request you're going to make of us. But I will do as you say. I will wait until you're ready."

Jack nodded and saw to it that both men and their families had cars to take them to the Castle. Aedan went first while Santino followed in a distant second.

That last head of state to leave the ship was Hendrick Tysen of Samara, and the boyish-looking Tribune hadn't changed at all from the last time Jack saw him.

"Why do I get the feeling you're about to make another big request of me?" asked a wry Hendrick as he descended from the cruiser. He grinned broadly and embraced Jack. "I'm still taking heat from the last time I let Samaran troops outside our borders."

"Hard times call for hard measures," said Jack cryptically. "And we are most definitely in hard times right now."

Hendrick studied his face for a moment before he replied. "Trouble across the ocean? I remember you telling me about your former countrymen. Is that what this is about?"

Jack leaned in closer. "Yes, but that's all I'm going to say. And don't breathe a word of this to Santino or Aedan. They don't know anything yet and if they found out from you, I'd never hear the end of it."

Hendrick grinned. "No, that would drive Aedan positively nuts. And I've seen the man when he loses his wits. It's not a pretty sight."

"No, it definitely isn't," said Jack, chuckling. He then turned solemn a moment later. "But this is serious, Hendrick. I will have another request for you but I won't make it until I argue my point. More will be learned at the council."

Hendrick nodded. "Then I will await this council and find out what this latest threat is to us. Until then, I'd like to get settled into your Castle."

Jack pointed to the nearest car. "That one will take you right there. Any luggage that doesn't fit will be brought up behind you. We'll take good care of you here, Hendrick. I guarantee it."

That was enough for the Samaran Tribune, and soon enough his car was moving toward the Castle as well.

"So it begins," said Jack to Kat after they were gone. "And all of them seem suspicious of our intentions so far. This is going to be harder than I thought."

Kat placed a loving touch on his back. "It still needs to be done. Bancroft can't get away with what he did. If anyone can make them see the danger that he poses, it's you. Yes, it might be tough, but I'm certain you can make them come around."

"I'd just so much as go at it alone with Galician forces if I thought we could win," said Jack. "This is my fight, not theirs."

She shook her head. "That's not true, Jack. You remember the viceroys, don't you? Sooner or later, Bancroft is going to come for all of them. You were their shield back then, and even now you've shielded some of Bancroft's worst excesses. It's now time for us to stop being the shield and start being the sword. What other choice do we have?"

Kat brought up an excellent point. War or not, Bancroft wasn't going to stop until he brought the entirety of the Fourth Vector under his thumb. It was a goal of the Javan government long before Bancroft came to power, and now it remained the only part of the world not under his direct control.

Bancroft was determined to take the islands of the West with or without Jack.

And that's what made it so important that he organized them into something resembling a defense. Without him, they would be disunited and easy pickings after such a terrible war.

No, they would need to work together to have a chance at survival.