Man of War Ch. 04

The Emperor turned to Hackett. "I think we have a true sailor and man of the sea with us, Steven."

"Captain Shepard was born to serve the Empire and its navy, Your Majesty. He is the right man for the job."

He turned to me and nodded. "I agree. And you have already proven, with your words, that you are the right man for the task, Captain Shepard. I have only one favour to ask. I cannot make it an order. I do not know what the future holds. But I ask only one favour. I hope you can grant it." I nodded. "Once your mission is done, return to us. Let the people know what happened to the Dunkerque and those who sailed it. But, the most important thing, return with your own crew and the Normandy. I cannot bear the thought of being responsible for..."

"I give you my word, sire," I said, "And I apologise for interrupting."

The Emperor raised his glass. "To the Imperial Navy and all those who serve it."

I raised my glass and smiled. "Long live the Emperor and the Dragonheart Empire."

"One last question, Shepard, and I'll leave the topic alone."

I couldn't help chuckle. "I don't mind, sire. I can talk about sailing and the navy all day."

"Are you a man of faith?" I nodded. "Will you be attending prayers on Solis before you depart?"

"Of course. I have invited all my officers to attend. I will attend in the morning as usual, then I will return again in the evening with my officers. It will be the last opportunity to visit the Pantheon before we depart. I predict we'll be ready to leave by the middle of next week."

"Very good. It is my intention to attend alongside you in the evening."

I'll admit, that left me a little speechless for a few seconds, even a little choked up. The Emperor joining someone like me for Solis prayers? I might be a captain in the Imperial Navy, but I was a nobody compared to the lords above me. "Your Majesty, that is... I mean... We would all be honoured by your presence."

"You are about to leave on one of the greatest journeys undertaken in the name of the Empire, Shepard. I believe it is only right I attend and share my prayers of success with you and your officers."

"Thank you, sire."

"Don't tell your officers. I would like my attendance to be a surprise."

"Of course. My sister will definitely ask what's up though." I paused before adding, "You'll definitely like her too, sire."

He chuckled, "I look forward to meeting her."

I shared one more drink with the Emperor and the Lord Admiral before the latter announced he would be departing for the evening, and it was a subtle suggestion that I would be leaving too. I didn't mind, though I would have enjoyed the company of the Emperor a little longer, or a real tour of the palace, left wondering what the private quarters looked like. I hadn't seen any of his children around either, assuming they were either in other parts of the palace, or with their mother in Bebbanburg.

Walking out to the carriage with the Lord Admiral, he asked if I wanted a lift, but as it was still early evening, I declined, suggesting I would walk home. He bid me farewell as he would return to his residence in one of the finest areas of the city. Being Lord Admiral definitely had its perks.

It was a pleasant evening, a cool breeze coming up from the harbour, all the way along the river into the city itself. Not cold enough for a thick jacket, but enough to bring a slight chill, causing jackets to be buttoned up. It was a good walk back to my house, tempted but eventually forgoing the chance of a tipple at one of the many taverns I passed by. I'd behaved myself while the palace, but it has also been a long meal, and quite frankly, I was stuffed.

Arriving back home sometime later, my jacket now over my shoulder as I'd worked up a sweat during my walk. Wandering inside, I found Jane sprawled by herself on the couch, a fire already lit, book in hand, a glass of wine on the small table in front of her. She noticed my appearance and smiled. "Evening, brother. Where have you been?"

"Having dinner with the Emperor."

"Fuck off!" she exclaimed before falling silent, judging my face as I sat down next to her, moving her stockinged feet onto my lap so she was still comfortable. "Hang on, you're serious?"

"Why would I lie about something like that?"

"Since when? You never told me!"

"It was unexpected. I think it might have been a last minute thing."

"Talk about the mission?" I nodded. "What's he like?"

"He's a good man. And he cares. He really does. One would think the Emperor would be aloof, with barely an idea of what goes on outside the gates. But he shows an interest in everything." I paused before adding, "I will tell you something, but you must swear you don't share it. If you do, I'll make sure you stay here."

She performed the gesture, arm across her chest, hand over her heart. "I swear on the Five. And who am I going to tell anyway! Now, what is it?"

"The Emperor will join us for prayers on Solis eve."

My sister was very excited by that news.

*****

Year 2183 of the Empire (since Foundation Year)

Year 979 of the Third Era of Empire (Dragonheart Line)

Solis, the twenty-first day of Morning Star

Mid-afternoon

As it was likely our last Solis together before we set sail, I asked the day before if Jane would like a picnic lunch after attending prayers in the morning. She joked as usual about it being misinterpreted by others, but considering we were both single, and enjoyed each other's company, I saw no harm in it. She readily accepted the invitation. "Bet you'd prefer Leliana or Serana to join you," she did state on the way home from the Pantheon after prayers.

"I don't know what you're talking about. And how do you know Leliana..." I paused before asking, "Samantha? I guess you have visited my office often enough."

"She's full of gossip, Johnny. Delightful, juicy gossip, all at your expense. Apparently two women on this ship might have caught your eye. And I still remember the one who stayed that night. What was her name again?"

I sighed, already defeated, as she'd figure it out quickly once I saw her again. "That was Serana as you bloody well know. She will be the second surgeon on board with Doctor Chakwas."

"Johnny?" I glanced at her, hearing her earnest, almost hopeful tone. "I hope you do find love one day."

"My first love is the sea."

"And while I see that, don't you eventually want someone to find somebody to love? Court her, get married, have children, settle down?"

"We're about to head out on a journey that could take us only the gods know where. I'm not even going to start thinking about any of that until our return."

She cuddled into my side as we strolled along. "Well, I can still hope for the future then." I hugged her back and kissed her forehead before she let me go and we walked the rest of the way home in comfortable silence. And, I'll admit, I hoped she found the love of her life one day too. She definitely deserved to find love. And I knew, with the necklace she wore and the god she revered, that she was certainly planning children some day in the future.

I'd bought everything we would need for a picnic the previous day. Nothing extravagant, just some bread, cured meats, fruit and some small cakes. There were small parks dotted around the city where people would gather when the sun was out and the weather warm. After placing the blanket down on a patch of grass, we enjoyed a little food, and a lot of the wine I'd also brought along, not talking about the upcoming mission but making each other laugh as we remembered stories of when we were kids. Both of us knew how lucky we were, growing up in a loving household, both parents still alive, relatively comfortable compared to many others as we never went hungry, our house always warm.

"Do you ever miss Tromso?"

"I'll admit I do sometimes. I miss mother's cooking most of all. She could take the simplest of ingredients and produce a meal that would make my taste buds dance."

"And father?"

"I've only ever wanted to make him proud, little sister. Just as I wanted to make my little sister proud of her big brother."

She couldn't help smile as she said softly, "She certainly is," before adding excitedly, hands raised, "And now I'm on the same ship as him!"

Her enthusiasm about everything was infectious, which is why I thought she'd be an excellent addition to my crew. "I'm rather fond of the idea too, Jane."

"Will I like my fellow officers?" she asked somewhat suddenly, "I'm so used to working alongside those I know from the Sirius..."

"I've been given the best of the best, Jane. Yourself included. All I can suggest is that you prove what you are capable of, what I know you are capable of, and there won't be any problems whatsoever."

We ate a little more food, polished off the bottle of wine, and then headed home. She'd had more wine than myself so she headed to bed for quick nap as I settled down in the sitting room, looking over some more paperwork. I wanted everything well and truly signed off before I boarded the Normandy for the first time. Once I set foot on the ship, I would not leave it until our return, until we found new land, or I stepped onto the deck of a captured ship. Many of my fellow captains were just as if not more superstitious.

Noticing the sun starting to set, I headed upstairs to wake up Jane first before heading into my room to get into uniform. I'd instructed all officers to attend prayers in uniform, and hoped they would do as I asked, as none would know the Emperor would be attending. I looked closer at my uniform than normal, looking for any marks or stains. I had a couple of spares, of course, but would rather not wear those before departure.

I could hear Jane stomping around next door, no doubt probably feeling the lingering effects of the wine, though a walk to the Pantheon should help clear those. I focused on making sure I was presentable, leaving my coat for last as always, before checking on her. She insisted she was fine, just feeling a little tired, thinking her nap might not have been the best idea. "No more drinking," I suggested. She readily agreed, stating she'd head straight back to bed upon returning later on.

Once dressed, she asked me to give her a look over, ensuring she was just as presentable as myself. She looked fine, so after donning our jackets and hats, we headed downstairs and out into the street. It was now dusk, light still on the horizon though street-lights were starting to illuminate around us. We took our time strolling along as we still had a bit of time before the evening service would begin, and I wouldn't be surprised if it was delayed, as no doubt information about the Emperor attending would have been relayed to the Grand Cleric. He would no doubt lead the service if the Emperor was in attendance.

There was a small crowd of people by the columns of the Pantheon, all of them wearing officer garb. Noticing I was approaching, they formed into a line and came to attention, saluting at the same time. I came to halt just before them and returned the gesture.

"Crew of the Normandy, for those who haven't met her already, may I introduce Acting Lieutenant, and also my sister, Jane Shepard. Jane, meet at least some of the crew of the Normandy. From left to right, you have Sister Leliana Donadieu, Captain of the Marines Kaidan Alenko, Lieutenant and Executive Officer Miranda Lawson, Doctor Karin Chakwas, Doctor Serana Volkihar, Master Charles Pressly, Master-at-Arms Aela Grettadottir, Purser Jacob Taylor, Quartermaster Jeff Moreau and Captain's Clerk, otherwise known as my assistant, Samantha Traynor."

There was a round of handshakes as they all greeted each other. I'm sure there were probably one or two questions about my sister being so highly ranked on the Normandy, but there was protocol to follow, and if they had concerns, they could raise those with me in private. But I knew Jane would prove she was worthy of her position within the matter of a few days, not only to herself or her crew members, but perhaps most importantly, to me, as her brother and as her commanding officer.

Before heading in, I suggested we wait a moment before heading in. I checked my pocket watch for the time, and I knew the Emperor would be arriving in mere moments. He would arrive in his carriage, but would do so without ceremony.

Within a few minutes, we could hear the clop-clop of an arriving carriage, everyone quieting down as the Imperial carriage rounded the corner and pulled up in front of us. I sensed and hear the shuffle of my officers get into line, including Jane, as the footman on the carriage jumped down to open the door. The Emperor stepped out first, dressed in a similar uniform to all of us, just with far more golden embroidery and a few more medals, most awarded by the kingdoms and duchies of the Empire. He was followed by his son, the Lord High Admiral, dressed in a similar uniform to his father, with fewer medals, and then the Lord Admiral. I immediately took a knee, knowing everyone behind me would have done the same. "Your Majesty," I stated, hearing those words echoed behind me.

"Rise, crew of the Normandy," the Emperor stated, "To be honest, considering the mission you are all about to undertake, it is I who should be saluting you."

"You honour us with your presence, Your Majesty," I stated, "If I may make introductions?"

"Of course, Captain. I shall remember their names and pray for each one of them."

The Emperor had obviously studied the paperwork, as during each introduction, he seemed to know a little something about each of them, whether it was where they were from, or a ship they'd served on, or their training, or just a small anecdote about life in general. He raised more than one laugh, and it was a genuine laugh, not the fake one you would usually hear. Sure, my officers were nervous as it was unlikely any had met the man before, but as I'd told Jane, he was clearly a good, decent and honourable man. Having now met him and spent time with him, my faith in his divine rule was strengthened.

Introductions complete, I was allowed to fall in alongside the Emperor as we walked into the Pantheon. I noticed it was emptier than normal. The Emperor would like to be a man of the people, and while popular, there were still those who would like to gain infamy, or notoriety, by attempting to take his life. I was not aware of any attempts before, but it was simply a case of being safe above all else.

The Grand Cleric was in position as we sat ourselves along the pews. I found myself sat between the Emperor and his son as the Grand Cleric took his position in front of us. He merely stood on a step above the main floor, a book in his hands. There was no real written doctrine to our faith. It was more a belief held within one's heart and mind, though all the gods revered were done so for a particular reason. For example, Venti as the God of Wind or Mars as the God of War. The book in his hands only contained the few songs that could be sung before, during, and after a service, or to whichever god you happened to revere.

"Grand Cleric Beocca, before you begin, let's leave aside any mention of the Emperor or my divine rule. We are here to pray for the crew of the Normandy and ask the gods to ensure their safe onward journey and return."

"As you wish, Your Majesty."

Beocca spoke wonderfully for the next twenty minutes, all the more remarkable considering he could only speak from the head and the heart. The one over-riding message of his sermon was that the Normandy would travel the world on behalf of the Empire and the Five. He didn't say we would be spreading our faith to any people we would happen to meet. And if it did spread, it would happen naturally. The Five didn't want us to force our faith onto others, accepting many would choose to follow their own faith, or even have none at all. One of the reasons the Church of the Burned Man was considered a danger is that they didn't accept our faith in return.

Finishing his sermon, Beocca walked towards our group, shaking each of us by the hand, wishing us good luck and to retain our faith in the Five, and we would be successful. Once that was done, he disappeared, leaving us to pray in solitude.

"Do you wish to pray with me, Shepard?" the Emperor asked.

"Of course, sire."

He gestured ahead. "I believe the God of Wind would suffice?"

I couldn't help chuckle. "Anyone would believe you to be a sailor at heart too, sire."

We knelt side by side at the altar of Venti. I'm not sure what he prayed for. No doubt the same as myself. It was the same prayer each and every time. A good wind, a safe journey, and a triumphant return. I don't think I asked for much. Rising to my feet, I noticed Alenko at the altar of Mars, Leliana at the altar of Dibella, Doctors Chakwas and Serana at the altar of Asclepius, who was the god of medicine. Most of my crew was waiting for me to move out of the way, as most sailors worshipped Venti above all.

I gathered with the Emperor, his son and the Lord Admiral, making small talk as we waited for the others. Matters of faith could not and should not be rushed, particularly as this would be our final time before departure. It was a time of reflection as well as contemplation.

Not wanting to make a fuss, the Emperor gathered us around to wish us good luck a final time before he left to return to the palace, joined by his son and Lord Admiral. After one last handshake with each of us, he departed, leaving the rest of us to slowly filter out into the darkness.

"Sister Leliana, would you care for an escort home?" I wondered as others started to disappear into the night.

"What about your sister?"

"I live close by, Shepard. We can go together as Serana is staying with me until we go too," Chakwas suggested.

As that trio wandered off in the direction of my home, Serana giving me a lingering look that I found hard to ignore, Leliana and I followed the same route of a few nights before. She looped her left arm around my right again, leaning in rather close as we strolled along rather slowly. It was already far too comfortable, and her being a priestess of the faith, we would never be more than friends. Oh well...

Still, she was pleasant company, rather excited that the Emperor had joined us for prayers that evening, as it was completely unexpected. She was also enthusiastic about the words the Grand Cleric had shared. "With his and the Emperor's blessing, this expedition is bound to be a success," she added.

"We can but hope. Once we're past the barrier reef, our lives are in the hands of Neptune and Venti."

"And you, Captain Shepard," she said softly.

"No pressure then," I added with a light chuckle.

"I'm confident. And not because Mercury spoke to me. Or because of my faith. I believe in you, Shepard."

I couldn't help glance at her, in complete surprise, as her tone backed up her words completely. She merely returned my glance and smiled, before tightening her grip around my arm a little longer. Ever have your mouth go dry in an instant, your heart beat that little faster, as your felt a surge of feelings erupt from deep within?

I was in trouble. Deep, deep trouble.

The rest of the walk took place in silence. Leliana even started to hum to herself, a tune I didn't recognise, but it did make me smile all the same. The road was deserted as we eventually arrived at her residence, once again stopping in front of her door, Leliana stepped forward then turning towards me. Removing my hat, I know I looked at her in dumb silence.

"May I ask a question, Shepard?"

"Sure."

"Do you wish to court me?"

My jaw should probably have dropped wide. Yet, somehow, the question didn't surprise me because I figured my feelings were immediately clear. "Yes, I would. But you are a priestess of the Five..."