Man of War Ch. 07

I nodded. "Immediately, Chief."

An hour later, the enlisted men and women present at the sermon were gathered on the deck. Imperial Marines were lined up to maintain order in the event they decided to protest. Officers were lined up before the quarterdeck. The young man, now shirtless, was tied to the centre mast, arms up high, back exposed. The punishment would be handled by an anonymous member of the crew, who wore a cloth cap covering his face.

Standing before the crew, I spoke. "Men and women of the Normandy, you are to bear witness to the punishment of Ordinary Seaman Jones. There are a few things I will not tolerate on my ship. I will not tolerate ill-discipline. I will not tolerate breaches of protocol nor the code of conduct expected of either officer or enlisted man." I stopped and gazed over the whole lot of them, meeting more than one pair of eyes. "And the last thing I will most certainly not tolerate is an enlisted man touching the person of an officer. Particularly when said officer is the spiritual guide of this journey."

I turned and stood before my officers, turning back to face the enlisted men and women in the background, the ordinary seaman and the man to carry out the punishment detail in the foreground. "For conduct unbecoming, Ordinary Seaman Jones has been found guilty. His punishment; six of the lash. He will then be confined to quarters on half-rations for three days." I looked at Aela. "Master-at-Arms, you may begin the punishment."

Most sailors have been witness to a flogging at least once in their life. Some ships are rife with ill-discipline and will see almost daily floggings, if not hangings for instances of gross misconduct. Other ships are run almost perfectly, and will see very few punishments handed out. Floggings could be common, but some captain's preferred to use methods such as half-rations, double watch shifts or being given the worst jobs imaginable on a ship. Floggings were used to punish but also send a message. This sort of behaviour will most certainly not be tolerated on this vessel.

Generally, those being flogged will be given a small piece of wood to bite down on. One, to stop crying out. And, two, to stop biting their tongue. This young man refused the piece of wood, and I had to admit slight admiration as he took his first four lashes without a sound. It was the fifth one that finally broke him, and the sixth left him weeping. At times like that, one must have a heart of stone. It was punishment. Sympathy could not be given.

However, the punishment now over, he was released from the shackles and two watch officers escorted him back down below decks. His wounds would not be treated, but he would be checked over by the doctor's to ensure there would be no infection. While he was punished, we didn't want him to die. We were hard but we were not cruel.

Standing before the enlisted men, I added only one more thing. "Take the lesson from what you have witnessed today. I will not tolerate another incident of this kind. Officers, you may return the men and women to their quarters."

Returning to where my officers were lined up, I asked Jane to send Leliana to my cabin. I took a seat at the table, simply tapping it as I waited, until she appeared a couple of minutes later. I gestured for her to join me, waiting until she'd sat down. She hadn't been present at the punishment, so figured I should tell her.

"The seaman has been punished."

"How?" she asked quietly.

"He was flogged," I stated matter-of-factly, keeping all emotion out of my tone. This was me being captain, and only captain. "He is now on half-rations for three days. He will certainly not do what he did again."

"I'm sure he didn't..."

I raised a hand to interrupt, but made sure I softened my tone. "And I'm sure he didn't mean it too, Leliana. But you are aware of the code of conduct. You are considered an officer of this vessel, and what occurred was a serious breach of protocol. Enlisted men are fully aware of how they are to act around their superiors, and what happened must not and cannot be tolerated."

She nodded. "I understand."

"Are you okay?"

She smiled at my concern. "I'm fine, Shepard. It all happened so fast, I'm still not entirely sure what happened. I just remember being grabbed, and a million and one things going through my mind, many of them unpleasant, being one of very few women there at the time. Then I remember being dragged away as officers, or at least I think they were officers, poured in to deal with the issue. I really don't think he meant to hurt me..."

"Maybe not, Leliana, but we can't take that chance, and he still laid a hand on you. First it's a hand, then it escalates from there. Stamp it out now, it won't happen again. The crew have now seen what happens if they were to do so." I reached forward and grabbed her hand. "And, rest assured, I did not do it just because it was you. Well, perhaps a small part, but I was actually worried I couldn't look at it objectively. Jane assured me the punishment was just, as do all my other officers. Discipline above all."

"The burden of command?"

"Just occasionally, it can feel like it. Most of the time, it's nothing but a joy and an honour." I paused, before adding, shaking my head, "He was only a young boy, barely a man. That was the only tough part about it."

She squeezed my hand in return. "That just makes you human, Shepard. But, as you said, it had to be done. I understand why. The command and life on a vessel is different to life as a servant of the Five."

"Join me for dinner tonight?"

"Of course. Once it's dark?"

"If you like, we can gaze at the stars again. It's meant to be a clear night."

"Now that sounds wonderful, Shepard."

*****

As I'm sure you've already gathered, mother, the Normandy is entirely unisex. The numbers are not completely even, despite the best of intentions, but there are still plenty of women aboard the vessel. In addition to Leliana, my XO is female, as is my Acting Lieutenant, who just happens to be my sister. When you look at it, two of the three senior officers are female. It's rather strange, when I sit back and think about it, but considering women have served in the Imperial Navy for decades now, I guess it's not a total surprise.

Speaking of my Acting Lieutenant, otherwise known as my sister, Janey, a name I know she hates with a passion, I think she may have caught the eye of the Captain of the Marines, a man by the name of Kaidan Alenko. He's a pleasant young man, gifted with magic, quietly spoken but he commands the absolute respect of those who serve under him. I'm not sure if there is any sort of relationship between the two yet. I certainly wouldn't broach a subject with Alenko, and Jane will only share with me if and when she feels comfortable. But I'm not completely blind. I can see Alenko is attracted to her, while Jane plays her cards closer to her chest.

Regarding our future, one can only guess at the moment. A month at sea with little to show for it, but that is what was expected. Before departing, it was believed it would be a minimum eight weeks before we might sight land for the first time. I am currently in two minds. To continue our track north-west, which doesn't seem such a bad idea, the weather remaining the same. Or do we change tack, perhaps heading west or south-west, and just aim for what we hope is a landmass somewhere in the distance? These questions have never been faced by another captain, except the commanding officer of the Dunkerque one hundred years ago.

I do wish we had some information regarding the movements of the Dunkerque, some sort of plan saved before they left of which way they would head. Did they head south or north? Did they head east or west once departing the reef? If we had at least something to work off, maybe, just maybe, we would end up finding at least a sign of the ship and its crew. But, so far, not a thing.

But we sail in hope and with a sense of adventure rather than expectation. The Empire and Lord Admiral both knew this would be a needle in a haystack, but it is worth the expedition, to just try. And there is always the opportunity of discovering new lands, and how knows, maybe new people. Considering we've been sailing for a month and have only been surrounded by ocean, the planet on which we live must be simply enormous.

Give my love to father and let him know that both Jane and I will continue to make him proud. Know that we both miss you very much, and we'll endeavour to journey home to visit you once we have returned to Arcturus, hopefully with good news.

Lots of love, in devotion and under the watchful eyes of the Five,

Your loving son,

John

*****

It was one of the longer diary entries I'd written since the day of our departure. Sometimes I could write two or three pages as things came to mind or just wanted to get thoughts and opinions down on paper. Despite the monotony, I could always think of stories to share. Sometimes I'd barely write more than a couple of sentences. Mother would make a joke of it when sending her previous diaries.

Of course, I did gloss over certain elements, such as the fact I was courting Leliana while enjoying sexual relations with another woman on the side. Or the fact, after that night Jane got drunk and admitted to some rather unsavoury thoughts and we'd done things siblings don't always do. And the fact she did remember the next morning, and could barely meet my eyes for days afterward. It was bad enough that Serana had to ask what happened, and she admitted to incredible guilt when Jane tearfully told her what happened. Since then, there had been no more teasing of either of us, and the relationship between Jane and I was as strong as ever. Again, I put it down to the drink and the feeling of loneliness. Whether she still thought about it, I wasn't sure, and to be honest, I didn't want to ask.

"Drink, sire?" Jeeves asked from the doorway to my private quarters.

"That sounds great, Jeeves." I checked my pocket watch, surprised at how much time had passed. "I've been writing for quite a while."

"I didn't want to interrupt, sire. You appeared to be deep in concentration. Anything important?"

"The daily diary entry for mother and father, letting them know how the journey is progressing."

Rising to my feet, I followed him out into the main room. He wandered to the cabinet and poured me a small glass of brandy. I took a sip and wandered to the large windows at the rear of the ship, noticing the wake of water the ship left behind. "Just think, with each minute that passes, we are that little further away from home, from the Empire, from everything that we know and love."

"We are certainly explorers, sire."

"I'll admit that I would like to find some land to explore rather than endless blue ocean. I love the sea, but at least when patrolling the coast of the Empire, we could tack back and forth so we'd at least see land every now and then. I think it's the isolation, and I know many are starting to feel it." I glanced at him. "Pour yourself a glass and stand with me, Jeeves."

I soon felt his presence next to me as we stared. "Unimaginable, sire."

"I'm sure someone has written a poem about the sea or ocean, not that I've heard of one. Don't suppose you know one?"

"Not a poem, sire. But I remember hearing a wise man once say 'One doesn't discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time'. I think that is rather applicable to what we are doing now." He cleared his throat. "Would you wish for dinner soon, sire?"

I looked at my pocket watch again. "Sure. Give it another half an hour or so?"

"And will you have company tonight?"

"Jane will no doubt join me. I'll see if Leliana wishes to join me too."

"Very well, sire. I'll set three places, just in case."

Wandering down to the wardroom, even the commanding officer of the vessel knocks and requests permission to enter. It is their private quarters, and one does not just barge in. Hearing permission to enter, I wandered in to find a few of my officers sat around a table, a pack of cards being dealt. As they were not on watch, they did not have to rise and salute, a gesture while being seated as a sign of respect being enough.

The wardroom was rather large; the officers having made it into a home. Each bed was partitioned from the other, with blankets being used for privacy so you couldn't see into their living quarters. Leliana, being a priestess and servant of the faith, was given a rather tiny cabin, enough for a bunk, a small desk and chair, and small chest for her clothing.

Sat down at her desk, I gently rapped on the wall and cleared my throat. She immediately turned and smiled upon seeing me, rising to her feet and approached. "This is a surprise, Shepard."

"It's been a month and I don't think I've ever visited you down here. If I have, it was only for a minute at most."

"No, but let's be honest, your cabin is comfortable and you always escort me to the door when I leave."

"Care to join me for dinner?"

"Like you actually have to ask, Shepard."

"Jane will be joining us too."

"That's fine. She joins us more often than not."

Escorting Leliana, there were one or two comments or jokes as I followed her out, and that was fine. They were merely in jest, and meant nothing by it. Seeing the captain courting while on a vessel would have been a very unusual occurrence. By the time we'd returned to my cabin, Jane was already at the table, Jeeves regaling her with a story that was giving her a good chuckle. She readied to stand when I walked in, but I gestured for her to remain seated.

After seating Leliana, I sat at the head of the table, the two most important women in my life to either side of me, and thankful to the Five that they were friendly to each other. Jane would never be jealous, though, considering how long she had been bothering me to find someone. As for Leliana, I don't think she had it in her heart to dislike anyone, let alone find it in herself to hate someone. She always tried to find the good.

Despite a month at sea and the fact nearly every day was the same, the three of us could always find a topic to discuss. Very little was off-limits, though as I was a gentleman and officer, there were issues that should not be discussed with a lady, but we had little problem discussing issues of faith or perhaps the politics of the Empire. Mostly, though, we talked about events of our past, stories that would generally provoke a smile or a hearty chuckle, particularly if the story was at one's own expense.

Jane departed immediately after dinner, suggesting she would join her fellow officer's for a drink. Little surprise, as I could see the friendships already forming between them, and no doubt she would accept more of Alenko's flirtations, though whether she would ever reciprocate, only the gods knew the outcome. I'm not sure even Jane knew what she wanted, though after that night, I think she would leap at the chance of affection from Alenko. I just hoped she wasn't too hasty to prove something to herself or to me.

Leliana and I retired to my private quarters with a glass of brandy, taking a seat on my lounge after I'd close the partition, as I could hear Jeeves clearing up the table. She didn't join me often in my quarters, I think so she didn't give into temptation. That didn't stop her kicking off her shoes, curling her stockinged feet underneath herself and immediately cuddling into my side. Our glasses of brandy were polished off rather quickly and I think we were both desperate for a little physical contact. A long kiss. Hands on each other's body as we cuddled. I took a chance, sliding up a hand up one of her legs, feeling her smile as I kissed her, sliding it under her dress. She started to laugh and gently stopped my hand, breaking the kiss. She took a deep breath first. "Part of me wants to," she admitted softly," But..."

I merely returned her smile. "I should behave?"

"Another part of me doesn't want you to. But that would be incredibly unladylike." I couldn't help laugh lightly at her quite suggestive tone, but I removed my hand and sat back down, feeling her snuggle into my side again. "I do like evening's like this though," she added.

"It certainly helps when it's someone you care about."

"Oh, you care about me, Shepard?" I scoffed lightly at her remark, which just made her giggle. "Well, I think it's obvious those feelings are returned."

"So we care about each other?"

"Oui."

We really were a pair of damned fools. Care about each other?

Damned, stupid fools.

We were in love.

*****

Year 2183 of the Empire (since Foundation Year)

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

Saturni, the first day of First Seed

Evening

Though things continued to develop between Leliana and I, and I knew our feelings for each other would continue to grow, and that we would definitely make the final step into intimacy eventually, she proved to be very understanding about me needing a release, or that I simply enjoyed sex and intimacy with others, a long established practice back within the Twelve Realms. She knew I was with Serana from time to time, and had since learned that the two working girls I'd been with a couple of times back in Arcturus has done what they said and joined up. As far as I knew, they were ordinary seamen, or sea-women.

In an unusual move, I made my way down to the non-commissioned officer quarters to find someone in particular. Master Aela was the chief petty officer of the ship, pretty much the highest non-ranking officer on the vessel. I asked the men and women to remain seated as I asked Aela to accompany me to the deck.

"I'm looking for two women, Aela. Don't know their last names, but there is Cerys, a brunette, and Triss, a redhead. There's a lot of..."

"I know who they are, sir."

"Oh?"

"They are popular with the crew."

"How so?" I asked cautiously.

She must have read my reaction, stifling a laugh. "They can drink and fight like the rest of them."

"Could you locate them and have them brought up to my cabin?"

If she was surprised by the order, she managed to hide it. Instead, just saluting and disappearing as I made my way back to my cabin. Jeeves brought me a bottle of rum and some glasses before I dismissed him as usual. Though he was my servant, I had suggested he could head down to the wardroom and spend time with my officers if he wished. I'm sure he ended up serving them too though hoped he would take the opportunity to relax. The man worked hard and deserved a break.

There was a knock at my door ten minutes later, striding forward to open it. Aela stood in front with Cerys and Triss a step behind to either side. I simply stepped to the side and gestured for them to enter, closing the door. Offering them a seat, I poured each of them a glass before sitting down and pouring one myself. "Bloody hell, this is good stuff," Triss mentioned, I think preventing herself from draining the glass immediately by the fact she was in my cabin.

"Why are we here, sir?" Aela wondered.

"Good question, Aela, good question. To be honest, the question I want to ask, I already know the answer from these two. So I'm going to be very blunt when asking this." I met her eyes and she nodded. "If the captain was to offer you a place in his bed, would you accept it?"

Triss and Cerys didn't say a word, simply looking in the direction of Aela. "What about..."

I dismissed her question with a wave of the hand. "Though it shouldn't matter, I have discussed that with her. She accepts this if it were to happen."