by J P Nelson
The admiral was reservedly enjoying himself, “Do you like?”
“Thus far, yes sir.” Jha’Ley nodded to the bow, “I see platforms added to the design for the forward ballistae, as well as a pair aft. Otherwise …” he paused in attempting recollection, “… I did not realize the Luscious had a sister ship.”
“She does not, not yet, although a second vessel is indeed in the building. No, she before you is the Luscious with some refit and a new name.”
Jha’Ley passed his friend a curious glance, unvoiced questions running amok through his mind.
“We want to send her out for a variety of ventures, not the least is exploration. The vessel will oft be alone, but manned with the most learned individuals of Vedoa in their fields. We have many fine captains, but they are of military mentality, not that this is bad, mind you. But we are wishful for one of strong naval discipline and courage; yet is innovative, driven to seek knowledge and possessed with a gift of understanding that which is below, as well as above the ocean waves.
“Such captain will be afforded officers of specialty not common upon our frigates, who shall represent Vedoa in matters of diplomacy and potential trade, and scientists who will make record of discoveries which may be encountered.
“And …” the admiral emphasized his words carefully, “… as a vessel of Her Majesty’s Navy, this captain shall act on behalf of Vedoa as necessity should see fit … as a vessel of war …” he let the message drift into Jha’Ley’s ear.
The lieutenant softly responded, “A vessel of wide purpose … to explore, perhaps open various negotiations, and strike at enemy targets which may be found abroad.”
“Somewhat, yes. You would have much freedom, but you would be representing the queen and country in all that you do.
“You understand the magnitude of this commission?”
“Yes sir.” There was a long pause, “Sir?”
“Yes, Mister Jha’Ley?”
“May I have choice of one officer, one whose advice I treasure?”
A knowing smile framed the admiral’s face, “Yes, Mister Jha’Ley, you may indeed.”
___________________________
For the next two weeks plans were made, meetings held, supplies laid and crew choices completed. In formal ceremony Queen Morella herself commissioned Captain Jann Raul Jha’Ley, now the youngest captain in Vedoan History at age twenty-two, with the exploration and combat schooner, VNS Clarise.
Among his crew was good friend and confident, Sailing Master G’Tabb … the naturalist, Franklin Fhascully, who had interest in large aquatic creatures in general, and the Scorpion Ray described to him by Admiral Sark and Commander Redding in particular … Etmond Kravieu, the ship’s political officer who spoke seventeen languages, excelled in diplomacy, loved his pipe, and quoted often from his memory of sonnets … Lieutenant Cynric from the Cortain, who requested transfer from under Captain Hastings, “With all due respect to the captain, but I feel not a comfort nor trust under a man who would turn on his first officer in such manner. In Captain Jha’Ley I do place such feeling.”
As is common, an assortment of ship’s boys were assigned to the Clarise, these to attend to an officer’s petty needs, including a lad of seven years and youngest of the lot, named Telroy. Telroy was of common folk whose plights of finance were many. The eldest of his siblings, he demonstrated much courage as it was his desire to earn moneys to help feed those of his hearth.
Remembering his own childhood and in thought of his younger brother at home, Jha’Ley found himself favoring this particular lad and took him under wing. Telroy, in response excelled in his tasks and found favor among all the officers, commissioned and petty, and within the first year gained position of senior ship’s boy. Ultimately the lad became a student of G’Tabb with aspirations of becoming a sailing master in his own right.
Upon morning of the 16th day of the 10th month in the year 908 Vedoic, amid much fanfare and ceremony, the Clarise set sail under Captain Jha’Ley. The evening before her launch, however, a not-so-much-by-chance meeting took place between Captains Jha’Ley and Hastings.
It was Hastings who sought to catch the younger man unawares at a pub he liked to frequent, but Jha’Ley knew the man was in the shadows before stepping out to be seen. The voice was low and hoarse and filled with seething anger, “You know the victory should have been mine. It was my engagement.”
Incredulously the reply was, “Sir? Are you daft? I was acting as your second in command. I continued the engagement in your stead. We were a team, acting in the name of Vedoa, not of personal intentions.”
“You … stole … my … coup.”
“Your coup? Have you forgotten your, our purpose upon these waters? We are one unit …”
“No, we are not one unit. You are naïve and your eyes blinded by what is.”
“I believe it is you who are blinded sir, blinded by an unbridled anger at life, by circumstances beyond your control, ever dwelling on that which is long past. But look at you now, a captain in the Vedoan Navy, no easy task to achieve, and with a string of vict---”
“A string now broken.”
“By whom, sir?” Shaking his head Jha’Ley continued, “Your score is still intact.”
Hastings stood seething, about to speak further, appeared for a moment to consider striking Jha’Ley, but reconsidered before concluding, “There will be a time, boy; there is a time a’coming.” With that, he turned and walked away.
Redding came up beside the new captain and placed hand upon his shoulder. It had been a while since Jha’Ley had seen his friend, now commissioned as commander and ship designer. Together they watched Hastings walk away as Redding commented, “Conceive no thought, my good captain, he was of wish to take command of the Clarise, but it was never to be.”
“He knew?”
Redding passed a nod and said, “Come, let me buy you a drink.”
___________________________
The first course set was Robinto Island, where much interest was given to the unique medicines made by Mardon and Mocklin, as well as the eels which was their source. Vedoa was prepared to pay handsomely for all of this which could be made during the months the Clarise would be frequenting the port with future trade affirmed.
Fhascully was tentatively in charge of this specific venture, as he directed the bulk of his time in study of the Scorpion Ray. He was fascinated in this particular species; its physical design, how it moved within the water, and its tail.
It took Jha’Ley not long at all to discern the study of nature for nature’s sake was not the purpose of this mission. Vedoa was researching and experimenting with a variety of new weapon ideas. Making use of poison in some form of mass attack was on the drawing board. Also, the tail barb of this ray received special attention, although Jha’Ley could only reckon it had something to do with the retraction aspect, and the way it drilled into target upon a successful strike.
The captain also watched Fhascully make a rough drawing of what looked like a flat boat, underwater, with people inside.
During the months about Robinto and Presittorn Islands, Jha’Ley was pleased to once more be in the company of his family. Albri worked as scientific associate with Fhascully, and at times they went out on the beautifully refurbished Sangora. But this venture was not one for reunion; it was one of hard work.
Although research was the official point of reference, there was much time for other things Jha’Ley wanted to accomplish. He wanted to drill his men in fast handling of the schooner in such a way they had never conceived. Every day the scientists were out on the Sangora, the captain had the crew put the Clarise to paces around the reefs in such manner that several of the crew was sure the vessel would capsize. To top it off, they practiced firing missiles in tight maneuvers.
G’Tabb was having the time of his life, and he reveled when a ball was launched as the vessel was heeled nearly all the way over and a crewman gasped, “Damn me, but the shiking ball is going to drop back on our h
eads!”
The one thing Jha’Ley wanted, and his sailing master could read it in his body language, was to take the schooner out on what was now recorded on some maps as The Flume. But this was a military vessel, and she was in the captain’s charge. There was no purpose, other than curiosity, to put her at risk in what could be, and probably was, a lethal phenomenon.
Fhascully was of a mind to bring a young specimen of a ray back to Vedoa, perhaps more than one. If possible, he wanted a male and female. This notion raised eyebrows between Jann Raul and his father, but the idea was discussed at length and frequently.
At one such discussion G’Tabb declared, “I will be a son-or’a-jym if I will get near one of those fish aboard this vessel. We know nothing about them, save the obvious. Why, they, or it, or however many might be, may be near grown by time we return to home port.”
He looked square at Fhascully and asked in no uncertain tone, “Do you mean to make Clarise a fish tank and fill the hold with water? She is not a fishing boat. She is not rigged for such”
The sailing master passed glance to his captain, “I mean no disrespect, but if I take order to do so it will be under protest. I am a sailor first, and my ship’s safety is my primus concern.”
Looking hard to Fhascully he concluded, “If you want one of those damn things aboard my vessel, with my consent, you better find a wizard to deal with the matter.” G’Tabb punctuated his last phrase with a resolute nod of his head. More than a little irritated, he looked to Jha’Ley and asked, “If I may be dismissed, there is work I need to see to …”
Suppressing a bit of an amused expression, Jha’Ley responded with a nod of his own. As G’Tabb saluted and was off to duty, Fhascully remarked, “He does not speak often, but when so inclined he speaks directly, does he not?”
Albri remarked, “But his point is valid, and one we have only touched upon. Our primary conversation has been in how to capture a young, now that we know they are born live, and not hatched.”
“I still would like to know how you observed this without receiving assault, captain.”
“Just lucky, I would guess, Mister Fhascully.”
Looking to both Jha’Ley and Albri, the naturalist continued, “The importance of returning with a live specimen cannot be stressed enough, gentlemen, for many reasons.”
Albri had been deep in thought, but commented in speculation, “It is possible I may know, or at least know of, a man who may be able to help.”
Drawing looks from both men, he continued, “He was born in the Niumanko Jungle of Rok’Shutai, served as an able-bodied seaman aboard the Faulta Whimn, worked up to quarter-master’s mate for Captain Vincent James of the Randy Jim …”
Suddenly, Jann Raul’s eyes lit up and began thinking who it might be, as Captain James had been a frequent guest at the Albri home.
“… Put in six years as Professor of Anthropology at J’Rihki University, but of late is working on some research outside of Port Miranda.”
‘J’Rihki University,’ thought the captain, ‘located on the big island of Hosh’Una, just west of the Lh’Gohrian continent.’ He creased his brow, trying to think who it might be, ‘J’Rihki was considered one of the top five universities in the world …’
“And you say he is a wizard?” Fhascully asked with a bit of incredulity. “How has he had time to develop the quality of skills we would need for a magic so strong as to … well … to do whatever is needed. This will not,” he admonished with a squint of his right eye, “be something a novice can do.” Hesitating as he fidgeted with a writing quill, then added almost as an afterthought, “I am not sure a journeyman could do it, to be quite honest.”
Chuckling, he added as he widened his eyes in mock anticipation, “Is he an elf?”
“No. He is Lampohrquai.”
Jha’Ley snapped his fingers in pleasant recollection and said, “Arristahn! Of course! The Lampohrquai are a long-lived lot, there is no telling what he may know.”
The naturalist was momentarily stunned.
“Pop, I did not realize he practiced Eldohrich Science.”
With a partial smirk, Albri said, “Not many folk do.”
“Wait a minute,” interjected Fhascully with uncharacteristic timber in his voice, “you are speaking of a … a … what some people call a quikling. They are a backward, undomesticated, uneducated group of jungle savages! Why, he would, he would probably fall under the gunwales, they are so diminutive.”
Father and son humorously glanced at each other as Jha’Ley asked, “Would you care to express how you really feel?”
Taking a deep breath and collecting himself, Fhascully answered with a question, “You cannot be serious?”
Albri opened his hands in emphasis and stifled a laugh, “Very much so. He is a solid four feet tall, which is taller than many beginning ship’s boys …”
“That is not what I mean, sir …”
Again motioning with his hands Albri said, “Very well. Arristahn is well within his seventies, which makes him a seasoned adult far short of middle age. He has at least ten years at high sea and knows the ocean well, is more educated than you are, and I would be comfortable putting a dozen Dahruban Marks on the table that he is a strong adept, if not a clean Class V Master, of Wizardry.”
He let it sink in, then added, “Now, do you want a ray on board in such manner Mister G’Tabb is satisfied?”
Fhascully was slow in deliberation, but if working with … well … whatever it took … in the name of science, of course. He could not believe he was going to associate with a quikling, of all people.
The captain was pleased and suppressed an enthusiastic grin … from their position, a direct course meant crossing The Flume.
The facts of the rapid water anomaly were laid out to the crew, and the naturalist was amazed at how willing everyone was to engage the experience. Leaving the Sangora unattended was not an option, even with crewmen, in the immediate vicinity of Presittorn Isle, therefore straws were drawn to determine a petty officer and an able-bodied seaman who would sail the sloop back to Robinto. Petty Officer Seedle and a seaman called Buckles took the straws, and an unhappier lot one would never find, but duty is duty.
The jaunt toward The Flume was without event, but when they hit it, all the talk of preparation could not ready crew for the airborne vault followed by sudden impact in the raging water. Jha’Ley, who rarely showed excitement beyond his famous smile, and G’Tabb, who spoke very little other than giving orders, were quiet yet elated with the experience. It was Albri who let out a loud whoop of exhilaration during the schooner’s moment of hurtling flight.
The captain would have none other than himself at the helm for this endeavor, beside him stood young Telroy with eyes wide in amazement, yet hands secure at wheel’s mast. The Clarise was not so quick to respond as the Sangora, but she was heavier and of deeper keel with a much longer water line. A frigate or caravel would not handle this water well, but with Jha’Ley in control of the rudder, the sleek lines of the schooner were cutting the angry currents with style.
‘Has the flume become more savage than before,’ the man wondered. No time to muse, with sails at full he reveled at the speed the vessel was acquiring. ‘Were they at thirty-five, thirty-six knots? Could anyone comprehend travelling at such blistering speed?’
Sailing Master G’Tabb stood at the ready and made quick the action when his captain yelled the order, “Now!” He knew well what to do and had his men ready at the mark. The drums were rolling as the Clarise made her move up the port swell, then in slingshot fashion tacked starboard to mount the western swell. Up she went, stable, then over the top in smooth fashion.
Once steady in the wind, a gray-faced Fhascully came beside Captain Jha’Ley and with harsh breath remarked, “If you please … my good captain … consider the long way around upon our return …” upon which he made way to the port gunwale to lurch his belly of all that remained.
Kravieu, not of much better countenance came up be
side him only a moment later. Dabbing his lips with a handkerchief and putting a peppermint candy in his mouth, he hesitantly added to his associate’s statement with a quivering smirk, “… but in the … long run … it was … worth it to … to see that scod--- … scodger heave … his belly.”
The meeting of Arristahn and deliberation to gain his assistance would require much verse to record; such was the length of the dialogue. At such point in our tale, let us take measure the tone of the naturalist’s requisition left much to be desired.
That Fhascully expected little more than a jungle native of less than average size was clear, but the wizard’s stature was the only aspect of his person which held true to anticipated vision.
Although an even four feet in height, every aspect of the Lampohrquai indicated elegance, refinement, extreme intelligence, and more education than most scholars can dream of. Arristahn’s movement was so relaxed; one could not begin to associate him with the nomenclature of quikling.
Neatly dressed in a manner befitting a scholar, the wizard sported neat black hair, a closely trimmed full beard, silver bracelets on each wrist, thumb ring on his left hand, matching silver rings set with a small ebony onyx stone on each third finger, a pinky ring with a stamping seal on his right hand, a thin braided silver chain adorned his neck and a diamond studded earring was set in his left earlobe.
When they found him, he held attendance with them in a parlor at the Barakii Inn, a plush facility adorned with walled-in gardens, fountains and statues of carved marble, and paintings which might be expected for view at an exquisite art gallery.
The parlor was lined with a deep tan carpet and furniture upholstered in black velvet, and the walls were paneled with dark wood bookcases. The centerpiece was a globe featuring the known world, and a large black expanse covering nearly one-half of the planet was embossed on one side.