Chapter 68: The Zithayan Dynasty Part 2

"The Kestrel is being watched." Jorges shook his head. "Checked around the other ships, nothing out of line, just ours."
"How many?"
"Four I counted, but from their placement, there's likely more. I spotted them on the way out. When I didn't see any surveillance on other ships, I watched closer on my way back to the ship. 'Fraid I acted the drunk, so you'll obviously need to give me punishment duty."
Cal studied Jorges' face. He wasn't scared, just doing what his captain asked him.
"Sounds like you did some training."
"A couple of years in Naval intelligence. When I had to muster out, Henrichs offered me the berth on the Kestrel."
"Very good. Jorges, keep it low key and don't put yourself or anyone else at risk, but I'd like you to gather what intelligence you can. Report to Paul, he'll decide whether to bring me in."
Jorges nodded briskly, Paul a little reluctantly.
"Paul, if Jorges keeps running to the Captain, someone will spot it and make trouble. Trust your instincts. Err on the side of caution."
Cal left the men in the mess and carried her mug out on deck. She leaned against the rail and sipped at the tea while admiring the lights of the city. When the cup was empty, Cal went back to bed.
***
Nothing happened for the next week. Jorges confirmed the watchers were still there, so it was more than just curiosity. Meanwhile, Paul told his stories in bars and collected stories from others. Jorge mopped the deck and complained about losing his rotation ashore.
Neither Lord Sifton or any of the scientists had shown up. Cal drummed her fingers on the helm. The contract was clear. Lord Sifton commanded his team, which meant no interference from the Captain while they were on land, but she didn't want to be stuck here much longer. Time to get some advice.
Cal put on her dress whites and blue jacket, then strolled down the dock to pay a visit to the embassy ship. Bundo accompanied her, craning his neck at the sights as they walked.
"Captain Shillingsworth of HMSV Kestrel," she introduced herself to the pair of guards at the foot of the stairs they'd let down from the ship. It could have fit Kestrel in its hold with room to spare. "I would like to pay a courtesy call on the ambassador as it looks like we'll be in port a while yet."
"Follow me." One of the men led the way, the steps vibrating under his best parade march. Cal and Bundo followed more quietly. A woman met them at the top of the stairs, nodding at the guard who then returned to his post.
Does she wait for the sound of stomping feet? Cal tried to imagine how they could code the noise for different situations.
"...is busy, but the Captain would be pleased to meet with you in the officer's mess."
"Very well." Don't lose focus, Cal admonished herself. The woman led them through passageways which, if Cal hadn't known they were aboard a ship, could have been any government office. Bundo was dropped off at the enlisted mess, with instructions to a nearby sailor keep him company. They climbed stairs to an oaken door. Cal's guide knocked, then pushed the door open and waved Cal in.
"Welcome, Captain." The Captain of the embassy ship wore enough gold braid to sink the Kestrel. His mouth smiled, however, his eyes reserved judgement. Since the man reached out a hand, Cal shook it. "Won't stand on ceremony here. I'm Captain Jenkins Hashmick, his Majesty's Navy."
"Captain Calliope Shillingsworth, of his Majesty's Science Vessel Kestrel."
Jenkins handed her a snifter with amber brandy in it. "Heard you were a brandy drinker."
Cal swirled the glass and took in the rich odour, then tasted it.
"I'd go bankrupt if I developed a taste for this." She sipped at it again and let out a long sigh.
"Captain Cully is an old friend, and I have other sources who tell me you are an extraordinary young woman. Made a Lady of the Realm and the first Royal Engineer appointed by the Crown Prince. Rarified territory even for an old hand like me."
"I won't say it was luck, but I had the best teachers."
"I've been hearing stories about you going through the Gates of Hell?"
"Our contract included it in the voyage. They paid a considerable bonus for the privilege."
"I'm not surprised you made it through, you have a good head on your shoulders. What shocked me was hearing that you stopped and picked up a man overboard midway through the worst stretch."
"The man was the one paying the bills."
Jenkins roared with laughter and waved at her glass. "Drink up and I'll refill it."
"It would be sacrilege to guzzle this elixir."
"Tell me about the Gates." He topped up his glass and swirled it.
"Going east, the first bit wasn't as bad as storms we've weathered in the north." Cal smiled at Jenkins' doubtful look. "Once we passed Sea Devil's Island, things got interesting. I had everyone, crew and passengers both, tied down. I was strapped to the helm. Even with me picking the softest path, I've never experienced any stretch of water so violent. Without being tied down, I'd have lost my crew to broken bones."