The Iron Man [Serial]

All at Sea

I had anticipated this-- or at least joining Murphy and his crew in some rebellious plot --but now I was aboard the Narcís I was at a loss for what to do. When had I asked, Sina showed me where I could launder some clothes, while politely insisting it wasn't my job. And she had refused my help in preparing a meal, even as I explained I had cooked for myself these last three years, saying it was her turn.

I looked in on Dolly. She saw me peering around the heavy door between the wash and galley and her engine room. She smiled from her seat upon a stool at a worktable strewn with small parts. She asked if I wanted to play with her parts. Politely, I refused. I had some ability with maintaining steam-powered devices learned in the dhobitorium, but she was maintaining this fantastic vessel with a type of furnace I did not recognize. And I was not certain my experience was equal to her parts.

I wandered back through the galley, where Sina was still at the cooker, and then to the dining room.

I noticed details now. There were maps on the wall. I'd seen world maps when I was still in school in Queensfort and London, and these were different. They lacked the Freedman Territory at the Mississippi Delta. The various First Nations were shown as if a singular nation. There were some nations show in Africa or the Near East which I did not recognize. I had no comparison for what I saw of the Far East.

I went up to the wet rooms and found some disarray still there. I squared away the pole and ropes as best I could, not knowing all their correct places. I found Murphy's discarded sitar case, hat and Scipio and took these back down and into the parlor.

I looked closely now at the books along the wall closest to the dining room, but so many of these were in languages I could not read-- though I knew enough of the characters to recognize some were in Greek or Arabic. There was a stack of European picture-novels on one of the lower shelves and from the top of the stack these seemed more of that popular sort to depict common European youth in grande romantic adventures with aristocrats or foreign nobility.

I noticed that the parlor library ladder was on the opposite side of the room from the bookshelves. Visually tracing its curved track, I saw this provided access to four wooden-framed alcoves set above the portholes port and starboard. I imagined these were sleeping compartments, as I had seen no other place to take rest.

There were three doors in the adjacent corridor, one I knew to lead to some manner of pilot's room. These other doors were closed and labeled with signs in two languages which I could only roughly estimate as Spanish and Arabic. I thought to knock at the far door and inquire whether entry was permitted, but Murphy and Alpha entered the parlor.

"There you are," Murphy said. Alpha's arm was yet about his waist as Murphy left his side. They were both dressed in fresh clothing. Alpha was not in leather, but the garments had a similar cut that was not quite military, motoring, or equestrian gear but was quite trim. Murphy again seemed dressed nearly like an English dandy, which seemed strange now, knowing his purpose could not be disguise.

Murphy stood before me and placed a finger beneath my chin. I was sure this was intended, again, to prompt a reaction, but not tossing my head to be rid of him would mean allowing him to keep touching.

I heard Alpha laugh.

"Are you all right, Jules?" Murphy asked.

I sighed and glanced up at him from the corners of my eyes; he had just enough height on me that I often felt him looming. "Things were quite risky for a while, yes? Alpha and Honey were a lot of help. Still, I don't suppose I feel quite settled yet."

"Yes. I saw you've already done laundry. I did tell you that you were not in fact a valet." He smiled widely at me.

I tilted my head as I regarded him, "And you proved my estimation of your domestication by leaving wet things strewn about."

"You make it sound as if I were raised by jackals!"

Alpha chuckled a laugh as he neared the corridor. "You were raised in a tent, My Friend," Alpha said. "I like him already. He's quite prim, and yet he's got little sense of deference unless he believes someone's life is at stake."

"That's what I like best about him," Murphy said.

"Is it due to his being a Yankee?"

I winced. It was offense enough they spoke over me; I could not also stand for derogatory terms. "Maybe you don't know, as with your maps, but you cannot say 'Yankee' without seeming in offense, unless you are one yourself."

"What's wrong with my maps?" Alpha asked.

I might have answered, but putting a hand to my back Murphy drew me further aside, turning his back to Alpha. "Jules, you already know I value your honesty, and your appreciation for my music."

"I can hardly mistake your appreciation."

"And I am pleased to have you with me. But, as our friend, Alpha, has reminded me: should you wish to join us, there are some matters to settle, official communiques, clearance from our superior. It's better done sooner than later, so we'll know how much knowledge of our plans can be entrusted to you."

"I understand."

"This is Alpha's command. You'll go with him for a brief interview then join us for dinner afterward."

I glanced then at Alpha, who had moved into the corridor. "I need to relieve Ghat at the helm, so we'll speak there."

I agreed with a nod, then quietly added, "Aye."