Chapter 16: The Galician King

*****

"Why, Commodore, I do believe you're poking me from behind."

Jack smiled as his eyes remained closed. It was still early enough that he didn't want to hazard a glance just yet, preferring to remain pressed into the sweet-smelling woman in front of him. However, it was only with a quick glance that he saw the dark hair, reminding him that it was Abigail on this side of the bed. Which must have meant that it was Kat who was gently stroking his back from behind.

"I thought you liked when I poked you from behind," muttered Jack, taking the opportunity to thrust his hips against her ass.

Abigail moaned in response. "I do, but not when you tease me. Your cock isn't even inside me. How fair is that?"

Before Jack could respond, the other woman in bed answered for him. "That doesn't sound fair at all, if you ask me," chirped Kat.

"See, Jack? Kat agrees with me," said Abigail triumphantly. "You're outnumbered, Commodore. Two to one."

"You're really enjoying this title change, aren't you?" he asked with a chuckle.

She responded by pushing her hips back at him. His cock sunk further into the crevice between her legs. He could almost feel the heat being released from her core, and it only served to put more steel into his morning erection.

Jack turned his head to look at Kat. "And you? I don't see you using the title too much."

Kat shrugged. "That's because I much prefer to hear you called king instead." She then pressed in a sweet kiss against his lips. Her tongue entered his mouth a moment later, caressing his own before she pulled away. "Your Majesty," she whispered.

It was quite the heavenly experience being kissed by one woman while his cock was about to enter another but it had been all too familiar over the last few weeks. Ever since the two women met each other and decided to make good upon their promises to share him, Jack had rarely spent a night not nestled between the two of them in bed. It was only when Abigail had separated from them briefly that it had changed, however, once they reached Methusa and set up camp, the dark-haired commander slipped ashore to crawl into his bed once more.

Both Jack and Kat had been happy to see her once more, especially in such an intimate setting. The playfully aggressive commander of the Destiny had been missed while she led the ship to the former slave city, and thankfully she took the first opportunity to join them when she could. It was to be their last day in Andalucia, and Jack didn't want to be apart from either woman as he said his goodbyes to the people who now called him king.

For the moment though, there were slightly more important things to worry about. Like Kat's hand around his shaft, slowly pressing it forward so it rubbed against Abigail's slit. Despite the two of them not having full-on sex yet, Kat had become quite the naughty vixen between the sheets, and this was one task she much enjoyed doing.

"Kat, please don't tease me anymore," moaned Abigail, feeling the tip against her sex. "Put him in me, hurry, please!"

Kat let out a soft giggle. "What happened to foreplay though? I thought you might need worked up a little more before you took him in you?"

Abigail scoffed and reached her hand between her legs. She must have swiped at her slit because she presented her drenched fingers a second later. "Does this look like I need more foreplay? I need him in me!"

Kat grinned and then shrugged playfully. "If you wish," she said. This part of the game was especially fun for the both of them. After this much time, they'd gone from having somewhat awkward bedroom encounters at the addition of a third person to having a truly integrated relationship where the three of them connected well together. It was any man's dream scenario, and Jack got to live it every day.

He didn't have long to think about it as Kat gave a subtle push to his hips. He groaned as the tip of his cock slipped inside Abigail's wetness, earning a hiss of approval from her at the sudden intrusion.

"That's better," she purred as she wiggled her hips back at him. It had the effect of driving more of his shaft inside. "That's a feeling that's never been equaled by anything else."

Jack chuckled as he pressed in further. "You're telling me that? I have the both of you in my bed. Can you imagine that feeling?"

"From where I'm laying, I have two attentive lovers as well," said Abigail with a smirk. "So yes."

Jack turned to look at Kat, who was fully entranced with the sight of his cock filling up Abigail from their spooning position. She licked her upper lip and then bit it softly. "I can't imagine what that must feel like."

"Whenever you're ready," said Jack as he withdrew his hips and surged forward, earning a low moan from Abigail. "I won't rush you, but I do desire to be intimate with you like I am with Abigail."

Kat nodded quickly. "I know, Jack. You've been so patient with me."

He smiled at her, nodding his head in return. In the interim, Abigail had grabbed one of his hands and placed it on her breast. He kneaded her perfect globe in turn as his fingers found her nipple. She squealed as he pinched it, pressing her lower half forcibly against his body.

"I know how much you love my tits," moaned Abigail as she turned her head against his ear. "All of me belongs to you, you know that?"

"I do," he whispered breathlessly. He began to pump his hips harder, letting his cock slide along her slippery entrance. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

The two of them continued their movements in the early morning light, quickly developing more urgency as the pace increased. On Jack's other side, Kat pressed several kisses against his body, teasing him by blowing her hot breath against sensitive spots on his neck and shoulders. She even stopped for a moment to kiss his birthmark, running a trail that started at his shoulder and ran upwards. It added a wonderfully erotic quality to sex, even if he couldn't see much of the blonde's body. That was something that needed changed.

"Kat, come here for a moment," he said, stopping his hips to allow her to climb over him. She was still dressed in her nightly sleepwear of a tank top and shorts, and he wanted to be rid o the clothing to appreciate her body. "These need to go," he said playfully, gesturing to her garments.

Abigail nodded as well. "Yes, they do. Get naked with us, Kat."

The blonde woman smiled demurely as her fingertips wrapped around the hem of her top. Jack sucked in his breath in anticipation. He'd only seen Kat fully naked a couple of times, but the sight was one that always took his breath away.

Without further encouragement, she pulled the top up over her head, pulling her hair through the other side as she deposited it on the floor beneath them. Her skin was nearly perfect apart from a pair of small moles on the left side of her rib cage. The rest of her was incredible. Kat had hidden a large set of breasts under her more concealing clothing that were perky and proud upon release. They were capped with tiny, pink areolas, and large, thick nipples. They tapered down to her tight stomach, wonderfully flawless as well as her fingers slipped to the band in her shorts.

She pushed those down just as quickly, revealing a golden triangle of hair just above her sex. It wasn't hard to tell that Kat was aroused, a glistening sheen apparent on the outside of her lips just from watching the other two. Her shapely, pale legs went on forever and soon curled up under her butt. It was a beautiful sight to take in, and Jack knew his cock throbbed even harder at witnessing it.

"Fuck, you're so gorgeous," breathed Abigail as their hips started moving again. "I'm so glad I don't have to compete with you."

Kat giggled and then pointed to the dark-haired commander. "Ditto. Although your butt is so much better than mine." It wasn't too far off the mark. Abigail was especially gifted with a nice rear end.

"So what? I wished my tits looked just like yours," panted Abigail as she reached up to caress Kat's nipple softly.

"How about we just agree that you're both perfect and leave it there?" asked Jack. He meant it more teasingly than it came out, however, the feeling of being deep inside Abigail while looking at both women was soon having the desired effect. He could feel his passion building deep inside his body, aching to explode in pleasure.

"I can live with that," sighed Abigail. She reached her hand behind them and grabbed Jack's hips. "Please keep fucking me. I'm so close."

In response to that, both of the other partners on the bed redoubled their efforts. Jack placed his hand around her breast once more, softly rolling the flesh in his hands while he focused on long, forceful strokes against her lower half. Abigail soon let out a babble of unintelligible words and moans, a sure symbol she was approaching the edge.

Above him, Kat began to softly caress Abigail's body, pressing her own teasing kisses against the other woman's soft flesh. It was the same move that she'd done for Jack just minutes earlier, and judging by Abigail's moans, it was having the desired effect.

"Oh, fuck, oh, fuck!" Abigail clamped her legs down as her mouth fell upon. He could feel her pussy squeezing his cock forcefully, and he soon felt a rush of liquids coat his shaft as her orgasm hit with full intensity. She mewled and writhed on the bed as it ran its course, her body only stopping once she came down from the high.

"I'll never get tired of that," she said dreamily as she once more started to push back on his cock.

"Neither will I," said Jack with a grin. "There's nothing sexier than watching you both cum."

"I don't know, Jack," added Kat with a raised eyebrow. "I rather enjoy watching you cum."

"I'm getting there. I promise," he said while he started to pick the pace once again.

"I certainly hope so," said Kat. "But just to make sure it's a good one, let me help you."

The blonde woman climbed up a bit higher on his body, using her limbs to ensure she remained out of the path of thrusting between him and Abigail. She climbed to the other side of the bed and cupped her tits with both hands. Leaning forward, she didn't stop until her nipple was only inches away from his lips.

Jack reached up and latched onto her nipple, earning a surprising gasp from the Galician woman. "That's it, Jack. Suck my nipples, please," cooed Kat.

He gladly obeyed that request, teasing her nipple with his tongue while Abigail pushed back against his cock. It was sensory overload over him, soon being overwhelmed by the feeling of Abigail's wet pussy and sucking Kat's nipple into his mouth. He worked the little nub until it had to be painfully erect, at which point she simply removed it and pressed the other one into his mouth. If he thought he was enjoying the act alone, he was soon mistaken. Kat's moans were getting louder.

"Oh, yes, just like that, Jack," she whimpered. She was rubbing herself again with her free hand while he sucked, a job that he hated to have to see her do on her own.

Without a word, he replaced her hand with his, his careful fingers gently sliding across her blonde mound and dipping into her wet hole. Kat moaned loudly as soon as that first finger slipped into her pussy, and soon she was grinding down hard on his hand while he teased her nipples.

"You're going to make me cum, Jack," she whispered. She wasn't kidding. About a moment later, he felt his hand soon get coated in her juices as she shuddered above him. She pulled her sensitive nipples from his mouth as her own orgasm shook her body.

In the interim, it let him focus once more on fucking Abigail without any distractions. He grabbed her hip once more and really drove himself into her repeatedly. The both of them were soon making their own noises as he felt his orgasm starting deep within his loins. It wouldn't be long until it happened—when he came crashing across the threshold of desire.

"Fuck, I'm going to cum," he panted as he felt the first spurt start to boil up his shaft.

Abigail reached behind him and grabbed his hips, pressing him tightly against her slick bottom. The first splash of semen shot deep inside her as a result, as several more voluminous pumps filled her soaking, wet hole.

"Oh, right there," she purred, feeling the first squirt deep inside her. She wiggled her hips, pressing back tightly to make sure she got all of it.

Jack felt himself releasing the intense pressure against her rear end as his orgasm sated. Kat pressed into his lips softly as their tongues entwined, only releasing him once he pivoted to his back. In doing so, his softening member finally emerged from Abigail, leaving a trail of spent cum to slip out of her well-fucked hole.

"That looks just heavenly," whispered Kat, eyeing the both of their genitals.

"It felt just as heavenly too," said a still breathless Abigail.

"You'll hear no complaints from me either," added Jack.

Abigail turned her body around to face him while Kat rested her head against his stomach. By this point, they'd all caught their breath from their previous exertion, even if they could all use a good shower at this point. It was one thing he missed about Septhada already—the large, made-for-many shower stall was the perfect spot for washing off the smell and sweat of sex. He'd already tried it out once with the women and found it just the perfect size and temperature, especially compared with the tight quarters on the ships.

Of course, there were no such facilities here in the king's tent, although he was sure they'd find a way to rummage up a bath in case he asked for one. Sadly, a bath didn't have the same appeal, so he resolved to just take care of it once they reboarded the Destiny this afternoon.

Abigail seemed to be thinking along similar lines. "In just a little while, we'll be back in our cramped quarters again on the Destiny. I've gotten used to having this much space too."

"Just for a short while," said Jack. "At least until we reach Kat's house." He then turned to face the blonde woman. "Do you have lots of space at your cottage?"

Kat smiled. "Plenty when compared to a cramped warship. Although I don't know how much of this we'll be able to get in." Kat circled her hands around the three of them, the meaning of sex heavily implied.

"Why not?" he asked. "It'll just be the three of us after all."

Kat opened her mouth to speak but no words came out. She closed it just as quickly, looking like there was something that she didn't want to give voice to just yet. "I just mean we'll have some things to do on our short stay, that's all." She looked like she wanted to say much more but she didn't.

Before Jack could press her on it, Abigail started to speak again. "I wouldn't mind some time right up against the water. You mentioned you're right on the beach, right? I could use some proper time in the sand."

Jack chuckled. "We have plenty of sand here, you know?"

She swatted his chest playfully. "You know what I meant. An actual beach, not just desert."

He made a face at her, causing her to try to smack his body again. He caught her hand and brushed it away easily, which earned a playful smile from her. Abigail leaned in and kissed him longingly. "It's not that I won't miss Andalucia," she said finally, once the kiss broke. "I'm just ready to move on."

"But here I'm king," said Jack with a mock sense of pride. "Anywhere else we go, I'll just be a naval officer again."

Abigail sighed dramatically. "And now my station goes down. Woe is me."

He reached out to tickle her, earning a hearty squeal from her as Kat soon laughed alongside them. "I know how you feel, Abigail," teased Kat. "Going from a palace to a ship. I hope we don't go any lower, or I just don't know what we'll do!"

"Maybe we'll have to find a new lover," said Abigail with a shrug. The grin on her face never left.

He growled at both of them. "I'm about to leave the both of you here and just go off on my own."

Abigail rolled her eyes. "As if you could bear to be parted from us. Face it, Jack. Your life is too good." She then traced her finger nails down his chest, stopping just inches from his cock. It was only once she grabbed it that she kissed him sweetly. "I tease you too much. I love you, you know that, right?"

He nodded. "Remember what happens to girls that tease too much?"

Her eyes flashed with passion. "I really hope it's a spanking."

The three of them laughed together and after some more light conversation, they began to slip out of bed. The sun was now high enough in the sky that it illuminated their portion of the tent enough to see despite not having any windows to the outside. Jack was the last to leave bed, always admiring the view of their two bodies the second they weren't obstructed by blankets. In his mind, both women were flawless—beautiful specimens of femininity that got his heart racing every time. He greatly enjoyed watching them rummage around for clothing as he appraised every inch of their nudity. Even with the subtle differences between their physiques, he also liked the difference in their hair—the darkness of Abigail contrasted evenly to Kat's golden locks. It was a mix that seemed to speak to him instinctively, and he had no idea how he enjoyed life, or previous partners, before the two of them.

"Are you just going to watch us all morning or are you going to get dressed?" teased Kat, tossing her discarded shorts into his lap. She grinned as she began to slip on her usual forest-green outfit, soon covering her exposed body from view.

"I was thinking I might watch as long as I could," said Jack. "I never get tired of it!"

Abigail walked over and grabbed his cock, already thickening while he watched them. "No, it would seem you didn't!" She gave him several firm strokes.

"Careful," he warned. "If you get me hard again, we're going right back into bed."

"We have too much to do this morning, and not enough time to do it," said Abigail as she shook her head. She didn't stop stroking him however.

Jack pushed her hand away, even though she now had him at half-mast. "Then stop stroking it!"

She grinned wickedly. "I just want to make sure you want me. I want you to be thinking about us all morning until we can get back into bed tonight."

"Trust me, I have enough of a problem as is not thinking about you both during the day," he admitted. "Although this just seems kind of cruel to leave me this way."

Kat finished getting dressed before she sunk to her knees in front of him. Taking his cock in her hand, she gave it a long lick along the underside before patting it affectionately. "That will have to do for now. Come on, we need to say our goodbyes to everyone here."

Jack groaned in frustration. "You two are going to be the death of me." In response, both women just giggled and finished getting ready.

After enough time (and after his cock was soft once more), Jack finally pushed off of his bed and began to get dressed. Today wouldn't be a day for the usual colorful and fancy silks of the king. Instead, Jack picked out his naval uniform and got dressed. He still wasn't completely used to the more conspicuous attire, although it was what the Andalucians expected. Truthfully, he was somewhat relieved to go back to his normal life after all the time spent in the desert country. Back out on the seas, he was just a commodore. It wasn't as stressful as being king.

Right on time, Jack heard the rummaging of Bazu as he prepared for the morning report. Never one to slack at his duties, Bazu appeared at precisely the same time every single morning. Jack never understood how so much happened between his nightly briefing and the morning report, yet it always seemed to work out that something big happened while he slept.

However, today would be quite the opposite.

"Good morning, sire," said Bazu as he entered his chambers. The women had long since left to grab something to eat, and he remained seated at a makeshift desk awaiting the vizier. Bazu had come a long way from the timid and scared man he'd met when he first took the throne. It wasn't hard to tell he hadn't been respected by his predecessor, even though Jack found the man to be extraordinarily gifted at his job. It really served to endear the vizier to him, and as Jack got to know him more, Bazu started to come out of his shell.

"Good morning, Bazu. I trust you slept well last night?"

Bazu grinned. "Probably not as good as you, sire, but yes, it wasn't too bad."

Jack chuckled. Because of Bazu's regularity in his visits, there had been times when he emerged into his chambers to find Abigail and Kat still sound asleep. The vizier was one of the first to admit the attractiveness of both women, and as he became better acquainted with Jack, he wasn't one to not appreciate Jack's position.

"So what happened since we last talked Bazu? Anything new in the country?"

Bazu grabbed the first scroll and opened it. "It was exceedingly quiet last night, sire. Not that I mind that in one bit, but there's just not a lot going on right now. I do have the former slave report here though."

Jack had instructed him to put together reporting on the former slaves of Andalucia since he'd freed them. Even though Jack had paid them a month's worth of wages upon release, his biggest worry was upsetting the Andalucian economy and them not having enough time to adjust to their new status before the money ran out.

"Your Majesty, you'll be pleased to hear they are coming along well. It seems a good portion of them have gone back to their old jobs, although there's an actual paycheck coming in this time. Many of them were rehired by the families they used to serve. There's been some grumbling from the Andalucians at having another expense, but I think many of those households are too busy now with the day-to-day chores that all the time they used to spend training or fighting has been soaked up."

"That was my hope," said Jack. "This country goes to war far too frequently. I can understand if an outsider invades, like the Swabians, but there's no reason for them to shed their own blood. In the end, they're all Andalucians. I was hoping they'd be too busy now to think about battle."

"It seems to be so, sire. I have no reports of any warfare between the clans. Which is odd to say the least," said Bazu. "Usually there's someone who's fighting someone else."

"Good, then I can leave here and be at peace," said Jack. "The last thing I want to do is leave for Picardy knowing I left some unrest behind me."

"About that, sire," said Bazu, folding up the latest scroll so that he could look at him. "Are you sure you have to go?"

Jack smiled. "Going to miss me, Bazu?"

"In a word, yes," said the vizier. "I don't think there's been a king like you in a long time here, sire. Someone who understands the value of human life, not only with your words but with your actions. It just makes me nervous that you're already leaving us."

"It's not for forever," said Jack. "I'll be back someday. Unfortunately, I'm a Javan naval officer first. I have other duties that I need to attend to." There was a rummaging of the tent again as another person stepped into the room. "Besides, you'll have Masud here to help run things."

Masud gave him a broad smile as he stepped into the room. Bazu bowed to the new Andalucian Regent, but not before Masud bowed to Jack. "Good morning, Your Majesty. I trust you're well?"

Jack took a deep breath. "As well as can be, thank you, Masud. I was just telling Bazu not to worry. The country will be in good hands while I'm gone."

"As much as I can handle," said Masud. "I'm not saying I won't make mistakes, but I'll do my best to govern in your name."

"I know you will," said Jack with a nod. "You've been a great counsel to me since you've been by my side. I know Andalucia will be well-served in your hands. Now come, stay for the rest of the morning report. You should get used to these since you'll be in my place."

For the next twenty minutes, Bazu went over the rest of the details of the country for both men. Jack was pleased to see that Masud asked engaging questions, often coming up with pragmatic solutions to existing problems, as well as seeing some of those problems from an outsider's perspective. It was clear the man had a wealth of life experience, and it only served to remind Jack that he was leaving the country in capable hands.

"That should be just about all of it," said Bazu as he wrapped up the final scroll. "Sire, I think that's going to be your last morning report for quite a while."

Jack turned to look at Masud. "That just means he's your problem now." The elder man chuckled while Bazu didn't look nearly as pleased.

"I'm just teasing, Bazu," said Jack finally. "There isn't a soul in the rest of Andalucia who could be a better vizier than you."

The man actually turned pink at the compliment. "W-why, thank you, sire! I always try to do a good job, but I never really expected that!"

"I had my suspicions about the way Vertulis treated you," said Jack. "Which in all honesty, just serves to confirm all my thoughts about that man. He's better off dead. You're a wise counselor, Bazu. And a good friend as well. I shall miss you while I'm gone."

Bazu looked like he was ready to hug him. "As I will you, sire. The country will miss you. I will miss you. Come back safely when you can."

Jack nodded to him before he embraced the man, patting his back. Bazu responded to the gesture with equal measure, even pulling away with slightly misty eyes which he looked to shield out of embarrassment.

"I should really get back to my own desk," Bazu said finally, gesturing to his partition of the tent. "But thank you, Your Majesty. Safe travels out there."

The vizier gave one final wave before disappearing out of the partition.

"Funny man, that one is," said Jack to Masud once they were alone.

"I rather like him," said the other man. "He's a bit eccentric, but you can tell he enjoys what he does. I can see why he made it this far up the chain."

"I think Vertulis would've probably killed him eventually," said Jack. "He was like a whipped dog when I found him, skittish as can be. Which is a shame considering his talents, but I have a feeling he'll be better off now."

"I'm looking forward to working more with him, sire. Although not so much with you being away."

"Don't say another word," said Jack with a chuckle. "I've heard enough from everyone else that doesn't want me to leave. It does grate on you after hearing it enough times."

"How about an appeal to logic?"

Jack pursed his lips. "You can try, but I'm not making any promises."

"Just hear me out," said Masud with raised hands. "I know you're not from Andalucia, and you have duties towards your home country. With being an officer." Masud gestured to his uniform.

"Correct, but what does that have to do with anything, Masud?"

"All I'm about to say is that we all have duties. I have a duty to my clan, sire. To be a loyal son and a good fighter when they need me, but I also have a duty to my family to protect them. To take care of my wife and my daughters. My duty to my clan came first, but my duty to my family is more important to me even though it came second. Can't it be the same for you?"

"I see where you're going with this," said Jack. "You think my duty to Andalucia is more important because it's an elevated position to the one I have already in Java?"

Masud nodded eagerly. "Yes, sire. Who wouldn't want to be a king over that of an officer? Not to put down your home country, but it's true. Do you have a King of Java as well?"

"An emperor, but that's practically the same thing."

"Exactly, sire. Do you think he'd pick being just about anything else over being an Emperor of Java?"

Jack thought about his words for a moment. He saw the argument that Masud was trying to make, even though the Emperor of Java was a lot more powerful than the King of Andalucia. And he had a lot further reach. Even though Andalucia's warriors were fierce, they were still few in number to what the emperor could produce.

"Let me ask you something, Masud," said Jack, taking another line of approach. "If someone turned against our country, against Andalucia, would you not want me as the king to pursue them and bring them to justice? Is not treason met by death?"

Masud blinked several times before nodding. "It's true. Death is the only suitable punishment for treason."

"Then what would stop my emperor ordering my death for going against my own country?" asked Jack. "Java is much more powerful than Andalucia. That's not a matter of opinion or preference. I've seen both countries, and that's the honest truth. And I wouldn't be able to hide here behind the clans. If the emperor wanted me dead, he'd send legions of men and ships to accomplish that. Look at how much we've accomplished here with just my force of marines. Now imagine legions of them assaulting the shores. We wouldn't last a week."

Masud took a deep sigh. "It seems you've beaten me at my own argument."

Jack chuckled and patted his back. "Believe me, the thought has crossed my mind. Maybe some day when I can retire, I can come live out the rest of my days in Andalucia, but for now, I have to give loyalty to my country. My first country. That's the thing that Andalucians can most readily understand, right? Loyalty to your homeland? It's something I have to give as well."

Masud nodded. "You understand why I bring it up though, right, sire? It just makes me nervous about you being away."

"I can understand that, believe me," said Jack. "But you have the full force to rule in my name. You have the Sciavo at your command as well as the loyalty of the clans. If anyone makes trouble for you needlessly, deal with them. If the Swabians attempt to land in the country again, let me know right away. Andalucia is not so far away from Picardy that we can't attempt to head their forces off or cut into their flank."

"Is it your desire to take the war to Swabia eventually?" asked Masud. "Surely they will need to pay for their invasion here?"

Jack thought about that answer for a few moments before he responded. While he would love nothing more than to bring a full-on start to hostilities with the Swabians, especially instead of fighting this cold, undeclared war with them, it would be a mistake at the current time. They were just too strong. Perhaps if he had the full resources of Java at his disposal, he could try, however his encounters with them thus far had only been a shadow of their real strength. He knew that if the Swabians came at him with full force, he might not be able to repel them.

It was also just as likely to spark that war with the annihilation of one of their regiments in the last battle. He didn't think that act would go without retribution either.

"That's a complicated answer, Masud," said Jack finally. "I do think that time will ultimately come although I'm not sure when or how. My country is still fighting a war on the other side of the ocean. We came here to find allies, not to find new enemies. I'm afraid my leadership would look to prevent any further hostilities with the Swabians at least until our own war with the Occitanians is concluded."

"It does seem a bit shortsighted though, sire. You can't make new friends without inheriting their enemies too. I don't think your emperor understands just what that fully entails."

Jack chuckled. "There are many who say that our emperor doesn't understand the majority of things that come across his desk. Yet, it's not my job to question orders. Just to follow them."

"So public obligation aside, what are your true feelings about it as a man?"

"As a man, and a king, I'd love to see the Swabians punished for the pain they've brought to Andalucia. And to Sorella for that matter. And when that time comes, I'd like to be the one leading the charge."

"As will I," added Masud. "If that day actually comes."

"I think it will one day. And we just need to be ready for it. Keep the Sciavo trained and ready for action while I'm gone. Make sure the clans still find time for training when they can."

"That might be hard with all the new chores they find themselves doing," said Masud with a displeased expression. "Especially with the slaves now free."

"They can carve some time out of their day to make sure they're still in fighting shape," countered Jack. "I know you may not have wanted to see their freedom, but it was necessary. Andalucia will be a better place now that all men are equal and free."

"You'll find this old warrior hard to convince on that front," admitted Masud. "However, I will keep your ruling and make sure the former slaves stay free. I trust your judgment on this. You've never led me astray."

"And I hope I never will," said Jack with a small smile.

"How could you? You really are the Tur'hava, you know? Freeing the slaves changed our society forever. Our first king ushered in the Andalucia that you know right now. We've waited a long time for you to appear, sire. I knew something was different about you when we heard whispers about who you really were, right before we faced you in battle the first time. I suspected it when you met us across the battlefield after that day along the coast. You confirmed it for me when you took the throne. You're the Tur'hava. And for that reason, I'll follow you to my last breath."

"You know that I wake up every morning hoping to live up to the person you all believe me to be," admitted Jack. "All of Andalucia has placed so much faith in me. My biggest fear is letting that faith be for nothing."

"The biggest fear of many of the kings before you was running out of wine or whores," said Masud. "That's how I know you're different."

Jack extended his hand, which the elder man took willingly and clasped tightly. "Please look out after my people and this country," he said, looking in Masud's eyes. "Let me know if you need me."

"I'll do my best, sire. And come back when you can."

"You have my promise that I will."

Jack only released his hand a moment later, fully sharing in his understanding with the elder warrior. Masud bowed one last time before he left his partition, offering only the faintest of goodbyes before departing. Jack would miss all of them—the vizier, the regent, the deputies, the chiefs, and the warriors. He hadn't expected Andalucia to be the source of so much pain upon leaving, but here he was.

The country had surprised him. Somewhere in the time when they first landed in Methusa, they had endeared themselves to his heart. Jack scoffed lightly at the thought. Who would have imagined such a thing after the first battle with the Muthada?

In a way, it paralleled the experience in Sorella as well. Finding himself in the middle of a war upon entry, he had to think quickly to prevent his force from taking a blow from which they couldn't recover. However, by the time they left Sorella, the island was at peace and set to rebuild. Could Andalucia now do the same thing?

Was this going to be a pattern with every new country they visited in the Fourth Vector?

It was those questions that Jack pondered while they readied to depart. Around midmorning, the great tent of the king emptied out as all the Javans prepared to travel the short distance into Methusa to board their ships. Out in the distance, just off the coast, Jack could see the sparkling hulls of his task force at anchor, ready to receive them and to continue on their mission. It was a bittersweet feeling to leave Andalucia, especially with all they've accomplished.

"Having second thoughts?" asked Vera as the group of Javans made their way to the main docks of the city. "You look like you're deep in thought."

Jack shook his head. "Not second thoughts, no. Just feeling a bit melancholy at having to leave this land. We're leaving now a lot differently than how we arrived."

Vera smiled. "I'll say. I can't say a tiny part of me isn't relieved we're leaving. Even though I appreciate what you've done here more than others, I can't say part of me isn't secretly thrilled to be leaving this land."

"Those memories are hard to ignore?" asked Jack.

Vera nodded quietly.

"Hopefully with what we've done, no one will have to know that kind of pain here again. No one will have to repeat your experience."

She turned to look at him, beaming with a smile. "That's my hope too."

As the Javans made it into town, Jack gave the word for all the marines to reboard the ships. That took the longest amount of time, moving over a regiment's worth of men back out to sea but he would need them with him in the time ahead. A part of him wanted to leave some of them, perhaps even a battalion in Andalucia, but with his force as small as it was, he felt better about having all the firepower at his disposal moving forward.

It did require some creativity in getting the men lodged on the ships. The Destiny was the only ship built with the extra quarters to take large forces of marines, however her extra space capped out at two battalions. For that reason, Jack put Greg's original battalion, and one of the others from the 57th on the Destiny, while he spread out the remaining three battalions so that one lodged in each of the other remaining cruisers.

Quarters were tight, especially on the Valiant which had the least space, but it would have to do for now. He was sure the men had a worse time crossing over to him initially when they were all crammed on the three other cruisers without the Destiny to take up space. Once the marines were loaded, one last launch boat was sent for Jack, Greg, Abigail, Kat, and Vera. It met them on the docks while his Sciavo accompanied them to the very point where their feet last left the soil of Andalucia.

Behind the Sciavo, Bazu and Masud could be seen watching, offering silent waves as the launch boat started to push away from the dock. Jack waved in return, and soon the city started to recede into the distance behind him. Once they reached the ships, all that could be seen was the general outline of the former slave city, its white walls standing out in deep contrast to the light brown sand around it.

I'm leaving it better than how I found it. At least, that's my hope, thought Jack as they reached the Destiny. They climbed up into the ship as so many sailors gathered around to greet his return. It had felt like a small eternity since he'd last stepped foot on the heavy cruiser, and he was relieved to see all those familiar faces around him once more.

"Just like being home again," said Abigail as she reached out to squeeze his hand. Jack smiled and rested his other hand against the metal railing. It did feel good to be back to his home.

"Welcome back, Commodore," yelled one of the sailors nearby. He offered Jack a small wave and an enthusiastic grin. It was a face that he recognized before.

"Thank you, Petty Officer Warren," said Jack with a smile. "It's good to be back. Now, let's get going to Picardy."

*****

Admiral Percival Bancroft sat at his desk in the imperial palace wearing a broad grin. In his hand was the very dispatch he'd been waiting for months. He was sure he probably presented a nearly ludicrous sight by the other officers of the Admiralty, grinning like an idiot in the middle of the floor, but at that moment, he couldn't care less.

There was much to be happy about right now, and in times like these, he had to celebrate when he still could.

The message that had brought him such elation was the recent receipt of a new battleship from their main shipbuilder, JN Ironworks. The ship that was to be called the Charles IX was now ready for commissioning. Unlike its namesake, this was to prove to be one magnificent vessel. The first Javan battleship to come off the line in nearly five years, it was designed to be stronger than anything else currently afloat.

And the firepower was exceptional. The ship had sixteen-inch guns, twelve of them in all arrayed in quadruple turrets. It was the first ship in any navy to successfully mount the sixteen-inch guns, the previous attempt by both themselves and the Occitanians never making it past sea trials due to compromised performance.

And now he had it on his side.

It hadn't been without struggle. It was the one ship he wanted completed more than any other, especially given the current situation with the country's supply chain. It had been completed late, as the last crucial supplies to finish her were held up by the emperor's troops. Even its sea trials were massively rushed forward so that she could be ready for service. Behind her were three more of the same class of battleships, designed to completely upend the existing Occitanian dominance of the seas.

All of it was needed to release their main fleet from the blockade. Every successive day that the Javan fleet remained bottled up in Aberdeen was another that prolonged the war needlessly. Even though idiots like the crown prince and his father believed the war could be won on land, Bancroft knew that as long as Javan warships protected the homeland, the Occitanians couldn't take their cities or their people.

It was the quickest way for them to win the war. He just wished that others around him could see that as easily as he did.

Bancroft shook his head. It mattered not today. The last thing he wanted was negative thoughts to spoil his mood like it did so often on other days. In just a week's time, the Charles IX would be operational. He only wished he could attend the commissioning ceremony.

As hard as he tried to maintain his good spirits, it would soon be interrupted. Bancroft didn't realize it, but a presence had appeared behind him in the hall, and it was of the very last person he wanted to see. Normally, Bancroft could track the crown prince by his heavily-labored breathing and rumbling footsteps, however the corpulent man had managed to sneak up on him today. It wasn't until he heard his heavy jowls move that Bancroft sat upright suddenly, shocked by his sudden appearance.

"Well, don't you look like the cat that ate the canary today, Bancroft," said George with a sly grin as he moved around his desk, his breathing needlessly labored. "You look like you just received some good news. Have we won a battle today?"

The admiral resisted the urge to scowl. It was what George would have wanted anyway, so he was content to deny him the satisfaction.

"Not quite, Your Highness, but I have just received excellent news. The new battleship, Charles IX, has recently completed sea trials and is ready for commissioning. I daresay this might change our situation with our own fleet being so bottled up in Aberdeen."

As if Bancroft's respect for George couldn't go any lower, he was still surprised by his astonishingly stupid answer.

"I suppose that's not bad news, but what good to us is another battleship right now?" asked George with a dimwitted expression on his face. "We need fighting men right now. Not ships."

"That's where we have a difference in opinion," said Bancroft. "This is most fortuitous news for our country. If we can break the back of Occitanian sea power, we can swing this war back into our corner."

George shrugged. "An invasion of Occitania will do the same thing. Their army is second rate especially when compared with their navy. All we have to do is land our troops, and we can waltz our way to Montauban."

Bancroft highly doubted anyone would be waltzing to the enemy capital. While he couldn't deny that Occitanian troops weren't known for their exceptional abilities, any enemy would fight harder when defending their homeland. It made the prospect of an invasion risky, and furthermore, what were they to do if they took all that ground? It would be harder to defend it against people who may be defeated in arms but not in spirit. It would be a quagmire for their armies, all the while the Ruthenians prepared to strike them while their backs were turned.

No, an invasion was most certainly not the way to go about it. Only destroying their fleet could prevent them any hope of ending a war with Java, rendering any further fighting futile. They could sit and sulk on their islands for all Bancroft cared. As long as his ships protected the shores, he kept Java whole.

And he kept George and his father in power.

"I suppose it's a good thing I never got into the army then," said Bancroft finally, giving a disarming smile to the crown prince. "I don't have half the mind for army affairs such as you do."

The smile that was on George's face dropped at the veiled insult. Bancroft watched the man's nostrils flare, and for a brief moment, the tension between them was thick with hostility.

It was only once that smile reappeared on the crown prince's face that Bancroft realized he hadn't bested the man.

"Well, consider this next assignment a learning activity, Admiral," said George as he leaned his heavy frame against his desk. The desk scooted two inches in the other direction, clearly not made for holding such hefty loads. "Now is your time to learn a bit more about army affairs and how you can be of assistance to them."

Bancroft pursed his lips. "What do you mean?"

"I mean it's time for us to mount that invasion, old boy," said George with a smirk. "We have almost thirty thousand men camped out on the north coast. Two whole divisions. The generals think we can land that force and take over Occitania, and my father agrees with them."

"And how do you suppose to get that many men across the straits without the Occitanians blowing your transport fleet out of the water?" asked Bancroft dryly.

"Why, that'll be your job, Bancroft." George brought both his hands up so they were parallel with his frame. "I need you to ensure that we have a highway to work with. The straits between Java and Occitania are only twenty-five miles at their narrowest. If you can give us protection on either side, we can sail right through and land on their southern coast. I can only imagine the thoughts of their people when they see a Javan army standing on their doorstep." George shuddered with his own form of pleasure, a mostly sickening sight that beckoned Bancroft's breakfast to emerge from his stomach.

"Do you have any idea how many transport ships you'd need to take across two divisions at one time?" asked the admiral, already annoyed. "The biggest ones only carry a thousand fully loaded men. Not to mention, they are slow as all hell. You'd be lucky to make that crossing with half the men in one day."

George nodded. "Which is why we need your protection to get there."

"Not to mention, what about a supply chain? Reinforcements? Those men are going to need a link back to Java that just can't be extinguished by landing them the first time. Not to mention the Occitanians are going to get word and start patrolling that strait once they know we're there. It will make any kind of reinforcement impossible. And that's only if they find out about it late. If word leaks to them, they'll be waiting with their ships as soon as the first transport gets into deep water."

"My my, Bancroft, I didn't take you to be such a pessimist," said George with a subtle tsk-tsk. "I thought you believed in the overwhelming power of Javan arms?"

"I'm also a realist," spat Bancroft. "You're going to land an inadequate force across a contested strait with no hopes for resupply. Do you really want to throw those men's lives away?"

"All the generals agree it's a sound plan," said the crown prince defensively.

Yeah, they said that because they are all sycophants, thought Bancroft.

"It still seems foolish from a naval perspective," said the admiral finally.

"Well, perhaps it will give you a chance to see how the other side truly lives," said George with a broad grin. "You just admitted not five minutes ago that you didn't have much mind for army affairs. Perhaps it's showing right now, Bancroft."

"And exactly how am I supposed to accomplish this task with most of my fleet bottled up in Aberdeen?"

George shrugged. "Be creative, Admiral! I'm sure you'll think of something. Hell, bring your new battleship that just came off the line. I'm sure my father would love to see his namesake floating off the coast and protecting his army as they crossed. Think of how much the press would enjoy seeing that?"

Bancroft could only imagine the horror of the press when Occitanian warships started blasting the transports out of the water. An operation of this size and magnitude never escaped attention, and he was sure that the enemy would find out about it and try to contest the landings. But what did he have to prevent it with? Aside from a handful of small task forces, everything else was in Aberdeen. The new battleship would help, but it would need protection in the form of cruisers and destroyers, and there just weren't that many of them that were not tied up elsewhere at the current moment.

Bancroft was still thinking it over when George started speaking again. "Look at it this way, Admiral. Imagine the glory that the navy will achieve by helping to make this invasion possible. You've been wanting a more expanded role for your forces. Here it is! It will also be your chance to truly strike back at them for their last raid on Belfort that took your own Admiralty building."

"I can appreciate the plan that you've ironed out as well as the intended accolades of its success," said Bancroft curtly. "However, I don't think we are in any position to offer a naval invasion with our current situation."

George's smile melted instantly, only to be replaced by disdain. "I wasn't asking for you to support the invasion, Admiral. I was telling you. That army is going to cross no matter what, and you will need to be there to support it. That's an order."

Bancroft ground his teeth together. "And when does this little invasion kick off? How long do I have to prepare?"

"You have a month," replied George. "We kick off the invasion on the day that the full moon is due to rise. I'll send more specifics to you later on but know that's how much time you have to work with."

"Fine," answered the admiral. "If that's the case, and I only have four weeks, you'll need to excuse me. I need to start preparing a force that can protect the transports."

"That's the spirit," roared George as he slapped his meaty hand against Bancroft's shoulder. "I knew you were the man for the job. Keep me informed on what you intend to do, and let's talk again real soon."

Bancroft only nodded as George pulled himself off his desk and began to walk away. The admiral had nearly let out a sigh of relief before George turned around. "And Admiral? Don't let me down." The fat man turned to walk away.

Disembowelment or beheading? Perhaps both? Yes, if at all possible, I'll do both to him the day I take power, thought Bancroft as he went back to work. The man sure knew how to spoil his mood.

How the hell was he going to keep an invasion force safe with no firepower?