by Pelaam
Although Nicolas didn’t consider Strawberry Fields the kind of place he’d chose to woo Nathan, it was the only place he had. Even if it meant resorting to a little emotional blackmail, Nicolas was determined to keep Nathan safe and with him as much as possible.
“Well, if you’re really sure? There’s much less chance of me being spotted by anyone as well. Given the workshop is close to the conservatory, anyone who saw me would think I was headed there.”
“Then it’s settled.” Nicolas was so pleased with the outcome that his heart skipped a beat. “You’ll join me in the workshop when your work for the day is finished.”
“Oh! Work.” Nathan eased himself gently from where he lay, and Nicolas immediately missed his warmth. “I need to get to the conservatory and collect food for the crew’s meals. Sorry, Nicolas. I can’t stay longer.”
“The last thing I want is for you to get into trouble. But don’t forget. Come to the workshop during the day and I’ll start servicing that brace.”
“You’re so generous, Nicolas.” Nathan pulled on his pants and fixed the brace over. “I’ll get there at some point today. I promise.”
Although Nicolas wished he could do or say something more to keep Nathan with him, he knew it was too dangerous. The last thing he needed was for Nathan to get into trouble with Melbeck. Or worse yet, be told to keep away from Nicolas himself.
The moment Nathan had unlocked the door and left, Nicolas got out of bed. There was little point in him staying there any longer. Work made the day go faster.
A few hours later, Nicolas was engrossed in the automaton he’d selected to work on first. He stood back and scrutinized it carefully. There were some red marks on its face, and while they weren’t rust, they’d given Nicolas his inspiration to name the mechanical.
“All right, Rusty. Let me see what else I can do for you.”
Absorbed in his work, Nicolas hadn’t noticed the passage of time until his concentration was interrupted by a knock on his door. Nicolas looked up with a smile as Nathan came in with a small metal lunchbox in his hand.
“I looked for you at lunch.” Nathan’s cheeks flushed delightfully pink as he spoke, and Nicolas smiled broadly. “Um … you weren’t in the mess hall. I thought I’d get a few things together for you. I know we don’t get a lot of variation for meals, or a generous portion. You must make sure you don’t miss meals, or you’ll go hungry.”
“Thank you for thinking of me. I appreciate it.” Nicolas peered into the lunchbox. “What is it?”
“This is pea soup.” Nathan patted a lidded mug, and then drew out a covered bowl. “In here is boiled salt beef with sauerkraut, onion and carrot. And for dessert there are a couple of plum-duff biscuits.
Not having given thought to meals on board the Strawberry, until seeing one for the first time, Nicolas’s heart sank. Nathan had been right to say that it was hardly the kind of food he was used to. Lifting the lid on the mug, the dirty green contents didn’t serve to whet his appetite.
“Maybe later.”
“Oh, no.” Nathan shook his head, folded his arms, and glowered at Nicolas. “I admit it looks quite disgusting, but it doesn’t taste as bad as it looks. Melbeck needs the men to eat, but we can’t keep much fresh food on board to and from the New Eden station. This is standard fare. You must eat.”
“You look like you need it more than I do.” Nicolas ran his gaze over Nathan. Although his thinness didn’t detract from his attractiveness, Nicolas was certain Nathan would look much better with more meat on his slender frame.
“I don’t get as much as the other crewmen. I don’t do as much work. Well, I can’t really.” Nathan tapped the mechanical brace on his leg.
“Right, well, if Melbeck wants these working, he’ll need to feed me.” Nicolas pursed his lips as he thought through his idea. “And I shall share part of what I get with you. I don’t care for the crew’s dining room. I’ll sort it with him that I eat in here and you bring my meals. This is quite a manual job, so he’ll need to make sure I don’t go hungry.”
“Take care not to anger him, Nicolas. He has a hard temper and fast fists.”
The inference made Nicolas’s blood boil. He leaned in close to Nathan, dropping his voice low. “If he ever touches you again, he’ll have me to answer to. You may not be able to defend yourself, but I can take care of myself. And I’ve promised to look after you, don’t forget that. I keep my promises. We shall share this.”
“Nicolas—” Nathan started to speak, and Nicolas was quite certain he was about to voice an objection.
“There’s nothing more to it. Now, wait there.” Nicolas didn’t have a china plate, cup, or even a spoon, but he had copper bits and pieces that would serve just as well. With a puzzled Nathan looking on, Nicolas divided the food, ensuring he took the greater share, if only to ensure Nathan wouldn’t protest.
“You wouldn’t be served like this at the Savoy, but it’ll suffice aboard Strawberry.” Nicolas pushed the other plate of food at Nathan, who smiled at him.
“You have such a huge heart, Nicolas. Your family must be so proud of you.”
“My mother and sister are. My uncle? Well, I think the less said about him the better.” Nicolas still disliked Secundus unreservedly, but—he glanced up at Nathan—perhaps some good might yet come of him being forced to take the job on Strawberry.
Their shared meal over, Nathan started to leave, and Nicolas clutched at his sleeve. “Wait. Do you know anything about mechanicals?”
“Me?” Nathan laughed, a sweet musical sound that instantly captivated Nicolas. “Oh, no. Not at all.”
“Then it’s time you did. Melbeck wanted a talented tinker. And even if I say so myself, that’s what he has. But the state he’s allowed these automatons to get into almost need a miracle worker or magician. I could do with help, and it would allow me the opportunity to work on your mechanical brace. That needs attention. If you were seated, at a workbench, you could remove it.”
The look of longing in Nathan’s eyes was so eloquent that Nicolas felt the burn of unshed tears.
“Oh, I’d love to help you. And to have this brace work properly would be such a blessing. But I doubt Melbeck will permit it.”
“You leave that to me.” Nicolas moved closer and stood beside Nathan. “I have a little leverage if he wants working automatons, and I need someone with a delicate touch, not some ruffian treating inner workings like mere nuts and bolts.”
Nathan tilted his head, his brow furrowed. “But, Nicolas … isn’t that what they are?” He indicated the bits and pieces strewn over the nearby workbench.
“Ah, but.” Nicolas held up a finger. “In the hands of the wrong man, yes they are. In the right hands, they become the conduits of mechanical life.”
“You sound so passionate. If Melbeck agrees, I’d love to assist you.” Nathan clapped his hands.
“Then go about your normal duties for now. Where will I find you before dinner?”
“In the garden. I need to collect enough food for tonight’s meal. I still need to take care of that.”
“I’ve never been a gardener of any sort. Perhaps you can teach me. We each, in our own way, create life.” Nicolas hoped Nathan would agree.
“I’d never thought of the automatons as living, but then, people forget that trees and plants are living creatures, too. I look forward to seeing you later. If you don’t make it to the conservatory, I’ll see you in the crew’s mess hall at dinner.”
“I’ll seek you out.” Nicolas slid his hand up to Nathan’s shoulder and squeezed. For a moment, Nicolas thought Nathan was going to say more, but the younger man just smiled, gave the tiniest shake of his head, and turned away.
Alone in the room, Nicolas clenched his hands into fists. He had no idea how his uncle could have ties with a man such as Melbeck, nor how Melbeck could possibly be involved in any way with a charitable undertaking. All he’d learned of the man so far pointed to a man motivated by greed and inclined to violence—even ag
ainst those weaker than himself.
“Well, I tell you this, Rusty.” Nicolas unclenched his fists and stroked the smooth metal of the mechanical’s arm. “If he wants you and your brothers working, he’ll allow Nathan to assist me. Otherwise, my friend, I’m sorry to say that you’ll continue to be as unresponsive as you are now.” An idea struck Nicolas and he smiled. “Or maybe not.”
With renewed vigor, Nicolas gave his undivided attention to the mechanical.
Chapter Twelve
Although Nathan didn’t come back during the day for his brace to be serviced, he did spend the night with Nicolas. Nicolas couldn’t be angry with him. They spent time talking before settling together, and Nicolas discovered that Melbeck had been particularly demanding which meant Nathan couldn’t slip away.
Settled on the ancient mattress, with Nathan draped over him sleeping soundly once more, Nicolas knew he didn’t want his relationship with Nathan to end with the trip. That Nathan would sleep so trustingly with him gave Nicolas hope of deepening their relationship.
As he closed his eyes, Nicolas decided to broach the subject the following evening.
****
With a start, Nicolas woke. He glanced at his watch and hissed. Somehow, he and Nathan had slept through the ship’s morning siren. Fortunately, it was only twenty minutes, but Nathan had to move quickly.
“Nathan, love. We’ve overslept.” Nicolas bit his lip as the endearment slipped out.
Raising his head, Nathan peered intently at Nicolas. “Did you say…?” He stopped, as if unable to repeat the word.
“Love,” Nicolas whispered. “I didn’t mean to offend you. But I went to sleep thinking of you. I hoped you might permit me to pay court to you. I’d like to take our relationship further.”
“I … I wasn’t offended.” Nathan’s voice trembled, and Nicolas laid a hand against Nathan’s cheek.
“Then may we take our relationship further?”
“I wish we could. But, I can’t—not with Melbeck. I-I’m sorry, Nicolas.” Nathan scrambled to stand up and Nicolas was certain his heart was breaking.
As Nathan dressed, Nicolas rose to his feet. “Nathan, I don’t care anything for Melbeck. Only you. Please. At least think about it.”
“You don’t understand. Oh, Nicolas, if only I could.” Nathan moved quickly, catching Nicolas by surprise as he pressed an inexperienced, sloppy kiss only half on Nicolas’s lips, then turned and limped away.
Despite the urge to stop him, Nicolas let Nathan go. Whatever the issue was, it wasn’t with him. Nathan was afraid of Melbeck. Nicolas hoped he could reassure Nathan that there was nothing to fear from the captain of Strawberry Fields. As he dressed, Nicolas hoped that if he didn’t press Nathan too hard, the other man would come to him.
****
Time flew much faster than Nicolas anticipated, and he didn’t get an opportunity to see Nathan again. Therefore, in the hopes that Nathan would be in the so-called crew’s dining room, Nicolas went there and accepted the food on offer.
Grateful to find a table where he could sit on his own, Nicolas made a mental note never to dine there again. As far as he was concerned, there wasn’t a man present who didn’t look as if he belonged in jail.
Unkempt, surly, and with the look of ruffians and blackguards one and all, the men were taciturn and aggressive with both Nicolas and each other. As men came in, they jostled one another for the best positions at the tables. Nicolas was glad he’d chosen a table close to the door. He’d rather go hungry than remain there if the underlying sense of menace spilled over into violence.
The more he saw of the ship and its crew, the less credible it seemed that it offered a philanthropic opportunity for poor children to have a better life. None of the men Nicolas had seen so far appeared to be the type to be generous of heart. Any more than Melbeck himself.
That wasn’t entirely true. Nicolas ducked his head, hiding the smile that came every time Nicolas recalled a certain face. Nathan’s face. Nathan was like a dove amongst a murder of crows.
“Are you all right?” The soft-spoken voice jolted Nicolas. He gazed up to see Nathan peering down at him. His concerned expression warmed Nicolas’s heart, and his smile widened.
“I was just thinking…” Nicolas coughed, realizing he couldn’t admit the real train of his thoughts. “Just thinking that I was right to want to eat in my workshop in future.”
A twitch of Nathan’s full lips made Nicolas’s stomach flip. “I can understand that. I always eat in the conservatory. Much more peaceful, quieter, and more attractive surroundings.”
Nicolas daringly stared directly into Nathan’s eyes. “Not everything in here is unattractive. But that sounds much more to my tastes. I used to live in the country. So much better than the stuffy cities.” Nicolas purposely didn’t mention anything of their morning encounter.
“Yes, indeed. Um … perhaps I can show you where it is sometime?” Nathan spoke loudly, then dropped his voice to a bare whisper. “I’ll wait for you. Along the passageway. Where the stairs lead down. I can’t stay in here.”
The blush on Nathan’s cheeks was quite delightful, but Nicolas heard the edge to his voice and noted the way Nathan glanced quickly around the room. More than one set of avaricious eyes looked in their direction and a flush of anger heated Nicolas. Since Nathan had already shown Nicolas where the conservatory was, there was something more Nathan wanted to say. Nicolas nodded.
“Yes, thank you.” Nicolas spoke a little more loudly, then dropped his voice. “If anyone molests you in any way, tell me. I won’t permit them to get away with it.”
“They fear Captain Melbeck enough to know better than to … to overstep the mark. But it’s better for me to get away from here and away from them. I’ll wait for you.” Nathan spoke rapidly then straightened up. “I’ll let Captain Melbeck know, Mr. Broadberry. Good evening, sir.” With a stiff salute, Nathan hurried away.
Out of the corner of his eye, Nicolas noted that a couple of men scowled in his direction, but others paid more attention to their food, such as it was. Nicolas eyed the salted pork. His appetite was hardly whetted by the grey sludge dumped beside it, and naturally it was accompanied by the almost obligatory biscuit. While he appreciated that the space vessel could hardly serve à la carte food, he’d expected better than this for the main meal of the day.
With a twitch of his nose, Nicolas remembered the frugal lunch. Then again, with that fare as an example, perhaps he shouldn’t have been surprised at all.
Grateful the food at least tasted better than it looked, Nicolas made sure to eat quickly, just enough to bank down his hunger, then he placed the used dishes on the tray and placed it as the signs on the walls directed.
His gaze resolutely focused on the door, Nicolas marched out, avoiding so much as a glance in the direction of the other crewmen. Striding along the metal corridor, Nicolas wondered at the kind of men who could live in the claustrophobic environment of the ship week after week.
If Nicolas was honest, he’d been praying since the first day that he’d only have to make the one journey to and from the space colony. The thought he’d have to endure another such trip was almost more than he could bear. The only thing Nicolas could consider as positive with being stuck aboard the ship was seeing Nathan.
As he approached the bronze spiral staircase, Nathan’s head popped into view. On seeing Nicolas, a bright smile lit up his beautiful face and Nicolas’s heart soared.
“This way, Nicolas.” Nathan headed down the stairs, and Nicolas followed. The journey was slow, Nathan’s brace hissed and wheezed as he limped down the stairs.
They descended for a minute or so, then Nathan went through a doorway, and Nicolas followed. The corridors all looked the same; dark, metallic, and oppressive. Not for the first time since setting foot aboard Strawberry Fields, Nicolas yearned for real light, fresh air, and open spaces.
“Along here,” Nathan whispered, glancing over his shoulder and Nicolas nodded. “Here we are. Y
ou know, this is the safest place on board Strawberry Fields. To keep the plants healthy, they need bright light. Needless to say, Melbeck and his men prefer shadows and darkness.”
“I don’t understand.” Nicolas shook his head, settling in the sanctuary Nathan had created the tall plants and containers of flowers hiding them totally from prying eyes.
“Melbeck doesn’t take these children to a paradise off earth. We do indeed go to the space station, to pick up supplies and allow shore leave for the crew. But Melbeck doesn’t go to the rich and affluent areas of the station. He goes to dock in an area blacker than those in the bleakest places on earth. Strawberry Fields is nothing more than a slaver, carrying the children to lives no better, perhaps even worse, than they’d have back home. Oh, Nicolas, their screams as they’re carried away.” Nathan buried his face in Nicolas’s shoulder, his whole body shaking.
“How does no one know of this?” Nicolas petted Nathan’s head gently. “How can he get away with it?”
“Poor parents with too many mouths to feed are glad to think that their child can work their passage to the New Eden space station and find a better life. He’s also bragged of being a convenient way to be rid of a child born out of wedlock, claiming the baby will be raised by adoptive parents. Then there are the wealthy. Those whose child isn’t all they’d hoped for—imperfect in one way or another, who gladly pay to be rid of them rather than have them shame the family.”
“And no one questions ever hearing from the child again, as the poor children can’t read or write, and the families of the others want no further contact.” Nicolas sighed. It was pretty much a perfect operation. “He’s made it a thriving business. It all looks so … so polished and professional back on earth.”
“He’s paid twice. Once by those willing to pay on earth, and then by whoever it is that takes the children. Plus, those fit enough to work do so on the ship which enables him to keep his adult crew to a minimum.”
“But, why do you stay with him?” There was no mistaking Nathan’s anguish, and Nicolas couldn’t understand how such a caring young man would remain in such a terrible place.
