by S. M. Welles
Dyne grimaced. “Now that you mention it, she better not send all of you in there one at a time. I’ll be really pissed.”
“How many people have seen your demon form?” Jessie asked.
“Out of this crew? Just you. I’ve transformed only several times. You’re not the first person Amphitrite sent into my container to lure the demon out. It’d been a while, so I was overdue, I guess.” He shifted so he was leaning on the other side. “This brings me to some important questions I didn’t want to ask while everyone could make you feel uncomfortable.”
“You want to know if I’ll help you.”
“Right,” Dyne said unhappily. “It’s a lot to ask of you. My curse isn’t that horrible. It’s more of a nuisance than anything, but still. I don’t want to be cursed anymore. The worst of it are pockets of time like this one where Amphitrite meddles with us mortals and makes everyone’s lives stressful for her own amusement. It’s gotten old over the past two hundred years. I hate how she treats me and all the innocent bystanders like you two. No respect. No empathy. If my curse is lifted, that’ll all come to and end, but I need your help to achieve all that.”
That answered a few questions. Now she understood more about why the curse needed lifting, instead of just tolerating it. “Why is it more dangerous to have me around?”
He gazed levelly at her. “You are basically her avatar.”
Jessie tried to picture what that meant. Since she and the other Amphitrite didn’t look that much alike, her imagination came up short. “I’m not sure what that means.”
“You are an incarnation, so to speak, of the goddess Amphitrite. You are a goddess in human form. She will take everything personally when it comes to how we treat you. Chances are we’ll pay for Tethys’s stupidity, even though we didn’t do any of that. She doesn’t care. So, if I say you’re coming to Australia and that you have no say in the matter, I’ll pay for that, too. You’re a double-edged sword to have around, but I’m willing to risk it.”
“Why exactly do I need to go all the way to Australia? I don’t get it.”
“She’ll want to see you, talk to you, ask how you were treated, admire her handiwork and stupid stuff like that. Most importantly, if I want her audience, I have to go to her; not her come to us. So, if we’re going to convince her to tell us how to lift my curse this time, we bow to her arrogant will.”
“This time?”
Dyne’s shoulders drooped. “About every fifty to seventy five years—nothing exact—she sends an avatar my way to give me a chance to lift my curse. The problem is, it has never ended well.” He looked at the floor.
“What happened?”
He clenched his jaw and sighed through his nose. “Lots of dying.”
That was quite the confession, one that made Jessie’s stomach drop to her massaged feet.
“If you’re willing to help me end this curse, you’ll also help put an end to this needless dying. I know you want to get home. I won’t stop you. I’ll wait for another avatar if I have to.” Dyne’s somber expression conveyed that he was ready accept whatever decision she made without argument. He looked like he was at rock bottom.
Jessie wanted to help, but it sounded so dangerous. “What happened to the other avatars when you failed?”
He swallowed. “Like I said, lots of dying. I’ll understand if Cyprus is the last place I ever see you. But let me explain one last thing.” He met her gaze again. “Every time I transform, it becomes a little harder to revert back to human. Long ago, Amphitrite warned me that if I can’t turn back into human, I’ll be permanently cursed ‘till kingdom come. But that’s my problem and not yours. There’ll be other avatars.”
Mido went wide-eyed. “Captain, I didn’t know.”
“Only you two and Sam know. Don’t tell the others. I don’t want this to be common knowledge.”
“I won’t.”
“Good. Now Jessie, think about what you wish to do. Don’t answer me until Cyprus. I’m sure seeing home will affect your decision. If you do decide to stay, your bodyguard position will become more permanent if things go well and you choose to stick around longterm.” He glanced at Mido. “We deal with pirates and black market thieves, but they’re nothing compared to the dangers surrounding my curse. They’re just predictable humans you can kick in the nuts. Which reminds me, I need to get you a pair of sparring gloves that fit.” He straightened up. “And on that note, I’m going to let you think about it. I gotta get back to the wheelhouse.” He left on silent footsteps.
Mido gazed at her longingly with pale eyes, a dead giveaway to the choice he wanted her to make. “And on that note as well, I should get started on lunch. I’d love to talk with you about everything he just said, but I’d just be biased.” He leaned in and pecked the top of her head. “Rest well.”
Jessie took ahold of Mido’s hand and reeled him back in. He gave her a puzzled look as his face drew within inches of hers. She gave him a kiss on his forehead. “Now you can go cook.”
Mido gave her a million-dollar smile as he straightened up. He brushed his fingers over where he’d been kissed. “I’m a very lucky man today. Thank you!” He didn’t take his eyes off her as he waved and walked right into the doorframe. The wood crunched and he let out an “oof!” He grabbed the frame to steady himself, then blinked a few times and shook his head. He popped an embarrassed smile and disappeared down the hall with a final farewell.
Jessie couldn’t help but laugh. It had been so unexpected. Someone who spoke and moved so smoothly capable of running right into a wall? She popped the side of the bunk back into place, drew the curtain, and settled down. The relative darkness brought her right back into Dyne’s container and steered her thoughts towards more serious matters.
Dyne didn’t look like he could turn into a demon, or that he bore a curse, so maybe there was nothing to feel or see. But still, after all she’d been through on Tethys’s ship, her growing relationship with Mido had to be proof that some sort of magic had to be going on. No one but him made her feel totally safe, happy, and at ease. And he was most certainly falling for her. She loved his soothing voice, his gentle eyes, the way his muscles flexed, and even the way he made sure she did what was best for herself when she felt like being stubborn. Gosh, maybe she was falling for him, too.
Despite all that, Dyne had made it clear that having an avatar around ensured a high chance of death for everyone, including her. He’d also made it clear that she didn’t have to go through with it.
But then Dyne might run out of time if occurrences like her sneaking into his container inevitably continued. Avatars were few and far between. What if another didn’t come along before it was too late? But if she stayed, then people might die because of her. She didn’t want anyone’s death on her conscience, not even jerks like Jacobi. So, if she went home and stayed home, the current crew, including Mido, would have a much better chance of living their lives in full. Another avatar would pick up the torch one day.
Yeah, that sounded like the best option.
To make sure that happened, she’d have to run away come Morocco. The longer she stayed on Dyne’s ship, the harder it would be to leave the comfort of Mido’s company. The parting would hurt, but it was for the greater good.
Chapter 15
Revivre
Two days after my chat with Jessie, Morocco’s rocky coast formed on the horizon. I needed a mini vacation from the Pertinacious like a horse that needed to hump a mare in heat. Come to think of it, I needed some pleasurable company, too. Both Newport and Port Chesapeake had been too brief to burn such energy. Nothing like a land full of exotic beauty to relax in.
Revivre, the city that used to be called Casablanca, had changed a lot over the last two centuries. It got blasted pretty good during the Purge, just like every major city, but this place had made a comeback not only in practicality, but also aesthetically. The architecture was a mix of primitive mud bricks and smooth stonework, and a shore lined with wind turbines. Roofs rotate
d so the solar panels lining them always faced the oppressive sun. Color thrived in the form of murals made out of paint and ceramic tiles. Revivre was art under a sea of solar panels and palm fronds. The streets were filled with bicycles and kinetic-powered carts, and every building powered by electrical cables running underground.
Revivre: Latin for revive. Yeah, this place was revived alright.
The port was bursting with ships and boats, and even another steam frigate I’d have to compete with for business. So long as it wasn’t Tethys, which it wasn’t, I didn’t care. Sauna knew how to work the shipping industry with rivals around.
I flipped a few switches so the whole ship could hear me. “Everyone prepare to dock in fifteen. It’s busy out there. And Sauna, we’ve got competition, so work your magic and get us another European delivery.”
“You got it, Captain,” came Sauna’s Dominican voice.
“Also, just a heads up: we’re spending a couple of days here to cure ourselves of cabin fever. Usual rules apply: always three people on the boat, and don’t come back until you’re nice and loose.” I flipped all the switches off and kept an eye out for the dock that awaited our arrival.
* * *
It being nearly lunch time, my mind was on cheeseburgers. Revivre was a mix of Spanish, African, and Middle Eastern food and cultures, but they hadn’t forgotten to add in the American burger to their menu in certain eateries. I was craving one so bad that I was seeing burger shapes everywhere in the scenery. On top of that, one minute I was approaching the dock, then the next minute, the Pertinacious was tied down and everyone was on deck. I cut power to the props and headed to Sam, who was handing out everyone’s pay.
Sam had a handheld computer tablet that was my mobile bank. It connected to every other bank in the world via old satellites that still functioned after the Purge. Money was interesting nowadays. Coins and paper bills still floated around, especially in inland places where technology hadn’t caught back on yet. The need for a wallet for shore and seafaring people had vanished. Everyone had a scannable piece of biotechnology surgically inserted into a forearm shortly after birth, or a hip if they lacked limbs.
Keys in hand, and wheelhouse locked, I zipped over to Sam for my cheeseburger money. And mini vacation money. Cheeseburger first. All other important matters later. Well all of that after I picked up Jacobi’s slack to offload one delivery off the boat and get the next one on. I’d volunteered to make up for doing nothing during lockdown.
With a bit of typing on a touchscreen and a few beeps, Sam finished downloading Mido’s money onto his identification chip. Jessie stood beside him, watching. I silently commended her for not cringing when she spotted me. She was building courage fast. However, she did keep Mido between us. No complaints.
“Good timing, Captain,” Sam said. “How much do I give our bodyguard?”
“Wait, I’m getting money?”
“Eight days of routine starter wages, plus the usual bonus for surviving curse complications.”
Jessie said, “Is this a joke?”
“No, actually. Enjoy what you’ve earned so far.”
Sam said, “Jessie, lemme give the captain his money real quick. I have to register you to our system.” He aimed the tablet at me and in seconds I had a full digital wallet. “Have fun, Captain. See you in two days.”
I tipped an invisible hat and headed over to my cargo pushers. My favorite Moroccan burger joint was already calling my name, but it’d have to wait a bit.
* * *
Jessie almost said goodbye to Dyne but she just waved and stayed quiet. The less suspicion the better. She’d gone about her usual morning routine of showering alone and eating with Mido. He’d asked if she wanted another coffee lesson but she politely declined. Mercifully, he gave no outward indication that he thought anything of it. Her heart had already been feeling heavy from her plan to leave him behind with the rest.
Sam collected her personal information and gave her $487.50 in universal dollars. Jessie went wide-eyed. She’d been expecting nothing.
“You get fifty dollars a day while out to sea and nothing happens. Double that if you’re actually guarding anyone. And 25% of your weekly income as a bonus for surviving curse complications. The bonus isn’t to encourage you to go looking for trouble. It’s more of a thank you for sticking around after all that madness.”
Her stomach twisted with guilt. “Please take the bonus back. I don’t want it.” She desperately needed more than the four hundred to get back home on her own.
“Too bad,” Sam said lightly. “Every paycheck transaction is final. Spend it on Mido if you don’t want it for yourself.” He winked at Mido.
That actually sounded like a good idea. “I can do that.”
Mido said, “I dunno. I don’t like the sound of a beautiful woman spending her money on me. It should be the other way around.”
“Does it have to be?”
“For today? Yes. In the future? We’ll see.” He took hold of her hand. “But I’d be honored if you’d let me treat you for the day.”
That made her want to cry. He was so sweet and handsome, and he treated her like he thought she really was the avatar of a goddess. Her father had cherished and treated her mother just like Mido was with her right now. Her mother had glowed daily, and her father had often woke up with that certain million-dollar smile from a good night’s “rest.” And now today was going to be the last day she ever saw Mido. “Okay.” The least she could do was enjoy the day out of respect for his kindness.
“Thank you.” Mido threaded his fingers between hers and together they disembarked via the stern ladder.
Once Jessie found her footing on the bustling dock, she couldn’t move. There were people everywhere. At least half of them men. All those men potential rapists eager to take her. She took a step back and bumped into Mido. “Maybe this was a bad idea.”
“Why?” He wrapped an arm protectively around her shoulders. He tried to start walking but Jessie put a hand on his chest.
She took a deep breath as her gaze darted everywhere. “There are so many men. Everywhere. I can’t keep track of them all.”
“Then don’t. I’ve gotcha covered.” He kissed the top of her head.
A smile broke through her anxiety but faded. “You don’t understand. I don’t know any of them. I’m familiar with everyone on the ship now, so it’s not so bad. But here?” She gestured to the bustling masses and shook her head. “It’s too much.”
Well here was a blaring error in her escape plan. How was she supposed to get herself home if she couldn’t walk around Revivre with dear Mido?
“Okay,” he said patiently, “so there’s a lot of people around. Any of them paying attention to us?”
People hurried to and fro along the dock, eyes intent on their destination. People gave them passing glances, but just to take in their surroundings. Everyone was busy moving, buying, selling, talking, or loading and unloading ships. “No, but—”
“Before Tethys’s ship, would you have given any of these people a second thought?”
“No,” she said, drooping her shoulders.
“Then try to bring yourself back to those days and just be one of the crowd.”
Jessie took in the the moving crowd again, her gaze snagging on every male she spotted. Her eyes blurred with tears she didn’t want to shed. She understood what Mido was getting at but for some aggravating reason it was so much easier said than done. “I’m still scared. I don’t think I can do this.” She tried to reach for the ladder but Mido pulled her close.
“Shh. Yes you can. Of course you’re going to be scared. So what? What happened to the Jessie that doesn’t want to live ruled by fear?”
The question struck a chord. Tears fell but she wiped them away. “You’re right.” The docks didn’t look any less frightening but she sorely needed to learn to walk among strangers. If she could force herself to calm down with Mido around, then maybe she would gear up the courage to follow through with
her escape. She swallowed the lump in her throat. “Where to?”
“We’ll go to my favorite place. It’s right on the shore.” He held her close and coaxed her to start walking, his arm still around her.
They strolled northward along the dock, far enough away from the nearest buildings and walls without getting tangled with the dock workers going about their business. Jessie kept Mido’s hand in a death grip as people came and went within arm’s reach, and even brushed up against her on accident. As time passed and all the close encounters resulted in men doing nothing to her, she slowly eased her grip and relaxed her limbs. She couldn’t quite bring herself to look at all the scenery yet, instead of the men, but she’d try that after lunch. This was exhausting enough.
Lunch turned out to be an outdoor seafood restaurant right next to a beach. They sat at a table nearest the ocean, away from the gathering lunch rush. She sat with her back to the modestly-populated shore and the dining patio’s fence. The beach-goers flew kites, enjoyed long walks, and caught waves. All of them were oblivious to curses and meddlesome goddesses, and had at least forgotten the existence of quasi-children for now. They were happy and carefree.
To Jessie’s relief, they had a female server. The Spanish lady took their double lemonade, a shrimp platter order for Mido, and a chicken salad laden with vegetables, nuts and cheese for her, then rattled off the weekly schedule of some local tourist attractions. Out of all the events mentioned, walking around with Mido until she found a good place to say goodbye sounded the most appealing. Mido expressed interest in seeing the soccer match before dinner. Jessie reminded him to give her time to combat her anxiety. He agreed that was fair enough.
The tables started filling up fast by the time the server returned with two sweating glasses of lemonade. None of the fellow patrons paid Jessie and Mido any heed. He helped himself to some lemonade, but not before placing Jessie’s straw in her glass first and pointing it towards her. “And your reward for letting me take you out to lunch.” He kissed her knuckles and flashed a heartbreakingly charming smile.
