Published: 21 Dec 2017

“Hi Jeff, I’m Doctor Grimes. I know you are anxious to see Dale, but we need to talk first. Let’s have a chat and then we’ll get you down there. Have a seat. Can I get you a soda or some coffee?”

“A coke would be fine, thank you.”

“Can you tell me what you know about Dale’s condition? What happened to him?”

“Well, before we do that, I need for you to tell me what you can about what’s happened to him, and about your relationship with him. It’ll help us to know how to treat him, and perhaps help him to recover his memories. Understand that there are rules governing what I can tell you because of privacy. But I can tell you that physically he is fine. But he is a blank slate when it comes to his past.”

“So he won’t remember me? He won’t remember our walks? Our precious private moments? Doctor I’ve been going crazy trying to find out what has happened to Dale, and now you’re telling me that he won’t even remember me?”

The doctor sat back and studied the young man before him for a moment. “Jeff, you might just be the key to unlocking his memories. Were you there when whatever happened to him occurred?”

Looking down, Jeff nodded and he began his story.

“Your Majesty, can we show you a bit of the ship? It may help pass the time while we wait for them to finish their discussion.” Captain Faraday asked.

“It would be a joy, thank you. I want the people on board to know how much we appreciate what they are doing. Their efforts reflect the best of the Commonwealth.” Arthur turned to Max, “Would you mind staying here to see how things go? Let me know if there is anything we can do to facilitate Dale’s recovery. We won’t be long I’m sure.”

“Of course, Your Majesty.” Max said, glancing at the captain. Arthur and the captain turned and started down the hall, the security detail kept a respectable distance.

“I should mention here that your interview has caused quite a stir, Your Majesty.”

“I’m sorry to have interrupted your operations. I thought it best to dispel the rubbish the tabloids were putting out.”

“Well, it didn’t disrupt the operations, but I do thank you for that. But the following day we had most of the ship asking for transfers to battleships in hopes of getting a piece of those who put you in such grave danger.”

“It’s good to know I have so much support.”

“You do indeed, Your Majesty. And with all due respect to the Queen Regent, many on board, after watching that interview, say that you have a good many of your father’s traits, and that they will welcome the day when you are set to rule. Your courage and decisive actions at such a young age are a credit to you and your abilities.”

Blushing, Arthur spoke, “Thank you. Those are great compliments. But it was really the people I was traveling with that deserve the credit. We just did what we had to for the betterment of the caravan.”

The captain stopped for a moment and leaned back against the bulkhead in thought. As he did, his Senior Security officer stepped past them and motioned for the other two to stay with Arthur. He stepped into the mess and closed the door again as he surveyed the room

“Your Majesty. . .” Arthur interrupted him, “Captain, when we are speaking privately, would you just call me Arthur? We are all in this together, and there are times for propriety and times for a more relaxed atmosphere. With you, if there are no cameras around, I would prefer the latter.”

“I’m honored. And please, call me Mike. Now, if I may, I am the captain of this ship. I am responsible for everything that goes on here, good or bad. My worth to the admiralty is all in how my ship performs when called.”

“And your ship has done very well. I was told that you are one of our best captains. I’ll have to report that I’ve found you to be just that.”

“Thank you Arthur. But I have 1,258 people who do the actual work. I delegate, and then trust them to do what is needed when it’s needed. I help where I can and if they have choices they feel are beyond their area of control, they bring them to me and I make the call. And although I don’t do the work, I’m responsible for it, so I get the credit. If things go south for some reason, I take the blame as well. That’s my lot in life. So my point is this, you did indeed have good people around you. And in this refugee endeavor you have experienced people around you to draw from; whether it is in advice or in action. But YOU are seen as the King; the highest ranking person in the group and responsible good or bad. Even if they were not your subjects, as was the case of your escape from Chicago, the world will still look at you as if you rescued the lot of them. If I were in a position to advise you, I would say to let them do it. As long as you make those you value know that you do indeed value them, they don’t really care that the world sees things a different way; especially when you have no control over how they see it or report it. Just accept it, and thank them for the compliment. If appropriate, point out those who truly were responsible for the achievements and let it go after that. The world trusts that you will thank or reward those responsible in your own way. But you own the victory or achievement. Trust me, there will be days when those reports of how well you performed will soften a trip or stumble.”

“Thank you. You’ve given me something to think about. I’m nearly fifteen. With all the training in protocols and decorum, nothing really teaches you how to take a compliment really due to others without feeling like you’ve taken something that doesn’t rightfully belong to you.”

“But Arthur, that’s the point. It’s being made through you. It IS due to you. If we do something dreadfully wrong, I will see the punishment for it. But since you are the King, you represent everyone in the commonwealth. Other nations won’t say, ‘That Captain Faraday . . .’ they’ll say, ‘Those damned British!'”

Arthur paused for a moment, it clicked. “Thank you, Mike. I understand now. This will be of great help to me in the future.”

“Excellent, then would you mind speaking to the crew in the mess? Just a few words to let them know that they are appreciated.”

“I’d be delighted.”

The captain turned left and walked down a corridor and into the general mess. The guard at the door called the room to attention with a loud, “Captain on the deck!” And every person immediately went to attention.

The captain led the way into the mess, “Ladies and gentlemen we are honored today to have a guest who would like to say a few words to you. May I present, His Majesty, Arthur of Windsor; King of the Commonwealth.” One would think they could not have straightened up anymore, but Arthur could swear they did. Arthur made his way into the room and the center of one side before he spoke.

“Please, be seated and continue your meals; I didn’t want to interrupt you. I just wanted to take a moment to thank you, and to say how proud I am to have you here. I see the refugees and how well you’ve processed them, tended to their needs, and cared for their hearts. You are to be commended for your compassion as well as your dedication. You make me proud to be British. This visit was impromptu, otherwise I am sure we would be standing out on the deck and you would be wishing I spoke a little faster. So please, pass my appreciation and my pride in you and your accomplishments to your shipmates. Thank you.”

When he ended, the room again rose to their feet and applause broke out. A voice broke out from somewhere in the room, “Let’s hear it for his majesty the King!” And the old English sailors cheer of Huzaa! Huzaa! Huzaa! Sounded as one voice and more applause broke out.

Arthur looked at the captain, who was beaming as he gestured with his hand towards the door. Mike smiled, “You may not know it, but you just did more for morale than shore-leave.”

“But I only spoke to about a hundred people.”

Mike laughed, “I guarantee you that the videos taken from sailors’ phones will be around the ship in no time. The fact that it was relaxed made it more personal. Each one will write home and tell their families they saw the King in person. Now, shall we go and see how our patient is doing?”

“Yes, please. And Captain, would it be possible to accommodate the young man who I brought over? I think he will be needed for Dale’s recovery.”

“I don’t think we’d be able to pry him away if we tried. I’ll see to it. If it works the way the doctor is hoping, he won’t be here for long.”

“One can only hope.”

“Lord Duncan, how good of you to come.”

“I’m always glad to be of service to the Crown, Your Majesty.”

“Arthur tells me that you are more than willing to use your charms to help get our Spanish refugees to Spain.”

“That is my intent. The prime minister is a lot easier to sway than the king in these matters. I’m sure I can get him to see reason. Arthur said you were a little under the weather, are you doing better?”

“Oh yes, the jet lag and all the recent events just exhausted me I hope you will forgive me for not meeting you at the airport.”

“Think nothing of it. I had a nice chat with His Majesty. He seems to be very much like his father in a lot of ways.”

“Thank you, I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“As it was intended. He appears to be handling this effort very well so far. He’s showing a surprising amount of maturity one would not expect from someone so young.”

“Thank you, I agree. He has had a few bumps in the road but he seems to feel his way through them. He asks questions and seeks advice when he is unsure of his options. I’m very proud of him.”

“As you should be. This is a monumental undertaking for someone with so little life experience.”

“He has not had an easy life. He lost his two brothers, then lost his father. And he’s lost friends. Euan’s mother and he were very close as well. So when he lost his father, he lost Euan’s mother at the same moment. So he is no stranger to loss. Add that to realizing he was next in line for the throne he has had to learn a lot. Then this excursion into the start of a civil war gave him insights that no child of his age should have to deal with. I think that working this effort is helping him internalize those experiences. Compassion is not something that can really be taught. It is either there or it’s not. He is very compassionate, and I think it will help him rule when his time comes. He has a good heart. I think you’ll like him when you get to know him a bit more.”

“I look forward to the opportunities ahead of us to get to know him more. We are scheduled to meet sometime tomorrow to get briefed on those needing entrance into Spain. I must say that this Ashwood fellow has always made me uneasy. Even before all this. He gave me the impression that if he shook your hand you had to check that your watch and wallet were still intact. Jack Bryce on the other hand was a statesman and was comfortable to work with.”

“I couldn’t agree with you more. And the sooner they capture him the better. It’s frightening to think he has the launch codes. Jack has assured me that he has taken steps now to prevent that possibility.”

“Let’s get something to eat, I’m starving!” Raj said to no one in particular. Euan, Timothy, Peri and Ethan turned to look at him then at each other.

“Sounds like a good idea, what do you say Timothy? You hungry?” Euan asked smiling.

“Ya! Beating you took lots of engerny.”

Smiling Euan responded, “Yes, yes it did. Let’s get something to fill that tummy of yours.” He turned to Raj, “Lead the way.”

The detail moved discretely up to them. Ethan saw them and stopped to talk to his agent, “We’re going to get something to eat.” The agent ran his fingers through his hair as he pushed a button and spoke into the air then smiled and nodded to Ethan.

Peri looked at Ethan, “Do I need to do the same?”

“No, we are all together and he just notified the entire detail, so you’re covered as long as we are together. If you need to go to the loo or you need to leave our group, then yes, you would find the closest one in our detail, he will pass it on to your personal detail, who would then leave with you.”

“Wait, you mean he would go in the bathroom with me?”

“Well he would go in first to make sure there are no others in there. If there were, he may ask you to wait a moment or two until the crowd thins out or he may just go in and wash his hands while you take care of your business. But it’s not like they watch you go or something.”

“Sounds like really crappy duty to me!” Peri said getting a shove and a giggle from Raj.

Ethan smiled, “Ya, sometimes their job really stinks.” He delivered it deadpan which earned him a shove and a round of boos.

The restaurant was only moderately busy, and they all opted for the buffet. Euan took Timothy around and filled his tray as he pointed. Mac and cheese with nuggets on the side with gummi bear pudding. Euan set his tray down, “Save me a seat, I’ll be right back.” He made for the buffet as Raj and Peri sat down. Ethan started to set his tray down but froze looking across the room. Raj followed his gaze and saw a very pretty girl sitting alone pushing her food around with her head on her hand. She was more slumped, than sitting at the table.

Raj looked back at Ethan, “A damsel in distress?”

Ethan gave a quick glance to Raj before returning his gaze to the girl who still hadn’t taken a bite. “Indeed! And me, without my white horse or shining armor.”

Raj smiled, “You’re a prince, not a knight. You don’t need those things. GO! Be princely!” Raj turned to Peri, “Watch and learn.”

Ethan smiled as he picked up his tray and made his way over to the table where the girl sat. “Hi, can I sit with you? You look like you could use some company.”

She sat up a little straighter and looked Ethan over quickly. She only nodded.

Ethan set his tray down and stuck his hand out, “I’m Ethan.”

She looked at his hand for a moment before taking it gingerly, “Andi.” She said without emotion.

“Is that short for something?”

She looked up briefly before saying, “Andrea, but everyone calls me Andi.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you then Andi.” He paused for a moment, “Why is someone so beautiful also so sad looking?”

She looked at him sternly, “Why don’t you go hit on someone else, there’s nothing here but damaged goods.”

Ethan looked stunned at her for a moment. He took a breath and looked down at his tray as he took a bite, chewed for a moment then swallowed. Dabbing his mouth with his serviette he paused, “I’m sorry that you have been through whatever you have.” He saw her staring at her tray, her hand on the table like she was ready to bolt. Gently he reached across the table and placed his hand on top of hers causing her to look up, “We are not defined by what happens to us in our lives but by who we are inside. And I don’t see damaged goods here. I see a beautiful girl who has been hurt and at the very least, needs a good friend. I’d like to be that friend if you’ll let me.”

He watched as tears silently trickled down her cheeks. “Why? Why would you want to be around someone so messed up?”

“You’re a beautiful damsel in distress. I’m a prince, it’s what we do.” He said smiling. His comment garnered a little smile and a little blush from her.

“Does that line usually work for you?” She asked, a small grin appearing as she spoke.

Ethan in full charm responded, “I don’t know, you’ll have to tell me. I haven’t used that one before. But you must at least admit that I made you smile. You should do that more often, it makes you even more beautiful.”

“Oh you’ve got to stop with the beautiful stuff. Use it too much and a girl will think you don’t mean it.”

Ethan blotted his mouth with his paper serviette. “Are you done eating? Come on, I want you to meet my best friend and then we’ll take a stroll around the deck. It’s too beautiful outside to be hiding away in here.” She was taken by his boldness as he reached for her tray. She stood up and followed him to the galley where he deposited their trays on the conveyor. He took her hand and led her to the table where Raj and Peri sat with Euan and Timothy. He brought her up beside him. “Everyone, this is my new friend Andi. Andi, this is Euan and Timothy, and over here is my best friend Raj and his boyfriend Peri.”

Peri blushed and smiled, “I’m not his boyfriend!”

Raj looked at Peri, “You’re not?”

Peri blushed and looked at Raj, “Am I?” he responded.

Raj smiled, “I accept!”

Euan saw the moment get pregnant so he broke the silence, “It’s a pleasure to meet you Andi.”

Timothy looked up, “Wow, you’re really pretty.” He smiled before licking the last bit of gummi pudding off his spoon.

Ethan turned to Andi, “See! Everyone thinks so.” He turned back to the table, “Andi and I are going to go walk around the deck and get to know each other a little. Let me know when you are ready to head back. Just notify the guys and I’ll meet you at the gantry.”

“Will do. You guys have fun.” Raj said smiling, “Andi, it was a pleasure meeting you.”

“Thank you. You guys are really cute together. See ya.”

Raj turned to Peri, “Quick, go over to your detail and tell them Ethan is going walkabout. I don’t think he’s told her who he is yet.” Peri just looked at him a moment before standing up and locating the detail. He made his way over to the closest one and told him before returning to the table. He looked at Raj, “What makes you think he hasn’t told her who he is?”

“He didn’t speak to the detail before he left and he brought her over to the table to meet us. He told us where he was going, knowing that we would inform the detail.”

“I have a lot to learn. I never would have picked up on that.”

“It takes time. You’re new at this. And it takes time to get to know how Ethan works. First he charms them, then when they find out he really IS a prince, they’re putty in his hands.”

Peri thought for a moment, “So he doesn’t really care about her? It’s just a game for him?”

Raj looked at Peri for a moment. “A game? No, he really IS charming and nice. And we’re young so his hormones are probably driving him to be that way. But he doesn’t take advantage of them.”

Peri just looked at him in disbelief. Raj leaned over and whispered to Peri, “He’s still a virgin.” Peri blushed, Raj smiled. He was getting to love that blush.

“So do you guys like . . . kiss and stuff?” Timothy blurted out.

Raj and Peri looked at Timothy, then back to each other, then back to Timothy, “Well not yet. But we might!”

“Eeeeew! That’s gwoss!”

Euan smiled, “You may not think so in a few years. You about done?”

“Yep!”

“Then let’s take our trays up, ok?” And with that the subject was over.

Ethan strolled out of the dining area and headed for the stairs to the next level up. He paused and turned to look at Andi. He glanced behind them to see his detail moving with him. One lagged behind and started looking around the deck, pretending to be a tourist waiting for someone. The other walked past them. As he did, Ethan said, “I thought we would go up to the lounge area and sit down and get some sun. Is that alright with you?”

“Sure,” she responded.

“Good come on then.” And he took her hand again and turned back to the stairs his security had just ascended.

Upon reaching the top he scanned left, then right, and found a section with few people and made his way to it. “How about here?” he asked.

Andi sat down and reclined putting her feet up. Ethan followed suit. They sat in silence for a bit. Ethan spoke, “Are you here with anyone or waiting to be matched up with family?”

“My mother is here. We don’t know where my dad is. He’s still missing. Mom will barely talk to me since . . . it happened.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. She should be holding you telling you words of comfort.”

“I think some of it is guilt. She’s my mom. She feels like she failed to protect me.”

“Perhaps she needs for you to forgive her. Even though it wasn’t her fault.”

Andi looked at Ethan, “Perhaps I blame her for that too.”

Ethan looked at Andi for a moment. “What do you think she should have done?”

“I don’t know. But something! If they hadn’t contributed to Bryce . . .”

“I don’t think they could have foreseen any of this. And they contributed to make sure that madman was removed from power. My own brother was caught up in the mess Ashwood started. He was mugged and had to escape and travel cross country to safety. It was a near thing. But we have to put the blame where it belongs. Ashwood is responsible for all of this. No one else. HE, and he alone, caused this. You need to put it behind you and move forward. You can’t carry it with you, or they continue to hurt you. Don’t give them that power. And your Mom is your mom. No one will love you like she does. I think she would have probably done anything she could to save you. But she couldn’t. She was as helpless as you were to stop it. I think you both need to help each other to get past this moment in time. Today is a new day. Your life starts anew with this very moment. How much power will you give to your past?”

“Easy to say, hard to do. Who will want a girl who has been . . . raped. I’m broken. I’m damaged goods.”

Ethan sat up, turned and took Andi’s hand in his. “Andi, any boy who can’t see past that doesn’t deserve your love. You were hurt. You had no control over what happened. You are whole and beautiful. Just hurt, not broken. Not damaged. And I am sure that what that guy has sown he will reap. He will pay for what he has done if he hasn’t already. Andi, be beautiful again. It’s about choices now. Don’t let an injury define you. Every day that you do, you’re letting him have his way with you again. YOU, here and now, have the power to end this torture.” Ethan saw his detail approaching.

“Your Highness, your party is ready to leave. Should I have them wait for you?”

Andi looked first at the security, then at Ethan slack jawed. “Your Highness?” she asked.

Ethan smiled and looked at his security agent. “Please tell them I will be there in just a few minutes. Thank you.” He returned his gaze to Andi, “I told you. I’m a prince. Rescuing damsels in distress is what we do.” He pulled her to her feet. “We’re going to have a dance soon. Would you accompany me?”

Andi stammered, “Yes, thank you.”

“Good, in the meantime, talk to your Mom. She needs you as bad as you need her. And be beautiful again. No more sadness. I’ll be in touch.” He leaned in and kissed her on the cheek, then stepped away and walked purposefully towards the stairs. Before descending he paused and turned, “Andi, what’s your last name?”

“Cavelli” She answered.

Ethan smiled, “Andi Cavelli, I will talk to you soon.”

She just stared and watched him go.

The doctor stepped into the room. “There is someone here to see you. He says he knows you.” Dale spun around to look at the doctor. He stepped to the side revealing Jeff.

“Hi Dale. I’ve been looking for you for quite a while.” He walked over to him and held out his hands for Dale to take them. Almost involuntarily he took them. He looked into Jeff’s eyes “You . . . you called me Dale . . . yes, and you’re . . . Jeff. I’m remembering.” He looked down and to the left. “I know you. . . you were there.” His eyes snapped back to Jeff’s and he launched himself forward into his arms crying, “I remember! I remember!” He leaned back and looked into Jeff’s eyes again and he leaned forward and kissed him passionately. He broke the kiss and leaned back from him to look at him one more time before giving him a bone crushing hug and sobbing, “They told me they killed you! They told me they killed you. . .” Jeff just held him and consoled him. The doctor smiled and stepped back out of the room returning with a syringe. “Dale, I think you need to rest now. This has been a great shock to you.”

“No, I don’t need to rest.”

“Don’t worry, Jeff will still be here with you. I promise.” He smiled and injected him with the sedative. “Your mind needs sleep to sort itself out.”

Jeff spoke, “Dale, rest now. We have the rest of our lives together. I’m not going anywhere. I’ll be right here when you wake up. I promise.” He eased Dale back on the bed as the fast acting sedative caused Dale’s eyes to close.

The doctor looked at Jeff, “He’s going to be alright now. There will still be bad dreams and probably night terrors. But as long as he has you to hold on to, he’ll get through them. He’ll sleep for eight to ten hours. If you’d like to get something to eat and get settled in we’ve arranged quarters for you. He won’t wake before 0900 tomorrow morning. Just be back here by then.”

“Doctor, I’ll get something to eat and get settled into my quarters but I’ll come back here and just climb in bed with him. I want him to wake in my arms. I think it will help him feel secure.” The doctor smiled, “That will be fine. I’ll leave orders to that effect. But just hold him, nothing more. We still don’t know what he’s been through. So go slow with him until we find out.”

“I will. And doctor? Thanks.”

The doctor smiled and walked out of the room and off to other parts of the sick bay.

If you are liking this story, let Ricky know: Ricky at CastleRoland dot Net