Yesterday

Chapter Twenty Nine

"How are you, Gaia?" Captain Kelly grasped her hand. It was almost like having her father there. The concern he felt flowed from him and made her sorry she had to tell him she was still seasick in the morning before having her ginger tea with breakfast.

"Better with ginger tea and a constant glass of Pepsi. Seems to be the magic combination, and I'm glad the lounge opens early for those who wish to indulge."

They were in the officer's meeting room. Gloriously burnished mahogany glowed in the dimly lit room. Sconces spotted the wall, leaving small pools of light all around the long table. Three sides were surrounded by blue leather cushioned benches and three Captain's chairs with ornately carved armrests were pushed under the fourth side.

Gaia pulled the Captain into a quick hug.

"I seem to be a bit more tired, but I expect that's because I'm so sick in the mornings. I just want to go back to sleep afterwards. But I've got a mission this morning. I cannot thank you enough for the use of this room."

"Happy to oblige. Dr. Jenkins is a good family friend. I grew up with him. You would think an Irishman and a Scotsman would have trouble bonding, but we ended up at Oxford together before he went on to medical school. He is going to Harvard to teach, and perhaps he will find a love for the morgue again. His passion is the mystery of why."

"I'll try. Do you understand what I do? And that you have several ghosts around the ship as well?"

"I would be surprised if we didn't. The ship carried troops during the ward, and we were designated a hospital ship for almost five years. I inherited the Captain's position when I resigned my naval commission."

"Do you want me to help them over as well?" Gaia asked.

"If they want to leave. I've grown accustomed to them, as have my crew. One of them has been an amazing help, an Admiral who passed from what my Chief Medical Officer told me was a massive brain hemorrhage. Nothing they could do to help him." Captain's warm brown eyes glinted with tears he kept in check. "Gregory Malcolm was like a father to me. Guided me through my officer's training."

"I'll see what I can do. If they are tormented, I'll help them as well." Gaia promised. "I'm not sure though, and it does explain a few things."

"Where's Harry?"

"Gone to fetch Graham. He was rather worse for wear when we parted last night. Johnny took him to his cabin. You do know our purser is a treasure," Gaia said.

"We're trying to get him into the British Mariner's College. He has all the makings of a fine officer, but he resists. I'll be promoting him to Chief Purser at when we return to Ireland. Please don't spoil the surprise though."

Gaia put her fingers to her lip and made a gesture indicating she turned a lock. "I won't even tell Harry."

"I've asked the galley to bring up more ginger tea for you, and some late breakfast. Johnny will make sure you are not disturbed."

The door opened and Harry came in to pull out one of the chairs for Graham.

"Tisk, tisk, you are definitely feeling a bit under the weather my friend." The Captain clapped his hand over Dr. Jenkin's shoulder.

"With some luck and Gaia's help, perhaps I'll sleep soundly once more." Graham placed his elbows on the table and his head in his upturned hands. "I have to stop with the drink. I know better, but it has been all the brings me any rest."

"Where's Johnny?" Gaia asked.

"Don't worry, my love," Harry responded. "He's coming with a couple of emergency lanterns. We'll use them instead of candles. It wouldn't do to have an unprotected flame. The seas are rough, and a candle flame could spark a fire by accident."