Aquaria: The Lost Fleet

XIII: The Pursuit

Crue helped Paul load up the rest of the fuel and some fruits onto the recon boat. Daniel tried his best, Paul told the old man that he needed rest so Daniel relaxed below deck in Hensley's cot. As Crue handed Paul one of the last boxes, Paul looked over to one of the floating gardens and saw Jasmyne sitting down next to Cora. She hadn't spoke to Paul once in the hours since Gerry died.

Paul looked down at Crue and noticed he was struggling to lift the boxes because of his shoulder. Paul hopped off the deck and onto the boat that Crue was on. "Would you mind taking her back to the Glory with you?"

Crue nodded. "I wouldn't mind one bit."

Paul said, "I need to get a few more things sorted out on this boat. You two should head out as soon as night falls. You should be able to get around the Black Death unnoticed. It's a long trip back and we're all pretty beat up."

Crue nodded in agreement. Paul looked his best friend in the eyes and gave him a hug. "You be careful Paul", Crue said. "I'll see you back on the Glory."

"Yeah", Paul said calmly.

Paul looked to Jasmyne one more time who didn't pay him any mind. He looked over to his right and noticed Jacob approaching, armed, with a number of armed militia men. At least ten of them. Paul nodded towards him. Clouds were beginning to roll in overhead, and the blue sky wasn't visible.

"Paul Wake", Jacob called out as he boarded Paul's boat.

"Yes Jacob?", Paul asked.

"We volunteer to come with you", Jacob said. "If you can make a promise to us."

"I can't let you come", Paul said. "It'll be too dangerous, and your people have lost enough as it is."

Jacob put his hand on Paul's shoulder. "We lost Chief Raleigh. We lost many people. We want justice. We don't want Graham to have the fleet either. He will only use it oppress us. We need to help you, not for you, but for all of Dinesh."

Paul nodded. "And what promise do you seek?".

"Everything we've worked for, for years and years has been destroyed in minutes. I want my people to have a home in your fleet."

"We will find them a home, if we return", Paul said. "But my goal is not to have the fleet for myself, but to stop Graham from having it."

"That is fair", Jacob said. "May my men and I board your ship, Paul Wake? We have already said goodbye to our families."

"You may", Paul said, giving his best effort of a smile. The Dineshie warriors didn't have much on them aside from the clothes on their back and their weapons. Paul could tell these were Jacob's best men. They all looked grisled, scarred, and experienced. Paul nodded at each of them as they boarded.

Paul made his way down to the bottom cabin of the recon boat. Daniel was asleep. Paul began to gently shake him. Daniel awoke, sweating.

"We are ready to head out, Daniel", Paul said. Daniel nodded and groaned as he sat upright. "I think you should stay here, Daniel", Paul said. "Jacob is coming along with me and he's brought men to help."

"I'm not staying, boy", Daniel said. "It's my fault Graham is still alive today. I let him out all those years ago. This isn't about you or your fleet. This is about my home, the Elation, which would still be around if I hadn't released Graham and your father. This is my fight every bit as much as it is yours."

Paul nodded, saying nothing further as he ascended the steps to the deck of the recon boat. Paul stood at the helm with Jacob by his side. Paul started the engine and put the propellers into reverse.