04 Prisoner or Guest?

When she awoke, Maria realized she had no sense of time. The windowless room offered no hint of night or day. Her clothes hung from a rack. She saw a note on a table and cautiously stood. Her ears felt strange. She read the note:

When you are dressed, please let the guard know. He will escort you to the lounge. Thereupon I beg you to await my arrival so that we may dine. N.

While she could not ascertain the manner of lighting, it still provided enough such that Maria could dress. Someone had placed a fine brush and mirror for her on the table, probably her reluctant host. Her hair seemed a tangled mess, having dried in an unkempt state. Someone placed her emerald earrings and necklace in a cloth. Clearly, these men were not thieves. Nor were they the type to steal a woman's honor during her slumbers.

The toilet fascinated her. The George Washington had toilets using a hinge mechanism to dispose of waste. Maria had heard of a new method called a water closet that Britain developed several years earlier. This toilet blended the two technologies.

She took advantage of the small sink and tested the assorted perfumes. Clearly, she was dealing with civilized persons. Then Maria remembered these same people deliberately attacked her father's ship. She must be careful.

When she was finally presentable, Maria had trouble opening the door. She was unaccustomed to such a mechanism. Instead of a doorknob, there was a peculiar type of lever. Then it moved on its own and the door opened. There stood a sailor and he beckoned her to follow. His words were in that strange clicking language.

The passageways were narrow. As men passed at the same time, they had to turn to one side to allow each other to pass. The crew looked at Maria with slight interest but nothing that suggested untoward manners. The sailor led her through various passageways until they reached a room where a dining table was set. If it was a normal dining area, it was atypical. It appeared more as an omnium-gatherum, cluttered with artwork and scientific specimens.

Maria did not have to wait long for her host to arrive. A steward began setting out various dishes. The aromas were tantalizing. She attempted to deduce the various dishes in front of her.

Nemo said, "I am glad you are feeling better."

"Thank you," said Maria. "Goodness, this is quite remarkable."

Nemo said, "I wanted a moment to better make your acquaintance. Usually the crew dines in the mess hall."

Maria said, "I don't mean to be a bother."

"You're a woman," said Nemo. "You can't help but be a bother. I have a responsibility toward you. There are no women on the Nautilus. I'm sure you have a sense of the problem. Are you married?"

"Not yet," said Maria. "My father, well, he was looking for a suitable husband."

Nemo asked, "You were not to have any say in the matter?"

Maria said, "Some say, I'm sure, but from amongst his candidates of course. Oh, he just wanted to make sure that I would be taken care of by a good man. Still, there was a young man that I hoped would meet my father's approval."

Nemo asked, "Your companion in the water?"

Maria said, "Yes. Although I must admit that he somewhat feared my father yet respected him at the same time. He loved the sea. I suppose it fitting that he rests in the sea."

Changing the subject, Nemo said, "I will show you around Nautilus so that you may have your bearings. It is important in the event of any calamitous situations. I'm not entirely sure what to do with you. What sort of things did you do aboard the George Washington?"

Maria said, "Well, sometimes I helped with the sewing and cooking. Then of course, after an engagement with an enemy I would help tend to the wounded. I usually spent my time in study with tutors. My father felt it important to have a basic education. I've even learned a few things that most likely aren't too practical for a proper lady like taking an azimuth reading."

"You can read charts?"

Maria said, "Not really, at least, not with the skill of an experienced seaman. Usually my father had a trusted sailor ready to join me in the longboat in case he felt he needed to lower me away. I suppose I could manage well enough to head in a general direction but not, as my father would say, land exactly where the pin pricks the chart."

Nemo asked, "Why were you and the ensign in the water?"

Maria replied, "I wasn't lowered away. When your boat rammed the George Washington, the scaffolding broke and the longboat fell into the water. I think the ensign jumped in after me. I'm not sure how I would have made it back to civilization. I had no compass, charts, or anything of importance. Not even food provisions."

Nemo said, "Your ship was traveling on a common seafaring route. Someone might have come along."

"True," said Maria. "Still, it's a treacherous time of year with icebergs and that fog was quickly rolling in, incredibly dense. After all, you collided with my longboat."

Nemo said, "I will ask of you to be mindful of your status here. How old are you?"

"Seventeen," Maria replied.

"Have you ever been with a man?"

Maria indignantly said, "Like my father would allow such a thing! Even if I were that type of a girl, the way he had chaperones and spies, well the point is moot. I'm not that type of girl."

Nemo said, "Forgive me. I had to ask. The last thing I need is for the men to undertake certain diversions from their purpose. If I thought that your presence was too distracting and interfering with this boat's operations, I would set you back in the sea and be done with the problem."

"I can't figure you out," Maria said. "You're not like other captains I've met."

"With your father standing around, I'm sure they acted as they knew he expected them to," said Nemo.

"You're brutally honest," said Maria.

Nemo said, "You may enjoy this lounge as much as you care to. If you play, the organ is at your disposal. I have a magnificent library also at your disposal. I will provide you with a sewing machine. Bolts of fabric are plentiful, so please feel free to busy yourself with personal garment making. I may need your assistance repairing or fashioning new uniforms for the crew. As for the cooking duties, perhaps I might indulge you this interest."

"There is something that troubles me," said Maria. Nemo gave her a curious look and she continued, "Why are you attacking ships without warning?"

"We are at war," Nemo gravely replied.

Maria said, "But there are rules of war."

Nemo sternly said, "The rules and mechanics of war are meant to prolong war, not abbreviate it. If this is what you consider civilized behavior, you have much to learn."

It was an interesting concept. Maria knew that her position was precarious aboard the Nautilus. She remembered what Nemo had said earlier about two of his men rescuing her. Had it been his intention to merely stand by and watch her drown? He was not accustomed to guests but he knew how to set a fine table. Did he stand idle as Collins drowned?

Maria said, "You could always set me on land if you feel my presence is inappropriate."

Nemo said, "We make no port. The sea is our home. I have no reason to set foot on land. The sea provides all of our needs."

Maria said, "Surely you must re-provision with fresh water?"

Nemo said, "The seas provide all of our needs. We have special filtering systems that make seawater potable. Even the perfumes at your washbasin come from the sea, provided by the secretions of various sea creatures. This boat is free to travel wherever I please it to go. Let me show you something."

Maria was curious as Nemo went to the hull. He operated a lever that opened a panel revealing a window. She moved closer and looked outside. It truly was a submersible boat! Various sea creatures swam in schools. Some type of shark scattered them easily. She stood in silent fascination.

Nemo said, "There are many wonders I can show you."

"I see," said Maria.

"Come. Let me show you my boat. I was just about to take the young lady around the boat."

Maria turned and saw the first officer of Nautilus. He stood impassively and said, "All is ready, sir."

Maria said, "May I ask your name?"

The man said, "I am Iravan." For a moment, he seemed flustered. Was he not supposed to reveal it?

Maria said, "That's a strong sounding name. It is a pleasure making your acquaintance, Iravan."

Nemo said, "Iravan is my second in command. Should I ever be indisposed, he shall tend to your needs. He speaks English with reasonable fluency on most occasions. I should also note that he was one of the men that pulled you out of the sea. I regret that I doubted his judgment at the time. I don't think that I have ever done that in all the years we have known each other and he did well to see to your rescue."

"Thank you," said Maria.

Nemo added, "It is important for you to know who to trust. Do you understand?"

"I believe so," replied Maria.

Nemo showed an interesting change of heart. He explained the workings of his ship, some of which Maria understood while other things escaped her comprehension. Most of the crew spoke in a strange language. None seemed to acknowledge they spoke any English. Something about the first officer's accent suggested a British influence.

The galley proved to be an interesting arrangement. Never before had Maria seen stoves and ovens that operated using electricity. Nemo explained that open flames consumed oxygen, which would deprive the crew of that necessary element during periods of prolonged submersion.

The mess hall was small. Maria understood the necessity for tables with lipped edges to help catch dinnerware from falling to the floor. Nemo explained this was more of a hazard when the boat was submerging or breaching, as the crew was usually at stations when engaged in battle situations. Few squalls interfered with dining beneath the sea.

Nemo said, "We assemble twice a day for meals, breakfast, and dinner. My cook prepares additional items and leaves them on this table should you wish a brief snack. It proves convenient. We do not have a multiplicity of galleys that you may have become accustomed to on board the frigates you have sailed."

Maria said, "I understand. I'm accustomed to the practice."

Nemo said, "Come. There is more to see."

The laundry room provided mechanized methods of washing and drying garments. There were even electric powered irons to press clothes. Part of the filtration system allowed rinsing of clothes in salt-free water. Crewmembers tended to their own laundering needs and Maria had to act accordingly.

Maria saw a sewing machine and collection of assorted threads. There was also a fabric loom. Bolts of fabric lay ready for manufacture. Just as with most ships, self-sufficiency was imperative. For one that made no port, the crew manufactured the slightest of needs.

Nemo said, "I have placed a sewing machine in your quarters such that you can craft what you wish in comfort. I'm sure you have noticed the uniforms of my men. I ask that you partition some of your time to make replacements. Those who work in engineering seem to have the greatest need."

"The grease and toils of their manual labors," Maria said.

"Precisely," Nemo said.

"I shall endeavor to do my best," Maria said.

Nemo added, "I took the liberty of moving you to another cabin, one better suited to your gender. Come. I will show you."

The new cabin was larger than the original one Maria previously occupied. The door had a small window that she could easily look out of to see who might be in the hallway. On the interior side hung a small, dense, yellow curtain to afford her privacy.

There was a water closet to tend to toileting needs, which she was free to use as often as necessary, as it used seawater flowing through special anti-corrosive piping. The floor inside the closet was a slotted grate that drained to an exit line in the event of spillage due to unexpected shifting. This would be far more convenient than a chamber pot chair.

What fascinated her most was the shower closet. Nemo demonstrated how to use the valves to draw water, which drained through a similarly grated floor. The shower was not for liberal use, perhaps at most once a week except under times of duress.

"There may be times when I instruct you to remain in your cabin," Nemo said. "It could be for hours or for days. This is necessary for your safety."

Maria asked, "What about air and food?"

Nemo replied, "Those vents will refresh the air in here. A steward will bring food to you as often as permissible. It is not my intention to see you starve. This sewing machine is now yours. Here are fine bolts of fabric. As you can see, most are best suited for uniforms but I do have a few that I believe you can make do for your personal wardrobe. The library is this way. You will find many books to read."

For several hours, Maria attempted to indulge in Nemo's collection of books. Few were in English and she not schooled enough in a second language to attempt many of the tomes. Perhaps it was Nemo's intention that she should know where her cabin was in relation to the library, which served as a point of reference for her to other important areas of the ship.

Iravan came and told her dinner was ready. Maria went with the first officer. It was easy to tell it was a mealtime, evidenced by the crew assembling in the mess hall. Nemo was sitting at a table by himself, tended to by a dedicated steward. He beckoned Maria to join him.

Unlike a warship that had separate mess halls for officers or enlisted, the Nautilus crew dined together. Nemo and Iravan were the exception, dining at a separate table that Maria must make use of as well.

Maria said, "How will I get to know the crew?"

"Your lack of language skills already disqualifies that," Nemo casually said. "There are a few that speak French."

"Perhaps I should endeavor to better learn," said Maria. "I was in the library. I'm afraid that most of your books are unavailable to me because of language."

"Your father never saw it important for you to learn?"

Maria said, "He felt that English was universal enough of a language that I should be sufficient. A young ensign was teaching me French. My father approved because French also appears to be a recognized language."

Nemo asked, "What about Latin?"

Maria politely said, "That is the language of scholars. My father saw no need for serious study. Oh, I know the rote that is required in church."

Nemo raised an eyebrow and said, "Truly? Then you're not of some variant of the English Church."

Maria said, "Begging your pardon sir, but my father was not a church going man. We only attended church occasionally. He seemed more inclined to pray in his closet and encouraged me to do the same."

"There are a few that speak English but I fail to see your need for conversation," Nemo said.

"It's quite clear to me that I'm here indefinitely and you did say that I needed to understand the crew," Maria said.

"I shall endeavor to teach you," Nemo said. "This cannot be my priority as I do have a boat to command. If it suits Iravan and if time allows, he may also indulge in such teachings."

"Thank you," Maria said.

For the next several days, Maria adjusted to life on a submersible boat. Nautilus only surfaced when air or food replenishment forced it to do so. At times, she occupied herself in the lounge to look out the window at the various wonders of the sea. Would she ever tire of this activity?

For a period of two days, she found herself confined to her cabin. A steward brought her food. She knew it was no test. The first day, the boat rocked about for half an hour, clearly in attack mode. The second day, the air seemed to grow stale. When she felt the comfort of fresh sea air, the guard allowed her to emerge from her cabin.

Nemo invited her to stand alongside him on the outer hull platform. Iravan kept a weather eye using a spyglass. It was midday and reasonably comfortable. Maria saw men in strange attire emerge from the sea and screamed.

Nemo laughed, "There is nothing to fear. Those are my men in special underwater suits that allow them to breathe as well as withstand the pressures of the depths."

Maria said with bewilderment, "Submersible men?"

At this, Nemo enjoyed a hearty laugh. He said, "Only a woman would come up with an expression like that! My dear, you are naïve yet charming. Do you see those nets? They will replenish our food larders for days. Iravan, I'll take the spyglass. Please escort Miss Saunders to the lounge. I'm sure she'll want to see our submersible men harvesting our crops."

Maria went with Iravan to the lounge and he opened the panel. She watched as men walked upon the seafloor collecting various nets and baskets containing an assortment of food items. Then a realization set in and she asked, "Should I help the cook with the preparation and pickling?"

Iravan said, "I'm sure he would welcome the help. Come. I'll explain to him your intentions."

It was not Maria's goal to become a part of the crew but she felt a sense of contributing to the overall survival. If she was not of some use, she considered her position on board tenuous in the present condition. However, Nemo reconsidered her rescue. She would never become a vital part of the crew but perhaps useful enough that Nemo would see fit to allow her to remain. The alternative was for him to put her back into the sea without a longboat.

The cook was already busy with the curing and preserving process with the initial array of sea life brought to his galley. Iravan spoke to him in a strange language, different from the clicking language that Maria became accustomed to and one unfamiliar. The cook seemed pleased. Maria felt she at least had to have a name to call him.

Pointing to herself she said, "Maria." Then she pointed to the first officer and said, "Iravan." To that, the cook laughed, abruptly stifled when the first officer shot him a warning glance. The cook sobered, pointed to himself, and said, "Senthil."

"Senthil," Maria declared. "How may I assist you?"

The language barrier was a problem. Senthil chose to give Maria food items, briefly demonstrated what he needed done and she completed the various tasks. She had some difficulty with the crabs, still alive and agitated with their situation. She worked with Senthil for a couple of hours.

When Nemo arrived, he acted with disinterest with her presence. Maria noted that he took careful observation of the food storage process. She understood that concern, for spoiled food was potentially fatal to a crew.

Senthil took Maria to the food lockers on a lower level. He attempted explaining his storage system in his strange language, which was lost to her. A dumbwaiter facilitated the transferring of processed foods. Attempting to carry loads up or down the spiral stairwell was unconsciously a treacherous idea.

Nemo returned for Maria such that she could join him outside while the Nautilus took on air. There was no ascertaining the boat's position but she sensed they had traveled into a different sea blessed with a warm breeze.

"I could toss you overboard right now if I felt the need," Nemo flatly said.

Maria said, "I arrived in a longboat. Would you not see fit to let me leave in one?"

Nemo laughed, "Trust a woman!"

Maria said, "I'm sorry if my presence is displeasing to you."

Nemo said, "I'm growing accustomed to it. There is much for you to learn. It is time we made way. Come."

It was a spectacular sight to observe the descent from the pilothouse. Again, the language problem prevented Maria from understanding the orders but she could tell the crew maintained good discipline. These sailors were dedicated men with skills.

In the privacy of her cabin, Maria thought about Nemo's comment. Yes, he was in command of her fate. If she displeased him, her gender alone would not spare her from his wrath. Oh, if only the ensign had survived!