Sawyer Fan - Thanks! Tom is so angst-able, isn't he? Skinner and Tom are fun to bounce dialogue between, and I'll have some Tom/Henry bonding in another 'Rubicon' story. I also see the latter as becoming like brothers, but without the ribbing.
Doped Out Bunny - Glad you enjoyed it - I'm looking forward to writing more Skinner and Tom banter in the next story and trying to pack in even more angst.Thank you very much!
Lady Norbert- Thank you for your reviews and comments, and I'm glad to hear that you're doing more writing. This chapter is 'yours'!
One more chapter to go after this one! In this chapter I have mentioned/featured in passing Pierre Curie (husband of Marie) and archaeologist Flinders Petrie, who were real people. Amarna and its Pharaoh were also real, as well as the battle of Thermopylae and the quote by the Spartan soldier.
Note: This chapter contains a tribute to Lady Norbert and her "Elizabeth Quatermain" series, as a scene in one of the stories inspired me here. Thank you, Lady Norbert, and I look forward to reading more of your work!
Title: "Rubicon 1 - Aftermath" Chapter 5
By Ten Mara
Rating: PG-13
CATEGORY: Story, Drama/Angst
DISCLAIMER: The literary characters referred to are copyright their respective authors, and "LXG: The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen" is copyright 20th Century Fox, based on the comic books by Alan Moore and Kevin O'Neill. The characters and movie universe are used without permission. No copyright infringement is intended, no profit will be gained. Characters not recognized are mine, and a few real-life historical people and events are used or mentioned.
xXx
The Nautilus had arrived in London. The people whom the League had freed from M's grasp wanted to thank them collectively for their rescue, which they did very touchingly. A few of the men gave speeches, and the women presented them with gifts and a bunch of flowers cleverly made out of paper for Mina. The children gave them drawings.
Tom said goodbye to the children and their families whom he had made friends with during the voyage. Then the British quickly and efficiently escorted them off the submarine into a series of waiting carriages.
Now Tom regarded the letters before him on the desk in his quarters, then checked his watch. He had written to Aunt Polly, Mary, Sid, his Aunt Sally and a few other people, but left some space at the end of each final page. He was due to head to the American Embassy soon, to meet his contact, and find out just when he would be expected to head back to the States. Or not. Then he would finish off the letters and post them.
Heck, I might even be able to deliver them in person, if the Secret Service has changed their mind since Alexandria.
Some non-relatives he had written to included Joe Harper, Jim, and Judge Thatcher, but not to Becky Thatcher. When he was sixteen, her family moved to Boston, her father taking up a position there. Becky and Tom kept in touch for a while, but then she had fallen in love with someone else and gotten married. Tom wished her well, but they had inevitably fallen out of contact since her engagement. He still kept in touch with Judge Thatcher now and then, and knew Becky's father would tell her Tom's news about finding Huck's killer.
Nemo was talking to one of his men near the open hold ramp as Tom went to disembark. The Captain bowed to him. "I hope your meeting goes well, Agent Sawyer."
"Thank you." Somehow the American was aware that Nemo's eyes remained on him until he was swallowed up by the passing people and the buildings. Perhaps the Indian thought that now Quatermain was gone, someone should keep a fatherly eye on Tom.
London. The spy looked around as he walked, feeling torn, remembering all that had happened the last time he was here.
At the Embassy, his contact was the head of American intelligence over here, Alexander Kane, the same as when he first pursued the Fantom to this city after the loss of Huck. Kane was also from the South, and had provided a lot of help for the upset but determined Sawyer at that time.
They sat down in Kane's study, and the veteran agent studied him carefully. Sawyer knew this man would have been given a copy of his report and any comments or questions from Secret Service Headquarters and would be assessing him. Not much ever got past Alexander Kane.
Kane questioned him thoroughly for an hour about his report and seemed satisfied by the answers he received. Then the older man commented, "There is talk that the League may become a real and permanent thing."
Tom attempted nonchalance. "That's all it is at the moment. Talk."
"But if it does, would you want to stay a part of it?"
He hesitated, then said honestly, "What I want to do is to escort Quatermain's body to Kenya for burial. Beyond that, I'm not sure yet."
Kane picked up his coffee. "We feel it would be in our best interests to continue to have an American in the League. We would like that agent to be you."
Did you actually read my report? How much I stuffed up? But the loss of Quatermain would be no impact on them. The defeat of M and the halting of possible world war was what they cared about. To them, Sawyer had achieved his mission.
The older agent had a sip of his beverage, then said, "So, if the Queen does make it official, you would be allowed to remain with them, if you want. Have a vacation in Africa - which you do deserve - and let Headquarters know by the end of August."
Tom tried not to show how surprised he was. "All right. Thank you."
Then Kane got up and indicated that Tom follow him to a side table at the other end of the room. There lay two new Colt pistols, a new Winchester rifle and ammunition. "As requested."
Tom picked up the Winchester. He had wanted another rifle because he intended to leave his own on Quatermain's grave. This new one was not as ornate, but it had the special modifications and would do.
xXx
After leaving his contact, Tom wandered for a while through the London streets, carrying the Winchester. The Colts were snug in his holsters and the ammunition was over his shoulder in a bag. Usually being in another place or country fascinated him, however at the moment his mind was too full of other matters. What did he want to do after Africa? He had shied away from that question ever since Mongolia.
I don't want to leave the others, but would it be best for them if I did? I don't have any special abilities. Look what happened because of me. Perhaps I should just go home.
But in a way the Nautilus felt like home, even without Quatermain there.
After an hour of aimless walking, Tom's eyes were caught by a large plaque out the front of a beautiful pillared building. "The Marvel Society". Curiosity stirred, he went up to read the posters next to the plaque and discovered that this was the headquarters of a group fascinated by the latest inventions and discoveries. They had been bequeathed this building and funds by a rich patron. The society had a number of rooms and a hall where they held lectures on all manner of subjects, bringing in learned people in those areas, and they charged the interested public who came to hear them.
Tom was studying the program for the next few days when a number of people started coming out the front doors and down the steps. Most were chatting excitedly about the lecture they had just attended, which seemed to be something to do with an explorer in Africa. Wonder if he ever met Quatermain?
He returned to studying the program, an idea developing in his mind, and when he saw the titles of the lectures scheduled for the next day, it was like fate was being kind at last.
xXx
Back on the Nautilus:
Tom put his bag and new rifle in his quarters, then went to Mina's door. She now had a different set of rooms than when the adventure first started, having asked Nemo if she could have more space or quarters with an adjoining room for her chemistry equipment. Tom sensed that there was more to her desire to move than that, but was unsure why.
At least her being further away meant there was less chance of her vampire hearing being able to pick up if he yelled during a nightmare. Fortunately those times were rare anyway.
There was no answer to his knock. Perhaps she wasn't in her quarters. He decided to try once more, calling out, "Mrs Harker?"
He heard movement, then the door opened. Mina smiled at him, but her eyes held surprise at seeing him. He noticed there was a pencil tucked behind her ear and he knew her well enough now to know it meant she was most likely doing something with her chemistry equipment or some research.
"I'm sorry to disturb you, but when I was out walking today I found something I thought you might be interested in." Tom pulled the pamphlet out of a pocket.
As he was unfolding it, Mina said, "You have new pistols, I see."
"My contact got them for me. Felt strange not having them."
She nodded. "Are you allowed to come to Africa?"
"Yes."
"That is good news." She seemed genuinely pleased. Then her curious gaze turned to the pamphlet. "Now, what is this that you have found?"
"Have you ever heard of a group or building called 'The Marvel Society'?"
"I believe I have. They arrange for lectures on new discoveries?"
"That's right."
"I saw some of their advertising and it was a place I meant to visit, but never got around to doing so."
"Well, I was there today and got a copy of their upcoming events." Tom handed the page to Mina. "Tomorrow should be fairly quiet, so I was wondering if you'd like to go? The afternoon talk on Egypt interests me, and there's a scientist there doing a lecture at the same time I thought you might want to hear. Apparently he's there all week. We've missed the last few days, but that shouldn't matter. They seem to be self-contained talks."
"Pierre Curie . . . ." There was a flare of interest in her eyes. "He and his wife Marie have made some fascinating discoveries."
"There's the opportunity for the public to ask questions after the lecture, and they also have a nice tea room. The society has a very good set up there."
"Thank you for bringing this to my attention, Agent Sawyer. Can I consider it and let you know after dinner?"
"Of course."
Tom hoped she would say yes. He had been trying to work out how to help her or show that he was there if she needed someone to talk to. And without coming across as being too forward. Perhaps this would bring her out more, or at least get her off the Nautilus for an excursion and into something that interested her.
After dinner, the opportunity arose to walk Mina to the infirmary again and he took it.
"I have decided that I would like to go to the lecture tomorrow by Pierre Curie. Do you still want to go to the Egyptian one?" she asked.
"Yes."
"Then tomorrow morning we will have to see what the weather is like. Being able to walk to the Society would be nice."
"Here's hoping."
xXx
The day proved to be relatively cold, but clear, so Mina and Tom arranged to meet at her quarters with plenty of time to walk to the Marvel Society.
The others had learned at breakfast of their plans for the afternoon and said they were looking forward to hearing about the outing at dinner. Neither Nemo or Jekyll made any suggestion of accompanying them, something which made Tom feel both relieved and guilty at once. We all need to get out, but I guess as selfish as it sounds, I just want this time to be me and Mina.
One of Nemo's men had gone to the Society for Tom this morning, on his way to do some errands for Nemo, and booked the lectures for them to make sure they got in.
Tom stood in front of the full length mirror in his bedroom, getting ready. He actually put his suspenders in their rightful place over his shoulders, instead of dangling down at the back. And he buttoned up his vest for the first time in ages.
Then he completed his outfit with a tie and jacket. He didn't go as far as slicking his hair back though. When younger, he hated the fact that his hair was curly. That was before he found out how much appeal it gave him to the female sex. Though it was really time for a cut - it was getting in his eyes too much. In his pursuit of the Fantom and joining the League, he hadn't had a chance to get that rectified. Nemo must have a barber somewhere on this canoe. Failing that, he would go to a London barber if there was time tomorrow.
Tom left his new Colt pistols in their holsters over the back of a chair and the two Winchester rifles near them. He picked up his hat and duster, intending to put them on just before disembarking, then went to knock on Mina's door.
She came out of her cabin wearing the same outfit as when they had first met - the dark grey dress-coat and veiled hat. The very long berry red scarf was also in place.
They both took measure of the other's appearance, then realised and smiled in amusement and self-consciousness.
"You look very nice," Tom said.
"Thank you. And you're in a jacket and tie. I'm impressed. No guns though?"
"We won't be going through any out of the way places or dark alleyways. Besides, you'll protect me." The latter slipped out cheekily before he realised that might not be a very good thing to say. Didn't I learn anything from my blunders on the conning tower with her and with Quatermain? Think before talking! I'm usually better at reading people than that.
But Mina simply laughed. "I will indeed, if the occasion should arise. However, with all the martial arts training you are doing, you would do fine without me or your guns."
They left the Nautilus and walked side by side, Mina pointing out to Tom things along the way that she thought would be of interest to him, or that were relevant to her own life here.
"Agent Sawyer, how long have you been interested in Ancient Egypt?" Mina asked. "Or did this particular lecture just sound like it could be interesting?"
"I've been intrigued by Egypt all my life. From the stories in the Bible and beyond - I've always loved history. Also, I visited Egypt when I was fourteen, and it is such a fascinating place."
"You certainly had a very eventful time at that age."
"That's very true. It was a flying visit, literally - in a balloon."
xXx
Both lectures were supposed to have the same finish time, but of course the question and answer time could vary wildly, so once inside the Marvel Society building Mina and Tom arranged to meet afterwards at the large statue of a dragon near the tearoom. Then they would decide whether to have something to eat there or head for 'home'.
Wishing each other a good lecture, they parted.
Tom enjoyed the British archaeologist who gave the talk about his Egyptian discoveries. Flinders Petrie was a colourful and energetic man, who had worked on a rather unique ancient city site called Amarna. He had been excavating there since 1890, intrigued by how different this place and its surviving artwork was to the normal depictions of 2,000 years of Egyptian art. There were no battle scenes, no recognisable Egyptian gods. The pharaoh who ordered the city built seemed to worship one god only, quite a radical departure, and instead of glorying in war he was shown time and again in tender scenes with his family.
When the questions finished, Petrie ended the session to a lot of applause, and people began filing out or going up to get a closer look at some of the artefacts and copies of the art that he had brought along. Tom was curious about the items, but he knew the question time had gone for a while and Mina's lecture could easily be out by now. Never keep a lady waiting. And if the lecture was still going, he could easily come back in here to look at the objects or perhaps get to talk to the archaeologist himself.
Tom moved around towards the exit, but as he was passing a group of four women who were standing near the door - three young, one matronly - one of the girls dropped a glove. He immediately picked it up and handed it back to the owner.
"Thank you very much. How clumsy of me!"
No, probably how deliberate of you. He could see that the matronly woman, no doubt the chaperone, was looking somewhat horrified and suspicious at her young charge. "Not a problem, ma'am."
"Oh, you're American?" the girl blurted out, then blushed.
He saw three young pairs of eyes light up, and three intellects quickly vanish like vapour, to be replaced by simpering with intent. They were clearly sizing him up as a potential husband. Heck, it was flattering, but also these days it was rather tiresome, especially the giggling silliness. I really have grown up. He was well aware that his looks and especially his unusual green eyes were attractive to women, but he had stopped trying to play that to his advantage in this field. Most of the time, anyway.
Their chaperone hastened to get and make introductions, trying to restore propriety and etiquette, but even she now seemed intrigued, developing a calculating air as she tried to find out about him and his potential suitability.
Fortunately his other gifts, a natural sense of charm and style, allowed him to politely get away from the women without too much effort.
If they want to see how to mix brains and beauty, perhaps I should have introduced them to Mina.
He worked his way towards the dragon statue while looking around. There was Mina, standing in the company of two men of about her age. They were both smartly dressed and one had a silver-capped walking cane. Fortunately it was not a silver skull cane like the Fantom's. Both men were hovering about her. Tom wondered if they had been in the lecture and they had struck up a conversation on the subject when it finished. It would be good for her to discuss her profession with fellow scientists.
However, from the looks on their faces it quickly became obvious to him what sort of chemistry they were interested in. They even appeared to be trying to outdo each other in flirting with her. A bit of jealousy reared up in Tom, but then he saw that Mina's face was a polite mask in sharp contrast.
She must get so tired of men doing this - falling for her looks and ignoring her brains. Making fools of themselves. His face reddened when he remembered that he could well be compared to those men.
If you require help during the voyage, Mrs Harker, just let me know. . . . Heavy lifting, light banter. I'm a useful kind of guy.
That just made him all the more determined to be a good friend to her.
The influx of people into the lobby from some finished lectures meant that Tom had to divert around a bit to reach Mina, and still had a little distance to cover, now side-on to her. He didn't think she had seen or sensed him - with all these people individual scents were probably hard to pick up. And he wasn't sure how effective her senses were when she wasn't in 'vampire mode' anyway.
These people are eager to hear about marvels. Well, they have a real one in their midst: a genuine vampire, or half-vampire anyway. Half is enough of a marvel.
Now he was close enough to hear them. One of the men, with dark hair and the silver cane, was saying, "Please let me purchase you some refreshment, Mrs Harker. Or at least find you a chair."
Tom could tell that her smile was strained. "I thank you for your offers, but my beau should be along at any moment."
Beau? Does she mean me?
The dark haired man frowned a little, as if thinking that he should easily be a match for this potential threat, in any department. Great, Tom thought.
Then Mina spotted him. "And here he is now." She stepped forward with a lovely smile on her face. "Tom."
Relief that I'm about to rescue her from these idiots or genuinely glad to see me because she feels for me or what? Whatever it was, the smile did set his heart quickening.
Immediately Tom played along, hoping he was reading the situation correctly. He gave her the same type of smile back, which was easy enough. "There you are, Mina. Did you enjoy the lecture?" He came up and offered his arm.
She took it and replied gaily, "Oh yes, it was most informative. I'm so glad we came. The speaker was very interesting, and I met these two gentlemen in there."
Introductions were quickly made. The man with the silver cane was the son of a duke. Both emphasised their own scientific credentials, as if trying to one-up Tom. Mina had introduced him to these Englishmen as "Mr", because as much as he would like to see the surprise on their stuffy faces, his Secret Service career could only be revealed on a 'need to know' basis. So outside of the Nautilus the rest of the League and Nemo's crew knew not to address him as "Agent", and to use the broader term of 'law enforcement' for his career, if asked.
"You're American," came from the fairer-haired man.
And you're stating the blooming obvious, Tom thought. He was very tempted to reply, "No, we all speak like this in my corner of Surrey."
Mina engineered their swift departure from the company of those men, managing it with consummate politeness.
She did not make any move to unlink their arms once they were out of sight of the two. Because she likes me or because she wants to keep up the cover for now?
Once they were out of the building, Mina said, "Tom, thank you. I'm sorry -"
"Hey, that's the nicest undercover role I've had so far in my career."
"Well, I'm sorry that I dragged us out of there without stopping at the tearoom, but I didn't want to chance having to put up with the two of them any more. Talk about complete bores! Shall we go somewhere else or back to the Nautilus?"
Tom didn't want the afternoon's excursion to end just yet. "I'm sure you could recommend a good tearoom. Lead on."
xXx
Mina did indeed know a very nice place, and once they had found a table and placed their orders, she excused herself for a few minutes.
Tom sat watching the people passing outside while musing over what had happened at the Society. Then when Mina returned to the table he got up and held out her seat for her.
"What were you thinking about just then?" she asked as they settled in their chairs. She looked somewhat amused at herself for being so forward, but that did not dim her curiosity.
He hesitated, but those eyes were on him and he found himself telling the truth, with a slightly embarrassed flush on his cheeks. "Those guys back at the Marvel Society. Just how it must be for you to have men acting like that all the time. Flattering to a point, but also annoying."
"I imagine you must have the same problem to a degree too." At his surprised expression, she continued, "I saw jealous looks from some women while we were arm in arm. And you also have another burden too - not just in your looks versus brains, but also in people considering you to still be a boy or lacking in experience because of how young you appear."
"Ah. Yes, there is that at times. I guess we all have our crosses to bear in life."
Mina smiled. She looked down at the sugar bowl, then back up at him. "On the Nautilus, soon after Doctor Jekyll joined the League, you asked if there was anything I required. I was very abrupt with you."
Tom blushed again at the memory. Is she reading my mind? "You had every right to be."
"Not really. It is just that Dorian had only not more than ten seconds before tried to see if he and I could take up our prior relationship."
Talk about great timing. "I'm sor-"
She held up a hand to silence the spy. "It did mean that I was not in a very good temper, but there was no way you could have known."
"Well, there are worse things in the world than being considered very young and very sweet," he replied with a grin. "I can deal with that. And accept it. Better than the opposite, anyway."
Though he couldn't help thinking that if she did think him too young for her, well, he WAS going to age and she probably wasn't, so he would catch up with her at some point. He could have a chance with her then.
Don't I ever give up? And I'd catch up with her, sure, but I'd also surpass her too!
Unaware of his thoughts, Mina was still talking about that particular exchange between them. "You said then that you were good at light banter," she reminded him. "I'd quite like some now. After all the rush of what we've been through and the trip home, it would be very welcome."
So as they had their cups of tea and pastries, he did just that, seemingly successfully, though he did not dominate the conversation like he would have in his youth. Mina did not giggle at anything he said - much to his relief and he doubted she was capable of giggling anyway, hardly an empty-headed miss like those others. But when she laughed it was genuine, and that was the most important thing.
xXx
Back on the ship two hours later, Tom and Mina stopped outside her quarters. They had not linked arms for the walk back, but that was all right. The American was happy with what today had done for their friendship instead. They had spent that time telling each other about Petrie and Curie's talks.
"Thank you for letting me know about the lecture and coming along, Tom. This afternoon did me a lot of good."
And we're on first name basis. That's good.
"We might be able to go to more lectures tomorrow, but Nemo thinks the Queen's representative will come then," Tom said and unconsciously brushed his hair out of his eyes again.
This action caused Mina to tilt her head slightly to the side, studying him, before saying, "Tom, would you like me to give you a haircut?"
"If you can - yes please. The last thing I need is for it to get in the way when I need to make an important shot."
"All right. Some time during the next few days then? I can make sure that I have everything necessary."
xXx
The Queen's representative did indeed come that next day and proved to be rather officious and time-consuming. But he thanked the League and presented them with a sizeable and very unexpected amount of gold and some beautiful antiques.
Tom would have liked to have met Queen Victoria, but he knew that the full League would never be allowed to - the risk of having Hyde or a vampire anywhere near the Sovereign . . . . Her bodyguards would never permit it.
Though fortunately Hyde was granted his amnesty, as long as he continued to serve the Crown when required. So Jekyll was free, in one sense at least.
The representative informed them that a special clandestine meeting of Parliament with the British Secret Service was to be convened, where the possibility of them becoming an official, on-call League would be discussed. This would most likely take place within the next few weeks, and they would be contacted and informed of the decision.
We'll have buried Quatermain by then, well and truly, Tom realised. So I wonder where we'll be when the message comes. Still together? Scattered back to our ends of the globe after deciding this was a once only outing?
Another thing Tom found himself pondering was who would lead the League if they did continue. Today Mina and Nemo had shared the duty of welcoming and talking with the representative, with occasional questions or comments from himself and Jekyll.
xXx
With the Nautilus emptied of her passengers, the League now had time and energy to meet together for most meals, instead of just dinner or at random.
Mina entered the dining room for lunch and saw that Nemo and Jekyll were there. "I just passed Agent Sawyer. He said he will be here in fifteen minutes but please not to wait for him. I think he wants to freshen up after his exercising." With the Queen's representative staying so long the day before, she had not had a chance to give Tom his haircut and was not sure if today would work out either, since there were errands she wanted to do this afternoon.
The men stood for her and then all sat down. "I was about to ask Doctor Jekyll about Mr Skinner's condition," Nemo said.
Henry replied, "The speed of his healing is incredible. The burns are still there but nowhere near as bad as they still should be. At this rate, it will not be long before I will allow him to make an excursion outside the infirmary, for a meal or visit with us, even if he is borne by stretcher here as a precaution and then back, just to make sure he isn't worn out."
"He will love that," Mina said. "He will either grumble or let it go to his head, pretending he is a king in a sedan chair. But that is wonderful news."
"If this keeps up, he will be able to attend Quatermain's funeral without a problem."
"And now we can all catch up on some rest and relaxation since our charges have disembarked," came from Nemo.
Jekyll gave a tired smile. "We won't know what to do with ourselves. Things are so quiet and sedate."
Nemo nodded. "Even though they had their troublesome moments, I do miss the children. And the only time I have seen Thomas laugh or smile lately was when he played with them."
That gave them all pause, especially Mina.
"Though compared to how he was before Mongolia, it's a fraction of how he used to be," Nemo continued, looking over at Tom's usual chair.
Jekyll put down his cutlery, now not as interested in starting his meal. "I've noticed that Skinner has been able to make him laugh, but you're right, nothing like before."
Mina thought, And what have I done in that regard? Nothing. I've been too wrapped up in my own problems, and let Tom go along as if a light has been extinguished in him.
"I think he might leave us after Africa," Nemo announced worriedly. "After the funeral, he may think he no longer has a place with us."
There was a pause as the three looked at each other with concern growing in their faces. The conversation had suddenly become a miniature 'Sawyer summit'.
The doctor asked, "Has anyone talked to Tom about Quatermain or the loss of his friend?" He had seen Tom and Mina together on several occasions, like their excursion to the Marvel Society, and assumed that she had raised the matter with him during one or some of those times.
"I tried, but I probably didn't push hard enough or persist enough," Mina said, feeling even guiltier about her own distraction of late.
Nemo stroked his beard. "I planned to have a martial arts lesson with Agent Sawyer later today. I will endeavour to talk to him then."
xXx
Tom and Nemo faced each other on one of the large exercise mats in the gymnasium. Tang stood watching them.
The Captain's back was now fine. He had intended to come along during the voyage to London to at least watch some of the lessons, but that plan had not worked out.
He said, "All right, Agent Sawyer. I would like to see what you have learned so far. See if you can block these moves."
Here goes. . . .
Nemo attacked and Tom put all his skills to use in defending himself. Some of the blows did hit home, but only a mild number considering how many were coming at him.
Then Nemo ordered him to attack. Back and forth they went, Tom doing a good job of holding his ground, until finally the Captain called a halt.
"I am impressed. You are determined and dedicated. Now that I have more time, on our way to Africa I will take you for every second lesson."
"I'd be honoured," Tom replied. I wonder how much he was holding back though. After all, he's been doing this for decades and I've only just started. So I'm sure I wasn't getting the full force, or I'd be flat on my back with broken bones.
Afterwards they sat catching their breath. On a signal from Nemo, Tang bowed and left, knowing that the Captain wanted some private time with their American student.
Tom watched the Asian man go. He was glad Tang was still going to take him for half the lessons. He enjoyed them and the stories the man told of his homeland's history and customs. He was lucky to have two such expert instructors to help him.
"I am having a new and improved version of my automobile made," Nemo revealed. "When it is built and we get to an appropriate section of land, which will not be Africa, unfortunately, I would like you to test it."
"I crashed the last one," Tom reminded him.
"Yes, on our orders and to save a city. Besides, I already had the plans drawn up for another automobile and that gave me the perfect chance to have it done."
Surely there's room for two or more of them in this floating museum! "All right. That first one was great to drive. When it wasn't being shot at, of course."
After a few more minutes of conversation, Nemo asked a question that puzzled Tom.
"Have you ever heard of the battle of Thermopylae?"
"No, I don't think so. Why?"
"It was back in 480 BC in Greece, when three hundred Spartan soldiers were ordered to hold a narrow pass through which the invading Persians were coming. It was basically a suicide mission, with the hope that those few Spartans could delay the multitude of Persians enough for reinforcements to arrive. They did their duty with honour, dying to the last man, and taking down an incredible amount of the enemy in the process. It is a perfect example of how a small group can make such a difference."
"And you're telling me this for what reason? You're comparing the League to them?"
"That, but more so this: it was recorded that before the fighting began, an informant talked to the Spartans. He said the Persians numbered so many that when they fired their arrows, they blotted out the sun. A Spartan soldier named Dienekes replied, 'Good, then we shall fight in the shade'." Nemo gave Tom a look. "His outlook reminds me of you."
"Why thank you." Tom chuckled lightly. "Nice to be put in such company."
Nemo nodded, then said, "Thomas, I would like to speak to you about Mr Quatermain."
The American shifted uncomfortably, all amusement gone immediately. "Yes?"
"You did not know each other for very long, but it was clear that he quickly came to think of you like a son." A sadness came into Nemo's eyes. "I was a father - my family was killed a number of years ago - and I could see how proud he was of you, especially in rallying us when we had given up hope. I could recognise the feeling and the look because I had given them myself to my own children."
Tom stared at him. Just like when Quatermain had revealed to him about his own loss, he was unsure of what to say or do. His mind was also absorbing Nemo's observation. And then the Captain continued on.
"He would not have wanted the situation to have been reversed, with you dying instead. Your optimism survived your friend's death. Allan Quatermain would hate to be the reason for its loss now."
Tom could feel a lump developing in his throat. "Thanks," he managed to get out. Surreptitiously he squeezed his thigh with his thumb and index finger, trying to use the slight pain as a distraction from the memories and feelings that were suddenly rearing up.
Nemo was watching his face closely. "I too felt guilt about my family's deaths. But I try to live in the now and make that count; it honours their memory. If you need someone to talk to at any time, I am here. As are the others too."
"I know that. I appreciate it. I'm - I'm just not ready yet."
"Sometimes by the time you feel ready, it is actually too late. Do not let it get to that point." The Captain patted him on the shoulder and got up to leave.
END PART FIVE