Chapter 8 - Shrouded Ghosts
The Nautilus (Baltimore Port), America
(Continued)

Sawyer had seen some strange things in his life; in the last few weeks alone he'd seen giant submarines, vampires, monsters, and even immortals. Still, what he now saw had to be a first. The attack had made the interior of the Nautilus look like it was made of tin. It was something Sawyer didn't think was possible. Nemo's men were busy mending the walls of the ship where the monster had dented them, but the damage was still visible in places where work had not started.

The corridor had several hallways that branched out from the main path. The metal walls had been dented and torn. At places where an explosion had been, the nuts and bolts had been ripped off, leaving the sheets of metal blocking some doorways, so one had to duck and squeeze to get through. The men were working to get them all replaced. Mending the engines had taken priority since the attack. Sawyer made a mental note to help them clean up later. He liked working with Nemo's men; all of them were good to talk to. He enjoyed the company.

"I know you said those things did a lot of damage, but I didn't expect it to be this bad," Sawyer remarked half-heartedly. The atmosphere was so heavy and embittered due to recent events. Sawyer hoped he could break the ice, even if only a little.
"This is nothing compared to the engine room, whoever decided to pay us a visit didn't want us following anytime soon. They set off a bomb," Skinner replied. "We're lucky we didn't go down."

As Sawyer examined the corridors, he tried to picture the beast charging through and smashing up the ship. The monster must have been quite a size to inflict so much damage. It was unnerving how much power a man was capable of harnessing with a few vials of a formula.

Sawyer's blood boiled at the thought of Nemo being the target of such a horrific attack. Why? Why Nemo of all people? A logical suggestion came to Sawyer quickly: his science. Nemo was without a doubt one of the cleverest men alive. No engineer Sawyer knew in the Secret Service even came close to the captain. From what Sawyer knew alone, Nemo could speak French, Latin, English, and German- perhaps even more. He alone had created the world's first submarine and automobile; he had kept this ship safe for decades whilst remaining untraced and was a master of mathematics, science, and engineering. Nemo's skills in combat were rarely challenged, he moved as smoothly as his hands across his beloved organ. With or without a sword in his hand, Nemo was a force to be reckoned with.

What Sawyer could never get over was that this was the tip of the iceberg. Nemo was far more important than just being a mode of transportation and supply of men like many would have cancelled him down into being.

But why was such barbarism needed in his capture and why was he taken now of all times? From what Skinner had told him, he had lost his sword early in the fight and hand to hand combat would not have gotten Nemo very far. That meant violence wasn't necessary. So why did that one monster have to almost kill him? Was it in the monster's nature or part of some twisted plan?

Sawyer kept these unanswerable questions to the back of his mind to answer later. He would learn soon enough, no doubt. There was not much to decipher in this scene. The walls were so gnawed and damaged he didn't know what to make of it. He had no knowledge of hunting and tracking things to make sense of something that way. Sawyer wished Quatermain was here to help. He would have been able to make some sense of all this. However, his wish went unanswered. He would have to rely on himself and what remained of the League to solve this mystery.

He turned his attention to the double doors that lead to the library. He wondered what carnage would be inside. So far Sawyer had come up with no leads whatsoever; It concerned him. What if he was to fail the captain? No, he would find something, even if it was something small. It was still early days; he had to try to remain optimistic about this for everyone's sake.

The metal doors were watertight, designed to link together and make a strong seal- a safety measure should the observation window give way underwater for whatever reason. However, unlike the rest, the Indian God, Ganesha, stuck out of the doors. The carving was then surrounded with small Indian patterns, like what was on the exterior of the Nautilus. Mina had once mentioned to him who the elephant-like God was before, he was the God of wisdom and new beginnings.

Nemo obviously loved the library if he was able to put so much effort into making some doors. Sawyer knew exactly what was engraved beneath Ganesha:

Mobilis in Mobili.

Sawyer's Latin wasn't the best but Jekyll had roughly translated it for him. It meant "moving amidst mobility", "moving within the moving element", or "changing in the changes", either one suited the Nautilus in Sawyer's opinion. He stopped abruptly and his brow furrowed. The doors had been undamaged. How on Earth had the doors survived the attack after all the damage that had been caused elsewhere?

"I'll take it that the doors have been replaced?" he assumed.
"Why, no… In fact, we haven't touched them," Jekyll answered, also catching onto the strange fact.
Sawyer was taken aback. He pointed to the dented walls and then the doors. "Then… why? Why would you cut off all that momentum and power to just open some doors, especially when you're capable of all this?"

"It is very peculiar… The main idea running through such a monster's mind is destruction, so I don't see why it was left unscathed either," Jekyll explained, almost as puzzled as Sawyer. Jekyll was most likely to come up with an explanation for this strange incident. He knew how the formula worked more than anyone. Sawyer left that question for him to solve for now.

Initially, Sawyer had seen Hyde as a big monkey- a very dangerous monkey that almost killed him once or twice, had it not been for Quatermain. As time passed, his opinion had changed, although not quite as much as he wished. He now knew that Hyde was willing to spare the crew and League, as long as he was 'allowed out' so to speak. Hyde seemed to prefer a challenge than squishing harmless little ants with next to no effort. He hoped he stayed that way.

Whoever took Nemo would not be getting away with this. There were ways to take Nemo if they saw it to be essential and not for someone's personal desires. Almost killing him did not fit into that category. That was unnecessary cruelty, and Sawyer was not going to let it stand. He shook his head. He had to stay focused.

"I'm going to need to know what happened here with as much detail as possible. No assumptions, just the facts," Sawyer replied, a glimmer of determination in his eyes. Skinner scratched his head, not sure where to begin. The rather blank expressions of Mina and Jekyll's face carried the same answer.

"Is it really that important?" Skinner thought out loud, not actually expecting a reply.
"There's more to this than you think, Skinner. We need to find out as much as we can about these people. Don't try to tell me that leaving the door alone isn't odd."
"Well, yes but that thing could barely fit through that doorway-"
"All the more reason to charge through," Sawyer insisted.

Jekyll cleared his throat. "We are trying to solve a puzzle without letting people see the puzzle pieces in our hands. We all saw something different that night. Sawyer is right. We should all say what we have witnessed and work together to come up with an accurate story. A solution might just emerge."

Everyone knew what Jekyll was implying: putting unnecessary pressure onto Sawyer was hardly fair. Sawyer's line of work could only help the League so much. He was an agent- not a detective. It would take all of the League to solve this mystery.

Sawyer and Skinner looked at each other, agreeing. The tension and worry of everyone onboard was still hanging in the air. Even though the two had not actually been arguing, it was tiny, insignificant confrontations like this that would be happening frequently until Nemo was returned. Jekyll feared that these confrontations would grow; if the situation happened to get any more stressful and it was very likely to do so. More conflicts were something they could ill afford.

"Mr Sawyer, Sir?" Ishmael inquired from a few feet away.
"Yes, Ishmael. I'll be with you in a moment," Sawyer smiled, turning to face him.
"Aye, Sir."

Jekyll snapped out of his thoughts as Sawyer replied, "Ishmael has something to show me and then we'll have to put our heads together. I won't take too long. Please, uh, excuse me a minute." Sawyer dipped his head and went over to Ishmael. Jekyll, Mina, and Skinner exchanged confused glances but did not follow. With the way Sawyer spoke, it was clear this was a private matter. Instead, they went into the library and began to think of what they would tell him.

"Ready?" Sawyer asked.
"Aye sir, right this way." Sawyer followed Ishmael without a word. They seemed to be heading towards the crew men's rooms. He drew deep breaths of the clean air he had come to recognise as he walked, familiarising himself with his second home once again. The Nautilus, the League, he had missed it all so much, despite the sorrow now encased within.

"Where are we going, Ishmael?"
"The Captain's quarters, sir. It will be easier for me to show you rather than explain." In all honesty, going to Nemo's room surprised Sawyer. This matter did seem to be very private if it was hidden away as it was. The fact Ishmael was reluctant to share this information definitely made it seem to be a matter that only Ishmael and Nemo knew about.

Ishmael opened a plain door on his left. He clearly did not want to be intruding on the captain's privacy, but both Ishmael and Sawyer knew it was necessary. Sawyer had never thought about what Nemo's room would look like, but if he were to guess, that mask of self - pride that Nemo wore so skillfully would have gotten the better of him.

Inside Nemo's room, there was a small bed tucked away in the corner of the room. It was clear that sleep was not something he held in high regard. His ship, however, was. The walls of his room were almost identical to that of the bridge, with working copies of the instruments placed on the main wall. Sawyer also noted a telegraph in the corner. It meant Nemo could keep an eye on his ship without being present.

Not far from the bed, there was a small wooden chest, a set of drawers and a wardrobe, all a matching set. They seemed to be very old, and not produced by the sea. They looked to be of French design, which surprised Sawyer. Perhaps Nemo had not cut every tie between him and the surface world after all. Maybe some precious memories had been preserved from his mysterious past.

Despite all the Nautilus' splendour and wealth, Nemo did not treat himself as royalty like it was so easy to do. His room was in a lesser state than Sawyer's. Nemo kept it clean and everything was well organised, but it was not special. It didn't surprise Sawyer in the slightest now that he actually thought about it. Nemo's priority was his crew and the welfare of the ship, his own needs acted more like a burden. He didn't spend time resting in his room.

This was the Nemo that Sawyer knew and admired. The man who dreamed and achieved the impossible. The Nautilus was Nemo's life; neither could live without the other. It made Sawyer all the more determined to return their captain.

Sawyer's attention returned to Ishmael. He had crouched down beside the wooden chest. His eyes were filled with a strange sorrow, as though he was pained by what he was doing. Sawyer turned his head away as Ishmael moved the numbers on the lock to the right code and lifted the lid. It creaked as if in protest at being opened by someone other than it's master. The fact Ishmael knew the code made Sawyer raise an eyebrow. Nemo really did trust Ishmael with everything.

A thought struck Sawyer: did anyone else know the code? Then again, if someone had enough time they could figure out the code without help. They would have to have skill at picking locks. It occurred to Sawyer that the odds were not in Skinner's favour. But he believed him.

Ishmael looked around for an object inside the chest. He retrieved a simple leather-bound book. The book looked like it had been looked after with great care. It was not something Sawyer imagined the captain possessing. What was in this book that was so important to Nemo to cause such an infuriated reaction to come from him?

Sawyer crouched down beside Ishmael to get a closer look at it. Was this where the answer lay?
"Is this what was stolen?" he asked, as Ishmael handed it to him with the utmost care.
"Aye, sir. It never leaves this room so for someone to have stolen it was the only option. We found it again just outside the bridge after the captain asked Mr Skinner about it," Ishmael explained.

Sawyer knew what Ishmael was implying. He thought Skinner was responsible for the temporary theft and that, having seen Nemo's reaction, Skinner had placed it where Nemo would find it again. Still, Sawyer disagreed. Skinner had been accused once before and was in fact not guilty. His cunning ability and overall sneakiness caused almost everyone to never fully trust Skinner. His curiosity could often get the better of him but he doubted Skinner would go so far. Besides, even if it was him, he would have admitted to it; he wouldn't lie about something so serious.

Staring at the book with interest, Sawyer could tell just how well Nemo cared for this book. The pages had not been plagued with mould and damp like it was so easy to do. The leather itself was in sublime condition as was the paper inside.

"What is in the book that's so important, Ishmael? Why would anyone want to take it?" he continued. Sawyer did not look inside it, he guessed that even knowing of its existence was a great invasion of privacy. Still, Sawyer wanted answers; he was itching with curiosity but for the meanwhile, he could hold.

Ishmael took a long while to reply, trying to find the right words from what Sawyer could tell. "I don't know why someone would want it. This book is the captain's... last memories of the world above him. I assume you know why Nemo left the surface world in the first place?"

Sawyer wracked his brain for anything he knew. He was surprised and disappointed at himself for the lack of knowledge he actually possessed about Nemo.
"I… Not really," Sawyer admitted.
Ishmael drew a measured breath. "Captain Nemo's family was murdered… he is the last of his bloodline. This belonged to his daughter, Janni." Ishmael's face darkened with grief, thinking of something that disturbed him.

Sawyer was stunned. He swallowed back his alarm and horror of hearing such an answer. "I see… That explains its importance, but why would someone go through the trouble of unlocking the chest in the first place?" Sawyer continued, more to himself. He knew he was walking all over a very tender area for Ishmael. He couldn't push too hard if it could be avoided. "I don't know, Mr Sawyer. I really don't know."

Sawyer allowed the news to sink in. This book, there had to be something to it that had sparked some interest to someone. If Skinner did not take it, then there was a high possibility that the intruder had searched for this book. But why?

"Is… anything of value written inside?" Sawyer wondered.
"Well, no, not to any other man. It was just things that Janni drew, pictures and the like. She had her parents' talent for drawing, poor lass."
"She didn't draw anything that someone could want, nothing like that?"

Ishmael shook his head. "I only ever saw her draw patterns, maybe a scene, but she was too young for anything too complex… some of her drawings Nemo was able to add to the Nautilus' design." A smile weakly appeared on Ishmael's face before fading away again. "We were sure to keep her from knowing anything that would have put her in harm's way…"

Sawyer furrowed his brow. "We?" He wanted to stop questioning him. He could see the sadness he was drawing up to the surface. It was unfair on the first mate. Despite that, he had to continue- he needed answers and there was no other way for the meanwhile.
Ishmael cleared his throat. "I was there, a few others as well… I'd rather leave it at that, sir. It is still too painful."

Despite the blankness in his mind, one theory that Sawyer thought of would not go away no matter how much he tried to reject the idea. He had seen his fair share of this sort of thing and whether he liked it or not, Sawyer couldn't deny it ticked all the boxes. "Ishmael, when Nemo chose to stay hidden on the Nautilus, was there anyone he left behind? Any enemies at all?"

"No, the one bastard we had trouble with was killed. Nemo saw to that. Why do you ask?
"Just… Something like this could have been used to send a message, I guess."

Ishmael straightened his back "I'm not sure if I follow, Mr Sawyer."

"I mean it could be a sort of threat, I suppose, but it's only an idea. Anyone could have taken it, but with something so personal and private as this… well, it could be someone closer than we think. I mean it seems strange that a few hours later you were attacked. I was wondering if there was someone like that to give us a hint about who's responsible for all this. With no one knowing about Nemo's daughter, there's no way for them to know the book's value to Nemo. I think this is more important than Skinner pickpocketing and wandering about."

Ishmael and Sawyer were silent for a while. Sawyer watched as Ishmael's face darkened. "If it is a message, it could only come from one man. But, as I told you, he is dead. I don't know what to think anymore, Mr Sawyer. I really don't..."
"Don't worry, Ishmael, we're making progress, that's all we can ask for the time being. Maybe we should go back to the rest of the League and we'll piece things together there."

Ishmael nodded and took the book back, returning it to its rightful place with the utmost care. He seemed reluctant to take his hand off the leather cover. Despite his words of motivation, Sawyer felt he was no further forward with this case than when he just stepped out of the automobile. It was disheartening to say the least. He felt they were close, and yet so far away.

Sawyer and Ishmael left Nemo's room. Other than the metal clanking beneath their feet as they walked and muffled voices at the end of the corridors there was no noise. Sawyer wanted to ask Ishmael more questions as they walked, but he knew the conversation they had was meant to remain unheard. If Ishmael could help it he would not have spoken a word of it in the first place.

"Thank you, Ishmael; it could still be important information. I won't mention a word of this to anyone," Sawyer smiled as the two came up to the library.
"Thank you, Mr Sawyer. I appreciate it. But if you feel you need to return to that room you may... Would you like for me to come with you to the library?"
"If you can, Ishmael. You still might know something that no one else does."

Upon arriving at the library, Sawyer found everyone to be waiting. Mina and Jekyll had sat down on padded fabric seats with a cup of tea. Skinner was on the second floor. He'd left his hat downstairs whilst he looked around. Maybe Skinner was onto something, after all, he had mentioned it in the Automobile.

"Is everything alright?" Mina asked Sawyer.
"Yes, hopefully, we can figure this out now," he replied.

If Nemo had seen his beloved library in this state, Sawyer could only imagine his reaction. Barely anything was left intact in the massive room: bookcases were upturned and smashed to pieces, the books they once held were in no better of a condition. Nemo's organ had not been spared from the fight; it too lay destroyed. That annoyed Sawyer the most, playing the organ was one of Nemo's favourite things to do. At least the second floor was undamaged, save for the absence of all the expensive-looking artwork. That in itself was very strange.

"Skinner, are you coming down? We need to sort this out," Sawyer called, pushing himself away from his anger. He had learned long ago getting annoyed helped no one.
"In a minute, just start without me. I'm seeing if that crafty swine left anything."
Sawyer was about to nod until the reality of what Skinner had said registered in his head. "Wait, what are you talking about?"
"There was a third man up here for a while. He might have left something behind. I forgot to look."

Sawyer nodded and took a seat beside Jekyll whilst Ishmael remained standing close to Sawyer. His hands perched on his vest, as was his custom.

One by one, Sawyer gained each League member's knowledge of what happened. He listened to what each of them had to say, encouraging them with occasional questions. It was obvious that he had a bit of practice at this sort of thing. He struggled not to react at hearing the pain all of the League had gone through, especially Mina. She hadn't been able to keep her injury from him despite her clear attempts. Skinner told his story from up on the second floor, he was looking between the odd book and occasionally flicking through the pages to make sure no clues had been left.

The repaired observation window caught Sawyer's eye, reminding him of something. "They escaped through that window, didn't they?" he asked.
"Yes, there was a boat waiting for them when they arrived," replied Jekyll.
"Was there anything different about it, or even a name? Anything we could go on?" Sawyer asked.

"Well," Jekyll began. "It wasn't like a normal wooden boat. It was covered in metal sheeting. Hyde didn't get very close and can't recall much-"
"I think there was a flag," Mina stated quietly.
"There was?" Sawyer asked. Hope and excitement flooding into his eyes. He leaned forward. This could be the one clue they needed.
Mina nodded."Yes, I remember it now. It was not the flag of a nation- more like an individual."

"Can you describe or draw it?"
"She doesn't have to," Skinner called out. "I think I have it. Looks like our little friends want a hunt after all. They left this on the Madonna of the Meadow. It was the only picture they left behind- even if they did leave it in the corner."
"The Madonna..." Ishmael murmured.

Sawyer didn't have time to question it. Skinner sped down the stairs and over to where the League was sat. They stared at him in bewilderment and amazement. Unrolling the rag, he laid it on the small table in front of them, a triumphant grin on his face.
"Yes, yes, that was it," Mina confirmed.

Ishmael took several steps back in alarm, stammering inaudible sentences as he did. Sawyer turned in his chair to look at him. He was wild-eyed and grey-faced.
"Ishmael?" he said, seeing the horror that had carved its way into him.

Ishmael held onto the back of Sawyer's chair to steady himself. His other hand covered his mouth. He swallowed hard. "N. no… Not that. It. It can't be! Anyone but him. It's impossible- there has to be a mistake! He was killed, he can't..." Ishmael looked as though he had seen a ghost, and judging from how he acted, Sawyer realised he quite literally had.

Jekyll jumped up from his seat and guided Ishmael into his chair, noticing a slight tremble in his legs. Ishmael never broke eye contact with the rag for a split second. Sawyer got up and crouched down in front of Ishmael, blocking his view from the flag and ultimately gaining his attention. Jekyll stayed standing, watching over the first mate, ready to take further action. Sawyer looked Ishmael in the eye, settling him down enough with his calm attitude for him to ask questions.

"Easy, Ishmael… Who does it belong to?" he asked gently. He summoned all his confidence and calmness into his voice. He needed a straightforward answer as soon as possible. He hoped that he could inspire Ishmael with some courage. He had never acted like this before.

Sawyer recognised the flag, it was in the one he had seen in the booklet at the Secret Service before Skinner came. The golden sun and stars on a black background. For the first time ever, Sawyer wished he had done the paperwork. He internally groaned, knowing he would have to return to his office to get the information- and the scolding of a lifetime.

The first mate did not answer the question.
"We really need to know so we can help Nemo. Who does this belong to?" Sawyer said, picking up the rag and holding it up to Ishmael. "Trust me, Ishmael. Come on."
Swallowing hard, Ishmael was able to summon an answer. "It belonged to Robur. Robur the Conqueror, they called him. He was a madman and a murderer. Whoever is hiding behind his name... they will kill Nemo."

Sawyer paused as facts linked into place. Had Robur killed Nemo's family? "Is this the man you mentioned before? The one you thought was dead?"
"He is dead. But yes. He is the one."
"Can you think of anyone who may have taken over from him?"
Ishmael pulled a face, pondering the possibility. "No… I knew little of him, though he was married, he had no children that I know of. Perhaps his crew or even her..."

"Skinner, you said the Madonna of the Meadow was the only painting left alone?"
"Yes. It was tucked away to the side, not that hard to find."
Sawyer looked back at Ishmael "Does that mean anything to you?"
"When we first bought it, it was stolen by a young French lad. But that had nothing to do with Robur. I really don't understand any of this, Mr Sawyer. None of this makes any sense."

If Ishmael was acting like this over the threat of a ghost, Sawyer couldn't help but worry for Nemo. How would he react to knowing this? Ishmael looked like he was going to be sick and yet seemed furious. Just what had this… Robur been capable of? How did his name emerge now of all times? There were so many questions that flooded his mind. Sawyer intended to find out the answer to every last one.

"Alright," he murmured, patting Ishmael's arm and standing up. "Try not to worry. We'll get to the bottom of this. Jekyll, can you keep an eye on him? I need to get back to the Secret Service, there's a case file about that flag on my desk. I think we're onto something." He held the flag tight in his hand. Ishmael resumed staring at it like it was ready to bite him with venomous jaws. Jekyll nodded without a word, sparing a nervous glance towards the rag. Sawyer put it in his pocket to keep it safe.

"Does this mean we get to see who won the bet?" Skinner asked, knowing what to expect for Sawyer when he got there.
"Yes, we'll end up bumping into Mr White, but this is more important."
Skinner picked up his hat. "Well, best not waste time," he answered.
Sawyer stood and left the room with Skinner as Jekyll and Mina helped to steady the first mate.

A strong determination filled inside the spy, he knew what to expect when he got back and he wouldn't be able to prevent it. It didn't matter to him, nothing was going to stand in his way of finding Nemo, it would take more than Mr White's screaming to keep him away. Sawyer knew one thing, whoever took Nemo was going to pay.