JADE

Chapter 1

“We’ll be required to reposition ourselves on the left bank, near the cliffs. I’ve deduced that, so long as we keep the ship far enough away from the cliff itself, it will be both the safest, and the most opportune port for an ambush,” Americus cast his crew a grin and twisted sharply, causing the hover pack to emit a sharp groan that made the front row jump. He flapped a hand dismissively and carried on, pointing to the map,” We’ll be able to attack from the points here, here, and…here. So the Seehund and Sternfische should keep to the east bank…” War tactics. If Americus hadn’t been picked up by the Doctor he would have said he had better things to do. As it was, dull as his maps and his charts were, this was his job. Not quite as amusing as ‘standing’ attentively in front of his ship, watching the waves pass over his head. But Americus was never one to skive off of his duties. His finished his lecture plainly, cast a keen glance over his sailors, and dismissed them all to the port. They understood what to do, and that was really the only important bit. Regardless, Americus’ skin was starting to dry out, and the hover pack was digging uncomfortably into his dorsal fin. He didn’t like being out of water this long. Things started to malfunction all over his body. They really should have found someone else to report his findings for him. Never-the-less, it was really rather quick work to get from the main office down to his own quarters, and Americus soon found himself immersed in the cool water of his on-ship tank. Unfortunately devoid of fish, rocks, and interesting underwater plants, but much better than hovering about over aluminum floors for an hour. He unhooked his hover pack and his breathing apparatus and chucked both over the side, heedless of any damage he might have caused. Awful machines deserved it. A knock sounded at the door. Americus planted his hands on the edge of the glass and narrowed his eyes a little. Who in heavens…? Well, never mind that. “Come in! She’s unlocked.” The door inched open quietly. A stranger walked in. It took Americus a moment to realize that the awkward looking man in front of him belonged on his ship – if only for the next few weeks – as he wasn’t one of the crew. Nor a trainee, nor a commanding officer. Friedreich. The doctor’s little reporter. Well, Americus had nothing to hide! He offered the fellow a grin and lounged back against the side of his tank, waving his hand toward the cushions lining it. He didn’t need them himself, but guests always appreciated the gesture. Or, they did subconsciously. Americus doubted very many of them realized he’d never had any need for cushions or chairs. One needs legs for that. And perhaps, more importantly, a derriere. Friedreich had placed his in the furthest cushion, looking a little awkward. Probably hadn’t run into a Nix before. They weren’t Krum’s most popular experiment. “Hungry at all? There’s a fridge in the back. Might be a kettle, too.” “Oh, no. But thank-you,” Friedriech adjusted his glasses and took something out of his jacket pocket, fumbling with it,” I’m actually here to inform you that I’ll be leaving within the next few hours. The report for you ship is excellent, and you’re quite a capable captain,” he looked like he wanted to say more, and Americus swam forward eagerly. Whatever he had to say, some insult or condition of sort, was swallowed. What he did say surprised Americus even more. “But you’ll be leaving with me.” Americus balked a little, jerking back,” Will I?” “Orders from Dr. Krum, unfortunately on paper or I’d show you…you, and a few others from Kolor have been sent to…bond dragons. Krum found a suitably aquatic clutch for your particular needs, and he’s stated you are one of his best Nix.” Americus frowned, despite the compliment,” I am to be going to battle shortly…” “Yes…yes. Unfortunately Krum has ordered us to leave in the immediate. We shouldn’t be gone long.” While the prospect of bonding a dragon – an aquatic one, like himself – was a pleasant one, Americus wasn’t fond of leaving his men without their captain. “Dr. Krum’s orders, Captain Jung.” He looked quite apologetic, and awkward enough as it was. Americus decided to take it easy on him. He’d send a nasty letter to the doctor later. “If you give me a moment to hook myself up again, I’ll be with you momentarily.” Friedreich nodded, letting out a little smile. Ah, what Americus did to make people happy!