Episode 10

Chapter 24: Jacob

Personal log (voice), J. J. Stone, Captain of the Hades, 9:19pm, October 29th 2006.

I must be seriously insane.

Crazier than anybody has yet accused me of being.

There can be no other reason for what I'm doing tonight.

I hit a few more keystrokes. I had another problem. I was once invited to this party. However I was not sure the guest of honor wanted me there today. Good thing it was a costume party. I had already changed into my costume. A wooden leg encasing my bad leg and some makeup complemented the costume I couldn't use last year due to the flu. I would go as Pegleg Jack.

At least Colt was being quiet.

Then again I had not spoken two words to him since the confrontation in the living room. Everything since then had been done by gestures.

The gunny sergeant was at least better mannered. Several times during the flight he tried to start a conversation with me. It's not his fault I've got far more on my mind than I ever thought it could handle.

"Stone?" He tried again.

"That's Captain Stone." I snapped as I finally found what I was looking for. A landing place that was obscured enough for my purposes. I wanted to park close enough that I could do without my cane, yet far enough that it was not easily seen. I killed the running lights and reduced the systems to minimal operational levels. "Captain Stone, or Captain Jack. Your choice."

The general scowled. But he said nothing. He just got a clever look on his face.

So what. No clever look he has will help him after the next thirty eight keystrokes were finished.

"May I ask a question?"

"You may."

"What are your plans?"

"Attend this party, get some issues solved, mingle the minimum required time and return to the Hades." I silently finished the last keystrokes. "There. The ship is secure. It will just sit here until I return, no matter what buttons are pushed."

"Don't you trust us?"

I just gave them a look. A picture may be worth a thousand words, but there are times in a conversation when a look was worth ten thousand words.

"You may not like us, but we are Marines. We help protect the country."

"Like and trust are not issues I need to face tonight. In time, I might reconsider. I do not yet know."

The gunny sadly shook his head.

I went to the hatch and lowered myself carefully the foot and a half to the ground.

Then I closed the hatch and moved about 20 feet away.

The ship was practically invisible.

Perfect.

I turned and went to the party.

At the door Diane was meeting people.

I pulled her aside. "Did you ask?"

"I did."

"And?"

A sad look came over her face. "She meant it."

I resisted showing how I truly felt. Most of my frustration was not related to this anyway. "Nothing can be done?"

"Nothing. She may change her mind in time but it's going to be a long time."

"Then what good is there to me being here?"

"You never know. At least enjoy the drinks and music. Maybe you'll meet somebody."

"Maybe." My tone showed my expectations of this to be up there with the Great Pumpkin showing up.

Chapter 25: Ashley Cork

10pm, October 29th 2006.

"Hey Ashley! Great costume." Stan called out as he poured me a soda.

"I agree!" Manny chimed in.

I thought the guys would like my French maid costume. It was even more revealing then I expected.

I moved away from the sodas and snacks to see the beer stand was getting some heavy usage. Not my concern.

He wouldn't be there.

The party was crowded and active. There was dancing and couples practically making out in the corners.

I mingled though the party looking for Jacob. Problem was, I could not find him.

Then I felt myself being pulled aside. I looked, fully expecting another guy hoping to get lucky.

It was Diane. "Find him yet?"

I looked around the festive crowds again. "Nope. You sure he's here?"

"Yep. He talked to me when he came in."

"Well, I've been able to identify most of the people here. What is he wearing?"

"Some pirate costume."

I saw two of them. One was making out with Cleopatra over there and the other was sitting near the keg getting really drunk.

Diane took a quick look where I pointed to the couple making out. "Nope. That's not him." She looked over at the drunk one. "Oh my god."

"What is it?"

"I'd never believe it if I did not see it with my own eyes."

"You can't mean..."

"Yep. That's Jacob."

"Why isn't he being recognized?"

"Two things I guess. One, he doesn't have a cane and two, he's really putting it away."

"Drinking as part of the disguise? That does not sound like him."

"It isn't. The breakup must have hurt him bad."

"Of course it would. You know Jacob. He can't do things halfway. All or nothing. He thought he had it all, and ended up with nothing. If this was almost any other guy, I'd find this tragically funny."

"Can you handle it? I can try setting you guys up during the week when he's more like himself."

"I can take it. He needs the company."

I walked over and overheard the guys pouring the beer. "How many has the guy in the pirate outfit had?"

"Eight, ten, I've stopped counting. Plus several shots. No use asking who he is. I doubt he knows who he is anymore. Probably doesn't care either. He wants more too."

"More??? Is that wooden leg of his hollow?"

I reached for the beer. "I'll take it over."

They looked my outfit up and down. "Lucky guy. You look sexy enough in that outfit and I'm seeing only one of you. He's so drunk he'll probably see three or four of you."

I took the beer over and sat it next to him. Somehow I managed to sit on the chair with him. "Hi Jacob."