x
"I'm touched."
"Were not out of this yet, Jean."
"I am still amazed by how kind everyone has been since I've met your forces."
"That may not last, ma'am."
"Why Lieutenant Briggs, I don't think anyone has ever addressed me in such a formal manner."
"Jean, how did you learn to speak English so well?"
"I was raised in New York. In the colonies."
"Yes, I lost a few mates when they were defending that city from the Irenshoa."
"Still, what did you mean that everyone might not remain so kind?"
"Jean, my superior officers are interested in what you know about our Irenshoa enemies."
"They are an Indigenous tribe that has repelled England and Spain from the Americas."
"What about that underwater suit, ma'am?"
"It's an invention that was designed by me. Constructed by me and my fellow slave, Amanda."
"She's the Italian lass that managed to transport you all the way out here to Venice?"
"Correct."
"Jean, how much do you know about the larger goals of the Irenshoa?"
"They always have an element of divide-and-conquer."
"They’ve had no hostilities against the French in the colonies."
"I'd no idea, Lieutenant Briggs, but dividing the loyalties of the European powers makes sense."
"Besides Rome, the Irenshoa can't hold Florence and the other Italian cities much longer."
"I had reached the same conclusion. Even the endeavor of sacking Rome appears fruitless."
"Then why did they do it?"
"As a distraction is what I've concluded, lieutenant."
"To shore up their holdings in the Americas?"
"Correct. From what I've seen of intercepted messages by people like my former slave owner - "
"Yes?"
"Once they lose Rome, I think they will make another pointless attack, trying to take Jerusalem."
"That seems especially so. Such a siege and occupation would galvanize all Europeans."
"Correct. They've no issue in losing men. They want to secure their holdings in the meantime."
"Promise me that you will tell no others this additional information you have disclosed to me."
"Why not?"
"Jean, they may keep you alive only as long as you can create innovative weapons, or provide - "
"Insight into the minds of the Irenshoa?"
"Yes, and Jean... If I may be so bold as to speak from the heart?"
"Of course, lieutenant."
"I find you sweetly pretty, and I wish to protect you."
"I find you attractive as well."
"Jean, parse out your usefulness. My commission will be over soon. I beg you, please join me."
"That sounds wonderful."
"Here are our two options then, Jean."
"One. We go to the Americas and undermine the Irenshoa."
"Two. Return to my hometown. I've a scientist-friend. Your discoveries can be passed off as his."
"Surely, my indigenous appearance would be obvious in England."
"I've thought of that. We'll say you're Egyptian. Many have heard of the country, but have no - "
"Yes, they've never seen an Egyptian. Agreed. We shall be together whatever path we choose."
“And Jean - I’ve been touched by you too.”
ns 15.158.61.8da2
