Jack drove carefully as he negotiated his way through the Portland traffic. The drive from the Inn had taken five hours, and he enjoyed the time alone with his thoughts. So much had happened since the end of his last cruise on the Surprise II.  When he built the ship, he saw it as a fulfillment of his dreams here in this world. It was a place he knew, was familiar with. He didn’t have to be concerned about advanced technology; radios, sonar, and such. There was no concern with the vastly different social mores. He was captain of his ship and as such, he was treated with deference and respect. In return, he respected his crew and appreciated their work and skills.

All that was drastically changed in one terrible night.

When the inferno took his daughter, home and a brave fireman, it also stole his dreams. They came crashing down around his head that night, just like the sparks from the flames that caught the wind and floated to his feet. In the days that followed, he wondered if he had made the right decision two years ago, to stay here rather than going back to his world. Miss Riley convinced him to stay. Of course, now he knew that there was nothing to go back to, only the endless repetition of his movie. But, for a few weeks even that seemed attractive. It was a world he was comfortable with; no surprises, no tragedies; no heartaches.

But, it wouldn’t be the world he knew, not really. And if he had left, he knew that he’d take his memories with him, just like brother John. He’d remember Chelsea’s happy giggle when he tickled her. He’d remember the way Natalie looked when they married. And he’d remember the fire. There’d be no forgetting.

So, what was there for him to do but to trudge on, struggling every day with the knowledge that he couldn’t protect them, couldn’t save little Catherine. At first, he couldn’t bear it, but as each day passed, the burden became less. He shrugged to himself. Maybe not less, but more of a part of him.

He parked the car in the harbor parking lot, and could see the Surprise II docked nearby. Standing next to the car, he stared as it rocked on the waves, straining the ropes that securely tied it to the dock. He came to Portland to meet with Professor Griffin, now the dean of Portland University’s History Department, to go over plans for the summer cruise. But, as he stared at the ship, he knew his heart was no longer in it. He had no enthusiasm for teaching. Or more tragically, no desire to go to sea. The fire had taken that, too. Instead of inspecting the ship, as was his plan, he turned and got back into the car. Pulling out of the parking lot, he headed to the university for his appointment.

Jack pulled into a parking spot near the building that housed the History Department. A tall, imposing brick building, its façade was softened by the shrubbery lining its perimeter and the trees that dotted the surrounding lawn. The trees were bare, spindly looking in the cold of winter. The thin blanket of snow that covered the ground was criss-crossed by the shoveled pathways leading to and from the campus buildings.

He trudged up the walkway leading to the history building. Now that he’d made his decision to leave his post, he was not looking forward to his meeting with Dean Griffin. The man had become a friend in the years he worked with the school. He would understand Jack’s decision, but it would be a disappointment to his friend, and Jack loathed disappointing his friends.

***

Patrick Griffin opened his office door and welcomed Jack warmly. He hadn’t changed much; more gray in his dark hair maybe. But he still looked like a middle-aged Harry Potter. He knew the students called him “Harry” behind his back, but it didn’t bother him. In fact, he was pleased with the association. He’d read the Potter books, and Harry was an intelligent, resourceful character and it pleased him to be compared to that.

He smiled as he shook Jack’s hand and motioned him to take a seat in the overstuffed guest chair that faced his desk. He took as seat and asked Jack about his holidays. As Jack spoke, it was obvious to Patrick that he had changed; grown thinner, a spark had gone from his face. Patrick was troubled … sure, Jack had a lot to bear in the past two months, but he’d always seemed the type to bounce back. In Patrick’s opinion, Jack wasn’t bouncing, at least not as quick as he had hoped.

He also had some bad news for the Captain. With the failing economy, the school had decided to make several extensive budget cuts. One of the programs to be discontinued is Jack’s summer cruise. Patrick fought to keep the program; he met with the university board and plead his case. They agreed that it was an important program and one that greatly benefited the students. But … there was just no money to keep it going. Now, he had to disappoint his friend, just when he needed him most.

Clearing his throat, he began. “So, Jack, about the summer program –”

“Ah, the summer cruise. Yes, well, I have some ideas about that.” Jack interrupted.

“Um, ideas? Well, Jack, I need to tell you –”

Jack held up his hand. “Let me finish. I must be honest with you, Patrick. You’ve been a good friend. But, I find that I cannot continue teaching.” He stood and stared out the office window. It had begun snowing, and the large flakes floated on the breeze. “My heart’s just not in it, sir,” he said quietly, almost to himself. Turning, he repeated emphatically, “My heart’s not in it. I’m sorry, Patrick, but there it is.”

Relief washed over the dean. “Jack, my news is that the university board has decided to discontinue the program. Budget cuts.”

“Ah,” Jack responded. “Then, we are in agreement, for different reasons.”

Patrick smiled grimly. “Yeah, I guess we are. But, I’ve done some research for you, my friend. I wondered if you had any plans for the ship. Do you plan to sail her yourself?”

Jack shook his head. “No sir. Not at the moment.” He hesitated, then confided, “If fact, I don’t plan to sail her at all. I was hoping the school would take her. But …” He turned back to the window.

“Well, may I suggest something? You could make a loan of the ship to the Maritime Museum. They have the people and the wherewithal to man and sail her. She could be a living, floating exhibit.” Patrick’s voice raised and he spoke faster as he grew excited telling Jack about his plan. “Imagine all people could learn about sailing in that era. The fun of being aboard a ship like the Surprise II! And, you could make arrangements to take her sailing yourself someday, if you chose to.”

Jack turned to the dean, took his seat and nodded, seeing the practicality of the arrangement. “Yes, that would do nicely. Who would I contact? Mr. Samuelson of the Historical Society?”

“Sure, that would be a start. Do you still have his number?”

“I’m afraid I don’t. My files were in my office at home, and …”

“I understand. Here,” Patrick looked up the number and wrote it down for Jack. “Call Martin. He’ll be glad to hear from you. Now, I have another suggestion, my friend.” The dean grinned. “We have need here from time to time for outside consultants.”

Jack looked puzzled. “Consultants?”

“Yes, people who come in and help us with special projects and research. And other institutions and companies need consultants as well. In particular, I was thinking of those companies that salvage shipwrecks.”

“Ah, well,” Jack hesitated. “I’ve done a bit of salvaging myself a few years go.”

“Then, you know what I’m talking about. It would be perfect for you, and I believe you’d be perfect doing it. Just a suggestion, something to consider.”

Jack nodded. “That I shall.” He stood and shook his friend’s hand.

“Don’t be a stranger, Jack.” Patrick urged.