<h4>Chapter 62: Grumpy man.</h4>


    Kael''s smile was a rare sight, and Carter couldn''t help but feel a sense of warmth when he saw it. There was something infectious about Kael''s happiness that touched those around him.


    Carter observed Maya''s admiration for Kael, which was evident in the way she looked at him. He decided to address the matter, as he knew howplex human emotions could be.


    "Kael, what if Maya gets infatuated with you?" Carter asked, his tone tinged with concern.


    Kael''s smile faded, and he sighed. He had thought about this possibility. "Carter, we''re living in a world where emotions and connections are often sacrificed for survival. Falling for someone like me won''t do her any good."


    Carter understood Kael''s point. Rtionships in their line of work were oftenplicated and fleeting, but Kael was concerned about Maya''s well-being.


    Carter then changed the topic, asking Kael if he had sent an eagle to contact Theo. Theo was their friend stationed in a city a couple of cities away.


    Kael''s expression turned somber as he considered the mention of Theo. He described Theo as a man of unique looks and an outgoing personality. "Theo is a free spirit, always looking for adventure. But, he still hasn''t forgiven me for something that happened years ago."


    Kael sighed as he continued. "He believes I took an opportunity from him to be a captain and left him as the vice-captain. It''s not about titles, but I hope he can see the bigger picture. The world has changed, and we need each other more than ever."


    Carter nodded in understanding. Their friendship with Theo had be strained due to a past disagreement, and Kael hoped that one day, Theo would be able to forgive him.


    Carter understood the importance of unity among their group, especially in a world where darkness loomed and danger was ever-present. He hoped that Theo would eventually see the value of their friendship and put their past disagreements aside.


    As Kael and Carter discussed their ns, the uncertain future weighed heavily on their minds. The road ahead was fraught with challenges, but they were determined to ovee them. The past had left its mark on them, and the memories of their family were never far from their thoughts. In this unforgiving world, they would continue to fight, driven by amon purpose and the bonds of friendship that had kept them together.


    After dinner, Kael and Carter sat down to discuss their ns, focusing on the weapons they had imported for their crew. As they sipped on their mugs of tea, Kael couldn''t help but praise his adoptive father, Lincoln, for his shrewd mind when it came to acquiring and procuring essential supplies.


    Kael said, "You know, Carter, my adoptive father, Lincoln, always had a way of getting what he wanted. He yed mind games with people, and it worked every time. I''ve learned a lot from him."


    Carter nodded in agreement. "Absolutely. Lincoln has a way of convincing people to do what''s needed. He''s been a savior for us countless times."


    Kael and Carter shared stories of how grateful they were to Lincoln for his support over the years. One particr memory stood out: a shback to the time when Kael had been rescued from a ship, a memory that still brought a smile to their faces.


    In the past, Kael had been taken as a child and forced to work on a ship. The conditions were harsh, and the children were subjected to cruel treatment. Kael''s arrival on the ship had led to chaos and tears as the children couldn''t handle the new addition. The ship''s captain, an old and grumpy man, had been disturbed by themotion outside his office, so he decided to investigate.


    He walked out and, seeing the children crying, he was taken aback. To defuse the situation, he deliberately stepped over a tin can on the floor, causing himself to fall. Hisical mishap had the intended effect, as the children had never seen an adult act so foolishly.


    The sight of the captain stumbling and falling had sent the children into fits ofughter. The tension had dissipated, and soon, all the children were in high spirits,ughing and sharing stories. That incident had changed the atmosphere on the ship, making life a bit more bearable for the young captives.


    Kael chuckled as he recalled the memory. "That old captain may have been grumpy, but his theatrics worked like magic. He knew how to make usugh, even in the toughest of situations."


    Carter grinned, remembering how a little humor had turned things around during a dark period in their lives. "Lincoln may be a mastermind when ites to negotiations, but I have to say, that old captain within him was quite the entertainer when we needed it the most."


    As they reminisced about their past and shared these stories, Kael and Carter couldn''t help but feel a sense of gratitude for the people who had yed pivotal roles in their lives. In a world as unforgiving as theirs, where every day was a struggle for survival, the bonds they had forged and the lessons they had learned from their adoptive father, Lincoln, that grumpy old ship captain were priceless treasures.


    Kael took a deep breath and began to recall the time when Lincoln had saved him from the bleak and perilous life on that ship, ensuring that Kael never felt the void left by the absence of his father.


    "Lincoln," Kael said, a wistful smile on his face, "I remember the day he stepped onto that ship. I was just a kid, alone and scared. The moment he arrived, he changed everything for me."


    Carter leaned forward, intrigued by Kael''s story. "Tell me, what happened, i barely remember anything.?"


    With a far-off look in his eyes, Kael continued, "I was a child on that ship, separated from my family and taken against my will. The days were long and difficult, filled with hardbor and cruel treatment. I missed my father, and the void left by his absence was almost unbearable."


    Kael went on, "But then, one day, Lincoln appeared. He was a beacon of hope in that bleak environment. He understood what it was like to be in a dark ce, to have your world turned upside down. And he refused to let the darkness consume me."


    Carter nodded, his attention fully focused on Kael''s story.


    "Lincoln made sure I never felt alone," Kael continued. "He became a father figure to me, offering guidance, support, and a sense of belonging. He''d listen to my stories about my family, about my brother, William. He encouraged me to keep my memories alive and never give up hope of finding them again."


    Kael''s voice held a mixture of nostalgia and gratitude as he remembered the pivotal role Lincoln had yed in his life. "On that ship, We found a new family, even though I was determined to look for my biological one. Lincoln taught me to persevere and to be the strong, resilient person I am today. He gave me the tools to face the harsh world outside, and I''ll be forever grateful to him for that."


    Carter''s expression softened as he realized the significance of the bond between Kael and Lincoln. He understood that Lincoln had been a father not just to Kael but to many others, and to him, offering them guidance and hope in a world filled with uncertainty.


    "Lincoln has always been an extraordinary person," Carter said, his voice filled with respect.


    Kael nodded in agreement. "He is. And because of him, I learned to care for those who needed help and protection. Now, it''s my turn to carry on his legacy and make sure that, just like he did for me, I provide support, guidance, and a sense of belonging to those who have suffered in this unforgiving world."


    As Kael spoke, he couldn''t help but think of the void, of his missing family, and the uncharted path he would have to tread to find them. But with the lessons he had learned from Lincoln, and the resilience that had grown within him, he was ready to face the challenges thaty ahead.