Fourth Vector Ch. 01

"No, not now. There's not enough of us to keep up the chase on her and also attend to the base and the survivors of the sunk cruiser. Besides, they won't try to come back without fixing their ship and without reinforcements."

Abigail nodded. "So back into port then?"

"For us, yes," said Jack. He radioed over to Lt. Vicky Carter on theTiger. "Vicky, can you pick up the survivors of that Occitanian cruiser?"

A response shot back over immediately. "You sure you don't want them to become shark bait, Jack?"

Jack chuckled. "I'm sure, Vicky."

"Roger that, we'll bring them into port."

*****

A short while later, Jack and the rest of the task force sailed into the harbor of Quiller's Cove. As soon as they were past the jetty, Jack could hear the sounds of revelry inside the town. The horns on the tugboats in the harbor started to go off, giving a steady stream of honks as they went by. Soon enough the bells over the main port building started to ring as well. On shore, several of the dock workers and other sailors could be seen waving their service caps at the returning ships.

Abigail was the first to point out the obvious. "They're saluting you, Jack."

"Saluting me? Saluting us, you mean," he corrected.

She giggled. "No, I don't think so. This base has been all the talk about Commander Jack Easterbrook coming to visit and now he's just saved them from certain death. You're a hero, Jack."

Jack smiled but remained silent. Had he not hit the Occitanians when he did, they might have done the same to his ship with their next volley. A few lucky shots were the difference between life and death. It was something that Bancroft had always told him when he was in the academy, and now he could see the old admiral was right.

As the ships pulled into dock and were pushed into their berths, he watched as several of the new fires from town were put out or brought under control. The damage didn't appear to be as bad as yesterday and since most of the base was already on high alert, they mobilized quickly to contain the damage.

When the mighty propellers of theDestiny stopped moving, Jack, Abigail, and the rest of the crew escaped the bridge and made their way to the plank. Even from up on the ship, he could see a small crowd gathering to greet them as they descended to the dock, and they were all soon consumed by cheers.

"Thank you, men! Thank you!"

"You're all heroes!"

"You saved us from the Occitanians!"

"Three cheers for Commander Easterbrook!"

Several more cheers went up in the air as Jack tried to make his way through the small crowd. What seemed like thousands of hands patted his back or tried to reach his own hand to shake. He found himself shaking back, grateful that they were able to arrive just in time to prevent any further damage to the base.

At the end of the dock Jack was surprised to see Commodore Lucas waiting for him. He saluted the old commander as soon as he was able.

"Great shooting there, Commander!" said Lucas with a grin. "You showed those bastards how to fight!"

Jack grinned. "TheDestiny is one fine warship, sir. I'm lucky to have the command of the best task force in the Javan navy."

"That you are, son! All of Quiller's Cove is proud of you, as well as the navy too. Hell, all of Java salutes you for your victory today, Jack."

"Hopefully the one that escaped won't give you any trouble any time soon. We sure bloodied her nose a bit."

"I feel quite safe even with you leaving tomorrow. I've already radioed the report of your action back to the Admiralty. Bancroft sent you back this personal message." Lucas handed over the small telegram.

ATTN: COMMANDER JACK EASTERBROOK

WELL DONE AND CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR VICTORY, JACK. ALL OF US HERE AT HOME ARE PROUD OF YOU. THE EMPEROR SENDS HIS REGARDS. GOOD LUCK ON YOUR NEW MISSION.

ADMIRAL PERCIVAL BANCROFT

COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, IMPERIAL JAVAN NAVY

Jack re-read the message several times before hazarding a look back up at Lucas who wore a knowing smile.

"Hang onto that favor as long as you can, Jack."

Jack smiled and then saluted. "Thank you, sir."

"Go get yourself and your crew cleaned up. Don't forget you sail out at first light tomorrow. We'll take care of resupplying the ammunition you spent today. You shouldn't have anything to worry about until you're out in open waters," said Lucas.

"I appreciate all you've done for us, sir."

Lucas reached out to grip his hand. "Likewise, Jack. Likewise."

*****

That evening, Jack settled down into his new headquarters on theDestiny. It was an extremely large room for a headquarters, probably meant for a commodore or an admiral. Jack not only had a decent-sized bed, but also several dressers, a closet (which contained a safe for the gold that had been given to him for his mission), and even a large, elegant desk. It was all that he could hope for as a commanding officer.

There was still a flurry of activity to keep him busy before they left port, and the worst part was that he couldn't find anything that he needed. He wasn't used to having so much space in his personal quarters, and what had been crammed together on theValiant was now spread out, even to the point where he was having trouble locating his files.

He knew it wasn't a bad problem to have and it would go away in time, but it still made for some frustration as he typed up his after action report to send to the Admiralty. Surprisingly, they had only one casualty today, a wounded sailor who was hit when theValiant absorbed the shot from the enemy cruiser. He was burned pretty badly but he would live to fight another day. Currently in the ship's hospital, he'd be treated and back to normal action within a day or so.

Thinking of the wounded man had reminded Jack to put him into his personal casualty log but where had he put it? He went searching for the log and eventually found himself crawling under his desk to find it. It was only a soft knock at the door that made him look up.

"As much as I like to see that cute butt of yours up in the air, I do need you for a moment," said Abigail, leaning against the frame and wearing her trademark sultry grin.

Jack combed his fingers through his hair. "Savor it for now. I can't find a damn thing in these quarters."

"I'm not surprised. Your previous quarters was about the size of your bathroom now," she said with a laugh.

He chuckled. "I'm adjusting to it, believe me."

Abigail flipped her hair to one side. "Anyway, I was hoping to steal some of your time just now. I know we really didn't get to finish introductions today with all that was going on, so I thought I'd finish with the rest of the commanding officers."

"Sounds fine to me. Do we need to go to the bridge?"

Abigail smiled. "No, I brought them to you." She stood away from the door and the three commanding division officers of theDestiny stepped forth into the room.

"I know you remember Lt. Kyle Abrams, head of weapons division," she said, as the young dark-haired officer stepped forward. He removed his cap and then saluted Jack.

"Great shooting today, Lieutenant. You made us all very proud."

"Thank you, sir. It's a pleasure to serve under your command."

Abigail walked to the next one in line, a short-haired brunette with lovely green eyes. "This is Lt. Stephanie Pierce, head of operations division."

"Pleasure to meet you, Lt. Pierce."

Stephanie grinned and then saluted. "I'm looking forward to serving under your command, sir."

Finally, Abigail came to the last person but then turned to Jack instead. "Do you remember when I told you I had two older brothers in the navy?"

"Of course. And they're basic seamen serving back home in Java."

She smiled. "That's right. I left out one tiny detail. I have a younger sister as well. May I introduce you to the head of my engineering division, Lt. Anna Wainwright."

Anna looked up and smiled at Jack. She was a near carbon copy of her sister with the same flowing dark hair and eyes. There was a noticeable difference between the two. Whereas Abigail came off a bit more flirtatious and sexy, Anna seemed to have a quiet innocence about her. Even the way she smiled, she seemed a bit more naive than her older sister.

"Nice to meet you, Commander. I'm sure I'll enjoy serving under you just as much as my sister does," said Anna.

Jack tried to keep a serious face but his eyes darted to Abigail who merely shrugged in amusement. He shook her hand instead. "I'm glad you're on board, Lt. Wainwright."

Taking a step back, Jack looked at all the division officers. "I'm grateful that all of you are here and serving with me on this mission. I know it won't be easy and that things have gotten a lot more complicated after the last two days, but I know I have the best officers in Java with me."

"Thank you all. Dismissed," said Abigail and one by one they filed out of Jack's quarters. Anna hazarded one last smile at Jack before she disappeared around the corner and shut the door, leaving the two of them alone.

"How did you work it out to have your sister onboard?" Jack asked.

"She was actually assigned to the ship before me," said Abigail. "She's rather green, having just graduated from the academy a few months ago. When I found out she was going to be on the ship, I called in a few favors to make sure I got assigned to theDestiny."

"She's lucky to have her sister here to watch over her."

"Don't let the innocent smile fool you though, Jack. She's every bit my sister," said Abigail with a giggle.

"So now I have to watch out for two of you instead of one?"

She shrugged. "Sounds like a good problem to have."

Jack chuckled. "We'll see. Is the crew ready for tomorrow? Ready to sail out?"

"I think so. I did my rounds on the ship before coming here and the crew is quiet. I think a lot of them are scared. You have to remember, this is still a really green crew, Jack. This ship was only commissioned two months ago and most of these people have never been in a battle before."

"They now have their first battle under their belt. I've heard several people calling today's action the Battle of Quiller's Cove."

"Be that as it may, they still have a ways to go. Especially where we're going," said Abigail.

"Are you ready for tomorrow?" Jack asked.

She took several moments to respond while still gazing into Jack's eyes. "As ready as I can be. I think we just need to get it over with so that it gets off our minds." She took a big sigh before a smile pierced her lips. "Besides, I imagine it will be kind of like a homecoming for you, right?"

Jack frowned at her in confusion. "Huh?"

"I'm just saying with that blond hair and light skin, you do kind of look like a Fourthie, Jack," she said with a giggle. "Maybe one of your ancestors got freaky with a lost Fourthie maiden."

Jack rolled his eyes. "I heard enough of that joke in the academy." Back in Java, Jack usually stood out like a sore thumb due to his lighter features compared to the rest of the Javan population.

Abigail giggled harder and then walked toward him slowly, letting her arms slip around his shoulders. "Forgive me, Commander?"

"Maybe. How bad do you want forgiveness, Abigail?"

"Really bad. Let me show you how much," she said before leaning in to kiss him. She pressed her body in tightly to his as her tongue sought entry to his mouth. Caressing her tongue with his own, Jack's mind flashed with memories of two days ago when they shared the same bed. All too soon, she pulled away with one last kiss.

"I'd say you're forgiven," Jack said as her dark eyes fixed on him.

Abigail grinned. "That was too easy." She then slipped out of his arms and headed to the door.

"Seriously? You're going to do that and just walk away?"

She turned to face him but not before leaning up against the door frame. "That was a thank you for today, but a kiss is all that it's going to be, Jack."

"It doesn't need to be. No one would know you're in here," he said.

"They would. You know how fast word travels on a tiny ship like this. Besides, I meant what I told you last night. We won't sleep together again."

"Even if I lose my way one night and just so happen to slip into your bed?" Jack joked.

Abigail laughed. "You can try it but I sleep with my service pistol under my pillow, and I have a quick trigger finger."

"Sounds like a personal problem. It might get you in a lot of trouble if you shoot your commanding officer."

She gave him that sultry grin she was so famous for. "Well then for both of our sakes, you should just try not to get . . . lost." With one more glance, she slipped out of his quarters and closed the door.

Jack found himself chuckling and then shaking his head. Abigail wasn't making it easy on him, nor did he expect her to. Now with the knowledge that her sister was on the ship as well, Jack saw his problems with women doubling.

Finally getting caught up on his work, Jack decided to call it a night. As he crawled into his bed and turned out the light, he enjoyed the last night spent in base before heading into the vector. Surprisingly, he nodded off quickly, the last thing he saw before going to sleep was Abigail's enticing stare.

*****

"Lt. Wainwright, turn the boilers up. Let's set the speed at ten knots as we exit the harbor."

"Aye, sir," said Anna as she gave him that innocent smile and then radioed the command.

Jack settled down into the chair of the commanding officer. To his right, Abigail also sat as the division officers prepared to leave Quiller's Cove. It was now morning and a vast crowd of people had come out to watch the task force sail forth to tackle its mission. Many of them waved hats or shirts or even socks for some of the poorer ones.

Over the radio, one last transmission came over from the base. "Task Force 21 cleared to sail. Good luck, Jack," came the voice of Commodore Lucas.

Setting a look of grim determination on his face, Jack looked out the front window to see the sailors of the ship lining the edges as they left port. Each one of them looked young and green but proud as well. He had no doubt that they'd all do their duty to the utmost. It was a mighty task he was asking of each of them but no one had skipped the ship. All were committed to sailing into the Fourth Vector with him. That's how he knew he had the right crew.

"Jack, are you okay?" Abigail looked at him with caring eyes.

He grinned. "Never better. Let's get this over with, shall we?"

Abigail smiled and then nodded. As soon as they past the jetty, she called over to her sister. "Lt. Wainwright, let's set course at twenty-four knots."

"And the direction, ma'am?"

Jack looked over and said, "Due west, Lieutenant. We're heading to the Fourth Vector."

As the ship picked up speed, Jack looked out to the horizon. Somewhere out there lurked the vector, filled with a race of peoples that he and his countrymen knew nothing about. Behind him stood the forces of the Occitanians and even the Ruthenians. With enemies all around him, he sailed into an uncertain future. But as he looked at each member of the crew, he realized he couldn't ask for better companions.

They were willing to fight together and die together. Jack just hoped they'd get to do a lot more of the former than the later.

Only time would tell.

*****

Admiral Percival Bancroft found himself waiting once again. It seemed it was all he did these days. Ever since he'd taken over as the commander-in-chief of the Javan navy—which was mostly a desk job anyway—he found himself at the beck and call of the emperor constantly.

Most days it didn't bother him but today was quite the unordinary day. The report out of the remote naval base of Quiller's Cove was most disturbing and seemed to confirm to him what he'd long suspected for months: the Occitanians were on the move.

The emperor would be happy at least. He'd been talking about this war for the last three years. He even practically salivated at the thought of one last war before his final send-off. One more chance to see his plaything ships and soldiers destroy his enemies before he croaked. Bancroft resisted the urge to roll this eyes.

After all, this wasn't just some measly board game. It wasn't about exchanging a few casualties and maybe winning a territory or two. War was about power. It was about obtaining the ultimate obedience and crushing your enemies totally. Those were the principles he taught when he used to be the superintendent of the naval academy, and he intended to take those principles to war.

Yet even though the emperor had the war he wanted, Bancroft found it still too early to be the war thathe wanted. The Javan navy was a reputable force, but it was still no match for the Occitanians who largely controlled the waves. Their fleet outnumbered them in just about every ship category. And that was even conveniently leaving out the Ruthenians who would no doubt jump into the conflict once they were worn down through attrition.

No, where they would have to find their strength was in their commanders instead of material. For three years, Bancroft molded the young minds of the naval officers in the academy, preparing them for a war that would soon engulf their lives. He had to make sure his officers were prepared and trained to outlast a war that would be to their disadvantage. At least the action of today seemed to confirm that his training was a success.

At that moment, a door to the main chamber finally opened and out popped Mortimus, the emperor's young page. Bancroft had no use for the pimple-faced and greasy, young man but custom dictated that he show his respect.

"His Imperial Majesty will see you now, Admiral Bancroft," announced Mortimus in a clumsy manner. Bancroft noticed that even the young man's robes were hung in an incorrect way, showing him for the amateur that he really was. Still, he put on his best face for appearances.

"Many thank yous, Mortimus. I am honored to see His Imperial Majesty," said Bancroft with a noticeable flourish. The young man led him into the royal chamber and even managed to stumble on his own robes which nearly caused him to fall on his face.

You wouldn't have fallen if you did your robes correctly, you blithering idiot, thought Bancroft.

As they marched down the long, glittering hall, Bancroft did what he always did during these visits. He stared at the pictures of past Javan monarchs that lined the way. The great ancestors of the current emperor stood along the hall, watching down from their golden frames and passing silent judgment on all guests.

Bancroft could only wonder what they would say in this moment. No doubt they would be disgusted by Mortimus, but what would they think of Bancroft? Would they find him a most humble servant or fit to be strangled like a certain page? More importantly, what would they think about the current occupant of the throne?

"Your Imperial Majesty, may I present you the commander-in-chief of the Imperial Javan Navy, Admiral Percival Ban—"

"I know his name, you moron," croaked Emperor Charles IX before launching into a long fit of coughing. The current occupant of the throne was an aged man indeed and long past the point of being merely overweight. The roles of blubber on the Imperial Majesty casually rolled over his sides and gave the overall appearance of a peach instead of a man. Charles had heavy jowls as well, with patches of facial hair that had long since turned gray. Parts of the man's skin were crusted and gray, giving off the appearance of scales. His long, ragged mane of gray hair that was once golden as a young man had turned most foul. Even the man's breath reeked of the pickled mung beans he ate constantly throughout the day.