Fourth Vector Ch. 09

"I'm sure Luke was relieved," said Jack. "He's been fretting about that leak for weeks."

"He was," said Abigail. "You should have seen his face once they fixed it."

"That should about do it, Jack," said Andros as he turned away from theValiant. "All three ships will be ready for sailing the day after tomorrow. Then I can return these mighty vessels to your hands."

"I'm not sure I know how to thank you, or you, Heron," said Jack to both men. "You've done us an incredible service. Something that won't be forgotten any time soon."

"As long as you know you're always welcome in Sorella," said Heron. "If not for you, none of this would have been possible. I almost shudder to think what might have happened had you not arrived when you did."

"Everything happens for a reason," said Jack with a grin. "This was the kind of mutual relationship we had in mind when we went searching for an alliance."

"So what is next for you then, Jack? Where do you go from here?" asked Andros.

"Most likely Picardy," he answered. "And try our luck there."

"And your engineers and supply ships? What of those? Will they go back to Java?"

Jack started to nod. "I'm sure they'll be needed there soon enough. I'm rather amazed we got them in the first place with our own war going on, but their expertise will soon be needed back home."

"Good," said Andros. "I'd like their expertise on a few designs I've come up with before you leave. It'll help to have their opinions while they're still here."

"Of course," said Jack. "It's the least we can do."

The group started to move away from the dry dock area and make their way back to the barracks. By this point in the day, the sun was beginning to set, and Jack noticed that their shadows cast further away the longer they walked.

"I don't think we'll be heading back to your palace tonight, right?" asked Jack to Heron.

Heron shook his head. "I figured we'd stay here in the barracks. It's too late to attempt that road in darkness. I hope you don't mind?"

"Not at all," answered Jack. "I'm sure anything will be better than sleeping on the ground!"

Almost as soon as they entered the barracks, Jack could tell something was up. The first thing he noticed was Luke near the entrance, who appeared to be greatly relieved to see him.

"There you are," said Luke quickly. "We need you as soon as possible. Abigail, you should come as well."

"What's wrong?" asked Jack.

"There's been word from Quiller's Cove. You need to see this dispatch," said Luke.

Jack nodded and followed the man down the hallway. A spare room had been set up to contain the communications for the task force while the ships were being worked on. All the main equipment had been moved there during the repair work, and it served as the central headquarters while Jack had been away as well. On the desk, Jack could already see a fresh dispatch, which Luke soon picked up and handed to him.

ATTN: COMMANDER JACK EASTERBROOK

BE WARNED OF AN OCCITANIAN TASK FORCE IN THE NEARBY WATERS OF QUILLER'S COVE, BEARING A WESTERLY COURSE. DESTINATION UNKNOWN. TASK FORCE COMPRISED OF TWO BATTLESHIPS, FOUR CRUISERS, AND NUMEROUS SMALLER VESSELS. BE ON HIGH ALERT.

COMMODORE STANHOPE LUCAS

COMMANDER, QUILLER'S COVE

Jack read it one more time before passing it off to Abigail to let her scan it as well. Once she set it down, she crossed her arms in front of her chest.

"Well, we knew it was likely a matter of time, right?" she said. "With the war starting and with us having sunk one of their cruisers, they surely wouldn't have forgotten about us."

"That does beg the question though," said Jack. "Where are they going? Are they coming after us in particular or are they searching the area around Quiller's Cove?"

Luke raised an eyebrow. "I'm not sure I understand what you mean."

Jack gestured for them to follow him and the three of them plus Heron and Andros made their way back to the main meeting room where they had set up earlier in the day. In the room was the map of the Fourth Vector and he improvised it by drawing where Quiller's Cove stood approximately.

"Who are the Occitanians after? Us or Quiller's Cove?" he asked finally once he stood in front of the map.

"Probably us being as we sunk their cruiser," said Luke.

"Right, but where are we at exactly?" said Jack. "As far as the Occitanians know, we might still be at Quiller's Cove. Would they know that we're in the Vector?"

"Probably not. Unless they've done reconnaissance around the base and determined our ships aren't there," said Abigail.

"Which would be hard for them to get that close to the base without being detected," said Jack. "For all we know, they may be hunting us at Quiller's Cove without knowing that we left there."

"They'll probably attack the base hoping to bag us," said Luke.

"Unless they have somehow found out we're not there," said Jack.

"Quiller's Cove is going to be in immediate danger for the short term then," said Abigail. "At least until they figure out that we're not there. Then, they may be in more danger. There won't be any forces around that can withstand a pair of battleships. Even theDestiny couldn't take on a battleship."

"My question is what will they do once they figure out we're out here. Will they enter the Vector to come after us?" asked Jack. "If word has gotten out that we're here, there's little to stop them from following in our wake."

"How would they find out though?" asked Heron, who had been quietly listening behind the Javans. "No one from Sorella has any contact with any of the eastern nations."

"Radio interception," said Luke. "It's rare but I've seen it happen before. If they intercept any of our transmissions going back to Quiller's Cove or coming back to us from the base, they could figure out where we're at."

"Possibly," said Jack. "That's a long shot though."

"True, but it is a possibility that we should be on guard against."

"So what do we do if they come looking for us?" asked Abigail. "We're just two cruisers and a destroyer against a force of battleships and double the amount of cruisers. What do we do if they catch up to us?"

"We won't have the advantage of knowing the area for very long against a force like that, especially if they catch up to us," said Jack. "But we'll have to avoid the main force as much as possible. Do what we can to split up that task force. We can't take it head-on, so we need to find ways of finding local superiority.

"Can we help you at all with that, Jack?" asked Heron. "Surely there's a way our forces can work together against this threat?"

Jack pursed his lips. "That will be tough. They have modern warships and even the ones you took from Daimanos' old fleet wouldn't stand up for very long against them. Maybe if we used you as bait to draw them in but that would still put your ships at risk. One good shot from them would send yours to the bottom quickly."

"We do have the Sorellan fire though," said Andros. "Perhaps all we need to do is get close enough and we can surprise them with that?"

"Would Sorellan fire make much of a difference against steel warships?" asked Luke. "I would think that it wouldn't give us much of an advantage as if we're up against steel."

Heron shook his head. "No, it wouldn't. But the decks of your ships are wooden, and it can cause enough damage to that. The biggest effect would be against the men that were unlucky enough to take a direct hit of the fire. The intense heat, and how hard it would be to extinguish it, would cause more harm amongst their men than any damage to the actual ship. You'd roast them alive surrounded by all that steel."

"We'll need to keep that in our back pocket then," said Jack. "We'll need every advantage that we can lay our hands on if they come looking for us."

"What if they attack and take Quiller's Cove only?" asked Abigail. "They'll cut our line of supply. No offense to Heron, but we can't exactly rely on Sorella for our food right now should Quiller's Cove get taken. So what would we do then?''

Jack took a deep breath. "I'm not sure. I doubt Lishkerra could supply all that we need with how little their population is either."

"Maybe we should sail back to Quiller's Cove," offered Luke. "If we unite our forces with those defending the base, we'd be in a better position to fend off the attack."

Jack shook his head. "What's left at the base isn't much of a force at all. Even combined with our force, we'd be in a poor position to take on battleships."

"But if we stay divided, they could mop us up separately if they so choose," said Luke. "We would have a better chance together."

"That's making the assumption that they're going to Quiller's Cove though," said Abigail. "If they come looking for us out here, it won't do us any good. We'd need the extra forces."

The discussion was interrupted at that point by a knock against the door. Jack turned to see the sight of his deputy, Twitch, holding another dispatch in hand. His face was ridden with anxiety.

"A new dispatch for you, Jack. Just arrived," said Twitch.

"Who's it from?" asked Jack.

Twitch bit his lip. "Admiral Bancroft." He then handed over the note to Jack.

ATTN: COMMANDER JACK EASTERBROOK

DUE TO THE OCCITANIAN THREAT, YOU ARE REQUESTED TO DISPATCH THE CRUISER VALIANT TO QUILLER'S COVE IMMEDIATELY. YOUR MISSION IS TO CONTINUE WITH THE CRUISER DESTINY AND THE DESTROYER TIGER ONLY. YOU WILL RECEIVE REINFORCEMENTS ONCE THE SITUATION STABILIZES.

STAY SAFE, JACK. TALK SOON.

ADMIRAL PERCIVAL BANCROFT

COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, IMPERIAL JAVAN NAVY

Jack must have reread the note several times, yet the message became no easier to swallow.

"Jack? What's wrong?" asked Abigail.

"I think our decision has already been made for us," whispered Jack. "Luke, you and theValiant are going back to Quiller's Cove."

"What?" asked Luke before reaching out for the message, which Jack soon deposited into his hand. He read it quickly before his mouth fell open in surprise. "Back to base? But what about our mission?"

"They must need you back there more than we do," said Jack. "The threat to the base must be great enough that they need all available forces."

"Why not the rest of us?" asked Abigail. "How much help can one cruiser be against the Occitanian task force?"

Jack shrugged. "I don't know. I don't know why Bancroft would do this. I'm struggling to find a reason but I'm coming up blank."

"Surely having us divided even further won't be very good," said Luke. "We could get destroyed piecemeal if we aren't careful."

"You'll have to take extra precaution on the way back," said Jack. "You might want to retrace our steps. Go south to Lishkerra instead of taking a straight shot. You may be able to avoid them that way, or at least have a better chance at it."

Luke started to nod. His head then fell as his gaze concentrated on the floor. Jack put his hand on the man's shoulder. "What's wrong, Luke?"

The man finally looked up. "It just doesn't make a lot of sense to me to go back now. This is our mission right now. Here in the Vector. Now I have to go back to Quiller's Cove? It's not right."

Jack forced a smile. "I thought you might secretly be happy about this. There's bound to be action with the Occitanians there, and the Luke that I know would want to be in the thick of it."

Luke pursed his lips. "Sure, that would be great, but I feel like this mission has a higher calling. We're building new alliances and getting stronger. We're making a difference out here. Look at all we've managed to do just here in Sorella. Don't get me wrong, if trouble comes looking for me, I'll be ready to answer. I just feel like it's the wrong move to go backwards right now."

Jack nodded. "I know how you feel. The thought of you going back makes me feel like I'm losing my right hand. Not having theValiant as part of my command is a painful thought. You and I have been sailing together longer than anyone."

"It has been a long time," said Luke fondly. "I just hope it's not the last time. Whatever this business is with the Occitanians, let's just lick them so we can get back to Task Force 21. Then we can get back to our task."

Jack grinned. "That sounds like a damn good idea. And make sure to get plenty of shots in for us. Try to sink a battleship for us as well, okay?"

Luke chuckled. "You know what would be a real help is some of that Sorellan fire. That would make quite the distraction as a novelty weapon." He then turned to Heron. "Do you think we could get some of those canisters loaded onto theValiant as well before we have to leave?"

Heron nodded eagerly. "Of course, Luke! Take all that you need. We'll make preparations to start loading up theValiant when she comes out of dry dock." He then turned to Andros to issue the order.

"We'll take care of it at once," said Andros in confirmation.

Luke grinned. "Thank you both. You have no idea how much I appreciate it." His eyes then turned to look at Jack once more.

"We have a few days before you have to leave. We'll have plenty of time to discuss this in more detail," said Jack. "For now, let's just get a dispatch in that we intend to comply with the message and work on getting theValiant out of dry dock so she can sail again."

Luke nodded somberly. "That sounds good, Jack."

Before anyone else could speak, Heron spoke up again. "I'm not sure about the rest of you, but I could use a bit of sleep. It's now well past dark, and I'm getting exhausted."

"It has been a long day," said Jack. "If you could provide us with sleeping quarters, I'd like to turn in as well."

"I'll show them where to go, Your Majesty," said Andros. "If you would like to retire now, I'll get Jack to his room."

"That sounds marvelous," answered Heron. "Goodnight all!"

After saying goodnight to the king, as well as to Luke and Abigail, Jack followed Andros up to the third floor of the barracks where the rest of the officers had their quarters. He was shown to a small room just at the end of the hall, with enough room for just a simple bed and desk.

"I hope this is appropriate for you, Jack," said Andros as soon as he opened the door. "You'll have to excuse the lack of decor. This is just a simple seaman's quarters."

"It'll do great, Andros, thank you," said Jack. "Having a real bed again is the best treat of the day."

"Good, I'm glad. Goodnight, Jack. Sleep well," said Andros as he shut the door behind him.

Jack didn't waste any time and soon crawled between the covers after turning out the light. He sighed heavily as soon as he was settled on the bed. It was a tall order to be expected to give up theValiant and its crew. He'd been sailing with them for so long that he almost didn't know what to do without them. There was something about going on with the mission without Luke and his officers that made him uneasy, and he knew their loss would be sorely felt in the coming weeks.

Jack wanted to curse at Bancroft and the Admiralty for making him lose one of his most able commanders but there wasn't anything he could do. It was war, and sometimes in war, you have to carry out orders that you didn't quite understand.

He just wished this order wouldn't have taken his right hand from his side.

*****

The next morning, Jack was out of bed early and already hard at work at the small desk inside his personal quarters. The sun had just risen, and he had spared a few minutes away from the various messages on his desk to step out into the hall and watch it come up over the rest of Sorella.

Despite it being a peaceful morning, he still didn't feel too great. His mind was still reeling with the upcoming loss of theValiant, and it soured his mood before the day had largely even begun. And that's to say nothing of getting back to several weeks' worth of messages that he had to comb through as well. Jack took another deep sigh and went back to work, writing out a short series of orders to be completed by midmorning.

Not long after seven o'clock, there was a soft knock on his door. This early in the morning, it could only have been Twitch.

"Come on in, Twitch," said Jack without looking up. "Perhaps you can distract me from all of these. I find it nearly impossible that this much happened while I was away."

Instead of hearing Twitch's more masculine voice, a softer, feminine one began to speak. "I've always been rather good at finding ways of distracting you."

Jack looked up instantly and found himself looking into Anna's brown eyes. She wore an easy smile and the lines around her eyes made it obvious she had woken up not too long ago. Yet, she was always a pretty sight. If attraction was the standard to measure their relationship, they never would have had a problem.

"Oh, good morning," said Jack. "I'm sorry, I just thought it might be Twitch at this time.""Well, if you would prefer I send him in instead?" she offered with a glint of mischief in her eyes.

Jack chuckled. "Not really. Besides, I'm glad to see you."

"You are?" she asked. "I'm surprised to hear that."

"Why's that? It's been so long since we've seen each other. Of course I'm glad to see you again."

Anna shrugged. "I just know how we left things, and I wasn't sure if anything might have changed while you were gone."

"Yeah, about that," said Jack with some hesitation. "We really should talk about that while we have the chance. Have a seat."

Anna chose to move to his bed and sat herself down gently against the blanket. Taking a deep breath, he rose from his desk and came to sit right next to her. The tension in the room was awful. Jack knew what he wanted to do and what hehad to do, even if the tiny voice in his head protested. Yet, the truth of the matter was that he wasn't meant to be with Anna, and he couldn't give her what she was seeking. It would be best to let her go.

"You told me the last time we spoke that I would have to choose," said Jack. "You pitched it as either you or Abigail."

Anna nodded before opening up further. "It has to be this way, Jack. I won't share you. Especially with her. Had I known in the first place that you and her had already . . . well, you know, I wouldn't have done what I did. But we can't take things back and we have to look for ways to move on. I'm ready to move on with you but not with Abigail in the picture."

Jack took a deep breath once she finished. It was now or never. "I can't give you what you're looking for, Anna."

Anna's mouth fell open. "What do you mean, Jack?"

He used his finger to point back and forth between them. "This, Anna. We can't continue this. I can't give you the relationship you're looking for."

"So, it's Abigail then?" asked Anna with a hurt expression. "You're picking her?"

Jack shook his head. "I'm not picking anyone. Abigail and I just had sex one time and that's all it was. There's a friendship there but I'm not picking her over you. I'm just telling you that this isn't what I want. We can't be together the way that you want."

"I'm so confused, Jack," said Anna while shaking her head. "I thought we had something here. I don't know why you're saying this."

"Listen, Anna, I'm not trying to hurt you. I promise you that. I just know what you want. You want to have a real relationship. You wanted to take me home to your parents and probably go official right after that, right?"

She nodded her head.

"All we really had was the sexual chemistry though," said Jack. "Don't get me wrong, that was incredible. I'll carry those memories with me the rest of my life. But I think we both let that sexual chemistry confuse us into thinking there was something more there. When we got together, that's all we really did. We didn't do much talking or getting to know each other. It just always ended up in bed."