Fourth Vector Ch. 26

Kat squeezed his hand. "That's why you'll be there to protect me. Just like you always do. It's what you're the best at. I don't care where we're going. The safest place I could possibly be is right beside you."

"Still though, a warship is no place for a child, let alone a baby," said Jack as all the objections started to come to mind. "What happens if we wind up in another battle? Or if the Admiralty finds out? You know as well as I do that Bancroft would take any opportunity to yank this command away if he had the right excuse."

Kat's face became even more troubled. "Jack, I don't have the answers to that. I don't think anyone really can know right now what's to happen in the next six months. I know we'll take things one step at a time but this is really upsetting me. I thought you would be happy about all of this. We're having a baby, Jack."

His eyes flickered to her stomach again, almost as if he was trying to see through her clothing and skin to the life that was resting under it. He couldn't escape the feeling of ill timing.

"I am but it's just bad timing," he said. "I thought we'd have a little longer to worry about all this. Not right now as we seem to be sliding closer to war. I'm just struck by the timing. How are we ever going to do this, Kat?"

A small tear fell down her cheek. Her mouth opened to say something but no words came out. Beside them, Abigail had gone quiet as well, looking all around the room as a way to escape the awkwardness of the situation. The tension between all of them was thick, and it wasn't helped by the fact that Twitch came to visit again.

"Twitch, we're a little busy right now," said Jack in a snapping tone. "Can't you come back later?"

Twitch shook his head. "I just thought you should know there are ships on the horizon, Jack. Javan ships."

*****

Those Javan ships on the horizon ended up being the supply convoy that Jack was waiting on. He, along with most of the crew of theDestiny, watched the docking of those ships at Quiller's with great anticipation, hoping that two passengers on the ships would soon be joining them.

"I can't wait to see them," said Abigail with excitement, a warm smile on her lips. "It's been way too long!"

Jack nodded but didn't answer her directly. Kat's news was still on his mind, and if he was being honest with himself, he was still in a state of shock. He turned his head to look at Kat, and she offered him a sympathetic smile. Nothing more needed to be said.

Finishing their earlier conversation would just have to wait.

"I see them, I see them!" yelled Abigail as she started to wave at two people from the deck of theDestiny.

Those two people were none other than Luke Ravencross and Kim Cross, both dressed in their naval uniforms and sporting similar grins on their faces. Jack watched the two of them disembark from the ship as the three of them hurried to meet them in the middle.

"We heard you needed a pair of officers for your next mission," called out Luke just before the distance was closed.

"Although we were kind of hoping we'd get a better assignment," added Kim while a teasing grin dancing across her lips.

They all collided together as one mass of humanity a moment later. Jack made first for Luke, the two of them sharing what could only be described as a masculine embrace that involved several taps of each other's shoulder and quick separation.

The women were slightly different, giving long squeezes that properly emphasized the time they'd spent apart. Of notice to Jack when they all finally separated was how Kim needed to rest her hand against Luke in order to keep her balance.

"You have no idea how much we missed you both," said Jack. "How was the journey from Java?"

Luke made a face. "TheSwallow doesn't sail nearly as smoothly as theValiant, I can tell you that. And we got caught in foul winter storm about a week out from the mainland. These supply ships roll around back and forth as easily as a seesaw, Jack. It even made me want to hurl when it was all over."

Kim elbowed him in the stomach gently. "We still made in one piece, didn't we? And now we never have to look upon theSwallow again."

"Thank god for that," muttered Luke, causing a laugh amongst the others.

"How are you both feeling?" asked Abigail once the laughter died down. She gestured to Kim's legs, no doubt noticing the same thing that Jack had.

"Getting better every day," said Kim with a degree of optimism. "I still need to have some physical therapy on my legs, but at least the casts are long gone and I can be on my feet again."

"They cleared her to leave from the hospital in Aberdeen and then we took the fastest train we could catch across Java to Belfort where we managed to get on theSwallow," added Luke. "It hasn't left a lot of time for healing on her part but as far as the navy goes, she's active for duty."

"That's all I need to know too," said Jack. "It's not like she's required to be on her feet all day. I'm just all too happy to have you both back."

Luke grinned and looked over Jack's shoulder at theValiant. "And I'm all too happy to see my baby again. I missed theValiant something fierce."

"Sometimes I think you love that ship more than you love me," said Kim dryly, casting a serious look to Luke.

He met it on even ground. "You know that's not true. TheValiant will always be my first love but you'll always be my last."

Kat raised her eyebrow. "Last love, huh?"

Kim brought her hand up and a sparkle of the sun's light caught everyone's attention. "I sure hope so with the size of this rock."

Both Abigail and Kat gasped as they reached out to grab her hand simultaneously. "Is this what I think it is?" shrieked Kat.

Kim wrapped her free arm around Luke tightly. "We've decided to make it official."

"By that she means we're getting married," said Luke with a chuckle.

"All right, I have to know details," said Abigail. "I want to know everything! Walk me through the whole story and start from square one."

Kat nodded her head fiercely, in seemingly equal agreement with the brunette commander. The three women stepped to the side to listen to every nauseating detail while Luke pulled Jack aside.

"A congratulations are in order then," said Jack with a warm smile. "This is good news."

"It's a good move," said Luke with a nod. "We've been together for so long and we're a perfect fit. After the close call at Aberdeen, I figured what was there to wait on? I already knew she was the one."

"And it'll be easy to modify her uniform," noted Jack humorously. "Just have to tack on the Raven- part in front of her last name."

"Funny how that works out, right?" asked Luke as the two men started to laugh.

"I'm happy for you," said Jack. "Set a date?"

"Not yet, but we wanted to make our intentions known," said Luke before he got serious for a moment. "I suppose I should ask you if it's a conflict of interest to have us both assigned to theValiant though?"

Jack scoffed. "I think the whole crew knows where Kim has been sleeping for a long time. Conflict of interest? Maybe, but you won't hear a complaint from me. I need you both on theValiant."

Luke grinned. "I was hoping you would say that but I knew I needed to ask. Hopefully this is the best news you heard all day."

Jack didn't know what to say to that directly, and the reminder about Kat's delicate condition came roaring back. He nodded slowly as he felt those same feelings of confliction again, but thankfully Luke didn't seem to pick up on it.

"How long have you been in Quiller's?"

"It's only two weeks that we've been waiting for you," said Jack with a smirk. "But it looks like we can leave now that you're here."

"That's a relief," said Luke. "After all, who needs a lot of time relaxing in port?"

"How were things in Java when you left? Any new developments?" asked Jack. "I feel like I haven't heard much since I left although I'm sure that's no accident." Jack had shared with Luke all about his conflict with Bancroft before he left. It was no secret that they weren't on friendly terms anymore.

"About the usual," answered Luke. "I keep hearing reports about the Ruthenians ambushing fishing vessels and other small warships. Our old friend Reynolds was getting ready to depart Belfort with his task force to combat them but so far there have been no major engagements."

"No news about Bancroft then?"

Luke shook his head. "Not a word. I heard he's due to move his headquarters back to Lockhaven soon for the next invasion. McKenzie has already made the move and he's marshaling forces there."

"I suppose no news is good news then," said Jack reluctantly.

"How's the old commodore?" asked Luke, nodding his head off in the direction of the town. "Still hanging in there?"

"Funny you should mention that," said Jack. "I was just about to go see him. Care to join me?"

"Sure, why not?"

The two of them rejoined the women shortly after, who were still in the midst of retelling the story of the proposal, much to Kat and Abigail's rapt enjoyment. They excused themselves to make the short walk over to Lucas' headquarters, leaving the three of them at the dock before walking toward town.

"Kat and Abigail look like they're holding up well," noted Luke as they neared headquarters. "I take it all is well in paradise?"

Jack raised an eyebrow. "Paradise?"

Luke elbowed him. "You're telling me that regularly sleeping with two beauties like them wouldn't qualify as paradise? Especially when they have no qualms about sharing you?"

"Well, since you put it that way . . ." said Jack, earning a barking laugh from the other man.

"You have it made, my friend. But they are well, yes? You too?"

"We are," said Jack briefly, not even touching the topic of Kat's pregnancy yet. He told himself that it was because it was still early yet, and Kat only wanted him and Abigail to know once she made it this far enough along. The tiny voice in his head however knew his reasons for not saying anything to Luke went far deeper than that.

The two men entered headquarters and quickly made their way to Lucas' office on the third floor, giving the customary greeting to the always sour Lt. Settler.

"There you are, Jack," greeted Lucas with a warm smile. "I was about to send a search party out for you." Lucas finally noted Luke being behind Jack. "And you brought Luke with you, well never mind then!"

"How are you, Commodore?" asked Luke, giving him a firm handshake.

"Luke, don't start that 'commodore' shit in here now," said Lucas while he put his hands up in protest. He gestured for all of them to sit around his desk. "If Jack here doesn't make me call him 'admiral' then you can dispense with the titles."

That was another development that had taken some time to get used to. When Jack first met Lucas, he'd been just a commander a year ago, two ranks under the more senior Lucas. With this last promotion to rear admiral, he now outranked Lucas, which forced him to have the same conversation about titles with the man when he arrived at Quiller's two weeks ago.

"I trust you're feeling well now?" asked Lucas. "I heard you had some nasty wounds at the Battle of Aberdeen."

"I'm getting better every day. It took a pretty big chunk out of my leg but I was one of the lucky ones," replied Luke. "The same blast broke Kim's legs and killed my two other division heads."

"Nasty business," said Lucas solemnly. "I'm glad that you're back with us though now."

"As am I," added Jack. "Don't get me wrong, the replacement officers on theValiant were competent, but I'll sleep better knowing you're back in charge over there."

"That makes two of us," said Luke with a grin. "I'm really looking forward to being back on my ship again. I'm told that the repair work was excellent."

"I boarded her myself before we left Belfort," said Jack. "You can scarcely see where the bridge collapsed. Of course, the entire thing has been rebuilt but you can't even see where the old steel ended and the new began."

"That's good," said Luke. "The bridge will be the hardest place for me to go once I'm aboard. You know, memories and all."

Jack nodded without saying anything further. Both Bill and Anna had been respected members of theValiant as well as equally capable officers. There wasn't anyone left on theValiant who didn't mourn their passing.

"It'll get easier with time, Luke," said Lucas. "The first time will be the hardest."

"No doubt," said Luke. "But no better way to honor their memory than by getting back in the saddle once again."

"I think we can all agree there," said Jack before he changed the subject to the reason for the meeting. He looked directly at Lucas. "I'm sure you're wondering why I wanted to talk this morning."

"I'm guessing it has something to do with the Sorella order?" he suggested.

Jack nodded. "It does."

"I figured I'd be seeing you about that," said Lucas. "I can't imagine it'll be an easy order to execute, no matter what the situation."

Luke blinked. "What Sorella order? What's going on there?"

Jack took a deep breath. "Something is happening there. We think it's a possible revolt." He spent the next five minutes telling Luke about the dispatch he received earlier as well as the situation on the ground in Sorella, at least as far as they knew.

"That's going to get a little dicey," said Luke once he heard it all. "What are you going to do if they did revolt and threw out the viceroy?"

"Commend them for coming to their wits," muttered Jack under his breath, causing Lucas to begin to laugh.

"I fear I've been a bad influence on you, Jack," said Lucas. "When we first met, you were Bancroft's protégé. Now you're just as damned as I am."

Jack chuckled. "It appears your influence has rubbed off on me."

"Can you really use force against them though, Jack?" continued Luke. "We did so much for the Sorellans. For Heron. Ended their civil war and brought peace to their country. There are still marines buried over there."

"I know," said Jack reluctantly. "Believe me, this order hasn't been easy. It's already been a trying day," he said, not expanding that statement with what he truly meant. "But orders are orders."

"And we don't technically know that they've revolted," chimed Lucas. "For all we know, Viceroy Grant could have just busted his radio and that's preventing word from getting back to us."

"True, but if that's the case, he's supposed to get his communications repaired immediately," said Jack. "If we lost the signal six weeks ago, he would've reached Quiller's by now."

"Unless something is wrong with his ship," added Luke.

"There's a few variables here," said Jack. "This could all be a moot point too if it turns out that nothing is wrong with Grant."

"In that case, how do we proceed, Jack?" asked Luke.

"We figure out why he's not transmitting and either get him the equipment he needs or replace him if he's gone rogue," said Jack with obvious distaste in his mouth. "I'd rather just send him home altogether."

"As I'm sure the Sorellans would too," muttered Lucas.

"And if they have revolted?" asked Luke tepidly.

Jack took a deep breath. "Then we are to open hostilities against them."

Luke didn't reply immediately. His eyes went wide and he looked down at the floor, no doubt feeling the same thing that Jack did. To ask the same people that brought peace to Sorella to drown it in war was madness.

"Are you going to be able to do this, Jack?" asked Lucas quietly. "I'm not doubting you as a commander but I'm asking you man-to-man—can you fire on the Sorellans?"

It was a loaded question that Jack didn't have an easy answer for. There was a moral and ethical question there that he had trouble answering. It might not have been so hard to answer if he still saw his home country as the beacon of unwavering devotion that it used to be for him. The fact was that Java just didn't hold those same feelings for him. Being asked to kill those who he considered friends on the emperor's behalf was a tall order.

"Let's just hope it doesn't come to that," said Jack finally, avoiding the question.

"You're playing a dangerous game, Jack," warned Lucas after a moment of silence. Lucas knew all about Jack's recent feelings to his homeland, and he even shared in several of them. Of all the officers in the navy, Lucas alone knew what Jack was going through the best.

Even still, those supportive feelings fell well short of mutiny.

"You know I can't answer that question right now," said Jack, looking the commodore in the eye. "But what I am going to do is make a judgment call when I get to Sorella. If I find that matters on the ground run contrary to my orders, then I'm going to be the one to potentially change them."

Lucas' eyes went wide. "Changing one of your orders could get you stripped of your command. The Admiralty was quite firm in that dispatch, Jack."

"It's a risk we all must take at some time or another," said Jack before raising his left hand. "To follow orders blindly." He then lowered his left and raised his right. "Or to do the right thing."

Lucas didn't respond to that right away, but Luke did. "What the hell did I come back to?" he asked with a half-hearted joke.

"The waters are definitely muddy now," said Jack to Luke before turning back to Lucas. "But I'm going to need your help too."

"What do you need?"

"Depending on what I do in Sorella, I may need your aid in running interference back to the Admiralty."

Lucas gave him an odd look. "What kind of interference are we talking about here?"

"If I have to do something out of bounds in Sorella, I might need your help covering my tracks. Or I might need your help when it comes to the viceroys," said Jack.

Lucas put his hand on his cheek and strummed his fingers against the desk. "You would ask me to lie to the Admiralty? Lie back to Bancroft?"

Jack cracked a hint of a smile. "I figured if anything were to come to a head, you would be the person with the least amount of scruples about it."

Lucas tried hard to keep a smile from forming but failed. "You'd be right in that case. I wouldn't mind being a bit of a thorn in Bancroft's side. Provided of course that you're doing the right thing, Jack. I trust that whatever you have in mind, while not technically what the Admiralty may want, would be done for the greater good. Am I right in that assumption?"

Jack nodded. "I think there's only one person who can prevent a war from breaking out in Sorella. If that truly is the case over there, then that person is me. It won't be conventional by any stretch of the imagination but the Admiralty doesn't need to know that."

Lucas started to grin. "When do we start?"

*****

"What you're talking about could be construed as mutiny, Jack," warned Luke as the two of them made their way back to the docks. "It's dangerous. Bancroft already has you on his shit list. Is it wise to keep provoking him?"

"Bancroft is going to have me on his shit list for the rest of my life," said Jack. "What I do now will hardly affect it one way or the other."

Luke grabbed him by the arm. "We're not just talking about something tiny here, Jack. This could bring the whole weight of the empire down on our heads. All of us, because we'll be lumped in with you. I'm asking that you think this through before you do anything drastic."

Jack nodded. "I won't do anything stupid. Believe me, I carry the weight of the entire task force on my shoulders when it comes to making decisions. I won't endanger them needlessly."

Luke let out a relieved breath and then shook his head. "This damn viceroy better have a broken radio. It would save us all a lot of trouble."

Jack chuckled. "You know it's never that easy. I think we should probably prepare for the worst."