Fourth Vector Ch. 47

"Right on time then," said Jack with a grin. "Everything so far is according to schedule. How do the men look today?"

"A little nervous," answered Ambros. "Most of them don't have any idea of when they'll see land again."

"Four to six weeks, depending on the currents," said Greg. "Of course, the slower transport ships will be the reason for most of that time."

"Four to six weeks is a long time to be shadowed by another enemy force," added Lindy. "No wonder the boys look a little anxious today."

"If we do our job well, they won't even see a Javan ship that entire time," said Jack. "The rest of the fleet is to be the shield that protects them against Reynolds. We have the benefit of having nearly the entire Javan Navy concentrated in one force. As long as we keep us between Reynolds and the transports, they should have nothing to fear."

"We also have theCenturion as well," added Greg. "I hadn't realized how useful it is to have regular air patrols."

"Right you are. At this very moment, I have several planes up searching the eastern ocean," said Jack. "We know Reynolds is out there. The sooner we can get a bearing on his force, the better prepared we can be. I don't intend to squander my advantages."

"Well, I've talked with my admirals this morning," said Ambros. "They're all ready to fight. Most of them never thought they'd see the day they'd sail out under Galician command, but I think all of them have something to prove. They want to show they're capable of fighting within this new alliance."

Jack nodded his head. "And I thank them for it. And you too, Ambros. And I fully intend to rub every casualty that they're responsible for in Aedan's face just to prove my point."

Ambros started to chuckle. "Just make sure I'm around when you do that. I could use something to laugh at."

"Consider it done," said Jack, laughing alongside him.

With those last words, Jack watched as the three of them soon joined their men, making for their own ships and preparing to leave. At that moment, Jack could see at the entrance to the harbor that Lucas had come to see their sendoff. Jack crossed the distance to meet him halfway.

"It seems like I'm always coming down here to see you off on another grand mission," said Lucas with a sigh after they'd shaken hands.

"It does appear that way. Perhaps this will be the last time then? Maybe the next time we see each other, it will be me welcoming you back home to Java.

Lucas couldn't help the smile that appeared on his face. "That's a nice thought indeed, Jack. A very nice thought. Your men are all loaded up and ready to go?"

Jack nodded. "All save for the small garrison that's staying here on Quiller's. Was there a lot of grumbling from your men about being detained?"

"No more than what usually happens when they're told to do their jobs," replied Lucas with a grin. "In any event, I think most of them will appreciate the time off. Let someone else run the naval base for a chance."

"You know there's a possibility that Reynolds will stop here first," warned Jack. "He could very well take you into detention for what you've done. The offer is still there if you want to come with my forces."

"No, no, I realize that, Jack. I also realize that Reynolds is likely to have me arrested if that's the case. I'm not afraid of the reception I might receive. I just have to have faith that everything will turn out right in the end."

"We'd all be better off to realize that," said Jack. "Or to at least work toward that purpose."

With those final words, the two men embraced heartily.

"Take care of yourself, old friend," said Lucas quietly. "And good luck on this mission."

"You as well," replied Jack. "I meant what I said. It won't be long until we get you back home to Java."

Lucas smiled fondly. "I will hope for that result too then. And do me a favor, will you? When you do meet Reynolds on the high seas, will you kick his ass for me? That man needs to be brought down a peg or two."

Jack started to chuckle. "You have my word."

The two men gave each other one final handshake before parting. Jack turned his attention back to the docks, where the last men were now boarding. The last regiments still on Quiller's were Galician and Swabian in nature, and by the looks of how they were intermingling before boarding, they were one of the paired regiments from back in Picardy.

That was further illustrated when Jack saw a few familiar faces giving each other a warm goodbye before boarding.

Pvt. Brian Mikkelson and Cpl. Arnold Perera made some waves back in Picardy as being most representative of the bonds Jack was trying to create between the Swabians and the rest of the allies. Just like the bond that wedded the Galician people to Jack, Brian and Arnold now shared a bond of friendship that gave Jack real hope that the army could fight as one force. If those two could set aside their differences and preconceived notions, why couldn't the rest of the army?

Through the actions of those two, a spirit of true cooperation was fostered. It was a spirit that needed to be strong to get them through the dark days ahead, and it was only through unity and brotherhood that they could hope to achieve any real victory against Bancroft's empire.

At that moment, as Jack watched the last of the soldiers board the transports, he had a profound feeling of deja vu. He was reminded of the last time he watched a mighty army board for an unknown land, right before the Swabian campaign kicked off in earnest.

Today, many of those men were now fighting in his own army, but once more they were bound for an unknown land where death could find them at any time.

Jack came through that battle scathed but alive. Would this time be the same?

Shaking those thoughts to himself, Jack walked the short distance to theDestiny and ascended to her main deck before moving to the bridge. There he found all the bridge officers, in addition to his two wives, waiting for him already.

"Your fleet is ready to sail, Jack," said Abigail as she squeezed his hand. "We'll be pushing off shortly."

Jack turned and looked toward the eastern horizon. "There are dark clouds up ahead. We'll be facing a storm soon enough."

Abigail lifted her chin. "No, Jack.We're the storm."

At that moment, he could only give her a look of pride. "Yes, we're the storm."