The Adventurous Ero Path of a Sailor

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 the Destiny. 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 the Valiant 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 the Valiant 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 the Destiny 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."