NOVEL NEXT Chapter 5: 5. Spanking officers?
Jack gave a simple smirk and remained silent. He watched as the bow of the Valiant cut across alongside the Destiny and pulled into the dock beside it. When they were close enough, two tugs pushed the ship in against the dock and several sailors jumped out to tie down the ship. Behind them, the small destroyer Tiger filed into an empty spot at a nearby dock.
"Great to be back in port again. Wonder where the bar is in this town?" asked Luke as the boilers came to a stop.
"Come on, knucklehead, let's see what's going on. Perhaps we can meet the Commodore and find out what the rest of this mission entails."
The two men gathered the rest of the divisional commanders of the ship and prepared to exit down the plank toward the dock. As Jack approached the railing, his eyes caught sight of another officer already on the dock and appearing to be waiting for their arrival.
"Commander Easterbrook?" the man asked more out of formality than question. Jack looked down at the man's shoulder lapel and noted that he was a lieutenant. His name tag indicated that his name was Settler.
"Aye, you've found him, Lt. Settler," answered Jack as he saluted the officer.
"I have a message directly from Commodore Lucas. He wishes to meet with you at ten o'clock tomorrow morning to discuss your mission."
Jack frowned as he hoped to have that meeting today. "Any idea what that mission will be now that we're all the way out here, Lieutenant?"
Settler blinked several times in a most annoying fashion. "Negative, sir. I'm sure the Commodore will enlighten you at your meeting."
Jack pursed his lips, not quite liking the tone of the deputy. He decided that if Lucas didn't want to see him until tomorrow then he would at least find a way to enjoy the night before the mission truly began in the morning.
"Very well, Lieutenant. You can give the Commodore my regards and let him know I'll see him in the morning."
"Certainly, sir. I am also to inform you that the dock crews are to begin a resupply of your ships at this moment. The crews will be working through the night to prepare the ships for their mission."
"You're starting the resupply now? Just where in the hell are we going, Lieutenant?"
Settler's ears reddened at being addressed in such a manner but the man kept his cool. "You'll find out in the morning, sir."
Jack let out a heavy sigh and saluted the deputy to let him get back to his chief. Taking this much time to supply the big ship pointed toward an extended mission. But where?
"Man, I'd love to slap the service cap off of that mouth," muttered Luke as soon as Settler walked away.
"The man seems to know how to get under your skin, doesn't he?"
The two officers watched him walk away as the sailors began to descend down the plank. Having been so long at sea, the majority of them were now in search of the nearest watering hole, not unlike their commanding officer.
"I'm going to go look after the men. Someone needs to make sure they don't get in trouble with all of that alcohol after all," said Luke while already taking steps away from the ship and into the little town.
"And who's going to look after you?" Jack called out. He watched as a grin appeared on Luke's face as he disappeared into the crowd.
"Oh, I'm sure a man like that won't get in too much trouble," came a voice from behind him.
Jack spun around until he was greeted by the piercing-blue eyes of Lt. Commander Victoria Carter, the commanding officer of the Tiger.
"Ah, Vicky, you got off that ship in a hurry," said Jack, offering a kind smile.
"It's been three weeks since we saw land, Jack. Besides, you can't tell me it doesn't feel great not to be in your cramped quarters right now."
"You're right, Vicky. I'd much rather break up drunken fights between my men at midnight instead of being cramped," gibed Jack, launching into a chuckle.
Vicky swatted his stomach in response.
"Careful now. Don't you know the penalty for hitting a superior officer?"
"Does it involve a spanking? If it does, sign me up." Vicky's eyes danced with mischief. Jack was half-tempted to take her up on that offer.