NOVEL NEXT Chapter 34: 34. Cautious
"So, Jack. Let me tell you about my men."
"That would be great. I understand you command two companies of Marines."
"That's right. We're from the ninth regiment of the third division of Naval Marines. Some of the toughest bastards ever created call me their commander," said Greg with a noticeable point of pride. "My men are well-trained and well-armed. They are all armed with the latest and most sophisticated assault rifle in all of Java—the NT-12."
"You've been equipped with NT-12's? I didn't even know those were out yet. They weren't supposed to be released until later this year."
Greg grinned. "We're one of the first regiments to be armed with them. We turned in our NT-11's right before we left for Quiller's Cove. They fire real sweet, Jack. Remind me to let you take a turn with them at the range."
"I'll be sure to do that," said Jack. "I'll sleep easier knowing you guys are so well-armed."
"Well-armed and loyal to a fault. These men have marched together for ten years. They saw action right at the start of their enlistment with the short Desert War where they popped their cherries. Since then, they've only grown tighter. Each and every one of those two hundred men would march into hell if I gave them the order."
"What about the Fourth Vector?" Jack asked. "Would they march there?"
"Even there, Jack," confirmed Greg.
Jack let out a sigh of relief. "I'm a little concerned about my own crew. There's been some . . . grumbling on board. The crew is tense and a little quiet."
"It's only natural, I suppose. Hell, even I don't relish the idea of going there myself."
Jack shrugged. "Neither do I. But part of being an officer is being able to take bad news and not let it bring you down. My concern is for the green members of the crew. Can they?"
Greg mulled the idea over for a moment before responding. "I guess we'll find out. So it's my understanding that we're supposed to make allies of these Fourthies. Is that right?"
"That's the plan at least," said Jack.
"All the help that will do us when they start throwing rocks at Occitanians. I don't see that being much help. In fact, that's more of a hindrance than anything."
"Maybe the Occitanians will prefer to shoot at them first, allowing us to strike when they're distracted," said Jack.
"If that's all we have to go on then this mission isn't worth the paper it was printed on," said Greg with a chuckle.
"Maybe if we find out there's nothing the Fourthies can offer us, we can get back to the real war and fire on some Occitanian ships."
Greg grinned. "Now you're talking my language."
There was a knock at the door at that moment. Twitch, who had been sitting quietly to Jack's right, bolted up and opened the door. A quick nod of the head led him to invite the visitor into the Major's quarters.
Jack turned around to look at the dark-haired, green-eyed beauty that just walked in and quickly recognized her as Abigail's deputy lieutenant, Brittany Noble. Greg sat up more noticeably in his chair at her presence, a move that didn't escape Jack's attention.
"Evening, Lt. Noble. Are you here for me or for Major Vaughn?" Jack asked.
Brittany came to a stop and saluted Jack. She hazarded a glance at Greg before turning back to Jack. In her hand, she carried what looked like a dispatch in her free hand. "I'm here for you, Commander. Lt. Commander Wainwright asked that I send this dispatch to you right away. It was just received from Quiller's Cove."
She reached over to hand the small scrap of paper to Jack and his eyes quickly scanned the message.
ATTN: COMMANDER JACK EASTERBROOK
COMMANDING OFFICER, TASK FORCE 21
THREE OCCITANIAN PRISONERS FROM THE SUNKEN CRUISER ARE MISSING. WE'VE SEARCHED THE ENTIRE ISLAND AND THEY HAVEN'T TURNED UP. PLEASE SEARCH YOUR SHIPS IMMEDIATELY.
COMMODORE STANHOPE LUCAS
COMMANDING OFFICER, QUILLER'S COVE
"What is it, Jack? You look like you've received some bad news," asked Greg after Jack reread the message several times. Before he answered, Jack turned to address Brittany. "Tell Lt. Commander Wainwright that I'll be stopping at her quarters in fifteen minutes."
"Aye, sir," said Brittany before slipping out the door. Jack waited until she was halfway down the passageway before opening up to Greg.
"It seems we've misplaced a few Occitanian prisoners back at Quiller's Cove. Commodore Lucas is suggesting we search the ships," said Jack.
"By misplaced, I take it you mean we lost them?"
Jack chuckled. "That's a fair guess."
"I guarantee you there's nothing out of the ordinary in the Marine barracks, but I'll have a search commenced right away. I almost feel bad for any prisoners who wind up in the hands of my boys," said Greg with a chuckle. "Almost."
"I think the Commodore is just being cautious. You can never be too certain though. I do appreciate your help in that manner though, Greg," said Jack.
"Of course. I'll say a silent prayer that we're the ones to find them. The men could use some entertainment." Greg laughed.
"As do we all! Anyway, I'll let you get back to your work. I appreciate you letting me stop down here to talk."
Greg reached out his hand which Jack quickly took. "No problem, Jack. I'm looking forward to working more with you. Oh, and by the way, would you happen to know if that Lt. Noble has a man or not?"
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