Rendezvous at Quiller's Cove with Commodore Stanhope Lucas. More instructions will await your squadron there. Your mission is considered top secret.
-Admiral P. Bancroft
"I wish I knew but I know just about as much as you," said Jack. "We'll find out more once we talk with Commodore Lucas."
"Jack, do you think there's any chance they'll send us into the Fourth Vector?" For once Luke lost his quiet confidence and visibly paled at the very mention of the dreaded Fourth Vector.
It was easy to understand why. The Fourth Vector was unknown territory. Even its name itself carried a trepidation that was held in common by all the eastern nations. Stories of monsters and demon men from the vector were used to frighten young children. Even grown men shied away from missions that came too close.
The truth was that no one from home knew what was truly out there. The lands that made up the Fourth Vector were truly unexplored and filled with savage people. Furthermore, anyone who had tried to explore it never returned to tell the tale. What could possibly be gained from contact with such a land?
Jack swallowed and turned to face his friend, having to face the facts. "Why else would they send us all the way out here? I doubt they need our forces just to garrison Quiller's Cove."
Luke shuddered visibly. "I heard there's a race of savages on one of the islands. If they catch any humans, they'll skewer us with big, metal pipes and wait until the surface pierces the other sides of our bodies. Once we're properly speared, they prepare a big bonfire and roast us until we're tender enough to eat."
"Hell of a way to go—barbecued like a chicken at some savage's backyard party," muttered Jack.
"That's one of the better tales I've heard," said Luke.
"Don't you think it might be just that—a tale?"
"Who knows? Do you even want to find out? I don't."
Jack chuckled. "No. And I pray every day I'll never have to."
The subject made Luke uncomfortable enough to switch to another topic. "There's a lot going on right now, Jack. How did the world get so complicated?"
"That's been on my mind lately as well. Between the Occitanian threats and the raids by the Ruthenians, it's only a matter of time until war breaks out."
"Do you think we can win?"
Jack shrugged. "We'll do all that we can. Luckily, the Ruthenians and the Occitanians aren't working together so we have that in our favor. They hate each other just as much as they hate us."
"I don't know what kind of war we're going to have. I've seen the new recruits. Most of them have never spent a day at sea in their life. And not to mention, they're as fat as heifers and lazy to boot. God help us when we do go to war. We're going to need all the help we can get," said Luke.
"We just need to trust in the emperor. He'll guide us through this," said Jack, regretting the words almost as soon as he said them. It was a gut reaction—a learned trait of every Javan to never question their emperor and always follow their orders blindly. Yet the current occupant of the throne inspired very little faith.
"Bullshit," swore Luke. "You and I both know that Emperor Charles is a bloodthirsty tyrant. That man would sell off his own children if he thought it would gain him extra power or help him keep his throne."
Jack gripped his subordinate's arm. "Talk like that any louder and you'll find out how bloodthirsty he can be. Even naval officers aren't immune to the emperor's brand of justice if anyone on this ship turns into a snitch."
"Relax, alright?" said Luke in a quieter tone. "I'm not dumb enough to mouth off in front of the crew. But you can't deny what I said about the man."
All Jack could do was nod. "I know you're right. But this is our country. Java is a home. Our loved ones and everyone we know is Javan. We can only do the best we can to protect our home."
Jack could tell that his friend was thinking over his words as he fell silent for several moments. Before he turned away, Luke spoke out once more. "Have you ever met him? The emperor that is?"
"Just once. A dinner function in the capitol. Bancroft invited me as his guest and I met Charles for a grand total of five minutes."
Luke fixed him with his stare. "What was he like?"
Remembering the chilling words from his encounter with the supreme ruler of the Javan Empire, Jack stuck his hands in his overcoat. "Let's just say the rumors about him are true."
With that, Jack calmly exited the bridge and prepared to return to his quarters. Spotting the faint dot on the horizon that marked the Occitanian cruisers, he said a silent prayer to let the ships make good time into Quiller's Cove.