Chapter 8

A cold wind blew on my face as I stepped off the train, carrying with it the familiar salty scent of the ocean. I moved aside to allow the others to step off the train, I could see the relief in all of their faces from being near the ocean again.

I looked up trying to guess the time of the day. Through dark overcast clouds I could see an area slightly brighter than the rest, from where it was I gathered it was around mid-afternoon. "We probably have a few hours before sundown. We need to get some supplies before then, food and water is our main priority. Some common tools and medical items probably wouldn't hurt either." I thought for a second making guessing the prices of everything we would need. I took the money out of my pocket; this would put a sizeable dent in it. "It would be a waste of time for all of us to get everything together." I looked to Elizabeth." Your majesty, if you and Warspite go and gather enough food for the five of us to last a week then Hood and Javelin can go and get the rest."

"What about you?" Javelin asked.

"I'm going to hopefully find some information on this lab, along with getting some other stuff we might need."

"Wouldn't It be dangerous for you to go out on your own?"

"News about us probably hasn't travelled too far yet so there's a slim chance of anything happening. If I keep to crowded areas, I should be fine."

I started to divide out the money. "There's an old building with a clock just down there." I pointed further down the road. "If we all meet there in two hours, we can then start looking for somewhere to join the sea." I handed both Hood and Elizabeth the money. "There should be more than enough there to get what we need, plus some extra if you find anything you want." both Javelin's and Elizabeth's eyebrows perked up at that. "Just remember we will have to carry everything onboard so weight is a limiting factor."

I looked at the four of them, I had told Javelin we should be fine but I couldn't help but worry. "Keep your head on a swivel and don't do anything to draw too much attention to yourselves. Don't bring out your rigging unless absolutely necessary, if anything does happen make for the sea."

With nods of agreement, we begun to go our separate ways.

I walked until I was out of sight of them and quickly turned into an alley. Letting out a breath I didn't know I was holding, I crouched down. For the first time in days, I was alone. Suppressed emotions finally made themselves known. My heart rang in my ears, my hand begun to uncontrollably shake. I closed my eyes and tried to control my breathing.

Memories of the last few days flashed through my head, making it almost impossible for me to think clearly. My mind went back to when I had escaped the Endurance. The feeling of helplessness I felt while watching my old crew being mercilessly killed by the sirens.

I grabbed my injured shoulder and squeezed. With the pain serving as a distraction, I was finally able to steady my breathing and refocus my mind.

Letting go of my shoulder I buried my head in my palms. I sat there for a while until a warm feeling radiated from my pocket. Taking out the two cubes I noticed they were glowing slightly. The light seemed to have a calming effect, I waited to see if anything would happen but they just continued to glow, before eventually going dim once again

As I stood back up and brushed myself off, I noticed that both my chest and shoulder felt slightly better. I looked at the cubes in my hand. "I don't know what you did or if you can hear me, but thank you."

I put them back inside my pocket. "Right, that's enough wallowing in self-pity for now. I've got a job to do." Stepping out of the alley I looked around, there were a few areas I could get what I needed, making a mental note of everything we would need for a few days sailing I begun to walk down the street again.

"Inverness eh, yeah went past it a few months back on a run to Iceland. What you looking to find up there?" The old man grumbled. I had finished purchasing everything I needed and begun gathering information. Most people had just turned me away or said they didn't know. The man sitting opposite me had been the first to say anything of note, probably due to the pint I had bought him.

"Was talking to a mate of mine, said his ship had to take a large shipment up there a few weeks ago. Haven't heard from him since, been trying to find some information on what's going on up there."

He grumbled and leaned forward. A sour look appeared on his face, scratching his white beard he spoke in a hushed tone. "Bout half a mile north of the old city is an estuary, nobody is allowed around the local waters. Some sort of special research facility upstream. what locals are left in the area daredn't go anywhere near it, when we sailed past something just didn't feel right." He took a long drink. "Lad, I've seen a lot in my long life, whatever is there is nothing but trouble. You would be best to wait on land for news of your friend."

Seems like wherever I turn nowadays is danger. "Thanks. I know it's not much but I've been trying to find answers for a while now."

He finished his pint. I could see the worn look on his face, years of sea air had turned his face leathery making every expression more defined. "You look like a smart kid. reminds me of myself in my younger years, I know the moment you leave this pub your going to try and go there, it's what I would do. And I don't blame you, just try not to do anything too stupid now."

I opened my mouth to reply but was stopped as someone sat beside me. "I wouldn't worry too much. Our commander seemingly has a natural skill to just muddle through difficult situations." Hood spoke as she sat.

"Oh, and who's this fine young lady?" He asked.

"This is Hood, she's a companion who sails with me."

He gave a chuckle. "A companion eh? Yeah, I remember being young." He looked at his now empty glass. "Should probably be heading off now, thanks for the drink and I hope your friend turns up."

Standing up he tipped his hat to Hood "Fair winds to the both of you." He said before leaving.

"If only the wind was my biggest concern." I finished my drink.

Hood leaned to face me. "I hope you didn't have us go and gather supplies while you sat in a pub trading stories with old sailors." The sly smile on her face told me she wasn't angry.

I lightly kicked a dark green canvas bag by my feet. "Went and got all the basic tools I might need for working on a ship, while your ships seem to repair by themselves, we might find ourselves in need of a quick repair. And I'm here trying to find out information about where we're going, there's no end of people you can find in a pub."

She ran a finger around the rim of my glass. "And this?"

I sighed; it was obvious she already knew the answer. "Poor man's painkiller."

Hood looked at my shoulder, then my chest. "I noticed you weren't using your left arm as much anymore. You need to see a doctor."

I waved her off. Hiding the pained expression on my face as I bent down to grab my bag. "The injury on my chest is nothing more than a bruise, as for my arm, I've just pulled it slightly, that's all." I put the bag on the table and started sorting out the straps. "So, what brought you over to me anyway? I'm surprised Javelin isn't dragging you around finding every source of food she can find."

"We acquired everything you asked for and begun to explore. I saw you sitting here as we passed by. I sent Javelin off to grab us something to eat with the promise of a surprise when she got back."

I stood, swinging the bag over my good shoulder. "Was it wise to send her off on her own, and what where you planning on surprising her with?"

With a chuckle she brought out a paper bag. "You forget what she is. Miss Javelin has enough firepower to level this port. And after the events of this morning, she may not act like it but she is very alert of her surroundings. As for these, just something to keep morale up." She opened the bag and picked out a lemon drop before handing it to me.

The sweet had a sour taste, but brought back pleasant memories from my youth. "I've been meaning to ask, why do you keep calling me commander? You said it back at the university and again just now.

"I thought the title would be appropriate, Javelin had already given you the title of captain but you can't be the captain of multiple ships so I went with commander. I find it feels more official and proper."

I began to leave the pub with Hood. "You can just call me by my name, I'm not really one for titles."

"While that might be, I wouldn't be so quick to scoff at the idea. giving yourself a proper title would be beneficial when dealing with others both ship and human alike."

She made a decent point. Eventually we would have to deal with people properly, and unless we came across in a position of power, what happened this morning would be repeated.

As we re-joined the street, I could see Javelin walking around with two paper cones. She was looking around trying to find Hood, eventually spotting us she promptly walked over. "Ah there you are, I was beginning to worry." she looked at the two cones in her hand, along with the smell I could see she had found a stall selling fish and chips. "I'm sorry James, I didn't know we would be meeting up again so soon, I only got two bags. You can have some of mine if you want."

"That's alright, I've had something to eat so you don't have to worry abou..." The stern look Hood was giving me told me she had seen through my lie. "But it has been a while since I had some chips so I can have a few." I took a small handful. We began to walk towards where we were supposed to meet. Taking a bite my eyes begun to water at the sheer amount of salt Javelin must have added. Surprisingly neither of them seemed to mind.

"While getting more sophisticated medical supplies proved challenging, but we were able to get the basics. We then went and got some modern maps and basic kitchen utensils as both of our galleys are practically bare." Hood was listing off everything they had been able to gather, both of them were carrying rather large bags, I did ask to carry Javelins but was promptly stopped by hood. "We are both more than capable of carrying such light loads." was the reply I got.

When we finally reached the meeting point Elizabeth and Warspite were already there. Elizabeth had a rather small bag while Warspite had multiple and was sitting on a rather sizeable crate. Noticing our presence Elizabeth proudly walked over. "We have procured a great deal of provisions, capable of feeding us for over a week." she took out a few notes. "We were able to barter for more reasonable prices and even after purchasing some personal effects there is ample change left." she went to hand me the money back.

I put my hand up. "Keep it, you've earned it." I looked back at Hood and Javelin. "That goes for you two, divide what you have left in half and keep it." The wide smile I received from Elizabeth was definitely worth it.

Elizabeth noticed her wide smile. Trying to hide it she brought her hand to her mouth and coughed. "Thou are indeed generous; we will ensure to repay the favour in due time." Changing the subject, she added. "Now that we have the required resources, how do you plan on setting forth?"

I looked at the sun, we probably had an hour before it started getting dark. "I had a look at the dockyard, unfortunately the news of Liverpool has everyone on edge, a warship suddenly appearing would make things difficult." This wasn't the first time I had been to this port however. "But a bit further north along the cost is an old abandoned pier we could use."

Warspite broker her silence. "And how far is this pier exactly?"

"I have only ever seen it from a ship before, but if I had to guess roughly a mile."

She rolled her eyes. Standing up she threw the bags over her shoulder and picked up the crate. Even though it looked to weigh the same as her there was no noticeable strain in her voice when she spoke. "Lead the way then."

We began to walk through the town once more, eventually the density of the buildings begun to thin before opening out into the wide flats of the coast, I felt a shiver as the costal winds were now no-longer held back by the large buildings.

"Ah that's not good." we stood in front of serval rotten wooden pillars, large sections of the pier were now washed away leaving it a skeleton of its former self, parts of the pier were still standing but were few and far between. "There goes that plan. It's been a while since I've been close to this pier. From the sea it looks far better than it actually is."

Thinking for a moment I recalled seeing small lifeboats on the side of Javelin, I guess I would have to use one of those. "Javelin, do you think you could sail out and bring out your ship? If you, can we can use one of your life boats to..."

My Words were cut short by Elizabeth. "While I mean no offence, a simple destroyer is not grand enough to show the return of my Royal navy. Warspite if you would be so kind as to show the perfection of design which is the Queen Elizabeth class."

"Yes, your majesty." she replied before walking towards the water. Still carrying the crate and bags her rigging appeared on her back, minus her sword. Taking a few steps into the waves until whatever allowed the girls to float on water kicked in and she begun to skate along the surface.

Javelin looked disappointed; Elizabeth put a hand on her shoulder. "I really mean it when I said no offence. I am not blind to the important role destroyers play in fleet dynamics. However, in these uncharted waters a surprise attack could come at any time. I would rather we take the brunt of the attack while you dart around and preform torpedo runs." she ruffled Javelins hair slightly and wiped some soot from her crown. "And when supplies are no longer an issue, I would be honoured to have you preform screening duties, from what I know the J-class were some of the best destroyers around."

"it's ok, I understand." her mood improved slightly.

Our attention was drawn out to sea. Now with enough room Warspite leapt high into the air, her rigging breaking into bright cubes of light before spreading out below her, the ship finished forming just as she landed on the deck.

I was in awe, even from the shore the ship looked massive. Her length nearly double that of Javelin with two ginormous smoke stacks jutting up from her low profile. A command tower lay just in front of the forward stack with its mast going even higher. Then there were the guns, four turrets each held two cannons that were larger than any I had ever seen in my life. Smaller cannons and guns could be seen dotted along both the ships superstructure and in several casemates.

A horn sounded as smoke begun to rise from the smokestacks. "I think I understand why old people always say we ruled the waves."

Elizabeth chuckled. "There were Five of us. Warspite, Valiant, Barham, Malaya and myself. We are the pinnacle of the Dreadnought design. wherever we sailed, victory would soon follow. Come, there is much still to do while we have the light." With that she also begun to make her way across the sea.

"Wait!" I called out to no avail. "How am supposed to get over?" I looked to Hood. "Do you think you could go over and get Warspite to launch one of her boats."

She just giggled. "I don't see the need to launch a craft. Please allow me to be of service."

"What do you mean by tha… Hey wait, what are you!" Hood brought out her rigging and proceeded to pick me up with ease. She was holding me with one arm under my legs, and the other across my back. Taking a few steps into the waves before begging to glide across the ocean's surface. Javelin promptly followed.

Even though there was nobody around being held like this was embarrassing. "Was carrying me like this really necessary? I can think of a million other ways you could have held me."

Smiling she leaned in so Javelin couldn't hear. "Well, if you're going to act childish and not get your injuries looked at then I will just treat you like one. Now be careful, I'm sure you know how cold this water can be. Wouldn't want you falling in now, would we?"

Not wanting to go into the ocean again I held my tongue. The wind had picked up and took away any warmth the early spring had given. Hood had obviously noticed and moved two of her turrets to try and block the wind. Even with her short skirt and thin top Javelin didn't seem to mind the cold, I wonder if them being ships means they don't notice temperature as much.

The Warspite grew larger as we approached. Where the Javelin had been sleek and small; designed to quickly dart around and deal strikes while avoiding incoming fire the Warspite was a behemoth of a ship. With thick armour and heavy guns her purpose was to deal heavy damage while receiving it in return.

Hood begun to slow as we approached, her grip tightened before she jumped up onto the deck.

Thankfully I was placed on the deck once we had landed. Two small thuds came from behind me as Javelin arrived. "Wow they weren't kidding when they said dreadnoughts were heavily armoured. I bet even the deck armour is thicker than my hull."

"Three inches where it's thickest." Warspite replied. Her and Elizabeth were walking over from further up the ship.

Elizabeth nodded. "And that's not all. Even with a waterline belt of thirteen inches, the twenty four boilers can easily push a speed of twenty four knots." She pointed towards the massive guns. "Eight fifteen inch cannons and fourteen six inch secondary's. You will find there is no safer ship to be upon."

I put my hand against a wall. Looking it was obvious that Warspite was an older design as everything was riveted together, anything that was wielded together must have been additions or refits, mostly she had been given as many anti-air armaments as physically possible along with some more modern radar equipment. "You definitely have a good ship here Warspite, I can see why our navy was held in such high regard."

"Yeah." Was all she said before casting her gaze out to sea, some of her rangefinders moved to follow where she looked. I could feel a sense of animosity between us.

"Yes, we are a mighty design." Elizabeth added. "Now how about we chart our course, I think you will find our map room to be most excellent." She led us inside.

We walked through the ship with Elizabeth leading the way. Just like with Javelin, Warspite was able to open the hatches as her sister approached them.

Eventually arriving in the map room, I laid out a map on the large table that took up most of the floor space, the room was littered with navigation and communication equipment, all of it was far more maintained and advanced than anything I'd ever seen before.

I looked over the map, I knew of several radar and watch stations along the east coast. Knowledge of a ship this large suddenly appearing would spread like wildfire. "We need to stay about fifty miles away from land, apart from that we just follow the land north and get here." I pointed to the area the old guy had given me. "How long do you think you would take to get us there?"

Warspite moved next to me. She hummed, using a thumb and finger she plotted a course in a similar way a divider would be used. "These waters are unknown so I'll have to go in a zigzag pattern. At twelve knots I can get us there for mid-afternoon tomorrow."

Even at half her top speed she was still faster than most cargo vessels. "Good, that gives us some time to rest." After speaking I felt the ship shift as the engines were brought up to speed. Warspite closed her eyes and put the ship on its course.

"Right." Hood clapped her hands together. "Seeming as a tour would take hours may I suggest us stowing everything away and making preparations for dinner."

"Sounds like a plan. Warspite, where can we find the galley?"

She pointed towards a door. "Down a deck and to the left, it's smaller than the main one but it will do."

"Thanks, if you all find a cabin I will make some dinner." With nods we begun to move all the foodstuffs down into the galley. The girls eventually left either to explore the ship or find somewhere to sleep.

Looking over what they had bought I was glad to see they'd used some sense. The crate mostly contained canned foods or stuff that wouldn't quickly perish. I felt the ship shift slightly as Warspite took a northern heading.

Putting everything away so they could be easily found I begun to prepare a light meal of beans, eggs and toast. Javelin walked in as I was finishing. "I found a cabin, even the ones for the lower ratings are bigger than mine. Elizabeth was given the captains."

"Warspite's ship, she can decide who goes where. Won't really matter, a beds a bed. Could you do a favour and set a table please." I Put some cutlery on a counter.

She picked it up and walked over to the nearest table, she was halfway through before stopping for a few seconds. "I was wondering. If it's alright with you, could I.." she stopped.

"Yeah?" I asked.

She fidgeted a bit, trying to find the best words to say before giving up. "It's nothing. Don't worry."

After she finished setting the table, she came over to watch me. We kept a light conversation about food going for a while before the others turned up.

"While it may be a simple dish, it is most exquisite." Elizabeth commented. We had all sat together and ate, Javelin had immediately taken the seat beside me. "I hear you are also mechanically minded. I knew my intuition was correct about you." I saw Warspite secretly roll her eyes at the comment.

"I'm really not that skilled, just my old ship had a rather small crew so I ended up working everywhere. But my main role was a mechanic."

"What naval college did you attend, or did you come onto the ship through family?" Warspite asked, I was surprised she had taken an interest.

"Just tuned up one day and asked for a job. With the seas being what they are, there isn't many people wanting to pursue a career at sea so the captain took me on. After a while I found my sea legs and just learned on the job." Talking about it made me realise that the life I had lived for five years was truly over.

"Ah, I see." She just returned to her food.

We continued eating and before long I was left tidying up and washing the dishes. Javelin wanted to stay but Hood apparently needed some assistance in something.

After finishing I begun to explore the ship. Deciding to stay on the upper decks so I didn't get lost I eventually found myself on the bridge. From the high position I could look over most of the ship. Looking west I couldn't see land anymore, just the vibrant reds and yellows of the setting sun.

With a yawn I felt the exhaustion of the last four days begin to pile on. Making a final check across the horizon and reassuring myself Warspite would know if a ship got too close, I started to leave the bridge, taking one last look out a window towards the two massive cannons on the bow. Both had their guns proudly facing forwards ready to lay low anything that dared to try them.

"Definitely sleeping soundly with eight of them on deck." I told myself.

After leaving the bridge I began my search for a cabin, I probably should have asked where everyone else was sleeping so we could be close. I turned a corner to see Warspite waiting for me, she stood there holding a towel with her arms folded.

"Finished wandering?" Her eyes seemed to scan over me, I noticed her hair was slightly damp and she now gave off a slight lavender scent. "How old are you?" She asked.

"Uh, twenty five." Even though she was only as tall as my shoulders the glare she gave me was able to make me feel smaller than her.

"Still just a young boy then." Unfolding her arms, she passed me the towel. "There's a washroom two decks down. The water is clean and warm. Do you have any spare clothes?"

"No, just what's on me already."

She hummed and stepped forward. To my surprise she gently grabbed my shirt and sniffed it. "You've been in the ocean, haven't you?" running the fabric between her fingers before letting go. She looked up, her deep purple eyes meeting mine. "The salt and algae can cause infection if they get into cuts. Wash whatever you don't sleep in, your socks especially. You can use a steam pipe to dry them overnight. we're using the cabins below the bridge, its best for you to be nearby in case anything happens." Warspite moved past me and started walking away. "Her majesty will be having breakfast at eight and has requested your presence. Until then ensure to get some sleep, you look positively shattered."

Following her advice, I went and eventually found the washroom. The feeling of hot water on my head was heavenly, for a long time I just stood letting my mind relax. The bruise on my chest was bigger but noting felt out of place. My shoulder however was red and swollen, moving my arm above my head was nigh impossible. I laughed to myself. "All to save a ship from falling in water."

Glad nobody was around to hear my terrible joke I left the shower and dried myself off, before quickly giving all my clothes except from my shirt and pants a quick wash. Wearing my shoes without any socks was uncomfortable, however walking barefoot on bare metal would have been worse. I knew Warspite was right in saying the socks were the most important.

Passing by the captain's cabin I was able to hear the voices of Elizabeth and Warspite. I knew Warspite could tell I was outside so I didn't try to eavesdrop. Almost as to prove this a door opened up further down the corridor, taking a look inside I could see she had shown me an empty cabin. It was bigger than the one I had on the Javelin but the layout was mostly the same. Putting my damp clothes on a warm pipe I laid down on the bed.

Staring up at the celling I started to wonder what tomorrow would bring. A secretive Laboratory that nobody is allowed to go near? What about the cube they had, if they have somehow figured out their main purpose would another ship be there. What would she be like, all the girls I had met so far are friendly, but what if she's hostile. would it resort to a rescue or a fight? The thought of two ships fighting was a frightening one.

A light knock at my door broke me away from my thoughts. "Come in."

Slowly the door opened. Javelin stepped in holding a pillow. If that didn't give away what she wanted the nervous expression on her face did. "Ju-just checking to see if you're alright, I was wondering If you needed anything? A glass of warm milk perhaps?"

"Javelin, you're a terrible liar." I shuffled to the side. "Here, come get comfortable."

After hesitating for a second she quickly walked over and joined me in the bed. "I did try to sleep on my own but I just couldn't, I'm scared of having that nightmare again."

I put my arm around javelin and pulled her close resting my hand on the back of her head. "Well, you needn't worry about nightmares now." I was honestly glad she had come; I would have probably had nightmares too once I fell asleep.

She moved closer to my chest and closed her eyes. I slowly patted her on the head and waited until she was asleep before getting comfortable and begging to fall asleep myself.

(A/N)

Sorry for it being such a long time between chapters this time. but I hope anyone following this story has found it to be worth the wait.

The next chapter is already partially complete so it might be out soon. (And in my personal opinion this one is turning out to be the best so far.)

Thanks once again for all the follows and comments.