Guest Review, Chapter 24: Them being on the same ship is very assumed because they're all close enough to live together. I assumed Edward, Jake, and Jasper were on the same ship.
I love this fic and love how it focused on so much realism but I do wish there were a
ANs at the bottom that explains the Navy more. I understand the Army and Air Force the most but the Navy is so foreign. Especially for us living no where near water for a naval base.
I think of The Cleaner by katinki and loved how she explained Eastern Europe and Russian ins and outs and so much military.
Like what exactly do they do all day for work? Do they work shift hours like medical personal? Early on I got the impression Edward worked like a 9-5 because he came home when Bella was home and it didn't seem like it was very late at night.
I typically hate when authors do this, so I'm apologizing in advance. But bear with me as I attempt to answer some questions that one or some people seem to have. I don't generally write AN's because I find that any pertinent information I put in them, readers tend to gloss over to get to the actual chapter. Fair. That being said, here's a full author's note:
I don't go into excessive detail about the Navy because my personal experience with it, especially in regard to plot points within this particular fic, happened over 16 years ago. Things have changed drastically in regards to policies and procedures. This current situation in the story would be a non-issue. Jake would be taken care of medically. Embry would be brought up on assault and numerous other charges. End of story.
As for just assuming that Jake, Edward, and Jasper are all on the same ship because they're close enough to live together is absurd. Sailors, like any other branch of the military, go through various schools and run into each other constantly. I believe in an earlier draft, I mentioned that Jake and Edward knew each other from B school, maybe? Jasper and Edward are definitely on the same ship. I've made that clear. But also, when you need roommates, sometimes you get them by word of mouth. It doesn't have to be complicated.
Edward's rank is never mentioned, but I did disclose in a PM that the man he's based on was a Boatswain Mate, 1st Class. From "... If you wear the "crossed anchors," it means you're part of one of the oldest and proudest communities of all. Boatswain's Mates are the heart of every ship. As one of them, you'll perform a wide range of duties, making you the jack-of-all-trades on ships and on shore. Whether you're standing watch as a lookout, assisting as a search and rescue swimmer, or piping calls during a Navy ceremony, this job is one that comes with adventure and Boatswain's Mate (BM) has a rich history of honored traditions. As a BM, you will supervise the maintenance of your ship inside and out, in addition to a diverse roster of other responsibilities:
Standing watch as lookout or Boatswain Mate of the Watch
Repairing, maintaining and stowing equipment
Training, directing and supervising ship's maintenance personnel
Assisting as a search and rescue swimmer
Operating sound-powered communication equipment
Serving as a member of damage control, emergency and security alert teams
Participating in Navy ceremonies
Transferring supplies between ships while at sea
Operating small boats, tugs, barges and other small craft
Assisting with flight deck and amphibious operations
Serving as flight deck crew during helicopter operations
Supervising deck crew in cleaning, painting and maintaining the ship
Directing boat crews in landing and rescue operations
Teaching seamanship
Edward does … a lot. Could it be part of the reason he's a dick and doesn't want or need the added responsibility of a girlfriend? Maybe. *Jasper is also a BM.
Jake is a Supply Corps Officer. Don't let "Officer" confuse you. He's not high ranking, it's just a title. From , "... A big part of life on a Navy ship is making sure the right items arrive at the right time. As a Supply Corps Officer, that means you're making sure the right sonar parts arrive so technicians can make repairs, or the right medicines show up on the way to a humanitarian mission across the world, or simply that tonight's meal is ready for Sailors on your ship. Navy missions rely on having logistics down to a science, which is why Supply Corps Officers are so valuable. These Sailors know how to get just about anything to anywhere at any time, no matter the distance.
The success and safety of every mission depends on getting needed supplies, materials and equipment at a moment's notice. Supply Corps Officers make sure the Navy has what it needs, when it needs it. Responsibilities for this job may include:
Analyzing the demand for supplies and forecast future needs
Ensuring all parts and equipment needed for ship maintenance and repairs are ordered and received on time
Overseeing all retail services, logistics and culinary operations
Managing the inspection, shipping, handling and packaging of supplies and equipment
Directing personnel who receive inventory and issue supplies and equipment
Evaluating bids and proposals submitted by potential suppliers
Maintaining budgets
Studying ways to use space and distribute supplies efficiently
Determining the fastest, most economical way to transport cargo or personnel
Overseeing the handling of special items such as medicine and explosives
Both of these jobs are potentially what you would call "banker's hours". The sailors I knew and lived with were all gone several hours before I had to get up for work at 6AM and one or all of them were usually home by the time I got home around 4PM. (My own husband when he was still serving worked 6a-2p). This doesn't include duty days where they are on their ships for a 24 hour duration, longer workloads, or underways/deployments.