Will had to bite his tongue when leave was assigned, and he found himself confined to the docks for their brief stay to refuel while the rest of the officers, even the captain, had leave. Bligh seemed to take great pride in that, as though he was favoring Will by requiring him to oversee the bags of coal being shuttled down to the bunkers. The men hardly needed any supervision, they knew their business well enough, which meant Will had time to wander the docks and take in the various ships that had pulled in.

It also meant that Will could wear his proper uniform for once, with Bligh being gone.

However, he would have to find some way to get his letters to Ana, and get hers in return. But that was a problem for another day, for today he was back to being Commander Murdoch and walking the snow-covered docks of Rosyth. Dozens of ships were in, from destroyers like the Peterel to the battlecruisers that Admiral Beatty had recently had brought in.

The Battle of the Dogger Bank had been all the officers could talk about, how Beatty had chased the Germans back to their bases and saved the area for British fishing. Given how U-boats were doggedly pursuing any cargo ship flying a Union Jack, any source of food closer to home was a priority for protection. Beatty had come roaring out when the Germans had attempted to sweep the British fishing fleet away from the area, his battlecruisers harrying the Germans until they had sunk one German ship and sent the others running away with their tails between their legs.

In fact, Will could see the man now. Standing in front of the Lion, damaged in the battle, he was gesturing at the ship while talking to an engineer. Will could make out little about him, only noticing who he was by the rank markings on his cuffs and the staff that surrounded him. What he could make out showed the Admiral to have a square face, he was too far away to determine the man's coloring.

Will wasn't the only man staring, nor the only officer. Beatty was well known among the fleet, both for his leadership and for his personal life. Quigley, after enjoying a tot of rum one night, had regaled all of the junior officers with the legendary affair that Beatty had carried on with his wife while she had still been married to her first husband. The general consensus among the juniors had been that he shouldn't have snuck around, but came out of it looking pretty, what with his rich wife. At one point his wife had summed up the typical American in their eyes, when Beatty had been threatened with court martial after possibly damaging a ship his wife had simply replied 'I'll buy them a new ship'.

Will had neglected to explain that Ana could have done the same thing.

He wished he had her letters. It would have made being confined to the docks a bit more bearable. He would have been far warmer sitting in his cabin, reading about Moody's wedding. He hadn't seen the boy since that first packet of letters, a Dalian man simply coming up to ferry their letters after that. Will hoped whoever had come up today was at least keeping warm in a pub, having a beer and a hot meal.

Ana would be upset to not have his letters, and he pulled his coat a bit tighter around him as he moved away from the battlecruisers. Damn Bligh, and his damn smugness. Will hadn't even had a chance to beg one of the other junior officers to take the letters for him, for Bligh had called him into his office while the others had been leaving.

And now Will was cold, angry, and had nothing to distract himself with.

Aside from wandering the docks, although it was less interesting than the docks in New York or Southampton. Here there was no questioning where the ships were going, or wondering about what they were carrying. Patrol ships would go out on patrol, battlecruisers would wait for orders and ship out when they were given, and there was no question about what they would be carrying.

Shells, powder, and men.

He passed warship after warship, their names running together in his mind, until he was almost in a fog. The only thing that broke him out of it was a ship towards the end of the docks, fresh paint on her and cranes. Warships didn't have cranes like that. His step may have gotten a bit quicker, seeing a merchant ship clearly being worked on.

Will paused, taking in the site and waving his hand to catch the attention of one of the men. His breath steamed out as he yelled, "Excuse me, what's a merchant doing here?"

The man grinned widely, "Grabbed her from the Hun, have to fix her up though, sir."

"Can I come aboard?"

"You're the Commander," The man shrugged, "Do as you like."

Will required no further invitation, surging up the gangplank and onto the deck. She was a decent sized ship, newer, and he couldn't help the smile that broke out on his face. She felt familiar underneath his feet, no bugles and whistles that signaled different orders, merely shouted curses and directions. He found his way to the man he had spoken to, "Is her captain around?"

"Lieutenant-Commander's on the bridge." The man leaned down, picking up the pot of paint at his feet. "And I'm off to the stern."

Will nodded his thanks, heading for the bow. He hesitated a moment before opening the door to the bridge, passing through the deserted wheelhouse to the chartroom beyond. A young officer, his cuffs marking him as the Lieutenant-Commander in the Reserves, was bent over a logbook but looked up when Will entered. "Yes?" His eyes flicked to Will's coat, and he swallowed. A crisp salute was offered, "Sir, my apologies."

Will briefly returned it, "It's alright, I wasn't exactly announced."

"No, sir." The man relaxed his salute, "Are you bringing me orders, sir?"

"No, no, nothing like that." Will chuckled, pulling off his cap and doing his best to put the boy at ease by acting like their difference in rank didn't matter. "I was simply curious about this ship; you don't often see a merchantman at the Royal Navy's docks."

A snort, "No, you don't often. Lieutenant-Commander Fergus McDonald, at your service, sir."

"Commander William Murdoch," Will shook his hand, "It's nice to meet a fellow Scot up here."

Fergus shrugged, "Afraid it won't be for long, sir, we're headed for Southampton as soon as she's shipshape. Then it's off to New York."

"New York?" Will's voice jumped slightly, "Munitions?"

"That's the least of it." Fergus turned back to the logbook, "She had a hold full of flour and potatoes when we grabbed her, all offloaded here of course." He shoved the book, "But I've been having to copy the log over from the previous one."

Will stepped to the table, looking down. "Duke of Albany, I like the name."

"Old one was Kaserin," Fergus shook his head. "They pitched the old log over the side, but someone fished it out before it was too wet." He moved to a cabinet, drawing out a warped and swollen logbook that he set down on the chart table. "See if you can get anything out of it."

Will moved to the book, opening the stained leather cover. His mouth firmed, "She was owned by Reichster Transport?"

Fergus glanced over, "Yes, do you know it?"

"I do, an American line." Will felt his heart hammer, "Was she flying an American flag?"

Fergus blew out a breath, "No, German. And, take a look here," He pointed to a line, the printed ink had run a bit but the pencil was still clear. "Port of registry, Hamburg. We wired down to the Admiralty after we captured her, turns out she was owned by their German branch." He snorted, "She's a legal prize, isn't stopping their offices in Liverpool from raising holy hell over it."

Will felt a smile breaking out, "I imagine their American offices are going to be even angrier." A plan began to bloom in his mind, and he leaned back against a cabinet as he thought. "Are you taking her down to Southampton and New York?"

"Yes."

"I happen to know New York well, and I know of a set of docks that are very easy to load out of. In fact, I can probably get it arranged for you to use them for free." Will's grin grew. "If you can do a favor for me."

Fergus was smiling too, although he seemed a bit wary. "How can you get us around a dock fee?"

"My wife owns them." Will chuckled, "She runs Dalian Shipping, the rival to Reichster Transport, and I know she would love to see what's become of them."

Fergus started at that; his eyes wide. "Sir, is that the favor? Taking the ship to her docks?"

"No, I've got some letters for her but I didn't get a chance to run them to the post office. If you could take them for me, I can assure you that Ana will let you use the docks." Will shook Fergus's hand, and then practically flew back to the Peterel. He dug for the packet in his trunk, shoving aside the others that Ana had sent him.

He'd miss her letters, but at least she could have something from him, even if it was delayed a bit. It took everything he had to not skip his way through the snow back to Fergus, pressing the packet into his hand. "Have your men wire her that a friend of her jolly sailor bold needs a place to dock. She'll know it's me."

Fergus snorted, "'Jolly Sailor Bold'? She could have picked a shorter pet name for you." Will chuckled, clapped the man on his shoulder and thanked him profusely before leaving. His good mood wasn't even spoiled by having to take his Reserves coat off, so Bligh wasn't offended by his proper rank when he returned.

Bligh and the senior officers were looking particularly merry, what with their rosy cheeks and glassy eyes, and the juniors weren't much better. But they at least were happy, especially Quigley who caught him by the arm before he could leave after dinner. He was smiling widely, his eyes crinkled. "Can't leave yet Will, you haven't got your present yet!"

"Present?" Will looked around, seeing the other juniors chuckling and shoving each other. "If it's some of the whiskey you all were drinking, I'd appreciate it."

One of the others tossed something onto the table, a box following and both were quickly shoved down to Will. His fingers shook a little as he touched the packet, seeing his name in perfect copperplate across the front. "How?"

"Found a man in a pub, waiting for you." Quigley shrugged, "He had that laying out and said he was waiting for you. I offered to bring it." He leaned over and tapped the wrapped box. "Also had that, and I think you should open it here."

"You only think that because we've been betting all day on what it is!" Someone down the table shouted, drawing laughs and shoves. Will shook his head, tearing away the paper. A card fell out of it, and he opened it.

Will,

Happy early birthday, my love. I hope next year we will celebrate it together, and that I won't find any gray hairs on your head!

All of my love,

-Your Ana

He set the card by the packet, opening the cardboard box. He pushed it to the center of the table. "My wife sent me chocolates for my birthday, but I won't be able to eat them all. Care to help?"

Chairs were quickly shoved away, the finest chocolates of New York disappearing into eager mouths that hadn't had chocolate in months. Will managed to grab a couple for himself, and he was smiling as he listened to the others talk about how they were going to torture him on his actual birthday.

Sophie had visited me endlessly it seemed, always polite and with Adam, but there was an undercurrent of impatience to her. I had explained to her that I knew she and Morris wanted to see each other, but we had to ensure that Zachary didn't suspect that her visits to me would become her time with Morris.

I did like seeing Adam though, and invited Mother over a few times. She loved the little one, and Sophie admitted to me that she was glad to have another woman to trust with him aside from Rebecca. I gathered that Samantha was not the most maternal type, while Mother treated Adam like he was her own grandson.

It was while Mother was dandling Adam on her knee, playing a game of peek-a-boo with him, that a Dalian man was admitted to the parlor. I looked up from my tea, taking the paper he held out. Mother looked over when I laughed, "What is it?"

"Will is sending a ship to our docks," I held the wire out to her. "The captain wants to ensure that he can use our facilities."

"British?" Sophie spoke softly, "Oh, what am I saying? Of course, it will be."

I looked away for a second, "Sophie, you know my business."

"I do," She sighed, "I just wish I had some word from home." She shook her head, reaching over for Adam. "It's wonderful that Will manages to send you little presents like that though, I'm surprised he isn't so swamped with his duties that he can barely think of you."

I laughed, watching as she cuddled Adam closer. "He's written to me about his duties, all they do is patrol and it sounds very boring." I leaned over, "He says he hates it."

"Otto hates patrols too." She lifted Adam, standing. "I should be going; you will let me know when Morris is available?"

I hugged her, "Of course, the instant I can confirm it I will let you know." Adam was duly cuddled close by everyone before Sophie headed out. I glanced to Mother, "Don't ask about Morris."

"Lieutenant Greenwood?" Mother laughed, "She could do worse. Oh Anastasia, don't look so surprised, you two were very loud that night in Newport. I figured she would do something sooner or later."

I blushed, "But aren't you supposed to be outraged about her having an affair?"

"If it tweaks the Reichster's noses and makes her happy, I will happily encourage her." She leaned back, "I never thought you would be the one to facilitate it though, given how devoted you are to William."

"She deserves to be happy." I muttered, coming to sit back down again. "And if she cuckolds Zachary, all the better."

Mother and I fell into gossiping about the Reichsters for the rest of the day. Their fortunes had, unfortunately, recovered from their initial fall. Their ships avoided the blockade, except for the occasional one that managed to find a neutral port in Scandinavia and arrange for transport across the country to the Baltic and then to Germany. Apparently, the costs ate into the profits, but given that the profits were substantial, they kept at it.

They had even taken a page out of our book and begun sending more of their ships to Britain, although they thankfully docked in Liverpool. I couldn't stand the thought of Southampton being polluted by them, in my mind Southampton meant Will and our little house, with its brass bed and blue blankets.

I didn't want Zachary's men anywhere near that.

It was bad enough having to be relatively close to their offices, seeing some of their men strutting past with German dignitaries or having them cause trouble on our docks. While our men, mostly American but from a variety of backgrounds, couldn't be described as the most enthusiastic Entente supporters, they were very loyal to our family. Given that we had clearly thrown our lot in with the British, any Reichster man who walked through talking of the Kaiser's might was liable to leave with a few less teeth than he was born with.

I was anticipating something along those lines when Mr. Keller opened my office door, his eyes strained. "Mrs. Murdoch?"

"Don't tell me there's been another fight." I stood from my desk, moving to the windows. "We just bailed the last ones out."

Mr. Keller followed me to the window. "No, no, the British ship is in." He leaned closer, whispering. "I distinctly remember seeing a ship with those exact lines at the Reichster's docks last year."

I glanced over, "You think the British captured her?"

"I think it would pay for you to speak to the captain." Mr. Keller grinned, "He's already asked to speak with you when you're available."

I moved past my desk, covered in papers. "Well, lucky for him I'm free at the moment." Clerks bustled around their desks on the lower floor, clearing a path for me as I hurtled out onto the docks. I felt as safe on the docks as if Will was there with me, officers and men keeping an eye on things as I moved past. Trucks laden with cargo trundled the opposite direction, back towards the city as I reached the ship at the end of the dock.

A Union Jack flapped from her mast, her cranes moving cargo quickly onto waiting trucks. I could see a man in uniform up by the bridge, supervising the proceedings. I waved, heading for the gangplank. He noticed, moving to meet me there. He was young, and nodded to me as he came down. "Mrs. Murdoch?"

I nodded. "Yes, and you would be?"

"Lieutenant Commander Fergus McDonald." He tipped his cap, "Your husband was right about your docks."

"How is he?"

"He seemed in good spirits when I saw him, and he asked me to bring you this." He reached into his jacket, drawing out a packet.

I gasped; I hadn't thought Will's letters would come in. The Southampton offices had wired in that Will hadn't met the men with my letters. Mine had been handed off to one of Will's fellow officers, but my expectation had been that I wouldn't receive any letters from him until next month.

I couldn't count how many times I had read over his letters, wishing that he was by my side. He wrote about shipboard routine, how the torpedo training was coming along, his work on navigation and how much he enjoyed when he could have a watch in the gun turret and see how it functioned.

I hoped he liked my letters; I did my best to write to him about all the happenings in New York. I didn't tell him how much I missed him, how much I wanted him home and how I sometimes spent all night up worrying about him. He didn't need to know that, and he likely felt bad enough about being away, even if he didn't write that he missed me.

I knew he did.

I curled my hand around the packet, holding it close. "Thank you, Mr. McDonald. You have no idea-"

"Anastasia! I can see you, you bitch!" A roar echoed down the dock, the flow of men and trucks disrupted as something surged its way toward us. My hand shook around the packet, and I wrapped my arms around myself. "Get the hell out of my way, that's my ship!"

Fergus turned to me, "What the hell is happening?"

"I know who it is." I bit my tongue, trying to keep my voice from quavering. "If he finds me here, by this ship, he's going to hurt me, please Mr. McDonald, please let me onboard so I can hide."

"Like hell is he going to hurt you." Fergus snarled, turning to look at the other officers near the bridge. "Bring Mrs. Murdoch up and make sure the both of you have your sidearms." He pushed me past him on the gangplank, "You're the wife of a superior officer, it's my duty to see you safe."

Another officer gently grasped my arm, pulling me along the rail. It afforded me a perfect view of Henry and Zachary storming down my docks. The porters were not making it easy for them, but they were surrounded by men of their own. Pushing and shoving was the least of what would happen between our employees. Henry's hair was messed, his suit disheveled, but his eyes were bright as he saw me. "You fucking bitch! Get off of my ship!"

Fergus stepped forward at that, "This is not Mrs. Murdoch's ship, she has simply been kind enough to let us use her docks."

"I know damn well it isn't her ship, it's mine!" Henry pointed a finger in the Fergus's face, "And you're going to return it!" He made to shove past Fergus, but the officer stood firm. "Get out of my way, I'm dragging her off and making her admit her husband was behind it! I know he was; she's passing him information to ruin me."

I looked to the officer by me, his hand on his pistol. "I'm not doing that."

"Perhaps you should, ma'am. It might anger him enough he dies of apoplexy." He chuckled, although his eyes stayed focused on Henry, down below us. "As it is, the captain may just shoot him."

"We might be better off for it." I muttered, watching as Zachary came up to support his father. Fergus's own men had begun to rally behind him, their captain still preventing the Reichsters from even setting a toe on the gangplank. Behind them my men were shoving theirs, trying to break through and cursing as they did so.

There was a tension building between all of us, my hands tight around the rail as the first fists were thrown between our men and more violence broke out. Fergus had even drawn his pistol, clearly intent to use force to keep the Reichsters off, and they looked ready to try him.

A series of loud whistles broke through the crowd, blue clad police officers laying out with billy clubs as they drew the two sides further and further apart. Soon enough a line of officers separated the men, and their superiors were clearly coming our way.

Henry rounded on them, "I want them all arrested, I want my ship returned, and I want her thrown in jail for spying!"

"He's mad," Fergus spoke up, "This ship was legally seized as a prize by His Majesty's navy and has been pressed into service for the war effort."

"You killed our men!" Zachary shouted.

"Your men are interred in Britain as prisoners of war and will be released when hostilities have ceased." Fergus sounded calm, even though he had refused to release his pistol.

"Alright, alright, all of you shut it." The police serjeant stepped up, "Mr. Reichster, you know your men have been told to avoid these docks after the last scrap they all had."

"What was I supposed to do when my stolen property is paraded in front of my nose?" Henry growled, although he stepped back slightly. "I demand you impound this ship!"

The officer sighed, "You know I cannot impound a foreign vessel, even the Germans are holing up here and I haven't had anyone demand we impound them."

Fergus snorted, "America is still neutral, Mr. Reichster, despite your opinions."

"And despite hers!" Henry jerked his chin upward at me, pure anger in his gaze. "Every ship that comes in here goes back to Britain, and no one says anything about it!"

"You're saying something about it right now." I spat at him, "I am free to do business with who I please, as are you. You're the one who has decided that blockade running is your preferred line of work, and you should expect the risks that come with it!"

"I should throw you in the hold of one of my 'blockade runners' and let your husband sink you down to the bottom of the ocean!"

Fergus started forward at that, although the police serjeant shoved him back. "Mr. Reichster, you, your son and your men will clear this dock immediately. Mrs. Murdoch is correct, she is free to do business with who she pleases, and if you have any legal issues with this crew, I would encourage you to send your lawyers to the Consulate instead of trying to cause a riot down here."

"Mr. Reichster, you've played your game and paid the price for it." I sneered down at him, glad to be some distance from his glaring eyes. "Now, you heard the officers, get off my dock."

He glanced around, noting that the officers were clearly herding his men away and that he and Zachary were alone. With one last hateful glance thrown my way, the two retreated down the dock, throwing a few curses at the Dalian men that sullenly watched them.

The officers helped me back down to the gangplank, and I gave Fergus a nod. "Thank you for your assistance, it was much needed."

"Pardon my language ma'am, but that man is an ass." He shook his head, "I'll have to post some guards around for the night, I would hate for him to try anything."

"So long as you aren't one of them, for I would love for you and your officers to join me for dinner tonight. You deserve it after dealing with him."