Behind Jim at the stern, a sailor would be raising the American flag, while at the bow another sailor would be raising the union jack with its white stars on a dark blue background. In his line of sight, a sailor ran theAtwood’s commissioning pennant up her mast. Now she was an official ship in the United States Navy, ready to protect American shores.
Jim glanced at the empty platforms for the 5-inch gun mounts. Well, she’d be ready once they finished fitting her out.
After the ceremony, Jim headed down to the wardroom for dinner with the other officers. Since Durant had just arrived in Boston the day before, this would be the first official gathering.
Jim took his seat toward the foot of the table with Arch and the other junior officers, while Durant sat at the head.
Tall and trim, with receding sandy hair fading to gray over the temples, the commanding officer leaned back in his chair and scanned the men at the table. “Tell me about yourselves.”
Jim chuckled at the confused looks on the other officers’ faces. He’d been warned about Durant’s abrupt questions and commands.
Durant leaned his forearms on the table. “Yes, tell me about yourselves. Who you are and where you’re from and why you’re in the Navy. I expect you to do the same with those under your command. Respect them as men, and they’ll respect you as an officer.”
Only the formality of the wardroom restrained Jim’s grin. As Dan and Rob said—a commander who ran a tight ship but didn’t lord it over his subordinates.
As the introductions circled the table, Jim assessed the officers and their personalities. A fine group of men. He’d like working with them.
“And our ensigns.” Durant gestured toward the foot of the table, at the man across from Jim.
“Mitch Hadley, sir.” The ensign directed his dark-eyed gaze around the group. “Grew up in St. Louis. Big family. Hard life.”
Jim smiled at Hadley, whom he recognized from the Academy class before his.
Hadley didn’t smile back but jutted out a heavy jaw. “Unlike some people, I didn’t grow up with privileges, had to work hard for everything.”
Jim and Arch exchanged a glance. That comment was obviously meant for them.
“Always glad to have a hardworking young man on board,” Durant said. “What are your goals?”
“Command, sir. I’m here to learn everything I can about the ship and about leading men. And there’s no one I’d rather learn from.”
Durant looked down at his place setting, one side of his mouth twisted to the side.
Jim made a mental note. Flattery didn’t impress the captain, not that Jim ever resorted to flattery.
“And you?” Durant addressed Arch.
“Arch Vandenberg, sir. I’m from Connecticut, an only child, and I’ve always loved the sea.” The sparkle in his sea-blue eyes confirmed his words.
Jim bit back a smile at what Arch didn’t mention—the family estate, the trust fund, the yacht.
“As for my goals...” Arch sent half a grin to Hadley. “I’ve always dreamed of command too. You have competition.”
“Friendly competition only, boys.” A growl rumbled in Durant’s throat, but then he turned a warm gaze to Jim. “And Mr. Avery. I barely need an introduction. I know your brothers well.”
Hadley let out a quiet snort.
Jim ignored it and rested his clasped hands on the table. “Thank you, sir. I’m proud to be their brother.” Arch’s privilege came from wealth, but Jim’s came from connection—his maternal grandfather who had served in the House of Representatives and two older brothers who had elevated the Avery name in the Navy.
Lt. Vince Banning, the executive officer, crossed his arms. “The captain might not need an introduction, but the rest of us do.”
“Of course, sir. I’m Jim Avery, from the small town of Vermilion, Ohio, on Lake Erie. My dad builds fishing boats and yachts, so I grew up on the water. And I’m the third of seven children.” Maybe the reference to his big family would soften up Hadley.
Durant’s lean face creased in a grin. “And your goals?”
“Wherever the Navy wants to use me.”
The creases flattened. “Explain.”
