Chapter 144

Constellation made her way across the harbor, head held high. Finally, after a year of waiting, New Jersey had cleared her for duty. The healer herself was only also just cleared, courtesy of Arkansas and the fleet's unofficial third healer, Sharpie. The former cutter released her with the orders to "take it slowly but you're free to go." And Constellation reveled in that freedom, unleashing the full power of her engines for the first time. Her wake rippled across the harbor and she cackled. She slowed only when she got close to Glory. The cruiser's blue eyes twinkled. "You really shouldn't be so quick right out of the gate, dear." She said. "But I'm not- not really. The harbor's too small to work up too much speed." Constellation replied. "I stand corrected." Glory's eyes were still shining but there was a spark of mischief in them now. "Shall we attempt greater speed?" "We shall!"