After spending two relaxing days at Virginia Beach, and following Jason's recommendation to visit the naval museum in Norfolk, Jack finally drove his Pontiac Firebird leisurely back to New York City.
The Norfolk National Maritime Museum is centered around the USS Wisconsin, an Iowa-class battleship with the hull number BB-64. It's the last of its class, the same type as the USS Missouri featured in the movie Battleship.
Of course, the Wisconsin isn't as famous as the Missouri, which served as the site of Japan's unconditional surrender at the end of World War II. The Missouri is currently docked in Hawaii, also serving as a maritime museum.
They say that battleships and big guns are a man's ultimate fantasy. While battleships have long faded from military relevance, the Wisconsin's three 406mm/50 caliber triple-mounted main guns still inspired awe and admiration.
It was a relic of imperial power at its zenith, a reminder of a bygone era of glory. China, in its troubled modern history, missed out on such a period of grandeur. While the nation has recently ramped up its production of large naval vessels, the straightforward functionality of even its biggest aircraft carriers lacks the dramatic appeal of multi-turret battleships beloved by enthusiasts of "big gun cults."
Jack couldn't help but imagine that humanity might only see another age of battleships when space exploration truly becomes routine. By then, perhaps it will be massive warships patrolling the cosmos.
The visit to the Wisconsin also reminded him of the USS Intrepid, an Essex-class aircraft carrier docked along the Hudson River in New York. Like the Wisconsin, it too has been converted into a museum. Paired with the nearby American Museum of Natural History—another place Jack had long wanted to visit—he decided to fully embrace his time off and treat himself to a proper vacation.
"Five days. Two people. No more than that," said his boss, Dana Mosier, raising a hand with her palm out. Her tone was less than pleasant. After disappearing for over three months, Jack had returned only to whisk Hannah off on vacation, much to Dana's annoyance.
"Thank you, I really appreciate it," Jack replied, flashing a shameless grin as he handed over a gift: a large box filled with fresh oysters and blue crabs, packed with ice.
Virginia Beach lies next to Chesapeake Bay, the largest oyster farming region on the East Coast. Thanks to the cool water temperatures, the oysters here are known for their firm texture.
Jack wasn't particularly fond of oysters. Aside from keeping a small batch for himself to steam with garlic and vermicelli, he brought back about 10 pounds of Lynnhaven oysters. Most went to the Reagan family for their weekend gatherings, and the rest he divided between Dana and Jubal.
The recent operation in Mexico wasn't particularly dangerous for Jack. After all, he'd been operating alongside the Navy SEALs, backed by none other than the U.S. military—the undisputed number one military power in the world. With their top-tier equipment, logistics, and the ever-ready Mexican Marines as backup, they had maintained overwhelming superiority throughout the mission, even against a drug lord as powerful as Dozza.
To Dozza's credit, forcing the SEALs into a desperate final assault was an accomplishment in itself—something even his predecessors had failed to do.
On the other hand, the operation had given Jack a tangible sense of pressure. This was his first time participating in a large-scale, state-level operation, where he played a critical role—one that leaned more toward leadership and decision-making.
In the past, his cases often involved him working solo or with a single partner. As long as he ensured his own safety and looked out for his teammate, he could afford to be straightforward. But this time, it wasn't just about one or two people.
He had to carefully consider every piece of intelligence and weigh every word during mission planning, knowing that lives—and the mission's success—depended on those decisions.
For Jack, this joint operation was like a masterclass in leadership under pressure. Jason's on-the-spot decision-making, Ray Perry's meticulous attention to the physical and mental states of every Bravo Team member, and Colonel Martinez's disciplined management of his forces all served as valuable lessons. These weren't things you could learn from a management textbook—they were lived experiences.
Jack had a growing sense that if he could internalize these lessons and integrate them into his skillset, he might one day lead his own special operations team. Like Rossi and Hotchner, he could guide a group of elite agents across the country, solving challenging cases.
Of course, the most appealing part of being a leader would be avoiding the endless piles of paperwork and reports after each mission. With the right secretary, Jack could delegate all those mundane tasks. He chuckled to himself at the thought—all I'd have to do is give instructions... or just flirt.
In fact, he'd already considered the perfect candidate for that secretary role: Jie Jie. With Hannah handling external affairs and Jie Jie taking care of internal matters, Jack could enjoy the best of both worlds. Backed by two politically influential women, his life would be nothing short of idyllic.
Speaking of Jie Jie, she wasn't particularly interested in the massive star emerald Jack had acquired during the mission. Instead, she encouraged him to use it to impress Hannah. Jie Jie herself was far more enamored with the golden Colt 1911A1 pistols, which she found utterly captivating.
So Jack sought advice from Henry Reagan, the Reagan family patriarch, and arranged for the emerald—a flawless 16-carat gem of extraordinary quality—to be set into a platinum necklace by an experienced Irish jeweler.
Emeralds have long been cherished in Western high society, adorning many famous crowns and pieces of jewelry. Jack hoped this gift would pleasantly surprise Hannah.
Another five-day vacation. Last time, Jack and Hannah had visited Niagara Falls to enjoy its natural beauty. This time, since Jack had just returned from a long trip, the couple opted for a more relaxed plan. They scheduled just one day of activities, keeping the rest open for quality time together.
The day began with a visit to the Intrepid aircraft carrier museum. Compared to the turret-laden battleship Wisconsin, the Intrepid's 270-meter deck featured a variety of fascinating exhibits. Among them were a Lockheed A-12, the predecessor to the SR-71 Blackbird reconnaissance aircraft, and a Concorde supersonic passenger jet—one of only two models ever put into commercial use.
There were also numerous fighter jets, helicopters, and early-warning aircraft on display. What surprised Jack the most, however, was that the Americans had placed the world's first space shuttle, Enterprise, in the carrier's below-deck hangar.
Though Jack personally preferred the Soviet Buran space shuttle, which was more advanced in many ways, he couldn't deny that the Soviets had ultimately failed to live up to their potential.
In the afternoon, after visiting the Natural History Museum, the couple dressed to the nines and treated themselves to a Michelin three-star dining experience at "Per Se," a French restaurant. The reservation alone had cost $400, and the full meal totaled about $1,500.
The couple sampled a variety of so-called gourmet dishes, including caviar-topped oysters, black truffle pasta, Maine lobster, foie gras, American wagyu beef, and three types of dessert.
To be honest, the food was good but not particularly groundbreaking. The experience was more about enjoying the lifestyle of New York's elite. Despite all their time together, this was the first time Jack and Hannah had shared such a luxurious dining experience.
Ironically, the most memorable part of the evening wasn't the high-end ingredients but Hannah herself. Dressed in a stunning Givenchy blue velvet cocktail dress, she was a feast for Jack's eyes. To him, she was the true masterpiece of the night—absolutely irresistible.
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Fairy Tail: Igneel's Eldest Son (Chapter 256)
I Am Thalos, Odin's Older Brother (Chapter 336)
Reborn in America's Anti-Terror Unit (Chapter 542)
Solomon in Marvel (Chapter 924)
Becoming the Wealthiest Tycoon on the Planet (Chapter 1284)
Surgical Fruit in the American Comics Universe (Chapter 1289)
American Detective: From TV Rookie to Seasoned Cop (Chapter 1316)
American TV Writer (Chapter 1402)
I Am Hades, The Supreme GOD of the Underworld! (Chapter 570)
Reborn as Humanity's Emperor Across the Multiverse (Chapter 660)
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