Raymond went by launch to Avalon, where he walked around while waiting for someone to show up at the navy office. He felt awkward in his dress uniform and was disconcerted at first by salutes from enlisted men who hurried by. It hadn’t been the convention at Toyon Bay. It also felt strange not to be using alleyways and avoiding people. O’Shea’s Bakery would be serving coffee and doughnuts by now, but he wanted to save that for later, after he’d presented his orders. Finally, a light was on in the navy office.
“You must be Lieutenant Hatcher,” said the ensign behind the desk.
“I am. I’m here to present these and be assigned a billet.” He held out the orders.
“Those you present to Admiral Barlow,” the ensign said and led him down the hall to an office.
Admiral Barlow stood behind a desk,
