One of the problems with writing a story a chapter at a time is that readers need to go back to the beginning and read through so that everything follows on. I do it all the time to make sure that the details are right when I'm writing. But I do appreciate that some people may not understand some of the terms. Sailing terms don't matter, it is no different to the space ship pilot pressing the gooly switch to engage the atomic bogglington synthesiser and... you get the idea.
The Home Office, Mr Hatherly's employer is a government department that deals with everthing at Home. Borders, imigration, police, passports and so on. For Americans think DHS controlling the police and the rest and ensuring that anyone with a firearm is locked up (your jails are simply not big enough lol)It takes itself very seriously and the political appointee, the Home Secretary, is third or fourth to the Prime Minister. A recent one, now PM, is probably one of the most unpleasant and unChristian ones we've ever had.
Anna Smith is an enigma, but one that may be explained... or not. The story is told from Jake's point of view, and only with the knowledge that he has, so he has no idea who or what she is (a rare exception is the conversation aboard HMS Swallow which was necessary to explain why the navy turned up)
Good, hope that explains all. Anything else please ask.
Martin