Chapter 59

The "Crusher" topics had been dealt with somewhat to Gold Roper's relief; he had been dragged into them and his experience and knowledge has been sorely tested by five highly dedicated minds. The topics had been widened by the introduction of "Shriek" into the simulations.

The crew was kept active as was needed on the constant convoy duties to break the tedium and maintain their standards. The crew, grumbling about being underpaid and the extra work they were having to undertake, was masking the smug satisfaction of seeing their officers worked harder and of course having to train junior officers on how to find their own so that eventually the Ensigns and jgs could do it without help.

Gold Roper drew certain conclusions from these activities and the "wash ups" at the end of each exercise.

Gold Roper had the Flock write the paper of one of the most heretical views they had arrived at. The 'big ship' was an idea past its prime. Gold Roper could not fault the argument, emotionally could not accept it but passed it on to his peers without comment. The response was deafening in its silence – a sure measure of the thought being given to it.

The killer of ships was the projectile; in the days of wooden shop there was fire as well but fire was most often secondary to the projectile. The projectile increased in size and explosive was added to increase the damage caused. Bigger projectiles needed bigger rifles and these needed bigger vessels carrying them and this allowed more armour for protection. In pre-diapora times, small parasite ships were in use carrying small missiles and it had been found to be very effective when used as a swarm, and with direct fire weapons as well. There were more effective projectiles in service but these were still tied to the firing ship. What was needed and would eventually come would be the parasites carrying these much improved projectiles far beyond the envelope of a firing vessel and be able to release them at an enemy who would have no knowledge of the whereabouts of the mother vessels. The ship's library had been metaphorically plundered for references. The primary argument was based upon a well documented pre Diaspora wet navy battle at an island called Midway; study of the subsequent history demonstrated the development of the principle.

The discussion had wandered further as to whether or not "Shriek" could be fitted with energy torpedoes. The Flock's consensus was negative as she had been built with CL missiles in mind. A suggestion by Polack who still had fond recollections of "Offspring" was deferred while thought about. A powered lattice work to carry missiles, which could free them as required with a swarm of smaller vessels carried in a mother ship to accompany the lattice loads to approximately the operations area where the parasites would collect them to deliver them at a far distant enemy. "Shriek" was based on a mobile gun mount. Why not a mobile missile magazine from a DN and forget the rest of the hull.

The Flock now had the time to automate "Vance" much to the horror of the Chief Engineer which turned to enthusiasm as he became aware of how more efficiently he could monitor his work space and thus allow him to perform his maintenance almost at his leisure. It did take several voyages to complete and train the crew and, when that was done, more higher duties' training was undertaken. Under McCock's supervision "Vance" became a highly efficient vessel.

Lt Cdr Peter Carmody had rejoined with "Washton" to give "Vector" the news that the Amirantis had paid one eighth of the value of "Nachtlicht's" hull and contents for the recaptured prize.

Peter Carmody repaired on board "Vance" whilst still at Raffles to bring the usual Admiralty publications etc and the mail. 'Mina Galbraith and Shelly Black had taken very unofficial passage out on her. The Flock went dirtside for lunch with the ladies.

McCock and Slow had just cleared the air lock as the two Captains were proceeding to it. Slow was in a state of almost hysterical mirth and could barely stand. McCock looked disgusted which caused Slow to burst into giggles and laughter every time she looked at him. Peter and McCock exchanged greetings and mutual congratulations while Slow leaned against the bulkhead chuckling, laughing, convulsing with tears running down her face.

"Captain, after I throw this into the Ward Room can I have a private word."

"Why not her cabin?" queried Gold Roper.

"The silly b ... unh, ... thing could choke if I left her alone. She's got a bit more than usual aboard. I'll get the Pantry Steward to feed her black coffee and keep an eye on her."

"What brought this on, I've seen her tipsy after previous lunches but not hysterical. Oh goodbye Peter, have a read of Aggy's manning paper and let me know!"

"Grab a mug, Aggy, and a seat. Should Betty improve her knowledge in the library?"

"No point, sir. The pinnace crew saw her and it'll be all over the ship by first dog. You might invite her to join us so she'll have the facts straight and," smirking at the steward, "we can get the party line going."