Chapter 14

"Still no honours, Aggy?" asked the Second Space Lord with a broad smile which took any sting out of the question, shaking McCock's proffered hand.

McCock looked somewhat sternly at him before replying,

"'Sniffy' is now in the Grey Line Shipping Company." Turning to greet the PS,

"Hello, Sally." and returned her salute.

"Good morning, Commodore." And Sally returned the slight frown with a perfectly bland expression. McCock led the visitors to his quarters

They settled into the liftchairs around the table upon which LtCdr McGraw had placed the carry box. She extracted a chip container which she passed to Sir Laurence. Trojan placed the coffee mugs before the occupants and as he departed informed his Commodore,

"I found Commander Bollinger raiding the pantry. He missed breakfast."

"My, my, and doesn't that speak volumes," commented Sir Laurence.

McCock nodded agreement,

"I'm going to have to reinforce my distaste for the old saw 'no work in the mess'; to me this is my time for informal discussion and networking; there are not enough hours in the day for me not to use when I am with company; meals are often the only times when the staff are together informally. I hold with working lunches with just the emphasis on the lunch. Now, Sir?"

Sir Laurence began his sales talk,

"Aggy, you require a Captain for "Infamous" who will have to have an input into his wardroom. You need a Chief of Staff to run your staff, and don't try to tell me you don't need a staff. You command what is developing into a young Task Force; you probably don't know yet but according to a little bird who whispers into my ear from time to time, your favourite shipyard is sending two missile carriers to go with 'Sniffy'. Sir Thomas has approved because he wants you to prove the concept of CV led fleets — incidently there is an order to be promulgated renaming CHACs to CV, either heavy or light. 'Sniffy' is a CVL for your information. To complete this thread, we've only been able to half fill one of the MCs at this time. You also need an aide-de-camp.

Captain." He passed across a chip. "There is a list with records of suitable candidates who are willing to serve in "The Queen's Own". The officer I recommend shouldn't be on there because he is in Plans under Milligan, or was until Milligan became Fifth. Brian Wallace; he heard the talk in the chaos of Milligan's elevation, refused to go with Milligan as he wants to return to space. You served with him in 119 and his experience in Plans, which has been the defacto air department, will help. Before Plans, he had "Leicester" in 8th fleet after the Armistance breakdown and did well in her. Recent operational time in command, good knowledge of present aviation policies, has the seniority in rank and is due for larger ship command with exposure to fleet operations. His staff experience would make him a good Flag Captain. I passed the idea to Gort and Denholt and they have no objection. Study the list and let me know your decision.

Next chip. Chief of Staff. Much smaller as all the good ones have been grabbed for Home Fleet. All these are just coming off the injury lists. I recommend, Oh Lord, this is 119 Reunion week; Eldred Yoncey. After the Armistance breakdown, he had "Nairn" in 32nd Cruiser in 3rd Fleet and took her to the action in Home Space. He is one of eleven survivors out of the squadron, all off "Nairn". His hands are still needing a bit of time but he is in Rehab and nearly ready to be cleared for limited duty. He shouldn't have got "Washton" without "Crusher" but nobody wanted her, too old and convoy duty in 'Para' and we were strapped for good officers. You saw his work in 'Para'. He did very well on "Crusher" where he went after "Washton" paid off. Recent combat command, is ready for a staff job and if he does well will reach flag rank.

Aide-de-camp. Here I'm going to use my influence and appoint Evan Evans. Yes, that one. Was in your ward room in "Vance". Third son of Earl Curragh. Last in his class. Most senior ensign in Andrew. Heading for that distinction as Lt jg. He was asissant assistant tactical officer in "Leander", CL. At "Home Space" was at his Action Station in the Boat Bay where he was out of the way. "Leander" takes serious hits leaving Evans the only officer on his feet. He gets to the CIC, rallies survivors, assesses damage, goes looking for his squadron, banging away at every thing he can see with a couple of missile mounts, rejoins what's left of the squadron, takes more hits and sustains serious wounds himself, wont lie down and eventually brings "Leander" back to the yards to be evacuated and immediately condemned. Stuff of PMV; but there was so much that day ... He is healed but is in need of a home and a familiar face. Try him and if he doesn't come up to snuff, sack him."

"Seems I'm outvoted before I start on Captain. Suits for 'Dred and I'll take the chance on Young Evans — mayhap the smell of powder has lifted his game. What's the situation regarding the ratings?"

"I'm managing that." Sally declared, "Detachments will begin arriving on board here in the next few days. I talked to the Bosun and "Infamous" will be used as the depot for the time being. I am posting all ratings with time in CHACs into "Infamous" but they are thin on the ground. As the others process through, the Seniors Slow and Denny have detached to "Infamous" will allocate them to the DD squadron with ratings from the DDs of same numbers moved in here. Its going to need good movement control with two vessels on perimeter duty at a time but that's a job for Captain Yoncey who should here tomorrow. I'll brief him this afternoon on that."