Chapter 8

"Aggy, is it your coming to see me? Both recent times you look as if you spent the night carousing rather than sleeping in your bed. Oh, that's it, you were overnighting at "The Residence". I shall have to speak with Trudie about your comfort."

'It wasn't the bed' he thought 'it was Nan. How did she know I was coming? I came unannounced and there she was at Dinner; and later... ' He shook himself mentally, inhaled the cup of coffee and reached for a refill. The Queen continued,

"I shall have to get coffee mugs for this office; my Space Lords and my otherwise admirable First Lord all reach for refills after virtually inhaling their first cup. Now that my coffee seems to have revived you, what is it?"

McCock briefed his Sovereign on the events of Operation Greenhouse and was subjected to a Regal inquisition regarding "Shriek" At the completion of the brief and the subsequent plan of events, he was asked,

"And what do you plan for "Shriek's" crew after "Greenhouse?"

McCock mentally patted himself on the back for predicting that one;

"Hardman for TQO's "Crusher" and the crew for TQO's Officer Training; all their efficiency reports had recommended them so it will be just an acceleration."

"Poor things; you know Carlton is dining out on his tales of his "Crusher". I don't know if he has forgiven me yet. Informing the Emperor and the Lord Protector?"

""Grendel" with a message from you and of course, dispatches from the Admiralty; of course the relationship between the family has been considered in the choice of Kowalski. I'm telling Polack to push the personal relationship to get a one on one with Papa Gus, spring Greenhouse on him and let him choose his confidants. I suspect von und zu Reiperbahn. In your Personal to Augustus you could emphasise the importance of the one on one and Polack can describe the system and get permission to put up U91.

'Uncle Rupert' in "Gorgon" on a low level visit to discuss a return visit by the Lord Protector; it will never happen, he's near as you can get to an absolute ruler. Major Logan accompanied by Sergeant Whittle will hand deliver your Personal and the PDA. Choice of "Gorgon"? New Captain, an opportunity to shake him down. GmBH tell me that Yarragh have UVA and perhaps their government might spring to use some as planetary satellites. Millicent Utah tells me they don't have them because there is not the need for the smaller population which hasn't spread that much. I have found out that both Amranti's and Yarragh's capitols are in their magnetic northern hemispheres; its just that Yarragh's north pole is discward and U42 is cosmosward. Lord Protector can link that way to U42 which is sitting over his south pole.

'Shaking Down'..."

McCock then put the "Infamous's" problem and the rather high handed action of the NCOs in getting rid of that crew but a talk with Sally had revealed that Sir Laurence had taken the opportunity to clean them out of RMN; well ninety eight percent of them, the Bosun had let a few slip past him. The Queen enlightened McCock,

"The exclusiveness of 'Georgies' was a concern which waved at me from time to time. This will solve your difficulties?"

"No, Your Majesty. It won't. We still have effectively a hulk until I get it manned and also get my HAC elements. I can't get the return of the squadrons we had without causing an almighty row which will probably end up on your desk and leave a horrendous residual resentment. I will probably be able to obtain squadrons of middle level competence and experience — your RMN Officer Corps is reasonably even handed and will think they have the better end anyway. I have been examining the role of the HACs and I see the HAC as a small warship and it should be used in that role. They are effective in the anti missile role but I have wondered if..."

McCock then went on to detail his thoughts upon which he was fiercely interrogated by his Sovereign who transformed before his eyes into the Commanding Admiral.

"Seek out 'Uncle Rupert' and tell him of your plans for him. Otherwise keep yourself busy until I com you; plan on staying planetside overnight. Give Sir Humphrey the details of "Infamous's" NCOs as you go out."

Elizabeth made a com from memory and as the link was made,

"Good morning, Virginia, I have a task for Scott and Carlton to game on your simulators. They are coming over from the Admiralty for a briefing and out to your estate. No, I wont tell you; at least until I've got more information and keep your talons out of Scotty and Victor. Thank you and don't bother my First Lord, he doesn't know either; yet."