Ark Royal Read Free

that Earth and the Sol System would remain neutral if war actually did break out.  No one really knew how the latest military technology would work in open warfare.  There were simulations and exercises, but they were never as useful as the real thing. 
     
    And now there was an alien threat.  What sort of technology would they have?
     
    “So far, the media has not caught wind of the threat,” the First Space Lord informed him, shortly.  “The Prime Minister and other world leaders has ordered a total blackout.  However, I do not expect that to last long.  Rumours are already flying around the datanet and it won’t be long before someone breaks the blackout.  It will certainly be broken when we start calling up reserves and conscripting civilians.
     
    “Go back to your ship, taking your new XO with you,” he continued.  “Requisition whatever you need; I’ll do my best to make sure you have it.  If we’re lucky, this will all blow over, but I rather doubt it.”
     
    Ted nodded in agreement.  The aliens had just attacked.  Unprovoked, as far as anyone knew, they’d just attacked – and not one colony, but four.  It suggested either unhealthy confidence or careful observation of humanity before opening fire.  Ted wouldn't have been surprised to discover that the aliens had surveyed the entire human sphere.  There was enough civilian traffic moving through interstellar space to conceal a handful of alien spy ships, if the aliens showed up on sensors at all.  Whatever the civilians might think, there was plenty of space between the planets to hide the entire human fleet.
     
    They think they can win , Ted thought.  He shivered at the thought.  Only a fool would start a war they didn't think they could win.  What do they want ?
     
    “Yes, sir,” he said, pushing his thoughts aside.  The prospect of actually taking his ship into harm’s way galvanised him.  “I won’t let you down.”
     
    He rose to his feet and saluted, as smartly as he could.  Captain Fitzwilliam – no, he’d be a Commander now – followed, his face blank and unreadable.  Ted sighed, inwardly.  Fitzwilliam would have a major chip on his shoulder after being told he would be given command – and then watching as it was snatched away from him.  Ted wouldn't really blame him for being irked, but he couldn't afford the distraction of a sulking XO.  They would have to talk and hash it out, perhaps over a drink ...
     
    No , Ted told himself, firmly.  A drunkard could not take command of a ship that was going into action.  That was plain common sense.  You are not going to drink until the war is over .
     

Chapter Two

    Captain James Montrose Fitzwilliam had to fight to keep his annoyance and disappointment from showing on his face as he followed his new commanding officer through the metallic corridors of Nelson Base.  It had seemed so perfect.  His uncle – a high-ranking officer – had known about the alert in time for James to attempt to push himself forward as Ark Royal’s commander.  A modern carrier would have required an officer with more experience – the old boy’s network went only so far – but Ark Royal didn't have such stringent requirements.  He could have taken command – and, in becoming the youngest commanding officer in the Royal Navy, ensured his swift promotion to command of a more modern starship.
     
    But Commodore – Captain , he reminded himself – Smith had talked the Admiral into leaving him in command of Ark Royal .  The hell of it was, James knew, was that Smith might not be too far wrong.  James had served on two carriers and a frigate, but all three of them had been modern ships.  Britannia had barely been out of the slips when he'd served as her tactical officer.  But Ark Royal was over seventy years old.  She might well be harder to command than a more modern vessel.
     
    Resentment bubbled at the corner of his mind, muted by the grim awareness that Smith might have