... Or it might be much further away, Ted thought, grimly.  Their improved Puller Drive might give them far more range than we believe possible.

He shook his head.  There was nothing in the detailed reports, half of which were nothing more than guesswork, that even gave a hint at the alien motives.  Some of the scientists believed that it was nothing more than an accident, others – more cynical – pointed out that humanity had developed plenty of bastards who’d started wars to increase their own power, spread their religion, steal natural resources or simply for fun.  But there was no way to know.  Humanity’s visions of aliens ranged between inhuman monsters to incredibly advanced creatures who would share the secrets of the universe.  Right now, it was looking like the former was actually correct.

“Inform me when we enter the tramline,” he ordered.  “Until then, clear the CAG to commence his exercises.”

“Aye, sir,” Lightbridge said.

***

There had been a dispute between James and the reporters over the question of their right to step onto the bridge.  James had ruled – and the Captain had backed him up – that the bridge was closed to the reporters at all times, except by prior arrangement.  The reporters had contacted the Admiralty and whined, with the net result that the Admiralty insisted they should have access to the CIC when Ark Royal wasn't actually in combat or undergoing combat exercises.  James was already planning a series of exercises that would work the crew to death while keeping a careful eye on the reporters.  Thankfully, he had managed to insist that only four reporters could enter the compartment at a time.

“It isn't very impressive,” one of the reporters – the inhumanly thin girl – muttered.  “I was expecting more.”

James wanted to roll his eyes.  “This isn't a movie set,” he said, trying to keep the sarcasm out of his voice.   “Every one of these consoles is designed to be useful, not explode at the drop of a hat.”

He tapped a switch, bringing up the display.  “As you can see, the flotilla is currently accompanying us ...”

Somehow, he made it through the rest of the hour without losing his temper.  The handful of experienced reporters seemed to know what they were doing, even the reporter who had embedded with 16 Air Assault Brigade during the raid on Lovell Base on Mars, but the inexperienced reporters kept asking the same silly questions, over and over again.  And the unimpressive CIC didn't seem to help.  Absently, he wondered if the Royal Navy shouldn't produce a Potemkin starship for the reporters, with more attention paid to aesthetics rather than actual fighting power.   Maybe they could share the costs with the other spacefaring powers.  None of them enjoyed particularly respectful reporters.