The aliens kept their distance as the giant carrier moved rapidly towards Tramline Two.  Ted couldn’t help wondering if they’d learned caution ... or if they were merely waiting for reinforcements.  His imagination provided too many possibilities, including the very real danger of running into an alien ambush as soon as they jumped through the tramline.  But if there was an ambush waiting for them, the optimistic side of his mind pointed out, why had the aliens sought to bring them to combat already?  They could just have herded Ark Royal and her flotilla towards Tramline Two without coming close enough to engage the carrier.

No way to know, he reminded himself.

He keyed his console, instead.  “James, make sure that everyone has a bite to eat,” he ordered.  “I want them as alert as possible when we jump through the tramline.”

“Understood,” his XO said.  “I’ll see to it at once.”

Ted wondered, in a moment of mischievous amusement, just how badly the reporters were taking the running battle.  Had they learned to read the display well enough to realise that all of the frigates were now gone?  Or had they concluded that Ark Royal had actually won the battle outright, rather than scoring a victory on points?  He considered, briefly, calling their compartment and asking them, before dismissing the thought as unworthy of him.  There was no point in wasting time ...

Midshipwoman Lopez appeared with a tray of food packets, which she passed around the bridge.  Ted took his gratefully, silently impressed that the young woman was bearing up well under the stress of combat – and dealing with reporters.  He made a mental note to ensure she was promoted when they returned to Earth, perhaps with a transfer to a more modern starship if it was what she wanted.  Or maybe she’d prefer to stay on Ark Royal.  Unless the human race made a definite breakthrough in point defence – and light armour – the modern carriers were little more than death traps.

“Thank you,” he said.  The packaged food had no taste, as far as he or anyone else had been able to determine, but it did help him to become more alert.  He ate the two ration bars – they had the consistency of fudge, although not the taste – and then passed her the empty package.  “How are the reporters coping?”

Midshipwoman Lopez smiled.  “They’re coping about as well as can be expected,” she said.  “I don’t think they understand the situation.”

Ted smiled.  It was a very diplomatic answer.  “Good,” he said.  “Keep an eye on them, once you have finished with the food.”