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Chapters (42)
  1. Cover Blurb
  2. Contents
  3. Chapter One
  4. Chapter Two
  5. Chapter Three
  6. Chapter Four
  7. Chapter Five
  8. Chapter Six
  9. Chapter Seven
  10. Chapter Eight
  11. Chapter Nine
  12. Chapter Ten
  13. Chapter Eleven
  14. Chapter Twelve
  15. Chapter Thirteen
  16. Chapter Fourteen
  17. Chapter Fifteen
  18. Chapter Sixteen
  19. Chapter Seventeen
  20. Chapter Eighteen
  21. Chapter Nineteen
  22. Chapter Twenty
  23. Chapter Twenty-One
  24. Chapter Twenty-Two
  25. Chapter Twenty-Three
  26. Chapter Twenty-Four
  27. Chapter Twenty-Five
  28. Chapter Twenty-Six
  29. Chapter Twenty-Seven
  30. Chapter Twenty-Eight
  31. Chapter Twenty-Nine
  32. Chapter Thirty
  33. Chapter Thirty-One
  34. Chapter Thirty-Two
  35. Chapter Thirty-Three
  36. Chapter Thirty-Four
  37. Chapter Thirty-Five
  38. Chapter Thirty-Six
  39. Chapter Thirty-Seven
  40. Chapter Thirty-Eight
  41. Chapter Thirty-Nine
  42. Chapter Forty

Charles snorted, unable to conceal his amusement completely.  Compared to some of the places his commando had slept over the years, Ark Royal was paradise incarnate.  Marine Country was always cramped, forcing the commandos to share beds from time to time, but that wouldn't be a problem on Ark Royal.  Only 120 Royal Marine Commandos had been assigned to the ship under his command, which meant there was plenty of room for them to spread out in the vast barracks.

“It doesn't look like they set out to welcome us,” he agreed.  Normally, Royal Marines and naval crewmen hazed one another mercilessly.  Ark Royal’s crew clearly hadn't had the time, even if they’d had the inclination, to prepare an unpleasant welcome for the marines.  But then, there was a war on.  Even the pettiest of naval crewmen would have thought better of continuing the rivalry when they might have to rely on the marines to save their lives.  “Get the bags unpacked, then we can inspect the training facilities.”

He watched his men preparing themselves, feeling a twinge of pride.  The Royal Marines prided themselves on being the roughest and toughest British fighting men – a claim that was hotly disputed by other units that considered themselves equally tough – and no marine was ever allowed to wear an armoured combat suit without proving himself on the ground first.  Training was harsh, unrelenting and sometimes lethal, but those who emerged from the experience were ready for anything.  But they’d never seriously prepared for alien contact.

The RSM saluted, once the final bags were stowed away.  “All present and correct, sir,” he said.  “We’re ready for deployment.”

Charles smiled.  “Good,” he said.  Royal Marines served as everything from boarding parties to onboard security.  If nothing else, they could be sure of doing something new every few days.  Just because there was a war on there was no good reason to neglect endless training and exercises.  “Let us go prepare for the war.”

Chapter Five

Chapter Five

“Enemy fighters at three o’clock,” Kurt said.

“Roger,” Rose answered.  “What should I do until then?”

Kurt rolled his eyes.  The joke had been outdated when the military had started experimenting with jet fighters, let alone starfighters in interplanetary space.  But it was good to realise that the squadrons were coming together, even if it did mean some cheek and backtalk from his subordinates.  He settled back into his chair, then watched as the enemy fighters closed in rapidly on the flight of Spitfires.

“On my mark, jink and engage,” he ordered, curtly.  “I don’t want them anywhere near the carrier.”