“I’m not suggesting we face the New Men divided in battle,” the earl said. “That would be operational folly. I am suggesting we find the extent of their destruction as quickly as possible. We must also discover how far they’ve pulled back and where they’re willing to stand and fight. Our spreading out to scout the various star systems will considerably speed up the process. Naturally, we shall keep in constant communication through courier vessels. If the New Men show themselves somewhere in force, that group retreats as the rest of the Grand Fleet rushes to their aid. It should be obvious that my idea will bring about the battle we crave. Don’t you agree?”

Fletcher did not agree, not in the slightest. But instead of answering verbally, he used silence to convey his reply.

The earl withdrew a handkerchief from a sleeve, coughing into it several times. “I hesitate to say this…”

“Please,” Fletcher said, “don’t stop now.”

“We lead fighting men,” Bishop said quietly, as if it pained him to talk about this. “Undue caution breeds hesitation among the officers, which trickles down to the men. Hesitation can turn into fear all too quickly. We’re supposed to be advancing against the enemy, not shivering at shadows. Each jump takes days to complete because we have to move such a vast force through a single Laumer-Point. The wormholes have become chokepoints instead of stellar pathways.”

“We move slowly but forcefully,” Fletcher said, “using our size to shield ourselves. That saves us from attritional losses.”

Bishop tucked the handkerchief back into a sleeve, possibly giving himself time to think.

“We can defeat the enemy,” Bishop said, “but only if we can catch him in time. That implies a modicum of speed on our part, not this…tepid advance. My men are becoming restless. They desire battle and wonder why we move so slowly against the foe. It is my duty to keep his Majesty’s hammership crews fit for combat, which includes keeping their spirits high.”

“I have a similar duty to the Social Syndicate crews,” Sub-commander Ko added.

Bishop nodded, spreading his hands imploringly. “Let us keep the Grand Fleet intact in spirit but not necessarily in body. Order the dispersion as we spread out, scouting many star systems at a time. We must pressure the New Men with speed. Let them fear us for a change as they run away faster.”

Fletcher had seen this coming for some time. He wondered if he should let Bishop have his way for a time in order to show everyone how foolish that would be. Doing so was a risk. But as Cook had said, “War was a gamble.” The wise commander knew when to take the right risk.

“As you wish,” Fletcher said quietly.