A Savage War Of Peace (Ark Royal Book 5) by Christopher Nuttall Read Free Book Online

were still states that had laws allowing them to peer into the church’s activities, just to make sure they weren't trying to cover up more sexual scandals and financial malpractice.  Hell, there were laws in Britain allowing any religious group to be watched, if they seemed likely to pose a threat to the state.  Being too trusting had led directly to the Troubles.
     
    The First Space Lord tapped his keyboard, activating the holographic projector.  “You will have Warspite , John, and a pair of older destroyers to serve as escort,” he said.  “The Ambassador and her staff will travel on Warspite , which will allow you to confer with her about the best way to proceed.  Attached will be five freighters crammed with potential trade goods and prefabricated garrison components, as well as HMS Stuart Tootal .”
     
    John blinked.  “I’m getting 3 Para?”
     
    “And two additional sections of Royal Marines,” the First Space Lord said.  “Do try to keep them apart, when they’re not on active duty.  We can’t afford to keep replacing the bulkheads when they start fighting.”
     
    He sighed.  “I’d prefer to send more, Captain, but we have too many other commitments at the moment,” he added.  “The PM has been talking to the Americans and French about a local alliance, but the Yanks are having an election year and the French, as always, are playing their cards close to their chest.  I’m pretty sure they’re looking for ways to gain advantage in the coming proxy struggle for Vesy.”
     
    John nodded, grimly.
     
    “If the shit hits the fan, try to secure the base on the surface and protect our personnel,” the First Space Lord concluded.  “Ideally ... well, the PM wants free access to the tramlines, but little else.  But we would prefer to avoid utterly shattering Vesy civilisation if it could be avoided.”
     
    “I doubt it, sir,” John said.  “They’ve seen too many changes in too short a space of time.”
     
    “We will see,” the First Space Lord said.
     
    He glanced at his datapad.  “You’re expected back on Warspite in two days, Captain,” he added.  “By then, your official orders will be cut, along with a set of sealed orders you are to open if the shit really does hit the fan.  The ambassador will join you and your crew eight days later, giving you long enough to knock Warspite back into shape.  Until then ... go to Sin City or stay here, whichever one you please.  I don’t think we’ll need you before you return to your ship.”
     
    “Aye, sir,” John said.  Returning to Sin City, finding a partner for a day or two and spending time in bed seemed a wonderful option.  But, on the other hand, he knew he’d be worrying too much about the coming ordeal.  Life had been much easier when he’d been a mere starfighter pilot.  “I think I’d be better off reading papers and doing my research.”
     
    “There’s a whole crew of researchers going with you to Vesy,” the First Space Lord said.  “They were trying to hire a luxury liner for the trip, I believe, rather than endure passage on a warship.  Anyone would think they didn't like it.”
     
    “It is an acquired taste,” John agreed, deadpan.  He well remembered cramped quarters on HMS Canopus ... although Colin and he had never complained.  “I have been told it compares favourably to going to jail ...”
     
    “Not these days,” the First Space Lord said.
     
    John nodded.  Prisoners these days were sent to work gangs, where they worked six days a week in the Reclamation Zones.  It wasn't a pleasant task and the reoffending rate had dropped sharply, or so he’d been told.  There just weren’t the resources to keep prisoners penned up indefinitely, not any longer.  The truly serious criminals were simply hung and then buried in unmarked graves.
     
    “You’ll find out soon enough, I wager,” the First Space Lord said.  “Good luck, Captain.”
     
    John rose, recognising the