scotch, seemed relaxed to the point of garrulity. Talbot would have taken long odds that he was cold sober. He talked freely about quite a number of subjects, but had not once broached
the question of being sent ashore. It was clear that he and Talbot had at least one thing in common - the wish that he remain aboard the Ariadne.
Jenkins came in and spoke softly to Van Gelder, who looked at Talbot.
'Call from the radio-room. Shall I take it?' Talbot nodded. Van Gelder left and returned within half a minute.
'Call was delayed, sir. Difficulty in contacting us. They will be there in less than half an hour. I'd better go now.'
'I'm expecting visitors later this evening,' Talbot said. 'I shall have to ask you not to come to the wardroom for some time after they come. Not for too long. Twenty minutes at the most.'
'Visitors?' Andropulos said. 'At-this time of the evening. Who on earth are they?'
'I'm sorry, Mr Andropulos. This is a naval vessel. There are certain things I can't discuss with civilians.'
Chapter 3.
Vice-Admiral Hawkins was the first up the gangway. He shook Talbot's hand warmly. The Admiral didn't go in much for saluting.
'Delighted to see you again, John. Or I would be if it weren't for the circumstances. And how are you, my boy?'
'Fine, sir. Again, considering the circumstances.'
'And the children? Little Fiona and Jimmy?'
'In the best, thank you, sir. You've come a long way in a short time.'
'Needs must when the devil drives. And he's sitting on my tail right now.' He turned to the two men who had followed him up the gangway. 'Professor Benson. Dr Wickram. Gentlemen, Commander Talbot, the captain of the Ariadne.'
'If you will come with me, gentlemen. I'll have your gear taken to your quarters.' Talbot led them to the wardroom and gestured them to their seats. 'You want me to get my priorities right?'
'Certainly.' Talbot pressed a bell and Jenkins came in. 'A large gin and tonic for those two gentlemen,' Hawkins said. "Lots of ice. They're Americans. Large scotch and water for me. Quarters, you said. What quarters?'
'You haven't been aboard since before commissioning but you won't have forgotten. For an admiral, an admiral's quarters. Never been used.'
'How perfectly splendid. Honoured, I'm sure. And for my two friends here?'
'A cabin apiece. Also never been used. I think they'll find them quite comfortable. I'd like to bring along some of my officers, sir.'
'But of course. Whom did you have in mind?'
'Surgeon-Commander Grierson.'
'Know him,' Hawkins said. 'Very wise bird.'
'Lieutenant Denholm. Our electronic Wunderkind. I know you've met him, sir.'
'That I have.' He looked at his two friends, smiling broadly. 'You'll have to mind your p's and q's here. Lieutenant Denholm is the heir to an earldom. The genuine article. Fearfully languid and aristocratic. Don't be deceived for an instant. Mind like a knife. As I told General Carson, he's so incredibly advanced in his electronic speciality that your high-tech whizzkids in Silicon Valley wouldn't even begin to understand what he's talking about.'
'Then there's Lieutenant McCafferty, our senior engineer, and, of course, Lieutenant-Commander Van Gelder whom you've already met.'
'For the first time. Favourably impressed. Very. Struck me as an able lad indeed.'
'He's all that. More. If I were laid low tomorrow you wouldn't have to worry. He could take over the Ariadne at any moment and you wouldn't notice the difference.'
'From you, that's worth any half-dozen testimonials. I'll bear it in mind.'
Introductions completed, Hawkins looked at Talbot and his four officers and said: 'The first question in your minds, of course, gentlemen, is why I have brought two civilians with me. First I will tell you who they are and then, when I have explained the purpose of our coming, you will understand why they are here. In passing, I might say how extraordinarily lucky I am to have them here with me. They seldom leave their home