Einstein Must Die! (Fate of Nations Book 1) Read Online Free PDF

clapping the young sailor on the shoulder. “We have the wind. Let’s go get him. Signal the packet ship to hold back.”
    “Aye, sir.”
    Captain Jones turned and called out, “Starboard guns, make ready! Helm, three-three-five. Chase that Imperial bastard down!”
    The Lexington turned and put on speed, cutting forward through the heavy swells.
    ***
    Major Thomas watched the Lexington turn and gain speed. Behind it, the smaller ship was falling back. It didn’t have the guns or the strength to join this fight.
    The Lexington surged toward them, and the major counted twenty-two gunports along the side. Twenty-two timber panels that would be thrown open at the right moment, revealing two-ton cannons, each one capable of sending a thirty-six pound cannonball through their hull. The thought gave the major pause.
    “Captain, I am no sailor, but doesn’t the American have the superior position here?”
      Captain Douglas was watching the Lexington maneuver intently. “Aye, that he does. With the wind behind him, he can press the attack, or move away.”
    “Well, he’s certainly pressing,” he said, watching the frigate quickly growing larger. Around its bow, white foam rose and churned as the ship cut through the rough, building waves.
    “Steady, soldier. Watch and learn some navy tricks.”
    ***
    On the Lexington , Captain Jones gauged the distance to the enemy at four hundred feet and closing. Still too far for an accurate shot.
    His lieutenant was studying them again through the glass. “She’s got smashers,” he said. The note of apprehension carried over the howling wind. “Three. On the forecastle.”
    The three carronades were high-efficiency cannons, designed for short-range fire. With a lower muzzle velocity, the shot created more wooden splinters when it hit, which often were more deadly than the ball itself. Their nickname was well earned.
    “Not to worry, we’re going for their rear. They won’t get a chance to use ‘em.”
    The captain could see the downwind Glasgow well now, even without a glass. She was heeled over against the wind, which brought her exposed flank up out of the water. A shot there, where the hull normally rested below the waterline, could be fatal.
    The bucking waves were now pounding them hard. He held onto the railing and pointed as they gained ground.
    “I want a shot there, below their line. Punch a hole in them low. When they change tack, they’ll take on water, and slow more.”
    “Aye, sir!” called the lieutenant and shouted orders to the gun crews.
    ***
    The Glasgow was big, but she was slow. The American ship was within firing distance now, and the major turned to Captain Douglas, expecting action. Surely, it was time for an attack or an evasive maneuver?
    But the old sailor was content to wait and watch as a wicked smile began to form on his lips.
    ***
    The Lexington pulled alongside the British warship, and Captain Jones gave the order. “Starboard guns, run out!”
    The order was relayed to the gundeck below, and crews leaped to unlock the gunports and haul up the heavy panels.  
    But as they did, water roared into the gundeck. With the Lexington heeled over in chase, its attacking side was riding low. The weather had worsened considerably since they began their run, and the waves were crashing higher now, flooding into the ship.
    Men were washed back away from the open ports, smashing into their mates who came forward to help. The chaos rose quickly as the foaming ocean rushed in, racing along the gundeck. Screams of anger and fear cut through the sound of raging water.
    “Why haven’t we fired?” yelled the captain. He ran to the railing, and looked over it. The ports were open, but then he saw the incoming water.
    “Oh God.”
    ***
    “And there you have it,” said Captain Douglas. “The weather has picked up, and he wasn’t paying attention. Now he’s in a pickle, all right.”
    He turned to his second-in-command. “Port guns, run out and