Vanguard (Ark Royal Book 7) Read Online Free PDF Page B

Blake said.  His voice was flat, rather than the commanding baritone prospective officers had been taught to use at the academy.  “I must say I was expecting Commander Bothell to return from Earth.”
     
    “Yes, sir,” Susan said, puzzled.  Surely Captain Blake knew that something had happened to his XO.  The Admiralty wouldn’t have forced a new XO down his throat unless his chosen XO was unavailable for some reason or another.  “I received this assignment on very short notice.”
     
    “Commander Bothell was a good man,” Captain Blake said.  It took her several seconds to realise he was talking about his former XO in the past tense, as if the officer was dead and gone.  “You have a pair of very big shoes to fill.”
     
    “Yes, sir,” Susan said.  Was Commander Bothell dead?  If so, how did Captain Blake know what had happened?  Or was the Captain merely treating him as if he were?  It was something to raise with the Admiralty, if she had time.  “I look forward to serving as your XO.”
     
    “A very good man,” Captain Blake continued.  “He knew what he could handle on his own, without input from me.  I shall expect the same from you.”
     
    “Yes, sir,” Susan said.
     
    “Your file is quite bland,” Captain Blake added, after a moment’s pause.  “Why are you qualified to serve as my XO?”
     
    “I was in line for Edinburgh , sir,” Susan said, unsure if she should feel insulted, embarrassed or concerned.  “I already had my promotion.”
     
    “But you have not served as an XO previously,” Captain Blake said.  “Commander Bothell was my XO on Thunderous , prior to our joint transfer to Vanguard .”
     
    Susan puzzled over it for a long moment.  It was rare, very rare, for a command team to remain in place for over two years, let alone survive a transfer to a new ship.  The only time she recalled it happening had been Admiral Smith and Captain Fitzwilliam and that had been in wartime.  There were simply too many opportunities for favouritism or for one career to overshadow the other.  Had Commander Bothell deserted because he’d felt his career had stalled?  It was far from impossible.
     
    “No, sir,” she said.  Captain Blake had started to look impatient.  “I don’t pretend I know everything, sir, but I am willing to learn on the job.”
     
    “You have to learn on the job,” Captain Blake said, curtly.  “If you fail to satisfy me, Commander, you will be returned to Earth once we complete our exercises with the Americans.”
     
    “I understand,” Susan said.  She could see his point, but there was that undertone of ... something ... that bothered her more than she cared to admit.  “I will do my best to satisfy you.”
     
    “Very good,” Captain Blake said.  “I believe Commander Mason has a briefing for you.  He worked closely with Commander Bothell, so he is best-placed to bring you up to speed.  Add your name to the watch roster, but make sure you are supervised for the first couple of watches.”
     
    “Aye, sir,” Susan said, tightly.  That was an insult, although she had a nasty feeling the captain could have justified it if she’d called him on it.  She was no midshipwoman, fresh out of the academy and barely able to tie her shoelaces together; she was a naval officer with fifteen years of service under her belt.  “I’m sure Commander Mason will be happy to provide supervision, if necessary.”
     
    She swallowed her irritation with an effort.  “Is there anything else I need to know, sir?”
     
    “You’ll be serving on the bridge with me, rather than operating the secondary bridge,” Captain Blake said.  “I like having my XO where I can see him.”
     
    Her , Susan thought, silently.  What the hell was going on?
     
    “We are currently waiting for two new middies,” Captain Blake concluded.  “Once they are onboard, I’ll be inviting my new officers - including yourself - to dinner prior to our