Choosers of the Slain

41

Ken Hiro gestured awkwardly with the communications hard copy. "Uh, Captain, we've just received a Flash advisory from CINCLANT…."

"I know, Ken. We see them."

Amanda leaned, stiff-spined, over the chart table in the Intelligence bay of the CIC, her impassive features underlit by the coldly glowing surface. Christine Rendino stood by quietly, her usual ebullience extinguished. In the darkness, neither officer could see how tightly their captain's fists were clenched, how deeply she had driven her nails into the palms of her hands.

Finally, Amanda took a deliberate deep breath. "Chris, notify all division heads that there will be an operations group in fifteen minutes.

"Ken, acknowledge CINCLANT's advisory. Inform them that we are proceeding to intercept the enemy with intent to engage. Also, please request that they contact the HMS Polar Circle for us. Inform them that we will not be making rendezvous."

Amanda pushed away from the table and started slowly for the hatchway. "If you need me, I'll be down in sick bay."