by James Young
“Permission to speak freely, sir?” Eric asked quietly.
“Go ahead, Lieutenant Cobb,” King snapped, glaring steadily at Churchill.
“The reason why we just happened to be there is Commander Cobleigh convinced Rear Admiral Noyes that the best Dauntless pilots could establish a search even in that weather.”
King snorted, his nostrils flaring.
“Yes—and of the twelve of you who launched, only six recovered successfully,” King snapped.
Eric fought to keep his face expressionless.
Some of those men are, or maybe were, my friends, he thought grimly.
“Lieutenant Cobb, why don’t you tell us what happened?” Kimmel broke in. Admiral King pivoted as if he was about to snap a response when a stern look from Secretary Knox stopped him in his tracks. “Come on over here to the plot if that will help.”
“We started the day at 0300…” Eric began. He spent the next thirty minutes recounting his role in the Battle of Regicide, or as the British fleet was calling it, the Battle of the Remnants. As he talked, Eric realized just how lucky both Rawles and he had been to have survived. By the time he had stopped, he realized that his hands were slightly shaking while he stood at parade rest.
“How long until the Exeter is back in action?” Admiral Kimmel asked thoughtfully. “From what Lieutenant Cobb described, she sounds almost a total wreck.”
“Six months,” Admiral Tovey replied. “She’ll be sailing for Sydney within the fortnight.”
“What? You don’t have any facilities closer?” Secretary Knox asked, shock clear in his voice.
Churchill and Tovey shared a pained look. After a moment, the former Prime Minister spoke.
“There is some discussion among the Commonwealth nations as to whether they will agree to be bound by the Treaty of Kent,” he said solemnly.
“It appears that the former king returning to claim the throne threw a monkey wrench in your plan to continue to fight if England fell,” Admiral King observed.
Eric could tell from the shocked looks on every other American’s face that he was not the only one horrified by King’s bluntness.
“Another ‘monkey wrench’ was our belief that a certain nation’s assistance would go beyond fine words and promises,” Churchill said after a moment’s pause.
“What Admiral King meant,” Secretary Hull said, his tone making it quite clear that nothing good would come from King contradicting his next words, “is that it does not seem as if the possibility of England’s fall was discussed among the Commonwealth during the truce period.”
“Of course not,” Churchill sneered. “No one wanted to consider the fact that the Germans might resume hostilities. Hell, I had a hard enough time persuading Parliament to continue producing the items already authorized. No one wanted to believe that bastard Himmler was just playing for time to strengthen the Luftwaffe.”
“Having your agents attempt to kill Heydrich in Prague and a Free Frenchman blow up Alfred Rosenberg might have had something to do with the Nazis resuming the war,” Admiral King observed, gaining him a look of sheer venom from Hull and Knox alike. Eric watched Churchill’s face start to redden and he opened his mouth to speak only to be cut off by Tovey.
“Perhaps you would be more interested in the present situation than a discussion of the past, Admiral King?” he asked, his voice colder than the gusts blowing through Halifax Harbor.
“Actually, gentlemen, We would be very interested in hearing about the present situation as well,” a calm woman’s voice observed from the hatchway behind Eric, causing him to turn and observe a slender, short brunette in a black mourning dress. Out of the corner of his eye Eric saw Churchill and Tovey both whirl away from the map, then come immediately to attention.
“Your Majesty, we were not expecting you for another three hours,” Churchill said evenly as the woman strode into the compartment followed by two very large men in the bright red tunics and bearskin caps of the British Army’s Guard Regiments. Eric was somewhat shocked to see that both men carried Thompson submachine guns. Judging from Admiral Tovey’s face going pale, he was not the only one. While both men ensured their weapons were not pointed at anyone, Eric could feel the tension rise in the room.
“My…Our apologies, Lord Churchill,” Queen Elizabeth replied, her voice genuine. “The meeting with the new Air Minister took far less time than expected. Admiral Tovey, for your information Captain Leach was given direction from me not to interrupt your meeting. We are the ones off schedule, not you gentlemen.”
“Your Majesty, all of us appreciate that you made time in your busy schedule for us,” Secretary Hull began. “It is a difficult time for both our nations.” Behind him, Eric saw Secretary Knox give Admiral King a look that could have blistered paint.
I’m not sure I want to be in the same room with men who can silence a full admiral just with a look, Eric thought quietly. I’m reasonably certain that Secretary Knox will relieve him on the spot if there is another outburst.
“Thank you, Secretary Hull,” Her Majesty replied. “My father considered the United States to be our strongest friend even if not strictly an ally.”
Pointed comment there, Eric thought, seeing Admiral King starting to color somewhat.
“There are those in our nation, even now, who do not realize that the Nazis intend to conquer the entire world,” Hull replied.
“Well, let us discuss how we will stop them from doing that, shall we?” Queen Elizabeth stated firmly.
“Your Majesty, I want to be perfectly clear—I do not have the power to negotiate a treaty and, to be frank, President Roosevelt does not anywhere close to the votes in Congress for a declaration of war.”
Queen Elizabeth II regarded Secretary Hull with a gaze that radiated determination.
“I am certain that, sooner or later, Nazi Germany will provide you with no other choice than to go to war. At that time, the Commonwealth will stand with you even if England proper does not.”
“That is part of the reason we are here, Your Majesty,” Secretary Knox interjected smoothly. “There has been no public information regarding just what is involved in the Treaty of Kent. All we have in Washington is rumor, and some of them are so wild as to hardly be believable.”
“You may find that some of the agreements Lord Halifax and my uncle have made are as terrible as you imagined,” Queen Elizabeth remarked. Once again, Eric was struck by her composure.
Is it just me, or does it seem like the teenager in the room is dealing better with the world turned upside down than all the men?
“Naturally I am sure the United States’ primary concern is the disposition of our fleet units,” Queen Elizabeth continued. “I believe your isolationists have been roaring with full throat about President Roosevelt’s folly in lending us aid when the ‘bulwark of the Atlantic remained even if England did not,’ correct?”
Eric had to struggle not to wince at the cold politeness in Queen Elizabeth’s tone. Looking over at Secretaries Hull and Knox he could see that the young sovereign’s words had stricken home.
“President Roosevelt intends to lend whatever aid he can…” Secretary Hull began.
“Yes, of course,” Queen Elizabeth snapped, her reserve slipping for the first time. “That is precisely what he told Lord Churchill aboard this very vessel in August of last year. Strange then, is it not, how my nation lies prostrate and my father slain yet your ‘political exigencies’ still seem to prevent action.”
Eric watched Admiral King’s face start to shade red as the Queen had started her response. By the conclusion of it, the man’s face was almost purple.
“Admiral King, why don’t we go get some fresh air?” Secretary Knox said. King whirled and was about to respond when he suddenly realized that his superior was not actually making a request.
When the Secretary of the Navy asks you to step outside, you step outside.
With a slight neck bow to the Queen, Secretary Knox gestured for Admiral K
ing to lead the way out of the compartment. Eric noted that Admiral King pointedly did not render any honors to the Queen on his way out of the compartment.
“Perhaps it would be best if Leftenant Cobb and the other two gentlemen left as well,” Admiral Tovey stated.
“Those two gentlemen have been given direct orders to go with Her Majesty everywhere she goes,” Churchill snapped. “While I trust we have nothing to worry about from anyone in this room, it would be best if we not set the precedent now.”
“Leftenant Cobb may stay,” Her Majesty said, favoring Eric with a small smile. “Given his luck so far, this will probably be yet another thing he can tell his grandchildren about.”
Assuming I survive the next six months, nevermind long enough to marry Joyce, Eric thought. That is, if she got my letter. Hell, I don’t even know if Mom knows I’m still alive. I think I’m going to end up missing Patricia’s wedding next month at this rate.
“Please proceed Admiral Tovey,” Queen Elizabeth continued.
“Your Majesty, Secretary Hull, at this moment the Commonwealth controls the majority of our ships. The only exceptions are four battleships, two carriers, a dozen cruisers, and twenty destroyers,” Admiral Tovey said.
“What do you mean by ‘control’? There are hardly that many ships here in Halifax,” Admiral Kimmel asked.
Tovey and Churchill shared a look, then the latter answered.
“By ‘control,’ we mean ships that are not currently answering the orders of the Halifax Government or pledging allegiance to the Duke of Windsor.”
Queen Elizabeth’s nostrils flared at the last.
“My uncle renounced all of his titles the minute he set foot in London to usurp my throne and authority,” she snapped.
“Your Majesty…” Churchill began.
“Lord Churchill, that topic is not open for discussion,” Queen Elizabeth continued, even more forcefully
Eric saw several emotions flitter across Churchill’s face, but there was no mistaking the steel in Queen Elizabeth’s voice.
I would not want to cross this woman, he thought.
“Your Majesty, I for one would like to know what he should be called then,” Secretary Hull said quietly. “If you allow our newspapers to come up with a name, they may choose something which gives the Halifax government the very legitimacy you seek to deny them.”
Queen Elizabeth turned her gaze from Churchill to Secretary Hull.
“The Commonwealth government will refer to my uncle as The Usurper,” Elizabeth said coolly. A look of surprise briefly flitted across Churchill’s face so quickly that Eric was fairly certain no one else noticed it due to their focus on the Queen.
“Back to your original statement, Admiral Tovey—how did these vessels end up outside of your control?” Admiral Kimmel asked.
“Anson, Howe, and Lion are just completed,” Tovey responded, his tone somber. “The remaining vessels either are not Home Fleet, were recently damaged, or were en route to Great Britain and could not divert due to their fuel state.”
“Why didn’t the crews scuttle their vessels?” Kimmel asked, his voice disgusted.
“Because the Germans threatened to resume hostilities if there were any more incidents,” Churchill snapped. “To be more specific, that bastard Himmler threatened to rip up the Treaty of Kent and lay scourge to every city within Southern England.”
“So what will be the vessels’ ultimate disposition?” Hull asked, his voice conveying that he was already resigned to what the answer would be.
“The Germans expect to face you sooner or later and intend to use the vessels until their three new battleships are complete. Anson and Howe have apparently already been dispatched to Wilhelmshaven along with several of the destroyers. Lion will be sent within thirty days. It is expected that they will take six months to be in German service.”
“So you’re saying the Germans just got three modern battleships gift wrapped and dropped off at their door?” Kimmel asked, his tone one of disbelief.
“Are you familiar with the effect of nerve gas on unprotected civilians, Admiral Kimmel?” Queen Elizabeth asked quietly. “I can place you in touch with several officers who can tell you exactly just how agonizing a death it appears to be.”
“No one is suggesting that your government should have called Mr. Himmler’s bluff,” Secretary Hull said smoothly, giving Admiral Kimmel a hard look. “Admiral Kimmel is understandably upset, as this will affect our own strategic calculus.”
“We understand your concerns, Secretary Hull,” Queen Elizabeth said. “However, given your upcoming construction we do not see cause for quite that level of alarm.”
“Do not understand the reason for that level of alarm?” Admiral Kimmel asked unbelievingly, his Kentucky drawl getting more pronounced due to his anger. “How about those are two modern battleships that we will now have to account for in order to maintain open supply lines to Iceland? Or that we will have to destroy in order to return you to your throne?”
“Again, Anson and Howe will take at least six months to be worked up with German crews,” Admiral Tovey snapped. “I doubt that they will be anywhere near as experienced as your own.”
“You’re making the assumption they will have German crews,” Kimmel said seethingly. “Our intelligence indicates that the Halifax government has not necessarily ruled out supplying ‘volunteers’ in exchange for concessions.”
“That is a ploy to ensure that we continue grain shipments from Canada,” Churchill observed, nostrils flaring slightly.
There was a moment when Kimmel and Hull both looked at him in shock.
“From your response you make it appear that you are thinking about continuing to do so,” Hull said after a moment, his voice heavy.
“We will not starve our subjects,” Queen Elizabeth said flatly.
“Perhaps you do not understand the gravity…” Secretary Hull started to say.
“I will not be lectured like I am some ignorant child, Secretary Hull,” Queen Elizabeth snapped, her icy demeanor finally cracking. “You have the audacity to tell any one of us that we do not understand the gravity of the situation? Tell me, Mr. Secretary, when was the last time your home was bombed? Your capital burned? Your father murdered?”
Hull bit back a response, taking a deep breath.
I know a thing or two about willful women, Eric thought. I’m pretty sure all of you underestimate this woman at your peril.
“The American people will find it hard to understand how on one hand you can consider your uncle a…usurper yet you continue to supply grain to the people who follow him. There will be those who wonder if you are prepared to do what is necessary to regain your throne.”
If looks could kill…Eric thought as Queen Elizabeth stared venomously at Secretary Hull for a brief moment before regaining her composure.
“Our government has done what is necessary throughout this conflict, Secretary Hull. We do not think the same can be said of yours,” the monarch replied, her tone almost making Eric shiver from the intensity it contained.
The proverbial pin drop would have echoed like thunder in the compartment.
“Perhaps, Your Majesty, a break is in order,” Churchill suggested after a moment, his voice neutral.
“That sounds like a wonderful idea, Lord Churchill,” Queen Elizabeth replied, her lips pursed.
“Gentlemen, let us return in fifteen minutes,” Churchill said briskly, looking at the clock on the far bulkhead.
“I will have a steward bring some coffee for our guests,” Admiral Tovey said, heading for the watertight door.
“Lieutenant Cobb, we should probably get you ashore,” Admiral Kimmel spoke from behind Eric. “A detachment should already be at your guest quarters collecting your gunner, and they should have transportation for you to return to the South Dakota.”
I recognize an order wrapped in a suggestion when I hear it, Eric thought. Not that I mind—an ant does not need to be standing around when elephants ar
e dancing.
“Yes sir,” Eric replied, turning for the hatch.
“Leftenant Cobb,” Queen Elizabeth called after him, causing Eric to stop dead in his tracks.
“Yes Ma’a…Your Majesty?” Eric said, tripping over himself.
“Thank you,” Queen Elizabeth said simply.
“You are welcome, Your Majesty,” Eric said, giving a slight neck bow. He stopped to wait for Admiral Kimmel to go out the hatchway, but the senior officer gestured for him to lead the way. Five minutes later, Eric found himself standing with Secretary Knox along with Admirals Kimmel and King next to the Prince of Wales’s gangway. The fleet’s service launch approached the battleship, bobbing in the choppy harbor water from the stiff wind.
“Lieutenant Cobb, I think it goes without saying you are to not to speak about anything you saw or heard today,” Admiral Kimmel said quietly.
“Yes sir,” Eric replied.
“Especially anything having to do with your senior’s behavior,” Secretary Hull snapped, staring directly at Admiral King.
“I will not be lectured by some teenaged skirt with delusions of grandeur,” Admiral King snapped as he took a heavy draw on his cigarette. Eric watched Secretary Knox’s face start to color as he looked to make sure no one was in ear shot.
“The British lost,” King continued. “They left the Germans a pretty sizeable portion of their fleet and we don’t have the necessary power to go smash up Scapa Flow like they did the frogs when France fell. So pardon me if I don’t get all wrapped up in protocol when I’m thinking about all the American boys who are about to die because some overwrought girl wants to avenge her daddy.”
King looked out over the side as he flicked away his cigarette, and suddenly Eric could have swore the admiral aged five years right before his eyes.
“I’ve got six girls of my own, and I don’t think anyone’s going to ask several thousand boys like Lieutenant Cobb here to die if I end up on the wrong end of some German shell.”
