A single bowstring twanged three times in quick succession, and a speedy little trio of navy-blue arrows whistled off to their targets. The fine whistle became a low drone, followed by a heavy rumble and a little splash as the blue Swordfish dropped their loads.
An eruption of water broke the calm waters, shattering the calm sounds of the undisturbed sea. Another explosion followed, then another, then another. In a high soaring arc the sodden remains of the unfortunate practice dummy flew into the air and smartly landed at the feet of a most remarkable girl.
The girl was dressed in a soft white sleeveless tunic with a thin red cross emblazoned on it. The tunic reached down to her thighs, where she wore pure black stockings covered by finely wrought steel greaves that shone in the misty sun; she wielded a great ash longbow that stood nearly twice her height, and carried a simple leather quiver on her leg that held a mixture of navy-blue and mottled brown arrows. On her arm a long grey flight deck shield was strapped, studded with thin spikes of antennae. There was no cap or hat to adorn her short amber hair, save for a single white-gold hairpin.
Her name was Ark Royal.
Lowering her longbow, she studied the remains of the dummy, prodding it around with her sandalled feet. The soaked dummy squelched and oozed seawater onto the pier under her foot. Satisfied with the damage done she drew another arrow from her hip quiver and notched it. In a fluid motion she drew the bow with all her might – aiming into the sky she let it fly. It soared into the sky, disappearing into the light mist.
Ark Royal lowered her bow and squinted at the sky. As she concentrated she sensed a little movement behind her, and diverting her attention away from the flight of her fighters she saw the graceful form of the battleship Queen Elizabeth strolling towards her.
Befitting her name and relation the Queen Elizabeth was dressed in a light, regal crinoline dress that extended all the way to her feet. Unlike her namesake however, she bore a brace of four twin turrets that hung in pairs below her hips. Her solid gold tiara was outfitted with various antennae and unlike the other younger battleships one could see the faint lines of age etched on her face.
Ark Royal came swiftly to attention and saluted, which Queen Elizabeth acknowledged with a little curtsey.
"Milady, what brings you here? Not bad news, I hope." Ark Royal slung her bow over her shoulder, standing at ease as the stately battleship stepped forward.
"Oh no, my dear, I was merely going to observe until you had finished. But it seems you were a bit quick for me," Queen Elizabeth replied. She looked straight at Ark Royal, smiling serenely.
"Was I, milady?" Ark Royal replied tentatively. She was curious as to what the old battleship had in mind.
"Not as much as you would think, dear," Elizabeth, being as old as she was, was affectionately known as the fairy godmother of the fleet. Her mannerisms helped cement that image. "But I would ask you now, dear Ark, are you done right now?"
Ark Royal relaxed, the kindly tone soothing her anxiety. "Yes, milady."
"Good. I would like to talk to you about some issues of a more… sensitive nature. Would you care to join me for afternoon tea today?"
Ark Royal started, astonished by the invitation. She had never been to a private tea break with a battleship, let alone with one of the most venerable of the fleet. "I… I don't know what to say, milady," she managed.
"I'm sure you'll be fine. It'll be just you, me and another guest who I've also asked to come. We'll have it in my private garden," she added, but then paused as Ark Royal gave another little start. She sensed her discomfort at the idea. "I understand you're a little surprised at this request, and I feel you must know that you are not obliged in any way-"
"No, no, milady, it's just that... it's a bit strange to me," Ark Royal interrupted, her voice trailing away.
Elizabeth laughed softly. "I'm sure you will be fine," she repeated to the nervous carrier before her. She turned to leave. "Four o'clock, my garden, dear."
Ark fidgeted nervously, waiting for the arrival of the host. She sat in an exquisite iron latticework chair, one of three around an equally exquisite table – all around her flowers and plants of every hue were arranged in neat beds, each colour to its own. A few aged and tall trees and hedges lined the perimeter, giving some natural cover against any prying eyes.
On the dot at four Queen Elizabeth stepped out of the humble two-storey tile-roofed cottage that she lived in, accompanied by the white-haired Dido in a maid's dress bearing an amber-transparent teapot and delicate bone-china teacups.
Ark Royal hastily stood and saluted and Elizabeth acknowledged it with a curt nod. The two sat down while Dido set down the teapot and cups. She poured out three cups with professional precision, bowed and then retreated.
The old battleship took her cup without delay and sipped – Ark did the same, her eyes watching Elizabeth closely, while Elizabeth concentrated only on the drink. There was a marked tension in the air, and neither of them sat at ease. But for two different reasons entirely.
Both of them set down their cups with a painless tinkle – while Queen Elizabeth savoured the tea Ark Royal was too anxious to notice, perhaps a little overly so.
"A splendid blend, don't you think?" Queen Elizabeth observed airily, her words cutting through the ice cleanly.
"Ah, really? I've never had much…" Ark was going to voice her ignorance on tea, but her nerve failed as Elizabeth's leafy-green eyes bored into her. Instead she hurriedly took another sip of her tea. It was fruity, with a layer of sweet apple and a drop of lemon, but it felt dry down her throat.
Luckily for her Queen Elizabeth seemed not to notice – her attention shifted to the man who now strode towards the little party, the chest of his white jacket positively shining with medals. He walked with a confident step, taking on the air of a man who was in full control of every aspect of his life. Three gold rings were sewn into the cuff of his jacket, and the visor of his peaked cap gleamed in the bright afternoon sun.
Both Ark Royal and Queen Elizabeth rose, Ark recognizing the man instantly. Numb with anxiety she shakily saluted as Vice Admiral Holles, commander of the very fleet Ark belonged to, approached. He casually threw up his own, and when the hands came down all of them were seated.
"Ah, tea!" Holles immediately raised his cup and drank with a little gusto. "Don't know what I'd do without it. Ah, that's better!" Setting down the now-half-empty cup with a loud clatter he drew himself in, settling comfortably in his chair.
"I am glad, sir, you could join us today," Queen Elizabeth began, as Dido approached again, this time bringing sandwiches and cake. As the cruiser-maid retreated, Holles leaned in and took one quickly. A flicker of annoyance crossed Queen Elizabeth's face, but she continued. "As requested, I brought Ark Royal with me today."
As requested? Ark Royal repeated in her mind. So this was what this tea break was for!
Holles finished the sandwich quickly. "Ah yes, Ark Royal, so glad to see you today. Of course," with a hurried wipe with a napkin he brushed his face clean of crumbs, "you are probably wondering why I have sent for you in such a roundabout manner. Let me cut to the thick of it. The answer is simple." Holles cleared his throat and leaned forward, hands clasped.
"We're sending you to the Far East."
For a moment the words didn't sink in with Ark Royal. Far East? What the hell, Admiral? Ark had only seen service in the Atlantic and Mediterranean – but the Pacific? The idea had never crossed her mind. She glanced quickly at Queen Elizabeth, but the battleship's face was neutral, unassuming. Then she looked back at Holles, who seemed almost nonchalant about the fact.
"I know this must be quite the shock to you. Nevertheless it is the decision of the Admiralty and it is in our mutual interest that the orders are carried out." Holles's voice was stern now, full of authority. "This mission is of the utmost urgency and we feel," he continued, looking straight at Ark Royal, "that you are best suited for this task."
Ark Royal was bewildered. "I-I see, Admiral…." She stammered. Then a damning question struck her. "Sir," she asked, "why exactly have I been chosen?"
"We feel it is time to increase our presence in the Pacific," said Holles vaguely, "the Admiralty no longer feels that our holdings in Asia are adequately defended. Thus we have come to this decision."
Ark Royal scoffed to herself on hearing this. Inadequately defended? Bollocks. Yet as her inner voices conflicted with each other, a single, oddly happy thought came up - it would be a perfect opportunity to see the world. In an instant the little voices of dissent were quelled and quietened; now she faced Holles with a new resolve.
Holles surveyed the girl as she struggled to come to terms with the task. At last she looked at him, and he could see that her mind was set. At last she nodded – and with that confirmation he hastily conveyed the rest of the details.
"Of course, you won't be going alone – right now a list is being drawn up of candidates for this posting. You will be notified of the final selection when it is complete. Once preparations are complete, you will all be briefed on the operation."
"And when will that be, sir?" Ark asked.
"Two weeks from now."
Ark sat back and pondered for a bit.
"Who will take over as flagship of Third Battle Carrier Squadron while I'm away?" she asked.
"We've yet to decide on that," Queen Elizabeth answered, before Holles could open his mouth, "but I think the general consensus would not mind Illustrious taking over when you leave."
Another issue assuaged. There were more questions coming from all sides – operational details, plans, and preparation talk – as the meal winded down. Soon the plates were empty and the teapot drained, and the sun lingered just over the horizon. The little party dispersed, each making their own way to their own homes.
There was laughter and merriment on the village roads, in the cottages and in the many commons that dotted the landscape. The night settled slowly, as if the many ship-girls that lived in the villages around the base wished its prolonging. Even if the world outside were to be shaken up by the deeds the Royal Navy were soon to commit, here remained one place in the world that would remain much the same. This Ark Royal knew, and she was emboldened by the fact as she prepared herself for the task ahead.