In Which Training Becomes Reality

"In Which Training Becomes Reality"

When: May 1940 (RL Date: June 10, 2008)
Where: HMS Viperous, waters off the coast of Rosyth, Scotland

What: While on sub-hunting training with the Royal Navy's HMS Trident, some very real contacts are spotted and go after some cargo ships sitting at anchor.

Radio room

HMS Viperous-----> > > > > THE GREATEST GENERATION < < <


The constant chatter of the radios and the tappity-tap-tap of morse code permeates this room. Radio equipment, log books, code books and coffee cups litter the variety of tables set into this cubby-hole of a room, hardly large enough to fit five people. A sonar station is set into its own little cubby-hole, manned night and day, usually by a bored operator.

It is currently daytime.

The sea around you is a glassy calm.

Type Name Brg. Hdg. Altitude Spd. Rng.
AK (#15279)Empire Sunrise 127 90 0' 0 6524 yds
AK (#15242)Empire Splendour 132 90 0' 0 7133 yds
SS (#15207)HMS Trident 186 90 0' 0 2555 yds
DD (#15084)HMS Viperous 266 184 0' 0 0 yds

Systems:
1. Radio (0% damaged)

Sub-Rooms :
1. Radar
2. Sonar

Contents
Logan - 2. Sonar
Joanna - 1. Radar

Forward to Command Bridge <CB> Down to Galley <GA>

Logan walks in and nods to Joanna before stepping up to the sonar set.

Joanna is manning the radar station, eyes focused on the terminal, though she does look up and offer a polite nod to Logan as he walks in. "Mr. O'Reily. Does the captain have something underway, then?"

Logan shrugs at Joanna with a baffled look on his face, "Probably, he sent me didn't he?" He smiles smugly, albeit jokingly at Joanna.

«VSpace» Logan switches his sonar set off.

Logan flips a switch on his sonat set turning off the active sonar.

«VSpace» HMS Viperous goes to battle stations!

«VSpace» Joanna switches her radar set on.

Radar Contact -> Ship Brg -> 182 Rng -> 2606 yards 0 knots
Radar Contact -> Ship Brg -> 144 Rng -> 6776 yards 0 knots
Radar Contact -> Ship Brg -> 151 Rng -> 6654 yards 0 knots

(From (HMS Viperous-Port rail) Marisco looks up quickly as he hears the bell ring out. "Battle stations? Whut, a drill?"

«VSpace» Logan switches his sonar set on.

(From (HMS Viperous-Port rail) Marisco moves quickly to take control of a 2 pdr battery.

Logan flicks a few switches on his sonar set and turns the active sonar on.

(From (HMS Viperous-Port rail) Watson nods a bit as he hears that, "Probably some kind of training while we're underway might be a god idea as well," he says. Pausing a bit as he hears that part, frowning a bit. Moving along to his place.

(From (HMS Viperous-Port rail) Marisco nods over. "What's yer station while on board ship, Mr. Royal Marine-man?" asking as if truly not knowing Watson's duty for the day.

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Foster doesn't bother turning, instead he's watching the ocean, as if he could simply summon the proper image in his mind from sheer will. "Mr. Conlan, get up to the flying bridge. Get on the lights and signal the word 'Badger'."

Joanna flips the RADAR on, giving the station an almost gentle tap as she does so. In case it starts sparking, or does any other portent of doom and chief engineer seems to suspect it capable of. But it seems to be in good working order. She smiles, a bit smugly.

(From (HMS Viperous-Port rail) Marisco leans to speak into the tube. "Mr. Marisco here. Port AA guns are manned and ready."

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Mr. Conlan steps swiftly onto the bridge, and nods his acceptance of his orders to the Captain — then without breaking stride moves up to the Flying Bridge.

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) «Ground Combat» Conlan moves out of Main Guns.

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Hands keeps the ship running straight and true.

(From (HMS Viperous-Port rail) Watson replies with the station, before he hurries off to it.

Logan leans in to speak, "All I'm picking up down here is our submarine, sir!"

(From (HMS Viperous-Port rail) Marisco turns back to the tube. "Mr. Marisco to bridge. Do you want me on the depth charges at this time, sir, or commanding the aft AA guns?"

Radar Contact -> Ship Brg -> 180 Rng -> 2606 yards 0 knots
Radar Contact -> Ship Brg -> 120 Rng -> 6990 yards 0 knots
Radar Contact -> Ship Brg -> 115 Rng -> 6654 yards 0 knots

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Foster turns and leans over toward the tube, his voice ringing out to the proper stations. "Depth charges, Mr. Marisco." A pause. "All stations, report in."

(From (HMS Viperous-Port rail) Marisco clears his throat, "Aye, sir." and steps from the AA gun.

(From (HMS Viperous-Port rail) «Ground Combat» Marisco moves out of AA gunner.

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Hands says back over his shoulder, "Ready at the Helm sir"

Joanna calls into the tube to the bridge, "Starling here, sir. We've got three radar contacts from our friends on the Sunrise, Splendour and Trident, but you can likely seem them as well as I can now. They're all holding position. I'm ready here, sir."

(From (HMS Viperous-Flying bridge) Up on the Flying Bridge the Sub-Lieutenant pops the collar on his pea-coat, and moves over towards the controls for the searchlights. The signal officer is there, and briefly the pair talk — Conlan indicating who they are to signal to. "The Singal is Badger Mr. Piet. Signal the HMS Trident at your leisure."

«VSpace» HMS Viperous signals :-
"Badger"

«VSpace» HMS Trident signals :-
"England Expects!"

(From (HMS Viperous-Flying bridge) As the signal is sent, Conlan calls down to the Bridge. "The Signal 'Badger' has been sent, and the response of 'England Expects' returned, Sir." With that said the Officer straightens, and looks out towards the HMS Trident.

(From (HMS Viperous-Stern) Marisco makes it to stern from the port railing, heading down to the depth charge rails. "Ready 'im up. Load the rails."

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Hands yawns and scratches his stubbly chin.

(From (HMS Viperous-Stern) Marisco takes his position, then turns to speak into the tube. "Mr. Marisco at the stern. Depth charges ready, sir."

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Foster reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small pocketwatch, watching the time tick away on it.

Logan leans in and states to the tube, "Sub Lieutenant O'Reily on sonar."

ping…

«VSpace» HMS Trident signals :-

"Not a fair test in such shallow water, Viperous. The Navy making it easy for such an old ship!"

«VSpace» Logan switches his sonar set off.

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Foster clears his throat and calls out across the tubes, "Stations confirmed. Today, ladies and gentlemen, we'll be hunting the HMS Trident. Mr. Marisco, I do not want those depth charges loosed, simply call out false launches."

«VSpace» HMS Trident dives!

(From (HMS Viperous-Flying bridge) "Sir," begins Conlan, calling down to the Captain in booming voice. "The Trident Signals: Not a fair test in such shallow water, Viperous. The Navy making it easy for such an old ship! Do, you wish a response?" Again the Sub-Lieutenant straightens, turning his attention back to the HMS Trident. "Sir, I think the game is afoot. She is diving. She is all Sonar's now."

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Hands stands behind the coxswain, his hands behind his back, his eyes carefully scanning the crew manning the helm.

«VSpace» Logan switches his sonar set on.

Logan reaches over and switches active sonar on, "Active sonar is online sir."

(From (HMS Viperous-Stern) Marisco peers out towards the direction the bearing the submarine had last been visually spotted at, squinting with an unsuccessful attempt to sight her.

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) "Never met a submariner that didn't know how to whine." Foster quips, careful not to let his comment reach the tubes. In a voice carrying a bit more authority, however, he calls out, "Heading to 180 degrees, speed to 20 knots."

ping…

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Hands calls back "Aye Captain!" he then turns to the poor enlisted peons who do the actual work and repeats the command, "Heading to 180 degrees, speed to 20 knots."

ping…

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Hands watches over the coxwain with a careful eye making sure every order is followed.

Joanna watches the radar set, a slim frown of concentration knitting her face. "Sir," she calls into the tube. She can't quite the annoyance out of her voice. "Radar's lost contact with the Trident." Hardly unexpected, but she's still miffed something has eluded her radar. "The last contact we had, she was on the move at three knots 2,842 yards from us, bearing 207."

(From (HMS Viperous-Flying bridge) "Captain shall I remain on the Signal Light, or should I return to the Bridge?" Says Conlan into the tube leading to the Bridge, as he pulls his coat a little more tightly around him — the ship getting underway. The Flying Bridge is not an exceptionally warm place, even on a sunny day.

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Foster turns and calls out to the tubes, "Active sonary only on my command, Mr. O'Reily. This is to be considered an open sea exercise."

(From (HMS Viperous-Stern) Marisco is in control of the depth charges on the stern. Right now the enlisted crew are all alert, at their stations, waiting for orders to launch from the rail.

Logan states in response to Foster, "Aye sir."

Logan shouts up the tube, "We've got a contact with a bridge of 49 sir!"

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Hands is the picture of perfect calm as the ship makes a hard turn to come about to bearing 180, the old girl shakes and shudders as he gains speed rapidly.

Radar Contact -> Ship Brg -> 44 Rng -> 2319 yards 8 knots
Radar Contact -> Ship Brg -> 301 Rng -> 7194 yards 0 knots
Radar Contact -> Ship Brg -> 315 Rng -> 6319 yards Unknown Speed

Joanna squints some more, a look of faint triumph sparking in her eyes. "Sir!" she calls through the tube again. "I think we've got her again. I've got a ship on the radar bearing 44, 2,319 yards from us, traveling at eight knots." She sniffs primly. Try and hide, will you.

Logan states, "69 now sir."

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Foster calls out, "Helm, bearing 50 degrees, speed steady."

(From (HMS Viperous-Stern) Marisco looks over to the depth charges crew, nodding once to give them a show of approval from their chief.

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Hands again calls back, "Aye Captain" and then loudly repeats the command to the coxwain, "Bearing 50 and steady as she goes."

(From (HMS Viperous-Flying bridge) From the Flying Bridge Conlan has a rather splendid view of the surounding seas, and leans his hands on the wooden railing. The ship rises and falls gently on the glassy water, even as she rattles wildly beneath his feet. He tucks his hat then under his arm, as a cool wind brushes across his face, and through his short dark hair.

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) "Stand Fast, Conlan." Foster commands via the tubes.

Logan leans over the sonar set and calls into the tube, "I haven't heard anything in a while sir."

Joanna grumbles as the lines and squiggles on the radar monitor foil her again. "Sir, the Trident's off our radar again." She sounds like she'd very much like to curse, but restrains herself.

Logan quickly follows it up with , "Bearing is 58 now sir!"

(From (HMS Viperous-Flying bridge) "Standing Fast, Sir." Conlan calls into the Tube. "No sign of a scope from the Trident yet."

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Foster calls out, "Commence Active Sonar. Helm, bearing to 55 degrees, steady speed."

(From (HMS Viperous-Stern) Marisco keeps quiet for now, patience is required in the ASW scope of the Royal Navy. He's looking to the crewmen at their stations, making sure to his eye the depth charges loaded on the rack look properly done.

ping…

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Hands again calls back, "Aye Captain" and then loudly repeats the command to the coxwain, "Bearing 55 and steady as she goes."

ping…

Joanna snorts as the submarine continues to resolutely not appear on her screen, looking up and over at Logan. He's their eyes on the thing now.

ping…

Logan looks intently at the sonar screen, barely taking the time to blink as he concentrates.

(From (HMS Viperous-Stern) Marisco speaks into the tube. "Bridge, Mr. Marisco here. Rack's set to drop one charge when ready."

ping…

Logan states into the tube, slightly let down, "I've lost her sir."

(From (HMS Viperous-Flying bridge) Conlan strolls around the flying bridge, retrieving a pair binoculars from one of the other Officer's up there. He takes them and carefully scans the horizon, moving ever so often, and attempting to catch a glimpse of their fishy foe.

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Foster frowns, shaking his head. "Apparently they don't need that much depth" he grumbles, then calls aloud, "Helm, set speed to 10 knots. Bearing 270 degrees."

Logan states into the tube, "Not even getting anything on passive sir."

Radar Contact -> Ship Brg -> 99 Rng -> 9457 yards 0 knots

ping…

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Hands again calls back, "Aye Captain" and then loudly repeats the command to the coxwain, "Bearing 270 and all ahead 1/3 (10 kts)."

ping…

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Foster calls out toward the tube, "Keep up the Active Sonar, she knows we're here, now."

ping…

Logan shouts into the tube, "I've got her again on passive, bearing 104."

ping…

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Hands turns and looks at the Captain.

ping…

Joanna tilts her head, listening to the pings, as if she could be bat-like and hear the thing down below them. "Damn spooky, these subs," she mutters to Logan. "They're like ghosts down there. I'm the glad the sonar at least can spot them."

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) "Bearing 110, Quarter speed!" Foster commands.

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Hands again calls back, "Aye Captain" and then loudly repeats the command to the coxwain, "Bearing 110 and all ahead 1/4th (8 kts)."

ping…

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Foster calls out to the tube, "Range to target, Sonar?"

ping…

Logan stares intently into the screen, "Nothing sir!"

ping…

ping…

ping…

ping…

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Hands watches over the helms crew with an eagle eye.

ping…

ping…

Joanna takes a swig from her nearby coffee cup, as there's little else for her to do while the sub is lurking down below. She squints at the radar intently, as if her concentration could make the blighter surface.

(From (HMS Viperous-Flying bridge) Conlan continues his walk around the flying Bridge with his binoculars. He looks for any sign of the Submarine out there on the calm water. Step. Step. Watch. The cycle is repeated over and over. The Sub-Lieutenant looks for that dreaded scope, or even a shadow beneath the waves.

ping…

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Hands studies the compass and other steering insturments.

Logan states up the tube, "Lost her again sir."

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Foster keeps his expression neutral, also looking out the windows in the vain hope of summoning up the 'enemy' sub. "Helm, bearing 90 degrees, steady as she goes."

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Hands again calls back, "Aye Captain" and then loudly repeats the command to the coxwain, "Bearing 90 degrees steady as she goes."

ping…

Logan shouts up the tube "Bearing of 259!"

ping…

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Foster calls out, "Bearing 260, Helm!"

ping…

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Hands again calls back, "Aye Captain" and then loudly repeats the command to the coxwain, "Bearing 260!"

Logan shouts up the tube, "quiet contact at 310 sir!"

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Foster calls out, "Helm, increase speed to two thirds (20)!"

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Hands again calls back, "Aye Captain" and then loudly repeats the command to the coxwain, "Increase speed all ahead 2/3rds!"

ping…

ping…

Joanna purses her lips, switching her attention between her screen and watching Logan.

Logan looks up from the screen, "Faint sound at 351 sir."

ping…

Logan shouts up the tube "Range of 2047 yards and a bridge of 350!"

Logan smirks a little bit at the finding of the range.

ping…

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Foster calls out, "Bearing 345, Speed steady, Helm."

Logan shouts up the tube, "Getting closer and closer sir."

ping…

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Hands again calls back, "Aye Captain" and then loudly repeats the command to the coxwain, "Bearing 345 degrees steady as she goes."

ping…

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Foster calls out, "Depth Charges at the ready, depth 60 feet!" into the tube. For now, he is standing, his hands behind his back.

(From (HMS Viperous-Stern) Marisco speaks quickly "Aye aye sir!"

Logan concentrates even more on the screen letting back a schoolboyish smile at Joanna, this being his only "real" battle in a while.

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Foster continues into the tube, "Range to target, O'Reily?"

ping…

«VSpace» HMS Viperous deploys depth charges!
1 x Mark VII Depth Charge from the rack
Depth charges in the water!

Logan shouts up the tube, "1080 sir!"

You hear a DEAFENING explosion from outside the boat.

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Foster's eyes widen, and he calls into the tube, "Report! Where's that live fire coming from?!"

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Hands hears the firing of the DC and spins around to look at the Captain, he then grabs the rail as it expodes.

(From (HMS Viperous-Stern) Marisco speaks into the tube. "Depth charges away, one drop, sir."

«Ground Combat» You are currently already in room place. To move somewhere else you have to leave where you are currently first, use +dash/room to do so.

«Ground Combat» Joanna moves out of Radar.

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Hands tries to recompose himself, anger coursing through his blood. He double checks everything at the helm.

«VSpace» HMS Trident surfaces!

Joanna gasps as she hears the explosion, leaving the radar terminal and hustling to have a look at the sonar, when Logan becomes occupied with other things.
(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) "This is an -exercise-, Mr. Marisco! No live fire!" Foster calls into the tube, then turns to the helm. "Helm, all stop."

«VSpace» HMS Trident signals :-
"Germans?"

«Ground Combat» Joanna moves into Sonar.
«VSpace» Joanna switches her sonar set on.

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Hands again calls back, "Aye Captain" and then loudly repeats the command to the coxwain, "ALL STOP!" the ships shudders violently.

(From (HMS Viperous-Flying bridge) "JESUS H. CHRIST!" Shouts Conlan as a Depth Charge explodes to the stern of the ship, sending water flying into the air. "CONTACT: It's the Trident 147 Yds. Brg 103. She Signals: Germans?"

Sonar Contact -> Brg -> 157 Noise -> quiet Type -> unknown

(From (HMS Viperous-Stern) Marisco speaks after a pause. "Aye sir. My error, my responsibility sir. I'd thought we had dummy barrells loaded."

Joanna braces herself against the table as the ship shudders to a stop, her eyes wide. In general surprise rather than at any particular blip or line.

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Foster calls back to the tube, "Conlan, signal: 'Itchy trigger finger. We count to 200, and continue.'."

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Hands calls "ALL STOP sir!"

Sonar Contact -> Brg -> 164 Noise -> quiet Type -> unknown

(From (HMS Viperous-Flying bridge) "Aye, Sir. Roger that. Itchy Trigger Finger." Conlan says into the tube to the Captain.

«VSpace» HMS Viperous signals :-
"Itchy Trigger Finger"

Sonar Contact -> Brg -> 164 Noise -> quiet Type -> warship

«VSpace» HMS Viperous signals :-
"Count to 200, Continue"

Joanna calls up into the tube to the bridge, "Captain, Starling here. Mr. O'Reily was pulled away from the station but I've got an eye and ear on the sonar now."

«VSpace» HMS Trident signals :-
"We hope you're that eager with the Germans…"

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Hands removes his hat and wipes his brow with a handkerchief. As command gunnery officer he is expecting a royal chewing later.

(From (HMS Viperous-Flying bridge) "Sir, the HMS Trident Signals: We hope you're that eager with the Germans." Conlan says into the tube, calling down the Signal to the Captain.

Sonar Contact -> Brg -> 164 Noise -> loud Type -> warship

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Foster takes a breath, perhaps to calm himself, and he turns to let his gaze swing across the bridge crew for a moment before calling into the tube, "Marisco, we're not dropping anything. Acknowledge my order, and report depth charges as away, but do NOT actually loose them." A pause. "Starling, once more, we stick to passive sonar, active sonar only on my order."

(From (HMS Viperous-Stern) Marisco speaks into the tube. "Not dropping anything. Acknowledged sir."

Sonar Contact -> Brg -> 160 Noise -> loud Type -> unknown

(From (HMS Viperous-Flying bridge) The Sub-Lieutenant on the Flying Bridge pulls out a hankerchief from one of his pockets then, and uses it to dry off his face. He walks back over to the railing, and looks out towards the Trident — looking her over to see if she has taken any sort of damage in this attack.

Sonar Contact -> Brg -> 165 Noise -> loud Type -> unknown

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Foster moves away from the tube for a moment, using this 'reset' as a chance to mentally reset himself, his eyes closed.

«VSpace» HMS Trident dives!

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Hands calls "Ready at the Helm!"

Joanna calls back on affirmative, "Aye, sir. Passive only until your orders. She's going down now." She cocks her head to one side, listening.

Sonar Contact -> Brg -> 169 Noise -> noisy Type -> warship

(From (HMS Viperous-Stern) Marisco mops his face with a handkerchief, the enlisted crew staring at him with some low murmurs among themselves.

Joanna grimaces a little. She hadn't expected to hear quite /that/ well. She reports in, "She's making a good bit of racket down there, sir. Bearing 169, and being quite noisy about it."

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Foster hears Joanna's voice come through the tube, and moves over toward it, once more reaching out to rest his hand on one of the rails as he calls out, "We'll give them just a few more seconds." He turns away from the tube to call out, "Helm to two-thirds speed."

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Hands again calls back, "Aye Captain" and once again loudly repeats the command to the coxwain, "All Ahead 2/3rd!." However the coxswain being a bit over anxious throttle the ship much too quickly catching Hands off guard who then slip and hits his head on a rail opening a bloody gash.

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Hands weaves a blanket of profanity as he tries to regain his feet, the blood trailing into his eyes.

(From (HMS Viperous-Stern) Marisco is aft, with none but the enlisted to notice him sweating now.

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Foster calls out, "To the Galley, Mr. Hands, and get that looked at." To the tube, he commands, "Conlan, get down to the bridge, I need you on helm."

(From (HMS Viperous-Stern) Marisco is at the stern, that is.

Joanna mans (albeit as a woman) the sonar station, watching and listening.

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Hands grumbles an "Aye Sir!" cursing as he makes his way below.

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) «Ground Combat» Hands moves out of Helmsman.

«VSpace» HMS Trident surfaces!

«VSpace» HMS Trident signals :-
"Sonar contacts east of us."

(From (HMS Viperous-Flying bridge) «Ground Combat» Conlan moves out of Searchlights.

«VSpace» HMS Trident signals :-
"(and you lost, Viperous!)"

«Ground Combat» Joanna moves out of Sonar.
«Ground Combat» Joanna moves into Radar.

«VSpace» Joanna switches her radar set on.

Radar Contact -> Ship Brg -> 183 Rng -> 7488 yards 0 knots
Radar Contact -> Ship Brg -> 62 Rng -> 3788 yards 0 knots
Radar Contact -> Ship Brg -> 67 Rng -> 2967 yards 0 knots
Radar Contact -> Ship Brg -> 73 Rng -> 3736 yards 0 knots
Radar Contact -> Ship Brg -> 79 Rng -> 3324 yards 0 knots
Radar Contact -> Ship Brg -> 63 Rng -> 2710 yards 0 knots

«VSpace» HMS Viperous stands down from battle stations.

«Game» Joanna moves out of Radar.
«Game» Joanna moves into Sonar.

«VSpace» Joanna switches her sonar set on.

Sonar Contact -> Brg -> 93 Noise -> quiet Type -> unknown

«VSpace» HMS Trident signals :-
"Multiple radar contacts due east of our position."

Sonar Contact -> Brg -> 121 Noise -> quiet Type -> unknown

«VSpace» HMS Trident dives!

Joanna is at the sonar station, listening and waiting.

Sonar Contact -> Brg -> 131 Noise -> quiet Type -> unknown

«VSpace» HMS Viperous goes to battle stations!

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) McKinsley nods at the captains orders, and follows them, changing the ships heading to due east.

Joanna is at the sonar terminal, though at the moment her attention is more focused on the chatter over the tubes than the monitor, brow furrowed as she tries to get a sense of their situation.

Sonar Contact -> Brg -> 90 Noise -> noisy Type -> hi-speed
Sonar Contact -> Brg -> 87 Noise -> noisy Type -> hi-speed
Sonar Contact -> Brg -> 85 Noise -> noisy Type -> hi-speed

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge)
"Captain, has Radar indicated incoming air targets?" Conlan asks of the Captain, his brow furrowing ever so slightly. "If not, the Starboard Guns will be useless in a ship to ship battle."

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) McKinsley has turned the ship as requested. They are now headed due east.

Sonar Contact -> Brg -> 359 Noise -> noisy Type -> hi-speed
Sonar Contact -> Brg -> 357 Noise -> noisy Type -> hi-speed
Sonar Contact -> Brg -> 355 Noise -> noisy Type -> hi-speed

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Pinkerton watches his tubes, then leans over and calls down to his team. "Chief, set tubes five and sex for slow running, long range, yes?" The man listens for his response, then turns over his shoulder. "Captain, torpedoes loaded and readied."

Sonar Contact -> Brg -> 359 Noise -> noisy Type -> hi-speed
Sonar Contact -> Brg -> 357 Noise -> noisy Type -> hi-speed
Sonar Contact -> Brg -> 354 Noise -> noisy Type -> hi-speed

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Foster winces slightly, but keeps his general cool. "Mr. Conlan, into the gunnery command."

Joanna hustles over to the radar terminal, as that's where she's best suited. The submarine games are over, it seems.

(From (HMS Viperous-Stern) Marisco speaks into the tube. "Depth charges ready, sir. One of the men's saying he saw a glint on the horizon, bearing ahead."

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) "Captain," Conlan says in a firm voice, pulling a pair of Binoculars down from his eyes. "We've got enemy targets, Dead ahead. Heading right at us. Looks like 3 Enemy patrol boats."

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Foster turns toward the tube calling out, "Sonar? Report!"

«Ground Combat» Joanna moves into Radar.

Radar Contact -> Ship Brg -> 338 Rng -> 4913 yards 0 knots
Radar Contact -> Ship Brg -> 345 Rng -> 4241 yards 0 knots

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Foster calls out, "Helm to 30 knots, steady as she goes."

Joanna replies, once she's settled over the radar again, "I got three contacts on sonar, moving loudly at high speed. Bearing 350. Can't get a proper fix on their position on that thing. Having a look for them on the radar now, sir."

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) McKinsley listens as the captain calls out, and starts increasing the speed as per his orders.

(From (HMS Viperous-Stern) Marisco keeps his seat at the stern, with the depth charges crew as ordered.

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) "Forward and Aft Batteries, load 4 inch common shells, if you please. Forward batteries make ready to Fire, aft turrets be ready for salvo fire in conjunction with forward batteries. This is the real thing gentleman, make your shots count." Conlan orders into the tube from his control station.

Radar Contact -> Ship Brg -> 306 Rng -> 3362 yards 0 knots
Radar Contact -> Ship Brg -> 307 Rng -> 2946 yards 0 knots
Radar Contact -> Ship Brg -> 349 Rng -> 10351 yards 38 knots
Radar Contact -> Ship Brg -> 349 Rng -> 9978 yards 32 knots

(From (HMS Viperous-Stern) Marisco lets the enlisted crew wait at the station, depth charges loaded and readied, as he pulls out a pair of binoculars to scan the daytime sky.

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Conlan picks back up his binoculars, and scans the horizon. "Captain Estimated Range to target 5.5 miles. Patrol Boats closing fast just to port of the forward Bow."

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) McKinsley calls out, "We've reached desired speed Captain." He watches the intricate system in front of him.

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Pinkerton peers out across the ocean, through his little spectacles. "We can reach them at 7.45 miles with the 2 slow tubes and 1.86 with the 4 fast tubes, Captain," he informs, his normally gregarious voice now tense as the reality sits in.

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Conlan says "Captain, targets are within range.""

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Conlan says "We have a firing solution, permision to open fire?"

Radar Contact -> Ship Brg -> 10 Rng -> 4475 yards 8 knots
Radar Contact -> Unknown Brg -> 284 Rng -> 2866 yards 0 knots
Radar Contact -> Ship Brg -> 297 Rng -> 1932 yards 0 knots
Radar Contact -> Ship Brg -> 332 Rng -> 6424 yards 38 knots

«VSpace» HMS Trident surfaces!

«VSpace» HMS Trident signals :-
"Enemy torpedoes in the water"

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Foster hears the call of 'in range', and makes one of his own. "Helm, change bearing to 25 degrees, keep up speed. " A quick turn, "Guns, as soon as you have both of them in your sight, fire at will!"

«Naval Combat» (#15084) HMS Viperous fires 4 inch QF gun Mark V x 2 at (#15327) E-80!

There is the loud booming of naval guns.

«Naval Combat» (#15327) E-80 fires 2cm C30 x 1 at (#15207) HMS Trident!
«Naval Combat» (#1660) E-74 fires 2cm C30 x 1 at (#15207) HMS Trident!
«Naval Combat» (#15340) E-122 fires 2cm C30 x 1 at (#15207) HMS Trident!

(From (HMS Viperous-Flying bridge) Matthew grips the rails of the flying bridge.

«Naval Combat» (#15084) HMS Viperous fires 4 inch QF gun Mark V x 2 at (#15327) E-80!

There is the loud booming of naval guns.

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) McKinsley nods, and follows the orders, changing his bearing. "Yes sir!"

Joanna concentrates on the radar lines but the patrol boats have been spotted for real, so there's little she knows that the men on deck don't. She tenses at the loud booming of the guns. This is no drill anymore.

(From (HMS Viperous-Stern) Marisco lowers the binoculars as the sounds of the main guns firing rings out. More distantly, echoes are heard from the horizon too.

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Foster calls out, "Hold on Torpedoes!"

«Naval Combat» (#15084) HMS Viperous fires 4 inch QF gun Mark V x 4 at (#15327) E-80!

«Naval Combat» (#15207) HMS Trident fires 4 inch QF gun x 1 at (#1660) E-74!

There is the loud booming of naval guns.

«Naval Combat» (#15084) HMS Viperous fires 4 inch QF gun Mark V x 4 at (#15327) E-80!

There is the loud booming of naval guns.

(From (HMS Viperous-Flying bridge) Matthew screams into the pipe "What the hell was that?!?!"

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Pinkerton grabs onto his station as the guns boom, managing not to yelp in shock. "Torpedoes ready on your command, sir!" he responds, starting to wheeze.

«Naval Combat» (#15084) HMS Viperous fires 4 inch QF gun Mark V x 4 at (#15327) E-80!
No Effect.
No Effect.

There is the loud booming of naval guns.

«VSpace» HMS Trident dives!

«Naval Combat» (#15327) E-80 fires 2cm C30 x 1 at (#15084) HMS Viperous!

There is the faint sound of something splashing into the water.

«Naval Combat» (#15084) HMS Viperous fires 4 inch QF gun Mark V x 4 at (#15327) E-80!

There is the loud booming of naval guns.

Radar Contact -> Ship Brg -> 225 Rng -> 3039 yards 0 knots
Radar Contact -> Ship Brg -> 223 Rng -> 2260 yards 0 knots
Radar Contact -> Unknown Brg -> 326 Rng -> 3679 yards 31 knots
Radar Contact -> Ship Brg -> 294 Rng -> 4808 yards 34 knots
Radar Contact -> Ship Brg -> 316 Rng -> 4139 yards Unknown Speed

(From (HMS Viperous-Stern) Marisco calls into the tube. "Enemy contacts within range of pom-poms, sir."

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Foster calls out again, "Helm, bearing 15 degrees, speed steady." He glances over at the tubes, "Stand Fast, Burke!"

«Naval Combat» (#15084) HMS Viperous fires 4 inch QF gun Mark V x 4 at (#15327) E-80!

There is the loud booming of naval guns.

«Naval Combat» (#15340) E-122 fires 2cm C30 x 1 at (#15084) HMS Viperous!

There is the faint sound of something splashing into the water.

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) McKinsley calls out. "Sir, yes sir." And changes the bearing again. "Shall we begin evasive maneuvors?

«Naval Combat» (#15084) HMS Viperous fires 4 inch QF gun Mark V x 4 at (#15327) E-80!

There is the loud booming of naval guns.

«Naval Combat» (#15327) E-80 fires 2cm C30 x 1 at (#15084) HMS Viperous!
No Effect.

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Foster calls out again, "Begin evasive maneuvers!"

There is the faint sound of something splashing into the water.

(From (HMS Viperous-Stern) Marisco turns to the crew, "Looks like a torp in the waters, heading for us." from where he's looking through binoculars.

«Naval Combat» (#15084) HMS Viperous fires 4 inch QF gun Mark V x 4 at (#15327) E-80!

There is the loud booming of naval guns.

«Naval Combat» (#15084) HMS Viperous fires 4 inch QF gun Mark V x 4 at (#15327) E-80!

Crew Quarters is hit!
Engine Room is hit!
Bridge is hit!
Bow is hit!

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Foster calls out, slightly louder than before. "Helm! Bearing 90 degrees, full speed!"

There is the loud booming of naval guns.

«Naval Combat» (#15084) HMS Viperous fires 4 inch QF gun Mark V x 4 at (#15327) E-80!

Engine Room is hit!
Crew Quarters is hit!
Bridge is hit!

There is the loud booming of naval guns.

«Naval Combat» (#15084) HMS Viperous fires 4 inch QF gun Mark V x 4 at (#15327) E-80!
Crew Quarters is hit!
Engine Room is hit!
Bridge is hit!
Bow is hit!
Bridge is hit!
Engine Room is hit!
Crew Quarters is hit!

There is the loud booming of naval guns.

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) McKinsley nods. "Yes sir. Full speed. Bearing set."

(From (HMS Viperous-Flying bridge) Matthew gets thrown back to the wall. He shouts into the pipe "Any wounded?!"

«VSpace» E-74 is sinking!

«Naval Combat» (#15084) HMS Viperous fires 4 inch QF gun Mark V x 2 at (#15327) E-80!

Crew Quarters is hit!
Bridge is hit!
Engine Room is hit!

There is the loud booming of naval guns.

«VSpace» E-80 is sinking!

You can hear the quiet sound of bulkheads collapsing in the distance.

Joanna stares at the radar, which is in rather a tizzy between the enemy ships, cargo friendlies and the sub at the moment, her ears trying to follow the sound of the gunfire from the radio room. "Bloody hell…" she curses softly. Though, from the sound of it, the Viperous is giving far better than it's getting.

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) The Main Guns blaze to life, and they wreak havoc on the PT boats before the ships. They are so close it is hard to miss. "Keep up the fire all batteries. Fire!" Conlan cries.

«Naval Combat» (#15084) HMS Viperous fires 4 inch QF gun Mark V x 2 at (#15327) E-80!

Engine Room is hit!
Crew Quarters is hit!
Bridge is hit!

There is the loud booming of naval guns.

(From (HMS Viperous-Stern) Marisco speaks to the tube. "Bridge, any sonar contacts? Our pom-poms appear not to be firing at point-blank range."

«Naval Combat» (#15084) HMS Viperous fires 4 inch QF gun Mark V x 2 at (#15340) E-122!

There is the loud booming of naval guns.

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Pinkerton lowers his jaw, making motions like he's biting at an apple. The man presses a finger to his ear, rubbing and pressing at it as the 4 inchers fire. The other hand is gripping his station's rail with white knuckles, and his usual pallor is but increased.

«VSpace» Torpedo hit on Empire Sunrise!

Flying Bridge is hit!
Bridge is hit!
Port Deck is hit!
Crew Quarters is hit!
Engine Room is hit!
Cargo Hold 1 is hit!
Cargo Hold 2 is hit!

You hear a loud explosion from outside the boat.

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Conlan says "Captain the last remaining ship is dead a stern, 5000 yards. Suggest we come about, and engage. The other two ships are heavily damaged, and sinking."

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) McKinsley keeps the controls of the ship in his view, even as the ship swings heavily to the side. "Sir, we're at full speed. Shall I change our heading?"

«Naval Combat» (#15084) HMS Viperous fires 4 inch QF gun Mark V x 2 at (#15340) E-122!

There is the loud booming of naval guns.

(From (HMS Viperous-Stern) Marisco calls out, "Torpedo hit on one of the freighters!"

«VSpace» Empire Sunrise is sinking!

«Naval Combat» (#15084) HMS Viperous fires 4 inch QF gun Mark V x 2 at (#15340) E-122!

There is the loud booming of naval guns.

«Naval Combat» (#15084) HMS Viperous fires 4 inch QF gun Mark V x 2 at (#15340) E-122!

There is the loud booming of naval guns.

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Foster turns to look out when he hears the boom of the Empire Sunrise being hit. "Helm! Bearing 260 degrees, maintain speed." The tube gets commands barked at it as well. "We'll give it another pass, if you get within range, let them have it, Marisco.

«Naval Combat» (#15084) HMS Viperous fires 4 inch QF gun Mark V x 2 at (#15340) E-122!

There is the loud booming of naval guns.

(From (HMS Viperous-Stern) Marisco speaks into the tube. "With depth charges, sir? Against a PT boat?"

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) McKinsley calls out, "Sir, yes sir." And changes the bearing as directed. He's not much of a vocal guy, he doesn't seem to say much other than to say he's gotten the orders.

«Naval Combat» (#15084) HMS Viperous fires 4 inch QF gun Mark V x 2 at (#15340) E-122!

There is the loud booming of naval guns.

«Naval Combat» (#15084) HMS Viperous fires 4 inch QF gun Mark V x 2 at (#15340) E-122!

There is the loud booming of naval guns.

«Naval Combat» (#15084) HMS Viperous fires 4 inch QF gun Mark V x 2 at (#15340) E-122!

There is the loud booming of naval guns.

(From (HMS Viperous-Stern) Marisco :is still at the stern, as ordered, controlling the depth charges. The man had been issued an order to take control there and leave the 2 pdr AA gun station starboard before the e-boats were spotted.

«Naval Combat» (#15084) HMS Viperous fires 4 inch QF gun Mark V x 2 at (#15340) E-122!

There is the loud booming of naval guns.

«Naval Combat» (#15084) HMS Viperous fires 4 inch QF gun Mark V x 2 at (#15340) E-122!

There is the loud booming of naval guns.

«Naval Combat» (#15084) HMS Viperous fires 4 inch QF gun Mark V x 2 at (#15340) E-122!

There is the loud booming of naval guns.

«Naval Combat» (#15084) HMS Viperous fires 4 inch QF gun Mark V x 2 at (#15340) E-122!

There is the loud booming of naval guns.

«Naval Combat» (#15084) HMS Viperous fires 4 inch QF gun Mark V x 2 at (#15340) E-122!

There is the loud booming of naval guns.

«Naval Combat» (#15084) HMS Viperous fires 2 pdr pom-pom x 1 at (#15340) E-122!

There is the loud booming of naval guns.

«Naval Combat» (#15084) HMS Viperous fires 4 inch QF gun Mark V x 2 at (#15340) E-122!

There is the loud booming of naval guns.

«Naval Combat» (#15084) HMS Viperous fires 4 inch QF gun Mark V x 2 at (#15340) E-122!
Bridge is hit!
Crew Quarters is hit!

There is the loud booming of naval guns.

«Naval Combat» (#15084) HMS Viperous fires 4 inch QF gun Mark V x 2 at (#15340) E-122!

Engine Room is hit!
Crew Quarters is hit!
Bridge is hit!

«Naval Combat» (#15084) HMS Viperous fires 2 pdr pom-pom x 1 at (#15340) E-122!

There is the loud booming of naval guns.
There is the loud booming of naval guns.

«Naval Combat» (#15084) HMS Viperous fires 4 inch QF gun Mark V x 4 at (#15340) E-122!

Bow is hit!
Bridge is hit!
Engine Room is hit!

There is the loud booming of naval guns.

«Naval Combat» (#15084) HMS Viperous fires 2 pdr pom-pom x 1 at (#15340) E-122!

There is the loud booming of naval guns.

«Naval Combat» (#15084) HMS Viperous fires 2 pdr pom-pom x 1 at (#15340) E-122!

There is the loud booming of naval guns.

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) The main guns of the destroyer continue to pound away, gouts of flame appearing ever 30 seconds.

«Naval Combat» (#15084) HMS Viperous fires 4 inch QF gun Mark V x 4 at (#15340) E-122!

There is the loud booming of naval guns.

(From (HMS Viperous-Forward gundeck) McIntyre has connected.

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) The Gunnery department of the Destroyer gives the speed boat no rest, especially as they close on it.

«Naval Combat» (#15084) HMS Viperous fires 4 inch QF gun Mark V x 4 at (#15340) E-122!

Bridge is hit!
Crew Quarters is hit!
Engine Room is hit!

There is the loud booming of naval guns.

«Naval Combat» (#15084) HMS Viperous fires 2 pdr pom-pom x 1 at (#15340) E-122!

There is the loud booming of naval guns.

«VSpace» E-74 has sunk.

«VSpace» E-122 is sinking!

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) McKinsley calls out. "This is full speed now captain. Shall I keep it up? Same heading or shall we change our heading?"

«Naval Combat» (#15084) HMS Viperous fires 4 inch QF gun Mark V x 2 at (#15340) E-122!

There is the loud booming of naval guns.

«Naval Combat» (#15084) HMS Viperous fires 2 pdr pom-pom x 1 at (#15327) E-80!

There is the loud booming of naval guns.

«VSpace» E-80 has sunk.

Joanna gets some sense of the destruction being rained down on the speed boats outside, as their movement suddenly stops on the radar. She lets out a long breath, muttering softly, "My God…"

«VSpace» HMS Trident surfaces!

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Foster looks out toward the windows, watching as the boats are damaged, and begin to shudder their way into Davy Jones' locker. "Helm, bearing 300 degrees, speed 15 knots. Guns, keep 'em warm." He speaks into the tube, calling out, "Radar, are we all clear?"

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) As the last PT Boat ceases to be anything more then so much scrap metal and wood, Conlan gets on the tube. "All Batteries cease fire. Repeat cease fire. Fine shooting gentleman." In the water a trio of small boats burn, and slip beneath the water — having been pounced on by the much larger destroyer. It is a victory for the Royal Navy, but a bitter one, as nearby one of the freighters is sinking as well.

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) McKinsley nods, and swears under his breath. "Heading set to 300 degrees, speed 15 knots Captain." H

(From (HMS Viperous-Port rail) Matthews sits back at the controls of the AA guns and lights a cigarette.

«VSpace» Empire Sunrise has sunk.

(From (HMS Viperous-Stern) Marisco peers through binoculars at the one single e-boat, heavily damaged, that's still on the surfce.

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Conlan steps back to the Radio room now, and glances inside of the door. "Radar, do we have any contacts beyond the horizon we should know about, or are all contacts known?"

Joanna reports in, "Clear, sir. No further enemy contacts spotted." The last is now sinking. "How's the Empire Sunrise, sir? Did anyone manage to evacuate?"

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Foster calls into the tube, "Burke! I want eyes on that Freighter? Are there any survivors on the Sunrise?"

(From (HMS Viperous-Flying bridge) Matthew calls into the Tube. "Umm..No."

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) "Well, what an unfortunate day this is for us," Conlan says darkly, moving back to the Gunnery Station, and there putting back on his hat — though he opens his tie up ever so slightly. "The freighters were anchored, and as we'd say back home… It was like shooting fish in a barrel."

Joanna calls up, "I can try to radio the Empire Slendour, sir, if anyone's aboard her. Perhaps they have a better idea of what the Sunrise's crew compliment was, and it would be prudent to see if the Splendour took any damage." Her voice as a rather tightly-controlled quality to it, firmly avoiding displaying any emotion she might be feeling just now.

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Pinkerton slowly lets out a deep, long-held breath, then turns to another comms tube. "Chief, prepare the rescue boats and scare up some volunteers to search for German survivors." He turns round, awaiting the Captain's go-ahead by shifting his weight from foot to foot. "By your leave, Captain?" he coughs into a hand.

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) McKinsley is still at the helm. "Any further commands captain or shall we maintain this speed and heading?" He asks, his voice now that the action has calmed down weak, mousey.

«VSpace» E-122 has sunk.

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Foster turns into the tube. "Get on that radio, Starling, I want to know everything the Splendor knows." He looks over his shoulder to Pinkerton and nods. "Make it so."

(From (HMS Viperous-Stern) Marisco turns to the enlisted men. "Looks like the last PT boat's sunk. Haven't heard any report of sonar contacts below from the bridge." and nods once to them. "Gunnery boys had their day, they did. We'll get ours when it's quiet at night and the u-boats come out to play with the convoy."

Radar Contact -> Ship Brg -> 61 Rng -> 8069 yards 0 knots

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) "Jolly good, sir!" the Lieutenant chirps, hurrying off the bridge to join the rescue boats and, with any luck, get some prisoners to process!

(From (HMS Viperous-Command bridge) Foster turns then, "Mr. McKinsley, full stop."

Joanna gets on the radio, punching in the proper frequencies, adjusting the headset over her ears. "Empire Splendour. Empire Slendour. This is the Viperous. Is anyone there to receive? Over."

Conlan arrives from the Forward to Command Bridge.

Conlan drifts back towards the Radio room, poking his head in through the door. His pale eyes look to the Midshipman sitting there. The Sub-Lieutenant clasps his hands behind his back, and leans up lightly agains the door — just listening for now to the radio communication.

Joanna is on the wirless, attempting to make contact with the Empire Splendour.

"Anything, Midshipman?" Asks Conlan quietly, drifting over to stand next to her chair at the radio. His hands remain clasped behind his back, his face blandly impassive — though sweat has beaded upon his brow. His pale blue eyes are cold, but not uncaring. He waits for the Radiowoman's answer.

Joanna does not notice Conlan right away, absorbed as she is in radio work. She's working with a particular fervor, likely caused by nerves from all that just went on. When she can't reach the ships themselves she contacts the harbor instead. "Harbor master. HMS Viperous here. Can you give us some idea of the Empire Sunrise's crew complement before her…sinking." She shudders a little over the word. "Over." She's quiet as she listens to the response, only then glancing back at Conlan. Her expression is difficult to read.

"Sitting at Anchor, and they didn't even attempt to haul anchor when danger headed right towards them?" States Conlan more then asks, with a slight shake of his head. "No one on board, as sure as I am standing here. Contact the harbor master, and report to Foster when you hear from them Midshipman." His voice is calming, but professional — just offering her his candid thoughts versus some sort of pity. He moves back to the Bridge now.

Conlan heads off Forward to Command Bridge.

Command bridge

HMS Viperous-----> > > > > THE GREATEST GENERATION < < <


The bridge is the traditional center of command for any ship and, in many ways, the basic design remains similar to the days of wood and sails. The helmsman operates 20th-century steering controls rather than an old wooden wheel and the weapon stations control gunnery and torpedoes rather than cannons, but the principles remain the same. Windows allow the captain to look out onto the water from his post at the center of it all, though the seat isn't as comfortable for the man in charge as some may claim.

It is currently daytime.

The sea around you is a glassy calm.

Type Name Brg. Hdg. Altitude Spd. Rng.
AK (#15242)Empire Splendour 90 90 0' 0 6108 yds
SS (#15207)HMS Trident 93 284 0' 16 6696 yds
DD (#15084)HMS Viperous 150 300 0' 15 0 yds

Systems:
1. Steering Gear

Sub-Rooms :
1. Helmsman
2. Main Guns
3. Torpedoes
4. Captain

Contents
Joanna
Conlan
Matthew
Matthews
McKinsley - 1. Helmsman
Foster - 4. Captain
Stevens
Pinkerton - 3. Torpedoes

Up to Flying Bridge <FB> Back to Radio Room <RR>
Starboard Rail <SR> Port Rail <PR>
Captain's cabin <CC>

Joanna arrives from the Back to Radio Room.

The Sub-Lieutenant returns from the radio room, walking confidently back onto the bridge, his hands yet clasped behind his back. Conlan looks to the Captain then. "Captain, the Radio room reports nothing of yet, the Midshipman is attempting to contact the harbor master." The Gunner moves forward to stand at the front of the bridge, looking out over the water. "Have we sighted any survivors? From any ship?"

(From HMS Viperous-Command bridge) McKinsley comms, "We're moving at heading 300 at 15 knots captain. Shall I stay our course, or shall we bring this old hunker down to rest?"

Foster shaks his head quickly as Conlan returns. "Lieutenant Pinkerton is commanding a search and rescue crew for the E-boats. The Sunrise we know nothing about." He releases the rail that has anchored him to his place near the tubes connecting the entire ship, and took that moment to press a single fingertip into each ear and gently rub. A few moments of that bit of solace before he looks around. "Well done, people."

Matthew sighs. "Fine -Sub-Lieutenant-. Don't listen to the -Medical Officer-. Lead the way." He walks over to Pinkerton.

McKinsley even once he's stoppeed th ship stays in the helms room and doesn't come out. Afterall, maybe they'll decide to start driving somewhere again.

Joanna makes her way briskly up from the radio room, a little wide-eyed but otherwise she's schooled her expression to one of careful collection. Won't do to let the boys see you flinch, after all. She approaches Foster. "Sir, I managed to make contact with the harbor authorities. Apparently most of the Sunrise's crew wasn't on board, as she was sitting at anchor." A trace of relief does creep into her voice as she says that.

Renteria arrives from the Back to Radio Room.

"Good man," the gangly XO beams. "On y va!" With that Pinkerton steps toward the nearest of the prepped boats, stumbling halfway there. "Hm, high seas today," he remarks; it's so off the mark that it may well be the intel officer's attempt at a joke.

Matthew looks at Joanna and sighs. "Of course not..why endanger a naval crew.." He removes his helmet and leans on a rail. He sees Renteria, "Oy Renteria How are ya?"

Foster turns to see Joanna standing somewhere behind him. The grin that was on his features from the victory fades slightly. "Most?" Just as quickly, however, the grin returns quickly. "Well, fortune smiles today then, eh?"

Conlan himself remains at the fore of the bridge, binoculars in hand, and still scanning the horizon. The thrill of victory doesn't seem to touch upon him, as he continues to stand watch, moving around the bridge to look out to the sea — pausing on the smoking wreckages that slip beneath the waters.

McKinsley isn't about victory, he isn't about war, he doesn't seem to be much about socializing. Sitting in his helms room with his hands on the dials, the controls. This is his love. Steering large ships.

Renteria has come up to hand over a thankfully thin report to those that keep track of these things. His attention flickers round the cabin, settling on Matthew after a while. "Just fine, Burke," replies the tall Spaniard, with a slight nod.

"Yes, sir," Joanna replies to Foster, though she does not grin. She peers out over the water, raising her hand to shield her eyes from the glare, to watch the last remnants of the Sunrise in the waves.

Foster squares his shoulders then, and gives Joanna a quick nod. "Carry on, Starling." He pauses then, and raises his voice to be heard over the slight murmuring of the crew after the excitement. "Mr Conlan, you have command." And with that, moves toward the steps that lead him into his cabin.

"Well, Captain…" Begins Conlan turning back to face Foster. "Is it back to our moorings in the harbor, or are we going to continue out onto Patrol?" He asks expectantly.

Foster responds over his shoulder, "Back to harbor, we're not cleared for patrol just yet."

Unless otherwise stated, the content of this page is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.5 License.