"Are you the senior officer?"
"No, Sir. You are."
"I'm supercargo."
"Sir, I checked the manual. Command passes-in a situation like this-to the senior officer of the line. Captain, that's you, Captain."
"What is it?"
"The bodies, Sir. I have them prepared, Sir."
"Where are they?"
"The captain and three others are in sick bay, Sir. The others are in the Chiefs quarters."
"If you're suggesting a burial at sea..."
"That's your decision, Captain."
"If we're only five hours out, I think we should take them to Espiritu Santo," Pickering said. "I have no intention of conducting a burial at sea."
"Aye, aye, Sir," the lieutenant said. "And we seem to have forgotten the report, Sir."
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"Mr. Norwood, the communications officer, has prepared it, Sir," the lieutenant said, and handed it to him.
OPERATIONAL IMMEDIATE
SECRET
FROM USS GREGORY
TO: CINCPAC
1. GREGORY ATTACKED 0750 HOURS 18AUG42 POSITION WHISKEY ABLE OBOE SLASH NAN NAN CHARLEY BY
ONE REPEAT ONE EMILY. MODERATE TO SEVERE DAMAGE TO BRIDGE. EMILY SHOT DOWN.
2. CASUALTIES: CAPTAIN, EXECUTIVE OFFICER, TWO ENLISTED KIA. THREE OFFICERS AND SEVEN
ENLISTED WIA.
3. GREGORY PROCEEDING BAKER XRAY MIKE.
PICKERING, CAPTAIN, USN, COMMANDING
"It's 'USNR,' not 'USN,' " Pickering said. "I'm not a regular."
"Yes, Sir. I'll have that changed."
"What about the wounded?"
"One of them is in pretty bad shape, I'm afraid. We're hoping he makes it. There's medical facilities at Espiritu. The others will be all right, Captain."
"Captain, "Pickering said thoughtfully, sadly, and paused, and then went on: "The captain died quickly. I don't think he knew what hit him."
"Mr. Goldberg, too, Sir. He was... whatever got him, got him in the head."
"Jesus Christ!" Pickering said.
"Captain, can I get you something to eat? A tray, maybe. A sandwich? You really should have something."
"What I really would like is a drink," Pickering replied.
"I wish I could help you, Sir."
"Is there any medicinal bourbon aboard?"
"Yes, Sir."
"How much?"
"There's four cartons, Sir. I think they pack them forty-eight of those little bottles to a carton."
"Enough for one per man?"
"Yes, Sir. More than enough, Captain."
"Issue one bottle per man. If there is any left over, bring me a couple."
"Aye, aye, Sir."
(Three)
WATER LILY COTTAGE
MANCHESTER AVENUE
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA
1925 HOURS 18 AUGUST 1942
There was the sound of tires crunching on the driveway. Major Ed Banning went to the window, pushed the curtain aside, and saw the Studebaker President stopping in the drive.
"Pluto," Banning said, turning to Mrs. Ellen Feller. She was sitting on the couch, holding a tea cup and saucer in her hand.