Falling

Chapter 8 : The Fleet

Chapter 8 : The Fleet

It took just over an hour for the flotilla to leave the harbour mouth. Slowly they all moved out into the open waters of the British Channel. The smaller ships and boats, seemed to huddle together, whilst the larger warships anchored wherever they found themselves. The loud clanking and banging of steel chains surrounded the group of ships. It seemed to echo forever.

As evening approached, the flight deck was clear of people. It was a very excited group of tourists this evening. Although there was no alcohol present, the tourists seemed to be having a party.

Jim was stood on the flight deck. He had borrowed a black jacket from one of the sailors. With Portsmouth no longer in sight, the only thing to look at was the odd collection of ships and boats. This really was a ragtag mixture of vessels. Brightly coloured boats and yachts mixed in with dark grey steel.

His thoughts were focused on one thing, Jess. He was trying not to imagine her fate. His imagination was running wild now, he could see her being attacked by stage one's, running, scared, hurt. But the worst part of his vision, was the stage 2. He knew what they were doing. He knew they were eating people. His eyes filled up with tears and his heart felt ready to split in two. Where was she?, did Antosh get her out?, did she get......

Before his mind could finish the thought, he heard someone coughing. He searched the flight deck, it was difficult now, as at night time, the deck only had marker lights.

He could see the bright red glow of a cigarette. The owner was stood over near the aircraft take off ramp. Jim walked over slowly, he wondered who else would be up here, instead of at the party.

"Hi Commander Tate." Jim said when he recognised the smoker.

"Oh hello. Jim right?". The Officer was sat on the ramp. His smart uniform still looked freshly ironed, all that was missing, was his hat.

"Getting some air?" Jim stood awkwardly, not sure if he was intruding.

"Felt like I needed it. We have some big decisions to make. Please sit down." He gestured to Jim to join him.

Jim sat on the ramp, now both men were looking down the entire length of the carrier.

"So what's on your mind sir?"

"We have enough provisions to last us for months. We have enough fuel for another 4000 miles of sailing. We don't have enough men to man the ship properly though, and we cannot raise anyone. For all we know, we could be the last remnants of the English people. I don't know what to do next. One suggestion, is to cross the Atlantic, go to America. But some of the smaller ships wont be able to go."

"First thing I would do sir, is to try and make contact."

"Contact with who though, no ones answering."

"Surely you have satellite communications?, if we don't have access to anyone in the UK, what about another country?".

"That's the problem Jim, No one anywhere is answering. It's as though the whole world is silent." He took a long drag, then slowly blew it out.

"Do you think the satellite relay stations could be down, or maybe the satellites themselves?"

"The stations are armoured points, heavily protected. And the satellites, well we use all of our own Jim, it would take a large scale missile attack on multiple targets to take out our comms."

"So who could do that sir?"

"It would have to be another country. Only a handful could shoot satellites down, and we are one of them."