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CHAPTER 3 Part 5: England Expects More....

FIVE

“Lyons, we have to get to the train. Is everything ready? What's that in your hand?”

“Sir, it's a note from the Admiralty. The First Lord, Mr. Balfour, would like a brief meeting with you today when you reach London. I've taken the liberty of scheduling it for late this afternoon, just before tea time. That will leave time to visit Admiral Jackson before hand, in case you want to find out what Mr. Balfour might want to see you about.”

“Hmm. Good idea: forewarned and all that. See if Admiral Jackson can see me for a few minutes, please. I can just walk in on him but I'd rather not if it can be helped.”

“Very good, sir.”

== ==

The train was almost restful, and with the aid of his wheelchair, plus Lt. Lyons and a steward, Moore was able to get to his club for lunch and some sleep before reaching the office of the First Sea Lord. Admiral Sir Henry Jackson, in good time.

“Gordon. Do come in. I trust you have been able to negotiate the train travel without undue difficulty?”

“Yes, sir. My energy gets a bit better, and the chair is a substitute for expending too much effort on needless waiting or even locomotion. And if truth be told it is a tonic to have a solid job upon which to get down to work.”

As 1SL, Admiral Jackson was as much a diplomat as a naval commander, so he kept silent on how drawn and weary Moore looked – to say nothing of the clear effort he was making to put strength in his voice and his words. He recognized the signs of a man wanting to do his all – not wanting to be convalescing in the countryside while the real crisis was upon them.

“Of course Lieutenant Lyons is helpful and I tip the porters well for their assistance. On the London end, I had an additional steward lined up to help me get around for today and tomorrow. Rank hath its privileges....”

“Indeed. Now, I am sure that you asked to see me in order to find out what Mr. Balfour wishes to see you about – but I have no idea. All I can say is that he was most precise in specifying the time he would be available to meet with you, but that he has not yet entered the building.”

“Very good, sir. The Prime Minister already told me that I could have any help I needed, and I don't know what else it might be. What about liaison with the French anti-submarine command?”

“Perhaps the French, but he's made the political contacts and we're working on the details from here. In fact I hope to hear from them as soon as today or tomorrow. They've been a bit reluctant to part with some of their small number of specialists – let alone one who fits into your staff. So don't expect a large team. It might be something you and I can talk about in the morning if we have a moment.”

Moore sat quietly for a moment. “It's not numbers that we need, sir, it's ideas.”

“That's why we have you and young Torrance Smythe on the job, Gordon.”