When they finally caught sight of the stricken heavy cruiser, the sun was going down, and Taylor knew it was time to stop. Harney was by his side as they looked on at the hulking vessel which hull was part sunken below the surface. “What now?” he asked. “Nothing left to do until morning. We set up defences here and get what rest we can. We should arrange an aerial strike for first light.” “Why not now?” “Well, for a start, I don’t reckon it’ll even be achievable, but I also want to see the result of our work and mop up any survivors before they can disperse into these hills and woods.” Taylor could see Harney didn’t fully agree with his assessment and plan, but he wasn’t going to argue with him after the day they had experienced. Taylor turned to Jones who had been standing close behind. “Make it happen.” Harney nodded for his support staff to do likewise. He was happy for some responsibly to be taken off him after the near disastrous day. “Our communications, they were down for just a few hours and then back again, what do you think is happening?”
