The Asdic compartment reported one vessel after another, and although it was more than likely that most of them were coasters or fishermen, it only needed one to be a warship. The air throughout the boat was heavy and stale. They had been on silent routine for most of the time, with fans and unnecessary ducts switched off. The rounded sides were wet with condensation which poured across the paintwork and misted the dials, while the watchkeepers and unemployed men sweated in much the same fashion. Ainslie had gone over his proposed attack twice with Quinton and his other key officers. Observation. Method. Conclusions. But that was all on paper. Course and speed, depth and current, sunrise and angle of light. All parts of an intricate pattern to be settled before Ridgway had a single item to feed into his fruit machine. It was difficult for most of the company to tell night from day. Watchkeepers from the engine and motor rooms came and went, crossing the paths of the control-room staff and the torpedo crews, an ever-changing complex, like creatures in a steel burrow.
What do You think about Strike From The Sea (1978)?
