Free Stars & Stripes Triumphant by Harry Harrison Page A

expected. Mr. Fox, might I ask you to undertake a delicate task for me?"
    "And that is?"
    "Would you—I do not dare say 'search'—would you see to it that none of you possess any English documents? Or anything else—such as clothing labels—that might identify you as Americans."
    "That is a most reasonable request."
    His mien was most serious; Sherman nodded grim agreement. If they were discovered, it would be a severe and momentous disaster.
    Dinner was a time of great stress. Commander Johnstone was no empty-headed aristocrat like the Honorable Richard MacTavish. He was a professor of navigation, well versed in astronomy and mathematics, and he shrewdly examined the three disguised officers when he was introduced to them. Johnstone only sipped his champagne as he and the Count became involved in a technical discussion of Russian and British naval merits. When the meal was finally finished and the port passed around the table, the Count gave them blessed relief.
    "I'm afraid that Chikhachev here must relieve Simenov on the bridge—while Tyrtov and Makarov have their duties to perform."
    "A pleasure to meet you gentlemen," Johnstone said; there was much heel clicking in return. As they filed out, Johnstone spoke to the Count. "You must write down their names for me for the invitations. Your arrival at this time was most fortuitous. There will be a formal dinner at the college tomorrow, celebrating the Queen's birthday. You—and they—will be our honored guests."
    Sherman closed the door on the English officer's voice and muttered a savage oath. Fox nodded agreement as they went down the passageway.
    "Dangerous. Very dangerous indeed," Fox said darkly.
    Count Korzhenevski summoned them to the wardroom as soon as his guest had departed.
    "This is going to be a situation where we must tread carefully," he said.
    "Any way of avoiding it?" Sherman asked.
    "I am afraid not. But we can better the odds. Commander Wilson, for a number of reasons, should stay aboard. Lieutenant Simenov will abandon the engine room and go in his place. Mr. Fox is skilled in these matters and will play his role well. So it will be up to you, General Sherman, to be an actor in a game that is far removed from your career in the field."
    "I do not understand."
    "Let me clarify. If I am correct, when you as an officer are involved in combat, you receive reports, make decisions, and act upon them. It is legend that in the thick of battle you are the most cool, the most courageous of men. Now you must summon up your intelligence to face a different kind of battle. You must do the part of a middle-aged Russian naval officer—who may well have faced some of your fellow diners in battle. You don't like them, perhaps you are suspicious of their true intent in having you there. We Russians can be very gloomy and suspicious—and that is how you must feel. Not displaying these emotions at all times, but feeling them. Do you understand?"
    "I think that I do. It is something like being in a play, acting a role."
    "Perfectly expressed," Fox said happily. "I think that tomorrow you will do fine, just fine."

    The meal, while a strain, went as well as could be expected. They were seated with the junior officers, far from the high table with its admirals and even a marine general. Toasts were drunk to the Queen, something the Americans had mixed feelings about. It was noisy and hot, which made it very easy to drink too much, so caution had to be shown. Sherman was seated across from a veteran naval captain who had many decorations and much gold bullion on his uniform. After his first terse nod of greeting, the captain had ignored the Russians and attended to the eating and drinking. Now, very much in his cups, he began to take a firm dislike to Sherman.
    "You speak English, Russki? Do you know what I am saying?"
    He raised his voice as though volume would increase comprehension.
    "Nyet, nyet," Sherman said, then turned away and sipped from his wineglass.
    "I'll bet