Against the Tide Imperial: The Struggle for Ceylon (The Usurper's War: An Alternative World War II B by James Young (story reading txt) 📕

seat, then gestured for everyone but the two men standing in the center of the room to do so. He noted that Captain Westerman, commander of the Houston's Marine detachment, was under arms with a riot shotgun in his hands.

I really hope that he's got birdshot or something similar in that street sweeper. Also glad he had the common sense not to bring a rifle into a compartment this crowded.

Looking around the space, Jacob saw that two more of his officers were also armed, their .45 pistols secure in their holsters.

Commander Sloan is paranoid, but I'm also not interested in taking any chances with this lot.

"Sir, Kapitänleutnant Kruger asked to have a word with you as the senior survivor," Westerman stated. Jacob remained expressionless as he looked at he tall, muscular German in front of him.

"Do I need a translator?" Jacob asked.

"No, I speak English," Kruger spat.

Jacob continued to lock eyes with the man, the German's pure hatred and spite roiling off of him.

Shame I couldn't have had him led down here by one of the stewards. I'm sure that would have really made him happy with all that stupid 'Master Race' talk.

"You've got five minutes," Jacob said. "Speak your piece."

"I protest the treatment of my men and your refusal to allow us to return to our vessel in time of distress," Kapitänleutnant Kruger stated angrily, his accent growing slightly thicker with emotion.

"Your men ignored a clearly signaled order," Jacob replied.

”The law of the sea is clear," Kruger said rapidly.

"Yes, the same law that says, by virtue of you getting your flags up a split second before shooting at the Pillsbury, I cannot have you summarily hanged," Jacob stated.

"We conducted ourselves in accordance with the law of warfare," Kruger sneered. "It is not our fault that you fell for our ruse. Perhaps your destroyer captain should have paid more careful attention."

Jacob could have sworn the man standing beside Kruger was about to turn and throttle the German, long-term consequences be damned.

I'd better take control of this situation before Lieutenant Hoffner makes my life more complicated.

"And it's not my fault your scuttling charges didn't detonate," Jacob retorted. "Perhaps the responsible personnel forgot to check the fuses in their haste? Talk to them about why 'your' men are dead along with your XO."

Blood ran from Kruger's face, followed by what Jacob could swear was a brief moment of guilt.

"You have committed a war crime!" Kruger screamed. "You are–"

Jacob slammed his hand down on his desk as he sprang to his feet. The noise startled everyone in the room and stopped Kruger mid-rant.

I will not be spoken to this way on my ship.

Jacob let Kruger and the cabin's other occupants sit in silence for a couple of seconds while he considered his next words.

"You listen to me you little Nazi son-of-a-bitch," Jacob said slowly, his tone cold but level. "I will not be lectured on proper decorum or procedures on my vessel. If you ever speak to me in such a manner again, I will have you bound, gagged, and thrown into the brig. If you resist, I will have you shot."

Kruger's eyes widened at the clear threat as Jacob finished.

"Do. You. Understand?"

Kruger looked at him, defiance etched on his features. Jacob felt the vein on his temple starting to throb.

I just may offer up a three day liberty if you go into that brig with a few bumps and bruises.

Something about his face made the German officer reconsider his life choices.

"I understand, Kapitan," Kruger said, coming to a position of attention.

"Very well," Jacob continued. "Now, as to the matter of your treatment aboard this vessel—we will conduct a preliminary investigation and questioning of the merchantmen and sailors we took prisoner. If you or any of your men are accused of maltreatment, my officers will begin a charge sheet."

Kruger remained at attention, staring at the bulkhead behind Jacob.

"Understood, Kapitan," he said.

"If you attempt, in any way, to sabotage this vessel or harm a member of my crew, I will have the offender summarily hanged from the mainmast," Jacob continued. Kruger flinched slightly at that, then nodded.

"Understood, Kapitan."

"If any member of my crew mistreats you or your men, I am to be notified immediately," Jacob finished. "The offenders will be punished harshly, I assure you. Do you have any questions?"

Jacob saw a brief moment of skepticism cross Kruger's face before the German regained control of his emotions.

Again, if your executive officer had listened, he and everyone else in that boat would still be alive. Foster's pretty sure we have a fully functional codebook and current machine. I'd shoot my own mother for that.

Jacob had never worked in cryptography, but he had studied ciphers as a hobby in school. He was well aware of how important having a complete codebook was.

"Nein, Kapitan," Kruger replied after the short pause.

"You're dismissed," Jacob said with a gesture towards the cabin hatch. The German officer came to attention and rendered a salute, arm extended at an angle towards the bulkhead behind Jacob. As much as it pained him, Jacob returned the gesture with a hand salute. With as much bearing as a man in manacles could muster, Kruger turned and shuffled out of Jacob's cabin.

"Now, Lieutenant Clancy, your report," Jacob said after Kruger's guard had shut the hatch behind them. "No, first, someone give this man a damn chair, it's not a Captain's Mast."

There was a hurried shuffle as several of his officers started to give up their seats. He was not surprised that Ensign O'Rourke caught the proverbial short end of the stick as the junior man in the room. Even if, Willoughby aside, the young officer had done the most work in the last couple of hours of any of Houston’s wardroom.

We got shot to shit. Lucky we didn't end up crippled again.

Looking at Lieutenant Clancy, Jacob felt a wave of sadness and anger.

Trenton never had a chance.

"Sir, I'm not sure where you want me to begin," Clancy stammered. Jacob could see an almost visible weight settling