McQueen nodded and they headed back for the bridge. A few
minutes later as The 58th enjoyed their steaks and beer the
intercom crackled.
"Attention! All personnel!" came McQueen's voice,
"We have received reports from the other two task forces.
They successfully met and engaged the enemy with light losses.
One task force destroyed another carrier and heavily damaged two
others, and, their escorts. The other destroyed two carriers and
damaged one. All three assaults have been stopped. The surviving
Chigs are retreating, and we have destroyed six of their finest
vessels.
We have received a transmission from joint command. 'To all ships
involved in Operation Long Shot, Well done!' Bridge out!"
At The 58th's table Wong cried "Yes!"
Hawkes looked troubled. "What's the matter?" West
asked. "Will they punish the commander," Hawkes asked,
"because he didn't wait for orders?"
"If they do," Vansen snapped, "they won't have a
fleet any more. Not after the victory we won today."
The other pilots nodded. Vansen picked up her glass. "To the
commander!" she snapped.
The others picked up their glasses too and joined in the toast.
"To the commander!"
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