In the endless war against the Bulges, Captain Magambål Talberg has steadfastly focussed her career on a single goal; to captain one of the fleet’s ‘big sticks’. At last, and now vastly experienced, she is given command of the brand-new, fresh from the shipyards, heavy cruiser Kumasi. In time Kumasi would be at the sharp end providing close support for planetary assaults. But for now, its first mission was is to transit to Earth and show-off, to the civilian population, the fruits of their tax-credits. During the three-week, undemanding voyage, Magambål also has to shakedown the ship, getting systems and crew combat ready. Three weeks of tediously repetitive but essential drills; a week, or so, of low orbit demonstrations and VIP visits; then finally back into the action. That was the plan...
