Memories are short on HMS Royston--they have to be. As mother ship to a battered, war-torn bunch of Motor Torpedo Boats, she must carry out her vital role whatever the conditions, whatever the risks. Sub-Lieutenant Royce's predecessor has only been dead forty-eight hours, and already the crew has forgotten him. Now with only three months' sea-experience behind him, Royce must learn the job the hard way--in the tough school of combat.