The Company of the Dead by David Kowalski

the CBI.”
    “I can imagine you found that somewhat surprising,” the admiral conceded.
    “One of them was Joseph Kennedy.”
    Lloyd fell silent for a moment. “We’ve had dealings with the Confederates before,” he said, finally.
    “True enough, Admiral, but considering the fact that one of the goals of the cruise was to cement ties between Britain and the Union , I’m surprised we’re negotiating with the Confederates at all.”
    “These are dark days, John, and we have to take what’s offered us. What did Kennedy tell you?”
    “Nothing as yet, sir. He expects me to accompany his team to Dallas.”
    “I see...”
    “There’s another thing. Part of the arrangement that allowed me to take command of the Titanic was an honourable discharge from the Navy, as you yourself organised. Now that I’ve been “reinstated” am I to understand that I once again represent the Admiralty in my dealings with the Confederates?”
    “No, not exactly. All I said is that as far as the White Star Line is concerned, you’ve been returned to active duty.”
    “Then on whose behalf am I acting, sir, if not the Admiralty’s?”
    “The order comes from the Palace.” The admiral spoke slowly, in measured tones. “If you want to know more, perhaps you should take the matter up with your new associates.”
    So that’s how it was. He was being disowned. Cut loose from the White Star Line and denied by the Navy, with no one to answer to save some shady characters representing the Confederacy.
    “John? Are you still there?”
    “Yes, sir. I was just... thinking.”
    “I’m afraid there isn’t much I can tell you, and believe me, it’s more from ignorance than subtlety.” Lloyd gave an unconvincing laugh that faded into nothing. “But what would you say if I told you that it was on request from the Reichstag, from the Kaiser himself, that you were appointed to the Titanic in the first place?”
    “The Kaiser?” Lightholler had been as surprised as anyone that his transfer had been approved, even with the admiral’s assistance. Up till now he had never been given a satisfactory reason for the move. He said, “The centennial cruise was supposed to be a joint British–Union venture; I had no idea that there was any German involvement. Certainly not back then, before the addition of the peace talks.”
    “Is there any British venture the Germans don’t have their paws in these days?”
    If nothing else, that proved their line was secure. Rear-admiral or not, Lloyd’s comment could get him in a lot of hot water if the Abwehr, the German intelligence agency, was listening in.
    “Still, it was supposed to be a milk run,” the admiral continued. “You were more than qualified for the job: ferrying a bunch of ageing politicos, journalists and what-not across the Atlantic. The peace talks were a last-minute addition—I scarcely believe they could have had anything to do with your selection.”
    “So why were the Germans so interested in me?”
    “I can’t be certain. Perhaps it has something to do with your family’s history. Not only are you related to the senior-most surviving officer of the Titanic —”
    “I’m also the great-grandson of the man who single-handedly kept America out of the Great War,” Lightholler finished.
    “You sound bitter, John. Astor was a good man, and a fine president.”
    Lightholler could just imagine the old admiral shaking his head. “He was a good friend to Germany, if that’s what you mean.” The words came to him with difficulty. “It’s just that sometimes I think he kept the United States out of the wrong war.”
    “You’re entitled to your own opinion, son. Astor’s actions as a private citizen during the Titanic hearings certainly contributed to the ill will between England and America at the time. But he was just one man, John. One man may start a war; it takes a few good men to stop one. As for his conduct during the presidency, you have to consider that the