Unable to seize the windward position, the French warships could only turn north again and "flee."
Watching the distance between the two sides steadily close, Colonel Russell expertly picked out five ships to block the wind, then ordered the other warships to pursue at full speed. Yet as the fast fleet completed its turn, Russell sensed that something was wrong.
He turned and walked to the rear of the command room. Through the glass window, he saw two steam warships floating motionless in the distance: their own Shield and Taiga.
Russell frowned and pointed outside the window as he asked the staff officer beside him, "What happened to them?"
The latter was clearly just as puzzled. He hurried out, then returned a few minutes later, looking somewhat dejected. "Commander, Taiga reports a problem with its ship axle. The other vessel is still checking for faults."
Russell's face darkened. "Just how much maintenance funding did those bastards at Chatham Shipyard embezzle? How could such a serious problem occur? Once we return, I'll have them sent before the Military Tribunal!"
The second officer beside him gestured toward the sea. "Commander, the French have made another sharp turn."
Russell still issued his orders according to standard combat procedure, and the fast fleet turned after them.
This time, however, four warships failed to keep up.
Grey Loach even exploded. Shouts of "Put out the fire!" and "Lower the lifeboats!" carried all the way to Russell's flagship.
"Damn it, what the hell is going on?!" Russell waved his hand hard and roared, "Tell every ship to keep their eyes on the pressure gauges at all times! Don't overpressure the engines for a little extra speed!"
The moment he said it, he realized something was off. Shield and Serpentine had been among the first ships built,