Tiger's Claw

EIGHT

ABOARD THE PLAN AIRCRAFT CARRIER ZHENG HE

THAT SAME TIME

The phone from the flag bridge rang, and Lower Admiral Weng Li-Yeh, captain of the carrier Zheng He, picked it up immediately. “Yes, Admiral?”

“Any sign of that traitor submarine yet?” Rear Admiral Hu Tan-sun, commander of the Zheng He carrier battle group, asked.

“We have it narrowed down to less than a hundred square kilometers, sir,” Weng replied. “The Y-8 radar operators thought they had spotted a periscope very briefly about a half hour ago, but the sea state is a little choppy so radar reports are not totally accurate.”

“How about the diesel detectors?” Hu asked. The Y-8 patrol plane had the capability to sniff the air for telltale signs of diesel exhaust to alert it to the presence of diesel-electric submarines.

“The Y-8 is patrolling too close to the battle group, sir,” Weng replied. “Diesel detectors will not be reliable unless they fly farther out. Besides, if the target is trying to do simulated attacks on our group, he will likely be running on batteries only.”

There was a slight pause, then Hu said, “How many antisubmarine helicopters can we launch into the area right now?”

“We can launch four, sir,” Weng replied. “Four of our escorts have helicopters, but I think only two are configured for antisubmarine operations at this time. A total of six, sir.”

“Weng, we had intelligence that the traitors were going to send a submarine after us—we should have had all helicopters configured for ASW.” Another pause, then: “Launch all available ASW helicopters into the search area immediately.”

“All of them? But, sir, the Taiwanese sub will be alerted that we are searching for him the moment he detects multiple sonars. I recommend . . .”

“Weng, we know the traitor is on the way, and we have a good idea where he is,” Hu snapped. “The last thing I want is for the traitors to come within torpedo range of this ship—or worse, actually take a shot at us. Launch the helicopters immediately!”