“Good evening, Admiral Jing,” Patterson responded carefully. “I don’t mean to be impolite, Admiral, but I was under the impression that General Shi was my liaison with the CMC.”
“Unfortunately, General Shi is occupied with other duties this evening,” explained Jing. Joanna didn’t detect any change in the admiral’s facial features as he spoke; his expression remained neutral — a perfect poker face. “And since the reason for the call deals with a naval issue, it was thought that I would be a more appropriate representative.”
“I see,” replied Patterson. Shi got canned, she thought. They must want something from us. “So, Admiral, what can I do for you this evening?”
“Per our agreement, I’m to report that our investigation of the explosions this afternoon in Dangan Shuido were caused by torpedoes. We also agree with the analysis by your Squadron Fifteen commodore, that Chakra was likely leaving the Hong Kong area. The Indian submarine torpedoed and sank one of our Project 636M Kilo submarines.”
Patterson took a sharp breath, suddenly worried about the Chinese crew. “Were there any survivors?”
“That is unknown at the moment. None of the crew has escaped the stricken boat thus far. And even though the Kilo is in shallow water, she is lying on her port side and this may be complicating the situation.”
“What can we do to help with the rescue effort?”
“While I appreciate your offer, Dr. Patterson, we have more important matters to discuss. We are in urgent need of assistance to help locate the torpedo, or torpedoes, that Chakra has undoubtedly fired into our ports. Anything the United States can provide to aid our search will be greatly welcomed.”
Finally, thought Patterson. The Chinese government had at last come to their senses and was now asking for help. She was certain the decision was unpopular, and had caused more than a few bruised egos, but better that than a radioactive hole in Hong Kong. While she rejoiced on the inside, her outside voice remained businesslike.
“I’m not sure what resources we have nearby, but I’ll find out and will send the information to Commodore Simonis at Guam,” she promised. “Please have your staff work directly with him to get the equipment to Hong Kong.”
“Thank you, Doctor. I’ll have the commander of the Hong Kong Garrison establish communications with Squadron Fifteen.” Jing looked like he was getting ready to leave when Patterson pressed him.
“Admiral, I again offer our assistance with rescuing your crew.” She leaned forward, emphasizing her point. “Don’t abandon them.”
The admiral’s face finally cracked a little; a flash of regret briefly appeared. He then let out a deep sigh. “Doctor, I’m not confident there is anyone alive to rescue. Divers went down and rapped on the hull, there was no response. We will try again in the morning, but the odds are not particularly good.”
“You’re a submariner, aren’t you?” queried Patterson.
Jing looked a little surprised, then slowly smiled. “Yes, Doctor, I am.”
Grinning, Patterson answered his unasked question. “It shows. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to speak with our CNO and get things moving. Your people in Hong Kong will hear from Commodore Simonis shortly.”
Patterson walked as fast as she could back to her office and telephoned Admiral Hughes. After a brief conversation, she took off for the Oval Office and for the umpteenth time resolved to start wearing flats to work. The president was with Milt Alvarez going over the afternoon’s schedule when he saw his grim-faced national security advisor stride into the office.
“You’ve got that look, Joanna. What disaster has befallen us this time?”
“I just spoke with the PLAN commander, Admiral Jing, they’ve basically confirmed what we thought; Chakra has almost certainly mined Hong Kong harbor. And she sank a Chinese submarine on her way out.”
Myles closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead; disappointment and frustration filled his face. “I had high hopes that Commander Mitchell would have caught Chakra before she could have launched any of the torpedoes. This unfortunate turn of events makes the situation considerably worse.”
“No one is more disappointed than Jerry, Mr. President. And if I know him, he’s already trying to pick up the trail, which leads me to what I need to discuss with you.”
The president looked perplexed. “What do you mean?”
“Sir, the Chinese have formally asked for our help in searching the two port facilities in Hong Kong. They need high-resolution, imaging-sonar-equipped platforms, and they need them now. I just talked to Admiral Hughes; the best he said we can do is to fly out side-scan sonar teams to Hong Kong, but this will take about twenty-four hours. And even after the teams arrive, it will take another six to twelve hours to get their gear rigged for operations aboard a Chinese ship.
“Thirty-six hours is too damn long, Mr. President. Once all the preps are completed, it’s still going to take days to properly scour both harbors. They aren’t small and the bottoms are undoubtedly strewn with all sorts of junk. We need to move faster,” stressed Patterson.
“What’s this got to do with Mitchell, Joanna? He certainly can’t rummage around looking for the torpedo with his submarine,” protested Myles.
“No, he can’t. But his UUVs can.”
Myles’s expression changed instantly to one of curiosity. Joanna had his attention.
“Jerry is carrying underwater remotes equipped with imaging side-scan sonars specifically designed for mine hunting. The resolution on those sonars is incredible, down to a couple of inches. They’ll have little problem identifying a torpedo, even if it’s buried in the mud. If we send him to Hong Kong, he can deploy his UUVs and monitor the search remotely from outside Chinese territorial waters.”
The president caught the implication immediately. “But that means pulling Mitchell off the hunt for Chakra.”
Patterson gave a resigned shrug; she wasn’t thrilled about the idea either. “Yes, Mr. President, but North Dakota is the only asset we have that can begin looking for the torpedo, or torpedoes, within hours instead of days.”
Myles leaned back in his chair, carefully considering Joanna’s recommendation. After a brief moment, he took a deep breath and shook his head slightly; there was a weary grin on his face. “He won’t be happy.”
“No, sir, I expect Jerry will be thoroughly pissed off. No submariner worth his salt is going to like being pulled off a hot pursuit, but that doesn’t change the fact that doing so is in the best interests of the United States. Jerry’s a smart guy, and a professional, he’ll recognize the right answer when told.”
“All right, Joanna, issue the order for North Dakota to return to Hong Kong and begin searching the port facilities for any sign of a torpedo. You’d better send it via the chain of command. Captain Mitchell doesn’t have to know this was your idea.”
Patterson shook her head ruefully. “I’m afraid that will be unavoidable, Mr. President.”
“Excuse me, sir, they want me to do what!?” Jerry couldn’t believe what his commodore had just told him.
Simonis was completely sympathetic with Mitchell’s disbelief. He’d had to have the order repeated to him twice as well. “You’re to disengage from pursuing Chakra and proceed to Hong Kong at best possible speed. Once in position you’ll deploy your UUVs and commence surveying the bottoms of the port facilities at Shenzhen and Victoria Harbor. Since the concentration of false targets is expected to be very high, direct human monitoring is required to expedite the search for the nuclear-armed torpedoes.”