The Bin Laden Plot

The issue was — modern torpedoes were artificially intelligent weapons, which had pros and cons. After launch, they would analyze the returns from the sonar in their noses, sorting through what could be a submarine or surface ship, or a decoy. Reassuring in its capability, the torpedo’s independent nature was also disconcerting. It could not distinguish between friend and foe, and there was always the possibility that the torpedo, while searching for its intended target, could lock on to the wrong one, or even the submarine that fired it.

There were safeguards to prevent that, plus a guidance wire attached to the torpedoes fired by U.S. submarines. Over the thin copper wire, the submarine’s crew could send new commands after the torpedo was launched, changing its course, depth, or other search parameters. But if the guidance wire broke, the torpedo would be on its own, deciding which target to attack.

Additionally, a torpedo launched in another submarine’s vicinity would almost assuredly prompt a counterfire, which was something Wilson wanted to avoid. That was two strikes — Michigan’s torpedo might sink the wrong target, and the foreign submarine, target or not, would likely counterfire. Wilson didn’t need a third strike to make his decision.

“Check Fire,” Wilson announced, canceling the firing order. “Designate Sierra eight-six as Master two. Track Master one and Master two.”

* * *

Inside the Sonar Room, the sonar technicians were starting to sort things out. Based on the tonal frequencies and strength, along with the lack of a broadband trace, they had already determined the new contact was submerged.

Sonar Chief Jim Moore tapped the Narrowband Operator seated before him, Petty Officer Andrew Bubb, on the shoulder. “I need a classification.”

Moore had lots of experience tracking foreign submarines, in both shore-based trainers and at sea, but the frequencies weren’t making sense; they didn’t match anything they expected to see in the Persian Gulf.

Bubb completed his analysis and looked up from his display, a confused expression on his face. “The closest match I’ve got is a Seawolf class.”

“That can’t be right,” Moore replied. “Seawolfs are U.S. submarines, and Michigan is the only American submarine authorized in this waterspace.”

“I know,” Bubb said. “But look.” He gestured toward his display. “A few of the frequencies are off, but the propulsion-related tonals are definitely Seawolf.”

Moore leaned forward, examining the frequencies over Bubb’s shoulder. He was right. Even without the automated classification algorithm flashing on the screen — SEAWOLF — Moore would have made the same call.

He relayed the information to the Sonar Coordinator beside him, who announced Master two’s classification over the sound-powered phones.

* * *

In the Control Room, Lieutenant Commander Montgomery, who was examining a display over a fire control technician’s shoulder, suddenly stood erect, a perplexed look on his face as he turned to Wilson.

“Sonar reports Master two is classified Seawolf.”

“That can’t be right,” Wilson replied.

After Montgomery verified the report had been correctly understood, Wilson went to the Sonar shack. He opened the door and poked his head in.

“What the hell is going on in here? A Seawolf can’t possibly be in our waterspace.”

“I know, Captain,” Moore replied with an exasperated look on his face. “But that’s what the tonals indicate. Whatever’s out there has definitely got a Seawolf propulsion system.”

Wilson considered the information for a minute, then returned to the Conn. As he evaluated the best path forward, a report by his Executive Officer caught him by surprise.

“Captain, the solutions for Master one and Master two are converging.”

Wilson stepped from the Conn, stopping behind one of the combat control consoles, which displayed the solutions for both contacts. Master two had slowed to a few knots faster than the UUV, and the contacts were angling toward each other. A moment later, the two contacts steadied up on the same course, with Master two closing slowly from behind until both contacts blended into a single trace on the display.

“Conn, Sonar. Detecting mechanical transients on a bearing to Masters one and two. Sounds similar to torpedo outer doors opening.”

Wilson considered whether the sounds were the precursor to a torpedo launch. Given that the submarine had slowed to five knots, it was unlikely it was preparing to fire; submarine crews typically prosecuted contacts at medium speed, maneuvering quickly to help their tracking algorithms develop a target solution and to enable rapid acceleration to ahead flank if the target counterfired.

There was no indication that either contact had detected them, and given that their tracks overlaid upon each other, Wilson drew the most logical conclusion. Master two was a mother ship retrieving the UUV, opening doors in its hull to do so.