The Bin Laden Plot

“Torpedo launch transients, bearing zero-four-zero! Correlates to Master six.”

Sonar’s report was quickly followed by another. “Second torpedo in the water, bearing zero-four-zero!”

Wilson examined the tactical display on the Conn. The Russian submarine had fired two torpedoes, that much was clear. But had its crew fired a salvo against one of the American submarines, or had it fired one torpedo at each?

As Michigan finished turning to its evasion course, Wilson studied the torpedo bearings. They were diverging, which meant one torpedo had been fired at Jimmy Carter and the other at Michigan.

Another report from Sonar blared across the Control Room speakers. “Torpedo launch transient, bearing zero-two-zero. Correlates to Jimmy Carter.”

Commander Gallagher had counterfired, which would keep the Russian submarine crew preoccupied for a while. The task now, for each of the three submarines, was to evade the incoming torpedoes.

Wilson studied the torpedo bearings on the Conn display. They were drawing slowly aft, which was a good sign, but no guarantee the torpedo would pass by without detecting Michigan.

“Multiple mechanical transients, bearing zero-two-two! Correlates to Jimmy Carter.”

Four more red bearing lines appeared on the Conn display.

“Conn, Sonar. Detect four additional torpedo launches from Jimmy Carter. They appear to be the same type of torpedo that destroyed our MK 48 when we fired at Jimmy Carter a few weeks ago.”

Wilson acknowledged the report. Gallagher had launched four anti-torpedo torpedoes, most likely two at the heavyweight headed toward Jimmy Carter and two toward the torpedo chasing Michigan. The four new bearing lines began to diverge, two slanting toward the torpedo pursuing Michigan and the other two merging with the torpedo chasing Jimmy Carter.

Not long thereafter, Sonar reported, “Conn, Sonar. Explosion bearing zero-two-four.”

A faint explosion, not nearly as powerful as a heavyweight torpedo detonation, echoed through Michigan’s hull. It had likely been one of Jimmy Carter’s ATTs. Confirming Wilson’s assessment, three torpedo bearing lines disappeared from the Conn display: the Russian torpedo headed toward the Seawolf class submarine, plus two of the ATTs.

Four torpedo bearing lines remained: the heavyweight torpedo chasing Michigan and the two ATTs chasing it, plus the MK 48 Jimmy Carter had fired at the Russian submarine.

“Heavyweight torpedo detonation! Bearing correlates with Master six. Loss of Master six.”

Sonar had lost the propulsion-related tonals from the Russian submarine, which meant its engine room had been severely damaged. Whether it was going to the bottom, however, Wilson didn’t know. Russian submarines, typically built with nine or ten compartments, could withstand the flooding of a single compartment. The crew’s fate would be determined by how many compartments the MK 48 explosion had breached.

A moment later, Sonar reported, “Breaking-up noises on the last bearing to Master six.”

The Russian submarine was headed to the bottom, its compartments beginning to implode. Wilson hoped Michigan didn’t share the same fate.

He examined the remaining three bearing lines. The bearing to the lead ATT had merged with the incoming Russian torpedo. The ATT was closing on its target.

Sonar reported, “Explosion, bearing zero-six-five! Loss of Russian heavyweight and one of the ATTs.” Sonar followed up. “Last ATT has shut down.”

Wilson examined the display. There were no more torpedoes in the water, and the four Russian surface warships were hightailing it away from the area.

Michigan and Jimmy Carter’s mission had been accomplished. The merchant had been sunk, with the Russian submarine destroyed in self-defense.

73 BANGOR, WASHINGTON ONE MONTH LATER

Christine’s SUV coasted to a halt beside USS Michigan, moored to the Delta Pier at Naval Base Kitsap. Waiting at the submarine’s brow was Lieutenant Commander Tom Montgomery, who greeted Christine and escorted her onto the submarine and down a hatch into the Operations Compartment, arriving at Captain Wilson’s stateroom.

After Michigan sank the merchant carrying the gas centrifuges to Iran, the guided missile submarine had returned to its home port for refit and crew change-out. Inside the black leather satchel Christine carried was a citation and medal. She’d be presenting Wilson with the CIA Intelligence Star for his effort in sinking the merchant, plus the numerous other issues he’d helped with over the years.