Devil's Due (Destroyermen #12)(118)
Rizzo’s modern fighters managed to destroy one seaplane/bomber and possibly cripple another, but the ground fire prevented them from pressing their attack, and the enemy formation apparently split after its run. The one confirmed kill had been alone, flying low. And then even Rizzo’s planes were almost wrecked trying to land in the dark. They, however, gave the first warning of a small squadron of enemy ships approaching from the south.
“Four targets were identified as sailing steamers of the enemy’s latest class by searchlights on the cruisers that rushed to meet them,” Riku reported. “They’re normally heavily armed with large-bore guns and were a match for our cruisers—before we improved them. But their fire, while spirited, was not as heavy as we’ve seen in the past. And the searchlights allowed our commanders to observe objects splashing into the sea in the enemy’s wakes.”
“Fewer guns, to accommodate mines,” Muriname guessed.
“Apparently,” Riku agreed, “though this wasn’t understood at first. The enemy steamed up across the South Channel, trading effective fire with eight of our cruisers, making for the center isle and the North Channel.”
“What happened?” Kurokawa demanded. “We saw nothing from here because of the island, and only heard that the small force was repulsed.”
Riku gulped again. “It was, Lord, but as I said, their fire was effective, and some damage was sustained by our ships as they turned to pursue the enemy around the island. I should add that the new forward firing guns were quite effective at this point, destroying one enemy ship and likely damaging the rest—but, suddenly, one of ours just . . . exploded and sank. Moments later, another did the same. The enemy couldn’t fire directly astern, so our ships must’ve struck mines.”
“And then?” It was Contre-Amiral Laborde’s turn to demand. Riku looked at him resentfully, but continued to his lord. “The rest of our ships continued the pursuit, scoring multiple hits. Finally, making smoke, the enemy turned and fled to the west. Sadly, their vessels remain swifter than ours and the smoke choked the searchlights. They escaped.”
“But they didn’t mine the North Channel?” Kurokawa demanded.
“No, Lord. It is clear. The six cruisers reentered the bay in line abreast to make sure.”
Kurokawa made a pouting expression. “Very well. A good report, Commander. But do contain yourself better in the future.”
“Of course, Lord.”
Kurokawa looked at the others. “This practically confirms what we’ve surmised. Captain Reddy will concentrate on Sofesshk, for now. He pricks us with his bombers, and now attempts to contain us with mines. We’ll try to clear those in daylight, but for the present, we’ll focus our defenses on the North Channel. We can’t allow him to block that as well.”
“I understand your reasoning, General of the Sea,” Rizzo said, almost cautiously, “but Reddy’s actions do not necessarily preclude a serious attack here.”
Kurokawa slammed the desk, not as much in anger as frustration. “Of course they do! The mines prove it. They would prevent him from entering the bay just as surely as they’d keep us from leaving.” He sighed and looked at Laborde. “If Savoie was ready and had even the most rudimentary fire-control capability, and if Akagi’s repairs were complete, this would be the perfect time to break out and attack the Allies in the rear. As it stands, you will have a little longer to make my battleship ready for action. Use that time wisely, Contre-Amiral. When we do sortie, I want Savoie able to smash any Allied vessel from twenty kilometers away—is that understood?”
“It’s not possible!” Dupont objected. “To make a level/cross-level device, not to mention the necessary fire-control equipment, in mere days or weeks! Your machining capacity is impressive,” he allowed, “but we have no blueprints. Even then, it would take time.”
“You have manuals,” Kurokawa countered. “Make use of them. Extrapolate dimensions if you must, and use whatever and whoever you need. This project has priority over all others.” He sneered. “The enemy has employed an effective, if crude, fire-control system for his smoothbore muzzle-loaders!” he said, his voice rising to a rant. “We have now done the same, so do not tell me it can’t be done! With all my industry at your disposal and a well-equipped machine shop on your ship, you must not tell me you can’t contrive some way to coordinate Savoie’s main batteries! If that’s the case, what possible use do I have for you?”
“To lead the French crew who remained loyal to us, and are now her only experienced officers. And to fight Savoie, when the time comes,” Laborde said simply.
“All eleven Frenchmen!” Kurokawa chortled savagely. “Really, Contre-Amiral, the loyalty you inspire is staggering. And are you saying I cannot fight her?” he challenged, his face purpling. Muriname had noticed how easy it was to get him to lose his temper again. For a while, almost a year, he’d controlled it. Now, particularly since the first bombing—and he went to see the prisoners—it seemed always on the loose.
“Not at all,” Laborde appeased. “But you’re our General of the Sea, a fleet admiral. Why should you concern yourself with operating a single ship that others, Dupont and myself in particular, are more accustomed to, who know her every quirk, how she handles in any sea, and what her strengths—and limitations—are?”