Tom Roland took a break in his quarters. “Any ideas Bob?”
Commander Chapel looked at him and shrugged. “None. We haven’t heard a peep from him for two days. He hasn’t contacted anyone at all, ship or shore.”
“Maybe we scared him.”
“Possible.”
“Where do you think he’s gone?”
“He might be traveling around in circles for all we know. It’s a big ocean. As long as he doesn’t make contact with any other vessels, it’s just about impossible to find him.”
Roland whistled. “I’ll tell ya, Bob, he’s a sharp one. I never thought I’d see the day when any ship could get away from a US naval attack submarine, and he’s done it three times. The last maneuver was elegant.”
“Elegant? For him, maybe. I thought we’d bought it.”
“Nah, we had plenty of time to detonate the torpedo, and he knew it. Gave him time to get away, and now he’s layin’ low for a while, until he figures somethin’ out. Aren’t you curious as to why he continues with this USS Washington and Captain Matthew Carlsen stuff?” he asked. “Once or twice, I could understand, but he doesn’t quit, even when he’s under attack. He’s either pretty cool and tellin’ the truth, or he’s certifiable. I just haven’t figured out which yet.”
Chapel shrugged. “It’s not our job to figure it out; our job is to sink him.”
Roland looked at his XO. “If he’s tellin’ the truth and we sink him, we’ll be sinkin’ a boatload of innocent people. I don’t want to live with that. Do you?”
SEPTEMBER 10TH –DAY 161; BRIGHT MOON DAY 50; 9 DAYS FUEL LEFT
“I do not think it would be wise to call others, Matthew,” Tong said. “The admiral is getting nervous. He has tried to stop Mr. Brandt and his wife. If he decides to send more ships or aircraft after you, do you think you can escape them?”
“Not a chance, sir. It’s all we can do to get away from this submarine. We’ve only got about eight to ten days’ fuel left, and he puts a heavy dent in that every time we meet him. If we can avoid him, we might be able to lengthen our fuel capacity, but we’re running thin, no matter what. Isn’t there anything you can do?”
“We are working on it, Matthew. We must prove that you are survivors from the Evening Star.”
Matthew was exasperated. “Why can’t someone just tell the submarine to board us? They would easily see who we are. We’ve been hailing that sub every single time, and he never acknowledges. He just shoots at us. The last time he shot at us, we barely got away. I’m not sure we can do it again.”
“You must hold out, Matthew. Things are beginning to fall into place. It might be wise if you can find a way to hide. Do not call me if it puts the ship in danger. Is there a way I can contact you?”
“Probably. But I have no idea how. We’ll see if we can find a way, but we’ll still have to transmit to you and the sub will be able to pick us up.”
“There goes the first satellite,” cut in John.
“They’re beginning to trace us, Mr. Tong. We have to sign off. Wait! Do you know the name of the sub that is chasing us?”
“No, but I can find out.”
“Good, we’ll call in a couple of days. Find out who the captain and the executive officer are and any other information that might be helpful.”
“Very well, Matthew. Good-bye. Take care.”
“Got his transmission again, Captain,” reported communications. “Bearing two-one-five; can’t get a distance, sir.”
“Come to course two-one-five,” ordered Roland. “Flank speed. We have to follow the trail.”
Roebuck wasn’t at all happy. Admiral Williams was reassigning him.
“Admiral Roebuck. When we decided to re-build the USS Washington you wanted the assignment so much that you badgered me. Now I offer you the opportunity with another ship, and you don’t want it.”
“This is different, sir. The investigation of the USS Washington and Seaview incident requires a good deal of my time. The investigation of Bright Moon adds to that responsibility, and I need time to do it justice.”
“That will no longer be a problem, Admiral. We have a replacement on the way for you right at this moment.” Admiral Williams looked at his papers. “Uh, Captain Feinberg will be here tomorrow.”
“Sir! He will have to start from scratch. And a captain?”
“Yes, Admiral. He’s up for promotion in six months. This is a perfect stepping-stone for him. We’ll give him the necessary authority to carry out his assignment, and you will spend the rest of the week bringing him up to date. That is all, Admiral.”
“Yes, sir.”
“I will get back to you, Jacob.” Chin Lee hung up the phone.
“It looks like Admiral Williams is trying to plug the holes,” said Ming Lau.
Chin Lee smiled, despite the situation. Ming Lau had a way with words. He was an expert on American expressions, something for which Chin Lee had neither the time nor the inclination. He preferred to retain his accent, and achieved a certain aloofness with it, an advantage in his position. Ming Lau had different contacts, had worked hard, and had learned to speak English like a native. His perfect English gave him an advantage.
“Yes. He has removed Admiral Roebuck from the investigation. He has also asked the President again to allow him to put more ships on the Bright Moon. He is getting nervous. If we push him a little, he may make a mistake.”
“When will Matthew call?”
“I expect him to call tomorrow.”
Ming Lau nodded and changed the subject. “How does So Ling feel about Su Li’s marriage to Matthew?”
“As I do. Pleased, but you heard me say that to Matthew.”
“That didn’t mean you told So Ling. You’ve always tried to protect her. If the submarine sinks the Bright Moon–” He left the thought hanging.
“This is different; Su Li is her daughter. She has a right to know. Should I have kept silent?”
“No. I agree that she has the right to know. Like you, I’m pleased that Matthew has married your daughter.” He smiled. “But I am surprised.”
“Surprised? Did you think he would prefer another woman?”
Ming Lau laughed, despite the grim situation. “You knew his last wife. What made you think he would prefer a woman like Su Li?”
“Because they are alike: idealistic and stubborn. They deserve each other.”
Ming Lau laughed again. “That’s why I’m surprised. I wouldn’t have thought they could get past the ‘staring at each other stage’ long enough to get a relationship going. They must’ve had help.”
“I do not doubt it.” Chin Lee grinned.