Brown, Dale - Patrick McLanahan 06

by Fatal Terrain (v1. 1)

  “They’re not trying to avoid that Taiwanese boat—they’re turning to get ready to open fire,” Elliott observed. “What in hell does Sung think he’s doing? Those carrier escorts will chew him to pieces.”

  The secure UHF radio transceiver channel clicked to life, as the encryption-decryption algorithms instantly synchronized the two parties; then, in English with a thick Chinese accent, they heard: “American bomber, American bomber, this is Captain Sung aboard the Kin Men, how do you read?”

  “Who in the world is that?” Nancy Cheshire shouted. “The captain of what'7d”

  “He said he was the captain of the Kin Men—that’s the name of that Taiwanese frigate that’s cruising near the Chinese fleet,” Elliott said.

  “How in hell did he get our secure UHF frequency?” McLanahan asked. “And how does he know we’re a bomber?”

  “So much for communications security,” Elliott groused on interphone. “Typical Navy COMSEC procedures—as leaky as a wet paper bag. Or else this frigate is part of the Navy’s surveillance of that Chinese fleet. Good thing we’re on secure frequencies.” He keyed the mike, waited for the transceivers to synchronize, then responded, “Loud and clear, Kin Men. This is Headbanger.”

  “Jesus, Brad! ” McLanahan interjected. “You’re going to talk to him? We don’t know who the hell he is! It could be a PRC tap.”

  “There is no way the PRC or anybody else could have broken the encryption logarithm and channelized with us—we only decided on it six hours ago, before we launched from Guam,” Elliott said. In fact it was relatively easy to do with the right equipment. The secure radio system they used simply changed frequencies in random intervals. The timing and direction of the hop was controlled by a predetermined code that only the mission participants used. It was possible to scan the entire radio band and pick up the conversation, but an eavesdropper might only hear a snippet of conversation before another hop occurred. “The only way that Taiwanese captain can be talking to us is if he got the codes from the Navy. Obviously, we’re all working together here.”

  McLanahan was not convinced, but Elliott’s argument made some sense. “Tell him to authenticate,” McLanahan suggested. Everyone involved in this surveillance operation, from the Navy and Air Force crews in Asia to radio operators half a world away to the President’s communications staff, used a standard challenge-and-response code system to verify that the other party in the conversation was who they were supposed to be and not an eavesdropper or faker. The challenge-and- response was supposed to be used even over secure frequencies. Either party could initiate a challenge, or ask for multiple challenges, but for maximum security the calling party initiated the challenge. Once both sides were properly authenticated and satisfied of the other’s identity, any instructions or changes to standing orders were followed by a lookup code system, using the current UTC date-time group followed by a letter. McLanahan punched up the current decode document on his computer terminal: “Give him bravo-India—response should be ‘bravo.’ ” “Look, Muck, we’re on a secure satellite link,” Elliott argued. “We don’t have time for alphabet soup right now.” Before McLanahan could argue further, Elliott switched radios: “Kin Men, we’re picking up major radar emissions from the Chinese carrier group. It appears you are closing on the carrier group, and the Mao looks like it’s getting ready to attack. What is your status?”

  “Headbanger, we are moving to intercept the Communist battle group,” Sung replied. “We will not stand by while the Communists close in and attack our territory. We ask that you stand by and assist us if the Communists should attack.”

  “He’s what?” McLanahan retorted.

  “Kin Men, we think that is a very unwise decision, repeat, that’s a very bad idea,” Elliott radioed. “Recommend you reverse course and avoid direct contact. We can give you position and status reports. Do not engage that group.”

  “Negative, Headbanger,” Sung responded. “My headquarters has recommended that I attempt to keep the group out of missile bombardment range. Our intelligence has revealed that the Communists are carrying nuclear land attack and anti-ship missiles. We are counting on you to provide heavy attack cover if necessary. Stand by. We are launching our helicopter now.”

  “Shit,” Elliott swore, “the Chinese ships are carrying nukes” Elliott and McLanahan had both been involved in the China-Philippines conflict three years earlier, when China had set off one low-yield thermonuclear device against some Filipino warships and later threatened to launch another; he had no doubt that China would try it again against the Taiwanese navy. “Til contact Samson. Jesus, Taiwan could be in serious trouble here.” Elliott switched to his number two radio, which was a secure satellite patch to General Samson, who was in charge of the bomber mission as a staff member of the U.S. Navys Pacific Command headquarters, reporting to Admiral William Allen. “Buster, this is Headbanger.” “Go ahead, Headbanger, this is Buster,” Samson himself responded. “Authenticate delta-delta.”

  McLanahan looked up the response and read it off to Elliott: “Headbanger has Mike.”

  “Good copy,” Samson replied. “Go ahead, Headbanger.”

  “Buster, we got problems out here, and I just wanted you to know I had nothing to do with it,” Elliott said, with just a trace of amusement in his voice. “We were just contacted by a Taiwanese frigate named the Kin Men. Its captain is named Sung. He is about to lock horns with Pig One. He claims the Pigs have nukes and they’re getting ready to use them. Sung is launching his fling-wing and is getting ready to start pumping ’em out. Better notify the squids and the dolphins to come give us a hand. We need permission to engage the Pigs if necessary.”

  “Repeat that last, Headbanger?” Samson responded, the surprise and shock evident in his voice even over the secure satellite link. “You’ve been in contact with a Taiwanese warship over the secure radio link? ”

  “Hey, he contacted me, he knew we were an American bomber, he knew exactly where we were, and he’s locked on to our comm algorithm,” Elliott said. “I figured either the squids gave all this information to him, or someone leaked it to the ROC. In any case, he says the Liberation Army Navy battle group is carrying nuclear weapons that they’re going to use on Quemoy, and he’s going out to stop them right now. We need permission to set up a protective electronic screen around his ships and engage as necessary. Over.”

  “Headbanger, this is Buster. Keep your nose cold until I get the straight word from Atlas,” Samson replied, telling Elliott to hold his fire until he notified Admiral Allen directly. “Stand by.”

  “Confirmed,” McLanahan said, checking his weapons status. “I’ve still got a check fire data message from PACCOM. My nose is cold. Someone better get on the horn to Taiwan Navy headquarters. One of their naval units is about to start a war with China! ”

  ABOARD THE CHINESE CARRIER MAO ZEDONG

  THAT SAME TIME

  “Sir, port lookout reports that the S-70 helicopter on the Nationalist ship’s platform is turning rotors!” the officer of the deck shouted. Admiral Yi swung around and scanned the ship with his binoculars. Although the Taiwanese ship was still facing its bow directly toward the Chinese ships, it was possible to see the S-70’s turning main rotor behind the large aircraft hangar. The 40-millimeter gun’s barrel was now lowered and aimed directly at the Mao. “Radar reports a second vessel coming over the horizon heading right for us, possibly another Nationalist warship.”

  Dammit, Yi shouted at himself, this is accelerating too fast! He was only minutes away from starting a shooting war with the Nationalists! He yanked the phone off its cradle, keyed the mike, and said in Mandarin, “Frigate Kin Men, frigate Kin Men, this is the carrier Mao Zedong. I warn you, if you attempt to launch your helicopter now, I will open fire on it. We do not wish a war with you, but you must not provoke us further! ”

  “Carrier Mao, you will reverse course immediately, or you will be fired upon without further warning! ” the skipper of the Taiwanese frigate responded
. “You and your entire fleet are in danger of anti-ship cruise missile attack at this very moment. I warn you, shut down your radars or they will be destroyed by anti-radar weapons that have been launched against you.”

  “Prepare to lock radars on enemy aircraft, traverse the Crotale launcher and prepare to open fire,” Yi shouted to the officer of the deck. “Clear to load the AK-130s.” The two 130-millimeter gun mounts began to turn toward the Taiwanese frigate; at the same time, the large octuple French-made Crotale Modulaire launcher swiveled port and down, aiming its eight Crotale antiaircraft missiles directly at the frigate.

  “Crotale launcher elevated, hot birds on the rail, sir! ” the officer of the deck reported. “Hong-Yang-2 anti-ship missiles on Kang and Changsha aligned and ready for targets. P-500s spinning up and ready in two minutes.”

  “Where are my fighters?” Yi shouted.

  “Interceptor One flight of two is on deck; first aircraft should be ready to launch in five minutes. Interceptor Two flight of two will be on deck in three minutes.”

  “Acknowledged,” Yi replied. “Lock fire control and targeting radars on the Taiwanese frigate. Notify me immediately if the helicopter lifts off.” Then, aloud, to the rebel commander, he muttered, “Very well, Captain, you wanted to play tough guy. What will you do now?”

  ABOARD THE EB-52 MEGAFORTRESS

  “Target-tracking radars locked onto the Taiwanese frigate,” Vikram shouted excitedly on interphone. “They got him nailed. Crotale targettracking radar is up. They’re tracking the helicopter even while it’s still on deck. Square Tie anti-ship missile-targeting radar locked on, bearing to the Kin Men and a second bearing on the newcomer to the southeast. They can attack at any time.”

  Elliott swore aloud and keyed the mike again: “Buster, this is Headbanger, the Pigs are getting ready to start breakfast. What do you want us to do?”

  “Stand by, Headbanger,” Samson replied a few long, agonizing moments later. “We’re waiting for word from Wrangler.” That was Admiral Balboa, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff—this decision was going right to Washington.

  “Screw Balboa, Earthmover,” Elliott shouted on the radio, forgetting all communications security procedures. “That Taiwanese frigate is going to be blown out of the water in about sixty seconds if we don’t do anything.”

  “Check your fire—and your mouth, Headbanger!” Samson responded angrily. “If no one has opened fire yet, you don’t open fire. And maintain proper COMSEC procedures!”

  Suddenly, McLanahan’s God’s-eye view on his large supercockpit display picked up a new flying target. “I got missile launch detection—and it’s from the Taiwanese frigate! ” he shouted. “Subsonic, low-flying, probably a Harpoon anti-ship missile . . . Taiwanese helicopter lifting off. . .now picking up several more missile launches from the Kin Men ... I’ve got missile launch detection from the newcomer as well, subsonic missile launch, probably Harpoons.”

  “Dammit, the Taiwanese frigate attacked,” Elliott said. “Why in the hell didn’t he wait?”

  McLanahan heard that comment, but he was too busy to ask about it: “I’ve got six missiles in the air, all aiming for the Chinese carrier and destroyer,” he reported. “Lead PLAN destroyer now opening fire with missiles now, subsonic, probably HY-2 anti-ship missiles.”

  “Commit all countermeasures!” Elliott shouted. “Clear for wing pylon weapon release! ”

  “We don’t have authorization yet, Brad,” McLanahan shouted.

  “Patrick, that Taiwanese frigate is going to be Swiss cheese unless we do something,” Elliott retorted. “Get on it right now! DSO, stand by on the Wolverines.”

  “Brad, wait. ...”

  “We’re only launching decoys, Patrick,” Elliott said. “What in hell are you waiting for? You’re clear for wing pylon release.”

  Vikram looked over at McLanahan, his finger poised over the launch commit button. McLanahan hesitated for a moment; Vikram considered that approval and pressed the buttons on his keyboard. “Roger. Stand by for pylon launch, crew,” Vikram announced. He launched two defensive Wolverine missiles, one from each wing pylon pod. McLanahan knew he should halt the launch, but decided not to interfere.

  The turbojet-powered Wolverine cruise missiles set up a protective orbit around the Taiwanese frigate and activated its powerful electronic jammers, creating an intense blanket of jamming and decoy signals. When the Chinese Hong Yang-2 Sea Eagle anti-ship missiles activated their terminal homing radars in the preprogrammed target “basket” area, they suddenly found not one, but hundreds of radar targets. The seeker heads merely picked out the electronically largest radar target and aimed right for it, descending from two hundred feet above the water to twenty feet to make it harder for anti-missile weapons to stop it.

  But every Chinese Sea Eagle missile had locked onto a false target created by the Wolverine missile’s jammers. When it lost radar contact, it immediately turned and locked onto the next largest radar target. Every time the Sea Eagle missile turned, it slowed down, making it easier for the Kin Men’s guns and Standard missiles to hunt them down; the ones that were not destroyed by the Taiwanese frigate were detoured farther and farther away until they simply ran out of fuel and crashed into the sea.

  “All right, everyone, check fire,” McLanahan shouted on interphone after both Wolverine cruise missiles were on their way. “Brad, turn us away from the Chinese battle group before they backtrack those Wolverine missiles.”

  “We can’t stop now, Patrick,” Elliott shouted. “Get the Rainbows and Strikers out! That Taiwanese frigate is still unprotected!”

  “Negative, pilot,” McLanahan responded. “Everyone standby.” He switched his radio to the scrambled satellite channel: “Buster, this is Headbanger, we’ve got Screamers in the air, repeat, Screamers in the air. Advise if you want seconds.”

  “Say again, Headbanger?” Samson responded. “You launched? On whose orders?”

  “Let’s get with the program, Earthmover,” Elliott cut in. “We’re the only thing standing between that carrier battle group and the Taiwanese navy. Let’s send the Tacit Rainbows and Strikers and end this right now” “Headbanger, you check your fire until we get word from the boss,” Samson said. “Stay nose cold. You hear me, pilot? Noses cold. If you’re still in contact with the Taiwanese frigate, tell him to disengage and get out of the area. I’m getting permission for you to cover his withdrawal.” “What if he attacks again?” Elliott asked, but Samson had no reply. He swore loudly into his oxygen mask and switched to the secondary secure radio channel: “Kin Men, this is Headbanger,” Elliott radioed to the Taiwanese frigate. “We showed PLAN missile launches on your position. We recommend you get the hell out of there. Do you copy? ”

  There was no response, but, seconds later, McLanahan shouted, “I’ve got missiles in the air, high-speed, high-altitude ballistic, from the Kin Men again. Multiple high-speed missiles, probably Standard missiles programmed for anti-ship attack. Targeting the lead destroyer and the carrier . . . looks like the destroyer took a couple hits . . . can’t tell if the carrier got hit. It might’ve taken one hit or a near miss . . . frigate Kin Men launching missiles again, subsonic sea-skimmers, probably Harpoons, a couple at the destroyer and the rest at the carrier . . . the Taiwanese frigate is reversing course, looks like he’s heading back to Quemoy . . . about sixty seconds to Harpoon missile impact...”

  “PLAN destroyer launching antiair missiles,” Vikram announced. “Targeting the Harpoon missiles, not the Taiwanese frigate.”

  “Anything still tracking the Kin Men?” Cheshire asked.

  “They’ve got everything up and transmitting,” Vikram said. “The PLAN fleet is still alive and probably mad as hell. Sungs never going to get out of there.”

  ABOARD THE AIRCRAFT CARRIER MAO ZEDONG

  “Launch commit on all battle group anti-ship missiles! ” Admiral Yi ordered after the report of inbound Taiwanese missiles was relayed to the bridge. “Sink both those ships! Now! Radio So
uth Sea fleet headquarters, request air support for possible follow-on surface and submarine attacks. Full countermeasures! I want—”

  “Bridge, combat, radar contact aircraft, close aboard, bearing three- zero-zero, range three-five kilometers and closing, altitude two thousand meters, speed four hundred knots, turning! ” the first officer shouted, relaying the message from the Combat Information Center.

  Suddenly, the reports stopped. Yi fairly lunged for the intercom mike. “Combat, continue report! Where is that plane?”

  “Bridge . . . bridge, combat, we have lost contact!” the first officer reported in a high, squeaky, panicked voice. “No contacts. Attempting optical and thermal contact, still negative. Heavy jamming on search and uplink frequencies, all bearings.”

  Just then, the unit-to-unit radiophone buzzed, and Yi picked it up himself: “Speak.”

  “This is the Kang” came the reply. It was the captain of one of the destroyers, Commander Xiao Rongji. This was Xiao’s first major command, and he was known in the Chinese navy as a bold, even rash, young boat commander; it was no surprise to Yi that he was the first to break tactical radio procedures. “We have detected a small aircraft just over the horizon, bearing two-three-four, range ten kilometers, altitude approximately five hundred meters.” Xiao had detected one of the Wolverine “Screamer” decoy missiles that had strayed within range of the frigate’s sensors. “Are we cleared to engage?”

  “You will protect your ship and this carrier with everything you have got—including your life! ” Yi shouted in reply. “Full air defense screen. Stand by to launch another missile salvo on my command. And keep this channel clear!” Yi hung up the radiophone in disgust.

  “Carrier Mao, this is the Kin Men” the rebel skipper radioed again.

  “All of your weapons missed their targets. The bomber is now targeting you and your capital warships. If you do not reverse course, they will attack.”