Straits of Hell: Destroyermen

by Taylor Anderson

  At least El Vómito Rojo had passed. Some new cases were still being reported, but they had treatments now. And the greatest defense they had, besides the fact that most of Orrin’s pilots were ’Cats, was the growing throng of seasonally migratory lizardbirds that blackened the air over the lake at dawn and dusk, gorging themselves on the guilty mosquitoes. Weird, but evidently benign bugs—also clearly seasonal—joined them in their feast, but different kinds often came and went on an almost daily basis. Together, the profusion of airborne life made flying extremely hazardous while they were active. That was why Orrin and Seepy hurried now. They’d discovered that someone intended to fly, regardless of the risk.

  “Is up here, the second hangar,” Seepy hissed. Orrin nodded in the dark, and they proceeded to the next large structure bordering the lake. Pausing to listen, they carefully eased the canvas entry flap aside. Inside, in the muted light of a single lantern, two indistinct figures were heaving gas cans aboard one of four Nancys that shared the space, their urgent whispers indecipherable. Orrin sighed, and, stepping fully into the hangar, he loudly cleared his throat.

  “Oh crap!” came Fred Reynolds’s distinctive, boyish voice.

  “See?” accused Kari-Faask in a louder voice, equally recognizable. “I tole you somebody would blow! We should’a took longer to gather supplies!”

  “Why are you doing this?” Orrin demanded, his tone harsh. “I know you think you’re everybody’s fair-haired brats, but disobeying a direct order is still a serious offense. I ought to send you both back west to Walker and Captain Reddy! You could spend the months it takes to get there, missing all the action, wondering how much mercy he’ll give you!”

  “I’d love to go back to Walker,” Fred said miserably. “But we’re here, and this is something we need to do.”

  “Flying off God knows where—do you even have any idea?—to find a man, a spy, who could’ve just been blowing smoke up your ass. That’s nuts.”

  “We’ve got captured Dom maps that show most of the route,” Fred defended. The region around the capital city of New Granada where the Dom Pope dwelt was always strangely blank—but Fred and Kari had been there and had filled in some of the gaps. “And somebody has to make contact with Captain Anson—or his people!” Fred insisted. “They hate the Doms as much as us. If we could just coordinate with them…”

  “Seems to me their ‘don’t call us, we’ll call you—after you whip the Doms at the Pass of Fire for us’ was pretty damn definitive. Well, we did that—kind of—and not a peep.”

  “Yeah, but maybe we took ’em by surprise and they aren’t ready. Or maybe they don’t even know. Stuff like that, communications, takes more time for them than us, and if we’re going to do anything together, now’s the time. While the Doms are on the ropes!”

  Orrin considered. “Okay. Maybe you’re right. But I repeat: how do you aim to find that Anson guy, and why does it have to be you?”

  “We don’t have to find him!” Kari said. “Just find any of ’em—an’ tell ’em what we know of him and them, and what we been up to. Look, the Dom fleet we fought came from the east, right? From the… Caari-beaan. The ‘other Amer-i-caans’ had to notice the withdrawaal of such a large force an’ come lookin’.” She looked at Fred. “We figger we get past the pass, flyin’ low to the south, avoidin’ the Grikbirds gathered there, an’ head out to sea east o’ there. We almost gotta run into some o’ Aanson’s people.”

  “No, you don’t. It’s a damn big sea,” Orrin pointed out.

  “A sea that Donaghey is sailing into,” Fred countered. “I left a note, but I’ll just tell you. Pass the word west for Commander Garrett to be on the lookout for us. If we run into trouble or run out of gas before we find who we’re looking for, we’ll find an island. There’s lots of islands. Even the Dom charts show that. We’ve got a hand-crank generator for the wireless, and we’ll… make do until Donaghey gets close enough to hear us and pick us up!” Fred knew it was thin, and so did Orrin; he could tell. Still, it was better than nothing.

  Orrin frowned. “What if Donaghey never makes it?”

  “Then we’d have the same chance we were willing to take before we even knew she was headed that way. Not much of one,” Fred admitted, “but either way, somebody’s got to try before the Doms get their ‘shit back in the sock’ as Pete Alden always says.”

  “Okay,” Orrin agreed. “I already granted that point. And maybe you make better sense than I gave you credit for. But again, why you?”

  “Because we found ’em and we deserve the chance,” Fred said stubbornly. “And besides, at least one of whoever goes needs to be an American too.” He smiled impishly. “Somebody who can amaze whoever we find into listening to us especially if we don’t find Captain Anson. Who else is there out here? You? You’ve got a whole wing to command. Gilbert Jaeger? You want him talking for us? Even if Maaka-Kakja didn’t need him so bad, you might as well send a talking mole.” He shrugged. “I’m just a pilot. You’ve got more of us than you have planes right now. And I have met one of them,” he repeated. “Even if we never find Anson, we can throw his name around. Somebody’s bound to have heard of him.”

  “But why Kari, after all she went through?”

  Fred looked at his friend, suddenly realizing that she didn’t really have to go, and as much as he wanted her with him, he didn’t want her hurt.

  “I go for the same reason,” she stated firmly. “What other ’Cat has ever met one o’ them before—an’ speaks as good Amer-i-caan?”

  Orrin stifled a sad chuckle and sighed. “Okay. I guess I knew this was coming sooner or later, and at least you seem better prepared than I expected you’d be. I just wanted to make sure you really had a plan other than just flying off.” He gestured vaguely. “It’s still not much of a plan,” he added sternly, “but the Donaghey angle, slim as it is, makes a difference.” He glanced at Seepy, then back at Fred and Kari. “I’ll take the heat, try to lay it out better than you did. I’d just as soon they replace me anyway.” He shrugged. “Just a few things: First, don’t be afraid to use your wireless. Tell us what you see as long as you can. Things may be different in the West, but there’s absolutely no reason to think the Doms can pick you up. If you’re determined to go on this suicide mission, might as well make the most of it and at least make it the deepest scout we’ve had. Second, you’ll have an escort part of the way. Two planes that can carry enough fuel to replace the extra gas you’re taking. There’ll be two because I don’t want anybody flying all alone over country you might’ve stirred up. And be extra careful wherever you set down, because the area around any lake big enough to land a Nancy is liable to be crawling with Doms. Third, and most important, don’t get caught. Period. And by that I mean don’t let the Doms get their hands on your plane in one piece, whatever you do, and you can’t let them take you for questioning. You know way too much.”

  “Don’t worry, Mr. Reddy,” Fred said softly. “After last time, we won’t let them catch us. One way or another.”

  Orrin nodded. “Okay. Then I’ve got just one more thing.” He waved at the lake beyond the hangar. The lake was just beginning to brighten, and the air above the water was becoming thick with flitting shapes. “Wait until after breakfast, then Godspeed.”

  SPECIFICATIONS

  American-Lemurian Ships and Equipment

  USS Walker (DD-163)—Wickes (Little) Class four-stack, or flush-deck, destroyer. Twin screw, steam turbines, 1,200 tons, 314’ x 30’. Top speed (as designed): 35 knots. 112 officers and enlisted (current) including Lemurians (L) Armament: (Main)—3 x 4”-50 + 1 x 4”-50 dual purpose. Secondary—4 x 25 mm Type-96 AA, 4 x.50 cal MG, 2 x.30 cal MG. 40-60 Mk-6 (or “equivalent”) depth charges for 2 stern racks and 2 Y guns (with adapters). 2 x 21” triple-tube torpedo mounts. Impulse-activated catapult for PB-1B scout seaplane.

  USS Mahan (DD-102)—(Repair suspended at Madras). Wickes Class four-stack, or flush-deck, destroyer. Twin screw, steam turbines, 960 tons, 264’ x 30’ (as reb
uilt). Top speed estimated at 25 knots. Rebuild has resulted in shortening, and removal of 2 funnels and 2 boilers. Otherwise, her armament and upgrades are the same as those of USS Walker.

  USS Santa Catalina (CA-P-1)—(Protected cruiser). (Initially under repair at Madras). Formerly general cargo. 8,000 tons, 420’ x 53’, triple-expansion steam, oil fired, 10 knots (as reconstructed). Retains significant cargo/troop capacity, and has a seaplane catapult with recovery booms aft. 240 officers and enlisted. Armament: 4 x 5.5” mounted in armored casemate. 2 x 4.7” DP in armored tubs. 1 x 10” breech-loading rifle (20’ length) mounted on spring-assisted pneumatic recoil pivot.

  Carriers

  USNRS (US Navy Reserve Ship) Salissa, “Big Sal” (CV-1)—Aircraft carrier/tender, converted from seagoing Lemurian Home. Single screw, triple-expansion steam, 13,000 tons, 1,009’ x 200’. Armament: 2 x 5.5”, 2 x 4.7” DP, 4 x twin mount 25 mm AA, 20 x 50 pdrs (as reduced). 50 aircraft.

  USNRS Arracca (CV-3)—Aircraft carrier/tender converted from seagoing Lemurian Home. Single screw, triple-expansion steam, 14,670 tons, 1009’ x 210’. Armament: 2 x 4.7” DP, 50 x 50 pdrs. 50 aircraft.

  USS Maaka-Kakja (CV-4)—(Purpose-built aircraft carrier/tender). Specifications are similar to Arracca, but is capable of carrying upward of 80 aircraft—with some stowed in crates.

  USS Baalkpan Bay (CV-5)—(Purpose-built aircraft carrier/tender). First of a new class of smaller (850’ x 150’, 9,000 tons), faster (up to 15 knots), lightly armed (4 x Baalkpan Arsenal 4”-50 DP guns—2 amidships, 1 each forward and aft)—fleet carriers that can carry as many aircraft as Maaka-Kakja.

  “Small Boys”

  Frigates (DDs)

  USS Donaghey (DD-2)—Square rig sail only, 1200 tons, 168’ x 33’, 200 officers and enlisted. Sole survivor of first new construction. Armament: 24 x 18 pdrs, Y gun and depth charges.

  *Dowden Class—Square rig steamer, 1,500 tons, 12–15 knots, 185’ x 34’, 20 x 32 pdrs, Y gun and depth charges, 218 officers and enlisted.

  **Haakar-Faask Class—Square rig steamer, 15 knots, 1,600 tons, 200’ x 36’, 20 x 32 pdrs, Y gun and depth charges, 226 officers and enlisted.

  ***Scott Class—Square rig steamer, 17 knots, 1,800 tons, 210’ x 40’, 20 x 50 pdrs, Y gun and depth charges, 260 officers and enlisted.

  Corvettes (DEs)—Captured Grik “Indiamen,” primarily of the earlier (lighter) design. Razeed to the gun deck, these are swift, agile, dedicated sailors with three masts and a square rig. 120-160’ x 30-36’, about 900 tons (tonnage varies depending largely on armament, which also varies from 10 to 24 guns that range in weight and bore diameter from 12–18 pdrs). Y gun and depth charges.

  Auxiliaries—Still largely composed of purpose-altered Grik “Indiamen,” small and large, and used as transports, oilers, tenders, and general cargo. A growing number of steam auxiliaries have joined the fleet, with dimensions and appearance similar to Dowden and Haakar-Faask Class DDs, but with lighter armament. Some fast clipper-shaped vessels are employed as long-range oilers. Fore and aft rigged feluccas remain in service as fast transports and scouts. Respite Island Class SPDs (self-propelled dry dock) are designed along similar lines to the new purpose-built carriers—inspired by the massive seagoing Lemurian Homes. They are intended as rapid deployment, heavy-lift dry docks, and for bulky transport.

  USNRS—Salaama-Na Home—(Unaltered—other than by emplacement of 50 x 50 pdrs). 1014’ x 150’, 8,600 tons. 3 tripod masts support semirigid “junklike” sails or “wings.” Top speed about 6 knots, but capable of short sprints up to 10 knots using 100 long sweeps. In addition to living space in the hull, there are three tall pagoda-like structures within the tripods that cumulatively accommodate up to 6,000 people.

  Commodore (High Chief) Sor-Lomaak (L)—Commanding.

  Woor-Na Home—Lightly armed (ten 32 pdrs) heavy transport, specifications as above.

  Fristar Home—Nominally, if reluctantly Allied Home. Same basic specifications as Salaama-Na—as are all seagoing Lemurian Homes—but mounts only ten 32 pdrs.

  Aircraft: P-40E Warhawk—Allison V1710, V12, 1,150 hp. Max speed 360 mph, ceiling 29,000 ft. Crew: 1. Armament: Up to 6 x.50 cal Browning machine guns, and up to 1,000-lb bomb. PB-1B “Nancy”—“W/G” type, in-line 4 cyl 150 hp. Max speed 110 mph, max weight 1,900 lbs. Crew: 2. Armament: 400-lb bombs. PB-2 “Buzzard”—3 x “W/G” type, in-line 4 cyl 150 hp. Max speed 80 mph, max weight 3,000 lbs. Crew: 2, and up to 6 passengers. Armament: 600-lb bombs. PB-5 “Clipper”—4 x W/G type, in-line 4 cyl 150 hp. Max speed 90 mph, max weight 4,800 lbs. Crew: 3, and up to 8 passengers. Armament: 1,500-lb bombs. PB-5B—As above, but powered by 4 x MB 5 cyl, 254 hp radials. Max speed 125 mph, max weight 6,200 lbs. Crew: 3, and up to 10 passengers. Armament: 2,000-lb bombs. P-1 Mosquito Hawk or “Fleashooter”—MB 5 cyl radial 254 hp. Max speed 220 mph, max weight 1,220 lbs. Crew: 1. Armament: 2 x.45 cal “Blitzerbug” machine guns. P-1B—As above, but fitted for carrier ops.

  Field Artillery—6 pdr on split-trail “galloper” carriage—effective to about 1,500 yds, or 300 yds with canister. 12 pdr on stock-trail carriage—effective to about 1,800 yds, or 300 yds with canister. 3” mortar—effective to about 800 yds 4” mortar—effective to about 1,500 yds.

  Primary Small Arms—Sword, spear, crossbow, longbow, grenades, bayonet, smoothbore musket (.60 cal), rifled musket (.50 cal), Allin-Silva breech-loading rifled conversion (.50-80 cal), Allin-Silva breech-loading smoothbore conversion (20 gauge), 1911 Colt and copies (.45 ACP), Blitzerbug SMG (.45 ACP).

  Secondary Small Arms—1903 Springfield (.30-06), 1898 Krag-Jorgensen (.30 US), 1918 BAR (.30-06), Thompson SMG (.45 ACP). (A small number of other firearms are available.)

  Imperial Ships and Equipment

  These fall into a number of categories, and though few share enough specifics to be described as classes, they can be grouped by basic sizes and capabilities. Most do share the fundamental similarity of being powered by steam-driven paddlewheels and a complete suit of sails.

  Ships of the Line—About 180’–200’ x 52’–58’, 1,900–2,200 tons—50–80 x 30, 20 pdrs, 10 pdrs, 8 pdrs. (8 pdrs are more commonly used as field guns by the Empire). Speed, about 8–10 knots, 400–475 officers and enlisted.

  Frigates—About 160’–180’ x 38’–44’, 1,200–1,400 tons. 24–40 x 20–30 pdrs. Speed, about 13–15 knots, 275–350 officers and enlisted. Example: HIMS Achilles 160’ x 38’, 1,300 tons, 26 x 20 pdrs.

  Field Artillery—8 pdr on split-trail carriage—effective to about 1,500 yds, or 600 yds with grapeshot.

  Primary Small Arms—Sword, smoothbore flintlock musket (.75 cal), bayonet, pistol (Imperial service pistols are of two varieties: cheaply made but robust Field and Sea Service weapons in.62 cal, and privately purchased officer’s pistols that may be any caliber from about.40 to the service standard.

  Republic Ships and Equipment

  SMS Amerika—German ocean liner converted to a commerce raider in WWI. 669’ x 74’, 22,000 tons. Twin screw, 18 knots, 215 officers and enlisted, with space for 2,500 passengers or troops. Armament: 2 x 10.5 cm (4.1”) SK L/40, 6 x MG08 (Maxim) machine guns, 8 x 57 mm.

  Coastal and harbor defense vessels—specifications unknown. Aircraft? Field artillery—specifications unknown. Primary small arms: Sword, revolver, breech-loading bolt action, single-shot rifle (11.15 x 60R—.43 Mauser cal). Secondary small arms: M-1898 Mauser (8 x 57 mm), Mauser and Luger pistols, mostly in 7.65 cal.

  Enemy Warships and Equipment

  Grik

  ArataAmagi Class BBs (ironclad battleships)—800’ x 100’, 26,000 tons. Twin screw, double-expansion steam, max speed 10 knots. Crew: 1300. Armament: 32 x 100 pdrs, 30 x 3” AA mortars.

  Azuma Class CAs (ironclad cruisers)—300’ x 37’, about 3,800 tons. Twin screw, double-expansion steam, sail auxiliary, max speed 12 knots. Crew: 320 Armament: 20 x 40 or 14 x 100 pdrs. 4 x firebomb catapults.

  Heavy “Indiaman” Class—multipurpose transport/warships. Three masts, square rig, sail only.
180’ x 38’ about 1,100 tons (tonnage varies depending largely on armament, which also varies from 0 to 40 guns of various weights and bore diameters). The somewhat crude standard for Grik artillery is 2, 4, 9, 16, 40, 60, and now up to 100 pdrs, although the largest “Indiaman” guns are 40s. These ships have been seen to achieve about 14 knots in favorable winds. Light “Indiamen” (about 900 tons) are apparently no longer being made.

  Giorsh—Flagship of the Celestial Realm, now armed with 90 guns, from 16–40 pdrs.

  Tatsuta—Kurokawa’s double-ended paddle/steam yacht.

  Aircraft—Hydrogen-filled rigid dirigibles or zeppelins. 300’ x 48’, 5 x 2 cyl 80-hp engines, max speed 60 mph. Useful lift 3,600 lbs. Crew: 16. Armament: 6 x 2 pdr swivel guns, bombs.

  Field artillery—The standard Grik field piece is a 9 pdr, but 4s and 16s are also used, with effective ranges of 1,200, 800, and 1,600 yds, respectively. Powder is satisfactory, but windage is often excessive, resulting in poor accuracy. Grik “field” firebomb throwers fling 10- and 25-lb bombs, depending on the size, for a range of 200 and 325 yds, respectively.

  Primary small arms—Teeth, claws, swords, spears, Japanese-style matchlock (tanegashima) muskets (roughly.80 cal).