Chapter 247 Poseidon vs Kraken? Part 1
The Mk 54 torpedoes, the Poseidon's primary anti-submarine armament, had been launched. Designed for deep-water engagement, these lightweight torpedoes were perfect for the task at hand. Propelled by a high-speed, water-jet propulsion system, the Mk 54s were designed to track and hunt down underwater threats. As they sped through the water, their sonar systems activated, homing in on the acoustic profile relayed by the sonobuoys.
"Torpedo tracking is active," reported the Acoustic Operator, eyes glued to the sonar screen. The sonar signals painted a picture of the underwater battlefield, with the torpedoes' paths converging towards the massive, moving target.
The Poseidon crew watched the screens with bated breath as the torpedoes closed in on the entity. The TACCO, calculating the time to impact, prepared to coordinate the next phase of the attack.
"Approaching target...," murmured the Ordinance Operator.
The Navigator/Communicator, maintaining communications with Blackwatch Command, relayed real-time updates. "Torpedoes nearing target, potential impact in 3... 2... 1..."
A sudden blip on the sonar screen signaled the torpedoes' impact. The Mk 54 torpedoes, upon reaching their target, detonated their high-explosive warheads, designed to inflict maximum damage on submerged targets. The explosions were designed to create a lethal shockwave and pressure pulse, devastating to any underwater entity in close proximity.
The pilot and the co-pilot peered from their window and saw a huge column of water erupting from the depths. The force of the detonation was powerful enough to disturb the surface of the sea, despite the heavy rain and choppy waves.
Back inside the Poseidon, the crew's initial relief was short-lived. The Acoustic Operator's voice broke through the temporary silence. "The target... it's still moving!"
The sonar screen showed that, despite the direct hit, the aquatic creature was continuing its trajectory, albeit at a slightly reduced speed. The enormous size and strength of the creature appeared to have lessened the expected impact of the torpedoes.
"Poseidon to Blackwatch, the target is hit but still active," the pilot reported urgently.
"Copy that, Poseidon," came the response from Blackwatch Command. "Maintain surveillance and prepare for another engagement if necessary."
The TACCO quickly reassessed the situation, "We need to hit it again but with a more focused strike. Acoustic Operator, can you get a more precise location?"
"Working on it," the Acoustic Operator replied, recalibrating the sonar to get a more detailed reading on the creature's current position and movement.
The Navigator/Communicator kept the aircraft in a stable hover over the target area, ensuring the Poseidon remained in an optimal position for another attack.
"Let's attack it with depth charges this time," the Ordnance operator suggested.
"Depth charges," mused the TACCO, contemplating the Ordnance Operator's suggestion. "That might be our best option now."
Depth charges, unlike torpedoes, are explosive devices intended to be dropped into the water, where they descend to a predetermined depth before detonating. Unlike the homing capabilities of torpedoes, depth charges work on the principle of blanket-bombing an area underwater, creating lethal shockwaves designed to damage or destroy submerged targets within their blast radius. This method of attack could prove more effective against a target as large and resilient as the aquatic creature, especially given its apparent ability to withstand direct torpedo hits.
"Prepare the depth charges. Set them for varied depths to maximize the impact area," the TACCO instructed.
The Ordinance Operator quickly set to work, configuring the depth charges with the specific detonation depths and preparing them for deployment. "Charges set for staggered depths, TACCO. Ready to deploy on your command."
The Acoustic Operator, having recalibrated the sonar, provided an update on the creature's location. "The target has slowed down but is still moving. Depth readings suggest it's near the seabed in this region."
"Perfect," said the TACCO. "Pilot, position us directly above the target for optimal deployment."
The Pilot adjusted the Poseidon's position, bringing the aircraft to hover over the indicated area. "We're in position. Ready for deployment."
"Deploy depth charges," the TACCO commanded.
With a series of mechanical clunks and thuds, the depth charges were released from the Poseidon, disappearing into the churning sea below. The crew waited in tense silence as the charges sank toward their preset depths.
"Depth charges deployed, descending to engagement depths," reported the Ordinance Operator, monitoring their descent.
As the charges reached their designated depths, a series of muffled booms resonated through the water, visible on the sonar as expanding circles of disturbance. Each explosion created powerful shockwaves, intended to envelop the creature in a series of concussive blasts.
"Depth charges have detonated," announced the Acoustic Operator. "Analyzing effects on the target."
The sonar screen flickered with new data, showing the aftermath of the depth charge explosions. The crew watched intently for any sign of the creature's reaction or change in behavior.
Moments passed as the data was analyzed, and then the Acoustic Operator spoke, "The target... it's been hit, and there's a significant change in its movement pattern."
"Is it retreating?" asked the TACCO.
"It seems so," replied the Acoustic Operator. "Its speed has decreased, and it's moving away from the LPD-1."
"Poseidon to Blackwatch, depth charge attack seems to have been effective. The creature is retreating," the pilot relayed to the command center.
"Copy that, Poseidon. Good work. But we don't want it running away, we want it contained or best eliminated. So do your best to bring that aquatic beast down."
"Understood, Blackwatch. We'll switch to naval mines for containment and elimination," the TACCO responded, shifting the strategy.
Naval mines, unlike torpedoes and depth charges, are designed to be laid in the water to create a barrier or trap. These mines can be activated by the presence of a ship or a large creature like the aquatic entity they were pursuing. Each mine contains a significant explosive charge, designed to detonate on contact or close proximity, inflicting substantial damage.
"Ordnance, prepare the naval mines. Let's create a containment grid," ordered the TACCO.
The Ordnance Operator swiftly began the preparation. "Setting mines for pressure activation. We'll lay a pattern that should corner the creature and limit its movement."
The Acoustic Operator, continuously monitoring the creature's movement, provided crucial information. "Target's current path is leading it towards a narrower channel. Perfect for mine deployment."
"Navigator set course for the channel. We need to lay these mines before the creature gets there," directed the TACCO.
The Pilot adjusted the Poseidon's flight path, heading towards the designated area. "Course set for mine deployment."
As the Poseidon reached the area, the Ordnance Operator began deploying the mines in a strategic pattern, designed to create a tight barrier. The mines, once deployed, sank slowly to the seabed, arming themselves in the process.
"Naval mines deployed. The grid is active," announced the Ordnance Operator.
"Now, we wait," said the TACCO, eyes fixed on the sonar screen.
Minutes passed as the crew of the Poseidon watched the aquatic creature's approach towards the minefield.
"Target is approaching the minefield," reported the Acoustic Operator. "It's entering the grid now."
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