Chapter 248 Poseidon vs Kraken? Part 2
The crew watched as the creature, displayed as a large blip on the sonar moved into the grid. Then, a series of sharp blips indicated that the creature had made contact with the mines.
Explosions resonated underwater, each mine detonating upon the creature's contact. The shockwaves were strong enough to be detected by Poseidon's equipment, creating a series of ripples on the sonar screen.
"Multiple detonations in the minefield. The target is taking hits," the Acoustic Operator narrated the unfolding scene.
The Pilot and Co-Pilot maintained a steady hover, keeping the Poseidon in position to observe the aftermath. The Navigator/Communicator relayed the updates back to Blackwatch Command.
"Poseidon to Blackwatch, the creature has hit the minefield. We are observing significant reactions. Awaiting further instructions," the pilot communicated.
"Copy, Poseidon. Maintain surveillance. Let's see if this stops it," came the response from Blackwatch Command.
Inside the Poseidon, the crew continued to monitor the situation, hopeful that the naval mine strategy would prove to be the decisive blow in this unprecedented engagement against an aquatic monster.
However, as they observed the sonar readings, it became clear that the creature, though heavily impacted, was still functional. Its movement seems to now appear labored and sluggish, indicative of significant injury but not total incapacitation.
"The creature's speed has decreased substantially," reported the Acoustic Operator, analyzing the latest sonar data. "It seems to be wounded, but it's still moving."
On the sonar screen, the large blip representing the creature moved more slowly now, its path less direct than before, as if disoriented or in distress.
"TACCO to crew, it's injured but not neutralized. We need to maintain pressure. Keep tracking its movement," instructed the Tactical Coordinator, assessing their options.
The Navigator/Communicator, maintaining a vigilant eye on the course and position of the Poseidon, ensured the aircraft stayed aligned with the creature's new trajectory. "Staying on its tail. We won't let it slip away."
The Ordnance Operator, reviewing the remaining arsenal, suggested, "We still have AGM-84D Harpoon missiles. They're not designed for underwater targets, but given the creature's injured state, a direct hit could be effective."
TACCO shook his head. "No, the sonar reading indicates that the aquatic monster is going deeper. Let's use our remaining torpedo to finish it off."
"Torpedoes ready for launch," the Ordnance Operator confirmed, adjusting the targeting system to account for the creature's new depth and reduced speed.
The TACCO quickly planned the attack. "Calculate the torpedo's descent to intercept the creature's path. We need precision here."
The Acoustic Operator worked diligently, updating the sonar readings and predicting the creature's trajectory. "Target's depth increasing, adjusting torpedo descent angle."
The Pilot and Co-Pilot adjusted the Poseidon's position, positioning the aircraft directly above the predicted path of the creature for optimal torpedo deployment.
"Ready for torpedo launch," the Ordnance Operator announced, with the torpedoes locked onto the creature's last known position.
"Fire torpedoes," commanded the TACCO.
The Mk 54 torpedoes, once again, were deployed into the ocean. Their propulsion systems activated, driving them toward the depths where the creature lurked.
"Torpedoes away and tracking," the Acoustic Operator reported, eyes fixed on the sonar display as the torpedoes' paths merged with the creature's signature.
"Approaching the target," the Ordnance Operator stated, tracking the torpedoes' progress.
The Navigator/Communicator maintained communication with Blackwatch Command, providing real-time updates on the engagement.
"Torpedoes nearing target," the Acoustic Operator updated, "Impact in 3... 2... 1..."
Once again, the sonar screen displayed the unmistakable signs of torpedo impact. The explosive force of the Mk 54s detonated at the creature's depth, sending shockwaves through the water.
"Direct hits confirmed," the Ordnance Operator said.
***
Meanwhile, at the command center in New Clark City. Richard entered and the staffers quickly halted what they were doing and performed a salute.
"At ease," Richard waved his hand dismissively, walking towards Mark and Sara.
"What's the situation on the LPD-2?"
"We are sending rescue boats to the scene of the wreck, the numbers of the casualties, dead, and injured will follow. Graves is monitoring the situation," Mark reported.
"What about the creature underwater?" Richard asked another.
"The Poseidon is giving it a rough time," Sara interceded. "And they seem to show signs of progress in taking it down. What took you so long to return?"
"Well, I just summoned an aircraft asset comparable to the United States Seventh Air Force," Richard explained. "Figured that we might need them in the future and to avoid reacting in every situation, because I notice that when there is a threat, we figure what hardware is effective against it and then summon that hardware, it's inefficient."
"I agree," Mark concurred.
Richard turned to face the monitor screen mounted on the wall, showing the live footage of Poseidon's cameras, along with its panels and instruments.
"Sir…is it possible to know the health bar of the aquatic creature?"
Richard shook his head. "In order for me to see that, I need to see them directly. But I can't due to the nature that they are underwater. The only way I can know that they are defeated is if it's terminated."
Richard's eyes narrowed as he watched the live feed, assessing the situation. "Keep up the pressure, Poseidon. We can't afford to let this creature escape or recover."
Back on the Poseidon, the crew prepared for another round of engagement. The TACCO directed, "Reload torpedoes. We'll hit it again. Focus on its last known trajectory."
The Ordinance Operator quickly loaded another set of Mk 54 torpedoes. "Torpedoes armed and ready for launch."
The Acoustic Operator, monitoring the sonar, announced, "The creature's movement has become erratic, but it's still heading deeper."
"Depth shouldn't be a problem for our torpedoes. They're designed for deep-sea engagement," the TACCO reassured the crew. "Pilot, get us into position."
The Pilot maneuvered the Poseidon, aligning it with the creature's projected path. "We're in position for another torpedo run."
The Navigator/Communicator maintained a steady line of communication with Richard at the command center. "We're ready for the second engagement, awaiting confirmation."
Richard's voice came through the earpiece, steady and determined. "Confirmed. Engage the target."
"Fire torpedoes," ordered the TACCO.
Again, the torpedoes plunged into the ocean, homing in on the creature. The crew watched the sonar screen intently as the torpedoes closed in.
"Impact imminent," the Acoustic Operator reported.
A series of blips on the sonar screen indicated the torpedoes' impact. The crew held their breath, waiting for the results.
"We have multiple hits," the Ordinance Operator confirmed. "The creature's movement has stopped."
The Acoustic Operator analyzed the sonar readings. "No further movement detected. It appears to be... it's not moving anymore."
A collective sigh of relief swept through the Poseidon. The Pilot spoke into the communication device, "Blackwatch, this is Poseidon. The target has been neutralized."
But Richard wasn't convinced, because there was no notification of him alerting him that they had terminated the creature.
Richard's skepticism proved justified. Moments later, Poseidon's Acoustic Operator reported a significant development. "Hold on, we're seeing something... the target, it's resurfacing."
The crew braced as the sonar blip representing the creature began ascending rapidly. "Visuals coming through," said the Observer, adjusting the camera feed to capture the creature's emergence.
On the Poseidon's monitors and the command center's screens alike, the aquatic monster breached the ocean surface. Its appearance was nothing short of nightmarish. The creature had ten massive tentacles, each one writhing and flailing, covered in slick, dark skin that glistened under the rainfall. The tentacles seemed almost independent in their movements, yet coordinated in their menacing display.
The most striking feature, however, was its face, which bore an uncanny resemblance to a wormhole. It was a swirling vortex of dark, mottled flesh, surrounded by jagged, bone-like structures. This gaping maw seemed to warp and pulse, creating a disorienting effect that was almost hypnotic.
"It's like something out of a deep-sea horror," murmured the Navigator/Communicator, his voice tinged with awe and fear.
"Look at the size of it... those tentacles could easily engulf a ship," the Ordnance Operator added, his eyes fixed on the screen.
Richard, observing from the command center, felt a chill run down his spine. "What kind of monster is that?"
The system answered that question.
[Abyssal Leviathan]
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