Spy Shadow: Command & Conquer

Chapter 2035, Sinking

Colonel Jimmy was conflicted.

According to regulations, he cannot relinquish command.

How could the warships of the British Empire be entrusted to the command of a Chinese man? He would be sent to a military court the next day.

However, his mission was very special: to test Zhang Yong's abilities.

If the other party insists on giving orders, and he refuses...

"Full right rudder!"

"Heading 170!"

"Speed ​​28 knots!"

Zhang Yong had already given the order. His voice was loud.

Colonel Jimmy hesitated for a moment, then finally repeated the order.

I did not relinquish command.

I remain the formation commander. I have not violated any regulations.

I simply accepted the other person's suggestion.

"Full right rudder!"

"Heading 170!"

"Speed ​​28 knots!"

Someone loudly repeated the command.

Then the command was repeated from the other end of the copper pipe.

The destroyer then began to make a sharp turn.

"Crash!"

"Crash!"

The destroyer is listing severely.

The seawater that splashed onto the deck was violently thrown back.

Everyone reached out and grabbed onto something nearby to steady themselves and avoid falling.

Destroyers are small in tonnage, maneuverable, and have a small turning radius. They are versatile in naval warfare. However, they are also prone to accidents.

In rough seas, such a sharp turn to starboard could very well capsize the destroyer and cause it to sink. Alas!

Fortunately not.

Zhang Yong had also commanded the Fantasy-class destroyer.

The Tribal-class destroyers are actually quite similar to the Fantasy-class destroyers. Both belong to the category of ships with extremely powerful firepower.

Successfully turned the corner.

Then accelerate.

"Approximately 240 kilometers from the target."

"Expected contact time: six hours."

Zhang Yong reported the parameters.

Everyone else silently took notes, without uttering a single word.

There are many things they can't understand right now. We can only record them for now and study them later.

"Crash..."

"Crash..."

Only the sound of the ship's bow cutting through the waves could be heard.

Zhang Yong closed his eyes to rest. He vaguely sensed that his motivation wasn't quite there yet.

Compared to the Fantasy-class destroyer, the Tribe-class destroyer appears to have slightly weaker propulsion.

Ultimately, the French still have the best boiler power.

After spending some time with them, Zhang Yong discovered that the boilers and steam turbines of the French Navy warships were excellent.

The caliber of the naval guns was also quite high, often reaching 45 calibers, much better than the British 38 calibers.

Unfortunately, France failed too quickly.

This meant the French Navy had no opportunity to demonstrate its capabilities, making it the most frustrated force in the world.

The specifications of the Richelieu battleship were extremely impressive. Even the Dunkirk, a battleship of a slightly lower class, had very strong technical specifications.

Unfortunately……

They all died before they could even begin their campaigns.

They are all heroes with no place to use their talents.

Shipyard Upgrades

[Acquiring data on the Dunkerque-class battleships]

[Data retrieval successful]

[Production in progress]

Insufficient energy to sort.

Please wait patiently.

A series of messages arrived.

Zhang Yong's heart remained calm and undisturbed.

The system is getting more and more ambitious. They even want to build battleships.

Check the parameters of the Dunkerque-class battleships.

Full load displacement: 35000 tons.

It is equipped with eight 330mm main guns.

It can carry three seaplanes.

Fortunately, there is a temporary energy shortage, so production is not possible.

Otherwise, if they actually produced a few battleships, the world would be in complete chaos.

Even just a few Scharnhorst-class battlecruisers would have been enough to keep Churchill up at night.

Tilted head.

A new idea popped into my head.

"Colonel Jimmy."

"You said."

"Please ask your superiors. I request that the destroyer USS Blackburn be transferred here to join the hunt."

"This……"

"Unless there are special circumstances, the Blackburn can be of great help."

"Commissioner, can you command two destroyers simultaneously? The Blackburn is quite far away; can we make it in time?"

"Of course. Blackburn and we, along with the target submarine, form an equilateral triangle. They can arrive at the same time as us."

"An equilateral triangle? Are you sure?"

"of course."

Zhang Yong spoke calmly.

What's there to doubt? It's measured systematically.

The air force map shows everything clearly. At this moment, the distances between the three coordinates are roughly equal.

To the naked eye, it was pitch black outside. There was not a single ray of light.

Only surging seawater. Utter darkness.

If someone accidentally falls in, they're really doomed.

The warship couldn't possibly stop to rescue people. And there was no way to save them anyway.

"I need to ask for instructions."

"Go!"

Zhang Yong nodded.

Colonel Jimmy then began his report.

At the same time, contact was made with the USS Blackburn destroyer.

Ultimately, the fleet command replied, approving the application.

"Zhang, you can now issue orders to the USS Blackburn destroyer."

"Order them to head to 210 and maintain a speed of 29 knots."

"it is good."

Colonel Jimmy immediately relayed the order.

So, hundreds of kilometers away, the USS Blackburn began to turn.

In reality, they had no idea where the target was. They were simply following orders. Heading 210, speed 29 knots.

Zhang Yong went inside to rest again.

Everything is fine for now.

There is a five-hour break.

It must have been late at night then, around 2 a.m.

Sure enough, after sailing for five hours, they were only about 30 kilometers away from the target submarine.

Zhang Yong then slowly appeared, rubbing his face, which he had just washed with cold water.

Although it was a double room, I didn't sleep well.

The warship was rocking violently.

"Colonel Jimmy."

"You said."

"Order the Blackburn to head to 240 and move closer to us; we are about thirty kilometers ahead of it."

"Ok."

Colonel Jimmy relayed the order.

Then, Zhang Yong ordered all the lights to be turned on.

This way, you can better mark yourself and avoid bumping into things in the dark.

The warship has no brakes. It cannot brake suddenly. And in the dark, a collision would be fatal.

Colonel Jimmy cannot yet guarantee that what Zhang Yong said is 100% true.

The USS Blackburn will rendezvous with me. That's fine. But if we collide, we're doomed.

Is there radio communication available?

"Have."

"Can I speak directly with the Blackburn?"

"can."

"Okay, I'll contact them directly."

Zhang Yong entered the command room.

The command center, as the name suggests, is where various orders are issued.

It is equipped with a radio, allowing for close-range communication with other warships. However, the maximum range is only fifty kilometers?
That's roughly the distance for airborne communications, or maybe even further.

Soon, the radio instant communication was established.

Zhang Yong picked up the microphone.

"Blackburn, you are now under my command."

"receive."

“I am 28 kilometers ahead of you. You must move closer to me immediately.”

"receive."

"That's all. I'll keep in touch with you."

Zhang Yong hung up the phone.

Then wait silently.

twenty minutes……

Forty minutes...

He picked up the microphone again.

"Now, head at 150 and speed at 30 knots, and follow me from my left."

"Attention, all lights on my ship are on. Your ship, please also turn on all lights. Be alert for identification."

Zhang Yong continued to issue orders.

Then wait silently.

ten minutes……

twenty minutes……

"Bang bang!"

"Bang bang!"

The lookout sentry sounded.

This indicates that a ship has been spotted to the left rear.

A moment later, it was confirmed that it was the USS Blackburn.

Colonel Jimmy: ...

He hurriedly raised his binoculars.

Sure enough, the target with all the lights on was spotted.

He secretly admired her.

This Zhang Yong.

This skill is truly amazing.

They were able to summon Blackburn in the dark.

It still uses such simple and straightforward commands, instead of various coordinate calculations and speed estimations.

Although Colonel Jimmy could do it himself without Zhang Yong's command, it certainly wouldn't be as fast.

"Now, we are very close to the target submarine."

"accelerate!"

"Speed ​​increased to 32 knots."

Zhang Yong gave the order.

The two destroyers began to accelerate.

They were getting closer and closer to the submarine. The sonar operators were on high alert.

at last……

Submarine spotted!

Submarine spotted!

The sonar operator picked up the sound of the propeller churning.

Meanwhile, Blackburn also sent a report saying that the sonar operators had also made a discovery, and the sound was unfamiliar.

This indicates that the ship was neither a British warship nor one of any other friendly forces in the vicinity.

It should be understood that different warships and different propellers produce different sounds. Each has its own unique characteristics.

A skilled sonar operator will memorize these sounds. Upon hearing them, they can generally identify the target.

An unfamiliar voice. It signifies an unfamiliar destination.

It is very likely that they are enemies, not friends.

"Zhang, could you turn off the lights?"

"can."

"Switch off all lights immediately. Go to Level One alert."

Colonel Jimmy gave the order.

If there are lights, it's easy to spot a target.

Since our own sonar can detect it, we estimate that the target submarine's sonar can also detect it.

In other words, that unidentified submarine must have also detected the arrival of the destroyer.

It is estimated that the other side is also on high alert, ready to strike at any moment.

Torpedoes could be launched at any moment.

"Turn off the lights!"

"Level One Combat Readiness!"

Meanwhile, the USS Blackburn also sounded the battle alarm.

All positions are on high alert.

Artillery of all calibers began to point at the target.

Where is the target?
"Attention, all ships!"

"Target is 8 kilometers away! Heading 230!"

"Attention, all ships!"

"Target is 8 kilometers away! Heading 230!"

Zhang Yong downplayed it.

Having cheat codes makes you strong.

The enemy submarines were like torches in the darkness, clearly visible.

No matter how cleverly it's hidden, it's useless.

Over there, Colonel Jimmy was completely awestruck. He was utterly impressed, though he didn't understand it.

I have absolutely no idea how Zhang Yong discovered the submarine.

But it was discovered.

"Colonel Jimmy, identify yourself!"

"understand!"

Colonel Jimmy sent out a large number of messages.

The main purpose was to confirm whether there were any friendly submarines nearby.

If it's not friendly, then it's enemy territory. Then we can take action.

"Zhang, is it a German submarine?"

"possible."

Zhang Yong deliberately gave vague answers.

Actually, it was a Japanese submarine. But they deliberately didn't say that.

Just treat it like a German submarine, then attack it. Then sink it.

Unless the Japanese submarines reveal their identities on their own initiative.

"Invent the code telegraph!"

"Yes."

This is the last resort.

The hope is that the other submarine will receive it.

Because their identities are unknown, they can only use the common code.

If the other party has no secrets to hide, they will naturally surface and then reply with a plaintext telegram.

However, if the other party doesn't reply, it actually speeds up the process...

"report!"

"The submarine is accelerating!"

The sonar operator quickly reported: The target's propeller is accelerating.

Colonel Jimmy's brows furrowed immediately.

The other party is actually accelerating?
doing what?
Are they trying to escape?
Whose submarine is it?

Why run away?

Was it a German submarine?

Because it was night, Colonel Jimmy couldn't see the submarine's exterior.

If it were daytime, he might have been able to see it and identify it as a Japanese submarine.

The problem is, it's nighttime now.

Zhang Yong did it on purpose. He deliberately approached his target in the dark.

When the telescope couldn't detect the object, communication was the only option. Then the other party refused to answer.

This suddenly increases the likelihood that it is an "enemy".

Why didn't the Japanese submarines respond?

The reason is simple.

The ship that responded earlier is still stuck in a Sri Lankan port!
Given this precedent, the Japanese submarine must have been worried that if it surfaced, it would be forcibly taken to the port of Singapore and then placed under house arrest.

Previously, we encountered French destroyers. They were very hostile towards Japanese submarines.

Now we're encountering a British destroyer. Does that mean we'll be more friendly towards them?
Of course not.

The Japanese invaders had already formed a preconceived notion.

Subconsciously, they already regarded the British as enemies.

Since they are enemies, they will not obey orders.

Therefore, the Japanese submarine wanted to escape.

They wanted to use the darkness of night to escape successfully.

After all, the vast ocean is dark and has a great advantage.

If you dive deep into the sea for a while and change direction, you might be able to get rid of it.

Or perhaps after a deep dive, shut off the engine. Silence all sound. Wait quietly.

Generally speaking, a submarine can stay underwater for several hours without any problems if its engines are completely shut down.

Perhaps in a few hours, the destroyer will have left. Then it will be able to survive.

Unfortunately, Zhang Yong wouldn't give it that opportunity.

"It seems to be a German submarine."

"They might be planning to attack your British merchant ships in the Far East."

Zhang Yong said casually.

In fact, it was a deliberate attempt to mislead Colonel Jimmy.

Currently, German submarines have begun attacking British merchant ships in the Atlantic.

Although it's not very large in scale yet, it has already attracted the attention of the British, who are feeling tense.

It should be understood that the British Isles have very low domestic production of resources and rely heavily on imports.

Once a merchant ship is sunk, it's equivalent to a large amount of goods sinking to the bottom of the sea.

Then the British Isles will lack supplies.

Therefore, one of the important tasks of the British Navy is to protect the safety of transport ships.

Now, an unidentified submarine, which is not responding and is trying to escape, has appeared in the Far East. What do you think it is here for?
"It must be sunk!"

Zhang Yong answered without hesitation.

Colonel Jimmy nodded firmly.

He wasn't a good person either.

In fact, the British Navy is no pushover.

Since the other party has strong "malice," it is only right to strike first.

Previously, other countries had already responded, stating that they had no submarines in the area. This indicates that they are definitely not friendly forces. So what are we hesitating for?
"accelerate!"

"go ahead!"

Zhang Yong decisively gave the order.

The destroyer began to accelerate, closing the distance.

The sonar operator reported that the propeller sound had disappeared. It couldn't be heard for the time being.

Clearly, the target submarine was stationary and lying in wait.

The other party is underwater.

However, the sonar could not detect it. Its location could not be determined.

Colonel Jimmy looked at Zhang Yong.

"accelerate!"

Zhang Yong remained calm and composed.

Others don't know the submarine's location. But the system does!

The target submarine was stationary, lurking underwater, just waiting to die. Approaching it would be like being bombarded with depth charges.

At this moment, there were no Hedgehog bombs yet. Only ordinary depth charges. But that was enough to sink the ship.

"Crash!"

"Crash!"

The destroyer continued forward.

Zhang Yong ordered a reduction in speed, to around five knots.

When they were 100 meters away from the Japanese submarine, they ordered the dropping of depth charges.

"Pfft!"

"Pfft!"

One depth charge after another was dropped.

At first, nothing happened.

until……

"Boom..."

"Boom..."

A muffled explosion was heard.

A depth charge exploded next to a Japanese submarine.

very close.

Almost touching.

The Japanese submarines were absolutely doomed.

One shot into the soul.

Moreover, ten shots.

"boom……"

"boom……"

Sure enough, a series of explosions followed.

Sonar quickly picked up the jumbled sounds of the submarine explosion, indicating a hit.

There were many pieces of debris colliding. The sounds were chaotic.

"Turn on all the lights!"

"Search the sea surface with searchlights!"

Colonel Jimmy gave the order.

Soon, all the lights were turned on.

The destroyer USS Blackburn also came to help.

The snow-white searchlights crisscrossed the sea.

"Look!"

"Clutter!"

"Oil stains!"

"Hit!"

"Destroyed!"

The crowd cheered.

Debris and wreckage kept pouring up.

A large area of ​​oil slick has appeared on the sea surface, and it is gradually spreading.

It can be stated with 100% certainty that the target submarine was destroyed.

Colonel Jimmy: ...

He turned to look at Zhang Yong, seemingly lost in thought.

What a great speed.

Such accurate judgment.

It only takes ten depth charges and it's done!

This guy's skills are truly impressive. And incredibly bizarre. I just can't understand them.

Science cannot explain it.

But in any case, this is a good thing.

If the other side is willing to help the British, the British are guaranteed to win any future naval battles.

"Zhang. Confirm sinking?"

"confirm."

Zhang Yong answered calmly.

Radar maps show that the red submarine marker has disappeared.

This indicates that the Japanese submarine was completely destroyed. It was blown to pieces. None of the crew survived.

Live it!

Discover yourself!

what!
There was no gold on the submarine.

If there were gold, it might be able to save their lives.

Colonel Jimmy confirmed it was correct.

"Somebody come!"

"To!"

"Report to fleet headquarters immediately that we have sunk a German submarine!"

"Yes!"

[To be continued]

(End of this chapter)