Goliath

“Then, theoretically, yes, the sub could become self-sufficient. Every compartment aboard the Goliath contains visual, acoustic, and voice-activated sensor arrays, allowing Sorceress to monitor every station twenty-four hours a day. The engine room, reactor room, weapons, control room, life-support systems—all were designed to be controlled by the central computer.”

“What about chores involving physical manipulation, say the loading of a torpedo?”

“Goliath’s weapons bays and loading compartments have been equipped with the latest robotic arms. All watertight doors and hatches possess pneumatic pistons that can be opened or sealed by Sorceress within seconds.”

“And how does Sorceress receive its orders?”

“The captain relays commands through a master control station located on the conn, although I wouldn’t be surprised if Covah’s developed a voice-activated system by now. Again, Mr. President, the chances of Covah having Sorceress on board are remote, at best.”

“What about weapons? What’s this thing armed with?”

“Our version of the Goliath contained two weapons bays, one located in each forward compartment of the sub’s wings. Each bay contains three torpedo tubes. Twelve pairs of vertical launch silos are housed within her spine, along with twenty-four surface-to-air missile tubes and two 20-mm guns, which protrude behind the stingray’s head like horns.

“Based on the attack on the Jacksonville and Hampton,” General Jackson interrupts, “we know she’s heavily armed with Chinese 533-mm torpedoes, which don’t have the range of our own Mk-48s.”

“Yes,” Rocky says, “but Goliath’s sensor array can program its weapons to act as antitorpedo torpedoes, which means she’s capable of intercepting another sub’s incoming projectiles before they can strike.”

“I want to know more about her launch capabilities,” the president interrupts.

“Yes, sir. The ship’s missile silos were designed to launch our newest Tomahawk cruise missile, but the system can easily be adapted to accommodate other SLAMs.”

“Tell us about these remote minisubs, Commander,” General Ben-Meir says.

Rocky changes the image. A sleek submersible appears before them, its shape matching that of a hammerhead shark, except for its smooth hydrodynamic curves and tail fin, which houses a small pump-jet propulsor.

“The Goliath’s minisubs were designed by Gunnar Wolfe,” says Rocky. “Why don’t we let him explain them.”

Nunziata turns to Gunnar. “Go on, Captain.”

Gunnar stares at the original drawings he had sketched years earlier. A lifetime ago …

“For the record, these subs were intended to be piloted by Navy SEALS and used during covert—”

“Just tell us how the damn things work,” Nunziata snaps.

Gunnar stares at the image revolving in midair. “The Hammerhead minisub is a ROSAV, or Remotely Operated Submersible Attack Vehicle, based on the same concept used by our Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. As you can see, the vehicle resembles the contours of a hammerhead shark—”

“Why?” the president interrupts.

“Maneuverability and reconnaissance. The hammerhead shark allows for the best hydrodynamic performance while offering an acceptable and intimidating camouflage. Sensors in the dorsal fin enable Goliath’s computer to scan enemy shorelines without appearing suspicious.”

“How many of these Hammerheads does Covah have?” Pertic asks.

“The Goliath’s hangar deck was designed to support twelve minisubs, all of which were housed in docking stations along the underside of the mother ship’s belly. Each minisub is remotely linked to Sorceress.”

“Again, you’re assuming the computer’s been activated,” Austin Tapscott chimes in.

“Sorceress was Simon’s baby,” Gunnar says. “In my opinion, he couldn’t have hunted down the carrier fleet without it.”

“So says you,” Rocky interrupts.

Gunnar ignores her. “Within each shark’s bow is a small, high-pressure launch tube capable of firing a minitorpedo.”

“Powerful enough to take out a carrier?” asks the president.

“No,” Gunnar answers. “They were designed to disable another submarine’s screw. My guess is Covah used platter mines to sink the fleet.” He points to the three-dimensional design. “See here? Concealed beneath the Hammerhead’s belly are a pair of three-pronged mechanical claws—claspers—capable of transporting and attaching underwater mines to the keels of enemy ships.”

Secretary Ayers turns to Rocky. “Do you concur, Commander? Is this what destroyed our fleet?”

“It makes sense, sir. Ship-to-ship radio contact underwater is nearly impossible. Goliath communicates to its minisubs by a form of acoustics similar to echolocation. The underwater transmission resembles the sounds emitted by orcas. I heard that clicking sound just before the attack on the CVBG, but … it was too late.”

“I’ve heard enough,” President Edwards says. “General Ben-Meir, what are we doing to stop this thing?”