Attack of the Greyhounds (Greyhounds of the Sea Book 1) by H.Nelson Freeman

Author:H.Nelson Freeman [Freeman, H.Nelson]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-12-16T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

The jury-rigged TBS came alive, “Section two, Able-Charlie. MB out,” the cruiser Xander sent.

“OOD, have the radio messenger reset the TBS to the alternative frequency. It will be nice when we have our bulkhead mounted TBS back.”

“Aye, sir, to be sure.”

The signal messenger returned with a flimsy for the Captain. After initializing it, he read the contents twice. Then he motioned the OOD to step over. He handed the OOD the message.

OB, FN.

The enemy force is at fifteen miles distance. It consists of at least two Nagara, or Kuma light cruisers, and eight of destroyers of mixed classes.

We will attack at maximum distance, then backtrack. Hopefully, the enemy force will pursue, then the ball will be in your court.

BA sends.

The OOD called the messenger. “Write this down and take it to the temporary operations center. Armament for Kuma and Nagara class light cruisers.”

The messenger wrote it down and headed out. After locating the box containing the Japanese ship identification books, the duty Operations Officer had the information written down for the bridge. The messenger rushed back to the bridge, giving it to the OOD.

The OOD turned to the Captain; he’s studying the message. ‘The destroyers would have a mix of four-point-seven and five-inch main battery. He wasn’t sure about the cruisers.’

“Sir, here’s the information you requested.”

The Captain scanned the armament on the cruisers. He was surprised to find both ships had the same caliber and general arrangements. He called for the Gunnery Officer, Lieutenant JG Orman Bennett. It only took a few moments for the junior officer to answer his Commanding Officer’s summons.

“Permission to enter the bridge?” the Lieutenant asked.

“Granted.” The OOD responded.

He went to the Captain, “You sent for me, sir?” as he glanced around at the devastated bridge.

“Yes, how is your main and secondary batteries?”

“All guns are in commission, sir; we’re fully combat-ready. The men are looking forward to tangling with the enemy.”

“We all are, it’s payback time. Very well, get your mounts and secondaries ready for surface action.”

“Aye, sir.”

“And tell them I have full confidence in them and know every one of them will do their best.”

“Thank you, sir; I know they will appreciate your confidence.” He saluted and left the bridge.

The Captain took a deep breath as he looked out the makeshift windscreen at the forward mounts. He looked at the shrapnel damage to the fifty-two mount, then said to the OOD, “I’m going to make a quick visit to the wardroom and check on the men. If anything develops, call me on the 1MC.”

The OOD acknowledged the order and began planning his action based on the current conditions.

The Captain knocked on the wardroom door in case it was in a sterile condition. A Corpsman answered and invited him in. He then called out, “Attention on deck.”

“As you were.” The Captain quickly said in a subdued voice. “We’re suspending that announcement while in the combat area.

“Aye, sir, sorry.”

“That’s alright; habits are hard to break. What is the wounded count, and how are they doing?”

“Let me get the Doctor, sir; he has those answers.

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