Chapter 389 Confrontation at Sea Part 1  

As the Battleship Ciela Bonaparte reached the reported coordinates, the crew immediately initiated standard submarine search procedures. Captain Emeriau, stationed on the bridge, directed his officers with precision.

"Activate the sonar sweep," he commanded. The sonar team, working with the ship's advanced equipment, began a systematic search of the surrounding waters. The sonar's pings, emitted at regular intervals, penetrated the depths, scanning for any sign of the elusive submarine.

On the deck, the crew readied the anti-submarine weaponry. The ship was equipped with depth charges, designed to target submarines. These charges could be deployed rapidly upon detecting a submarine, creating powerful underwater explosions intended to damage or destroy the hidden enemy.

Leclerc, overseeing the deck operations, reported to Emeriau. "Depth charges are primed and ready, Captain. Aerial reconnaissance is ongoing."

Emeriau nodded, his focus shifting between the sonar readings and the reports from the seaplanes circling overhead. The seaplanes, equipped with their own detection equipment, which is basically binoculars, expanded the search area, providing crucial aerial perspectives.

The bridge was a hub of controlled activity, with officers relaying information and updates. Emeriau, analyzing every piece of data, remained alert for any anomaly in the sonar readings or reports from above.

"Keep the sonar sweep continuous and adjust the frequency," he instructed, aware that a skilled submarine crew might be attempting to evade detection.

***

Meanwhile, beneath the sea, Captain Ivan of the Ottoman submarine assessed the situation with a critical eye. He was aware of the Ciela Bonaparte's capabilities and knew they were now actively searching for his vessel.

"The French battleship is here and is looking for us," Ivan acknowledged, addressing his crew. His submarine, equipped with stealth technology, had so far managed to evade detection, but the persistent sonar sweeps from the surface posed a significant challenge. "Adjust our depth and heading," Captain Ivan instructed. "Engage silent running protocols." Silent running was a critical maneuver in submarine operations, minimizing noise and electronic emissions to reduce the chance of detection.

***

The crew moved swiftly, adjusting the submarine's systems. The engines were throttled back, and non-essential equipment was powered down. Every member of the crew knew the importance of maintaining absolute silence to avoid sonar detection.

Back on the Ciela Bonaparte, Captain Emeriau continued to oversee the operation. The sonar team periodically reported back, but no conclusive contact had been made. Emeriau understood that a submarine in evasion mode could be challenging to detect, especially if the crew was skilled and the vessel well-equipped.

"There's no doubt about that submarine. It's manned by a Russian crew and captain. There is no way that Ottoman crews can hide from us for too long," Captain Emeriau said.

"I can say the same thing too, captain," Leclerc nodded his head in agreement. "But if we were to confirm that the submarine is manned by a Russian crew…isn't that a direct aggression from Russia? If so…would a war between France and Russia spark?"

Captain Emeriau shook his head. "If the Russians are hired by the Ottomans, then it's a matter of mercenary activity, not direct state aggression. You should know this when a country has a crew with no idea or knowledge of the ship's functions, they often resort to hiring experienced personnel from other nations. It's a common practice in naval warfare, albeit a complicated one diplomatically."

Leclerc nodded, understanding the complexities involved. "So, our immediate concern remains the submarine itself, regardless of who means it."

"Exactly," Emeriau affirmed. "Let's focus on the task at hand. Keep monitoring the sonar and maintain communication with the aerial units. We can't afford to lose track of them."

The Ciela Bonaparte continued its meticulous search. The sonar operators, highly trained in their craft, adjusted the equipment's frequency and sensitivity, trying to outsmart any evasive tactics the submarine might employ.

Meanwhile, the seaplanes provided updates from their vantage point, though their visual search was hampered by the vastness of the sea and the limitations of spotting a submerged vessel from the air. The submarines they detected submerged probably at the time they spotted the battleship, rendering them useless for immediate visual identification.

Suddenly, one of the sonar operators on the Ciela Bonaparte perked up, his attention fixed on the console in front of him.

"Captain, I'm picking up a distinct propeller noise. Bearing 120 degrees, range approximately 1500 meters," the sonar operator reported. Captain Emeriau immediately assessed the situation. "Adjust our heading to intercept. Quietly," he ordered, knowing that any abrupt movements could alert the submarine and prompt it to change course or dive deeper.

The Ciela Bonaparte adjusted its course, moving stealthily towards the indicated bearing.

Leclerc, coordinating with the weapons team, kept the depth charges ready for deployment. "We're in position, Captain. Depth charges are on standby," he confirmed.

"First I want to know what type of submarine we are dealing with here. Sonar, look at your records and see if the frequency of the propeller matches that of one of the Russian submarines."

The sonar operator quickly referenced the ship's database, comparing the frequency and pattern of the detected propeller noise with known profiles of various submarine classes. After a few moments of intense analysis, he looked up with a sense of certainty.

"Captain, the propeller noise matches the frequency characteristics of a Karp Class Russian submarine," he announced confidently.

"Karp Class…isn't that the latest Russian submarine design? To think the Russians would give the Ottomans such an advanced submarine is…" Leclerc couldn't finish his sentence, his expression one of surprise and concern.

Captain Emeriau interjected, "It's unexpected, but not entirely out of the realm of possibility in the current political climate. But be it a Karp Class or any class of submarine, we have to sink it as it is a direct order from the Grand Admiral."

Captain Emeriau continued, "Once we are near the submarine, I want you to deploy depth charges and hedgehog anti-submarine mortars.

Leclerc nodded. The hedgehog, a forward-throwing anti-submarine weapon, was more accurate than depth charges and could be a critical factor in their engagement with the Karp Class submarine.

The Ciela Bonaparte continued to close in on the target's last known position. The crew was on high alert, each member focused on their respective duties. The sonar team kept a constant watch on the submarine's movements, relaying any changes in speed or direction to the bridge.

As they approached the estimated location of the submarine, Emeriau gave the command to prepare the hedgehog mortars and depth charges.

"Depth charges and hedgehogs are ready for deployment, Captain," Leclerc reported.

"Stand by," Emeriau ordered, his eyes fixed on the sonar screen. "Wait for my command."

Emeriau, calculating the best moment to strike, finally gave the order.

"Deploy now!"