Iron Gray Sea: Destroyermen Read online

  THE DESTROYERMEN SERIES

  Into the Storm

  Crusade

  Maelstrom

  Distant Thunders

  Rising Tides

  Firestorm

  DESTROYERMEN

  IRON

  GRAY

  SEA

  TAYLOR ANDERSON

  A ROC BOOK

  ROC

  Published by New American Library, a division of Penguin Group (USA) Inc., 375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014, USA

  Penguin Group (Canada), 90 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 700, Toronto, Ontario M4P 2Y3, Canada (a division of Pearson Penguin Canada Inc.) Penguin Books Ltd., 80 Strand, London WC2R 0RL, England Penguin Ireland, 25 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, Ireland (a division of Penguin Books Ltd.) Penguin Group (Australia), 250 Camberwell Road, Camberwell, Victoria 3124, Australia (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty. Ltd.) Penguin Books India Pvt. Ltd., 11 Community Centre, Panchsheel Park, New Delhi - 110 017, India Penguin Group (NZ), 67 Apollo Drive, Rosedale, Auckland 0632, New Zealand (a division of Pearson New Zealand Ltd.) Penguin Books (South Africa) (Pty.) Ltd., 24 Sturdee Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg 2196, South Africa

  Penguin Books Ltd., Registered Offices: 80 Strand, London WC2R 0RL, England

  First published by Roc, an imprint of New American Library, a division of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

  Copyright © Taylor Anderson, 2012

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights. Purchase only authorized editions.

  REGISTERED TRADEMARK—MARCA REGISTRADA

  LIBRARY OF CONGRESS CATALOGING IN-PUBLICATION DATA:

  Anderson, Taylor.

  Iron gray sea: destroyermen/Taylor Anderson.

  p. cm.—(Destroyermen; 7)

  ISBN 978-1-101-58705-8

  1. Imaginary wars and battles—Fiction. 2. Destroyers (Warships)—Fiction. 3. World War, 1939–1945—Fiction. I. Title.

  PS3601.N5475I76 2012

  813'.6—dc23 2011053253

  PUBLISHER’S NOTE

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  The publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party Web sites or their content.

  To: My much-loved and admired uncles, Raymond and Richard, so recently gone.

  Uncle Raymond always said, in his gentle, smiling way, that Navy food did him far more harm than the enemy. Whether that was true or not, we always knew that Uncle Richard had a harder war in many ways. He didn’t smile nearly as much—for a very long time.

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  As always, thanks to my friend and agent, Russell Galen. Thanks also to Ginjer Buchanan and all the delightful folks at Roc. Particular thanks must go to Brady McReynolds, who cheerfully shouldered the grim duty of arranging and publicizing my appearances. I’ve always been a “travelin’ man,” but running on a tight schedule usually leaves me feeling like a BB in a vacuum cleaner. With Brady handling things, all I have to do is wake up on time. My dad, Dr. Don Anderson, tries to keep me from shocking myself with “electrical contrivances,” and Jeanette Anderson (better known as “Mom”), still churns through my first, roughest drafts. My wife, Christine, keeps me alive with food so I can keep writing. (Hugo Award winner!) Kate Baker selflessly manages my Web site in spite of her harrowing schedule. Col. (select) Dave Leedom, USAFR, CO of the 93rd bomb squadron, remains my primary light-aircraft instructor (ironic, considering what he flies for his “day job”). I happily welcome Capt. Dan Dwyer, USN, a career naval officer and naval aviator with over 1,100 carrier landings, to my bull pen of advisors. Pete Hodges is “the Chemist.” Eben Bradstreet, Wayne Hawkins, Chief Kent, John Schmuke, and many others help me keep the “beasties” fresh on my Web site, and (Bad) Dennis, Mark, Mike, Lynn, Robin, Carey, Andy—and Jim, of course—along with others I’ve mentioned before, keep me awash in character-inspiring antics. I know Jim is very short, and therefore generally farther away from flying targets, but someone really should have told him that Henry rifles were not specifically designed for wing shooting. But hey, if it works . . .

  There are so many people I want to thank for their friendship and support, people I likely never would have known if I hadn’t chosen to write this particular tale. Active and former military heroes from every branch of the service—and numerous countries—have volunteered their comments, experiences, and technical expertise, and I honor and appreciate them more than I can say. A worrisome number of them remain in harm’s way on a regular basis, or still suffer from their wounds. My family and I are ever mindful of this, and though I can’t possibly list them all, I’m confident they know who they are. In that vein, I would like to bring attention to the U.S. Veterans Museum in Granbury, Texas. Tom, Cordell, Lawrence, and (until he recently rejoined his lost shipmates) Al Getchel have done their best to honor each of America’s veterans, of all her wars, every day.

  Contents

  The Destroyermen Series

  Title Page

  Copyright Page

  Dedication

  Acknowledgments

  Cast of Characters

  The Enchanted Isles

  The U.S.S. Walker

  Epigraph

  Prologue

  CHAPTER 1

  CHAPTER 2

  CHAPTER 3

  CHAPTER 4

  CHAPTER 5

  CHAPTER 6

  CHAPTER 7

  CHAPTER 8

  CHAPTER 9

  CHAPTER 10

  CHAPTER 11

  CHAPTER 12

  CHAPTER 13

  CHAPTER 14

  CHAPTER 15

  CHAPTER 16

  CHAPTER 17

  CHAPTER 18

  CHAPTER 19

  CHAPTER 20

  CHAPTER 21

  CHAPTER 22

  CHAPTER 23

  CHAPTER 24

  CHAPTER 25

  CHAPTER 26

  CHAPTER 27

  CHAPTER 28

  CHAPTER 29

  CHAPTER 30

  CHAPTER 31

  Epilogue

  CAST OF CHARACTERS

  Members of the Grand Alliance

  Aboard USS Walker, (DD-163), Wickes (Little) Class “four-stacker” destroyer. Twin screw, steam turbines, 1,200 tons, 314’ L—30’ W. 3 x 4”-50 + 1 x 4.7” dual purpose. 4 x 25 mm Type-96 AA. 4 x .30 cal MG + 2 x .50 cal MG. Top speed (as designed) 35 knots. 112 officers and enlisted (current), including Lemurians (L).

  (L)—Lemurians, or Mi-Anaaka, are bipedal, somewhat felinoid people who inhabit the region in and around the Malay Barrier. It has been proposed that they are descended from the giant lemurs of Madagascar.

  Lt. Cmdr. Matthew Patrick Reddy, USNR—Commanding. CINCAF—(Commander in Chief of All Allied Forces).

  Cmdr. Brad “Spanky” McFarlane—Exec. Minister of Naval Engineering.

  Nurse Lt. Sandra Tucker—Minister of Medicine.

  Chack-Sab-At-(L)—Bosun’s Mate (Marine Major).

  Lt. Tab-At-(L)—Engineering Officer.

  Lt. Norman Kutas—First Officer.

  Lt. Sonny Campeti—Gunnery Officer.

  Lt. Ed Palmer—Signals.

  Chief Bosun Fitzhugh Gray—Bosun of the Navy or Super Bosun. Highest-ranking NCO in the Alliance and commander of Captain’s Guard. Currently Assistant Damage Control Officer.
r />   Chief Bosun’s Mate Carl Bashear.

  Chief Quartermaster Patrick “Paddy” Rosen.

  Chief Gunner’s Mate Paul Stites.

  Gunner’s Mate Pak-Ras-Ar “Pack Rat” (L).

  Jeek (L)—Flight Crew Chief, Special Air Division.

  Earl Lanier—Cook.

  Johnny Parks—Machinist’s Mate.

  Juan Marcos—Officer’s Steward.

  Diania—Steward’s Assistant.

  Taarba-Kaar “Tabasco” (L)—Mess Attendant.

  Wallace Fairchild—Sonarman.

  Min-Sakir “Minnie” (L)—Bridge Talker.

  First Fleet (Assigned to the Western Theater,or “Grik Front”)

  Admiral Keje-Fris-Ar (L)–(CINCWEST)

  Aboard USNR Salissa (Big Sal) (CV-1), aircraft carrier/tender, converted from seagoing Lemurian Home.

  1st Naval Air Wing: 1st, 2nd, 3rd Bomb Squadrons; 1st, 2nd Pursuit Squadrons.

  5th and 8th Bomb Squadrons, and 6th Pursuit Squadron from Humfra-Dar (remains of 2nd Naval Air Wing) attached.

  Atlaan-Fas (L)—Commanding.

  Lt. Sandy Newman—Exec.

  Surgeon Cmdr. Kathy McCoy.

  Captain Jis-Tikkar “Tikker” (L)—COFO (Commander of Flight Operations).

  Lt. Mark Leedom—Assistant COFO.

  “Tacos” (L)—Leedom’s backseater.

  Aboard USNR Arracca (CV-3 ) aircraft carrier/tender converted from seagoing Lemurian Home. (Specifications similar to Salissa except for armament, which includes 50 x 50 pdrs + 4 x 100 pdrs only.)

  5th Naval Air Wing

  Tassana-Ay-Arracca (L)—High Chief. Commanding.

  Frigates (DDs) attached to First Fleet

  USS Dowden*

  Captain James “Jim” Ellis—Des-Div 4 Commodore. Commanding.

  Lt. Niaal-Ras-Kavaat (L)—Exec.

  USS Nakja-Mur*

  Captain Jarrik-Fas (L)—Commanding.

  USS Kas-Ra-Ar**

  Captain Mescus-Ricum (L)—Commanding.

  USS Davis***

  USS Ramic-Sa-Ar*

  USS Felts**

  USS Haakar-Faask**

  USS Naga***

  USS Bowles***

  USS Saak-Fas***

  USS Clark**

  *Dowden Class—(Square rig steamer, 1,500 tons, 185’ L—34’ W, 20 x 32 pdrs, 218 officers and enlisted).

  **Haakar-Faask Class—(Square rig steamer, 1,600 tons, 200’ L—36’ W, 20 x 32 pdrs, 226 officers and enlisted).

  ***Scott Class—(Square rig steamer, 1,800 tons, 210’ L—40’ W, 20 x 50 pdrs, 260 officers and enlisted).

  First Fleet Expeditionary Force (as reorganized):

  To promote simplicity, all Lemurian and, ultimately, Allied armies are organized as follows: two hundred to five hundred troops form a battalion. Two battalions form a regiment. Two or more regiments can constitute a division. Two or more divisions may constitute a corps.

  Pete Alden—General of the Army and Marines. Commanding.

  I Corps

  General Lord Muln-Rolak (L)—Corps commander.

  Hij-Geerki—Rolak’s “pet” Grik, captured at Rangoon.

  1ST “GALLA” DIVISION

  General Taa-leen (L)—Commanding.

  Colonel Enaak (L) (5th Maa-ni-la Cavalry)—Exec.

  1st Marines; 5th, 6th, 7th, 10th Baalkpan.

  2ND DIVISION

  General Rin-Taaka-Ar (L)—Commanding.

  Major Simon “Simy” Gutfeld (3rd Marines)—Exec.

  1st, 2nd Maa-ni-la; 4th, 6th, 7th Aryaal.

  II Corps

  General-Queen Protector Safir Maraan (L)—Commanding.

  3RD DIVISION

  General Daanis (L)—Commanding.

  Colonel Mersaak (L)—“The 600” (B’mbaado Regiment composed of Silver and Black Battalions), Exec.

  3rd Baalkpan; 3rd , 10th B’mbaado; 5th Sular.

  5TH DIVISION

  General Faan-Ma-Mar (L)—Commanding.

  Colonel William “Billy” Flynn—1st Amalgamated (Flynn’s Rangers), Exec.

  1st Battalion, 2nd Marines, Captain Bekiaa-Sab-At (L).

  6th Maa-ni-la Cavalry, Captain Saachic (L) 1st Sular.

  6TH DIVISION

  General Grisa—Commanding.

  5th, 6th B’mbaado; 1st, 2nd, 9th Aryaal; 3rd Sular*; 3rd Maa-ni-la Cavalry.

  III Corps

  9TH AND 11TH DIVISIONS

  Including: 2nd, 3rd Maa-ni-la; 8th Baalkpan; 7th, 8th Maa-ni-la; 10th Aryaal.

  At Andaman Island

  USS Donaghey (Square rig, 1200 tons, 168’ L—33’ W, 24 x 18 pdrs, 200 officers and enlisted). Sole survivor of first new construction. Undergoing major overhaul and reconstruction as of December 25, 1943.

  Cmdr. Greg Garrett—Commanding.

  Lt. Saama-Kera “Sammy” (L)—Exec. (formerly of Tolson).

  Lt. (jg) Wendel “Smitty” Smith—Gunnery Officer.

  USS Tassat** (Undergoing repairs after zep attack.)

  Cmdr. Muraak-Saanga (L)—Commanding (former Donaghey exec. and sailing master).

  USS Scott*** (Undergoing repairs after zep attack.)

  Cmdr. Cablaas-Rag-Laan (L)—Commanding.

  In Baalkpan

  Adar (L)—High Chief and Sky Priest of Baalkpan; COTGA (Chairman of the Grand Alliance).

  Cmdr. Alan Letts—Chief of Staff; Minister of Industry; Chief of Division of Strategic Logistics.

  Cmdr. Perry Brister—Minister of Defensive and Industrial Works.

  Cmdr. Steve “Sparks” Riggs—Minister of Communications and Electrical Contrivances.

  Lt. Cmdr. Bernard Sandison—Acting Minister of Ordnance.

  Captain Risa-Sab-At (L) (Chack’s sister)—Building Marine commando unit.

  Cmdr. Russ Chapelle—Awaiting new ship.

  Chief Electrician Rolando “Ronson” Rodriguez.

  Sister Audry—Benedictine nun.

  Surgeon Cmdr. Karen Theimer Letts—Assistant Minister of Medicine.

  Surgeon Lieutenant Pam Cross.

  Jeff Brooks—Sonarman, Anti-Mountain Fish Countermeasures (AMF-DIC).

  Pepper(L)—Black-and-white Lemurian keeper of the Castaway Cook (Busted Screw).

  Isak Rueben—One of the Mice assigned to refit of Santa Catalina.

  Cmdr. Simon Herring—Formerly ONI; to be assigned.

  Leading Seaman Henry Stokes, HMAS Perth—To be assigned.

  Gunnery Sergeant Arnold Horn—Formerly in 2nd of the 4th Marines; to be assigned.

  Lance Corporal Ian Miles—Formerly in 2nd of the 4th Marines; to be assigned.

  Lieutenant Conrad Diebel—To be assigned.

  Fristar Home—nominally, if reluctantly, allied cannon-armed Home.

  Anai-Sa (L)—High Chief.

  Army and Naval Air Corps Training Center,Kaufman Field, Baalkpan

  4th, 7th Bomb Squadrons; 3rd, 4th, 5th Pursuit in extra training.

  Colonel Ben Mallory—Commanding.

  Lt. (jg) Suaak-Pas-Ra “Soupy” (L).

  2nd Lt. Niaa-Saa “Shirley” (L).

  S. Sergeant Cecil Dixon.

  USS Santa Catalina (general cargo). Triple expansion steam, oil fired, 6,000 tons, 420’ x 53’, 14 knots. Undergoing repair and reconstruction as CA(P) Protected Cruiser. (Projected) 8,000 tons, 10 knots, 240 officers and enlisted.

  Lt. Michael “Mikey” Monk—Commanding.

  Lt. (jg) Dean Laney—proposed Engineering Officer.

  Stanley “Dobbin” Dobson—Shipfitter.

  S-19

  Lt. Irvin Laumer—Commanding.

  “Midshipman” Nathaniel Hardee.

  Danny Porter—Shipfitter.

  Motor Machinist’s Mate Sandy Whitcomb.

  Slated for the proposed Corps of Discovery:

  Ensign Abel Cook—Commanding.