The XO frowned. “The Renhai is more powerful than any enemy combatant in the South China Seas, excluding the Americans. When we show up, enemies either disperse or surrender.”
Chen rubbed his chin. “Of course. Hardly a proper challenge for you, then.” He pulled out his cell phone and started tapping. “Forgive me while I engage in a little indulgence.”
The radar operator spoke alertly. “Captain, we have a bogey to the north.” His voice rose slightly. “Several bogeys!”
The XO responded sharply, “Ship types?”
The operator answered uncertainly. “Can’t tell, sir. The returns are murky. Some kind of jammer, I’d guess.” He continued with even more puzzlement. “They just appeared out of nowhere, as if they were submarines surfacing.”
The XO’s expression shifted to rage for a brief moment as C
