“Fair point, Number One, but the Admiral’s made it clear that the landing exercise goes on. The world is watching and filming and we don’t want them to see us turn and run at the first bit of bother. Anyway, the Int boys fully expected the Russians to test our defenses, but no one thinks they are going to actually attack. That said, we’ll assume they might, so we’ve got to be ready for anything. Trouble is, we’ve yet to get clearance to move from passive to active ROEs—our Rules of Engagement—so, until they change, all we can do right now is monitor, track and observe . . . Unless, of course, we need to apply self-defense.”

While Bush could admire Narborough as a highly competent sea captain, he also knew that he was not a man inclined to question the decision of his immediate superior, lest it impact on his career. That meant, in effect, that while a ship could always move from passive ROE to active in the event of an attack, it would in fact be too late. Once missiles, bombs or torpedoes were heading in their direction, the ROE state was entirely academic. As far as Bush was concerned, given that a Royal Navy ship had already been sunk by the Russians, if any enemy vessel or aircraft came within striking range, then it should be deemed a legitimate target and engaged. And if the situation was so fraught that London deemed it too provocative to go to active ROE, then what on earth were they doing at the entrance of the Russians’ backyard in the first place?

This, though, was not a sentiment that would endear him to his Captain were he to share it in public. “Then shouldn’t we close up with the amphibs?” Bush asked instead.

“That way we’re presenting a nice, neat package for the Russian sub captain. No, Number One, we’re staying dispersed. Besides, we’re safer in the open sea, as the proximity of land and shallower water would constrain us and prevent us maneuvering.” Behind his flash hood, Narborough’s voice was sharp, almost petulant.

Bush knew that detection of submarines in shallow water was especially difficult. Moreover, the changing temperature and salinity layers at different depths made detection in the Baltic even more challenging, which meant the submarine had the advantage over them. Narborough knew that every bit as well as he did, so this was not a discussion worth prolonging.

Then the voice of the Principal Warfare Officer rang out urgently in the muted Ops Room: “Daring reports possible Kilo Class sub at longitude 54 degrees, 25 minutes, 23.898 seconds north; latitude 14 degrees, 24 minutes, 35.280 seconds East. Contact is bearing 26.75 degrees, distance 10.234 nautical miles.”

“Find out what she’s doing about it,” ordered Narborough.

“I’ve just spoken to her. She’s got her Merlin anti-submarine helicopter up, sonar is active and she’s searching for it.”