“They’re probing our defenses. Getting in position for tomorrow,” Lo stated.
“Interesting development. What are our options?” Han asked Jodi.
“Currently, twelve Seekers are within intercept range. Your submarines
“Or?” asked Admiral Han.
Jodi stared at the admiral, debating if she should say what was on her mind. “Or we could demonstrate a capability they don’t believe you have. I could have the Seekers ping them. Ring their bell, and let ’em know we see them — and they’re alive because we
Han considered. Around him, staff officers waited. The weight of decision hung in the air.
“Let’s hold off. I don’t want to tip our hand just yet. I want this to be a surprise should it come to that.”
As the final presentation came to an end, Marcus Harrington, who had been listening from the TSG headquarters in Virginia, chimed in.
“Admiral Han,” Harrington began without preamble. “I trust you are happy with the system and capabilities of our products?”
“Mr. Harrington,” replied Han. “Your weapons are as advertised, and you delivered on time.”
“Excellent. Good to hear, Admiral Han. Jodi, are you ready for phase authorization to pass control of the systems to the Armed Forces of the Republic of China?”
She glanced at Han, who nodded. “Yes, sir. They are ready to take final control of the system.”
Harrington’s expression sobered. “OK. Admiral Han, when we give you full activation, that means the AI can engage independently if you authorize it. If Taiwan comes under attack, it will respond according to its programming. There are no take-backs, no abort codes once you set it. The genie stays out of the bottle.”
“We understand, Mr. Harrington,” Han answered. “Tomorrow, Beijing begins their ‘customs inspections.’ We’ll need every advantage if they decide to take this kinetic.”
“Very well.” Harrington entered his authorization code. “May God help us all. Lattice AI, offensive protocols authorized. Authentication codes have been transmitted to your secure email.”
The holographic display shifted. Blue defensive icons turned amber — armed and ready. Status boards showed weapons systems transitioning from safe to standby.
“It’s done,” Jodi announced. “Four hundred seventeen autonomous weapons now stand ready. Admiral, you command the most lethal naval defense network in the Pacific.”
Han studied the display, watching his mechanical fleet patrol. “We’re not just defending anymore,” he said quietly. “We’re hunting.”
As if in response to his words, another alert sounded. This time, they were being notified of a priority intelligence report from Chao Ming-hsien, the head of their intelligence agency.
Chao’s face appeared on one of the monitors. “Admiral, we are receiving a flash message from the American INDOPACOM liaison in Hawaii. They are reporting an increase in ships from the PLA Eastern Theater Fleet, preparing to depart the Ningbo Naval Base. They estimate a force of around thirty-six surface combatants, and an unknown number of submarines are preparing to head south, toward us.”
“Thank you for that, Director Chao. Colonel Hsu, how long until they reach the strait?” Han asked.
“Forty-eight hours at standard cruise,” Hsu replied. “Twenty-four if they push hard to join the existing ships already on station.”
“Then we have one day to prepare.” Han turned to Jodi. “Can your machines handle a full fleet?”
She met his gaze steadily. “Admiral, during the Russo-Ukraine war, a single well-trained, well-equipped drone unit would routinely blunt entire battalion and brigade-sized attacks. In contrast, you have four hundred and seventeen SMEs working alongside your sailors and marines with the most advanced AI-controlled naval platforms ever built. Yes, I think we can handle them.”
“We’d better, for all of our sakes,” replied Admiral Han before adding. “Ms. Mack, I’d like you to remain here as my liaison. I want to make sure I can call upon your TSG expertise, should this go kinetic.”
“When, not if?”
Han’s smile held no humor. “April fifteenth is tomorrow. Beijing set this deadline. They’ll keep it.” He addressed his staff. “Alert all commands. Set condition two throughout the fleet. Inform the President — the autonomous guard is active.”
As officers scrambled to implement orders, Jodi found herself alone with the holographic display. Four hundred seventeen icons pulsed with patient menace. Each represented an angel of death, held in check by silicon synapses and the human wisdom of when to unleash them.
Elena’s voice crackled through her earpiece. “Aquarium, this is Shark Two. Coastal wolves report unusual activity. Multiple fast boats departing Xiamen harbor.”
