“Is that wise? I mean they were our enemy just a short time ago.”
“The operative word is was. They are anxious to get on with building their country, not worrying about what we are doing.”
“Still. It could be seen as a weakness.”
“What kind of weakness? Think about it. We both have our weaknesses. Working together is the best way I can think of to relieve any harboring of ill will,” Ascot told him.
“It’s your call General. I’m not sure I would make the same assessment but...”
“And I appreciate your candor. We need to have a relationship that gives us the freedom to talk without worrying about how everything is said. Nothing gets accomplished when people are afraid to speak up, as I am learning,” Ascot replied.
****
General Ascot sat alone in his office surrounded by hundreds of photographs and plaques. Was he having a change of heart? At one point he had considered doing away with Congress entirely and installing his own form of government. Not a dictatorship exactly but not a democracy either.
Somehow all of that was changing. After only a few months, he was starting to realize that no one person could run the entire country without valuable input from trusted colleagues. Not just a group of folks who were afraid to speak up but ones who would share ideas freely.
Power. It is so corruptive. He could see how people could get sucked in. Especially at the very top. While he had earned power along the way in his military career, it was not to the extent that the head of a country has.
He had felt his own weakness, flirting with the idea of retaining absolute control. Sitting alone in his office he knew deep in his heart that if he did, freedom would no longer exist in the United States. It would just become another cheap dictatorship.
The only question that remained in his mind was who to turn the country over to and how to accomplish it in such a way that Presidents like Quasim would not rule the country again. Perhaps that was just wishful thinking. He realized that some of the smoothest talking politicians were elected even if they couldn’t lead their way out of a paper bag.
Corruption was the other concern. Power seemed to inevitably lead to corruption. How could that be stifled? Ah well if the job was easy, anyone could do it and he was finding out quickly that was simply not the case. A light knock on the door brought him back to the present.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
MILWAUKEE, WI
The two leaders had decided to meet again. General Ascot would be accompanied by General Erickson and Admiral Swanson. President Jason would bring General MacMillan and Mary Lake.
The meeting was held in the same Hilton as the previous one. Much like the first meeting, they settled down to talks almost immediately other than for introductions and handshaking.
“Mr. President, I asked for this meeting and I want to be open and honest. First, thank you for working with the United States to get Mexico back on their side of the border. I know how difficult it is to get the stolen objects back but I understand you are making good progress.”
“Not as much as I would like but thank you.”
“The business at hand is still two fold. Gold, and we want to ask for your help with setting up our government.”
Jason remained stoic. He wasn’t sure exactly what the General was referring to with the last statement.
“We know that a part of what started the Civil War was the way the government was abusing its power. It would seem logical that you are going to certain lengths to ensure that it doesn’t happen again. We are much the same in that regard. We are not happy with the way Congress in particularly conducts business. If you would share some of your thoughts on how you intend to proceed we would be most appreciative,” Ascot told the President.
“General believe me when I say, we don’t really know what the hell we are doing either. What I mean by that is everything is untested at this point. We are discussing all sorts of possibilities. We are looking at every aspect of government at this point. Everything from labor and education to the role of Congress and the President are being reevaluated. Nothing is sacred at this point. But I must preface that by saying, we don’t really know if we are making the situation better or worse. We are going on gut feelings with absolutely no proof that any of what we are looking at will work,” Jason explained.
“I appreciate that but you have a government of sorts in place right now. We just have the military point of view and often we do not see the forest for the trees. We are told what to do most of the time and we do it. Certainly we have power within the ranks but this is totally different. Anything we come up with will be considerably more authoritarian than the citizens would like or deserve,” the General countered.
“If you don’t mind, let’s come back to that. I think we have determined a fair way of settling the gold situation. I’m sure you will be interested in our proposal,” Jason replied.
“Gold is an issue, or lack of it. Please, what do you have in mind?”
“Presently you have a vast majority of the Naval ships. While we have some, it's nothing to the extent you currently possess. We would like to strike a fair deal. A purchase if you want to look at it that way,” Jason said.
“Well that certainly is a novel approach. I’m not sure what you have in mind.”
“I’m afraid it will mean a great deal of work for Admiral Swanson and our Admiral Heathcoat but here is what we have in mind,” he said sliding over a folder.
Ascot opened it and started reading the contents. A copy was given to Admiral Swanson and General Erickson. The President waited silently while they finished the documents. When the General was finished he closed the folder and looked at the people on the other side of the table.
“I have to say, that is a very innovative way of doing business.”
“I think we have to be innovative under the circumstances. You want some of the gold in Fort Knox and we need to strengthen our Naval fleet. This could accomplish both,” Jason replied.
“How would we determine what is a fair market price for the ships and who would get what?”
“That’s the part where Admiral Swanson and Admiral Heathcoat come in. They draw a list of every ship and boat and then with whatever help they need, determine the worth of the vessels. After that, it is a matter of balancing out the two Navies. In return, we would pay you in gold for the ships.”
“What do you think Admiral?” Ascot asked.
“Interesting. The General is right, we do have the greater number of the Naval ships. Without some way of raising the necessary capital, operating them and the required maintenance will become a great issue with each passing month. We have already placed two carriers on stand down, along with several frigates and other ancillary ships,” Swanson told him.
“Yes, but could you actually put a price on them and then divide them so it would be fair to both sides.”
“I certainly trust Admiral Heathcoat. Our paths have crossed on many occasions and we have never crossed swords, so to speak. I think he would be the perfect person for me to work with if that is what you decide we should do. Of course that would be your decision to make.”
“Gee thanks,” the General said smiling.
“Hey, that’s why you get the big bucks,” Jane replied.
“Listen Mr. President, I would like a little time to think this over. To really sit down with the Admiral and talk about the details. I am certainly open to the concept. In fact I think it is brilliant. I would just like a little time,” the General told him.
“Please. Do your diligence. That is the smart thing to do. I perfectly understand. I would want to do the exact same thing if I were in your position,” Jason told him.
****
They broke for lunch and each group drifted off to hold private talks. It was a beautiful day and the President and his people sat outside. Jason had his shirt sleeves rolled up and his hands behind his head, face-up to the sun.
“You know,” he said, “A day like
this can make you forget some of the problems of the world.”
“For a few minutes at least,” Mary replied.
“Killjoy.”
“Alright, I guess we need to go solve the world’s problems,” he said.
They went back to the meeting and spent the next four hours talking about plans for the Republic's government. While it helped somewhat, it was more than the General had in mind. What he was most interested in was the function of the President, Vice President, and what part Congress would play.
Education, the judicial system, and all the other items would be the next person's problem. Both sides left with a good feeling about the meeting. The gold for ships would take a little time but no glaring issues seemed to get in the way.
What both parties didn’t know was that another test of resolve and trust was about to rear its ugly head.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
IRAQ
In the closing months of 2007, the Russians, desperate to keep their economy afloat made a secret deal with Iraq to sell two nuclear submarines. Having been decommissioned they were doing nothing but costing the Soviet government money.
Iraq approached Russia and began negations to purchase the two Charlie 1 Class submarines. It would be a package deal. The K-429 Ckam and the K-320. What the Iraqis didn’t know, nor did the Russians bother to mention it, was that the K-320 had already had a reactor accident while it was being built.
Along with the submarines, Russia would provide training for Iraq’s submariners and for a further tidy sum, ten cruise missiles. The deal was finally struck after five years of negotiations. The Iraqis would pay Russia to re-core the reactor and retrofit them to current propulsion engines. In exchange, Iraq would pay Russia 4.5 billion American dollars.
By 2013, Iraq had acquired the subs and their crews were now operating the submarines.
****
Amal Hafsa was privy to information that only a very few knew. He had been sworn to secrecy upon death of his parents and family. Amal was the captain of the former Russian submarine K-429. It had been renamed the Qahira which means victorious.
The Qahira had been at sea for thirteen days and had slowly been edging its way toward the American east coast. They had taken a zigzag path to keep from giving away their intent.
Captain Hafsa had opened his sealed orders just after they had gotten underway. When he read them he almost swallowed his tongue. His orders were to get near the Cuban coast and to launch two nuclear cruise missiles. One was to target New York City and the other Washington DC.
He could hardly hold the orders in his hands, they seemed to burn his fingers. This was suicide. Once the missiles were launched every ship in the American fleet would be looking for them. It took him a while to calm down and rethink what he was being told to do. By being on the backside of Cuba tucked in the Jagua Bank and only a short distance from the Juragua Nuclear Power plant it would hopefully mask where the missiles had been launched from.
What he didn’t understand is why would Iraq attack the Americans in the first place and why with only two missiles? But then he was merely a Captain, he did not know of the higher goals of his country. Still it bothered him to think that he could be responsible for starting a nuclear war.
****
Only a few miles away, unknown to Captain Hafsa, the second submarine now named Qudsai (Holiness) was also commanded to attack America. Their targets were Atlanta, Georgia and Nashville, Tennessee. Captain Suhair was feeling much the same as Captain Hafsa. Why would Iraq want to start a war with America?
Also like Captain Hafsa he knew he had no cause to question those in authority. It seemed like a foolish plan but it was his duty to carry it out to the best of his ability.
****
GALS – KEY WEST, FL
The Gulf Array Listening Station is located in Key West. It is a spectacularly uninteresting block of buildings that hold no charm except to those who are stationed inside of them. Their primary function is to monitor any submarines near the Continental United States. The system was not as functional as it was originally designed to be. Budget cuts of nearly 480 million dollars, during the Presidency from 2008-2012, had curtailed many of the upgrades that were vital for our national security. It wasn’t until 2009, when a Russian stealth submarine the AKULA slipped into our waters for two weeks undetected that the alarm did sound. We were not prepared for the latest Russian submarines.
Fortunately for us, the Iraqi submarines purchased from Russia were products of the 70s and 80s.
“Commander, I am getting some strange anomalies.”
“Strange anomalies. Could you elaborate just a smidgen?”
“Well, it’s almost like an older Russian submarine. It seems to be heading to Cuba.”
“How old?”
“Twenty or more years. It’s pretty noisy by today’s standards.”
“Son, I doubt that a twenty year old Russian sub could even make it this far any longer. It would have been decommissioned.”
“Yes sir. That’s what makes it so strange. I ran the tape through all the old files. Sir, it came back as the Russian K-320. An old Charlie 1 class submarine.”
“That can’t be right. Let Chief Anderson have a go at it,” the Commander ordered.
“Yes sir, but I’m sure I’m right.”
“Just let the Chief handle it, sailor.”
“Aye, Aye sir.”
Mumbling to himself he went and told the Chief what he had stumbled upon. The Chief followed him back to his station and plugged in.
“Well, it’s definitely an older sub. I think you are probably right. Russian.”
“Yeah Chief. Look, here are the signatures. Theyare slightly different but look at the radiation level. That old bucket of bolts had reactor problems before, according to the log. It leaves a RAD trail.”
“Well crap. I guess they could have resurrected it at some point but why? And why send it so close to our shores. They got away with the Akula but this thing is nowhere near stealth.”
“What should I do?”
“I’ll go talk to the Commander. Tell him I agree that we have a Russian submarine poking around in the Gulf. See what he wants to do with it.”
“Thanks Chief. He didn’t pay much attention to me.”
“You're and E-4 and he thinks he is a god. Of course he isn’t going to take you seriously. The only ones they will listen to are Chiefs. You know why?”
“Yeah, you’ve told me a hundred times.”
“Because they run the Navy,” they both said together and laughed at the same joke that had been repeated thousands of times.
Chief Anderson walked down to the Commander's office and knocked.
“Come.”
“Commander. I was just at Parker’s listening station. I think he is on to something. He has traced it back to an older Charlie-1 class sub. The K-320. Now why it is here I haven’t a clue but it is poking its nose where it doesn’t belong. I think we need to rattle their cage,” Chief Anderson told him.
“Oh hell Chief. What the hell would a piece of junk like that be doing so close to our shores?”
“Well sir. Just following the plotting that Parker has I would say it intends to tuck in behind Cuba.”
“Why? What would be the purpose? Are they going to invade Cuba with one old submarine?”
“Don’t know sir but I am officially logging it as a confirmed contact.”
“Ah crap Chief. Do you know the mess this will stir up?”
“Better to stir the pot before it boils over my mom used to say.”
“Very well. I will notify Admiral Greenfield. Put the ball in his court. You just make damn sure you don’t go sending us on a wild goose chase. If they are that close to Cuba, it can get really sticky,” he told the Chief.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
CHARLESTON, SC
“Commander, Admiral Greenfield is on the line.”
“Damn, that didn’t take long,” he muttered as he picked up the phon
e.
“Admiral Greenfield, Commander Dixon.”
“Yes Commander, I know who you are. I am the one that called after all.”
“Yes sir, sorry sir.”
“Don’t be. Just tell me why you think we have an old Russian submarine prowling around near our shores.”
“Sir, one of my men discovered it. We have been tracking it non-stop. It has tucked in along the coast of Cuba. Right now it is just sitting there. Why it is in those waters and right up near Cuba is a total mystery.”
“Could the Russians have sold it some other nation?”
“It would be pure speculation on my part but I would say I wouldn’t be surprised.”
“Does the Carlie-1 class carry nuclear missiles?”
“Sir, it was originally designed to carry long range cruise type missiles. I’m sure that if the Russians did sell it, they probably upgraded it.”
“So the answer is yes.”
“Sorry sir. Yes it carries nuclear missiles.”
“Where are they exactly?”
“In the Maria la Gorda, very near the town of Sandino. Right now it is approximately eight miles off shore but it has been slowly moving toward land at around three knots.”
“Not good. If we send helo’s in, the Cubans will accuse us of an act of war. Hell, they would probably try to shoot them down,” the Admiral said, as much to himself as the Commander.
“A hunter killer?” Dixon suggested.
“I’m not sure we have the luxury of that much time. If someone did buy it and it is armed with nukes, they are on a mission. You hang tight. I’ll call the President immediately,” Admiral Greenfield said and abruptly hung up.
“How wude,” the Commander said.
****
“Mr. President. We may have a situation on our hands,” Admiral Greenfield told the President.
“What kind of ‘situation’?”
A NATION HEALING - BOOK III The Second Civil War (The Second Civil War - BOOK III 1) Page 10
