The Midgetman is another huge target, easily tracked and disabled.
Besides, it was alone-a retaliatory American I.C.B.M strike would involve hundreds of missiles and thousands of warheads. The laser might tag a few, but not many. Certainly not enough to justify the huge expense of that complex."
"What about the RC-135?"Curtis asked.
"The most vulnerable of all the targets," Mitchell said quickly.
"Slow-moving, large, and the closest to the site. And that's if the RC- 1 35 was downed by the laser-that hasn't been proved yet. "Before Curtis could object, Mitchell quickly added: "Although the CIA believes there's more than enough information to conclude that it was."
The President shook his head. "The nuclear power plant, the laser facility, the radar, and, the laser cannon. All in one tiny fishing town on the Kamchatka peninsula "Along with two squadrons of MiG-27
Fulcrums, a squadZ ron of MiG-25 Flogger Gs, two S.A-10 surface-to-air missile sites, possibly two antiaircraft artillery sites, and early-warning radar picket ships patrolling the coast when the ice breaks up," Mitchell added. "A seagull can't get close to that site without the Soviets spotting it.
The President's frustration was etching deep furrows in his forehead and at the corners of his eyes, and he tried to massage the pain out of both. "Anything else?"he asked.
"Yes, sir," U.N. Ambassador Adams said, standing. "The United Nations Security Council session. When I accused the Soviets of firing a laser at the recon plane, Karmarov lost his usual cool and jumped down my throat denying it. But the official Soviet position remains the same-they maintain the right to protect their shores and deny launching a missile or ordering a fighter to attack the RC- 1 35.They never specifically denied shooting it down with a laser-" "That's because the idea is so unbelievable," Mitchell said, echoing the President's earlier comment. "Our Strategic Defense Initiative was called Star Wars for a reason-it was meant as a futuristic, long-range plan. We never expected to have an operational system before the turn of the century-it's even more incredible that the Soviets would have one."
"Yet the evidence unfortunately points to the contrary," Marshall Brent asked. "Mr. President, I must add my concern to that of Gregory. I have met with Ambassador Karmarov myself-" "You did?"the President asked, surprised. "When) I never heard anything about it."
"I went to his residence quite unannounced," Brent said.
"It had the desired effect-Karmarov lost his famous poker face. He all but admitted... he'd deny it, of course...
that such a defensive laser device existed. I believe our meeting resulted in the Soviet's face-saving decision to enter into a 'mutual' investigation."
"Which has never taken place," Curtis asked. "They lied to us from the beginning."
Brent paused, then crossed in front of the President's desk and faced him. "Karinarov mentioned another important point, sir: If it is proven to the world that the anti-satellite laser exists, the Soviets can also prove that such a device does not violate any international treaty or agreement. It is not a space-based system like our Ice Fortress system, which violates the 1982
DeMilitarization of Space Agreement; nor is it a violation of any ABM treaty, since neither the 1972 agreement nor its 1976 amendment mention ground-based laser systems-the idea of activating such a site was many times more implausible fifteen years ago than it is today. The orbiting mirror may be a violation of the 1982 agreement-if we prove it exists, if we prove it is a mirror, and if we prove that it was used against an atmospheric or orbiting vehicle of another country-" "But then they are guilty of murder," Curtis asked. "They should be convicted of murder. We should demand the dismantling of that laser site as minimal reparation for their crime.
The Secretary of State shook his head. "We could never prove they downed the RC-135 reconnaissance plane, General, " Brent asked. "Even if we had conclusive evidence that they used their laser system to destroy a satellite and the Javelin missile, we could never prove, or convince, that they turned that laser on an unarmed aircraft. It's just too provocative an act to be believed."
There was silence in the President's office for a long time.
No one wanted to speak. Each could feel a transition taking place. It was the awful transition from disbelief and even outright denial of what had occurred, to now facing the realization that the weight of damning evidence dictated that something had to be done.
"We need options, gentlemen," the President said finally.
"There is only one option, sir," Adams asked. "The Soviets must deactivate that laser complex."
"They have absolutely no reason to do that, Gregory," Brent said quickly. "As I said before, there is no agreement between our countries prohibiting a ground-based defensive device."
"it sure as hell isn't just a defensive device, Marshall."
Brent held up a hand. "Please, Gregory. What would you argue if you were in the Soviets' shoes?Tracking error, technical malfunction, even errors in judgment on the part of some obscure bureaucrat. The bureaucrat is fired, heads roll, and the site remains open-" "And a threat," Curtis put in. "They have already seriously crippled our intercontinental ballistic missile warning capability. "He turned to the President. "Sir, the Soviets may claim it's not an offensive weapon, but as long as it's active it can always be used as one. What if they accidentally start shooting down satellites all over the hemisphere?They may agree to pay for the ones they accidentally destroy, but we're still out the satellites and the vital surveillance information they provide."
"And if they have the capability to knock down I.C.B.Ms as well.. ."
the President muttered.
"They can easily neutralize one-third of our land and sea based missiles," Curtis asked. "And when our bombers try to attack, they can take pot shots at them. Hell, even turning on that radar of theirs is enough to scramble the electronics of any aircraft in the area-" "All right," the President interrupted. "Dammit, you make it sound like a preemptive strike is our only option. "He looked angrily at the men around him, settled on the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs.
"General Curtis," the President asked slowly, carefully, what is the status of your project at Dreamland?"
"Currently deactivated, per your order, Mr. President," Curtis replied. "We wanted to avoid any possible provocation during what seemed a cooling off period."
"But it can be reactivated immediately?"
"Certainly, Sir," Curtis replied. "I can see to it that the full team is reassembled.
The President hesitated, then rapped his knuckles on his desk. "Then do it.
General Curtis smiled and nodded, which ignited Marshall Brent.
"The very thought of considering a military option against the Soviets is crazy," he said, his face reddening. "I've told you, General-until current treaties and agreements are modified that complex is perfectly legal. We may demand reparation for the hardware they destroyed-and I have no doubt, when confronted with the evidence, that they will pay a reasonable amount-but we have no legal reason to attack that site.
"Reason?How about the lives of twelve innocent men and women aboard that RC-135, Mr. Brent?"General Curtis shot back. "That's reason enough for me."
"Marshall, I've authorized General Curtis to keep one special military option open-period," the President Sala.
"The time for discussion is rapidly running out. I want you to find a way to force the Soviets to deactivate that laser complex.
If the Secretary of State felt any surprise at the enormity and sheer impossibility of that task, he did not show it-he merely nodded resolutely. "It will be difficult," he said, "but it's our best hope."
Maybe our only one, he added to himself.
"We can confront the Soviets with our information," Gregory Adams said.
"Present the evidence to the United Nations, as we did during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Force world opinion to turn against them.
Convince the world that the destabilizing force of that laser system is a threat to everyone.
"You've put it well, Gregory," Brent asked. "Exactly what we must do."
"All right," the President said hopefully. "I like it.
Marshall, Greg, I'm counting on you. This can't go any further. Make sure they know we mean business."
"I have another option that may prod the Russians a bit faster toward a negotiated settlement," Curtis said. The President's smile disappeared. Marshall Brent glared at Curtis.
"Ice Fortress, " Secretary of Defense Preston asked. "ReactiVate Ice Fortress.
"Or at least threaten to reactivate it," Curtis added quickly.
"It's out of the question," Brent asked. "The 1986 ArmsReduction Treaty, which took us two long years to hammer out, strictly forbids Ice Fortress. If we bring it back, we are guilty of lying. Our credibility will go down the drain.
"Ice Fortress is the only thing we have that can even begin to match up to that laser system," Curtis argued. "Without it, we have nothing to bargain with. Why should the Russians agree to anything we want?Why should they shut down that site?Because we say 'pretty please'?"
"The Soviets won't ignore us," Brent asked. "Gregory and I will confront them in the U.N. We'll present the data you've received and challenge them to deny it. I believe that will be the last we'll hear of any laser defense site. "The President looked grim. "You're right, Marshall," he said slowly.
"We hold off with any movement on Ice Fortress.
It's not an option. Not now."
Marshall Brent looked relieved. "There will be a settlement, sir. We will end this. "And at the moment, he had managed to convince himself.
The President nodded, then swiveled around and stared wordlessly out the triple windows of the Oval Office as the others quietly filed out.
THE UNITED NATIONS SEcurity COUNCIL NEw YORK "Last item on the agenda before the New Year's recess," Ian McCaan announced before a regular meeting of the United Nations Security Council, "is a presentation by the American delegation on the progress of the ongoing investigation of the alleged loss of the American Air Force RC-135 off the east coast of the Soviet Union. We are pleased to have in attendance the distinguished Secretary of State of the United States of America, Mr. Marshall Brent. Mr. Brent, please-" "Excuse me, Mr. Secretary-General!"Karmarov interrupted, a shocked expression on his face. He half-rose out of his seat as Marshall Brent walked down the center aisle of the closed Security Council chamber.
"Mr. Secretary-General, this... " he fought for composure, "..
.
I was not aware that this matter had been placed on the agenda. No one has consulted my office... " By this time Marshall Brent had reached the floor of the chamber. Greg Adams, the U.N. ambassador, had relinquished his seat to the Secretary of State and now sat behind and to his right. Brent held up a hand and smiled at the Soviet chief delegate.
"I'm afraid I am at fault, Mr. Karmarov," Brent began.
Karmarov's protest died in midsentence, and he slowly lowered himself to his seat. "I have taken the liberty of invoking a little-used and rather esoteric regulation in the Security Council's rules of order.
"A 1957 addendum to Article Thirty-nine of the Security Council's Affairs of Conduct allows either side of any dispute before the Security Council to provide periodic progress reports of any council-ordered investigation. I have taken the liberty of putting together a report that I'm sure your fellow delegates will be most interested in-" "Pardon me, Mr. Brent," Karmarov interrupted again, even more forcibly this time. He bent over to Andrina Asserni, whispered a few words to her, and watched as she rushed out to an anteroom. "That matter is still under investigation. I know that little progress has been made, sir, but it is still fairly early-" "That's right, Mr. Ambassador," Brent asked. "But a status report is still allowed. I'm sorry Miss Asserni was called away to double-check the article, but its validity here has already been examined and approved by the Central Steering Committee. "Karmarov looked at Ian McCaan, who nodded.
"Apparently, Mr. Karmarov," McCaan said, "the Soviet secretary on the Steering Committee did not notify you. The request is in order. Of course, you will have an opportunity to add any remarks you wish."
Assemi returned just then with her finger in a thick red leather-bound book. She whispered a few words to Karmarov, who narrowed his gaze and fixed it on Marshall Brent.
"The article you mentioned does not deal with the matter you wish to discuss," Kannarov said, "and apparently gives little authority or justification for such a presentation. It is entirely out of order-" "The nature of the presentation," McCaan broke in, "and the subject matter convinced the Steering Committee to adapt the rules. Besides, Ambassador Karmarov, it is the last order of business for the Council and no other matters are scheduled until the spring. I'm sure the Council will be interested in the contents of this presentation."
The Russian offered no resistance-in fact, his voice became a bit more apologetic. "The investigation has only been open less than a month "And yet it has gone nowhere," Brent said immediately, his tone clipped but steady. "American requests for transcripts, ordinary transcripts of your military controllers on duty at the time of the loss of the RC-135 have been ignored. Similar requests by the International Civil Aeronautics Organization have also been ignored. According to ICAO convention, such transcripts are usually submitted to the parties involved in less than twenty-four hours. "Karmarov staged his indignation. "I will personally investigate the incompetence of-" "My office has already investigated the matter," Brent said.
"The Soviet Foreign Ministry advises me that the transcripts were turned over to your United Nations delegation. "Karmarov again was about to reply, but Brent held up a hand.
understand the situation, Mr. Ambassador," Brent said in a forgiving tone. "The Foreign Ministry did advise me that your office has not had time to fully study the transcripts.
Turning the transcript over to us before looking at them yourself wouldn't make sense, I agree."
"I beg the Council's indulgence," Karmarov asked. "Pressing matters in my delegation and the last-minute flurry of activity prior to the New Year's recess have delayed my study of those documents."
"Of course, Mr. Ambassador," Brent asked. "The Foreign Ministry was kind enough to answer a few questions, though. I hope you at least have had an opportunity to glance at the transcripts so as to enlighten the Security Council on a few points.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Secretary, I-" "The Foreign Ministry assures me that, although three launched from Ossora MiG-29 fighter-interceptor aircraft were Airfield on the northern Kamchatka peninsula near Kavaznya, they never closed with the so-called intruder aircraft. The RC-135 aircraft was allowed to fly toward the coast without being challenged. Mr. Ambassador, why in the world would the Soviets allow an unidentified aircraft to fly to within thirty-five miles of the coastline, within thirty-five miles of a top secret research installation, without being challenged by three interceptors assigned to pursue it?"
Heads turned toward Karmarov. "Mr. Secretary," Karmarov said through tight lips. "I cannot at this time answer-" "The Foreign Ministry also reports that no efforts were made to reach the RC-135 on normal, internat a y recognized emergency channels. Now, Mr. Ambassador, the Soviet Union launched three advanced interceptors out after an American aircraft it says was intruding into highly sensitive Russian airspace, yet never closed on the intruder. They obviously saw the aircraft-yet never tried to raise the aircraft by radio, never tried to warn it away. Why?Perhaps I can offer a reason," Brent hurried on. At his signal, a rear-projection screen began to descend over the mural of "The Rise of the Phoenix" at the head of the Security Council chamber.
Ambassador Adams pushed an electronic pointer into his hands and Brent stepped quickly toward the head of the circular Council table.
Flaring to life as Brent stepped up to a small podium at the head of the table, the screen showed several rows of words and numbers on the left and several bar graphs on the right.
"I will show the Council exactly what took place aboa
rd that unarmed reconnaissance plane," Brent began. "This is the exact, unedited position and status data transmitted from the RC-135 aircraft as it approached Kavaznya. It shows summaries of the aircraft's performance and summaries of what the aircraft's sensors were receiving."
Brent hit a button on the console. A second slide appeared beneath the first, this one a map of eastern Asia centered on Kavaznya.
"To better understand the data presented on the left," Brent said, "we will plot the location of the RC-135 aircraft on the map below. The bar graphs are readouts of electromagnetic energy levels outside the RC-135 aircraft. The graphs show levels of heat, visible light, radiation, transmitted energy, and polarized single-frequency light.
All of the presentations have been time-synced to show exactly what was happening at each moment. "The screens went into motion. "The RC-135 is one hundred and forty miles from Kavaznya when surveillance radars from Ossora Airfield north of Kavaznya begin to track it. "A circle appeared on the chart. "The circle represents the computer's estimate of the range of the surveillance radar scanning the RC-135the plane is well within that range. "The transmitted energy bar moved upward-all of the other graphs were motionless.
Dale Brown - Flight Of The Old Dog Page 18
