Chapter 38
Langley
The ping hit like a hammer blow.
“Sky Fire is back online!” said the comm officer. A green circle flashed to the main screen, confirming the contact. “Message downloading now.”
All intake of breath paused around the room.
Russian submarine has surfaced nearby. Orion and First Officer crossing to meet.
Request friendly submarine expedite to scene.
Must log off soon and conceal package to keep from falling into Russian hands.
Will attempt to delay Russian intervention until arrival of Cheyenne.
Standing by for immediate reply. Falcon.
“They figured out the sub is Russian,” said the duty officer.
Flynn’s first reaction was relief. Kasey was thinking along the exact same lines they were. Delay as much as possible to give the Cheyenne a chance. And above all else, keep Sky Fire secure.
“Shrewd,” he said under his breath.
He looked at the edge of the map and saw the symbol representing the Cheyenne. Since she was not capable of direct communication, her position was only an estimate reflecting a straight-line course and the predicted currents.
“What did the Pacific Fleet Headquarters say about the Cheyenne picking up the pace?” the DDO asked.
The duty officer said, “I just heard back. They say she’s capable of a wartime dash, but it wouldn’t make a significant difference in her arrival time.
It could also overstress her nuclear propulsion system.
And the problem remains that unless she surfaces, which would only slow her down, headquarters has no way to issue the order. ”
“I’ll take that as a no. What about air assets? Is this storm ever going to let up?”
“The latest weather forecast does predict moderation, but I’m not sure if it would be enough to permit a rescue flight.”
“All the same, get with DOD. I want to see every option; whatever aircraft can retrieve two people and one package from an ice floe. I have no problem with letting the Russians handle the other survivors. The quickest alternative they come up with needs to be put on alert. Maybe we can position assets forward to expedite. That way, if the weather lets up, we’ll be ready to go. ”
Flynn’s orders were carried out at desks across the room.
He went to the comm station and dictated an immediate reply to Falcon.
Monitoring your situation closely. All efforts being made to expedite but unless weather changes expect USS Cheyenne arrival at 0100Z. Concur with your plan. Delay as able. Recovery of Sky Fire and Falcon are priority. Will monitor this channel continuously.
Sadly, Flynn could think of nothing else to add. He gave a final nod, and the comm technician hit the send key.
The DDO returned to his chair feeling woefully inadequate.
The greatest intelligence coup in years was almost within his grasp, one that could kneecap China’s military for a decade.
The resources of the entire nation had been put at his disposal, courtesy of the White House.
But in that moment, he could do nothing more than tell one exhausted operator to keep up the good work.
He racked his brain, desperate for alternatives, but kept coming back to the same fundamental answer. One set of boots on icy Arctic ground.
Until help arrived, Kasey was on her own.