Accelerant- Sixth Extinction

by James Morris Robinson

  Captain Russell nodded excitedly. “Simply brilliant.”

  The Admiral shook J.R.’s hand. “May God bless your mission, captain. And if need be, die a warrior’s death.”

  “Aye, Admiral.”

  J.R. saluted and, with a deep sense of respect, said, “It has been a pleasure serving with you, Admiral.”

  Captain Anderson was now alone with Admiral Cooper. “I wish I was on one of those choppers.”

  The admiral said with a stern voice, “No, commander. You will run the fleet if we do not return.”

  The captain responded, “If you don’t return? I don’t understand, Admiral.”

  “Admiral Barksdale and I have agreed that once the Savannah has been secured and the prisoners are aboard the modified brig, the carriers will assume synchronous parallel speed on each side of the Savannah. The plan is to escort—”

  Captain Anderson, in shocked amazement, quickly interrupted Admiral Cooper. “With the deepest respect, sir, I will not allow you, sir. It’s too dangerous. We must give the Savannah wide berth. If that ship blows, it will surely burn the sky. Sir, let me and the captain of the USS William J. Clinton take two destroyers as escort. Let’s unleash the guided missile destroyers and send that ship to hell’s gate.”

  Admiral Cooper shouted firmly, “No, soldier! You do that and all you do is unleash a wall of hellish water that will travel thousands of miles at over 800 miles an hour. This demon could kill millions over thousands of miles. No, son. Admiral Barksdale and I will leave you in command of the fleet until we return. The aircraft carriers are large enough to use as shields while we deploy the Venturi effect to create a contained harbor tsunami. If we can’t stop this Hellburner, just maybe, we can marginalize it.”

  Captain Anderson looked puzzled. “Venturi effect, sir?”

  The Admiral tapped the touchscreen and a distinct synthetic voice drew their attention to images depicting the Venturi effect. An animated primer followed. “The Venturi effect occurs when a fluid that is flowing through a pipe is forced through a narrow section, resulting in a pressure decrease, and a velocity increase. The Venturi effect is similar to the feeling one gets when the thumb is placed at the end of a garden hose with the water turned on. The water’s velocity increases when the thumb is placed over the water. Giovanni Battista Venturi explained his discovery by hanging two ping pong balls by long strings, dangling next to each other but not touching. He blew air between them. The ping pong balls came together because the pressure between the ping pong balls is less than the pressure on the outside of the pair.”

  The Admiral then gave a military example. “The United States Navy once had to explain how a U.S. Navy submarine and a commercial cargo vessel collided in the Strait of Hormuz on a Monday evening on January 8, 2007. They were zoofed. This is submarine slang for having a surface ship pass directly over your position. Zoofed is a fancy way of saying you experienced the Venturi effect. The USS Newport News had set coordinates and dove to leave the Persian Gulf. The USS Newport News was southbound, crossing the busy and narrow Strait of Hormuz while heading into the Arabian Sea when the Mogamigawa, a huge Japanese crude oil ship, passed overhead at a high speed, creating a sucking effect that made the submarine rise and hit the ship.”

  Admiral Cooper pointed to the screen showing the Savannah gliding towards her destination and said, “We will deploy this maneuver with the Savannah. Both carriers will travel a course parallel to the Savannah close together. Since both ships are displacing water into the space between them . . . it follows that it has to go somewhere. The water will actually speed up and causes a reduction in water pressure between the ships compared to the outside, creating an inward force that will push the Aircraft Carriers together on a disastrous collision course. Guess who is sandwiched in between?”

  Captain Anderson replied, “Fireship Savannah.”

  Admiral Cooper tried to assure Captain Anderson. “This does not have to happen, son. It's a last resort. Besides, where else can I spend nine billion dollars of the Navy’s money? Small price to pay for freedom from tyranny and terrorists, wouldn’t you say?”

  Captain Anderson nodded in approval. Admiral Cooper smiled at Captain Anderson and handed him a letter. “I am a soldier in the United States Navy first, then an admiral. I still know how to defend my keep. Promise me two things if things should go bad. First, give this handwritten letter to my family. Tell my wife to hug my kids and grand-kids. Assure them that because of their dad and other sailors, everything is fine now. Let them know I will check in on them from time to time. Secondly, find the Genesis hive and bring them down. That will be your legacy. I want Navy to find the hive. Hunt them to the ends of the earth. You hear me, soldier?”

  The rear admiral walked away. He did not see the tears in Captain Anderson’s eyes as he took the ladder to the flag bridge.

  Captain Anderson returned to the command bridge and nodded with approval. “Quartermaster, you gave a great presentation today. I am proud of you son.” Captain Anderson gave orders to the officer of the deck, the helmsman, and the quartermaster of the watch. Captain Anderson saluted the men. “I must head to the helicopter to get to the forward operating base. We all have our orders.”

  In unison, they replied, “Sir, it was an honor to have served with you.”

  “No, no, the honor was mine. See you soon.” The sailors he had just given orders to would stay with the USS George W. Bush. At that moment, they could feel the carrier’s speed increase as it raced to meet a demon.

  Chapter Twenty-Six - Puerto Rico Trench

  Captain Anderson feared that the admirals were taking on great risk without adequate air defense as he watched the bulk of both battle group’s rapid deployment to the forward operating bases. The admirals did not want to hazard billions of dollars in aircraft if the carriers were caught in a nuclear blast. The admirals issued a direct order to the air bosses to put all aircraft including helicopters and drones in the air and land them at the FOBs in Aruba and Curacao. Three Knighthawk choppers deployed from the USNS Medgar Evers to conduct the Navy SEAL special ops. Each aircraft carrier would have a standby chopper to get the admirals to safety.

  The Admirals’ command centers on both carriers confirmed their orders were being executed as planned. The limited crew on the berthing deck and in the mess halls felt the aircraft carriers pick up speed. The carriers increased wind speed to help launch all aircraft. The admirals heard and saw aircraft launching at a rate of one every 30 seconds or so. The thunder on the flight deck was continuous as the aircraft left for the FOBs. The admirals would be trolling without maximum manpower but their defense was still formidable. The helmsmen in the command centers on both carriers were in constant and direct communication with each other.

  Captain Anderson thought to himself as his helicopter lifted from the flight deck, the air search radar will protect the carriers out in deep sea. Both carriers had advanced combat direction systems with communication links to all armed forces command centers, not just the US Navy's. Even with a skeleton crew, the carriers' three defense systems would protect them, particularly Sea Sparrow.

  The aircraft movement did not alarm Fireship Savannah, which currently was about 100 miles ahead to the east. The aircraft were launching and heading west to their destinations, far away from the Hellburner.

  It seemed quiet when the deployment was complete. Both aircraft carriers backed off after launching all aircraft. They wanted to maintain a speed that kept them at a range of 155 miles to Fireship Savannah’s stern. This kept them off Fireship Savannah’s radar as a threat.

  Aboard the USNS Medgar Evers supply ship, The Navy SEAL teams awaited Captain Russell’s arrival. The two teams were seated as J.R. entered the room for the mission briefing. The SEAL teams to be deployed were naval special warfare combatant-craft crewmen. J.R. opened a folder labeled 'classified.'

  “At ease soldiers. This op is not special reconnaissance. This is a counter-terrorism op. The mission objective is by team
. SEAL team Charleston will deactivate the C-4, locate the B-53 bombs, and diffuse the C-4 primary triggers. SEAL team Savannah will find Ghaazi and the captain. It is most likely they have access those nuclear triggers known as Apophis Tablets and the C-4 detonators. Our nuclear scientists report that whoever wrapped the packages did an expert job. There are no radiation leaks. The containers are perfectly sealed. Maybe this was Genesis’ way to make sure the men arrived on mission in perfect health or they just got the best package wrappers money can buy. At any rate, it works for us from a mission safety standpoint.”

  Captain Russell pointed to the touchscreen panel displaying nautical charts.

  “The United Nations International Maritime Organization requires all large ships to switch to an electronic navigation system that reads certified digital nautical charts. This proactive strategy was designed to reduce collisions and help them avoid pirate-ridden routes such as the coast of Somalia. This is the system that Fireship Savannah has, and it is a beauty. The critical components of this self-sufficient system are the diagnostic monitor and remote access. The diagnostic monitor enables Fireship Savannah’s owners to monitor onboard sensors for everything from container conditions to engine output as though they were on the ship. The remote access component works through a satellite link that allows the shipping company to access the ship’s operations or black box voyage data recorder. Our computer engineers have established a stealth link to—”

  J.R. was interrupted when one of the SEALS asked, “Sir, is that a new term for hacking?”

  Everyone roared with laughter. J.R. took out his smartphone. “Okay SEALs, turn on the smartphones you were just issued and enter this fresh frequency on your mission dashboard now.”

  J.R. entered a code on his touchscreen. At that moment, each SEAL felt their smartphone vibrate. “I just transferred the location of the C-4 explosive packages locations aboard GWO Savannah to your device. Once you are on the ship, the GPS on your phone will guide you to their locations. Stay on our designated frequency so you don't get signal leak.”

  A SEAL asked the question, “We know the location of the C-4. The real challenge of this mission is to find the location of the B53 nuclear bombs.”

  “That is our mission boys.

  Another SEAL asked, “Why are they crew heavy? Let’s call it what it is. This is a glorified tractor trailer, not a military ship.”’

  J.R. responded, “No intel on this. SEAL team Savannah will board by helicopter and SEAL team Charleston by naval assault hovercraft as quietly as thieves in the night.”

  J.R. pointed to the live feed of Fireship Savannah steaming north. “The SEAL teams on the choppers will wear the Navy working uniform. No body armor will be worn as this would be a dead giveaway. Let’s not spook them. Sensors did not pick up any serious ordinance on this ship. There is greater danger from being cremated in a nuclear blast than getting shot. If things get ugly, I do not want our people getting hit by friendly fire. The multiple pockets on your shirt and trousers can be used for concealment of some ordinance and weapons. You will use the new assault weapons, Mark 16 and Mark 17 rifles. Both the Mark 16 and Mark 17 can fire up to 600 rounds per minute. The Mark 16 short barrel should clear the room if needed. Also, you are authorized to use the M84 stun grenade. When detonated, it emits a loud bang and a blinding flash of light. It will clear a room, disorient, and cause temporary blindness, deafness, and inner-ear disturbance…it will not detonate the red mercury.

  Admiral Barksdale appeared on the touchscreen display panel. “At ease soldiers. Just seconds ago, our communication specialists interfaced with the worldwide GMDSS system satellites and transmitted a localized maritime safety alert that carried our Marburg Virus threat message. They also transmitted alerts to any ship telephone or other radiotelephone systems that may be aboard, even individual cell-phones. We are not concerned about radio silence this time around. We are more concerned about creating a distraction that lets us take control of that ship. This is a direct order. Deploy now.”

  Both SEAL teams bellowed, “Hooyah.” Heard. Understood. Acknowledged.

  Meanwhile, back on board the USS George W. Bush, the skeleton crew could hear Admiral Cooper on the ship’s com system, also via ship-to-ship communication from the USS William J. Clinton. “This is Admiral Cooper. I have given direct orders to the quartermasters and helmsman to move both the USS George W. Bush and the USS William J. Clinton alongside the Fireship Savannah on my mark. The USS George W. Bush will become the starboard shield. The USS William J. Clinton will become the port-side shield. As of now, we will maintain course and speed behind Fireship Savannah so she continues to think we diverted her away from suspected drug-infected cargo ships.”

  Steaming north in the deep Atlantic Ocean, the captain of the Fireship Savannah was quite worried. Captain Mark Bashir was from north Sudan. Like most of the families born in this former British colony, he spoke English and Arabic. He also carried an English first name. Captain Bashir had a master’s degree in marine engineering from a prestigious university in the United Kingdom. He had worked his way up as an ABS. Now, as captain, he was paid about $103,000 a year. On Genesis’ payroll, however, he was worth millions. Some of the crew talked of rumors that Captain Bashir was blood-kin to former President Omar al-Bashir, who was once wanted by the International Criminal Court on genocide charges. The crew all said that Captain Bashir was a good captain, but he didn't talk much.

  The wheelhouse was located on the tenth and highest floor of Fireship Savannah’s superstructure. It was from this huge room that Captain Bashir and the first and second officers controlled the ship. The equipment located there ranged from the ship's steering wheel to huge consoles with control panels and display systems that made it look like a space-station control center.

  Captain Bashir’s first officer was Ghaazi. This was the Ghaazi that Jeff spoke about to the interrogators back at the CIA black site. Ghaazi was proudly second-in-command. He prided himself on knowing the ship and the deck crew inside out. He commanded the second officer and third officer. They monitored all communications and navigation equipment.

  Captain Bashir was having morning coffee with Ghaazi as they always did to discuss ship movements and staff assignments.

  Ghaazi asked, “Any word on our seized vessels from those sea marshals, Captain?”

  “No, Ghaazi.”

  “Are we going to make it, Captain?”

  “Yes, we are, my fearless warrior. Yes, we are.”

  “Praise be to Allah. When I saw, those warships hovering above the decks, I thought the mission was blown. But why did they let us go? I read the pamphlets that rained down from the warship and I was relieved. I still don’t understand.”

  “Relax Ghaazi. The other ships were suspected of being drug mules and by international law, they were subject to seizure and search. That is why I issued orders that all crew members were to follow the orders as communicated by the U.S. Navy. I wanted to prevent panic…worst yet, the search and seizure of my ship.”

  “Ok, Captain…I think I get it.”

  Captain Bashir tried to bring peace to Ghaazi nervousness, Ghaazi, the mission is still on. For now, relax… look at the day’s sky. We glide through this beautiful sky-blue ocean on this beautiful Skipper’s Day. We could not ask for better weather. There are clouds in the sky but the sun is so bright you can barely see them. Ghaazi, you have the bridge.”

  The captain motioned to Ghaazi that he was going to get a fresh cup of coffee. It was a panoramic view twenty stories above a sea of containerized freight. As Captain Bashir walked down to the third-floor mess hall he took in a helicopter view of his cargo. Fireship Savannah carried cargo 20 stories high, 18 rows across and 25 rows from the bow to stern. She was stacked with 21,000 red, yellow and green containers. Her starboard and port had the name GWO Savannah printed in bold bright letters as a testimony to her strength and power of commerce.

  Ghaazi spent all afternoon preparing navigation reports and staff sched
ules and updated their estimated arrival time. As he reviewed the bridge radar, navigation screens and graphics…he became really concerned…so he radioed the Captain’s office.

  “Captain, we will be a day and a half late but some delay was built into the schedule. We need to assume the supertankers will not make it and correct to the shortest course that takes us to the east coast of the United States. Captain, there is no point or reason to reconcile at Puerto Rico.”

  “Get down here, now,” shouted Captain Bashir. Ghaazi headed down and moments later, when he entered, Captain Bashir was sitting at a station with six huge consoles and three computers that put radar, communications, and navigation at his fingertips.

  “Ghaazi, you have direct orders to head for Puerto Rico.”

  But Captain…with all due respect, it does not make sense now.”

  Godammit Ghaazi…--

  Suddenly Ghaazi heard a familiar voice over the captain’s conference commlink.

  “Spirited fellow. But I like him, Mark. He has your back.

  “Yeah…but a pain in my ass at times. Sit down Ghaazi.”

  “As-Salaam-Alaikum” Chief Navid.”

  It was Captain Bashir’s dear friend, Navid who was also Genesis Chief Geologist.

  “Wa-Alaikum-Salaam” Ghaazi.”

  “We are honored with your presence Chief.”

  “Ghaazi…I was asked by the Captain to brief you. He says…it is time.”

  “Ok…what is going on.”

  Captain Bashir pointed to the computer screen that showed a simulation where North America and Africa were one continent.

  Chief Navid asked, “Ghaazi, have you heard of Pangaea?”