by J C Ryan
Luke Clarke and the rest of the founding members of the Rossler Foundation joined the meeting via satellite from the Rabbit Hole, the Foundation’s hideaway in the Gallatin Mountains of Montana.
Daniel was comforted to see the face of his beautiful wife, Sarah, along with her parents, Ryan and Emma Clarke. They were joined by her Aunt and Uncle, Sally and Luke Clarke.
His parents, Ben and Nancy Rossler were there as well, along with his grandmother, Bess. A shadow of longing crossed his face as he thought of his grandfather, Nicholas, who was no longer with them.
Sinclair and Martha O’Reilly, their head translator and his horticulturist wife were just taking seats. He was grateful that Sinclair had accepted the position as the new CEO of the foundation.
“Thank you all for joining this meeting,” Sinclair said. “Daniel asked me to call the meeting to discuss something which he said was very important. I don’t know what the topic is, so, the floor is yours, Daniel.”
Daniel nodded. “We have a great deal to discuss and decisions to make. First, I want to address the issue of the top-secret files that Brideaux acquired.
“As you all know, those files contain damning information, in some cases possibly deadly, on every member of every government and every influential person spanning the globe. They also contain information on terrorist cells and organizations. In the wrong hands, most, if not all, of this information could be used to control governments and nations.
“Thanks to the recovery efforts by our team, the Rossler Foundation now holds this information. The question is, what are we going to do with it?”
Martha was the first to speak up. “It seems to me that kind of information is trash and trouble. No one should have access to it; it should be destroyed.”
“Including the information on the terrorist groups?” Ryan asked.
“Well,” Martha hesitated. “Maybe not that part of it, but definitely the other dirty laundry.”
Several chuckled at her choice of expression. Luke, being a former CIA field agent, knew the value and use of that type of information. “I don’t think we should let it go so easily. There is a time and a place for that kind of information.”
“At what time and place would that kind of filth possibly be useful for anything except blackmailing someone into doing something illegal?” Martha fired back.
Knowing of several situations where ‘that kind’ of information had saved several lives and prevented wars, Luke was hard put not to answer that question. “I just think we should consider things carefully before taking any action that is permanent. What you’re suggesting is irreversible. I’d rather be safe than sorry.”
“Luke is right.” Ryan, having worked with electronic surveillance, was all too aware of the value of information—dirty or clean. “I think we would be wise not to make any hasty decisions regarding it.”
“Ben, Sinclair, you’re both being awfully quiet, and so are you, Aaron and Raj. Ladies? What do you think?” Martha asked, managing to put everyone on the spot at once.
Sally and Emma looked at one another with slight shrugs. “I think the less we all know about what’s in those files the better off we all are,” Sally said finally. Emma nodded in silent agreement.
“Ben?”
Scratching his head for a moment before speaking, Ben stated, “I don’t know about the information on the government people, but I sure would like to see our country get its hands on that terrorist information and wipe them off the face of the planet. The sooner the better.”
Raj cleared his throat. “I have a recommendation. What if the information concerning all government members is separated out and stored in a secure vault at the Rabbit Hole? We would be the only ones who know it exists. After a period of time, ten years for example, if there hasn’t been a good reason to use it, we can destroy it. In the meantime, the information on terrorist cells and organizations could be used by Foundation security to monitor activities and offer unofficial intelligence to those who would appreciate the information.”
Silence hung in the air while everyone considered Raj’s suggestion. “I think that sounds like a very equitable solution,” Sinclair said. “What do the rest of you think?”
Slowly, indications of agreement came from all in attendance, even Martha. “Very well, then. Raj, would you please see to the implementation of both solutions?”
“Certainly.”
Turning back to Daniel, Sinclair continued, “Okay, Daniel, what’s next on your agenda?”
Daniel made eye contact with each individual as he brought up the next issue. “We are the original members of the team that found and broke the code of the Tenth Cycle Library and the founding members of the Rossler Foundation. As such, I’ve decided to keep this initial discussion among us. We will decide together if we want, or need, to bring the rest of the membership in.”
With that said, Daniel got right to the point. “Because of the destruction of conventional and nuclear armaments around the globe, we are facing a new arms race. It has been suggested that the only way to stem the tide is to use the technological advances available to us, the United States, in the Tenth Cycle Library to get us to the front of the race and keep us there.”
“That sounds like you want to turn the library over to the government and use it to establish the United States as the World Leader,” Sinclair said, with a hint of apprehension in his tone.
Murmurs spread around the table before Luke spoke. “Let’s hear it, Daniel.”
Clearing his throat for silence, Daniel continued. “The Foundation was established to keep the library out of the hands of the government. In the early days after our discovery of the library, when Nigel was still president, he tried to coax us into relinquishing control to the government. We refused, and we remained steadfast. Nigel eventually came around to our viewpoint. Our philosophy has always been to share the knowledge of the Tenth Cycle for the benefit of all of humanity, not just one government.
“However, as you all know, it didn’t take us long to discover that there is too much information on technology in the library that could be used for malevolent purposes. Furthermore, it also became clear that our civilization has not reached a level of maturity that would allow the knowledge to be shared equally and used responsibly by everyone. Therefore, that knowledge which was considered dangerous was withheld, and only trusted countries were given access to the remainder of the information.
“But as you know, the library became the ultimate prize for various groups and individuals with evil intent. Thus far, by the grace of God, we’ve been able to keep it out of their hands. However, I don’t have to tell you how close we came to losing control of it on at least two occasions.
“In light of the present circumstances, perhaps it is time to reconsider our stance about our exclusive guardianship of the library. To establish the United States ahead of those countries who will be contriving to become the new world power, we’ll have to put extensive effort and resources into getting everything possible out of the library and using it to our advantage. Doing this might require accepting the government as a partner.
“We also need to keep in mind that regardless of whether the Foundation or the government has possession of the library, there will always be those who will want the information it contains. These people will make every effort to obtain it without regard for the cost, effort, or lives.
“Sarah and I believe the final decision has to be made by the Rossler Foundation leadership, possibly even the entire membership. Though, as founding members, we wanted to discuss this with you first.
“The topic is now open for discussion.”
Silence reigned as the people stared at each other and shifted uncomfortably in their chairs.
“Daniel,” spoke Martha. “After all we’ve been through to protect the information and use it wisely for the benefit of all people, I can’t believe that you are actually considering using the information for the sole benefit of our country, let alone usi
ng it to develop weapons to ensure our dominance over the world!” She hid her shaking hands beneath the table and took a breath to calm her voice.
Sinclair joined his wife. “Not too long ago you made the late Laurie Campbell promise that the US government won’t lay claim to the library. What has changed?”
The unexpected antagonism evident in the group gave Daniel pause.
He held his hands up in surrender. “I’ve been clear about it Martha. I am putting the idea forward for discussion. I am not going to make a decision about this without this group’s support. If you shoot it down here tonight, I’m not going to take it any further. As far as I am concerned, although Sarah and I own the controlling shares, and are in a position to make the call, we won’t do it—ever.
“To answer your question Sinclair; what has changed is our understanding of the global political situation and perils we’ll soon find ourselves in if we don’t become the most powerful country again—very quickly.”
Sarah nodded her agreement with her husband.
Several bodies sat back in their chairs, arms folded across their chests, frowns of concern on their faces.
Grumbles and muttering began, the air seemed to grow thick and chilled around them.
Sinclair was about to bring the meeting to order, but Daniel signaled to him to let it go. He didn’t want to inhibit them from airing their views.
Bess rose quietly to her feet and silence fell across the room. At ninety-two, the matriarch was in remarkable mental and physical condition. She was still doing Pilates every day. Everyone loved and respected her and quietly wished that they would be able to age as gracefully as she did.
“Daniel,” she spoke firmly but gently. “You have brought an extremely serious matter before us. We have all been through a lot over the past few years.” She paused and looked at those gathered one by one. “I think we would all benefit from a bit of time to consider the suggestion and the possible consequences and opportunities that could come with it.
“I suggest we adjourn for tonight and come back to this in a few days when we’ve had time to think. We can then discuss it with clear minds instead of our emotions.”
Ben nodded in agreement to what his mother was saying. Taking their lead, the others began to acquiesce.
“Thank you, Grandma,” Daniel said with a slight grin of relief. His grandma’s suggestion couldn’t have come at a better time. It got him out of a very uncomfortable situation. “I think yours is very wise counsel. I agree, and if everyone else agrees, I’m happy to meet again in a few days. All I ask is that you keep it among the members of this group, let’s not upset anyone else yet.”
They all agreed.
“Good night everyone,” Daniel said.
Several ‘good-nights’ were heard before the satellite transmission was cut.
Aaron shook his head at his brother. “You sure know how to stir up trouble.”
CHAPTER 4
Onboard the Trepang
LIEUTENANT LARSON WASN’T kidding when he said the trip ahead of the Trepang wouldn’t be fun, but it was easier than the trip to the Chukchi Sea. “We’re able to maintain half speed and have just passed Point Hope. We’ll reach the Bering Strait in about ten hours.”
Captain Locklin lay on his bunk with his leg elevated. Once they were underway, and it became clear that the sub could limp along safely, the corpsman had insisted he rest, and this time he didn't argue.
“What else?”
“That intermittent sonar contact has reappeared and is following us, not trying to hide anymore.”
“The Russians?”
“Most likely.”
“What about the Itinerant? Is she maintaining position?”
“She’s staying at the edge of our port sonar range; I doubt the Russians know she’s here.”
“That’s odd. It’s almost like she knows the Russians are following us, and she’s trying to hide from them … well, the longer we can keep her presence a secret, the better off we are. We sure don’t want the Russians becoming nervous by thinking we’re ganging up on them.”
“That’s for darn sure! We’ve taken enough damage. I’ve threatened to keel-haul the first man who sneezes!”
Locklin laughed. “I’ll help you!”
“How is Ensign Littleton?” Larson asked.
The Captain’s eyes darkened; a shadow of sadness mixed with anger passed over his face when he thought of the young man Brideaux had tortured in order to gain control of the submarine.
Locklin had always considered himself an emotionally strong man and held the belief that there was no way he would ever be forced into anything, especially relinquishing his command.
He was trained to withstand torture, trained to endure watching others being tortured. But nothing could’ve prepared him to endure watching one of his own men being taken apart piece by piece – skinned alive.
“He’s in critical condition. Corpsman Gibbs is doing all he can but ...,”
“I’m sorry, sir,” Larson said, then stepped to the cabin door. “Try to get some rest, Captain. I’ll let you know when we approach the strait.”
Locklin raised his hand in acknowledgement.
* * *
Onboard the Russian submarine Knyaz Pozharskiy
SEAMAN GRIGORY SHULGA watched the sonar screen before him intently. Fresh out of sonar technician training, this was his first tour aboard the Knyaz Pozharskiy, and he wanted to make a good impression on Captain Petrov.
He had discovered the American submarine when she foolishly tried to break through the ice near the North Pole. The Captain was pleased with the report of his discovery and his careful tracking of the boat as they followed her to the Chukchi Sea off the Northeast coast of Russia.
Grigory was not going to jeopardize his good standing with the Captain by letting his guard down for one minute.
“Captain! The Americans are holding at fifteen knots, still heading for the Bering Strait.”
“Very good, Shulga. Any other contacts in the area?”
“Negative, sir. The scope is clear.”
“Steady as she goes, stay with the Americans. How long until she enters the Strait.”
“Calculating now, sir … about eight hours.”
“Tupolev,” Petrov said, addressing his Weapons officer. “I want a check on all torpedoes. Make sure they are ready to fire if we need them. Run some drills.”
“Yes, Captain!”
“I’ll be in my quarters, Commander, keep me informed,” he said as he left the Command Center.
Commander Roman Luski gave a salute. “Yes, Captain.”
* * *
Onboard the Itinerant
ED MULLIGAN, CULINARY specialist and logistics officer aboard the Itinerant was just serving dinner when Brenda Hunte entered the lounge. The lounge was the crew’s designation for the small compartment where they dined, watched movies, and played cards or board games.
Like Sonya Takahashi, the dark beauty from Barbados was also an MIT graduate monitoring the results of her new electrical design project that was part of this new research sub. She had developed smaller, more powerful batteries for submarines, and had a new space-saving design for the electricity-generation and distribution equipment deployed on board the Itinerant.
As she joined Captain Marcus, the engineer, ‘Gus’ Aquino and two of the six divers they brought along, she gave her report.
“We’re entering the Strait, Captain. Bill and Taka are minding the store.” By which she meant they were guiding the sub.
“All right,” Marcus responded. “I’ll check in with them when I’ve finished eating.”
“Hi, boys!” she greeted Karl and Michael. “Are you bored yet?” she teased.
Ever the serious Navy Seal, Karl replied, “The down time has been useful for planning and reviewing rescue scenarios.”
Michael and Brenda looked at each other and laughed, then Brenda slapped Karl on the shoulder. “C’mon Dunlap, lighten up.” She laughed
again. “You need to learn how to relax! Ever been on a date? Taken a vacation?”
“Hey, Hunte, wanna go out with me tonight?” Michael asked, waggling his eyebrows and grinning at her. “I’ll take ya to a movie!”
“I’d like that just fine, sugar!” she teased back. “I’ll even let you buy me popcorn –if Ed here brought any!”
“Of course, I did! What’s a movie without popcorn?” Ed responded.
Continuing to eat, Karl ignored them, and they settled down to eat as well.
As Marcus got up to leave, the remaining four divers entered the lounge, and the good-natured teasing and fun began again. Laughter echoed behind him as he made his way down the passageway.
Entering the bridge, he stepped to the sonar station. “How are our two contacts, Taka?” he inquired.
“Holding steady at fifteen knots. The Strait is narrowing and will force us all closer together. It won’t be long before the Russians know we’re here.”
“Well, they were bound to find out sooner or later. Let’s just stay on our toes and hope we don’t unnerve them. Bill, anything going on I should hear about?”
“The rescue ship has arrived in the Bearing Sea and will be waiting for us when we exit the Strait. There’s also an updated report on the damage to the Trepang.”
“Let’s hope they've been able to repair its damage and we won’t be needed. But something tells me it’s not going to be that easy.”
“If your wish is granted, this will at least have been a good shake-down cruise for the Itinerant.”
“What do we know about the rescue ship that’s being sent?”
“She’s the Mystic Sea, a privately-owned research vessel.”
“Privately owned? There’re over one hundred people on that sub. How many souls can she hold?”