by Bobby Akart
Today, the trip was made by Banda and a deputy, who followed along in an old Ford Bronco II with Duncan and Sook in the back. Just west of Winslow, there was a rancher friend of Banda’s. He’d fill up his friend’s hundred-gallon tank with fresh water in exchange for a couple of horses. This would give the travelers a hundred-fifty-mile start on their journey, plus transportation.
The convoy pulled off the interstate about twenty miles west of Winslow at the Canyon Diablo exit. Canyon Diablo, the devil’s canyon, was a true Arizona ghost town on the outskirts of the Navaho Reservation.
They slowly approached the ranch, which was nearly eighteen thousand acres. Duncan, who had never been interested in the ranching aspect of Armstrong Ranch, knew how to ride and also knew enough about horses to know that the ones racing across the scrubland on both sides of him were wild. While he appreciated the head start on their trip home, he wasn’t ready to tame a mustang. He might opt for a burro instead. They were slower, but they wouldn’t throw them as often.
Duncan and Sook waited by the trucks while Banda went inside to make the deal. Within minutes, he whistled to the driver of the water tanker to drive around the back of the house. Two ranch hands scurried out of the house and ran toward the barn.
Duncan managed a smile, and then he realized the task ahead. He hadn’t mounted a horse in years, and he wasn’t sure if Sook had ever seen one.
“Sook, have you ever seen a horse before?”
She shook her head side to side, and then her eyes grew wider as the men walked the horses closer to them. Duncan was glad to see they were saddled too.
The two young Mexicans handed over the reins to Duncan and left them alone with their new steeds. He took a deep breath as he considered the monumental task ahead of them.
Horseback riding was a combination of sport, skill, and art wrapped into one very difficult function that always looked easy on television. He remembered his grandfather saying that it didn’t matter what type of horse you had, or what your plans for him were, the basics of horse handling were universal.
The first aspect was taken care of for them. The saddles and blankets provided seemed to be in good shape. He rubbed the muzzles of the horses as he walked around them and checked the straps securing the saddles. He didn’t find any tears or holes in the leather, which might be uncomfortable for both horse and rider.
After confirming the bit and bridle fit the horse properly, he encouraged Sook to get to know the mare by rubbing her and talking softly in her ear. The mare wasn’t in season, so she hopefully wouldn’t be temperamental for her new, inexperienced rider.
He’d ride the gelding, although he was more likely to be calm and easy-going because he’d been divested of his cajones. Duncan felt the male horse could carry his weight and gear for the long trip.
“Sook, do not be afraid, okay?” began Duncan, who was always careful to avoid contractions when speaking with Sook. For someone relatively new to the English language, do not was understandable, the contraction don’t, not so much.
He continued. “The horse will sense your fear. For now, we are going to get you comfortable in the saddle and make sure this horse is comfortable with you.”
She continued to walk around the horse and suddenly began to cry.
“Sook, what is the matter? It will be okay. She will not hurt you.”
Sook laughed and wiped her tears from her face with her hands. “No, Duncan. I am fine. I never thought I would see a horse in my lifetime. Or ride on a plane. Or come to America. Or be free. Now, I am all of those. Thank you.”
She embraced him and held Duncan against her while she let out her emotions. Until this moment, she hadn’t spoken much since their arrival in America, allowing him to initiate most conversations. She had turned a corner in her life.
As Sook regained her composure, Banda returned from the ranch house with a smile. “Okay, my friends, you’re all set. The good people of Winslow will not notice a couple of hundred gallons of water missing from the load, and my friend here has hundreds more horses to break, if necessary.”
“I don’t know how to thank you for everything you’ve done for us,” started Duncan.
“No thanks necessary,” he said as he reached out to shake Duncan’s hand. He then turned to Sook and reached out to shake hers.
She immediately moved forward to give him an unexpected hug. It was a genuine show of thanks.
“God bless you, Banda,” she said as her eyes welled up in tears again.
“Well, young lady, God bless you too. You are an inspiration to us all.”
Duncan patted Banda on the back once again and encouraged him to be safe. Banda provided him a suggested route to take as they approached Winslow, which led them along the south side of the town. He didn’t expect them to run into any trouble, but why invite it?
Duncan and Sook watched as the trucks started up and continued on to Winslow. Afterwards, Duncan showed Sook how to mount her horse and the proper pressure to apply to the reins. He promised her they’d take it slow at first, and they would amble down the shoulder of the interstate. Along the way, he’d give her pointers on how to give commands to her horse, and if they found an open area free of large rocks or obstacles, he’d show her how to pick up the speed.
She was sitting high in the saddle as he asked, “Are you ready?”
“Yes.”
“Okay, now I get to show you my part of the world.”
Duncan strapped their bags to the rear of the saddles, and then he retrieved his Barrett rifle, which he slipped into a scabbard attached to his saddle. Despite Banda’s confidence that the two riders would not run into any trouble, Duncan sensed otherwise.
Chapter 22
December 2
Raven Rock Mountain Complex
Liberty Township, Pennsylvania
President Harman got some much-needed rest as her surrogates assured her the Twelve-Hour War was over. The Secretary of State had personally reached out to China and Russia to confirm they had no intention of getting involved in the melee. They further confirmed they would make no military advancement into North Korea at this time, and that their massive military presence along their mutual border with the North was to prevent an influx of refugees into their countries.
Sometimes the drumbeat of war plays for an extended period of time, but once the gloves come off, the battle is over quickly. Twice in history, Israel and their Arab neighbors had engaged in wars known as the Seven-Day and Six-Day Wars. Both ended in decisive victories for Israel.
This time, the war between the U.S. and the DPRK was over in hours, with America able to declare a victory, of sorts. The U.S. success came with the annihilation of virtually everything aboveground in North Korea. It did not, however, result in the death or capture of Kim Jong-un, who remained safely tucked away deep underground in fortified bunkers.
While the shooting was over between North and South Korea, the next step in this geopolitical struggle was unclear. This evening, among other things, President Harman would address the issue of what was next.
She entered the conference room, which had become the space she’d spent the most time in since her arrival at Raven Rock. It was cramped, the air circulation was poor, and it paled in comparison to what she was accustomed to in the White House—another issue she intended to raise during this meeting with her top people.
In attendance were Chief of Staff Acton, Secretary of State Tompkins, Homeland Secretary Pickering, acting Defense Secretary Evans, and via visual hookup, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Admiral Dasanti.
“Before we get started on your individual reports, I need to hear from the Secretary of State regarding the war between Israel and Iran.”
Secretary Tompkins began to stand before President Harman stopped her. “Please, Jane, sit. Unless we need the whiteboard or monitor, let’s keep this casual. It’s going to be a long evening for us.”
“Thank you, Madam President,” Tompkins began. “Israel’s recent enhancemen
ts to their Iron Dome program has proved successful since the initial attacks were launched by Pyongyang. The upgraded variant, called David’s Sling, was designed to intercept enemy aircraft, drones, and tactical ballistic missiles. Thirty minutes after the first missile launch from North Korea was directed at Guam, the Iranians began firing mid-range rockets and cruise missiles toward Israel. They effectively repelled the attack.”
“How did Israel react?” asked the president.
“Without remorse or compunction, ma’am, to be blunt,” replied Tompkins. “Israel unleashed its Jericho III nuclear-armed ICBMs at Iranian targets. Reports indicate seven of the missiles hitting strategic targets within Iran, including two in Tehran. The rest of the missiles struck ports, military facilities and the Natanz Uranium Enrichment plant.”
“Have you been in touch with your counterpart in Jerusalem? What is the current status of the conflict?”
“Israel is now flying sorties across Iran in their F-15 and F-16 fighters. They’re conducting strategic bombing missions to destroy the remainder of Iran’s military capabilities. Further, they’ve deployed three German-built Dolphin submarines in the Persian Gulf in an effort to back down any other players who might want to challenge the Jewish State.”
President Harman leaned forward. “What about Hezbollah, Hamas, and Syria? Have they stepped up to help their allies in Iran?”
“No, ma’am. Scared out of their minds, I suspect. The overwhelming response of Jerusalem backed down all of their adversaries.”
“And the Saudis?” asked the president.
“Israel has no interest in invading Iran. The much-sought-after devastation of the Iranian military and nuclear program has been accomplished. Frankly, both the new Israeli prime minister and I agree that a Saudi presence in Iran would be a stabilizing force in the Middle East. Israel plans to encourage a Saudi invasion of Iran.”
“Okay, thank you, Jane,” started the president. “Before we move on to the domestic situation, I want everybody’s opinion on the table. Is there anyone who has a genuine concern that the Russians or the Chinese will use the occasion of our weakened condition to make a move on us?”
One by one, each of her advisors were adamant in their response—no.
“All right, I tend to agree. You know, the bottom line is they need us economically. Those two countries will profit substantially from our rebuilding effort. Also, we still have enough nuclear capability to cause them damage in return. I will place phone calls to both countries when we are done here, as time zones allow.”
Admiral Dasanti spoke next. “Madam President, before you address domestic issues, may I ask about our intentions toward North Korea? Kim Jong-un is still alive, and our intelligence reveals that massive nuclear-protected catacombs exist throughout the country. This is a nation that has expected this moment for half a century.”
“Are you suggesting we consider sending in ground troops, Admiral? I’m afraid that might draw the ire of Russia and China.”
“No, Madam President, but I think we should encourage Seoul to do so. This is America’s opportunity to gain a large foothold in Asia. With a new government installed in the North under Seoul’s direction, we could maintain a strong presence right across the river from China. It would allow us to keep them in check for decades.”
The president exhaled and looked to her new Defense Secretary. “What do you think, Clayton?”
“Ma’am, it would be a way to make lemonade out of lemons,” he replied. “Pardon my being glib. America is a resilient nation and we will rebuild. In the meantime, our allies on the Korean Peninsula can carry the burden of ensuring stability in the region. Besides, the South Koreans are the logical country to do so. I can’t imagine the United Nations objecting in any way.”
“Let them know, off the record, they’ve got the green light and our full support to go in there to clean up the mess. You know, as a humanitarian mission. Liberate as many of the North Koreans as they can find alive and deal with the military apparatus as they see fit.”
The president looked around the room at her team. With Montgomery Gregg’s departure, she was surrounded by loyalists that she could count on, with the lone exception of Admiral Dasanti. Although he never pushed back against her decisions like Gregg did, she was never quite sure of what he was thinking. It was confounding, but an admirable trait nonetheless. Thus far, he hadn’t led her astray.
“Shifting gears, let’s talk about our return to Washington,” started the president. “With tensions easing, and the good fortune of excellent sharpshooting by the Department of Defense, the last three incoming missiles destined for our nation’s capital were destroyed. I believe the first step in restoring order across the nation and confidence in our government is to return to Washington as a show of resolve and strength. Does everyone agree?”
The responses were varied, but approving.
“Absolutely!”
“It’ll send a clear message that our nation is made up of survivors.”
“The rebuilding effort should begin there, without question.”
The president was pleased with the enthusiasm of her key advisors. Only Admiral Dasanti failed to respond to her suggestion. This did not go unnoticed.
“Admiral, do you have a contrary opinion?” asked President Harman.
“I agree in principle, based upon the diminished nuclear threat, Madam President. However, I do not believe Kim Jong-un has been completely defeated. Like bin Laden, I want proof of his being deposed or his death. Either will suit me just fine.”
President Harman appeared puzzled by his statement and looked at the others in the room to see if they had a similar reaction. She returned her attention to the admiral. “Do you think that Kim Jong-un is capable of some type of counteroffensive?”
“All I can say is the DPRK’s actions were outside of our extensive war-planning scenarios,” replied Admiral Dasanti. “He never attacked South Korea and Japan, as was anticipated. Further, and we haven’t completed our analysis of our satellite intel, but in the days prior to the initial launch from Komdok-san, his troops appeared to be taking a defensive posture. Some even disappeared from earlier flyovers.”
“Are you suggesting Kim ordered his forces to go into hiding?” asked Defense Secretary Evans.
“I’m suggesting that things may not be as they appear and that we should proceed with caution.”
President Harman fell back into her chair in disgust. She wanted to have confidence that this was over. She took a deep breath and addressed the chairman of the Joint Chiefs. “Admiral, do you have any reason to believe it is unsafe for us to return to Washington due to a nuclear threat?”
“No, ma’am. I don’t think the DPRK poses a nuclear threat to us any longer for so long as their nuclear-capable submarines do not reach our shores.”
“Wait. Are their nuclear subs unaccounted for?”
The admiral moved closer to the camera. “Two, ma’am, that we know of. After Kim solidified his ICBM program, he turned his resources toward the KPA’s Naval Unit 167. Their submarine-launched ballistic missile, or SLBM, poses a real threat at this time.”
“Will our THAAD antimissile system be able to identify and destroy an inbound SLBM?”
“Our radars have been focused on long-range ICBMs coming from the Korean Peninsula. If these submarines slip in behind our radar, we wouldn’t be able to react in time.”
“What do you suggest, Admiral?” asked the president as she grew increasingly perturbed. She desperately wanted this meeting to have at least one high note.
“We need to recall our antisubmarine capabilities from Europe. The U.S. Atlantic Fleet needs to be redeployed immediately to our east coast and the Gulf of Mexico. I suggest we send our antisub aircraft to the west coast to supplement our existing forces.”
“Why the Gulf of Mexico?” she asked.
“Because our southern coast is the least protected against nuclear attacks. Texas is especially vulnerable.”
&n
bsp; The president bristled as she threw her pen on the table. “Well, now, Texas isn’t our problem anymore, is it?”
Chapter 23
December 2
West of Winslow, Arizona
“You are a natural!” Duncan proudly exclaimed as Sook and her horse alternated between a jogging speed and then back to a walking gait. Horse and rider were growing comfortable with one another. All horses move naturally with four basic paces ranging from a top speed of a gallop, which can approach fifty-five miles an hour, to the canter, about thirty miles an hour. Sook and her mare were not ready to run together yet, but she had mastered a jogging speed of about ten miles per hour. Duncan was confident they could pick up their pace by tomorrow.
“What is a natural?” Sook asked as Duncan eased up next to her.
He laughed as he forgot that Sook, while fairly proficient in English, was not totally familiar with the idiosyncrasies of American slang and wit.
“It means you ride like you are comfortable and have been riding for a long time.”
“Yes, I like her. She is very comfortable, too.”
They rode together in silence for a moment as Sook continuously surveyed the landscape. She had only known North Korea and had spent most of her life on the mountainous island of Sinmi-do. The barren American Southwest was like visiting another planet.
The bright sun accompanied a near perfect sixty-degree day as they continued to make time toward Winslow. Duncan did not intend to push them too far on this first day, opting instead to find a place to bunk down for the night, hopefully with a water source. Along the rocky, relatively flat terrain, an occasional wash cut through the soil, which might lead to a pond.
Duncan led the way as they rode up a slight incline to an elevated hill alongside the interstate. It was just past this area that Banda indicated they’d find the road to a historic meteor crater. From there, he suggested they ride toward the southwest, where they’d find themselves well beyond Winslow and the only significant population center before they entered New Mexico.