Code Word: Paternity, A Presidential Thriller

by Norton, Doug

  “At the other end of the spectrum, we can do a demonstration-of-resolve attack with several warheads of a type that emits lethal radiation but has relatively little explosive power—for a nuke—and leaves no fallout of consequence. This would kill most people in the target city but not obliterate it or generate cross-border fallout. We could then pause to see if Kim would give it up, or if other DPRK leaders would topple him to save themselves, or if China would intervene militarily to remove Kim and his cronies. This, too, would be done with missiles, without American casualties. Or, I should say without more American casualties, since we had about a hundred eighty thousand killed and injured on Six-thirteen.”

  Silence followed—the silence of the grave.

  Finally, the house minority leader gave a low whistle and said, “Jesus weeping Christ!”

  Martin looked at him with tired, haunted eyes. “Indeed,” he said softly. His mind registered that this was their first honest comment since the “informal conversations” began.

  The Speaker looked at Martin with disbelief. “You could do that? You could give that order? That’s crazy!” he hissed. “You deserve to go down in history as a monster like Stalin!”

  Rick felt as if his soul had been stripped bare, because the Speaker had just named one of his nightmares. But that wasn’t his worst nightmare. That was visiting dying Americans again and knowing that he could have prevented their agony. So instead of challenging the Speaker’s damning words, he said, “Then, Ron, what would you have me do instead?”

  “Find another way! This is unacceptable! It cannot be beyond your wits to keep us safe without murdering tens of thousands of innocent people. I refuse to even discuss such a monstrous plan!” The Speaker waved his hands as if they could drive away the secretary of defense’s words like marauding insects.

  The president responded: “That’s where I was until a few days ago, when we found the second bomb and then Kim refused Ming’s offer. But I now believe we’re beyond the point where we can decline to act decisively, where we can look for another way. You see how our country is today, even though we defeated Kim’s second attack.

  “Do you think I want to do this? Is there anything else I could do to be sure of stopping Kim before we lose another city? What else can I do to reverse the disintegration of our society?”

  Rick’s voice rose and cracked: “If there’s something else that would do those things, for God’s sake tell me what it is!”

  Martin looked at five silent representatives of the coequal, legislative branch of government. The Speaker returned his gaze with contempt. Three looked at the carpet. The senate minority leader looked at Martin with an expression that said, “No, there isn’t something else. And I no longer want your job someday.”

  Rick glanced at the folder on his desk, and Guarini knew the meeting was over.

  Returning his attention to his visitors, the president said, “A few minutes ago Sam announced that I will go on the air tonight at nine. I will tell Kim, and the world, that he has a choice to make.”

  Martin rose and began walking the Speaker to the door. The others trailed, attended by Guarini and Easterly. When the president touched the Speaker’s elbow in a friendly gesture, he pulled away. Rick banished his emotions. He didn’t have time to regret this end to an important alliance and a not inconsiderable friendship. In seven hours he would give Kim an ultimatum and had a lot to do before then.

  He felt as if he had been pushed into a swift river and would inevitably be swept over the falls.

  Chapter 50

  Dottie Branson announced, “President Ming is coming on now, sir.” Martin punched speaker; interpreters in Washington and Beijing dialed their concentration to its highest.

  “Good morning, Ming.”

  “Good evening, Rick.

  A few minutes before seven, the president sat at his big desk. Its photos and other mementos caught Anne Battista’s attention for an instant. They’re a time capsule, she thought. How the world has changed—and how it’s changed us! She, Dorn, and Guarini hovered; there were plenty of chairs, but nobody could relax enough to sit.

  “Ming, this is a grave moment. When last we spoke, I said that consequences would surely flow from identification of the second bomb. As you know, our governments have jointly completed that identification and have agreed, along with IAEA scientists, that this bomb is also North Korean.”

  “Rick, what was agreed was that the fissionable material in the bomb was produced at Yongbyon, not the same thing as saying the bomb itself was produced there. And they also agreed, did they not, that the warhead was of an early Chinese design, stolen by A. Q. Khan? Will you announce that?”

  “I don’t intend to announce the warhead design, but if asked, the U.S. government will reply along the lines you just described.

  “My purpose in calling is to give you notice of the consequences of this second North Korean act of war against the United States.”

  Ming frowned. “Act of war? Rick those words lead only one way and cannot be taken back!”

  God, how I hate translation! Rick thought. I can’t tell if he’s genuinely concerned or just tweaking me.

  “I agree, Ming. And those words fit this situation.”

  Martin paused. Ming waited, working a cigarette from the dented case.

  “In two hours I will tell Americans who is responsible for this second bomb, and I will tell them—and Kim and his people—what may happen soon because of it. I’m telling you now out of respect for you and for China.

  “Ming, Kim and his gang must go, now! My country has lost eighty thousand people and a city to Kim’s attacks. And I need not tell you the economic damage we’ve suffered. Tonight I will announce that unless Kim leaves North Korea within seven days, he and his countrymen will receive a devastating attack from the United States. If he does leave, and his successor agrees to nuclear disarmament, this attack may be avoided. The United States is imposing no conditions other than these but will accept no less.”

  Ming nearly interrupted to say that America could not dictate to China but held his tongue, as he had many times, to his advantage, during his long career.

  Rick steeled himself, praying that Ming’s interpreter would convey his determination.

  “Ming, I refuse another bloody ground war in Korea when I have other means to utterly defeat the DPRK! I will use our nuclear weapons. The Kim regime and North Korea’s people will have one chance to recover if they make the mistake of ignoring my ultimatum. We will destroy a single city and then pause. If America’s demands are not met, the pause will end with the total nuclear destruction of North Korea.”

  Ming remained silent, so Martin continued: “As I’m sure you’ve been advised, nuclear fallout would not be deposited on China. China will, however, be greatly affected. I acknowledge that and regret it. But there is, for any American president put in this situation, no other choice.”

  Ming’s mind accelerated like a sprinter exploding from starting blocks. So, Rick Martin, you may be the one leopard that can change its spots! Well, if Kim is so insane as to ignore your ultimatum, China cannot save him. And if the Korean people and the Party don’t save themselves by removing Kim, China cannot save them, either. This is probably the best way, because a land war would surely force us to intervene. And the collapse of the United States, now when we hold billions in Treasuries and sell them so many products, would be catastrophic for China.

  “Rick, do you believe there is anything more for us after death?”

  Martin, nonplussed as Ming intended, blurted: “Yes, Ming, I do. Do you?”

  Ming ignored the question. “Do you believe in the Christian God and his son, who will sit in judgment on you in the next life?”

  “I do.”

  “Then may they be wise and merciful to your spirit, because it will have much to answer for.”

  Carefully, Ming said, “China will look to its interests as this unfolds. I hope they will not conflict with America’s.


  “Goodbye, Rick.” Ming broke the connection.

  The president looked at his companions and raised his eyebrows. Battista said, “That was about the best we could have hoped for.” Nodding, Martin took a deep breath and told Dottie Branson to call Premier Kato.

  ***

  In Beijing, Ming arose and began a series of tai chi moves to calm his mind and clarify his thinking. As he continued the precise motions, satisfaction spread through him like moisture being taken up by his tomato plants:

  This is surely the year of my destiny! I have ensured the peaceful return of Taiwan Province, brought China into equal partnership with America, and I’m now able to arrange that fool Kim’s removal. And I have really fucked the Russians!

  I’m not sure Martin will destroy a city, but if he does, even the most cautious and loyal of Kim’s supporters will accept that he must go.

  China’s paramount objective is to prevent the second American attack, the one that will create a radioactive wasteland just south of us and send millions of Koreans to breach our border. Our second objective is to ensure Kim’s successor is someone who will accept nuclear disarmament and is not such a fool.

  Smiling, Ming Liu told his secretary to call the head of China’s foreign intelligence service.

  ***

  The Oval Office, 9:00 p.m. EDT.

  “My fellow Americans, I’m speaking tonight about our analysis of the bomb intercepted in Baltimore by alert security forces and about the steps your government is taking.

  “Our scientific and engineering experts have determined, and this has been confirmed by representatives of the International Atomic Energy Agency and of China, who participated in the analysis, that this bomb is North Korean.”

  Shifting his gaze from the text in his hand to his TelePrompTer above the camera, the president continued: “And there is more about this second bomb that establishes North Korean intent to kill still more Americans. Attached to the bomb was an asset tracking and control device that kept Kim Jong-il informed of the bomb’s location. The device had a small amount of explosive and a detonator. Kim knew where the bomb was and had veto power over its use. With this device he could have, at any time, disabled the bomb’s triggering mechanism. Instead, he permitted the bomb to be smuggled into Baltimore.

  “It is also certain, again confirmed by the IAEA, that the bomb that destroyed Las Vegas was North Korean. Our seizure of a second North Korean nuclear weapon in another city demonstrates that the Kim Jong-il regime continues to attack us even as I speak.”

  Here we go, Rick thought, I’ve got to keep my voice even.

  “These two attacks are acts of war.

  “Your government has protected America successfully since Six-thirteen, while taking measures to end the threat from Kim Jong-il and his oppressive, murderous regime by means of diplomacy, in concert with North Korea’s neighbors, whom he also threatens, and the United Nations.

  “Our actions are producing results. The UN has authorized an international quarantine on all shipments departing North Korea. The Security Council has condemned Kim for breaching international peace and security and demanded that he dismantle all nuclear weapons and nuclear weapon facilities, under IAEA supervision.”

  Martin paused, sipped from a glass, and resumed. His voice was hard.

  “It is now clear that not only is Kim a deadly threat to Americans and to our nation itself; he remains undeterred. He must not remain in control of the North Korean government and its nuclear weapons. Kim must hand over power and leave North Korea, and his successor must dismantle all nuclear weapons and the facilities that make them, under IAEA supervision.”

  His sweat gushed as Rick committed himself to a course of action that would change him, and the world, beyond his listener’s belief: “If Kim has not complied with these terms within seven days, I will consider it my duty to respond with overwhelming force to Kim’s two nuclear attacks on our country, which killed eighty thousand people on Six-thirteen, injured one hundred thousand others, and ruined a thriving city. Unavoidably, this response will be devastating to the people of North Korea as well as to Kim and his henchmen, who have enslaved them.”

  Rick paused, looking into the camera with eyes that seemed to see every slaughter in mankind’s bloody history, yet be ready to add another. He enunciated each word: “Should Kim’s regime attempt to attack us or his neighbors with a nuclear weapon, America’s response will be immediate and will totally destroy North Korea. There will not be stone left on stone.”

  Ella was seated in a wingback chair near the Oval Office fireplace. Next to her, at Rick’s invitation, was Ray Morales. Rick’s eyes sought them for an instant. See? I did it. He saw their approval and respect, and knew he could do the rest, could bear the cost.

  The president put down his text, folded his hands on the desk, and leaned forward. He was able to play the Stradivarius of his voice without connection to the pain in his heart, so he sounded supremely confident, the confidence of one with so much power he can be merciful to those he is about to defeat utterly.

  “Now I want to address the people of North Korea, all of them, from farmers and ordinary soldiers to the Communist Party leadership. You have it in your power to convince Kim Jong-il that his day is over! It is my prayer and indeed the prayer of every leader I spoke with that you will do that and thus save yourselves and your descendants from unspeakable tragedy and ruin. When Kim and his cronies are gone, you will find the United States, China, and many other nations ready to help you improve your lives and realize at last the potential within you.”

  He picked up the text again.

  “As I speak, unarmed cruise missiles are showering North Korea with leaflets relating this message in Korean.

  “My fellow Americans, I have decided upon this course of action after prayer and consultation with my advisors, and with the congressional leadership. I do so with painful reluctance and, frankly, over the objections of some congressional leaders. I’m sure there will be other Americans who sincerely disagree with my decision.

  “But the facts as I see them say that we cannot indefinitely defend against Kim’s attacks. If we could, I would set no deadline on our diplomatic efforts. Since we cannot, I must draw the line. It is my duty as president and commander-in-chief.”

  Morales’ blunt features split into a grin, which he immediately squelched because only the three of them would understand it.

  “As I leave you tonight, hear this:

  “To Kim Jong-il: For the good of those you call your dear people, relinquish power and leave North Korea, now!

  “To the people of North Korea: Act now to save yourselves from the consequences of Kim Jong-il’s folly. He enslaved you. Don’t let him kill you.

  “To the governments of North Korea’s closest neighbors, China, the Republic of Korea, Japan, and Russia: Act with us, in the interests of peace and your own well-being, helping the United States remove the threat that Kim Jong-il’s regime poses to all of our peoples.

  “To the American people: There is a folder on this desk that contains an order I pray I will not have to sign. Please join that prayer, but pray also that God will have mercy on my soul if I must sign it. I solemnly pledge that you will not be under threat from Kim much longer. One way or the other, your government will bring that threat to an end within one week.

  “Good night.”

  The cameras’ red lights winked out.

  His shirt was soaked, his head throbbed, and his heart raced. Rick didn’t know if he could stand just yet. As Ella walked toward him, a proud and tender look on her face, Morales slid out the door.

  ***

  In one of his palaces, Kim sat alone, smoking. Events are unfolding as I foresaw: Ming’s mixture of enticements and threats. Martin threatening us with nuclear bombs. But I am in control. This is going to be exciting!

  Captives of my brilliant Internet campaign, Americans will oppose Martin’s desperate plan to launch a nuclear attack. Videos and blogs show it.
Americans are angry and afraid and thanks to my skillful interventions have turned those feelings on their government. They will soon impeach their pathetic president for failing to protect them, even while railing against the one thing he could do that would make them safe.

  Kim loved irony, so he smiled and basked in his power.

  A knock signaled the arrival of Marshal Young-san.

  “You summoned me, Dear Leader.”

  “Marshal, have your forces dealt with the American propaganda leaflets?”

  “Of course, Dear Leader. Smoke from piles of burning American filth darkens our skies! Since we shot the families of a few traitorous dogs who didn’t join in rooting out and destroying the lies, the dear people have themselves searched out every leaflet for destruction.”

  As he spoke, Young-san thought of the leaflets rather differently. They were a threat to Kim but an opportunity for him. He had received Ming’s message: “You are the one. Claim your destiny.” Ming had certainly told others the same thing, but Young-san knew no one but Kim had more power than he. The Chinese would anoint whoever prevailed and that would be him.

  He realized Kim was speaking.

  “Marshal, the American people are under my control, but Martin does not know it. Within days he will not dare to carry out his ridiculous threats against us. My next video will convince all politically active Americans that Martin is ignoring opportunities for peace, and when I ask for direct negotiations, he will be unable to refuse. We will open a dialogue with President Bill Clinton and return to the Six-Party Talks. We will talk and talk, and while we do the United States will continue to disintegrate from fear.”

  Kim smiled and Yong-san immediately joined him.

  “Of course, Dear Leader! I will keep the people’s military on high alert, because it will add to the Americans’ uncertainty and ensure the southern dogs do no more than bark.”

  The most significant part of Marshal Young-san’s response was unspoken: High alert will enable me to shift my most reliable units to Pyongyang, where I need them.