Under Water Secret

by Waggoner, Robert C.

  Brad said, "My father and I have no secrets from you guys. We're discussing the idea of Chavez and Pakistan being involved. We've no way to prove it unless we kidnapped a high ranking Pakistani and then he might not know for sure. I'm not sure there is much we can around here and I'm going to suggest to the President we go home."

  Billy said, "I feel like a yo-yo coming back and forth. I'm soon to have withdrawals if this keeps up."

  As always, Billy's sense of humor lightened up the mood. Then Brad's cell rang. It was Steve telling him, yes, the President wanted to see all of them in the Situation Room at 10 am.

  Romeo sub 122 slowly made its way up the west side of Staten Island. Its destination was the Kinder Morgan Terminals. It was just before 9 am. The Captain said they should be very close to the target. He gave orders to come up slowly to periscope depth. At periscope depth he looked around 360 degrees and then back to the west, northwest. He saw two tankers off loading. He told the XO to fire three torpedoes on his mark. The course was set. He told them to fire when ready and then come to starboard a few degrees for the second target. It's hard to miss a stationary target he thought. The two tankers erupted in flame that quickly spread towards the storage tanks.

  He quickly ordered down periscope and headed back the way they came at flank speed. Just before the entrance to Lower Bay they hugged the coast line south to Maryland. So far so good the captain thought.

  At 9 am Brad and team were in the office watching the TV. The brave firefighters had been fighting a losing battle with the oil tanks. The best they could do was to keep the fire from spreading to the residential neighbor hoods.

  The hot line phone rang. Nancy answered it and a gasp was heard from her. She said, "I'll tell him and we are on our way."

  "You guys are not going to believe this. Not far away near Interstate 95 on the west side of Staten Island two tankers are blazing away. Apparently they were torpedoed. It's the Kinder Morgan Terminals."

  They hot footed it over to the White House and to the Situation Room. Once again they were the first ones there. It didn't take long for the room to become occupied with the same faces as before. Only this time haggard looks were upon each face. Then the President walked in. His eyes never left the military Joint Chiefs of Staff.

  He said, "Report to me what the hell is going on here." He sat down and waited for a reply. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said, "My President, we have two subs in Lower Bay. We don't know how the enemy sub got past our security and even now we don't know where the sub is. We've got helicopters in the air with sonar devices hanging from cables. We have two destroyers prowling the bay."

  Brad felt a little sorry for the Chairman. However, the person that should be here would be the Secretary of the Navy. As Brad wondered where he was, a small man with a large head walked in. Brad knew him as the Secretary of the Navy. He'd been appointed by the previous President and it was rumored that they didn't see eye to eye on most things.

  The President said, "Good morning William. You have our undivided attention to give us an overview of the two attacks and what our defense is on both the east and west coasts."

  William Blake looked anything but comfortable. Brad thought he looked like a bean counter in an accounting office. When he did speak he had a squeaky voice that wasn't pleasant to the ears. He said, "I'm not here to make excuses. We covered both the Atlantic and the Indian oceans with a pair of our Trident subs. In addition we had a small carrier on the surface doing its best to follow the two targets in the Indian Ocean. Those old Romeo class subs are hard to track as they run very quiet. I really think Mr. President we are doing everything we can to protect our coastal cities."

  "I'm not so sure about that Mr. Secretary. By the end of the day I'll make a decision. Meanwhile you're excused," said the President.

  "Can anyone here tell me the price of crude this am," asked the President.

  No one volunteered until Nancy raised her hand. The President nodded to her. She said, "It opened sharply up this am at $105.46 a barrel sir?"

  The Chief of Staff was on his I-pad and soon he leaned over and showed it to the President. He said, "Well Nancy, it's now at $108 and climbing."

  Brad smiled and he rubbed Sandy's head. Then the President said, "General Pratt can you tell us what the situation looks like on the west coast?"

  General Pratt gave the President a recap of the situation and identified the targets they thought were important. San Francisco had oil terminals that would be vulnerable to attack. Bridges linking San Francisco and the Bay Area were also likely targets to anger the public. In addition, down south at the ports, container shipping was at risk, but then he went on to talk about the towers and SAMs to defend the harbor. When he was through, the President thanked him.

  "Brad he said, "I know you want to go home and prepare for a possible attack on your home. Go with my blessings. However, I'd like to keep Nancy and General Pratt around for awhile. I've some things for both of them to do."

  "Thank you sir," said Brad.

  Before they left for the Round House, the team watched the news about the oil terminals. News helicopters gave a bird's eye view as both terminals were spewing forth black smoke and intense heat. People living within a half mile of the terminals were asked to evacuate. Traffic was grid locked. Police were called as well as the National Guard. Brad noticed the first tanker that was hit was stern down into the water. The Kinder Morgan Terminals the same thing was happening to the two tankers that were torpedoed. Black oil coated the water.

  The oil spill folks were busy putting a floating barrier across the water. Police and fireboats were still hard at work spraying water and the police boats were making sure any sight seers were sent back home. Mike was seen shaking his head. What a waste and for what gain he thought. All of this just to create havoc among the economies of the world.

  Billy sat with his arms folded across his chest. He too was mesmerized by the sight before him. He couldn't imagine how hot it must be. Billy remembered a like event down in Texas some years back. If he remembered right they had to let the fire burn itself out. No one knew when the next storage tank might blow up. The tanks were ticking time bombs.

  As they watched planes and helicopters flew over dumping retardant on the tanks. The scene was horrible to watch. There still wasn't any report on how many had died with the initial blast.

  Brad said, "Nancy would you call the pilots and tell them we are flying out for home as soon as they are ready."

  "I'll take care of it Brad. By the way, do you have an idea why the President might want me to be available?"

  Brad smiled and said, "When he asked for the price of oil and you meekly raised your hand. Well, you should have seen all the daggers from the other security agencies looking at you. In answer to your question, I've no idea, but rest assured he has a reason."

  Steve and General Pratt were watching the TV when an explosion of a storage tank at Kinder Morgan blew up sending flames hundreds of feet into the air. Steve gave an oh my god and sent a prayer to God. This was becoming a nightmare and as the death toll wasn't as bad as 9/11, the hardship was equal. Every person would pay for this terrorist attack at the gas station. Inflation would rise as fast as the price of oil. The economy would take a hit like never before; probably worse the 2008 when Lehman Brothers folded.

  General Pratt rose to turn the TV off. It was depressing. Everyone at the table and around New York felt helpless and vulnerable.

  Brad stood up and prepared to leave. He shook hands with his father and Steve wishing them both good luck.

  Aboard the USS Oregon Commander Alex Relm was receiving instructions from Kings Bay, Georgia. The base commander said, "Relm, we've know each other for years. You must find those subs and blast them to hell. I'm getting heat like you can't believe. Do what is necessary to eliminate the threat. Two oil terminals are burning as we speak. Three tankers are sunk. The enemy is still eluding us. Base out."

  Alex Relm was sweating nickels. H
e'd never been talked to like that for many years. Sure he'd lost the subs, but that was only temporary. The Oregon was just inside Cape Cod Bay a little south of Boston. The two enemy subs would have to pass by the Oregon to proceed further south. The 'hook' of Cape Cod Bay prevented the two enemy subs from remaining close to the coast.

  Knowing where you are going far outweighs trying to determine or guess where someone is going. Such was the case for the USS Oregon. The Romeo subs knew the Tridents subs would be looking for them along the coast line. The plan was to confuse the Trident subs by setting course back out to deep water with an easterly direction, then turn south eventually setting course west for Charleston.

  The plan was for one Romeo to hit the Hess refinery in Charleston and the other would target a site in Georgia. For now all was in favor of the Romeo subs.

  The lone Romeo that hit two targets in the New York City area was waiting patiently for the QM2, [Queen Mary Two] to exit New York for England. The Captain wasn't too happy about sinking a passenger ship, but the gold bars tucked into an account in Europe convinced him of the need to do the unspeakable.

  ++++

  Flying home, Brad sat silently in contemplation while Mike and Billy were having a gabfest about all things they had been doing for the last few weeks. The end of April was just around the corner. May would bring forth events that would be written down in history books.

  Mike said, "Billy I know you're not a front line soldier, but what if you have to defend self and friends?"

  "The first thing I'd do is have a last Marlboro," he said glibly. "When we get back, seriously now, I want you to show me how to operate one of those AK-47s. If nothing else I can pretend to shoot like hell. I plan on making a lot of noise while shooting the hell out of the sand dunes. If a dumb shit jumps in front of my bullets, then, so be it."

  Mike laughed like hell and patted Billy on the shoulder. Then he said, "What do you think about if we are being attacked by Chavez and Pakistan?"

  "Brad makes a good case Mike. Venezuela stands to gain a lot from her oil if the price goes through the roof. The current pressure on the Afghan and Pakistanis on drugs, namely heroin, will slack off filling the coffers of the people. The Saudis have always said they would produce enough to keep the price of crude around $85 per bbl. We've haven't seen that price for a long time. I do know speculators and such things spike the price all the time, but still, the world economy revolves around oil."

  "Good point Billy. My pea brain is only geared to the role of being a soldier. I can be a good actor with a gift of gab, but when it comes down to politics and economic crap, I'm done for."

  Brad stood up and stretched his legs and body. He said, "Billy what do you think the Chinese would do if they found out Pakistan and Chavez were in cahoots together as prime suspects in terrorism?"

  Billy scratched his head, reached for a smoke, changed his mind, and then said, "I doubt if China would take kindly to Pakistan, a neighbor, and Chavez conspiring to ruin the world economy. Once China cranked up its ability to produce and export to slow it down or stop it would be like stopping a run-a-way train on a dime. Literally millions of people would be out of work. Riots would occur. Troops would be dispatched and bloodshed would result. Then if it could be proved that duo P&V were responsible, what about Pakistan and its nuclear ability?"

  Brad said, "Not bad Billy. Now let's brain storm the idea that it's not P&V, but someone else besides the Taliban and/or an off shoot faction. Who has the bucks to finance an operation like this?"

  Once again Billy reached for smoke and fit one to his lips with lighting it. He said, "I give up boss. You've any ideas?"

  "Go have a smoke Billy and I'll tell you what's on my mind."

  While they were flying west bound, the President sent a message to Nancy that he would like to see both her and General Pratt in his office in an hour. It would be useless to speculate so she held an open mind as she and General Pratt walked slowly over to the White House. Both were silent up until they were asked by the President to answer a few questions.

  The bombshell question was put to General Pratt. The President asked, "General Pratt since you have been playing a large role with your son and as I've discovered you have a very good reputation with the Navy. I'm in the beginnings of a major crisis and I need a reliable man to work with me. I'm offering you the job of Secretary of the Navy."

  Nancy was looking at General Pratt. This was the first time she saw an expression of shock on his face. It would seem the President was enjoying himself regardless of half the port burning under a terrorist attack. While he was adjusting to the proposal, the President turned his attention to her.

  He said, "If the General accepts my offer Nancy, I'd like you to, at least temporarily, be his, excuse the cliché, right hand man. He'll need all the help he can get. You can keep the same office. Brad has already been informed and he sends his agreement."

  General Pratt had recovered and when a pause in the conversation occurred said, "Mr. President. I'm supposed to be retired. However, during war time, which at this point in time I think we are at war with someone, I have to take my orders from the highest authority and that's you sir. I can't refuse. I will do my best."

  General Pratt looked at Nancy and asked, "Are you with me Nancy?"

  "Like you General, I can't refuse. I'm here to help if I can," said Nancy.

  "Well, that wraps up this part of the meeting. Now, Mr. Secretary, we need to find those subs and I'm expecting some results shortly."

  "When you put it like that Mr. President, let's see how our Navy reacts to a new commander."

  "We are under immense pressure and we can't pussy foot around. I'd like to see helicopters with large three way hooks dragging the water and maybe they will hook a big fish. In other words, kick some butt Mr. Secretary."

  "What do you think about who is responsible for these attacks Mr. President?

  "My staff is working hard on that very question. I'm open on that issue right now. Anyway, thanks for coming and welcome to a hot seat General Pratt."

  Billy came out of the restroom smelling like a cigarette. He dug in his bag for some spray and a breath freshener. By the time he sat down he was not so smelly. Sandy shook her head and sneezed at his spray cologne.

  "Okay boss man, you said we would talk about who might be behind this attack and future attacks."

  Brad said, "I've no proof of course, but maybe soon we can find the truth or at least part of it. Let's begin with Pakistan. It's been publicized that a pipeline will be built between Pakistan and Iran. Both countries really don't like us, but Pakistan has tolerated us due to the billions of aid dollars that flow into the country. What if and I say 'if', Iran and Pakistan have joined forces to wreck havoc on the USA. Venezuela gives the subs a place of refuge and refitting; not to mention a guaranteed supply of oil to Pakistan."

  Brad let it hang there for awhile as they felt the nose of the plane dip down a tad. The seatbelt light came on and all returned to upright seats to buckle up; including Sandy.

  Nothing feels better than being at home. Brad stood on the cliff overlooking the calm Pacific Ocean. His head was still filled with the pictures of billowing black smoke rising from the oil terminals. He thought about the residents nearby and the commuters that would have to find another way to work for awhile. The residents; those folks would take some time before they could return home. Brad shook his head thinking, is this just the beginning?

  Sujin walked up and put her hand through his arm. "My husband, don't worry so much. We'll be fine and so will the world when you stop those bad guys. What does it mean that your father is the Secretary of the Navy?"

  Brad looked down into her dark brown eyes. Asian eyes reveal little emotional signs, but he had come to see a sparkle in her eyes that denoted serious emotional involvement. He said, "Honey, it means that father is now the big boss of the whole Navy Service. His boss is the President of the USA.

  "My, that's a big responsibility. What does your
mother think of all this?"

  "I talked to her earlier and she said that once a military wife, always a military wife. Which means, she has to endure what her husband does for his country. I feel a little sorry for some of the Navy personnel that he will demote of just fire outright."

  The wind freshened and Sujin shivered a little as the sun went behind some clouds with the forecast of rain coming. She said, "Walk me back husband as it's time for our little guy to have some lunch."

  Newly appointed Secretary of the Navy Pratt, sat with Nancy in the X Office discussing what the next move might be. Philip Pratt said, "With the two subs approaching the west coast, we are going to block the harbor at Port Angeles, Washington with two subs and a few surface ships. Then we will do the same thing at San Francisco with even more ships and sonar. After that the Los Angeles Port will be supplied with whatever is recommended.

  Brad will take care of that group of terrorist that attack him. He's working on a plan to take over control of the sub using his Chinese Master."

  Nancy said, "We must go now Mr. Secretary. The President is making your announcement as the new Secretary of the Navy and addressing the nation again."

  Brad had Billy order a giant big screen TV so the SEALs could see the President's address. The SEALs had put up a large tent as the rain was coming down rather heavily. Billy had also cleaned out the local stores of plastic chairs. To round off a good time, popcorn and beer was available. Nobody was worried that a team member would drink too much. Any sign of over indulgence would be grounds to return to base in embarrassment.

  Brad and his team were downstairs watching his father shake the hand of the President after he had announced the appointment of the new head of the Navy. Brad couldn't have been more proud of his father. He also knew that his father would go kick some butt and make something happen; and darn soon.