by Mark Spaid
“Good luck with that. The Americans are building missile defense systems, the Chinese are adding to their arsenal and several fringe countries have nuclear weapons or they’ll have them soon. The likelihood of the world avoiding a nuclear exchange in the next ten years is remote.”
“Sadly, I think you’re probably right.”
“Let’s finish the protocol.” They went through over fifty steps slowly. Igor was stalling until he got a call from Kulagin
* * *
“Madam President, I trust you’re being treated well,” President Deniken said as they sat down and began the obligatory small talk.
“Mr. President, it’s like a luxury resort where all my cares are being swept away.” Cameras were taking pictures as flashes blinded everyone. Sergei leaned over and whispered.
“What a crap fest, to steal an American phrase.”
“I’ve had worse.”
“How’s that possible,” Sergei said and they laughed but no one in the room knew why.
“Shall we get down to business?” Ellen suggested.
“I’d be glad to,” Madam President,” Sergei said through his interpreter.
“The Crimea must be free of Russian influence and dominance.”
“Madam President, Russia would be agreeable to eliminating our dominance as you call it but we still must have influence.”
“Agreed but administrative authority must be returned to The Ukraine.”
“If I were to agree to that, then The Ukraine must withdraw any membership of any kind in NATO.”
“Yes, of course, but the United States would not tolerate any military excursions into The Crimea or The Ukraine.”
“Of course, for as you know, Russia has never had any imperialist designs on any other country.” Ellen gave a brief eye roll, knowing that Sergei was spewing the usual falderal of innocence that all countries did.
“Your history in Eastern Europe after World War II might suggest otherwise but I’m willing to take you at your word.”
“I’m glad you accept my word as true…it is a great comfort that two leaders can display the trust that is necessary to move forward in a complex and dangerous world.” Ellen smiled her biggest smile for the cameras and at the BS Sergei was disseminating. He knew it was BS too but it was part of any diplomatic exchange. Each leader’s job is to press the talking points of their respective nations.
“I think we have an agreement,” Ellen said.
“Madam President if I may,” Sergei said as he raised his hand and gave a hold on a minute expression.
“Yes, Mr. President,” Ellen said as she knew what was coming.
“My country needs to know it has security and to such an end the need for strategic naval bases is paramount.”
“Of course, Mr. President.”
“We must have a base at Sevastopol and Hiiumaa in Estonia.”
“I cannot speak for the Estonian government but I have been in contact with the Estonian president and he is categorically opposed to any Russian presence in his country.”
“It is of vital importance to my country to have a Baltic Sea port.”
“The United States will not agree to Russia occupying Estonia for the purpose of a naval base.”
“That is unfortunate,” Sergei said. He knew well in advance what President Lexington’s response would be to his proposal. But, in any negotiation, one asks for the moon and accepts something in the middle.
“I have, however, been in contact with the Ukrainian President and he is willing to allow you to stay at your present naval base in Sevastopol.”
“Interesting and any conditions?”
“Yes, there are.”
“May I hear them?”
“Access will only be from the sea. There will be a security wall around the base and no Russian military or civilian personnel will be allowed to enter The Crimea from the base. They insist on that part.”
“I think that is workable.”
“Anything else, Mr. President?” Ellen asked with a big grin and Sergei chuckled.
“No, the base was our big concern.”
“And, The Crimea itself being off-limits?”
“Not my first choice but we can make that work,” Sergei said.
“Then are we ready to put this into words for tomorrow so we can sign with a big flourish and make Russo-American diplomatic history.” The two Presidents looked at one another for a moment then they both laughed hard briefly but when the stares occurred from staff members, they sobered up fast.
“Excuse me, sir, but I think it’s time for the bus tour,” Vasily Boronovitch said to Sergei.
“Yes, it’s time, Ma’am,” Trent Wilson added.
“Well, I guess we get moving,” Ellen said as she and Sergei stood up for more pictures. They made their way to the exit, covered closely by their security people. The bus was waiting just a few feet from the door and the two presidents were quickly ushered on board. Justin and his people were all seated in the back. Bonnie Fletcher followed Ellen and Boronovitch went with Sergei. Trent, Johnny Rodriguez and Val Wheaton were on the President’s bus and the rest of the secret service, eleven guys were in a car behind the bus. Zhadonov and his assistant Gregori Retzlaf were the only two Russian security agents on the bus as the rest were in their own car to the rear.
“We’re ready,” Trent said.
“We are too,” Vladimir said and the driver nodded, took off the emergency brake and drove away.
“Was your talk with the President productive?” Dave asked Justin.
“It was, she’s busy and preoccupied with this meeting. She told me she’s busier than she ever thought possible as President. The vice-presidency is a boat ride by comparison, which I’m sure is no surprise to anyone. She wants to talk on the plane ride home.”
“We’re now crossing the Crimean Bridge that opened in 2016. It is a connection between The Crimea and her motherland, Russia,” a tour guide said as he stood narrating the ride.
“Nothing like a pro-Russian guide to set the mood,” Tatiana said.
“In time a rail bridge will parallel the auto bridge and serve as another triumph in Russian engineering.”
“Is the ministry of propaganda open again?” Dave asked and there was laughter. The tour guide turned and gave a dirty look.
“I think you made an enemy,” Andy quipped. The bridge is without a doubt an engineering masterpiece as it stretches nineteen miles so now people don’t have to take a ferry anymore.
“We are now entering Russia,” the tour guide said and Boronovitch raised his fist in the air. Sergei shook his head no and Boronovitch nodded understanding.
“Ma’am, do you feel alright, you look kind of pale?” Bonnie Fletcher asked as Ellen sat with her head back and eyes closed.
“Just tired, Bonnie. I hate staying at hotels even good ones.” Bonnie grinned and adjusted the pillow behind Ellen’s head. The driver was checking everyone in his rear-view mirror then he talked to someone on the phone. He had an ear piece so no one noticed except Trent and Vladimir. It was part of their training to be observant and suspicious of everything and everybody. The driver was talking softly and Vladimir could not understand what he was saying. The bus was going about forty miles an hour followed by the two cars with the U.S. and Russian security agents inside. The driver said something quietly as the bus slowed down.
“What’s happening?” Trent asked as he looked at Vladimir who was also concerned.
“Why are we slowing down?” Ellen asked. Sergei was concerned and peered ahead trying to see in front of the bus. Then there was a screech and a large truck pulled in front of the bus. The driver slammed on the brakes. Trent, Johnny Rodriguez and Val Wheaton got up along with Vladimir and Gregori Retzlaf. The driver opened the front door and in a flash three armed men got on board carrying automatic weapons. They shouted in Russian and Vladimir and Gregori lowered their weapons and slid them along the floor. Vladimir turned to Trent and nodded for him and his two men to do t
he same thing. They did as it seemed these men meant business. Simultaneously to the boarding of the bus two black jeeps rammed the security agents’ cars behind the bus and four men jumped out with machine guns and riddled the cars with bullets. There was no return fire from the cars and when the armed men opened the doors they looked inside and gave thumbs up to each other; all the Russian and American agents were dead. The Russian car had three plants from Kulagin and their job was to take out the other agents but the orders from Kulagin were to kill them as well. Typical Stalinist tactic. Send someone on a mission and when they complete it, kill them.
“What’s happening?” Belinda asked.
“I think were being kidnapped,” Justin said.
“They can’t do that,” Belinda said.
“Lind, be quiet, they can do whatever they want as long as they’re holding those guns,” Jozette said. Tatiana leaned over, grabbed Belinda’s wrist and made a shushing sound. There was complete silence for a few moments then another man got on board. He had one of those scary appearances and he looked over everyone until he caught a glimpse of Presidents Deniken and Lexington in the back. He whispered something to one of the men with an automatic weapon then he nodded and started for the back. Trent and Vladimir were standing and they didn’t move. Their job was to protect their Presidents and getting between them and danger was the central part of their job. The guy pointed the gun at Trent and said something to Vladimir.
“We better sit down, Yankee, or he’ll kill us and everyone else.” Trent sighed as they both sat. The man with the gun went to the back and looked down at Ellen and Sergei. He said something to Sergei.
“What?” Ellen asked.
“We’re being kidnapped,” Sergei said, shaking his head as if he knew why and wasn’t surprised.
“Why?”
“We’re about to find out but he’ll kill everyone if you and I don’t cooperate fully. He is Andrei Kulagin” Ellen sat back and breathed out slowly. The man returned to the front of the bus.
“Amos didn’t say this was part of being vice-president when he asked me to run with him,” she said to herself.
“Listen to me,” a voice commanded and they all came to attention. He was physically imposing at six four and had forearms that resembled a body builder. “My name is Andrei Kulagin and you’ve been chosen to be part of the revolution. We are in control of both the presidents of Russia and the United States. The whole world will soon know and they will know our terms. If we are not satisfied then everyone on this bus will die along with millions. If I do not get what I want then I will start the conflagration that will destroy the planet.” Stunned wasn’t accurate enough to describe the mood on the bus. Trent and Vladimir exchanged looks. If there was to be any heroism it would be up to them. Assessing the situation suggested that there was next to nothing they could do but that didn’t stop them from thinking about possibilities.
“What do you want?” Dave asked. Tatiana cringed at her husband asking questions and hoped it wouldn’t be perceived by this man as a challenge.
“A change in Russia…a return to the days of Comrade Stalin.
“Why are we being taken prisoner?” Dave asked. Tatiana nudged Dave to stop talking.
“Because you’re here.” He turned and said something to one of the gunmen then left and got into a car in front of the bus. The cell phones were collected and a search was conducted of everyone’s person. A pocket knife was recovered and the search was over. The man who collected the phones went to the front and when the bus driver opened the door, he threw the bag of phones out on the curb.
“I’m a little scared, Warren,” Ariel said.
“Probably not as much as me.”
“Are they taking you because you’re a famous physicist?”
“Who said I was famous?”
“I did.”
“A one-person fan club…I guess I can handle that.”
“Promise me you won’t leave me at any time.”
“We’ll all need to stick together to get through this one.”
“Promise me, Warren.” He looked at her and grinned.
“I, Warren Andrew Peabody do solemnly swear…”
“Warren!” She whispered testily.
“I promise, Ariel, okay.”
“That’s better.” She hugged his arm and he pulled her close to him but he was no hero who was going to protect his woman. If anything, it was probably the other way around he thought as his knees began shaking.
“I don’t like this, Jo,” Andy said.
“I hate it.”
“Just another time for us to be in the soup,” Andy said and Jozette nodded as the bus pulled away led by the car containing Kulagin and a half-dozen others with guns. The two gunmen were up front standing, looking over the crowd. Trent and Vladimir were sizing up the situation looking for an opening…a plan. They weren’t talking, they knew that’d be squelched immediately but they were making eye contact and talking with their eyes and expressions. The one gunman had his weapon pointed to the floor. The other was pointing his straight ahead but Trent and Vladimir knew that the two would be hesitant to open fire in the bus for fear of killing one or both of the presidents. That was the prize cargo and they knew Kulagin would not be happy if anything happened to his hostages. There would be a bullet in the head for both guards if anything happened to Presidents Deniken or Lexington.
“Ask them if I can speak to President Lexington,” Trent said to Vladimir. The gunmen saw the two security agents talking and shouted something in Russian and Vladimir made Trent’s request. After a moment the gunmen said something to Vladimir and nodded. Kulagin would’ve never allowed Trent a visit but these two gunmen weren’t Kulagin.
“Okay but be quick,” Vladimir said and Trent went immediately back to where Ellen was sitting.
“Hello, Trent, how are things up front?” Ellen asked with a grin.
“Not so good, Ma’am.”
“Where are they taking us?” Bonnie asked.
“No idea, Ma’am. I have to go back soon so listen. The Russian guy and I are going to attack the guards. Keep the President safe.”
“I will,” Bonnie said.
“She’ll be fine,” Clarise said. Trent nodded and as he turned to leave, he looked at President Deniken. Sergei gave a slight nod and a wink. Trent sat down across the aisle from Vladimir. The bus was going about fifty miles an hour led by Kulagin’s car. Trent glanced at Vladimir and held his hand down so Vladimir could see his fingers. It indicated they would go on three. Given their relative position Vladimir would go after the gunman with his gun pointed at the floor and Trent would take the one with his weapon pointed straight ahead.
“Get down, Ma’am,” Bonnie said.
“I’m not going to let you take a bullet for me.”
“It wasn’t a request, Ma’am,” Bonnie said and pushed Ellen down and laid across her. Across the aisle Vasily Boronovitch did the same thing to Sergei. It happened very quickly. Trent leaped at the gunmen and grabbed the gun. They were struggling with it as Trent was trying to keep it from pointing at the president and the gunman tried to shoot Trent. It was pointed at the ceiling and Johnny Rodriguez stood up to be between the gun and the President. Clarice did the same thing in front of the President. The last thing the gunman wanted was to shoot either president but he had to regain control. Finally, the gun was lowered and four shots rang out. One went through the bus in the back and one hit Clarice in her left arm. She was a last-minute substitute for Andrew. Johnny Rodriguez was shot in the upper left chest and Little Wolf in the leg. Johnny and Clarice fell back in their seats and Little Wolf moaned and grabbed his leg.
“Brave!” Julieta shouted and Jozette and Andy knew it meant something bad.
“Little Wolf!” Jozette said as she started to get up but Andy pulled her back down. Trent managed to get the gun away, slugged the gunmen in the head and he fell on the floor out cold. Vladimir was struggling also and the gun went off hitting the driver in the head.
He fell on the steering wheel and the bus began to swerve. Trent gave the butt end of the gun to the other gunman and he also fell to the floor. The bus was crossing the center line as cars honked and ran off the road. Vladimir pointed to the driver and Trent threw him out of the seat and took control of the bus.
“Open the door,” Vladimir said and when Trent opened the door Vladimir threw out both gunman and the driver out into the ditch as Trent sped along. Kulagin had stopped his car and was standing in the road ahead with his gun drawn and the rest of his gunmen pointing at the bus. “Hey, Yankee, what do you do now?”
“This,” Trent said and floored the bus. Kulagin and most of his men got out of the way but two of them were launched into the air and the car was totaled.
“Great job, Yankee, but where do we go now?”
“That’s your problem, we’re in your country now...Russkie.”
“You know, they’ll find another vehicle and chase us.”
“Yes, I’m aware of that, so you need to find a safe house for us.”
“Clarice,” Bonnie said as she got off Ellen and stood up
“If this is what falling on one’s sword is like then I’ll have to reassess my stance on that subject,” Clarice said. She was holding her left upper arm. Dave went to her aide. Dave was an EMT and good with first aid. He examined the wound and the bullet only grazed the arm. Dave put on a tight bandage and put the arm in a sling. Then he went to Johnny Rodriguez and that was not so good. There was a bullet in the left upper chest and Johnny was barely conscious.
“Are you a doctor?” Johnny asked.
“No, I’m afraid not…just an EMT.”
“I’ll take what I can get.” Dave examined the wound and placed a bandage over it. “How bad is it?”
“Not good, the bullet is still in there. Are you having trouble breathing?”
“A little.”
“The bullet may have punctured the lung. Stay still and try not to exert yourself.”
“I don’t think that’ll be a problem. I don’t have the strength to hold up my head.”
“Miss Jozette, Mr. Andy; Little Wolf’s been hit in the leg,” Julieta said. Andy and Jozette went to their son and Dave followed.