The Devil's Playground

by Michael Reagan

many moments a relieved looking Jennet took the phone from Miss Kelly.

  40

  Washington D.C

  The Secretary of State listened to Lavrov for few minutes. Then fed up with the one-way conversation by his counterpart demanding that the United States of America stay out of what he was describing as the "Liberation of Turkmenistan," he interrupted him. It was against protocol but he wanted to appear strong and was aiming to throw a wrench in the works in effort to provoke a response.

  "Foreign Minister Lavrov, the United States of America does not standby when naked acts of aggression are committed against neutral countries with democratically elected governments, nor does it allow its allies to be invaded in brutal acts of aggression," Young said, committing another breach of protocol as traditionally before a call between two Foreign Minister the subject matter that will be discussed is sent by each side to other, but because he was under pressure Young had decided to use a salami-slice strategy to divide and conquer the threat that the China had just caused.

  The pressure was triggered by the announcement that the Chinese will allow Russia to assist in peace keeping operations in Turkmenistan and would support Korea in any action against Japan to reclaim its islands. In return, the Koreans and Russians had immediately recognized the China's claim over the Senkaku Islands.

  "We are not discussing your country's issues with the People's Republic of China," Lavrov instantly replied, taking the bait.

  "Rest assured, Foreign Minister, the two issues are most definitely linked," Young immediately responded.

  This time the Foreign Minister stayed silent as Young continued with his demand.

  "We expect the Federal Republic of Russia to fulfill its obligation to stand by its promise to use International Law as a means to resolve conflicts it may have with its sister nations," Young demanded, raising the tension.

  "Russia has no troops operating in Turkmenistan-they are the people's militia supporting its armed forces," Lavrov replied, not backing down.

  "The People's Republic of China and the Federal Republic of Russia acting in cahoots together abuses their trusted position on the Security Council to act as a safeguard against acts of aggression," accused Young.

  "Cahoots!" Lavrov replied angrily. "Secretary Young, the United States is in no position to lecture Russia on acting in cahoots with an allied nation seizing territory of a sovereign nation that does not belong to them!"

  It was Young's turn to go silent on the line for a few moments. He ignored the worried looks of his subordinates as he did so.

  The voice of Lavrov spoke again this time with calm restored, "I say again Russia is not conducting military operations in Turkmenistan. We stand by International law as does Russia's friend, the People's Republic of China."

  The use of 'friend' in diplomatic language was significant. It told Young that a treaty was in the offing. This was bad news and something a few months ago, neither Moscow nor Beijing would have ever imagined possible - or even desirable. When, against a different diplomatic background, things looked very different in the light of the recent global confrontations.

  At the time he had come up with his plan he had no idea the Chinese would respond in such a manner as it had done nor had he believed that China would allow Russia to potentially control its gas flow.

  He hated admit to it to the fact that the two countries' economies, military capabilities and even demographics complemented each other. Russia has resources but a shortage of manpower while China has manpower but a shortage of resources.

  A resurgent Russia that was strong in advanced military technologies, aeronautics, and software, but weak in mass production of consumer goods and electronic hardware joined with a China that has the converse strengths and weaknesses to share a common enemy was a serious threat to the position of the United States in the world.

  That meant Young had to find a way to break one of the parties resolve. China was too powerful economically. That meant he had to focus America's efforts on Russia.

  "The annexation of the Senkaku Islands is a breach of international law as is your involvement in Turkmenistan." countered Young, continuing with his provoking of Lavrov. "I say again the United States of America expects the Federal Republic of Russia to fulfill its Security Council obligations!"

  "Let me be clear for the avoidance of doubt," Young started before pausing for a few seconds before continuing, "The United States of America expects that the Federal Republic of Russia to use all means necessary to assist President Amayradov in returning him to his democratically elected position at the earliest opportunity."

  Young, knowing full well that was not going to happen, and realizing this was the moment when he would play high stakes poker, stated, "If the Federal Republic of Russia does not assist in this endeavor then the United States of America will be obligated to provide assistance by all measures possible," firmly calling out Lavrov.

  "All means?" queried the shocked sounding voice of Lavrov.

  "Is the United States threatening the Federal Republic of Russia?" he asked, not quite believing what Young had just said to him.

  "You heard me Foreign Minister Lavrov," stated Young, while taking in the looks of his ashen-faced young men and women assistants.

  The Secretary of State sat down in his study of his residence and pulled out the one of the clean Nokia burner phones he had collected over the years. He then dialed the only number in the phone's memory another burner phone that was currently in possession of Hank Dowling.

  Secretary of State he may be, Intelligence officer he would always be. Instantly Hank picked up the second it connected. There was no greeting between the pair.

  "Keep this brief, I am busy Honey," Young ordered.

  "I am worried Aunt Betsy isn't taking my calls," Hank said.

  Young sighed at the use of the code word for the President, he could do without having to hold the hand of Hank Dowling as well.

  "Well I am sure it's nothing, Honey, I understand she's rather busy at the moment," he responded while thinking that his statement was an understatement to say the least.

  "She always takes my calls I am very worried," continued Hank, not backing off.

  "Okay, I check up on her and get back to you" responded Young telling Hank to meet him at the pre-arranged place they had agreed if there was an emergency and clicked off.

  "I really need this like a fucking hole in the head!" he said out loud to the empty room.

  41

  Japan Sea / Beijing / Pyongyang

  The Chinese submarine fleet is, reportedly, the second largest in the world comprising seventy subs, ten of which are nuclear powered and at least four of those capable of launching the JL-2 Nuclear missiles at the U.S. main land.

  Every navy in the world practices anti-submarines drills. None more so than the United States who has done so since 2006 when, to its astonishment, a Chinese Song-class diesel-electric attack submarine quietly surfaced within the nine miles kill zone of the U.S.S. Kitty Hawk in the waters between Japan and Taiwan.

  The Captain of China latest submarine Type 092 had spent the last ten years of his life practicing for this moment. It helped greatly that he knew the exact location of the U.S.S. Bonhomme Richard.

  Using a tactic developed by the Soviet navy in the early seventies mixed with latest stealth technology of the paint that absorbs the sonar of the opposing submarine search vessels he had been able to sneak up on the same course and speed as that of a U.S. Aircraft Carrier and he now was tagging and had in his sights less than a mile away.

  He smiled then instructed his second-in-command to send the message to Beijing.

  It was Sunday lunchtime a time the Chinese traditionally spent with their family, but today found the members of the Council locked away together in the secret secure location ten floors beneath the surface of Beijing.

  They were heatedly discussing the Secretary of State's announcement that the United States expected Russia to take all necessary
means to return President Amayradov to his position of power in Turkmenistan, or they will act.

  Jiang sat quietly for the moment, listening to the Committee. It was split and weak. One group led by the Foreign Minister saw this as a precursor to the President of the United States setting a deadline for China to withdraw from the Senaku Islands. The other, led by the Head of the PLA, wanted to take action immediately. Being a smart politician Jiang thought he would only offer an opinion if a direct question was asked of him for the moment.

  "The U.S.S. Bonhomme Richard is being shadowed by 791. We should act now! And sink the carrier as it represents a clear danger to our personnel on the islands," the head of the PLA demanded.

  "You will start World War III," said the Foreign Minister countering the General's warlike argument.

  "Comrade Cui is correct! If we sink the Carrier outside the exclusion zone the Americans will consider this an act of war and we will quickly lose our allies in the western world who are counseling Parker to show restraint," said the Vice Premier, appearing to support the Foreign Minister.

  "Not to mention, I'll say it again: the effect on China's economy will be disastrous," interjected the Finance Minister joining the anti-war group, and so it went on back and forth.

  Meanwhile back in Korea, O quietly walked into the study of his villa. Over the last few days he had publically moved his position to that of Hong by allowing the MIG-29s of the former North's air force to be