Blackmail

98 WASHINGTON, D.C.

After descending to the ground floor of the executive residence and heading down the west colonnade, the president entered the Oval Office in the West Wing. Waiting outside his office and following him inside were McVeigh, Hardison, and DuBose, who settled into the three chairs opposite the president’s desk. The president leaned back in his chair as McVeigh delivered an update.

“Russia’s withdrawal from Lithuania and Ukraine is complete. They’ve also provided the locations where they attached explosives to oil and natural gas pipelines, and we’ve removed them. Regarding the Arabian Sea battle, every Russian surface combatant was either sunk or heavily damaged, while only six of our cruisers and destroyers were damaged. The more significant news is that we lost another eight submarines. Not bad considering we were outnumbered two to one, but the loss is significant considering our present force structure.

“We’re taking a look at the water depth to determine whether the intact compartments would have imploded before they grounded, to see if we can raise the submarines like we did in the Taiwan Strait, but it doesn’t look good. Fortunately, the submarines damaged in our war with China should begin exiting the repair yards in a few months.

“On a different topic,” McVeigh said, “Christine is safely aboard Michigan. Her SEALs pulled her from the Black Sea after she killed Chernov.”

“Thanks, Bob,” the president said. “What’s the plan forward?”

“Three carriers are heading to Hawaii and Washington State for repair. Of the two carrier strike groups remaining, we’re leaving one in the Arabian Sea and routing one back toward China. Regarding the Russian facilities we’ve wired with explosives, we’ll remove them whenever you give the word.”

“Keep the explosives attached for now,” the president said, “while we work the diplomatic front. I want to get a resolution through the Alliance, guaranteeing NATO will come to the aid of Ukraine or any other country Russia chooses to invade next.”

The president surveyed the three men before him, then his features hardened as he said, “We have one last item to address. Give me a few options.”

“Yes, Mr. President,” McVeigh replied. “We’re already working on it.”