Blackmail

44 MOSCOW

In the Operations Center three levels beneath the Moscow Senate, five rows of military personnel, seated at their consoles, snapped to attention as Russia’s president entered. Minister of Defense Chernov and Foreign Minister Lavrov followed Kalinin into a conference room in the back, where General Andropov and his aides rose to their feet and waited as Kalinin took his seat at the head of the table. After everyone settled into their chairs, one of Andropov’s aides manipulated a remote control, and the opaque panoramic window on the wall opposite President Kalinin turned transparent, enabling a clear view of the Operations Center displays.

General Andropov began the brief. “All military objectives have been achieved, Mr. President. The corridor connecting Kaliningrad Oblast to Belarus has been secured, and all units are preparing defensive positions. In Ukraine, the operation could not have been more successful. Our airborne units hold all bridges across the Dnieper River, cutting off eastern Ukraine from NATO reinforcements. All Ukrainian ground combat units are encircled, and we have halted offensive operations for the time being, negotiating a surrender of all Ukrainian units.

“Regarding the Navy’s objective, the Northern and Pacific Fleets, along with all attack submarines from the Baltic and Black Sea Fleets, have taken station in the Gulf of Oman, ready to implement a blockade of the Persian Gulf if directed. As far as NATO’s response goes, an American carrier strike group has moved into the Indian Ocean, shadowing the arrival of our Pacific Fleet, and a second strike group is being sent to the gulf, pulled from China’s coast. The remaining two operational American carriers have departed the West Coast of the United States. Aside from America’s carrier strike groups, NATO appears paralyzed. Although all NATO military units in Europe and North America are mobilizing, none have been deployed.”

“Thank you, General,” Kalinin said. Turning to Foreign Minister Lavrov, he asked, “Where do we stand politically?”

“As expected, Lithuania submitted a proposal authorizing the use of NATO military force to expel Russian troops from Lithuania. Additionally, the United States submitted a proposal to assist Ukraine. A vote on both proposals was postponed after your videoconference with NATO, as the member countries digest the economic disaster they’ll endure if they respond either militarily or with sanctions.”

“The United States has four carrier strike groups under way,” Kalinin said. “What if they challenge our Persian Gulf blockade? Where do we stand with India and China?”

“Neither country has formally responded,” Lavrov replied. “It appears both countries are keeping their options open, and won’t accept or decline unless the situation forces them to.”

“I understand,” Kalinin said. He asked Defense Minister Chernov, “How do things look regarding the oil and natural gas pipelines?”

“The United States checked the locations we provided them, so we are certain they understand we aren’t bluffing. We have been monitoring via satellite, and there has been no further activity at those or any of the other locations we’ve attached explosives.”

Chernov finished with, “Everything is proceeding according to plan.”