Code Name Antares

Chapter 5

The Dodge started up a slight incline, leading to the front of Holly Cabin. Nestled in the trees, the one story, gray-colored building was once the original Laurel Lodge where presidents held conferences and greeted dignitaries from throughout the world. Small pole lamps lit up a blacktop path leading to a screened porch. Interior lights glowed from every window. Smoke, rising from a brick chimney, permeated the air.

A Secret Service agent, wearing a black raincoat, came from inside the screened porch. He spoke softly into his wrist mike. “Visitors have arrived.” Posting himself on the path, he stood with his hands folded in front of him.

Reilly got out, nodded toward the agent, then hurried around to the passenger side, opening both front and rear doors. “The agent will escort you from here, sirs. I’ll be waiting whenever you’re ready to leave.”

“Thanks, Staff Sergeant,” Grant said. “C’mon, Joe.”

The two walked up the path, both curious and anxious about the upcoming meeting with President Andrew Carr.

With only a brief nod, the agent led them onto the porch, knocked, then opened the cabin door. Once Grant and Adler had entered, he posted himself directly outside the door.

The President greeted them from across the room. “Captain! Lieutenant! Great to see you both!” He walked toward them with his arm extended.

“Mr. President,” Grant said, smiling, as he shook Carr’s hand, returning the firm grip.

“Mr. President,” Adler said.

“Take off your jackets. Just hang them in that closet, then join me,” Carr said, motioning with a hand toward a couch. Normally dressed in a suit, this evening the President wore a pair of dark blue slacks, an open-collar white shirt, and a dark, red cardigan sweater.

A wood fire blazed in the stone fireplace opposite the couch. A brass, three-panel folding screen was on the brick hearth, keeping burning embers at bay.

As Grant and Adler walked to the couch, Carr said, “Sit, please.” The two men complied. “‘Captain’ and ‘lieutenant’ are pretty formal, gentlemen. Would you mind if I called you ‘Grant’ and ‘Joe’?”

Grant nodded. “We wouldn’t mind at all, sir.”

Carr pointed to a tray on the coffee table that held a pitcher of water, glasses, and a bucket of ice. “How about something to drink? Maybe some coffee.”

“Not for me, but thanks,” Grant responded.

Adler followed Grant’s lead. “No thanks, sir.”

Carr sat on a wooden, hand-made rocker. His eyes went from Grant to Adler as he spoke. “Gentlemen, let me thank you again for the remarkable job you did with the China incident. God only knows how many lives you saved, including the Vice President’s. By the way, have you talked with or do you know how those two SEALs are doing?”

Grant responded. “We haven’t spoken to them personally, but understand they’re with their Team, ready for another mission.”

“Typical for you SEALs, right?” Carr laughed.

“Yes, sir. Always ready,” Grant responded.

Carr rocked back and forth slowly, with an expression that changed almost immediately. “I’m sorry you had to come out here, but I felt this was the safest place for us to discuss a … situation.”

“Fewer ‘eyes and ears’?” Grant asked, now more concerned than ever. If the President didn’t feel comfortable talking in the White House, something very “heavy” must be going down.

“Exactly,” Carr responded. “What we’re about to discuss is top secret.”

“Excuse me, sir, but before you begin, will we be able to bring in the rest of the Team, or will only Joe and I be involved?”

“Why don’t I tell you first, then you decide what’s best.”

“Very well, sir.”

Carr’s worry was evident. “First let me say that there are only two other people who are aware that I’m talking with you tonight. NSA General Prescott and SECDEF Daniels.”

He let out a breath, then started rocking. “Gentlemen, we are confident there’s a traitor within the DoD.”

Grant and Adler gave each other a quick look. How many times during their Navy careers did they wonder if their involvement in finding and capturing a traitor — or foreign mole — would be their last time? But it was happening again, this time on U.S. soil.

Carr continued. “What we are dealing with has to do with a laser guided weapon developed by the Navy.” He held up a hand, palm facing the two men. “Now I know what you’re thinking. Laser guided weapons aren’t anything new. And you’d be correct. They’ve been around for years. Several countries already have them, even Russia. But this particular weapon is special.” He reached for a folder on the coffee table, stamped with red letters TOP SECRET, then handed the folder to Grant. “Take a look at those photos and drawings.”

Adler scooted closer to Grant as Grant opened the folder. The photograph showed a weapon, similar to a rifle, slightly more compact, but unlike any rifle either one of them had ever seen.

As they examined the black and white photos, Carr explained, “That’s a laser guided rifle, completely computerized.”

“Computerized?” Grant asked with wrinkled brow.

“That’s right. The developers were able to use the same computer technology designed for the Apollo spacecraft. There’s a lot in that report,” he pointed toward the folder, “that I don’t completely understand. But think about it. A rifle that can be programmed, controlled by computer, has its own GPS. Just set it and forget it — or so I’ve been told.” He gave a half smile, then added, “If you read further into that report, you’ll see there’s the possibility the design could be altered into almost any size for mounting on ships, planes, or any military vehicle.”

“This is fantastic,” Adler said, holding two of the photos. “Mike would eat dirt for one of these,” he laughed quietly.

“Mike?” Carr asked.

“Uh, yes, Mr. President,” Adler answered. “Mike Novak is the Team’s sniper.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

Grant processed the information, then asked, “Mr. President, when was the prototype completed?”

“Two prototypes, Grant, and that was nearly a year ago. After successful testing, a limited number went into production. The factory was to begin production on another order in about a month.”

And that’s why we’re here, Grant thought. “Has something happened to those production models?”

“Those first ten were stolen.”

“Wow,” Adler said under his breath.

Grant asked, “When?”

“Last night, around midnight.”

“Anything else to go on, Mr. President? I mean, did it happen at the manufacturing plant or during transport?”

“During transport to Indian Head. As SOP, they were secured in special crates, five to a crate. The crates were loaded on a military truck, with a driver, a guard up front, and two riding with the crates. Those guards were well armed.

“About twenty miles from the base, along a deserted stretch of Palmer Road, the truck was attacked. The driver and guards were killed.”

“Jesus,” Grant said quietly. “Any indication how they made off with the weapons?”

“NIS (Naval Investigative Service) hasn’t come up with anything yet. I’ve been told there wasn’t any evidence indicating the crates were opened. No wood remnants, no screws, nothing. Whoever took them, took them completely intact.”

“I’m assuming, Mr. President, that whoever was in charge has been questioned?”

“Correct. At the plant and Indian Head.” Carr took the lid off the ice bucket, used tongs to put ice into a tall glass, then started pouring water. “You sure I can’t get you something?” The two men declined.

Carr swallowed some water. “Not everyone’s been questioned, though. I’m sure NIS will continue interviewing and weeding out individuals who may have had more knowledge of the weapon design. There isn’t much I can do to slow down the investigation without causing suspicion. Now, I know you boys worked for Admiral Torrinson at NIS not long ago, so you should know how those folks operate.”

“Yes, sir.” Grant’s eyes narrowed as he began interpreting Carr’s statement. “Mr. President, I’m getting the impression you want us to ‘fly under the radar’ on this one.”

“You’re right, Grant. You’ll be conducting a, shall we say, private investigation. I don’t want any departments to think I’m stepping on toes, but I also don’t want that many involved at this point. We are sure of one traitor, but who’s to say there aren’t more involved, and from possibly different departments.” Carr sipped on some water. “So, have you decided if you’ll need your whole Team?”

“I think it’ll be best, Mr. President. And I’d like to bring in Agent Mullins. As in the last operation, Scott will have responsibility for lining up refueling, transportation needs, and equipment that might be necessary. He’s an invaluable asset to the Team, sir.”

Carr rolled the glass between his palms. “Understand, and you ask for anything you deem necessary.” He put the glass on the coffee table. “I know you’d like your man to get familiar with one of those, but I don’t know if there’ll be time for training.”

“Mike’s a smart guy, Mr. President. With your approval, I could send him to Indian Head for a day of training while we begin our investigation.”

“I’ll start the ball rolling tonight. Have him go directly to Indian Head in the morning. He’ll report to Captain Ramsay.” Carr stood, with Grant and Adler immediately following. The meeting was just about over.

“Mr. President, who should I contact with any further questions or if I have updates?” Grant asked.

“Have Agent Mullins contact me directly. A call from the State Department will less likely be questioned.”

“Very well, sir.”

“Anything else, Grant?”

“No, sir. Joe and I will start immediately when we meet the Team.”

“Speaking of which… you should probably give one of your men a call from here. The staff sergeant will drive you back to the Memorial.” Carr pointed to a door. “There’s a phone in my office.”

Five minutes later Grant joined Carr and Adler near the front door.

Adler had his hand on the knob, when the Secret Service agent opened it, then stepped aside.

“Grant, Joe,” Carr said, “this isn’t the first time the country will be depending on you.”

Grant returned Carr’s firm handshake. “We’ll do our very best, Mr. President, and as quickly as possible.”