Honorable Enemies

Chapter 30

The President stood by the windows in the Oval Office and stared at the three groundskeepers who were working on a section of the freshly mowed lawn. The dreary, overcast gray sky matched his gloomy spirits.

The United States, according to the latest news reports from around the world, was being acclaimed with great enthusiasm by some, while the majority of people screamed epithets at the Americans for being a swaggering superpower bully.

In related news on the major television networks, the shipping traffic that normally used the Strait of Malacca had dropped dramatically. Many civilian vessels were heading to secure harbors until the waterway was deemed safe to traverse. Others continued to use the strait in spite of the obvious dangers.

The President finally turned and walked from his office, stopping briefly in his secretary's small compartment to wish her a happy birthday, then entered the Cabinet room and greeted the top officials in his Administration.

After everyone was seated, the President turned to his Defense Secretary.. "Bryce, I understand we have more complications in the South China Sea area?" The statement became a question.

"I'm afraid so," Mellongard reluctantly answered and donned his eyeglasses. "Our latest satellite-and photo-intelligence information indicates a large number of warships converging near the mouth of the strait, and many ships have entered the strait. These are in addition to the growing number of Japanese vessels that are spreading through the area."

No one made a sound while SECDEF took a drink of water, then continued the morning briefing.

"We now have confirmation — as of the past hour — that surface combatants from China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Taiwan, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka are in close proximity to the strait."

Mellongard looked at the color-coded briefing cards that had been prepared for him. "Due to the congestion on the water and in the airspace over the strait, our biggest problem is making proper identification of our allies, possible adversaries, and the neutrals using the waterway and airspace.

"Another factor plaguing us," he half-muttered, "is the onslaught of media people. In spite of our warnings, the airspace over the strait is saturated with chartered airplanes and helicopters full of reporters."

"What about mines?" the President asked, thinking about the hazards of mine warfare in the traffic-choked sea-lane. "I don't want to see our ships get pinned in by mines."

"We are focusing," Mellongard answered with a distant look, "on all aspects of mine countermeasures, including bringing in more Sea Dragons to bolster our efforts. Essex and her group are expected to enter the northern area of the strait by this evening — Washington time."

Bryce Mellongard eyed the men around the long table. "In response to the increasing threats to our expeditionary task force, we've also added more P-3 aircraft to our maritime patrol efforts.

"In order to sustain our forces afloat" — Mellongard leaned back and pocketed his reading glasses—"we are increasing our logistics-support system and diverting more replenishment ships to the strait and the Java Sea."

The President glanced around the room and saw nothing but looks of concern. "Gentlemen, as you may be aware, I've been involved in a marathon of discussions with the leaders of our allies in the Asian and Oceanian regions.

"For the most part" — he paused and looked directly at his Secretary of State—"our international friends support our position, and they're looking forward — as much as we are — to our talks with the Japanese." He was openly lying and everyone knew it.

The President let his gaze drift from person to person. "We have to find out who is responsible for these acts of terrorism, and we have to work with the Japanese to stop the violence in our cities and mend our political differences."

"Mr. President…" the CIA Director said while he rolled a pencil between his hands.

"General Holcomb…"

All eyes shifted to the former two-star general.

"A number of my top people — the best analysts in the Agency," he ventured in his polished Bostonian accent, "believe that Pakistan and India will use this situation as an excuse to do some damage to each other."

The President heard a low rumbling from the swollen rain clouds. "General, there isn't much we can do about their problems at the moment."

Paul Holcomb inwardly cringed. Whatever you say, Chief, he thought.

"As the world focuses on this crisis with Japan," the President went on, "everyone has to make his or her decision about what is right and what is wrong."

The silence in the room was palpable.

"Ourposition is well defined" — the President stared down Holcomb—"and I stick by it. If someone else wants to wade into the fray, that's their prerogative, but we can't afford to get involved in regional power clashes until we sort through this mess with the Japanese."

Holcomb absently dropped his pencil and returned the President's cold stare. "There's something you — all of us — had better think about."

The President tossed a look at Bryce Mellongard before turning his attention to the suddenly outspoken Director of the Agency. "You have the floor, General."

"We have just received documented evidence," Holcomb declared with a hint of smugness, "that at least two — and possibly three — Iranian Kilo-class submarines have entered the Strait of Malacca.

"A Washington-based official from the People's Mojahedin of Iran made the announcement early this morning," he said boldly, "and the Iranian Defense Minister confirmed it to my people less than an hour ago."

The President, who was concerned about Kitty Hawk and her escort ships, glanced at the Defense Secretary. "Bryce, have we been getting any sonar contacts with Kilo-class submarines in the strait — or any other type of sub?"

Mellongard, who was always reluctant to speak freely in front of a group, leaned on the edge of the conference table. "Yes, but it wasn't an Iranian. It was the Sindhuvijay and it surfaced as soon as we began tracking it."

"Where's the sub now?" Bud Tidwell asked.

"The last report I received," Mellongard said without looking up, "indicated that it was on the surface and returning to port in India."

The President faced SECDEF. "Bryce, do you think we'll have any trouble locating the Iranian subs, if, in fact, they're in the strait at this time?"

"We shouldn't have any problem," Mellongard replied with complete confidence. "If they're in the strait, we'll find them and stay on their backs."