Poseidon's Ransom

Chapter One

In Greek mythology, Kronos was the leader of the first generation of Titans, the divine descendants of Uranus, the sky, and Gaia, the earth. He overthrew his father and ruled during the mythological Golden Age, until he too was overthrown by his own sons, Poseidon, Hades and Zeus. The three brother Gods then became the overall rulers and held absolute power within the Cosmos.

Poseidon, Hades and Zeus were now the names given to the latest generation of ‘Olympus Class’ nuclear submarines serving in Her Majesty’s Royal Navy. These three ships, usually referred to as ‘boats’ within the service, are the most powerful and sophisticated ever built, each with a cost well in excess of three and a half billion pounds.

After construction at the Barrow-in-Furness shipyard, in the North West of England, each submarine deploys to the Royal Naval Base at Faslane, Scotland. It is here the boats are stocked and armed with their payload of Trident nuclear missiles, cruise missiles and hi-ex torpedoes, thereby becoming the UK’s first and last line of defence.

In Whitehall the summer sun streamed in through the big windows transforming the austere office. The ancient oak panelling reflected the rays and brightened not only the room, but the occupant’s demeanour. Sir Anthony Grainger, the Secretary of State for Defence, sipped from the steaming cup of Earl Grey as he read through the security brief outlining his planned visit, and short voyage, to and on, HMS Poseidon.

The beep of his smartphone broke his concentration. He looked at the screen, OLIVIA CALLING. He put down the document and swiped the screen. ’Hello, darling?’

‘Anthony,’ her voice trembled, clearly upset and sobbing.

Grainger stood up. ‘Olivia? What on earth is wrong, darling?’

‘Sir Anthony.’ It was a man’s voice. Quiet, calm, American, ‘Please listen carefully.’

‘Who the hell is this?’ The line was silent for several seconds… ‘Hello? Hello?’

‘Sir Anthony. Please stay calm and listen carefully. If you do as we instruct, your family will be safe.’

‘What do you mean? What do you want?’

‘Sir Anthony, we have your wife and daughter. If you want to see them both alive again, you will do exactly as you are instructed.’

Grainger’s voice was shaky. ‘Yes, yes anything.’

‘You will not contact the security services or confide in anyone.’

‘Yes, I…’

‘Please, Sir Anthony, just listen. You will be given instructions later today. In the meantime, please go about your duties as usual. And, Sir Anthony, please be assured, we will kill your family if you deviate in any way from our instructions.’

‘Yes, I mean no.’ He couldn’t control the panic in his voice, ‘Yes whatever you want. Please. Can I speak to my wife?’

The line went silent.