Shadow Flight

Chapter Nineteen

The CNN anchorman adjusted his tie for the third time, smoothed back his hair, and waited for his cue.

"Tensions in the Gulf of Mexico continue to escalate as President Jarrett attempts to resolve the B-2 hijacking. CNN has learned that another air battle has taken place, this time over the Straits of Florida. Initial reports indicate that American carrier planes were attacked only minutes ago by Cuban-based MiG fighters.

"A Pentagon source confirmed that two fighters from the carrier America were lost. The fate of the crews is unknown. Cuban losses are unconfirmed at this time.

"Premier Fidel Castro has issued a harsh warning to the White House, prompting legislators to call for immediate sanctions against Cuba. In a statement released minutes ago, Premier Castro stated that any further aggression on behalf of the United States will result in a state of war being declared by his government.

"The official newspaper of the Cuban Communist party, Granma, announced that any airplanes, including civilian aircraft, violating Cuban airspace will be shot down.

"In related news, a bipartisan group of congressional leaders is calling for an investigation into the Stealth hijacking." The newscaster paused as fresh information was placed on his desk outside the view of the camera.

"White House sources have confirmed that President Jarrett has increased the military alert status," he continued. "Our White House correspondent, Evelynn Myers, is standing by with an update. Evelynn?"

The pleasant-looking, short-haired woman stepped a few feet to the right to allow a better camera angle. "I just spoke to a White House staff member who confirmed the increased alert status. Fighter aircraft and helicopters from every branch of the services are congregating at Homestead, MacDill, and England Air Force Bases. Unconfirmed reports indicate that B-1 bombers from Dyess and Ellsworth Air Force Bases are en route to Barksdale Air Force Base near Bossier City, Louisiana.

"Reporters have been given a short release stating that the Army 82d Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, along with the 101st Air Assault Division at Fort Campbell, are on full alert. Secretary Kerchner also informed us that a marine corps special landing force, Amphibious Squadron Three, is embarked on the assault carrier Wasp. Another marine landing team is boarding a sister ship, the Essex."

The television picture switched back to the anchorman. "Evelynn, what is the current status of the Marines at Guantanamo Bay? Is there any provision to extract them from the base?"

"As far as we've been told," the reporter replied, switching her microphone to her other hand, "they will remain in place for the time being. The military does not want to risk flying any aircraft in or out of Guantanamo Bay. I spoke with a Pentagon source who said that the navy fighter planes at the base are remaining on the ground. The aircraft are manned-on immediate alert-to provide air cover if the Marines come under attack.

"One other note. White House sources have indicated that President Jarrett has demanded clarification of Russian involvement from President Ignatyev. Secretary Kerchner, who has scheduled a news conference later today, stated that he would address this subject. John?"

The anchorman waited a moment, adjusted his papers, then looked into the camera. "This item just in. The Kremlin has issued a statement denying any culpability in the Stealth disappearance.

According to Soviet Foreign Minister Sergey Aksenhov, they are interrogating officials of the KGB and Cuban General Counterintelligence Directorate. Kremlin officials have issued an additional statement, saying that they will not participate in any military action we take against Cuba.

"In related news, NATO forces have been placed on alert, pending the outcome of the B-2 situation.

"We'll be right back," the anchor said without emotion, "so stay with us for the latest in headline news."

When a weather update flashed on the monitor, the anchorman turned to a staff member. "You think this is the excuse they've wanted… to eliminate Castro and communism in Cuba?"

"Hell, who knows what goes on in the puzzle palace."

Gennadi Levchenko angrily dismissed the senior Soviet aeronautical engineer and turned to his assistant. "What is it, Natanoly Vitelevich?"

Obukhov, standing outside the director's door, stepped inside. "Comrade director, the American — Simmons — is becoming a problem for us."

"Get him in here," Levchenko blurted, too preoccupied with the security breach to concentrate on the American. "Are they searching the base again?"

"Da, comrade director," Obukhov answered. "The entire base is sealed tight." As Levchenko shook his head in disgust, Obukhov stepped back through the door and motioned for Simmons to approach the director's office. "You're making things difficult for yourself, comrade," Obukhov warned the frightened defector sternly as he ushered him into Levchenko's office.

"Sit down, Comrade Simmons," Levchenko said firmly. "What is your problem?"

Simmons, sitting rigidly on the bench in front of the impatient KGB director, darted a glance at the small photo he held of Irina Rykhov. She had given him the black-and-white picture the afternoon prior to his commandeering the Stealth bomber.

The pretty face smiled at Simmons, giving him strength. He remembered vividly Irina's clear, provocative hazel eyes. Her face had a pronounced Slavic tilt that set off her full, sensuous mouth.

"Comrade director," Simmons began cautiously, "I am concerned about Irina… for her safety."

Levchenko half listened to the scared defector, his mind busy with the repercussions of the breach in security. If the truth reached the Kremlin…

"I am afraid," Simmons continued, unsure of himself, "for Irina. She promised we would be together here, in San Julian. Is something wrong?"

Levchenko heard Simmons's last words. "Yes, comrade," Levchenko answered in his grim, specious manner. "Irina will be reunited with you in Moscow, for security reasons. We have had a security breach here, as you well know, and we cannot place Irina at risk."

Simmons, showing fear and confusion, looked at the picture again. "When will I be able to go to Moscow?"

"In a matter of days," Levchenko answered, trying to contain his anger and frustration. "Right now, Comrade Simmons, we have work to do, and I am counting on you."

Simmons rose slowly. "Yes, comrade director."

Norman Lasharr and his deputy, David Ridgefield, sat quietly, waiting to hear from Hampton Milligan in Key West. Ridgefield refilled their coffee mugs while Lasharr reviewed the latest message traffic. Both men glanced occasionally at the television monitor in the corner of Lasharr's office.

"Well, general," Ridgefield said, picking up the discarded messages, "Wickham pulled it off."

Lasharr remained silent a few seconds, then placed the messages down. "Yes, he did… the crazy son of a bitch. I wish we had another fifty like him."

Ridgefield smiled slightly as he sat down catty-corner from the tenacious director. "I agree, sir."

Lasharr started to speak at the same moment a special report flashed on the television monitor. "Dave, turn it up."

Ridgefield pressed the volume button on the remote control next to his chair. Both men watched a harried, well-known commentator, tie askew, struggle to insert an earpiece.

The anchorman looked into the camera. "Cuban President Fidel Castro, moments ago, issued a declaration of war aimed at the United States. Speaking from his home at Varadero Beach, Castro lashed out vehemently at President Jarrett and vowed to confront any military threat to Cuba."

The newsman paused to adjust his earpiece, then continued quickly. "Castro has dispatched his brother, Army Commander Raul Castro, to personally take command of Cuban army troops advancing toward the San Julian Air Base. San Julian is the purported location of the missing B-2 Stealth bomber. White House sources have refused to comment."

The commentator, seeing new information being rushed to him, followed the director's cue. "CBS will continue our coverage of the Cuban crisis after this word."

Lasharr and Ridgefield looked at each other in astonishment. "Dave, get in touch with Hamp," Lasharr instructed, "and put a priority on getting Wickham out."

"Yes, sir," Ridgefield replied as he reached for his SecTel 1500 secure phone.

"I'll be at the White House," Lasharr said as he closed his thin attache case. "Dave, I don't want any screwups. Keep a lid on it."

The situation room was crowded when President Jarrett and the secretary of state entered. "Gentlemen," Jarrett began, grim faced, "Secretary Gardner and I have issued a statement to world leaders. As you know, the Kremlin is denying any involvement in the hijacking."

Alton Jarrett adjusted his glasses carefully and read the dispatch.

"The president of the United States of America denounces Cuba's refusal to release our B-2 bomber and crew.

"The government of the United States recognizes the declaration of war issued by Cuban President Fidel Castro.

"The United States of America is, and will continue to be, committed to recovering our commandeered Stealth bomber and her crew."

Jarrett removed his glasses and placed the message faceup on the table. "This episode is a tremendous embarrassment for Castro. The Soviets — Ignatyev — are sidestepping the issue and leaving Castro caught in the middle. There may be a rogue faction operating in the KGB, but Ignatyev apparently isn't going to admit it.

"The dictatorial society that Castro has created is undergoing a major economic and ideological crisis. Moscow has withdrawn support, and Castro is feeling the pressure."

The president looked around the table before speaking again. "It is my opinion that we can expect stiff resistance from Castro. He is a desperate man, caught standing alone or with whatever support he can muster in this hemisphere."

Jarrett sat back. The Joint Chiefs, the CIA director, and the cabinet members waited to see who would speak first.

"Mister President," the secretary of state said solemnly, "may I have a word with you… in private?"

Jarrett paused, then looked at Gardner. "Sam, if you have a comment — any comment — you can speak candidly to the entire group."

Gardner, displaying a twinge of irritation, leaned on the table and clasped his hands together. "Sir, if we — if you insist on pursuing your plan to invade Cuba," Gardner said cautiously, then stopped and shifted in his seat, "the ramifications — the Vietnam syndrome — will be devastating to your political career."

The president, taking time to compose himself, propped his elbows on the table. He attempted to suppress his usual wry smile. "Sam, I don't give a damn about my political career. What office am I going to run for?" In his peripheral vision, Jarrett could see that all eyes were averted. "My responsibility, Sam, is to the American people-the people who voted me into office. Sure, there will be dissenters, as there always have been, but the vast majority of Americans know the difference between right and wrong."

The president looked at his secretary of defense, then back to Gardner. "Some Soviet faction has, with or without their government's knowledge or approval, commandeered our bomber, and we have to get it back."

Jarrett paused when he saw the reaction on the faces surrounding him. He leaned back in his chair. "What the United States government is engaged in is a recovery mission, pure and simple. When we have reclaimed our B-2, or destroyed it, the encroachment on Cuba is over."

The vice president, silent until now, swiveled to face Gardner. "Sam, we lose more than Stealth technology if we sit idle and exchange diatribe. As world leaders, we lose face and support."

The secretary of state displayed a rare show of condescension but remained silent. He had disagreed openly with Truesdell on a number of occasions.

Jarrett caught a glance from his defense secretary but addressed his remarks to Gardner. "Sam," the president said more softly, "this issue is much bigger than a single B-2 or its technical secrets. This administration is being challenged openly, and we are not going to take the bashing."

Gardner remained unconvinced but said nothing.

The president looked at his watch and focused on his defense secretary. "Bernie, I want a maximum effort from our forces, with minimum collateral damage."

"The Joint Chiefs," Kerchner replied, glancing at the JCS chairman, "and I feel confident that we can achieve the objective, and keep the situation contained."

"Very well," Jarrett responded, then stood. "I have to meet with the families of the B-2 pilots. Bernie, I want a solid, continuous blanket of air cover over our battle groups until they have returned to our coastal waters."

"Yes, sir," Kerchner replied, standing with the rest of the group. "We're concentrating our resources to provide a constant barrier."

Jarrett walked to the door, then stopped and turned to the assemblage. "Let's not forget that Cuban soldiers shot down two U. S. helicopters in Grenada, killing three Marines. Now, we have more losses caused by Communist Cubans." Jarrett stiffened slightly. "Losses because Castro is sheltering our commandeered bomber."

The 40,500-ton amphibious assault ship, commissioned in July 1989, steamed south toward the western tip of Cuba. The carrier was the tenth navy ship to bear the name Wasp.

Embarked on board the 844-foot ship were 1,966 Marines, supported by eighteen AV-8B Harrier II jets, four LAMPS III helicopters, and four CH-53E Marine Super Stallion helicopters. On the well deck, below the 2.2-acre flight deck, three air-cushioned landing craft (LCAC) waited to transport the marine expeditionary force ashore near San Julian.

The heavy transport CH-53s, powered by three 4,380-shaft horsepower General Electric turboshafts, would supplement the air cushion landing craft. The four helicopters, each carrying fifty-five Marines, would land at strategic points around San Julian air base.

The LAMPS III helicopters, with their long-range air-to-surface radar and advanced data link, would manage the over-the-horizon assault. Two LAMPS Ills, backed by two assault LAMPS Ills, would track the amphibious landing craft, maintain communications with the LHD, and transmit the LCACs' progress to the Wasp's large screen displays in the Combat Information Center.

The eighteen Marine AV-8B close support attack fighters, armed with Snakeye bombs, rockets, and one 25mm cannon, would provide air cover for the marine landing force.

Wasp's sister ship, USS Essex (LHD-2), followed the lead assault carrier at a distance of seventy nautical miles. Essex was in the final stages of receiving her marine special landing force, along with their AV-8B Harriers from Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station. A continuous stream of helicopters landed, disgorged Marines and supplies, then flew back to shore to pick up more men.

Essex would land her assault force three-quarters of a mile north of Wasp's unit. Both assault groups would go ashore at Bahia de Guadiana, then forge east to San Julian. The USS Nassau would provide a third marine amphibious assault force. Eight CH-53s, carrying full loads of Marines, would augment the helicopters from Wasp and Essex. Nassau would also provide UH-1 Huey helicopters and AH-1 Cobra gunships for the assault.

Navy F-14s and Navy/Marine F/A-18 fighter/attack jets, operating from the decks of Kitty Hawk, America, and Abraham Lincoln, would fly high air cover for the Harrier jets and helicopters.

Wasp continued on course, reducing speed to allow Essex and Nassau to close the gap. Her escort ships moved closer as the assault carrier approached Cuban waters. Supported by F-14D Tomcats from Kitty Hawk, S-3B Viking antisubmarine aircraft patrolled around the Wasp assault group.

Each minute increased the danger and tension aboard the amphibious aircraft carrier. Every crew member knew that they were sailing toward a Communist country that had declared war on the United States.

Gennadi Levchenko, seething and shouting commands, stormed into his office. He had been informed only minutes earlier that he had a double agent in his midst — an agent who had relayed live pictures of the B-2 bomber to Washington.

Levchenko, absorbed in ferreting out the spy, yanked his telephone across the desk and sat down heavily. "Who the hell am I supposed to call?" he bellowed at the skinny clerk/medical technician

The gaunt, hollow-eyed man flinched. "President Castro — Fidel Castro, comrade dir—"

"Bullshit!" Levchenko raged, eyes bulging. The director had a moment of pure panic, then attempted to recover as his racing heart pounded. He was boxed in between KGB chief Golodnikov and Castro. Levchenko knew that he would face a firing squad if he could not isolate the traitor under his command. Now, with his life on the line, Fidel Castro was meddling in the Stealth operation.

"I don't report to Castro," Levchenko continued, breathing heavily. "Who took the call?"

"I did, comrade director," the frightened man answered. "He said immediately. That's why the lieutenant chased after you.. comrade director."

"Get out!" Levchenko yelled as he scribbled notes on a scratch pad. "Get out!"

The clerk hurried through the door, knocking papers off a low filing cabinet.

Levchenko's mind raced. Shit, what does Castro want? Does he know about the security leak? Levchenko picked up the receiver, adjusted his wire-rimmed glasses, then looked at the phone number on the message.

He placed the call. If he could only capture the treasonous member of his contingent. Who the hell was the bastard? Levchenko waited, fidgeting, while the phone rang three times. He yanked out a cigarette pack and snapped open his lighter.

"President Castro's residence," the pleasingly mild male voice said. "May I have your name and the purpose of your call?"

Levchenko, glancing over the rim of his glasses into the hangar, fought frustration and disdain. "Gennadi Levchenko, director of KGB operations in Cuba, returning President Castro's communication."

"Yes, comrade director. The president will only be a moment."

Levchenko, drumming his stubby fingers on the desk, did not acknowledge the comment. His thoughts were concentrated on retaining control of the situation at San Julian.

The KGB agent had met Fidel Castro on two occasions. He knew how quickly the Cuban dictator's personality could change from charming and hospitable to belligerent and raging.

"Levchenko," Castro's voice was loud and abrupt. "Have the American bomber ready to fly by the time my brother arrives at San Julian."

Levchenko was stunned by the order. "Comrade president, you cannot make such a demand."

"Have the B-2 ready to fly!" Castro ordered in a highly agitated voice. "Raul is on the way to San Julian."

Levchenko sat staring into the hangar after Castro had terminated the conversation. "Goddamned fanatic," Levchenko growled in disgust. He loathed the Cuban dictator, as did the majority of Russians remaining on the island, but he knew he had to be careful around Castro.

Levchenko's stomach churned as he considered his options. First, the director reasoned, he had to contact KGB headquarters in Moscow. Vladimir Golodnikov, the volatile chief of the KGB, would be incensed when he received word that Castro had assumed command of the Stealth bomber.

Levchenko sat quietly, pondering other options and thinking about Castro. He recalled clearly Castro's annual national holiday speech at Camaguey, Cuba. The Cuban dictator, accused by many of becoming an aged museum piece, had ranted for more than three hours to a throng of thousands. Clinging to Stalinist-style communism and ideology, Castro had delivered a bitter and emotional discourse to the sweltering crowd. The Cuban leader, yelling loudly, had stated that he would never surrender his brand of communism. Speaking on the anniversary of the revolution he had led, Castro talked about the civil conflict and national strife in the Soviet Union.

Levchenko could hear Castro's words clearly in his mind. "Cuba, our great and wonderful country, can expect serious shortages in Soviet economic aid."

Levchenko, like most Soviet officials, paid little attention to Castro's agitated, lectern-pounding speeches, in which he generally spotlighted past triumphs and focused on the 1953 Moncado barracks attack that had launched his revolution.

Now, Levchenko thought, Castro was on the verge of cutting ties with Moscow and directing communism in the West. The Stealth hijacking, now exposed, could destroy him.

Levchenko stood to go to the communications room, then stopped when he remembered what else Castro had said. It all tied together for Levchenko. The Cuban president had lashed out vociferously against the United States, saying, "We can survive and overcome any challenge by the imperialist Americans, be it blockade, invasion, or full-fledged war. If the Yankee troops invade or try to occupy Cuba, we will be on our own, forgotten by our Soviet benefactors, but we will prevail."

Levchenko walked out of the office and headed toward the communications center. He replayed Castro's speech in his mind. The Cuban dictator, a fervent Stalin purist in Levchenko's estimation, was going to present some difficult problems.

The KGB director, developing a strategy to protect himself, entered the sophisticated message center. He walked to one of two direct lines to KGB headquarters, dismissed the communications officer brusquely, then sat down and lighted a cigarette before he initiated the voice-scrambled call.