Silent Waters

Chapter 37

With the exception of the Vice President, who had to be relocated under the present crisis, the rest of President Hawkins’s war cabinet were assembled at the White House when the executive order was issued.

“They are clearly targeting our energy resources,” Hawkins told his group. “This time they hit that exploration facility in Long Island Sound. The next missiles will be headed for nuclear power plants. We won’t let that happen. We’ve waited long enough.”

“All the pieces are in place, sir,” the deputy Secretary of Defense announced.

“That’s correct, Mr. President,” the head of the Joint Chiefs concurred. “USS Pittsburgh is in Long Island Sound and in hot pursuit. The navy has two frigates following and a destroyer standing by in New York harbor. Air support is ongoing. We’re waiting for your order, sir.”

“Good. We’ve discussed your tactical options, General. I want you to blow them out of the water.”

The head of the Joint Chiefs and the Secretary of Defense both looked at Admiral Norman Pottinger and nodded.

He’d been waiting for this all morning. It was finally time to go to work.