The Void

CHAPTER 5

“An American space shuttle has crashed.” Viktor Dubkin allowed himself a small smile as he sat before the Russian president.

President Volkov, known as the ‘Little Wolf’ but never to his face, remained impassive, his unnaturally cold blue eyes didn’t waver or blink as he sat staring back.

After another moment, one eyebrow rose a fraction and he grunted. “The shuttle that was photographing the nuclear missile sites across the globe, da?

Dubkin nodded slowly. “The very same, my president.” He spread his hands. “Normally we could not care any less. We know that they know, approximately, where our missile fields are — just as we know where theirs are — these are no secret to any good spy agency.” He pursed his lips for a moment. “But where this becomes problematic is we now know that they were using the new ground-penetrating technology developed by their military. It has the ability to see inside the silos and identify the specific kiloton profile of each missile.” He paused. “It can also tell which are real or just decoys.”

“Hmm, a little too much information.” Volkov’s eyes swiveled. “But the shuttle is crashed, so the problem is now solved?”

“Perhaps not,” Dubkin said. “It broke its normal orbit, but we don’t believe it was a catastrophic crash. It came down hard in the Revelation Mountains in Alaska, and may still be intact.” His brows went up. “And that means the data could be still intact.”

Volkov shrugged. “Destroy it. Before any rescue and retrieval mission can be organized. Who will be able to say it wasn’t obliterated when it hit the ground.”

Dubkin bobbed his head. “I would have recommended this option myself, except for one thing.” His smile widened. “The Americans weren’t just filming us. They were photographing every nuclear missile site in the world — every potential adversary and ally… and even their own sites. This film is invaluable, and I think critically important to Russia.” He leaned forward. “It is a gift, Comrade President, just waiting to be plucked from them.”

Volkov’s eyes narrowed. “And I suspect a potential gift also to China, Iran, and North Korea.” He made a grumbling sound of assent deep in his chest. “Invaluable to us, and also worth billons if sold.” Unbelievably for Dubkin, he saw the corner of Volkov’s mouth lift microscopically.

Dubkin clasped his hands together over his stomach. “Best case scenario for NASA is at least forty-eight hours before they are there.” He grinned. “And we are just across the strait. We can be there long before the Americans.”

Volkov pointed. “Mister Dubkin, I hereby order you to retrieve this film.”

“Yes, sir.” Dubkin gripped his armrests, ready to stand, but waited a moment. “I think we must send our best team, a small one, but one that can endure hardship and still retain speed, stamina, and strike capability. After all, they might encounter strong resistance, maybe even from American Special Forces.”

“Yes, maybe even HAWCs,” Volkov said. He raised a finger and waved it in the air. “Our team must strike like a hurricane and then vanish like the wind. I think it is finally time for us to give the Kurgan a field test. Take charge.”

Dubkin smiled as he stood. “Perfect, comrade president, it shall be as you direct.” He bowed and left, having gotten everything he needed.