“And his purpose here?”
“He was performing a hydrological survey, as allowed by international convention. Perhaps you can explain why Captain Petrov so strenuously objected to his presence.”
“We have no evidence that Captain Petrov behaved incorrectly,” responded Borisov defensively.
“He made several high-speed passes dangerously close to
“Captain Petrov has not reported any of this to me,” Borisov stated, with such finality that Manning didn’t answer immediately. Patterson tried to think of a response that didn’t call Petrov a liar.
“Admiral, we can provide logs and other evidence to support Rudel’s account,” Manning countered.
Borisov still wasn’t convinced. “Will that evidence be consistent with
Now he was hinting that the Americans were liars. Patterson had heard enough and spoke up. “Our analysis shows that
“I don’t see how that could possibly happen.” Borisov’s reply lacked Vidchenko’s belligerence, but he was still Russian and he just couldn’t accept their explanation.
Fine. If he wanted proof, she’d give it to him. “Admiral, would you care to inspect
Patterson’s offer surprised Borisov. He paused, as if looking for a hidden trap. Then she looked at Manning and Baker. They both looked just as surprised as Borisov. In fact, Baker seemed alarmed, and she suddenly felt very nervous. Had she missed something? Was she giving something important away?
“Your offer is most generous, Doctor. I accept. Given our schedule, sooner would be better than later.”
“She did what?” Shimko was surprised by the intensity of Rudel’s reaction. It was the most energy he’d seen in the skipper since the collision. On the other hand, this obviously hit a nerve.
“They’ll be here in half an hour. She wants us to show Borisov the damage to the boat. Right now he’s convinced you rammed
Shimko could tell that hurt, and was immediately sorry he’d said it. But Rudel seemed galvanized by the accusation. “Fine,” he announced sharply. “We’ll bring the Russian aboard and let him look wherever he wants. Have Jerry make copies of the timeline and all the other material he collected after the collision. We’ll give that sumbitch so much data he chokes on it.”
“Or on what it shows,” Shimko added.
“Get us on the roof, Marcus. And use the low-pressure blower to get the bow as high out of the water as possible. We can all get a good look at the damage. Warn the crew it will be a rough ride. And prepare the ship for an official visitor.”
“Aye, aye, sir. Surface the ship, prepare for an official visitor, and I’ll tell Jerry to double up on his seasick meds.”
The Ka-27 Helix appeared overhead precisely on time. By this time,
The chief of the boat was waiting, and saluted, then asked Borisov to follow him. Borisov’s aide, Patterson, and Manning followed the admiral to the wardroom.
Rudel and his department heads were waiting, and the wardroom table was covered with documents, neatly organized and labeled by Shimko. A detailed chart showed the tracks of the two subs and the UUV, surrounded on one side by log pages and on the other by photographs of the damage, both inside and outside the ship. A plate of warm chocolate chip cookies and a carafe of hot coffee were off to the side.
“Nice touch, Al,” complimented Shimko, pointing to the refreshments. “That should help put our guests into the proper frame of mind.”
“A wise cook once said, An empty stomach is not a good political adviser.’” Constantino chortled as he finished, clearly very pleased with himself.
Shimko initially looked shocked, then menacing. “You trying to horn in on my territory, Chop?”
“Quiet, you two,” scolded Rudel as he saw the mess steward signal him from the pantry. Seconds later, the door to the wardroom opened and Borisov walked in.
Rudel was the only one who spoke. “Welcome aboard
“While you’re reviewing this material, I’d like to speak with Dr. Patterson privately, just for a few moments.” Borisov nodded, already examining the track chart, and the captain took Patterson by one elbow, guiding her forward to his cabin. Jerry Mitchell followed, then took station in the passageway, to make sure they weren’t overheard.
Rudel closed the door to his stateroom, then spoke softly, but intently. “Doctor, are you aware of the regulations and procedures that have to be followed when you invite a foreign visitor aboard a nuclear submarine?”
Patterson wasn’t intimidated. “You don’t approve of me bringing Admiral Borisov aboard.” It was a flat statement, but she included understanding, even sympathy in her tone. “I’m sorry for springing this on you, but I believe it’s the best way — the only way — to convince Borisov that the collision was not your fault. Improving your standing with the Russians will help us in many ways.”
Rudel looked angry, barely under control. “Letting a Russian on board
“It’s not the documents. He would get copies of those anyway,” Rudel continued. “But we could just as easily have briefed him aboard his ship.”
Patterson shook her head, disagreeing. “He needs to see your damage for himself. There is a small risk of a security breach,” she acknowledged, and he nodded agreement, “but the payoff is winning over Borisov, and with him the commander of the Northern Fleet and potentially, the Russian government.”
Rudel didn’t look entirely convinced, but didn’t reply, instead motioning toward the door. They left, and with Jerry following, returned to the wardroom.
While Rudel’s officers came to attention when he entered, Borisov appeared absorbed in the documents. Patterson assumed his English was good enough to read the material, and that he wasn’t just posing.
Shimko leaned over and whispered, “Not a word since you left. But I think he likes the Chop’s cookies.” He pointed toward the now half-full plate.
A few moments after they entered, the admiral stood. Without a word about the documents in front of him, he said, “I would like to see the damage to the outside hull, please.”
That meant a trip through control, and Patterson followed the others from the wardroom. Once they reached the bridge access trunk, Rudel turned to the contingent and said, “There isn’t as much room on our bridge as on one of your submarines, sir. You, Dr. Patterson, and I will go up. The rest will have to wait here.”
“Very well, Captain. Proceed.”
Both Borisov and Rudel insisted Patterson go first. Borisov followed, then Rudel.
