demonstrated, or small surface craft. The submarine version is a little further behind, due to the detectability issues. We’re confident, though, of eighteen-month viability. That’s a year and a half from the word ‘go.’ ”
“Budget line,” said the admiral.
Delaford, who was unpracticed in the art of winning funds, hesitated and then lost his way, trying to argue for the project rather than simply giving Allen a number.
“Well, as a whole, compared to previous projects, say the probes for the Seawolf, the UUVs, it—”
“How much?”
“That would depend on the configuration, sir. And in, um, perspective—”
“What I think Commander Delaford is trying to point out, said Dog, who thought the program was worthwhile even though it belonged to the Navy, “is that you have to compare the cost to an entire weapons system. The fact that its intended to be expendable means the low per-unit cost ups the overall budget. Still, in a combat situation, the cost per engagement would be very low, since it would, by definition, be replaced.”
“Is it worth two nuclear submarines?” asked Allen.
“Well, that’s your call, Admiral,” said Dog.
“It’s not my call,” said the admiral. “But if It were, I’d take the submarines.”
“Actually, sir, at three hundred and forty million for the whole project,” said Delaford, regaining his balance, “it’s considerably less than a submarine. And tactically, it can do the job of a submarine without the exposure of, uh, risk, as the tests off Hawaii show.”
“I’m well aware of the results of the tests,” said the admiral.
Danny Freah, standing behind the admiral, suppressed a smile. Colonel Bastian belatedly realized what the visit was all about.
“Yes, the results were impressive,” continued Allen. “But once countermeasures are employed, the device will be easily countered.”
“Hardly,” said Rubeo, characteristically choosing the most undiplomatic moment to butt in. “Face it, Admiral, large ships are obsolete.”
Allen snorted. “That’s been said since galleys ruled the ocean. Colonel — I’d like some lunch.”
“I’m told it’s ready when you are,” said Dog.
“Yes,” said Allen. “I’m sorry, the colonel and I are meeting alone,” he added, as if Delaford and the others had actually volunteered to accompany them. “I’ll be back.”
“We’ll wait,” said Rubeo.
Fortunately for the scientist, Allen either didn’t hear what he said, or had a tin ear when it came to go acerbic irony. Dog led Allen back to the elevator, Captain Freah trailing behind him.
“Do we need a shadow?” the admiral asked as they got inside the car.
“I’m afraid close security is the order of the day here,” said Dog. “All visitors, no matter how high their rank.”
“Even a theater commander.”
“Yes, sir,” said Dog. He could have told Danny to make himself scarce; the orders to shadow Allen were his own. But he was a bit ticked at the surprise visit, and even more so now that he suspected Allen had come to lobby him on the report. Allen seemed to mellow ever so slightly, and in fact his mood visibly improved fifteen minutes later in Cafeteria Two, a private dining area known as the Red Room because of the decor, when the airman serving them told him that Thai-infused salmon headed the menu.
“I don’t want sushi,” said the admiral.
“No, sir, of course not, sir. It can be cooked to your specification.”
“Medium then, but still moist.”
“To drink?” said the airman, with the precise intonation of a waiter in a high-class restaurant.
A true achievement, since the man was a bomb ordie on special assignment. Dog marked him down mentally for a weekend pass.
“Water,” said the admiral.
“Evian, or perhaps Dolmechi?”
“Dolmechi?” said the admiral. “The Italian mineral water?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Very good,” said Allen. “I haven’t had that since I visited Naples.”
The waiter — who had obviously been heavily briefed by Ax — turned toward the colonel.
“I’ll have a burger,” said Dog. “And a Coke.”
“Yes, sir. Captain?”
Danny glanced at Dog. “I was thinking I might catch up on some items,” said Freah. “Since we’re not in a secure area.”
“Very good, Danny.”
“Admiral.” Danny nodded, getting up to go.
“Just a second.” Allen rose and stuck out his hand. “Some of my Marines made sure I heard about what you did in Iran for them. Good work, son.”
“Thank you, sir,” said Danny.
“You ever think of switching commands, remember the Pacific,” said Allen.
Danny smiled and nodded, then left.
“An impressive officer,” said Allen.
“One of the best,” said Dog. “That’s why he’s here.”
“And you’re wondering why I am, aren’t you?” said Allen. He smiled, showing signs that somewhere beneath the weight of command he did have a sense of self-deprecating humor.
Maybe.
“Actually, Admiral, what I’m wondering is why you didn’t give us a heads-up that you were coming,” said Dog.
“That’s not the way I do things,” he said abruptly.
The colonel looked over at the airman approaching with their drinks. He didn’t intend on getting into a pissing match with Allen, who as commander in chief of the Pacific Command (USCINCPAC) was one of the most powerful people in the military. The admiral commanded all forces in the Pacific, including Air Force and Army units as well as Navy. He also had considerable input at the Pentagon and, more important, the White House.
On the other hand, Dog wasn’t going to roll over for anyone. Allen had no more real business here than Dog did on the flight deck of his carriers.
Admiral Allen took a small, almost dainty sip from his mineral water as the waiter retreated. “Colonel. Tecumseh — can I call you that?”
“My friends call me Dog.”
Allen smiled indulgently. “Dog. How’d you earn that?”
“It’s God spelled backwards,” said the colonel, who didn’t mind telling the story on himself. “I was a flight leader with a bit too much of an attitude, and some people thought it fit. They were probably right.”
Allen laughed. “This was before you shot down the MiGs in the Gulf, or after?”
“My kills were unconfirmed,” said Dog, though there was little doubt he had indeed splashed the enemy planes.
Another indulgent smile from Allen. “Let’s cut to the chase,” said the admiral. “The Piranha report — what’s it going to say?”
“I would imagine it will say something along the lines of what Commander Delaford said — the system is ready to be implemented, and it’s ready for the next phase of tests, if that’s approved.”
“Specifically, concerning the test.”
Allen was undoubtedly worried about the details of the test engagement, which would show his Navy commanders — Woods especially — in a somewhat embarrassing light. With the proper emphasis, Admiral Woods — and, by extension, Admiral Allen — could be seen not only as enemies of the program, but as going overboard to scuttle it. In a politically charged atmosphere, such nuances could be deadly.
Or not. It was a game Dog had long ago decided not to play.
“Writing the report itself is not generally regarded as one of my duties,” said the colonel.
“You’ll sign off on it, though.”
