carrier. “This is American technology, not Ukrainian.”
“But Ukrainians build the finest ships in the world,” Yuri said forcefully. “Even the Americans would admit that was true. After all, we built the Russian carriers, did we not?”
“Yes, of course. The catapult on those is closely modeled on the American system,” his compatriot said slowly. Comprehension began to dawn on his face.
“So if the Americans have some concern about their catapult, what better way to assist them than offer an inspection at our nearby Crimean Peninsula facilities? After all, Ukraine is well noted for her open and willing assistance to any nation in need. Even in the midst of this conflict, we provide assistance to Turkey to combat the aftereffects of their own aggression, do we not?”
Yuri waited, letting the point sink in. A smile played around his lips as he watched his companion begin to nod. “It would be a generous gesture,” his compatriot concluded finally. “Moreover, it would offer the Americans an opportunity to demonstrate their trust, to cement their relationship with Ukraine. Their intelligence sources can tell them that we already have a working catapult system. Indeed, I would be very surprised if they do not have all of the details available immediately. And what we are offering is certainly nothing that would compromise their security. It is merely engineering services, the equipment and machinery and expertise that would allow them to assess the true operational status of one third of their launching facilities.”
“With the Americans the only nation to stand between Ukraine and the Turks, their presence in the Black Sea would be most welcome.”
And that, Yuri thought, would be of particular interest to the admiral. Particularly if he is eavesdropping on this conversation and believes that we do not know it. And especially if he is concerned about that catapult.
“I will make the offer,” the senior representative concluded finally. “After I check with my superiors, of course.”
He gazed approvingly at Yuri, the merest glint of acknowledgment in his eyes.
He understands, Yuri thought. Understands, and sees the advantages to it. Yuri felt chilled for a moment now that the danger had passed. He had been uncertain as to exactly how much of the entire plan the other man knew. Enough, it now appeared. Probably not all, but enough.
By the time the first call for morning chow went down, the plan was finished. Tombstone lifted his head from the chart of the Mediterranean and Black Seas spread out in front of him. He scanned the faces of the other officers seated around the conference room, noted the drained, sober look in their eyes, felt the distinct stirrings of pride as he thought about the last three hours. From disaster?to a plan. Even as the smoke was being cleared, the last traces of fire-fighting water siphoned over the side of the ship, and reflash watches set, the staff had done exactly what they were supposed to do?analyze the situation and the alternatives and come up with something that would work.
And his uncle?how could he ever have doubted him?
The same genes that had taken his father over to Vietnam, never to return, had rocketed both uncle and nephew up the ladder of responsibility within the Navy. It would have been impossible to have misjudged him so much, simply not believable. In the end, dealing with issues and pressures that Tombstone could not fully comprehend, his uncle had come through with the right answer.
“Then it’s settled.” Tombstone reached out one finger and circled a large area of the ocean. “Effective 0800, we’re declaring a no-fly zone one hundred and fifty miles around the carrier.”
“With a few exceptions, of course,” Batman chimed in. “I think we hammered that out pretty fairly. Commercial flights on a published schedule may proceed within one hundred miles of the carrier if they contact us ahead of time and arrange for a VID at the three-hundred-mile point.”
Batman shrugged, evincing little sympathy for the commercial air traffic. “It may slow them down some, screw up some connecting flights, but better them than us.”
“I think they realize that,” Tombstone said soberly. “I’d be surprised if half the flights aren’t canceled anyway.”
Tombstone leaned back in his chair and said, “There’s one other matter. We’ve talked around it all morning and haven’t really resolved it. Responsibility for this bomb attack.”
A quiet murmur started around the table as the officers discussed their theories with their neighbors.
Tombstone cut it off with a wave of his hand. “Lots of arguments on both sides. But this one is my call.”
He turned to Batman. “Arrange a COD flight. I want all foreign nationals off this boat by noon. Every last one of them.”
“Of course, you have my deepest apologies for the inconvenience,” Bradley Tiltfelt said. The two Ukrainians stared at him impassively. “I assure you we have every intention of going forward with this investigation. As soon as I am able to contact the State Department again, this will be promptly straightened out. Promptly.”
“We could continue the matter in Ukraine perhaps,” the older of the two men suggested. “We would of course be willing to host those meetings ourselves.”
Tiltfelt nodded agreeably. “I plan on urging my superiors to take advantage of that very generous offer. As for Turkey?well, she may be somewhat reluctant to join us. A shame?it is always preferable to have all concerned parties sitting around the table while these matters are resolved.”
“There is one other matter as well,” the elder Ukrainian said. “Your ship.”
“As I said, sir, that will be straightened out as soon as I can contact my superiors. Unfortunately, the one radio circuit that I’m allotted seems to be severely affected by local sunspot activity. The admiral assures me it should clear up by this evening.” Tiltfelt let his voice express his utter disbelief in this statement.
“When you speak with him, there is one other matter we wish to offer,” the Ukrainian continued. “We have heard about the damage to the catapult. It is a serious matter, as the Americans are the only force capable of standing between our country and Turkey. In return for continued protection by this aircraft carrier, we would offer the services of our excellent repair facilities in Ukraine.”
He held up one hand to forestall objections. “It is possible you do not wish the repair work to be done there. May I assure you, we will not be offended if that is the case. However, if the damage is less than you expect, we should be able to reassure you on that point. And you may consult your intelligence people as you wish. There is nothing about your catapult systems that we do not already know.”
And have improved on, Yuri thought. Still, it would be nice to see one of yours myself.
“Why… why…” For a moment Bradley Tiltfelt seemed to be at a loss for words. “A most generous offer. Really, this is so?I cannot tell you how gratified I am. I shall of course urge my superiors to accept immediately.”
The two Ukrainians stood. “You will excuse us, but we have some preparations to make. I understand our flight is to be leaving shortly.”
“Of course. And again, my sincerest apologies for this inconvenience. I hope to see you both in Ukraine in the near future.”
The Ukrainians nodded. “Bring your aircraft carrier, Mr. Secretary. We will show you how valuable a friend Ukraine can be.”
As he watched the two men leave, Bradley Tiltfelt felt an overwhelming rush of exhilaration. This was what diplomacy was all about, and he’d been absolutely right to come here in person. Because of his personal intervention in this situation, a new bond of friendship was about to be forged between Ukraine and the United States. And it was all due to him, his foresight, his intuitive understanding of the ways of nations.
Bradley Tiltfelt was so happy he could almost cry. Vindication, particularly sweet following on the heels of the abusive treatment from the United States military. When this opportunity was presented to the United States, Tiltfelt’s stock would soar to record levels. Never again would a man in uniform embarrass him as Admiral Wayne had earlier that day. And as for Admiral Magruder?both of them, now that he saw how their nepotistic relationship influenced national policy?both of them would pay.
“Absolutely not.” Tombstone felt his temper careen up toward dangerous levels. He glanced across the table at Batman, and was not surprised to see a similar expression on his old wingman’s face. “We are no more taking
