Dancing with the Dragon (2002) (29 page)

The skipper turned serious. "We've been following the Chen Ziyang since it left the coast of California. Our orders called for us to intercept the Chinese ship and follow it until further notice. Well, it didn't make any sense to us, because they can track it with spacecraft and other reconnaissance platforms. But our questions were answered about the time your rescue helicopter ran into trouble."

"How's the flight crew?"

"They're just fine. They had a mechanical problem and had to land on a frigate, but they're safe and sound."

Dalton quietly sighed. Thank you again, God.

"We don't know what you were up to, or how you got aboard the ship, but I can tell you this. We received urgent orders while you were on the Chen Ziyang. Our job was to rescue you at all costs, including sinking the ship if we could confirm that you were in the water and in jeopardy."

The XO took over. "We rose to periscope depth about three hundred yards dead astern of the ship. We were watching Chen Ziyang through our scope when we saw you dive overboard in a hail of gunfire."

"You actually saw me?"

"Like in broad daylight. We were primed for action but figured we'd wait until the ship was gone before we would surface and invite you to join us for breakfast."

The CO took over on cue. "We received confirmation from re-con sources that you'd activated a radio and that your GPS position was about seventy yards from us. The recon folks were under orders not to respond to you, but they could clearly hear your calls."

"I wish I'd known that."

"We heard screws returning and stuck our scope up to check on you. You were off to the side of us when their spotlights came on. After we concurred that it was the Chen Ziyang, I maneuvered for a better angle and fired a Mark-48 torpedo at the ship."

Scott closed his eyes for a second.

The XO could see that Dalton was beginning to deal with how close he had come to dying. "We have something a little stronger, if you'd like?"

"That would be appreciated."

The skipper set his coffee mug down. "Since the Chinese ship has gone to the bottom, and you're safely on board, we have orders to make a port call in Pearl Harbor."

Scott's eyes lighted up.

"You can ride in with us, or you can go on the helo that's going to pick up your film as soon as the sun's up."

"Uh, skipper," the XO interjected, "we just received a message that a Ms. Jackie Sullivan is going to be in Honolulu to meet him in the morning."

Scott smiled. "No offense, Captain, but the helo sounds good." "None taken--have a good time."

Chapter
20.

Honolulu International Airport

The morning breeze was gentle and refreshing on this beautiful Hawaiian day, typical of most days in the sun-drenched islands. Jumbo 747s arrived and departed in a continuous stream of activity, while smaller, colorful planes and helicopters flew visitors on sightseeing trips around Oahu and the neighboring islands.

Tired after a stressful, sleepless night, Jackie was waiting at the Air Service Hawaii FBO when Scott's navy SH-60B helicopter landed. The Seahawk helo from the HSL-37 Easy Riders had landed at the Coast Guard air station to turn Dalton's two rolls of film over to special agents from the CIA and two senior navy intelligence officers.

The film would be developed in Hawaii and flown to Washington, along with Scott's sealed after-action report. All of the intelligence information would be made available to President Macklin before he had to leave on his urgent trip to Bangkok.

The emergency meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Regional Forum and its Asian and Pacific partners was scheduled to begin in four days. The association is an international security structure designed to limit China's ability to pursue its national security objectives while putting other countries at risk.

Still wearing his borrowed khaki uniform, Scott thanked the flight crew and hopped out of the helicopter. Near the main entrance to the FBO, Jackie hugged him tightly and then led him to an empty conference room. She explained what had happened to their helicopter and described the harrowing landing on the frigate.

"Tell me about the operation," she said. "How did it go?"

"Well, first of all, there was a laser weapon on board the ship, and our suspicion about a holographic imaging apparatus is confirmed--we have the photos to prove it."

"Outstanding."

Dalton quietly replayed the entire adventure, including the ship blowing up and the attack submarine surfacing underneath him.

"Other than that, it was a fairly routine, boring evening."

"We felt horrible, but the helicopter would never have made it." "Don't worry about it. How'd you get to Hawaii?"

"They flew us from the frigate to the carrier, then back here on the COD, the same one you jumped from."

"I thought they were going straight to Barbers Point."

"That was their plan. When the pilots contacted center, they were told to return to the carrier. Dave came with me. He's going back to North Island in the COD."

"Well, what's on our agenda?"

"A lot."

"Have you talked to Hartwell?"

"Oh, yes." She laughed. "I've talked to Hartwell."

"And?"

"He and the president send their best to you. They think you did a spectacular, unbelievable job and both extend their heartfelt thanks."

"Jackie, I know that look."

"What look?"

"The fox-asking-if-it's-okay-to-go-count-the-chickens look."

"I haven't committed us to anything. However, the president wants to thank us in person for getting him the evidence he feels he needs to confront the Chinese in Bangkok."

"Are we supposed to head for Washington?"

"No," she said with a faint smile. "The president is going to stop in Honolulu day after tomorrow."

"Great--we can have some old-fashioned R and R while we wait." "But there's more," she said excitedly.

He paused for a moment. "I'm afraid to ask."

"We've been asked to accompany the president and Hartwell to Bangkok--to the summit meeting."

"Uh, Jackie, we're supposed to remain at arm's length from the government, not even know anyone in power, let alone be on a plane with the president of the United States."

"It's all arranged," she said with an air of confidence. "We're going as Secret Service special agents being temporarily assigned to the Bangkok duty station at the American Embassy. We will board with other agents from the Honolulu office, and then Hartwell will arrange for us to meet privately with the president.

Scott was puzzled. "Ah, let's see--is there something I've missed, something you've left out?"

"Well, there is one teeny-tiny detail that may arouse your curiosity."

"Here we go--I knew it."

"President Macklin wants to talk with us about a plan that he, Prost, and a small group of Hartwell's friends from the Agency have been concocting."

He rolled his eyes upward. "Do you know what it is?" "No, and Hartwell made it clear that I shouldn't ask." "I wonder what they're up to this time."

"I really don't know, but whatever it is, I'm sure you'll consider attempting it."

"Don't be so confident," he said with a Cheshire-cat grin. "Scott," she said in an unusually serious tone, "we don't have to agree to anything, you know that."

"I know," he said, and fell quiet for a few moments. "After last night, I wonder how much is too much."

"You need some rest, then we'll talk about it."

"I'd go for that."

Jackie felt as if she was getting her second wind. "I brought your things from the carrier."

"Thanks."

She leaned back and gave him the once-over. "The first thing we need to do is go shopping and buy you some clothes."

"Yeah, I could use some aloha shirts and baggy shorts."

"I know just the ticket. First we'll find a place to have breakfast, then we'll go to Hilo Hattie's for the very latest in Hawaiian apparel--you can't beat it."

"That sounds good, but I think we need to find a place to stay." "I've already booked a suite at the Halekulani."

"Music to my ears." Scott chuckled. "A suite on Waikiki sure sounds better than where I spent last night."

"By the way, if we undertake the plan Hartwell mentioned, he said the terms would be the same as the Chen Ziyang operation." "That part appeals to me. I wouldn't mind being able to retire and travel around the world in our own jet."

"Oh, another thing before I forget. We need to call Greg and let him know that he can have his Lear back. You can get the personal gear you left on the plane when we return."

"Yeah, you're right. I also need to give our SEALs back to the navy and check in with Mary Beth. She must think we've left the planet."

"We'll call her after breakfast."

"That's what I'm waiting for."

"Follow me."

They left the conference room and walked toward the entrance to the FBO, then stopped when they heard voices.

Jackie and Scott were surprised to see a group of people huddled around a television set. They could see the bright red "Breaking News" banner beneath the CNN logo.

"We have additional news just in," the man said. "The name of the ship in question is the Samuel B. Roberts, and CNN has just been informed that it is a United States navy frigate."

The anchor was handed new information. "According to a Pentagon spokesman, the ship has been stranded in the Panama Canal for approximately five hours. A senior White House aide has told CNN that an unconfirmed report from Panamanian officials has it that a canal lock malfunctioned, causing the American warship to be trapped in the waterway."

The newsman glanced away for a second and then stared into the television camera. "Tensions between China and the U. S. will likely escalate after the recent clashes in Panama and the sinking of two Chinese cargo ships, one of which we're told went down only hours ago."

He reached for a sheet of paper being slipped onto his counter. "Beijing claims the U. S. is responsible for destroying both ships. Pentagon officials have admitted that military relations between
the U. S. and China are extremely strained at this time. We have more from Christine DeSano at the Pentagon. Christine."

"John, senior officers here believe this incident is in retaliation for the attack on a Chinese antiaircraft artillery site in Panama and the alleged sinking of a Chinese cargo vessel by the U. S. Navy. Many worry that Beijing is going to force the issue and cause a significant confrontation between China and the U. S. There was a flurry of activity here about ten minutes ago, and we were told that the canal crisis is about to escalate."

Surprised by the events, Scott and Jackie looked at each other and then focused their attention on the television. When CNN finally broke for a commercial, they left the FBO.

"You're part of the headlines," she said, walking toward her nearby rental car.

"I can think of easier ways to make the news," he said with a frown. "This Panamanian situation could turn into a train wreck, especially after all the bitterness over the treaty."

"Do you know the story behind the story?" Jackie asked. "I've heard two different versions of what happened."

"It depends on which side of the fence you're on."

"What account do you believe is the truth?"

"My version."

"And what version would that be?"

Scott opened the passenger door and got in. "Well, there was a great deal of underhandedness involved in the Panama Canal debacle, including the undeniable fact that Panama never ratified its treaty as required by the Panamanian Constitution."

Jackie started the car, and then lowered the convertible top to drink in the sunshine and fragrant air. She placed the car in gear and headed for the nearby Honolulu Airport Hotel to have breakfast and coffee.

"Furthermore, the treaty was not submitted to the Panamanian people for a plebiscite vote, as required by law. It was illegally pushed through the process--a fraudulent treaty pursued to a successful conclusion by the virtual dictator of Panama."

Scott glanced upward toward the Likelike (lick-e, lick-e) Highway and took in the breathtakingly lush mountains that make up Oahu's Koolau Range.

"At any rate, the Panamanians and the U. S. are now paying a very steep price for our surrender of one of the most important geostrategic maritime choke points in the world."

"Yeah, that treaty was a real soup-sandwich. Inept politicians and corrupt tinhorn dictators--they're mostly interchangeable."

"I can't argue that point," Scott said. "From a national-security interest, turning over control of the canal will prove to be one of the worst mistakes in U. S. history."

Scott glanced at a Falcon 900 corporate jet as it climbed steeply away from Honolulu International. "La Prensa says more than sixty percent of Panamanians favor some form of U. S. military presence."