“President Handa has been trying to manage the news of the disastrous raid, as well as the investigation into the conspiracy. It’s hard to know whom to trust. With the involvement of people like Vice Admiral Dankhar and Special Director Ijay Thapar, everyone in the government is now suspect. The president has acknowledged that we need to inform China, but wanted to wait. After all, it will take Chakra some time to get there.”
“And every hour of delay increases the plot’s chance of success,” Lloyd countered.
“The navy has been mobilized.” Jadeja bristled.
Lloyd was unimpressed. “It is unfortunate that there is so little they can do, in spite of their best efforts. Chakra is a very capable vessel. Because of the danger her mission puts us all in, the United States is using its naval assets to find and stop Chakra, by whatever means necessary.”
“What? Without coordinating with my government…”
“We are taking this action unilaterally,” Lloyd said firmly. “Since Chakra has gone rogue, this is not an action against the Indian government, with whom the United States wishes to have the best possible relations.”
Lloyd could hear the minister beginning to protest, but continued speaking. “In practicality, there is little the Indian Navy can do, especially once she enters the South China Sea. The only naval unit with the range to operate there is Chakra herself, and we both know her capabilities. If your P-8 aircraft can eventually be made operational, they would be welcome to join our own antisubmarine aircraft at Guam to help in the search.”
Jadeja sighed. “You are correct, Mr. Secretary.” After a short pause, he added sharply, “But, I’m afraid that’s not good enough.”
Lloyd, a little confused, replied, “The United States is willing to work with India in any way that facilitates stopping Chakra. We could rebroadcast the same message you are sending to the sub,” he suggested.
“That’s a good idea, but I had something else in mind,” Jadeja answered. “We need a representative to be present.”
Now perplexed, Secretary Lloyd said simply, “I don’t understand.”
“Most likely, someone, probably your navy, will have to sink Chakra. It is unlikely that everyone on the submarine is aware of the plot. Even as we agree that she must be stopped, we must also recognize that innocents will be killed, as well as the criminals that are carrying out the plan.”
“It is unfortunate,” Lloyd agreed.
“If this were an execution, there would be witnesses present. India requests that Captain Girish Samant be a witness to the events. As her former captain, he can provide valuable assitance, and should it become necessary to sink her, he can come back and tell us what happened.”
“You make a strong case, Minister Jadeja,” Lloyd admitted.
“I was an advocate for thirty-three years before I entered government service. Samant will have diplomatic status and plenipotentiary powers. There can be no question of his loyalty to India or his judgment.”
“All right,” Lloyd agreed. “The United States will allow Captain Girish Samant to act as India’s liaison and representative during this crisis in matters relating to Chakra. The headquarters for the search is Guam.”
“I will arrange transportation for the captain immediately, by the fastest possible means,” Jadeja replied. “India is grateful for your agreement in this extremely difficult time. Captain Samant’s presence will go far in assuaging any hard feelings that might arise between our countries.”
“In that case, we will look forward to his arrival.”
Ambassador Xi Ping didn’t waste time contacting Beijing for instructions. A late-day summons to the White House, without any warning, meant something unexpected, and probably bad news, not that he’d gotten any warning from back home.
Those turtles’ sons back in Beijing were only interested in keeping their jobs. China’s industry was in a shambles, her economy at a virtual standstill. People were hungry and dying of cold and disease, but the capital acted like the court of an ancient Chinese dynasty. Nothing but intrigue and backstabbing. They only knew what Xi told them, and if he didn’t know what this new meeting was about, the Politburo would know even less.
Xi had been more than lucky to accept the posting as China’s new ambassador to America. It was his “reward” for faithful service in the intelligence arm during the Littoral Alliance war, which to him meant that the careerists and sycophants wanted him well away from Beijing so he wouldn’t pose a threat to their positions. He now realized how fortunate he was to be clear of those toadies.
He’d reluctantly accepted, last November, and with just six months in the post, was still getting used to the job. He’d met with President Myles several times, usually on business relating to the aftermath of the war or China’s desperate trade situation. It was unsettling that the American president’s Mandarin was better than Xi’s English.
The trip from Cleveland Park through Washington usually took fifteen minutes, but they were fighting rush-hour congestion. Although there was no set time for the meeting, Xi was impatient. He wanted to find out what was important enough to summon him and the defense attaché with no notice and no explanation.
Milt Alvarez, the White House Chief of Staff, was waiting for them, and ushered the two to a conference room in the West Wing, then left to notify President Myles. Dr. Patterson, the National Security Advisor, was already there, wearing a serious expression. Americans liked to smile when they greeted each other. It was almost a reflex. The best Patterson could manage when she shook Xi’s hand was grim and tight-lipped, and Xi began to worry.
She was well known for her work in addressing the massive environmental cleanup under way in the South China Sea. China didn’t have a post equivalent to America’s national security advisor. With so many generals as members of the Politburo, there was no lack of military knowledge or experience in China’s leadership. It said something about the separation of the military and politics in America that the president needed someone like that as his personal expert.
Patterson and the Chinese were still exchanging polite greetings when President Myles walked in, followed by a U.S. Navy admiral. He was introduced to Xi as Admiral Hughes, the Chief of Naval Operations. So it was a military matter. That’s why he’d been asked to bring Major General Yeng, the defense attaché. This was not going to be good.
Dr. Patterson walked over to the podium. “Mr. Ambassador, it is our unfortunate duty to inform China that an Indian nuclear attack submarine, INS Chakra, left the port of Visakhapatnam yesterday evening at twenty-one hundred their time, or noon today here.” She was speaking carefully. Xi could tell she had rehearsed the speech. She was also speaking a little slowly, probably out of deference to his less-than-fluent English. She was watching him closely, and Xi nodded to her to continue.
She took a breath. “The Indian government, in cooperation with the United States and Russian Federation, discovered a conspiracy within the Indian military that was intent on attacking China because of its support to Pakistan. The Indian authorities tried to arrest the conspirators, but they escaped.” She paused again, and Xi looked over to Major General Yeng, who looked worried, even alarmed.