“I’ll keep it in mind if we happen to pass him heading the other way.” As reasonable as the explanation was, Jim couldn’t formulate a plan with it. Nor could he radio back to the States something that was pure speculation.
“One more thing that has to be obvious for his plan to succeed. He’s going to need help.”
For the crew to rest, the Saratov was set at one-third speed, and the computers put on automatic. Andri had already prepared a heading, and the ship slipped along effortlessly. Sasha and one other were left on the bridge to monitor as the crew slept a full eight hours before returning to their posts.
Marina had slept while the crew was on duty. Now, when practically everyone was in dreamland, she had the opportunity to explore the ship.
If Marina had known even the slightest thing about submarine technology, she would have been overwhelmed by the advancements. As it was, she was rather impressed with the size of the Saratov. Exploring in her socks to avoid noise and refusing to open any hatchway, she kept her sleuthing extra quiet. Fortunately for her, most passages were unlatched, and she could enter and exit freely. Only the hatch to the missile bay was locked tight. Andri obviously didn’t want anyone but himself in that compartment.
Getting forward posed little problem, since she could pass under the bridge where Sasha stood guard. Every little sound seemed to echo, and she was amazed at how quietly it sailed. At times, she thought the vessel was at rest.
She was in the bow when she began to overhear a conversation between Sasha and another man. Marina sneaked closer. She became conscious of her breathing and tried to hold it as she moved within earshot. Outside the bridge, she settled down to eavesdrop, knowing that if caught, Sasha wouldn’t hesitate to slit her throat.
“What does Andri intend to do?” spoke the extra man.
“The captain, you mean.” Sasha was quick to correct. “It is of little concern to you. You have signed on to work, not to question.”
“I’m here for the entire journey. I would go to hell and back for one hundred thousand American. But I’d like an idea of the type of crime that I will be involved with.”
“Trust me,” Sasha replied. “After we’re done, no one will think us criminals. We will sail into Leningrad as victors.”
“Leningrad? That brings back memories. Are we to rename Saint Petersburg again?”
“The people will have their country returned to them. Then you, my friend, and the rest of the crew will be given safe passage to any place you want to go.”
The man was puzzled. “You will be able to grant this?”
“Of course,” boasted Sasha. “I will be the new president’s closest adviser.”
“And who will be the president?”
“Your captain.”
Marina gasped. She didn’t want to believe what she was hearing.
Sasha suddenly felt a coolness crawl up his spine, and he looked forward. “Is anyone there?” he asked. “Is anyone forward?” He stepped closer to the hatchway where Marina sat. Sasha was halfway through, and again he repeated his question. He listened intently, and then satisfied that he had heard a ghost, he returned to the interior bridge.
Marina slowly made her way forward and down to the second level, then under the bridge. She felt better when she entered the stern and made it back to her cabin.
Like a cobra striking its victim, the hand pulled her in and threw her on the bed. Marina was terrified for one second until she saw that the hand belonged to Nicholas. He was upset and spoke in a very quiet but stern tone.
“Where the hell were you?”
“I had to check out the ship. I can’t remain cooped up in this room while the rest of you get to wander.”
“Marina, you’ll get your head blown off if they catch you sneaking about. If you want to walk around, appear when everyone is awake. Don’t act so much like a spy.”
“One of us has to remember why we’re here,” she chided. “I overheard Sasha brag about their mission. These fools actually think that they will soon be in control of Russia.”
“How?”
Marina stood. Her clothes were drenched with sweat, and she began taking them off. “I don’t know. It has something to do with Saint Petersburg. That’s all I understood.”
Her shirt pulled over her head, and she exposed her breasts to him. Nick couldn’t ignore his primal call screaming from as far down as his DNA. Her looks and the smell of her sweat were too much for him. He took a quick step toward her and firmly grasped her arm. Their eyes met, and within a second, they became intertwined.
She, too, sensed it. Their place, their situation, only stimulated her more. It was going to be furious. It had to be fast because of where they stood, which added to the excitement.
Nick felt the heat and responded. After gently pushing her against the door, he moved his body behind hers. Her panties dropped to her ankles, and she thrust her rear back, opening her passage for Nick to fondle. He felt her nipples become taut as he reached around and ran them through his fingers. She quietly gasped, wanting more, immediately. She placed one foot on the bunk and pushed herself farther back into Nickolas.
His pants fell, and Marina reached between her legs to guide him. He knew they were in a dangerous situation, but it was way off in the distances of his mind. The passion was prominent, and the only thing he was conscious of was the way they fit. Never had he experienced such a consuming physical sensation.
Marina couldn’t help but marvel at the torrents of moisture that sprang from her thighs and flowed down her leg. Now the two thrust together as if they were trying to meld into one. She felt him burst, and his message traveled throughout her. She had never experienced such a climax. Nick became as solid as a steel bar and pulled Marina close to him before relaxing. They fell back, still connected, onto her cot. Tears came to her eyes. They stayed motionless for minutes, each trying to recover and lead their minds out of the haze that they had so much enjoyed.
“My God,” whispered Nick.
Marina rolled over, freeing herself from the connection. “This had to happen. I knew it would, and I’m glad.”
“So am I,” replied Nick.
“Nicholas, don’t let any feelings interfere. We must stop this ship above anything else.”
It was back to business as usual.
It was hard for the president to concentrate on any domestic affairs while he knew there was a rogue nuclear sub somewhere in the ocean. He had gone over Levi’s explanation, or plan, several times. It was distasteful to think that a whole city filled with unsuspecting people could be annihilated. The end result being prosperity for the United States. In any event, if he were to pull off a quick economic recovery by using the Middle East paranoia, he surely would have a good light shine on him in the history books. A wartime president to add to his stature. He was at the end his second term, and he needed a victory — desperately.
He had been smart enough to consult with the chief of staff. Though the president didn’t let on as to what was really happening, he did get the assurance that Patriot missile batteries where positioned in Saudi and Israeli territories. These batteries were instructed to shoot down any missiles in any air space within the Central Command region. His chief found the request disturbing, especially since he was kept in the dark about the complete situation. It did not make for a good working relationship.
He was willing to gamble on Levi’s plan up to a point. If a Patriot missile shot the weapon from the air, then the United States could reap the glory as the nation that had defended the region one more time, while secretly inciting the suspicions between the countries behind the scenes.