A penlight clicked on, shielded by a cupped palm as the ranger consulted a
waterproofed pocket Jane’s. “It’s a Kondor class minesweeper.”
“He’ll be one of the point men.” Stone unclipped a hand mike from the Leprechaun. “This is Sea Demon six callin’ Star Child. We are in contact. They’re comin’ through the pass.”
Sebangka Island
2248 Hours; Zone Time, November 20, 2008
On the ridgeline above the channel, eleven mounds of underbrush bifurcated and drew open, aviators and Special Forces troopers opening the soggy camouflage nets to reveal the concealed SPEED Cobras.
“Make sure you haven’t picked up any passengers in your cockpits,” Arkady yelled over the rustling of displaced vegetation. “And make sure your air intakes are clear and your ordnance safety pins are out.
We’ll get one shot at this!”
The aviator aimed a judgmental glance at the overcast night sky, the cloud cover being intermittently underlit by a flicker of lightning. This squall line could work both for them and against them in the upcoming fight.
“Hey, Vince,” Keith Pinkerton yelled from farther down the rough flight line. “Do you want us to go right to engine?”
“Negative! Save the gas. We’re light on fuel as is. We’ll hold off to the last second.”
The Joint Operations Intelligence Center, USS Shenandoah
2250 Hours, Zone Time, November 20, 2008
The briefing room screens had gone to the tactical battle display. Ketalaman’s task force was solidly in the gut of the pass. The minesweeper group was on point with a five-mile lead on the other formations. Then came the frigate force and, after another five-mile gap, the transports and their escorts. The dispersed formation was steaming southeastward at a steady fourteen knots.
The Shenandoah’s position hack had entered the eastern end of the angled channel between the islands and was steaming to the northwest, directly into the long column of Indonesian ships.
“I find it remarkable that Ketalaman has yet to note the presence of your ship or
ships, Admiral.”
“You must have heard of the Philadelphia Experiment, Mr. Harconan,” MacIntyre replied dryly. “We’re invisible.”
With the Shenandoah closed up at general quarters, they remained alone in the briefing room, watching the positioning for the battle develop.
“Ah, that explains everything.” Harconan paused. “Admiral, might I ask a favor? I have a certain nodding acquaintance with amateur
small ship actions, but I’ve never seen the professionals go at it in a true world class match-up. Might
it be possible for me to observe the engagement?”
MacIntyre shook his head. “I’m sorry, Harconan. That will be quite impossible for security reasons.”
“I quite understand,” the taipan replied. “A pity though. It would be something to see.”
“Likely.” MacIntyre hesitated, then continued, “Look, Harconan – on behalf of this command, I’d like to thank you and your people for the assistance you’ve given us. I’d also like to say that we won’t forget it. When this thing is over, I give you my word that we will be
interceding with the Indonesian government on your behalf.”
“I thank you for the gesture, Admiral, but I fear that President Kediri and his
government might not be too forgiving. Fair being fair, I must confess that I
am rather responsible for this current round of unpleasantness in the
archipelago.”
Macintyre nodded grimly. “I won’t argue that point. Nonetheless, NAVSPECFORCE pays its bills. I’ve talked with certain contacts I have within our State Department. Maybe we can
get the Kediri government to agree to have you brought up on international
piracy charges before the World Court at The Hague. It will probably mean a
life sentence – but there won’t be a death penalty and you won’t have to worry about ‘being shot trying to escape.’ It’s a poor thanks but, under the circumstances, I’m afraid that’s the best we’ll be able to do.”
“That’s a most gracious gesture on your part, Admiral, and I thank you for it. She
chose well.”
MacIntyre stiffened. “What do you mean?”
“I mean I congratulate you for having won another battle and for having stolen
the prize from under my guns.” Harconan lifted a finger to his brow. “I salute your victory.”
Macintyre scowled like a gathering thunderhead. “She isn’t a prize to be given or taken by anyone.”
“Oh, I am quite aware of that, my friend,” Harconan smiled. “I think you’ll find that, in the end, she needs neither you, nor I, nor any man, as a
necessity. But to have her with you, even for a little time, is a great joy and
something of an honor.”
Slowly, a wry smile returned to MacIntyre’s face. “I think that is a point we may both agree on.”
“That is good. Then may I ask you two further small boons?”
“Like what?’
“For one, do not begrudge me my small time of happiness with Amanda, nor hold
that time against her. And for the other, believe me when I say that I wish you
both well.”
MacIntyre didn’t speak, but he held out a hand in reply. Harconan clasped it in a strong grip, the ancient sign of pax and a bargain sealed between two men of honor.
“Attention all hands,” Amanda Garrett’s calm voice sounded over the 1-MC. “We are entering the primary engagement zone. All deck battery teams and Avenger
crews, man your stations and stand by to strike topside. Set condition
double-zebra in all forward frames. Good luck to us all.”
Both men had looked up at the words from the overhead speaker. “That’s it,” MacIntyre said. “I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask you to return your quarters.”
Harconan nodded. “Understood, Admiral. Good luck and good hunting.”
“We’ll keep you advised on how the situation develops. Corporal!”
Harconan’s guard appeared at the briefing room door. “Yes, sir.”
“Return Mr. Harconan to his quarters. Battle protocols, do not secure the door.”
“Very good, sir.” The Marine looked to the taipan. “Mr. Harconan, will you please come with me?”
“But of course,” he replied mildly.
