The Bin Laden Plot

“As far as military options go, they boil down to an attack by aircraft, surface warships, or submarines. We have sufficient assets of all three to implement any of these options. However, air and surface attack carry a higher risk of bringing Russia into this conflict, which we’d like to avoid. A missile attack against the merchant, from either aircraft or surface ships, would provoke an immediate response from the Russian surface combatants, since they won’t be able to tell which ship has been targeted. Plus, there’s always the possibility that one or more of our missiles could lock on to the wrong ship. A submerged attack, on the other hand, offers the opportunity for a more surgical strike, launching a surprise attack at a much closer range and with a higher probability of avoiding collateral damage to the Russian escorts.”

Glass turned to Secretary of the Navy Brenda Verbeck, who continued where Glass left off.

“We have two submarines in the Persian Gulf: Jimmy Carter and Michigan, and both can reposition in time to sink the merchant before it reaches port. The plan would be to employ both submarines in tandem, with one used to distract the Russian submarine while the other moves in for the attack.”

Verbeck looked to the Chief of Naval Operations, who provided additional details.

“There’s still the risk of collateral damage to the Russian ships; our torpedo could lock on to the wrong contact, or we might have to sink the Russian submarine if it engages. But overall, an attack using submarines offers the highest probability of sinking the merchant without damaging any of the Russian warships.”

“Seems like a solid plan,” the president said, “if everything goes well. What are the cons? What’s the worst-case scenario?”

Sites replied, “It could be disastrous. We could accidentally sink one or more Russian warships, they could sink one or both of our submarines, or both sides could take losses. And in the end, the merchant might escape and make it to port.”

The president went around the table, soliciting input from everyone in attendance, then made his decision.

“Let’s go with the attack by Jimmy Carter and Michigan. Plus, I’d like a backup plan in case the merchant makes it to port.”

Sites replied, “We’ll get orders sent to our submarines right away.”

After the meeting ended, Christine got the president’s attention. “I’d like to get on your calendar today or tomorrow to update you on some of the issues we’ve recently discussed. Do you have any availability?”

“Tomorrow at three, or this evening if it’s critical,” he replied.

“I’ll set something up with your secretary.”

Christine’s conversation with the president didn’t go unnoticed. Brenda Verbeck’s eyes followed Christine until she left the conference room.

60 USS MICHIGAN

Standing on the Conn of the Ohio class guided missile submarine, Lieutenant Brittany Kern surveyed the watchstanders on duty in the Control Room, pausing to examine the navigation parameters:

Course: 340

Speed: 10 knots

Depth: 600 feet

Above Michigan, restricted to a depth of four hundred feet, Jimmy Carter matched Michigan’s course and speed as the two submarines operated in tandem. Michigan would soon come shallow, however, venturing into Jimmy Carter’s realm. Michigan had just entered one of its stovepipes, a circular area that Jimmy Carter was prohibited from entering, letting Michigan rise toward the surface without any risk of running into the attack submarine.

Just outside the stovepipe, Jimmy Carter was also preparing to head to periscope depth, with the submarine crews syncing their trips to copy the radio broadcast so both would receive message updates at the same time.

Kern’s eyes shifted to the red digital clock. It was 8:40 p.m., and with the Captain’s night orders directing her to download the broadcast at 9 p.m., it was time to begin preparations. The sun had set an hour earlier over the Middle East, and it would take time for Kern’s eyes to adjust to the darkness.

“Quartermaster, rig Control for gray.”

The bright Control Room lights were extinguished, leaving only a few low-level lights. Kern reached up, activating the microphone on the Conn.

“All stations, Conn. Make preparations to proceed to periscope depth.”

Sonar, Radio, and the Quartermaster acknowledged, and the Electronic Surveillance Measures watch was manned.

After waiting several minutes, giving Sonar time to adjust their equipment lineup and complete a detailed search, Kern ordered, “Sonar, Conn. Report all contacts.”

Sonar acknowledged and reported several contacts, none within ten thousand yards.

Kern called out, “Rig Control for black.”