Shadow Flight

"In related news, a bipartisan group of congressional leaders is calling for an investigation into the Stealth hijacking." The newscaster paused as fresh information was placed on his desk outside the view of the camera.

"White House sources have confirmed that President Jarrett has increased the military alert status," he continued. "Our White House correspondent, Evelynn Myers, is standing by with an update. Evelynn?"

The pleasant-looking, short-haired woman stepped a few feet to the right to allow a better camera angle. "I just spoke to a White House staff member who confirmed the increased alert status. Fighter aircraft and helicopters from every branch of the services are congregating at Homestead, MacDill, and England Air Force Bases. Unconfirmed reports indicate that B-1 bombers from Dyess and Ellsworth Air Force Bases are en route to Barksdale Air Force Base near Bossier City, Louisiana.

"Reporters have been given a short release stating that the Army 82d Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, along with the 101st Air Assault Division at Fort Campbell, are on full alert. Secretary Kerchner also informed us that a marine corps special landing force, Amphibious Squadron Three, is embarked on the assault carrier Wasp. Another marine landing team is boarding a sister ship, the Essex."

The television picture switched back to the anchorman. "Evelynn, what is the current status of the Marines at Guantanamo Bay? Is there any provision to extract them from the base?"

"As far as we've been told," the reporter replied, switching her microphone to her other hand, "they will remain in place for the time being. The military does not want to risk flying any aircraft in or out of Guantanamo Bay. I spoke with a Pentagon source who said that the navy fighter planes at the base are remaining on the ground. The aircraft are manned-on immediate alert-to provide air cover if the Marines come under attack.

"One other note. White House sources have indicated that President Jarrett has demanded clarification of Russian involvement from President Ignatyev. Secretary Kerchner, who has scheduled a news conference later today, stated that he would address this subject. John?"

The anchorman waited a moment, adjusted his papers, then looked into the camera. "This item just in. The Kremlin has issued a statement denying any culpability in the Stealth disappearance.

According to Soviet Foreign Minister Sergey Aksenhov, they are interrogating officials of the KGB and Cuban General Counterintelligence Directorate. Kremlin officials have issued an additional statement, saying that they will not participate in any military action we take against Cuba.

"In related news, NATO forces have been placed on alert, pending the outcome of the B-2 situation.

"We'll be right back," the anchor said without emotion, "so stay with us for the latest in headline news."

When a weather update flashed on the monitor, the anchorman turned to a staff member. "You think this is the excuse they've wanted… to eliminate Castro and communism in Cuba?"

"Hell, who knows what goes on in the puzzle palace."

SAN JULIAN

Gennadi Levchenko angrily dismissed the senior Soviet aeronautical engineer and turned to his assistant. "What is it, Natanoly Vitelevich?"

Obukhov, standing outside the director's door, stepped inside. "Comrade director, the American — Simmons — is becoming a problem for us."

"Get him in here," Levchenko blurted, too preoccupied with the security breach to concentrate on the American. "Are they searching the base again?"

"Da, comrade director," Obukhov answered. "The entire base is sealed tight." As Levchenko shook his head in disgust, Obukhov stepped back through the door and motioned for Simmons to approach the director's office. "You're making things difficult for yourself, comrade," Obukhov warned the frightened defector sternly as he ushered him into Levchenko's office.

"Sit down, Comrade Simmons," Levchenko said firmly. "What is your problem?"

Simmons, sitting rigidly on the bench in front of the impatient KGB director, darted a glance at the small photo he held of Irina Rykhov. She had given him the black-and-white picture the afternoon prior to his commandeering the Stealth bomber.

The pretty face smiled at Simmons, giving him strength. He remembered vividly Irina's clear, provocative hazel eyes. Her face had a pronounced Slavic tilt that set off her full, sensuous mouth.

"Comrade director," Simmons began cautiously, "I am concerned about Irina… for her safety."

Levchenko half listened to the scared defector, his mind busy with the repercussions of the breach in security. If the truth reached the Kremlin…

"I am afraid," Simmons continued, unsure of himself, "for Irina. She promised we would be together here, in San Julian. Is something wrong?"