The Bin Laden Plot

“I propose a dual response: one public and one internal,” she replied. “Publicly, we keep what might have happened regarding our UUV confidential, hinting instead that Iran is the likely culprit. Tell the press we’re evaluating the situation and what our response might be. Internally, we need to locate and destroy this UUV quickly. Assuming it sank Stethem, it still carries another torpedo, and who knows what else it might attack.”

“What assets do we have available?”

Verbeck advanced her brief a few slides, stopping on the U.S. order of battle in the Persian Gulf, then deferred to the CNO, who answered the president.

“We have several surface ships in the Gulf, but no carrier strike group at the moment. As far as submarines go, Michigan is the closest asset. Submarines are the most capable platform for hunting down the UUV, so I recommend we assign Michigan to the task. The BLUE crew is aboard, so Captain Murray Wilson is in command. If you recall, he was the officer we assigned to track down the Russian submarine Kazan.”

“Yes, of course,” the president replied. “Michigan sounds like an excellent choice.”

“One more thing, Mr. President,” Verbeck interjected. “Due to these UUVs being a black program directly under the SecNav’s purview, I’d like to personally oversee the operation to locate and destroy our UUV. I think it’s prudent to minimize the number of personnel who are made aware of the Scorpion program and its potential shortcomings.”

The president looked to the CNO, who announced, “That can be arranged.”

“I concur,” the president replied. “Move quickly on this. We already have two dozen missing and likely dead sailors. If our UUV was truly responsible, we don’t need more blood on our hands.”

3 ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA

Brenda Verbeck’s SUV rolled to a stop at the base of the Pentagon’s Mall Entrance, where she was escorted up the steps by two protective agents, one on each side, then into the massive military complex covering thirty-four acres, designed in a fashion that would enthrall a cribbage player: five sides, five stories, five rings, with a five-acre courtyard in the middle. As Verbeck stepped into the building, she reflected on the Pentagon’s unusual concentration of power — not at its center but along its perimeter: a mile-long pentagonal corridor labeled the E-Ring, where the main offices of the Department of Defense were located.

Verbeck entered the reception area adjacent to her office, taking no heed this morning of one of the perks of her position: a suite offering splendid views of the Robert E. Lee memorial and surrounding Arlington National Cemetery. She passed her military aide, Captain Andy Hoskins, seated at his desk. Their eyes locked briefly, then he followed her into her office. After closing the door, he took a seat beside Verbeck at her conference table.

“How did the brief go?” he asked.

“As well as I had hoped.”

“Did everyone buy the renegade UUV story?”

“Hook, line, and sinker,” Verbeck replied. “The administration is concerned about the potential negative publicity, so they’re reacting quickly, before evidence from the attack is analyzed.”

“Excellent,” Hoskins replied. “Were you put directly in charge of the mission to hunt down the UUV?”

“Exactly as planned. The CNO will make the necessary arrangements, so I’ll have direct authority over the effort, bypassing the combatant commanders.”

“What assets are assigned?”

“A submarine. USS Michigan, already in the Persian Gulf. We’ll need to send orders to her right away.”

“I’ll draft a Commanding Officer’s Eyes Only message, providing the necessary direction.”

“I have a better idea,” Verbeck replied. “I want to minimize the number of individuals who are exposed to the details. If we transmit a message, someone at the communications center has to upload and review it before sending, and then it has to be received by the submarine. Who knows how many people will read it. Instead, I’d like to deliver the orders to Michigan’s captain personally. Can that be arranged?”

“Certainly. Fifth Fleet Command is located in Bahrain, and I can direct the submarine to meet us there. I’ll arrange your transportation — a flight first thing in the morning.” After a short hesitation, he asked, “I assume I’ll be coming with you?”

“Of course.”

Verbeck placed a hand inside his thigh, sliding it upward as she leaned toward Hoskins, engaging him in a passionate kiss.

“I appreciate everything you’ve done so far,” she said after she pulled back, “keeping this issue under wraps. No one can learn the truth. Aside from you, is anyone else aware of the transaction?”

“One other person — the cryptologic technician here in the Pentagon who reviewed the information upon receipt. The data has been deleted from our servers; it never went to the CIA.”

“How do we keep the cryptologic technician from talking?”