Status-6 by W. Craig Reed

Author:W. Craig Reed [Reed, W. Craig]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781682619360
Publisher: Permuted
Published: 2021-02-10T06:43:49+00:00

Chapter 19

Jon listened to the sounds coming from the speaker in the bow of the ASDS as Liang’s team crept toward the GKP on the Khabbie. He could hear steady breathing and soft footsteps, now and then eclipsed by a mild grunt as the soldiers stepped through a hatch on the sub.

“So far, they’re all down,” Liang said, referring to the sub’s crew.

The gas had been effective.

“Good,” Rinaldo said. “How much farther?”

“One more compartment,” Liang said.

The footsteps went silent. The breathing sped up. A spatter of shots rang out, followed by dull thuds.

“Liang?” Rinaldo said.

No answer.

“Status,” Rinaldo demanded.

Still nothing.

Rinaldo wiped away a bead of sweat. She strode from one side of the control panel to the other.

Finally, Liang responded. “Four of the crew had donned EABs. We had to take them out.”

Rinaldo shook her head from side to side. “Shit, shit, shit.”

Anger again welled up inside of Jon’s chest. If he was lucky enough to survive the day, he’d put a bullet in Liang’s forehead. They weren’t at war with Russia, and those sailors did not deserve to die.

“Get to the GKP,” Rinaldo said. “We’re running out of time.”

“We’re on our way,” Liang said, his voice muffled by the gas mask.

Long minutes passed before the speaker crackled again. “We have secured the GKP.”

Rinaldo pumped a triumphant fist into the air. She keyed the mic. “Start preparing the evac. We’re heading over now.”

“Roger that,” Liang said.

Rinaldo walked toward the bench with Petty Officer Whitney in tow. She told him to untie Kate and Bobby and have them unhook the ROSS device and prepare for egress.

Bobby said, “We’re going over there?”

Rinaldo pointed at the diving chamber. “You’re not staying here.”

“Can I pee first?” Bobby said. Obviously frightened, his voice warbled in and out of falsetto.

Rinaldo glanced at Whitney. “Let him use the head, get the ROSS, and then get moving. We’re behind schedule.” She walked back up to the bow and started flicking switches on the control panel. Petty Officer Chen and one of the soldiers entered the diving chamber. Jon heard clanking as they descended into the belly of the Russian submarine.

Whitney cut Bobby’s tie wraps and escorted him to the head, a small rectangular box in the aft corner that resembled a restroom on an airplane. Bobby stepped inside. Whitney came back to the bench and cut Kate’s tie wrap.

She stood and rubbed her wrists. “Why are you taking us over to the Khabbie?”

“Ask Rinaldo,” Whitney said. “She’s in charge.”

“I will,” said Kate. Her tone was unsteady. Jon could tell her false bravado was starting to wane.

“What about me?” Jon said.

“Don’t know,” Whitney said. “Ask Rinaldo.”

“Is there anything you do know, Petty Officer Whitney? Like how many years you’re going to spend in prison?”

“I’m not going to prison,” Whitney said. “I’m getting a medal.”

“For committing treason?” Jon said.

“You got it all wrong, big guy,” Whitney said.

“Enlighten me,” Jon said.

Whitney wagged his head. “I can’t. Ask Rinaldo.”

Anger heated Jon’s forehead. “You better hope I never escape.”

“You won’t,” Whitney said as he watched Bobby step out of the head.

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