Read Defcon One (1989) for Free Online

'no-see-um' fighters.
    The intelligence officer set his papers down, removed his glasses, rubbed his eyes, and continued.
    Pressure, gentlemen. The Soviets are under tremendous pressure. The only leverage they have is the strength of their military and, apparently, the newly formed powers believe it is their last recourse.
    So it's back to MAD, the mutual assured destruction doctrine, before we place them in a position of impotence with the SDI technology, Sinclair concluded, waiting for questions.
    Admiral Brinkman spoke first.
    Jack, do you have any indication the Soviets will actually start, not provoke, but start a skirmish?
    No, sir. We really don't anticipate that, unless it happens by accident. We're in a holding pattern at the present time, Admiral, the intelligence officer replied, wishing he had a better answer.
    There wasn't any way to predict what the Russians would do, given the desultory circumstances and the character of the new Soviet fugleman and his Politburo. These were ideologically driven people in a very precarious position. The situation could, conceivably, be out of control before anyone could intervene.
    CAPE CANAVERAL, FLORIDA The space shuttle Columbia, sitting on Launch Pad 39B, was in the final process of being readied for flight to place the three SDI (Space Defense Initiative) satellites into orbit.
    Previous SDI satellites had been deployed in polar orbit from Vandenburg Air Force Base, linking the defensive network in a multilayered lattice.NASA would be in charge of the launch and Space Command would take responsibility once the satellites were operational.
    The day and precise time of the scheduled launch were classified Top Secret, as was the sensitive cargo in the three sealed containers aboard the shuttle.
    Security was tight at the cape on this cold, blustery day in January.
    Rex Hays, Ph.D was standing at his office window, impeccably tailored, casual in manner, gazing out at the sparkling white space shuttle framed by the aqua blue Atlantic Ocean.
    He never ceased to be amazed by the grandeur of the space machine built by man.
    As the new chief of NASA, Hays, fifty-six, a grandfather and amateur boat builder, exuded confidence and was well-respected by his staff.
    The astrophysicist was slowly adjusting to his new position at the Kennedy Space Center.
    Dr. Hays, you have an urgent call on line two, the female voice sounded from his phone speaker.
    The NASA boss punched line two. Dr. Hays.
    Rex, Dave Miller.
    Morning, Dave, Hays responded, a flash thought crossing his mind as to the reason David Miller, in the White House Situation Room, would be calling him directly.
    What can I do for you? Hays was cautious.
    Rex, I'm sure you've been following this Russian push-an'-shove match the past couple of days. Miller slowed to breathe. He lived under constant stress and was a heavy smoker with the beginning stages of emphysema.
    Yes I have, Hays answered, an uneasy feeling in his stomach.
    Well, we believe the primary thrust of all this crap is the Star Wars' dilemma they're facing. Miller paused again.
    And? Hays scratched on his desk pad, contemplating a myriad of possibilities for disaster.
    The powers-that-be think the Russians may try to take it out before
    we
    Take what out? Hays interrupted, thinking about the disdain he had for the unkempt bureaucrat.
    The goddamn shuttle, that's what! Miller responded with his usual harshness.
    Would you care to elaborate? Hays asked in a controlled and businesslike manner.
    Intelligence has confirmed three subs, three Russian subs, lyin' off the coast in a direct line with the shuttle trajectory.
    Miller continued when he received no response. The closest one is fourteen miles off shore, Miller coughed twice. Our ASW boys are going' absolutely ape-shit down there.
    Hays queried the excitable White House aide. You're telling me the intelligence people believe the Russians may attempt to destroy Columbia on the ground, or after the launch?
    You got it.