Read Out of the Ashes for Free Online

we’ll assume it’s in position to fire. Now, according to Ringold, his bureau has never heard of the rebels. Fine. As far as I’m concerned the rebels—if they exist—are of little concern at this moment. I’m not sure how we would go about breaking up a group we didn’t know existed—again, if they do—until a couple of hours ago. We don’t know what military units are involved in this, or where they are located. We don’t know what commanders we can trust. For that matter, I don’t know if I can trust any of my staff, and you don’t know if you can trust me. I don’t know if I can trust any of you!”
    Fayers’ gaze swept each man. Words of protestation formed on each tongue, then died before being sounded, each man knowing there was nothing he could do to convince the others of his innocence.
    Fayers continued. “So we have to assume we can trust each other. That is the only way we can possibly deal with this. ”
    â€œHow is the sub armed?” Ringold asked, feeling a bit less left out.
    The admiral sighed, cutting his eyes to General Travee. “With Thunder-strikes,” he said.
    â€œOh, hell!” Hyde of the Air Force and Dowling of the Marine Corps spoke in unison.
    â€œWhat is a Thunder-strike?” Ringold asked. The feeling of being left out once more struck him.
    â€œYes.” The President leaned forward. “I’d like to know that myself. I’ve never heard of anything called Thunder-strike.” He glanced at each of the Joint Chiefs.
    General Hyde said, “The . . . ah ... president before you . . . ah ... authorized them, sir. Before our tenure on the Joint Chiefs, I might add,” he said, a bit defensively. “The code name is ‘Supersnoop.’ It is not a large missile, but it is very powerful . . . and practically unstoppable. Like the sub, it’s Stealth-coated. No one will pick them up until it’s too late. Hugs the ground.”
    â€œHow very interesting,” President Fayers said dryly. “How very informative. I can but assume construction continued even after the latest SALT was signed?”
    Divico cleared his throat. “Yes, sir.”
    â€œAnd they are not included in the breakdown of our nuclear arsenal?”
    â€œThat is correct, sir,” Divico admitted.
    â€œWell, isn’t that marvelous?” the president said. “That sure as hell lets out telling the Russians anything, doesn’t it, gentlemen?”
    No one said anything in rebuttal.
    Fayers’ tone was sharp. “How many of these Thunder-strikes do we possess?”
    â€œOne hundred and fifty,” General Dowling replied.
    Fayers swung his gaze to the marine. “You all knew of these missiles?”
    â€œYes, sir.”
    â€œThe weapon is very powerful?”
    â€œYes, sir. Some are equipped with germ-type warheads.”
    Fayers slammed his hand on the table top, startling the men. “Well, that is just dandy. Yes, indeed. That is just fucking wonderful!”
    And the president seldom used profanity.
    Divico defended his missiles. “We had to have the edge, sir. Had to stay ahead of them. Without the missiles, the Russians would have never signed the new SALT. We talked of telling you, but . . .” His voice trailed off.
    â€œWhere are the Thunder-strikes stored?” Fayers asked.
    â€œCalifornia.”
    Fayers pointed a finger at Divico. “Admiral, you will—personally, tonight—transport yourself to that depot and count each Thunder-strike. Report back to me as soon as possible. Within hours. Understood?”
    â€œYes, sir.”
    â€œI’m certain that all one hundred and fifty will not be at the depot,” Secretary Rees opined. “But of those that are, do we ready them for launch?”
    â€œYes,” Fayers said.
    â€œI may take that as a direct order, sir?” Divico asked.
    â€œYes,” Fayers said.
    â€œDear