Air Battle Force (35 page)

“Rebecca . . .” Daren began.

“That's
‘General'
to you, Colonel Mace!” Rebecca snapped on intercom. After a few moments' stunned silence, she continued, “For those of you who don't speak English or have conveniently forgotten the regs, a boom strike means no more refueling unless it's an emergency or there are no suitable landing alternates available. We're done for the day. Postrefueling checklist,
now
.” Patrick had no choice but to comply, and a few minutes later, after again reporting no visible damage, the boom operator cleared the Vampire to depart.

The next morning

The president of the United States, Thomas Thorn, reached under the floorboards in the rear of the big sports utility vehicle and extracted a large gray case, resembling a footlocker. With photographers snapping away like crazy, the president set the case on the ground, took another case proffered him from Secretary of Defense Robert Goff, set it inside the SUV in place of the first, closed the floorboards, then closed the rear hatch, giving it a slap. Moments later the SUV rumbled to life. The president knelt beside the SUV's exhaust pipe, touched it, and even put his face uncomfortably close to it, smiling the entire time. The cameramen hungrily snapped away.

Thorn removed a pair of work gloves as he approached the podium. “That, my friends, is how easy it is to replace a Sky Masters fuel cell,” he said. “This vehicle can now travel at legal highway speeds for another seven hundred miles—about twice the range of gasoline-powered vehicles. And its exhaust is completely clean, with nothing but water vapor as its only combustion by-product. It is my intention that every government vehicle purchased from now on will be powered only by non-petroleum-based fuels such as fuel cells, if Congress approves my alternative fuels vehicle purchase program bill.” He turned to the SUV heading down the automobile test track. “There goes the car of the future, ladies and gentlemen.”

And then, as if on cue, the SUV sputtered, coughed a few times, then coasted another few dozen yards before coming to a stop. A small army of technicians and engineers rushed to it, some carrying spare fuel-cell cases. A few moments later, after a change of the fuel-cell locker, the SUV began to move, then began sputtering and jerking ahead. Finally the techs and engineers began ignominiously pushing it off to the side of the track.

“Well, I think that illustrates the status of my bill so far: starting strong, showing a lot of promise, then running out of steam and needing an extra boost,” the president said gamely. “But I am bound and determined not to let a few setbacks stop this bill. Finding alternative sources of energy for America is a priority of mine as well as of the American people, and I've resolved to see it through.” The president pointed to one of the reporters arrayed around the podium, indicating he was ready to take questions.

“Mr. President, does your bill supporting and encouraging development of all nonpetroleum forms of energy include nuclear and coal, both of which have the danger of seriously polluting the environment?”

“It does,” the president responded. “I'm confident we have the technology to control hazardous waste and by-products from both forms of energy production, and I want the federal government to encourage such development through increased tax deductions and lowered tax rates on income for energy production using alternative sources.”

“Mr. President, even if this bill passes, it'll take several years, maybe even decades, for the economic benefits to be felt from some of these technologies,” another reporter said. “What do you intend to do to ensure America's need for petroleum-based energy until then?”

“As I have always done, I will encourage domestic oil production, conservation, and further development of renewable sources of energy such as solar, wind, geothermal, hydroelectric, and tidal,” the president said. “My administration has already sponsored two dozen bills to encourage these initiatives.” He knew where this line of questioning was leading.

“It seems that you are pushing for domestic oil production and all these other alternative and renewable energy sources, Mr. President,” the reporter followed up, “because your foreign policy is in disarray and you cannot ensure adequate supplies of fossil fuel for the future from foreign sources. Your comments?”

“I would very much disagree with your characterization,” Thorn replied. “My foreign policy position in regard to adequate supply of petroleum products is simple: We will deal fairly with any nation that deals fairly with us. We will not be held hostage by any nation that seeks to exploit how much oil we import from it.”

“Sir, former president Kevin Martindale has met with the oil ministers of most of the OPEC countries convening this week in Caracas, Venezuela, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iran, and most of the Central Asian states,” another reporter said. “It appears that President Martindale is lining up support for increased oil production and more secure supply chains. In sharp contrast, sir, your trade representative is still in Washington, and Secretary of State Kercheval hasn't been seen or heard from in days. Can you explain this?”

“I don't think there's anything to explain. No one from my administration was invited to the OPEC meeting, and Secretary Kercheval is busy with other projects,” Thorn replied. “I don't see the need to send trade representatives to hang around the hotels and conference halls in Caracas like some rock groupies. If any of the oil ministers wish to speak with me, they know how to contact me.”

“Are you characterizing President Martindale's presence in Caracas as his being like a
rock groupie?
” another reporter shouted incredulously.

“As for the former president: He's a private citizen and free to travel and meet with whomever he chooses,” Thorn went on, ignoring the question. “Everyone, I'm sure, understands that he does not speak for the U.S. government.”

“Mr. President, with the removal of U.S. troops from overseas bases and the American withdrawal from most mutual-defense agreements, the popularity of and confidence in the U.S. are at an all-time low,” another reporter said. “Recently TransCal Petroleum said in a press release that a group of Taliban fighters from Afghanistan have invaded a neighboring country, Turkmenistan, and are threatening to take over the oil-drilling and -distribution facilities built by TransCal for the Turkmen government.” The president nodded. “TransCal execs claim that the Turkmen government is powerless to stop the insurgents, and that, because your administration refuses to get involved, they might be forced to pay ‘protection money' to the Taliban to keep the oil flowing. What's your response?”

“I've been thoroughly briefed on the situation in Turkmenistan,” the president said. “The situation there is extremely unclear. These Taliban fighters are marching quite easily and virtually unopposed through most of the eastern part of the country, gaining tremendous popular support. My question is, why is this happening? Until we know the answer, I see no use in sending in U.S. troops to protect their pipelines.”

“But TransCal Petroleum, an American company, is losing millions of dollars a day—”

“I will not commit fighting forces to any sovereign nation unless it is in the defense of the people and the nation of the United States of America,” Thorn said resolutely. “The Founding Fathers created a military force with one and only one objective in mind: the defense of the United States. With the information I have currently, I am not yet convinced that these Taliban insurgents pose a risk to Americans here at home or overseas.”

Several more questions were shouted at him, so many that he could not sort them out. He saw Robert Goff nervously fidgeting. Things were starting to get out of control, the photo opportunity lost, and it was time to move on. “In closing, ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to say that it is innovations such as Sky Masters's fuel-cell project that will ensure America's energy independence and keep us from getting entangled in risky and murky conflicts overseas. America can be strong and energy-independent with the right combination of creative thinking, science, and support from the people and the government. I urge support for my alternative fuels vehicle purchase program bill and my other initiatives that are designed to promote and encourage development of dependable, sustainable sources of energy. Thanks very much, and God bless.” He ignored a loud volley of shouted questions, most of which began to sound more like threats or challenges than mere questions.

The president took several minutes to shake hands—designed to let the live-news outlets terminate their coverage of his press conference while he was pressing the flesh, instead of showing him retreating—and was then escorted to a waiting car to be taken to the airport. There was silence for several minutes after everyone was on board. Finally Robert Goff said, “I apologize for that snafu with the fuel cell, Mr. President. We tested that exchange a half dozen times today alone, and it worked perfectly every time.”

“Those things happen, Robert,” Thorn said, smiling. “Don't worry about it.”

He turned to watch the televised coverage of the event. The satellite-TV station was showing video of the president with his face next to the exhaust pipe of the SUV, and one of the commentators made a crude remark about the “president's energy policy being full of hot air” and “high in the ozone.”

“Wish I could've thought of another way to show how safe the emissions from those fuel-cell engines are without sticking my face near that tailpipe,” Thorn said wryly.

“We'll be sure we explain to all the media outlets the point you were trying to make,” Goff said. “That commentator has got his head up his ass anyway.”

“So Martindale is scoring some points in his trip to Venezuela, eh?”

“Sir, Martindale is on TransCal Petroleum's bankroll to the tune of millions. He probably should be registered as a TransCal lobbyist,” Goff said disgustedly. “He's spending that money down in Caracas, in the Middle East, in the Balkans, and in Central Asia, trying to gain support for TransCal production deals. Most of those countries still think he's running the Night Stalkers and will attack if he doesn't get to meet with the oil ministers.”

“It wouldn't surprise me if he was still involved,” Thorn said. Kevin Martindale's leadership of a group of high-tech mercenaries was one of the biggest nonscandals in years. It made him a roguish legend in America and definitely did not hurt his reelection chances.

“Well, the intimidation factor is definitely working. Most of those countries in turn are financing his reelection campaign.” Thorn was about to say something, but Goff anticipated the remark. “I can't prove it, but I know it's happening. He's hoping that more and more countries warm up to him so it looks like he has support overseas. More support overseas means more American companies feel better backing Martindale for president because it means a stronger dollar and more American clout overseas, which he's hoping translates to more donations and support here at home.”

“Sounds logical to me.”

Goff looked at Thorn quizzically. “Sir, it's easy for candidates to throw lots of money around to court companies and governments for support. They're not on the front lines every day,” Goff reminded the president. “This plan of Martindale's will backfire because everyone knows who Martindale really is. He talks about peace and harmony and friendship, and then
boom!
—he sends in the Marines or the stealth bombers and blows the crap out of anyone and everyone who gets in his way. He's a backstabber, sir, and everyone knows it.”

Thomas Thorn stared blankly at the TV. “Would it work in Turkmenistan, I wonder?” he asked at last.

“What? Sending in the Marines against those Taliban?”

“I was thinking of the bombers,” Thorn said. He pressed a button on a computer keyboard, and the TV image changed to the military briefing page. “Status report on McLanahan's recovery mission in Turkmenistan: complete success, complete withdrawal of the cruise missile, all personnel extracted, no casualties.”

“The guy's good—there's no doubt about that,” Goff said. He waited to see if the president was going to say anything more; when he did not, Goff asked, “What are you thinking, Thomas?”

Thorn was silent for a long time. Finally he said, “Nothing.”

“Having some second thoughts about getting involved in Central Asia?”

“No,” he replied quickly—too quickly, Goff suspected. When he noticed his friend, adviser, and secretary of defense looking questioningly at him, Thorn added, “Martindale is wrong, Robert. The solution to what's happening in Turkmenistan does not lie in military force.”

“I happen to agree—for now,” Goff said. “The problem remains: Martindale is on the offensive politically. He's in Venezuela talking to world petroleum ministers, grabbing headlines, and making himself look like a leader. The word is he'll be heading to Kuwait City to address a meeting of the Gulf States Security Council—the first American ever to do so since the Gulf War. He probably
won't
be talking about Central Asia at that particular time. That might be a good opportunity.”

Thorn looked at Goff, then said, “To make a diplomatic move in Turkmenistan?” Goff nodded. “The only way to do that would be to send a high-level delegation.”

“It should be Kercheval. But he doesn't deserve it now, does he?” Thorn closed his eyes—they both knew the answer to that one. “Maureen Hershel is a good choice. Turkmenistan is Muslim, but it's run mostly by Soviet-era bureaucrats who know they have to deal with high-ranking women in today's world. She's smart, tough, and, best of all, she knows when to keep her mouth shut.”

“Time's running out. If that Taliban insurgent army gets their grips on the capital, Turkmenistan could fall fast.”