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SEA OF SHADOWS 195
“Backup?”
“Yes, sir. Can we get P-3 assets? How about a friendly sub to run
interference?”
Captain Whiley shook his head. “There will be no backup. We have
been ordered to complete this mission utilizing only assets organic to our
four ships. No P-3s, no friendly submarines, no cavalry. We’re on our
own, here.”
Commander Bowie frowned. “Can we go back to Fifth Fleet and ask
them to rethink this one? USS Topeka is not that far away, and I’m sure
USNAVCENT can whistle up a couple of P-3s, sir.”
Captain Whiley leaned over the table. “Admiral Rogers assures me
that my orders come from the president himself, through the Chief of
Naval Operations. I intend to follow those orders to the letter. And that
means that every one of you will follow my orders without question, and
absolutely without fail. Am I making myself clear here?”
He waited several seconds. “Good. You are dismissed. Return to your
ships and make ready for combat!”
As they filed out of the wardroom, Chief McPherson leaned near her
skipper and whispered, “We’re all going to die, sir.”