CARRIER 3: ARMAGEDDON MODE

“Mr. President,” a reporter from ABC was asking. “Does the attack on our ships mean war with India?”

“As I said before,” the President replied. “The United States of America will not tolerate any abridgement of our freedom of the seas, anywhere in the world. We will not tolerate attacks on our vessels or against our people. I think we amply demonstrated that resolve, that commitment in the military action against North Korea last year. It doesn’t matter who the aggressor is; an attack upon the military forces of the United States will be met by an appropriate response.

‘ ‘Now, this certainly does not mean that a state of war exists between the United States and the Indian Federation. It also

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does not mean that we are unwilling to talk … in fact, we arc more than willing to open negotiations that could lead to a clarification of this problem and, I might add, a reduction of tensions throughout the region over there. The United States is capable of defending its interests without resorting to outright war.” He pointed at an upraised hand. “Yes? Here in front?”

“Bob Rutherford, NBC. Mr. President, you said in your speech that a Russian naval force has joined our carrier group off the Indian coast. Does this mean that Russia and the United States are considering unilateral military action against India, without waiting for the final UN Security Council vote? And if you are considering a military response, what form might that action take?”

The President gave his best self-deprecating smile. “Well, Bob, you know I can’t give you any specifics on a question like that. All I can say is that this Administration will not rule out any action at this time, and that includes a military response. The leadership of the Commonwealth of Independent States has gone on record as saying that they support our declaration of the rights of shipping in international waters. The UN vote supports that declaration, and both of our countries stand ready to enforce those rights- in whatever way seems appropriate. Yes? Over there, the lady in blue. Yes?”

“Linda Bellows, Associated Press. Mr. President, what about Pakistan’s threat to use atomic weapons against India, and India’s declaration that they will meet nuclear weapons with nuclear weapons of their own? Is there any danger in our military forces becoming involved in a nuclear war in the Indian Ocean?”

“I’m glad you asked that question, Linda. It is our position, and, I might add, the position of every other nation engaged in the debate in the UN, diat the use of nuclear weapons in this conflict is unthinkable and must be discouraged by every means at the world’s disposal. Now, I don’t think I need to add that a nuclear escalation at this stage of the game is extremely unlikely. While both India and Pakistan have a nuclear capability, being able to build a bomb and being able to assemble one small enough to deliver by plane or missile are two very different things. . . .”

Magruder listened as the President continued to answer the questions. We will defend our rights, the world is with us, and

ARMAGEDDON MODE

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the situation is under control: those were the three dominant themes running through each statement he made.

Abruptly, the President said, “Thank you very much,” and strode from the stage.

“Mr. President! Mr. President!” A chorus of calls followed him, as a forest of waving arms tried to signal for his attention. “Mr. President! What about …”

The President brushed past Magruder as he stepped off the stage, and the admiral heard his low-voiced mutter to an aide. “Thank God that’s over with.”

Magruder watched the man vanish around a comer with his entourage and smiled to himself. There’d been considerable worry among the President’s advisors about how the press conference might go, but it seemed to have come off well. By now, the Washington correspondents of each of the networks would be recapping the speech before the camera, repeating the President’s message. We will defend our rights. The world is with us. The situation is under control.

He turned to follow the Presidential party. “Admiral!” a woman’s voice called from behind him. “Admiral Magruder!”

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