carrier back when it was still known as the Kuznetsov, he had been in an
enviable position as one of the Union’s pioneer naval aviators, and that had
stood Glushko in good stead.
Now he was commander of the air wing assigned to the Soyuz, and
well-positioned to advance further. Operation Rurik’s Hammer offered him a
superb chance to attract favorable notice, though as air wing commander he was
relegated more to an administrative role than to the kind of combat duty that
might really make his reputation. As a result he had focused his attention on
winning over staff and political officers who could make sure that his name
would receive prominent notice when the campaign was through. After all, once
the Norwegians had been overcome and the conflict was over, there would be
plenty of room at the top for deserving officers. General Vorobyev would see
to that as he began to consolidate his domination of the new Russia.
Now all of Glushko’s efforts were threatened. He had not exactly
neglected his responsibilities as air wing commander, but he had delegated
much of the responsibility to juniors. Ordinarily it would have been
perfectly acceptable … except for the horrible set of circumstances the day
before that had culminated in the loss of a Tu-95 out of Olenegorsk and one of
Soyuz’s MiG-29Ds. The other escort plane, flown by Captain Second Rank
Terekhov, had broken off the engagement and returned to the carrier unmolested
by the Americans.
It had been Terekhov’s fault, Glushko told himself again as he
concentrated on a spot on the bulkhead above the admiral’s head. Surely they
did not expect the air wing commander to monitor every routine patrol flight.
But Khenkin evidently expected just that, and as a result held Glushko, not
Terekhov, responsible for the incident.
The incident that might have drawn the Americans into a direct military
involvement in the war in Scandinavia. That was a thought Glushko didn’t want
to contemplate. “Admiral,” he said slowly, searching for the right words. “I
have done my duty to the best of my ability. There was no way to predict what
would happen to the patrol mission …”
“And you didn’t even try,” Khenkin finished bluntly. “That is no longer
the principal concern. What has happened cannot be changed. What remains for
us is to shape the future.”
“Yes, Admiral,” Glushko said.
“Shut up and let me finish!” Khenkin’s voice was loud now in the cramped
office. “I have examined all of the plans submitted by your officers for the
conduct of North Star. They make very interesting reading.” The admiral
tapped a stack of file folders on the corner of Glushko’s desk. “Tell me,
Glushko, what did you think of Captain Terekhov’s suggestions?”
“Terekhov?” Glushko almost spat the name. “Too rash. Too daring. He
wants to use three full squadrons to escort the bombers … too many. It
leaves but one squadron to mount CAP over Soyuz. You will find the plan I
endorsed to be much more balanced in outlook-”
“Bah!” Khenkin exploded. “You would give only token escort to the
bombers! This is not a time for half-measures. Why is it so difficult for
you to comprehend this?”
“But, Admiral-”
“Spare me the protests.” Khenkin rose from his seat and jabbed a stubby
finger at Glushko. “We will proceed on the basis of the plan Captain Terekhov
submitted. You will pass orders to have the MiG squadrons readied. The
mission briefing will be conducted accordingly. Do you understand?”
Glushko swallowed. “Yes, Admiral. Your orders will be carried out. To
the letter.”
Inwardly he was caught between fear and anger. Plainly the admiral would
be watching him very closely over the next few hours, and any mistakes Glushko
made would only fuel Khenkin’s ill feelings. He would have to tread
carefully.
There was a soft, almost tentative knock on the office door. “Come!”
Khenkin barked.
Captain Second Rank Terekhov looked diffident as he entered. “Just a
reminder, Admiral … Captain. The briefing is due to begin in ten minutes.
All squadron commanders and executive officers are assembled as ordered.”
Khenkin nodded. “Thank you, Terekhov. We will come.”
As the younger officer closed the door Glushko’s mind was busy