The Crucible. Joaquin De Torres

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СКАЧАТЬ a sign that our government is beginning to buckle under the weight of international pressure. Our nation is dying, Doo-hwan; put to death, executed in the most cruel way. Even our president’s hard rhetoric can’t deflect that fact.”

      “But the threat he made--the threat of attacking South Korea and Japan--just words? Our forces have been ready to fight for months. The families of a third of our crew are dead because of this blockade! My own parents!"

      "And my wife and son," added Park, nodding his head in understanding. “Only my daughter is all I have left now.”

      "And we are to simply shadow the enemy ships?” Kim’s flesh pulsed with rage.

      “The United States has managed to kill more North Koreans with this blockade in just seven months than in any other war they fought, and they haven’t fired one bullet,” Park said sullenly. “The new strain of Cholera, Pneumonia, Typhoid, Asian Bird Flu, SARs and Swine Flu have done the killing for them.” Park gazed at Kim with bitter eyes. “It took our loved ones and half a million more while antibiotics and treatment kits are globally available!” His head turned to one side. “AND THE WORLD WATCHES!” he thundered, slamming his fist down hard on the desk in absolute revulsion. He looked away, then back to Kim. Suddenly rejuvenated with indignation and fury, Kim recommitted to the admiral’s plan.

      "We will not follow these orders, Doo-hwan. We must make a statement; a global statement. We must fire that first shot.”

      “And the target?”

      “The Kitty Hawk. It will make the biggest statement. Once the American pride of the Pacific, she has been brought back out of decommission to come and harass us.”

      “Where is she, Admiral?”

      “Doing trials and testing off Hawaii before she transfers to our waters to reinforce the blockade.”

      “You want to attack the Kitty Hawk?” asked Kim with a hint of caution. “What about her battlegroup? They will protect--”

      “There is no battlegroup as of yet,” countered Park. “My sources tell me she will be in Hawaiian waters until she can get a squadron of planes, but that won’t be for another two weeks.” He looked pensively at Kim. “This is something we must do alone. I don’t trust the rest of our fleet’s commanders to support us. They’re too dedicated to their own political survival to think of anything as big as this. Besides, most of them are as corrupt as they are cowards.”

      “There is one, Admiral,” Kim interjected. “We both know that--”

      “No!” Park spat, shaking his head quickly. “This can only be done by us.” Kim swallowed his sentence and nodded in agreement. “Besides, you know the Defense Minister and I are enemies. He doesn’t know our intentions, and I’ll not risk anymore commanders. You’re all I need, Doo-hwan.” He reached over and grabbed Kim’s wrist gently. “It pains me enough to know that your life and your career--” he closed his eyes in regret. “Will be changed forever.”

      “I chose this life, Admiral,” Kim said calmly, trying hard to suppress his anxiety. “You taught me everything I know and believe in this mission. I will follow you to the end.”

      Park opened his eyes and smiled.

      “Thank you, Doo-hwan. Now, the target. In order to not be seen as the instigators of a war, we must not be in Korean waters when we carry out our plan.”

      “What do you mean, Admiral?”

      “I mean, we must be very far away from the Korean Peninsula and our fleet. We must be on our own, independent and completely unconstrained from our government.” Park studied Kim’s face, looking for doubt.

      “Admiral, our original plan was to engage a small ship in our operating area, disable it, but not destroy it, then--”

      “The plan has changed considerably since we last talked, Doo-hwan. Trust me, after you hear me out, you will realize that the new plan, no matter how radical it sounds, is a more beneficial one.” Park waited for Kim’s response, which took a long moment.

      “Then where, sir?”

      “Somewhere you aren’t expecting.” Park took a longer sip from his cup. “America.” Kim stared blankly at him, but Park nodded his head. “We’re going to Hawaiian waters.”

      “Why?” Apprehension now mapped Kim’s face.

      “Because they would never expect it. We will be able to have the audience that is needed to change American policy.” Park pushed away from his desk and walked over to a large wall map depicting the entire Pacific Ocean area. He pointed to the Korean Peninsula. “If we attack here or anywhere in our or Japan’s waters, our actions will be seen as just part of what’s supposed to happen in a war zone.” He moved his finger down to the tiny formation depicting the Hawaiian Island chain. “But if we strike here, something that’s clearly not supposed to happen, then we’ll capture not only America’s attention, but the attention of the world!”

      Kim could only stare at the finger pointing to the islands. His eyes traced the distance between the finger and the Korean Peninsula and shook his head.

      “So, you’re saying we’re going to travel over 4,000 miles to American waters to attack an American aircraft carrier.” Kim’s face was nothing less than incredulous.

      “That’s exactly what I’m saying.” Park’s face was stern and showed no doubt. “The surprise factor, the audacity of the act, and the reason for it are things the media will kill for. To achieve our final goal we desperately need the media.” Kim’s eyes trailed off as he considered the possibilities and the implications of this new plan. He broke out of his contemplative moment and refocused on his news.

      “Admiral, it’s important that you read about what was said at that meeting yesterday.” Kim again offered the sheet of paper.

      “The orders you received are inconsequential.” Park returned to his seat and took the paper. “What? We’re going to war?” he asked as he read the lines again. “It says first strike capability on South Korea is first priority, followed by successive strikes targeting U.S. bases, then thermobaric strikes against surface units.” He read further. “Evacuation procedures are fifth priority!? What is this!?”

      “The high command nor the government cares about our people. The orders call for the total obliteration of South Korea with no consideration to our citizens. Look at the bottom line, Admiral.”

      “The public is not to be warned!” Park couldn’t believe what he had just read.

      “The defense minister feels that any advanced preparation would only inform the enemy of our intentions. He did suggest possibly giving the U.S. a 12 or 24-hour warning, but didn’t state which, or when.”

      “It doesn’t say anywhere when this attack is to happen!” Park was furious that he and his fellow commanders would receive weak mission orders while the government planned an all-out attack.

      “My contact feels that it will happen within two weeks,” Kim offered solemnly. “If no relief is given to our nation by that time, a warning will be given. If the blockade is not lifted by the end of that warning, South Korea is to be destroyed at all costs.” Kim’s voice trailed off, overshadowed by dread. СКАЧАТЬ