Paths of Courage by Mike Woodhams

suits.
    â€œWho else has nuclear submarine capabilities?” asked Trafford.
    â€œOurselves of course; the Americans, Russia, India, China and the French,” answered Engels. “China has three in her fleet, France four and Russia a total of fourteen at the last count. We endeavour to keep track of all foreign submarines, especially nuclear,” he concluded.
    â€œUnfortunately,” snapped Trafford, “we don’t know which. This go-between negotiates only delivery dates and payout terms; he’s obviously not in the loop for detail, otherwise we would at least know the payload, nuclear or bio. More importantly we would know the target. For all we know, this sub with its clutch of missiles could be on its way to our shores as we speak. An experienced crew would be needed too, capable of operating the sub and the missile systems.” He looked intently at the PM. “We need to interrogate this man ourselves – and quick. Tell the South Koreans to hand him over.”
    â€œEasier said than done, Michael,” the PM replied. “They would want to know how we found out about this man. No matter what diplomatic strings we pull it will take weeks, if not months, to get him out. We do not have the time. Besides, I would not put it past the South Koreans to eliminate him just to avoid extradition to us.” He looked at the intelligence chief for confirmation, which he got.
    Trafford nodded his acceptance.
    â€œCan we account for all of the subs?” questioned David Regis, a tall, grey-haired, distinguished-looking man.
    â€œNot all Russian subs,” Engels replied. “Several are out, but we have a good idea of their whereabouts. Those at home bases are regularly monitored by ourselves and the Americans. Anyhow, I understand all were out before the deal referred to in this report was made.”
    â€œHow long is the normal stay time at a home base?” Regis questioned.
    â€œDepends on a number of things; not least of which would be their maintenance programs,” Engels answered. “The newer subs – maybe two or three months; the older ones, six months or more. The Russians have had three of their Delta III’s in covered pens in Rybachiy, on the Kamchatka Peninsula, for over a year now. They are either undergoing repairs or in the process of being decommissioned. This is not unusual; they are gradually building their fleet.”
    â€œHow many Delta III’s are still in service?” Regis asked.
    â€œFive altogether,” Engels shot back. “We know that the K449, K496 and K433 are penned at Rybachiy – K223 and K211 are out on active duty in the north Pacific.”
    â€œCould it be one of those last two?” the PM asked.
    â€œI doubt it. The Americans have been monitoring their movements for the last six months, patrolling the Alaskan coastline between their return to base for provisions. The latest report we have indicates they are still up there.”
    â€œThe three in Rybachiy,” Regis pressed. “Are they the longest Russian nuclear subs to have stayed in the base at any one time?”
    â€œYes, confirmed by satellite.”
    â€œHow can the satellites verify, if the subs are in covered pens?” Regis pressed.
    â€œAs Rybachiy is Russia’s largest nuclear sub base and home to the Pacific Fleet, it’s kept under surveillance by the Americans, who share the results with us.”
    â€œDo they use a geo sat?”
    â€œNo; orbital – once every twelve hours.”
    Regis nodded and looked at the others. “One of the Deltas could have slipped away between orbits.”
    â€œDo we have signatures of the three?” questioned Trafford.
    â€œWe do,” replied the admiral, then he turned to the PM. “Every engine makes a specific noise, which is referred to by all navies as a ‘signature’. We and the Americans have a data base covering every other known submarine in