Executive Intent

“And leave our sailors and rescue workers exposed to yet more attacks?” Li retorted. “Whom can China trust? The Yemeni army? Has the Yemeni navy and harbor police been infiltrated by jihadists? China demands that some sort of international security force be brought in to keep our sailors safe while we continue rescue-and-recovery activities. Otherwise, our armed patrols will continue.”

“That is not acceptable!” Colby insisted. “ China cannot continue attacks over Aden. It is one of the most valuable and strategic ports in the entire Middle East. Insurance rates for ships transiting the area, which is almost one-fourth of all vessels on the high seas, are skyrocketing, as are oil prices. The air raids are terrifying the local residents and are fueling angry protests.”

“There can be no cessation of defensive air operations around Aden until the security situation is improved enough for rescue-and-recovery forces to enter the harbor and surrounding areas,” Li insisted. “I do not care about such things as insurance rates while brave Chinese sailors lie dead and injured in hostile waters. The United States will never-”

“Gentlemen, gentlemen, please,” Boris Tarzov said, holding up hands both to the Chinese and American representatives, his voice even more insistent this time. “Obviously something must be done to assure Chinese rescue forces can operate safely in the harbor. The Vladimir Putin carrier task force is just a day or two from the area, and they have a light infantry force, approximately two marine companies, I believe, embarked. May I propose that Russian marines be allowed to land ashore and secure the harbor area so Chinese rescue-and-recovery units can operate safely?”

“Exchange Russian marines for Chinese fighter-bombers?” Colby remarked. “What kind of deal is that?”

“What exactly are you implying, Mr. Ambassador?” Tarzov asked. “Are you suggesting that our marines would form some sort of invasion force? American Marines come ashore all over the world for all sorts of humanitarian, peacekeeping, and security missions, and no one suggests they are an invasion force. This would strictly be a security operation, with no more than five hundred or so marines and a few transport helicopters involved, which I feel should be more than sufficient to suppress any more acts of violence. Russia built the airfield and most of the modern harbor facilities in Aden, so I believe we are very well familiar with the layout of the area.” Ambassadors Li and Colby glared at each other. “Then I hereby move that the Russian naval task-force commander approaching Yemen be placed in charge of an operation to provide security for Chinese rescue-and-recovery forces operating in the harbor at Aden.”

“A motion has been made,” Nascimento said. “Second?”

“And all Chinese so-called defensive operations cease immediately?” Colby asked.

“Cease upon arrival of Russian marines in the harbor,” Li said.

“My motion is amended to include the order that all Chinese defensive and offensive operations of all kind cease upon arrival of Russian marines in the Aden harbor,” Tarzov said.

“May I have a second?” Nascimento repeated.

“And China will receive assistance in conducting an investigation of the bombing of our warship?” Li asked.

“As soon as Russian marines have secured the area, Chinese forensic and military investigators may enter-”

“Multinational investigators, including U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation and Naval Criminal Investigative Service agents, may actively participate in any investigation,” Colby interjected.

“This will be a Chinese investigation, Mr. Colby!” Ambassador Li retorted.

“The fox investigating the missing chickens, Mr. Li?”

“How dare you…!”

“Gentlemen, please,” Boris Tarzov interjected, spitting out the word please with extra emphasis. “Lives are at stake here!” Colby and Li went back to glaring at each other. “The participation of equal numbers of multinational investigators is a reasonable request, to be led by a Chinese official,” Tarzov went on, “and I hereby amend my motion to include it, as long as all findings made by each team of investigators shall be shared by all other investigation teams, by all participating nations including Yemen, and the Security Council. Are there any other proposed amendments?”

There were none, so Nascimento asked, “May I have a second, please?” The delegate from France raised his hand. “Thank you, I have a second to the motion. As this is an emergency session of the Security Council, I ask that each delegation contact their respective ministries by secure telephone from their seats. I shall call for a vote in fifteen minutes. Thank you.”

“This is not good,” Colby whispered to his deputy as he picked up the telephone.

THE WHITE HOUSE

A FEW MINUTES LATER