MuTerra-kindle by R. K. Sidler Read Free Book Online

said in a somber voice.
    “How do I know he won’t believe we are really at war, knowing that his ship is dead, fire his payload at their prearranged targets then be happy to go down with his ship knowing his crew is safe. That would be quite a coup,” Weston challenged.
    “Commander, I can only give you my word as an officer. We only wish to save our crew, and you are our only hope.”
    While he studied the young man, commander Weston issued the orders to his exec, “Get out as many inflatable craft as we have. Tie them to each other and send a skeleton crew to deliver them to the Nevsky. Have the Chief prepare quarters to accommodate our guests. Make sure they are all searched prior to coming aboard, not so much as a pocket knife gets on.”
    “Aye, Aye sir.”
    “Thank you commander. I can assure you, this is no trick, and I only wish we would have never met under these circumstances,” he said offering his hand once again.
    ―
    It was an uncomfortable feeling allowing almost as many ‘enemy’ crewmen on board as the Texas itself had. The transfer had gone quite rapidly. The crew of the Nevsky was searched, escorted to the area made ready for them, and held under guard. All but six had boarded the Texas. The captain, his political officer, and four other seamen had decided their fate was with the Nevsky.
    When the last of the Russians had boarded, Commander Weston saw the Nevsky prepare for submersion. He too ordered the Texas to dive and monitor the other vessel as best as they could. If they detected any outer doors opening, indicating a possible missile launch, they would sink it themselves. He did not know if all of his systems were operational yet, but he knew his craft was much faster. If all he could do was ram it, then he would do it.
    It was a nervous time for everyone, including the Russians.
    Fifteen minutes later, it was apparent what the captain of the Nevsky was doing. They were at the edge of the ‘trench.’ He was taking his sub in a deep angle dive, which would eventually cause it to rupture. If that did not happen, it would simply remain on the bottom as those on board would be helpless in a matter of hours anyway. They would wait.
    When it was determined that the Nevsky would never be heard from, or seen again, Commander Weston ordered his crew to take them to the surface, and to bring Captain-Lieutenant Orlov to the conning tower.
    “Captain, our communications, and much of our other electronic navigation systems are not functional. They haven’t been since whatever happened yesterday,” he said deciding a bit of truth was in order.
    Orlov simply nodded in understanding at both the statement, and the reason behind it.
    “I came back up to get a good look at where we are in relation to what is lighting up the sky there on the horizon,” he said pointing to the east.
    “That should be Nicaragua. I’m afraid based on what you said about how you were damaged, and the gray sky with these heavy clouds, that that light is an eruption from the Masaya volcano. The only way to know is to go have a look. We’ll get as close as we can to confirm what we can. I’ll expect you to manage your crew, and we’ll let a few at a time come topside to get some air so they can see things for themselves.”
    “Thank you Commander. I appreciate your offer, as will my crew.”
    “Hopefully we’ll be able to get you safely ashore and on your way home. We should know before the day is over. Keep yourself handy.”
    “Yes sir,” he said as he saluted and left the tower.
    ―
     They were unable to make it closer than a few miles from shoreline. The ash was quite heavy even at that distance as the sub, and those standing outside, were soon covered in the gray colored flakes. It was obvious that there was more than one active volcano in the area. The light visible on the darkening horizon provided the evidence.
    Commander Weston made course adjustments to move the Texas as far from the fallen ash as