Dominic Conlon - Arctic Firepath

Captain Gerry White beckoned to his XO. ‘What’s your view, Thomas?’

Thomas realised the Captain was referring to the crew. He gestured to a group of men sat on the floor. ‘Not good, Captain. They know HQ are making a big effort to rescue us. But Groton is a long way away, and the men realise we are running out of time.’

‘According to your calculations, how much time have we got?’ The Commander was naturally concerned for his men, but he wanted to see if his second in command had fully grasped the situation.

‘Ten hours. I don’t think they will reach us in time.’ Thomas sounded despondent.

‘And the rescue team’s ETA?’

‘18:50.’ Thomas looked at his watch. ‘But don’t forget, they need to install a lot of equipment on board ship before they can start the process. I reckon that will take around twelve hours alone.’

The Captain looked thoughtful. ‘As much as that?’

‘They’ll be working in extreme conditions of cold and wind, and driving snow and ice. They have to send down an exploratory module to check where and how we are lying on the seabed. Say another two to three hours inspection. Then maybe an hour for the first rescue pod.’

The Captain indicated his agreement. ‘So how long until the pod arrives?’

The XO eyed the Captain, wondering at all the questions. ‘Sixteen hours, minimum. There will be casualties before then, possibly some deaths before they get here.’

‘Is there anything else you think we could be doing?’

The XO shrugged. ‘Perhaps we should all conserve more energy by lying down and not talking?’

The Captain looked sideways at Thomas, unsure if the remark was intended as a jibe. ‘Let’s suppose they arrive on time. The rescue party will use the Escape Trunk to evacuate the crew. I think we should be getting some of the men ready.’

‘If you say so Captain.’

‘You have reservations?’

‘The escape trunk can hold 22 men. But the rescue pod capacity is a maximum of 16. Obviously you will put the most seriously injured men first?’

The Captain agreed.

‘But would you want to raise their hopes so early? They will have to sit there for at least 16 hours.’

‘Good point, Thomas. But I want the crew to know that help is on the way. By making preparations now, everyone will comprehend that fact. A psychological boost is what we need right now — even if we have to wait a day.’

‘Ah, I understand sir. Point taken Captain.’

‘Good. I would like the first 16 all suited up, and moved in preparation. We can’t afford to lose a minute — once they start to evacuate the men, we’ll need to get the next sixteen ready, and so on. Can you see to that for me?’

‘Yes sir. And Captain?’

‘Yes?’

‘I’m sorry if I sounded so negative just then. It won’t happen again.’

The Commander acknowledged his apology. ‘OK, let’s get a move on.’

Sean parked the hire car on Rozanova Street. Five minutes later, Lomax slid into the passenger seat.

‘What have you got?’

Sean sensed Lomax was enjoying this phase of the mission. He flicked a look at DD, sitting quietly in the back. Neither of them appeared to share Lomax’s enthusiasm. ‘I‘ve been watching the flat where Levushka is staying. It’s near the Begovaya metro stop in Khoroshevskoye. The block has seven floors and theirs is on the 2nd floor. There’s only one entrance and exit at the western end.’

‘Security?’

‘A concierge with video intercom and a guard patrols at night.’

‘Access?’

‘A tall fence surrounds the flats and there’s an underground garage.’

‘That’s not much to go on.’

‘We only arrived last night, Lomax. What do you expect?’

Lomax remained silent.

Sean turned back to continue his observation of the street. Traffic patterns appeared normal and none of the pedestrians were taking an unusual interest in the car. ‘I followed Levushka this morning to school.’

‘Yes.’

‘They took him in a black Mercedes. There’s a driver and two men and Levushka sits in the back between them. They went to the English Universal School in Beregovaya Street next to the Tushinskaya metro stop. The traffic was so bad it took them an hour. The guards get out first. They survey the environment and when they think it’s safe they accompany him in and stay until it’s time to come home. When they arrive back they use a remote to operate the gates to let the car through.’

‘Could be a way in.’

‘I’ll check it out,’ piped up DD from the back. ‘But I’ll need to be around when they use the remote. I should be able to scan the codes it uses, but I’ll have to place a receiver unit somewhere close where it can pick up the Wi-Fi signals.’

‘When the gates opened I could see beyond into the underground car park,’ Sean continued. ‘There must be a lift because they don’t come out again.’

Lomax turned to question to DD. ‘Routine and habits?’

‘We know Lev likes the night life — his dad told us that. I plan to follow him at the weekend. The guards never leave his side, so Lev has to feel smothered. Maybe they’ll let him out to a bar, or even a nightclub. If so, I’ll tail him — I’m bound to stand out less than you two.’

Lomax rolled his eyes. ‘Khostov’s ex?’ The question was directed at Sean.

‘Nina. She’s a doctor. Travels in her own car — a white Volkswagen Golf. She has a surgery in Koptevo north of the city centre. She leaves the flat about 7 am. Levushka leaves around 8 am.’

‘What’s the best time to make the snatch?’

‘The nightclub sounds good — if he’s allowed out.’

‘DD?’

‘I agree. Apart from everything else it will be dark in there. Also the volume of the music systems could cover any loud noises.’

‘The nightclub it is, then.’

In the darkness three Rigid Inflatable Boats slipped from the ice into the cold Arctic waters. Each RIB carried 8 US Navy SEALs, helped by 4 special warfare combatant-craft crewmen known as "swicks".

The boats quietly traversed the open stretch of water between their base and the icebreaker. Despite a biting 20 knot wind each crewman was warm under his parka, black camouflage gear and wet suit. Over their shoulders they carried FN SCAR STD assault rifles fitted with 13″ barrels for close-quarter fighting.

Major Pierce whispered into a mike concealed in his hood and the speed of the RIBs reduced to a mere 5 knots. The 470 HP Twin Caterpillar 3126 Diesels were capable of going much faster, but Pierce wanted to maintain a stealthy approach for as long as possible.

As they closed in on the icebreaker Pierce signalled to slow down. He pointed towards the stern of the ship, and the following RIB peeled off in that direction. The first and last RIBs beached on the ice 200 metres from the bow of LK-80.

Major Pierce jumped out. Standing upright, his tall frame seemed to fill the night sky. Before he could signal the command, everyone got out and the swicks began dragging the heavy boats up onto the ice.

The SEALS pulled on their rucksacks full of kit, and three men from each boat grabbed padded grappling irons and ropes. They checked their rifles and gave the Major the thumbs-up. From the water to being ready on the ice had taken just two minutes.

Pierce raised a pair of night binoculars to his eyes, checking the status of the ship. No lookouts had been posted. He checked the position of the RIB at the stern of LK-80. The men in that boat indicated they were all ready with their grappling hooks. He whispered into his mike, and Pierce’s team set off across the short stretch of ice to the icebreaker.

As they moved closer, Major Pierce noticed that the crew of the ice breaker had left an outside ladder in place. He shook his head. This was going to be easier than he thought. He motioned for one squad to approach the ship from the other side. That team would not have the luxury of a quick ascent, but it was essential that they boarded the boat from all points together.