“I'll see if Yaeger can tap into the navy computer system.”

“Why, Rudi,” Sandecker said, studying the glowing ash on his cigar, “what a surprising thing to hear from a navy man. First in his class at the academy, too.”

Gunn tried without success to look angelic. “Desperate times call for desperate measures.”

“I'm glad to hear you say that. Austin called me from Istanbul. He's assembling the Special Assignments Team to take another look at that abandoned submarine base.”

“Does he think it has a connection with the NR-1?”

“He didn't know about the missing sub until I told him. No, apparently he's been in contact with someone, an old Russian friend, who indicated that the base may have something to do with a supposed threat against the U.S.”

“Terrorist activity?”

“I asked Kurt the same question. He only knows what the Russian told him, that the U.S. is in danger. A mining magnate named Razov seems to be involved, and the old base may hold the key to what is going on. Kurt's instincts are usually sound. This threat of his is all the more reason for NUMA to get involved.”

“We can take a look at the area by satellite.”

“We still need eyes on the ground.”

“What about your promise to the president?”

“I only promised not to look for the NR-1. I never said anything about a Soviet sub base. Besides,” Sandecker said, with a twinkle in his eye, “Austin is probably out of reach by now.”

“I've heard that sunspot activity has been interrupting communications.”

“We'll keep trying to establish contact, of course. The president is going fly-fishing in Montana, but I expect he'll return in a hurry if the Russian government falls.”

Gunn looked worried. “If there really is a threat, don't you think we should tell the president?”

Sandecker walked over to the window and looked out over the Potomac. Afer a moment, he turned and said, “Do you know how Sid Sparkman made his fortune?”

“Sure, he made millions in mining.”

“Correct. As did Razov.”

“Coincidence?”

“Maybe. Maybe not. There's often a worldwide good ol' boy network in certain areas of industry. It's not out of the question that they know each other. Unless we learn that the threat is imminent - I suggest we keep this conversation to ourselves for now.”

“Are you suggesting that - ”

“There's a connection? I'm not prepared to go that far. Yet.”

Gunn pursed his lips, a grave look in his eyes. “I hope Kurt and his team aren't getting in over their heads.”

Sandecker smiled grimly, his eyes as hard as topaz. “It wouldn't be the first time.”

NUMA 3 - Fire Ice

-11- THE BLACK SEA