Within two minutes they were sputtering across the harbor, unable to gain any real speed because of their added weight and friction. The Zodiac had been designed for six, not nine Ghosts, two SEALs, and two CIA agents.

Being dragged through the water was beginning to take its toll on all of them. Mitchell, who was jammed up near the heavy rubber bow, continually checked his HUD and finally got a good signal to the network and picked up a message from General Keating: "Mitchell, if you can hear me, we'll have you out of there in a few minutes, son."

"I hear you, sir!" he shouted over the outboard. "But where's Montana?"

The image glowing on his tactical map confused him; it appeared that the submarine, outlined in yellow with green ID diamond, was on their position as they finally cleared the gap between Gulangyu Island and Haicang.

"Son, she's closer than you think: forty-five meters straight down."

Mitchell almost laughed with relief. "How long's she been there?"

"Too long. Captain Gummerson's taking one hell of a risk, Mitchell. When the drink tab comes, I suggest you buy."

"Roger that, sir. Can't wait to get home."

USS MONTANA (SSN-823)
EN ROUTE TO SUBIC BAY
SOUTH CHINA SEA
APRIL 2012

The transfer from the Zodiac to the submarine was handled with speed and practiced efficiency, a testament to Gummerson's first-rate crew. The bodies of Buddha, Boy Scout, and SEAL Chief Phillips were taken away by corpsmen for processing, while the wounded were escorted to sick bay and given additional treatment, including Mitchell himself.

Tanner and Ramirez were both stabilized, their blood replaced by volunteer crew members with matching or universal blood types. Montana then sailed at maximum speed in the open South China Sea. Captain Gummerson called ahead to have doctors choppered out to meet them once they were in international waters.

As they headed out toward that rendezvous point, the captain came to sick bay to see Mitchell and shake hands with every Ghost, save for Ramirez, who was sedated. "Congratulations, Captain."

"Thank you, sir. I'm sorry about SEAL Chief Phillips."

"We all are."

"Chief Tanner saved us all. I hope I get a chance to thank him before I leave."

Gummerson nodded. "Glad I got my chance to thank you. Outstanding job, Captain." He frowned over a thought. "And what was that stunt you pulled with the Predator?"

"My marksman came up with that one, although she said one of the pilots inspired her."

"Ah, that would be Lieutenant Moch, whom I would not describe as inspirational, but I'll accept that." Gummerson offered his hand. "It was an honor, Captain."

"Thank you, sir. Good luck with your promotion."

Gummerson glanced fondly at the bulkheads and overhead, then pursed his lips and headed out.

KEATING RESIDENCE
NEAR MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE
TAMPA, FLORIDA
MAY 2012