Balance of Power: A Novel by James W. Huston Page B

America promise not to engage in any further commercial relationships in Indonesia for ten years. Second, the U.S. Navy must stay out of the oceans of this area for twenty years. Third, you must take your missionaries home and not try to convert our people. We are a Muslim country and always will be. If these promises are not made, nothing you do will guarantee the safety of Americans here, or elsewhere in the world.”
    Caskey was transfixed by the broadcast, especially the terrorist’s unemotional delivery.
    “In case you think we are bluffing, as you can see, we have the captain of the Pacific Flyer .” A left hand showed in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen and a right hand flashed in the middle of the screen as it slapped Captain Bonham in the back of the head. He jerked forward involuntarily and began to raise his hands. The phantom right hand slapped Bonham again in the back of the head. “I can do whatever I want with your captain. If you do not comply with our demands, he will be executed, just like the others.”
    Caskey felt his stomach tighten as he tried to control his rage. The nerve. To murder innocent men, and thengo on world television and challenge the United States and the Navy . Unbelievable.
    “If you are listening, President Manchester, you will do as we ask. You Americans are big ones for rights. Rights for yourselves. We ask simply for what you take for granted, the right to be left alone.”
    The television screen went blank as the tape ended.

    President Manchester turned to the Director of the CIA and said in a controlled tone, “You ever heard of these guys before?”
    Cary Warner stared at the anchorwoman who was summarizing what they had just heard.
    “No, sir, I’ve never heard of them. Doesn’t mean nobody in my shop has. I’ll get with them right away and find out. I recommend, sir, if you’ll permit me, to contact my counterpart in Indonesia who will, I think, be as concerned about this as we are.”
    “Why do you say that?” Van den Bosch asked.
    “That little speech was meant for Indonesia as much as it was for us. Sinking that ship was perhaps more embarrassing for them because the attack was launched from their territory. This group is implying they are taking over Indonesia, not America. They just want us to keep our noses and our business out.”
    “What a bunch of crap,” the Chief of Staff said. “They’re just thugs, trying to get famous. What are we going to do, Mr. President?”
    “I don’t know,” Manchester said, thinking, rubbing his face. “We still don’t really know much more than we did. We know it was a small group, not a foreign government or a previously known organization. Terrorists, trying to make a point.” He walked around to the back of the desk in the Oval Office and looked out the window. “I need to talk to the President of Indonesia and see what they plan to do about this.”
    “Should we have the Navy take any steps?” the Chiefof Staff inquired, trying to hint at what he thought the right answer should be.
    “Like what?” the President inquired, annoyed.
    “They should continue to try to find these guys, and if they find them, they should be prepared to attack.”
    “Sometimes, Arlan, I think you’ve seen too many movies. We’re just going to sit tight, let the information develop, and take appropriate steps as we can.”
    “Shouldn’t we at least tell them to keep looking?”
    “Of course they’ll keep looking! We need to find them regardless of what we finally do.”
    The Chief of Staff nodded, relief showing on his face, a fact that annoyed the President.
    “Well,” said Cary Warner, “I need to talk to some people. I need to find out more information,” he said as he rose.
    “Cary,” the President said, stopping him.
    “Yes, sir?”
    “I’d like a brief by your best person on Indonesia as soon as possible.”
    “Yes, sir. I’ll send someone in, but since Suharto died, there hasn’t been much trouble.