Joint Task Force #2: America by David E. Meadows Page B

yet.”
    “Grace, prepare for the worst and you’ll never be disappointed.”
    “We know it’s loaded other supplies, but we’re assuming it’s the normal complement of food, water, and medicine for the voyage.”
    “Since we’re unsure where the ship is headed, we have identified three possible destinations, using your concept of worst case, Duncan,” Admiral Marker said, drawing out the last words. “We believe the ship is heading to the east coast or gulf coast of the United States. British Intelligence believes the ship may be heading towardBritain. The link between the Jihadists and the New IRA convinces them that since the New IRA did them a favor by going after you, Commander Raleigh, that the Jihadists owe a return favor. This theory complements the warnings to the British government that their unwavering support of America’s war on terrorism would be punished someday, and this day has been identified.” She nodded at St. Cyr. “The French, on the other hand, have ruled out Italy and any other country inside the Mediterranean Sea, because the choke points at Gibraltar and the Suez Canal are too guarded for a rogue vessel to successfully transit. Not to say one couldn’t get through, but it would be very hard at this level of heightened security. Conversely, the French coast along the Atlantic and Channel are vulnerable.”
    “That is true, Admiral,” Captain St. Cyr interrupted, holding up a message in his hand. “But, as of a few hours ago, DGSE believes the target will be Rotterdam.”
    “Rotterdam?” Tucker asked.
    St. Cyr turned and looked Tucker directly in the eyes. “Yes, Rotterdam. Few people know that most of Europe’s sea trade uses containers; ergo, container ships are the primary means by which commerce enters Europe. The superlarge container ships that travel the seas have only three seaports in Europe in which they can safely dock. Rotterdam, Netherlands; Algeciras, Spain; and, Livorno, Italy. Algeciras is on the Atlantic side of the Strait of Gibraltar, but we can safely seal it away because Gibraltar itself stands guard over this strategic city.”
    St. Cyr stopped and looked back at Admiral James, his eyes shifting as he talked between James and Holman. “Traffic into and near Rotterdam is thick. It would be quite impossible to inspect thoroughly every ship approaching this vital port. The Dutch Navy is aware and is increasing patrols. But if Rotterdam were shut down, then the economic fate of Europe would depend on how quickly another port could handle the merchant traffic or how quickly Rotterdam could return to service. Even a dirty bomb, as you call it, would effectively shut downthe only city on this side of Europe to handle our imports and exports.”
    “And,” Admiral Marker said, “ we believe that this Abu Alhaul is more influenced by a desire for revenge than for tactical advantage. Therefore, the target will be an American port. And not a commercial port, but one of our military ports.”
    “Why?” Dick Holman asked.
    “Propaganda. Imagine the mileage this Abu Alhaul will get out of exploding a dirty bomb in Norfolk, Little Creek, Jacksonville, or even Corpus Christi or Pascagoula, Mississippi.”
    “And there’s New London, Newport, Rhode Island—”
    “And Boston or Philadelphia,” Tucker added.
    Admiral Marker raised her eyebrows. “Why Boston?”
    “USS Constitution . What better propaganda than destroying the oldest active-duty Navy ship in the world?”
    Captain St. Cyr shook his head. “I disagree with you, my friend—a respectful disagreement.” He turned back to Admirals James and Holman. “The Jihadists—”
    “The what?” Admiral Marker asked.
    “Jihadists,” St. Cyr answered. “It is what we are calling those radical Islamists whose only call to their God is to die. Personally, I wish they would die, but they want to take a lot of people with them, as if their God would be overjoyed to see them arriving at the gates of heaven with a