Ultimatum 2.

Darleen R. Golke is a high-school teacher and librarian in Winnipeg.

In his latest political thriller, Rohmer addresses the issue of “derelict nuclear subs, the plutonium factories, the tons of weapons-grade material littered across Russia with little or no security against terrorists.” The decisive Texan in the White House accepts a proposal from nuclear physicist Rob Ross instructing his highly intelligent, black, female Secretary of State to draft an ultimatum to the Russians. No more millions to clean up their messes; accept the terms for cleanup proposed by the U.S. or else. The President appoints Ross Special Ambassador and sends him off to Russia to assess the extent of the problem with a stopover in London to acquaint the handsome, charming British Prime Minister with the International Nuclear Disposal Site proposal.

Ross commissions Canadian Jon Hancock’s firm to identify a suitable site, the Chesterfield Inlet area north of Baker Lake. Ross accompanies Hancock on a personal inspection of the proposed site and along the way discovers his long-lost father, a powerful Canadian entrepreneur. Ross meets with the “tall, young” Canadian Prime Minister and outlines the Canada Plan only to be met with an adamant “no way”; Canada refuses to hold the “world’s largest nuclear dump.” After the Russian president, Putin, and the British Prime Minister finalize their agreement, the American President summons the Canadian Prime Minister and informs him of the decision, demanding cooperation and giving him 30 days before the United States intends to invade Canada and “move by force of arms to take possession of the site.” The PM responds by ordering Canada’s CF-18 fighters on full alert to shoot down invaders and defend Canada’s sovereign territory. Rohmer resolves the impasse in a manner only possible in fiction.

The major political figures except Putin remain nameless, but are thinly veiled representations of current politicians. Rohmer humanizes Rob Ross, the major character around which the action revolves, giving him a love/sex life and some unresolved family issues to balance his obvious genius and competence. Much of the narrative features detailed historical, technical, and political discussions of nuclear energy and its problems.