"On my way back, I'm going to stop off and see father and tell him the good news. He's been working hard behind our backs to make this mission a success and he deserves a heads up," said Brad.
Brad shook hands around and offered his congratulations to the SEAL commander and the base General. He apologized for leaving early but he had to report to Washington very soon."
It was a short hop to Palm Springs from Edwards Air Force Base. Brad had called ahead and asked his father to meet him at the airport. Brand realized his father wouldn't like that request being asked to meet the plane, but he'd just have to lump it Brad thought.
Both the colonel and Brad's father were waiting at the airport. Brad and Nancy never left the plane. The pilots had hooked up to airport electricity to keep the plane cool inside. An hour later they were flying to North Bend, Oregon having filled in Brad's father of the successful work of the helicopter rockets through heavy protective armor.
General Pratt perked up when Brad asked him to observe the night test with Mike. Nancy observed her boss really had a way of working with people even if it was a relative.
Chapter 8
Back home, pilots on standby, Brad held a team meeting. He briefed all about the test and clearly all were excited about the results. He said, "Billy, Nancy and I will fly to Washington tomorrow morning. Wendy and Agent Jones will work with the SEALs. Jones, set out the crab pot for our guests and show them our hospitality. Use the four wheeler to cart down the big pot. Not sure if they drink much but check see if they'd like a keg of beer or something like that."
Later that night Brad and Sujin lay on the futon chatting and playing with little Brian. Sujin said, in a very soft voice, "Husband, sister and I are ready whenever you need us. Both of are looking forward to Christmas with our parents. Never fear we are prepared as always."
"I know honey. I'm confident we can find a way to make sure we are all safe from harm's way. We just need to be smarter than the enemy. One mistake the Dear One makes is, he does the same thing over and over. Such as, ride the train. He never varies his modius operidi. That is going to be his downfall."
"My downfall is you and Brian. Even though we both risk our lives, I'm very meticulous as method and results. Now let's snuggle up and do what God intended man and woman to do when in love."
****
Sandy was chosen again to visit the president. She stuck her nose in the air as Rocky looked on with a forlorn face. Sandy circled the van twice just to show off and Billy noticed. Billy was making his cheeks pucker sucking so hard on his Marlboro. Brad told him to get aboard or be left behind. Billy snuffed out his smoke in a sand can and climbed aboard.
Brad, once they reached altitude dug out Billy's reports and satellite pictures. In his mind he envisioned the operation from start to finish. Even though some parts of the mission still needed to be put in place, but he envisioned the helicopters doing their job.
Ideally, they would fly up the North Korean coast under radar and cut inland to intercept the train just before the Yalu River. Some question to answer, like, how many helicopters and men to bring a train to a halt. Usually six cars were made up for his trains traveling to an important destination. Brad thought three helicopters were needed. It would seem one chopper for two cars and the last one to bring the engine to a standstill. It might be unfortunate that the engineer and his partner might come to some harm, but hopefully they would not put up a fight.
Brad continued looking for holes in the mission while, Billy and Nancy were also discussing the logistics of equipment and men. Billy said, "Nancy, I can't imagine sneaking up on a train, shooting through the roof with rockets and then gas the riders. After that stop the train, load up the sleeping bodies, and then head for where? Where do you go once you have at least two if not three bodies riding in coffins?"
"I know Billy, but look at what would happen if that crazy dude nuked South Korean and Japan. This guy has nothing to lose. He had a stroke some years ago and is hanging by a thread. His oldest son is a dead beat and the second son is gay. That leaves the third son who is still wet behind the ears and has virtually no experience. Well, we have to give it our best shot. I've been reading some World War Two history and planning is the key. However, those that plan really never are placed in the actual plan. In our case, our planner leads the mission. Therefore, if it's a good plan and executed properly, we are winners."
By then Brad had put away his paper work and returned to his seat. Sandy jumped up next to him and laid her head in his lap. He rubbed her head and down her back. She gave out a quiet moan once in a while showing her love for her master.
The seat belt light came on, with the addition of the captain's voice announcing, touchdown in about twenty five minutes. Billy dug in his computer bag for a new pack of smokes. Nancy shook her head and said, "Billy, you'll be sorry some day when you're hooked up to oxygen."
He laughed and said, "As long as the oxygen is up my nose I can still smoke with my mouth."
As usual a helicopter waited for Brad and team. It was cold out as winter had set in on the east coast. A chilly wind was blowing and Steve Lewis had on his Burberry over coat. As always he was hatless. A grim look on his face greeted Brad and Brad took no offense knowing full well the strain he was under. Mr. X was out of the picture and now Steve Lewis had to take the brunt of the president directly.
Brad shook his hand warmly and Steve put his arm around Brad's shoulder as they walked to the waiting helicopter. Sandy made sure Billy kept up, but a smoke trail led from the plane to the chopper.
From the helicopter Nancy noticed how bleak it looked for a late fall day. An overcast sky and she could see street lights on even though it was early afternoon east coast time. Her stomach growled wanting lunch. Now she wished she'd had a bite to eat on the plane. Also, as Christmas was just around the corner, she had fond memories of her significant one. She felt a tear in her eye wondering how she was doing and if she'd found another lover. Well, no matter, she thought, as the helicopter began its decent, her life now was not in Washington, but in Oregon. Little did she know that was about to change.
As luck would have it for Nancy, the president was in a meeting so they all went to the cafeteria for lunch. Steve said, "The president was smiling so that is good news. I think he has something up his sleeve. We need some good news. However, Mr. X is probably out of the picture completely now. His cancer has progressed markedly after being in remission for a long time. Anyway, let's think good thoughts."
Sitting in the Situation Room, Brad waited patiently for the president to arrive. President Samuel Bates stormed through the door as if a fire alarm had gone off. His chief of staff followed like Rocky to his master Brad. With his usual eye to eye contact, the president said, "I've got some good news Brad. The Chinese will allow us to dock a military ship to show good faith during one of their New Year celebrations. I expect you could use the fireworks display as a cover for your operation. In addition, I have a North Korean defector that can help you gather some intelligence about the leader's actions. We've kept him under wraps while he has been training in the finer arts of being a spy. He's a quick learner. It's my thinking Brad you can infiltrate him into the north and gather some valuable information. I've set a meeting up with him for six pm tonight. Now perhaps you can enlighten me on the test or tests you've been doing in California."
Brad, succinctly and briefly told the president about the rocket tests and its apparent success. A full report will come in by Friday. Brad said, "My plan is thus. We'll use three stealth helicopters. All will be manned by SEALs. There's a long straight rail track just before the Yalu River. In a nose to tail formation, each chopper will fire rockets into the roof of two cars each of a six car train. The lead helicopter will, after firing its rockets, disable the train engineer and his fireman. After that the sleeping Kim's will be placed in coffins and transported back to the docked naval ship. What comes after is your decision sir."
"I hope it'll be that easy Brad. Now
, I've made a few changes as regards your team and the chain of command. Mr. X, as you know, is suffering from an advanced state of cancer and not expected to recover. Steve Lewis has, reluctantly, agreed to step in and take over. I'd like to see Nancy Longstreet in a new office here in DC. With Ms. Longstreet and Steve in the same office area, we can lessen his load. Also, she would be closer to me and our heads of security. In other words, a link between Steve and Nancy would smooth or pave the rough road we now have to travel. The Eisenhower Executive Office Building should do nicely for an office."
Brad was a little taken back at the new office news. However, on the surface it seemed right and he would see it in operation before saying anything negative or positive.
The president said he would be back at six pm to introduce the North Korean defector. Brad was thinking he wished his wife was here to interpret what was said. She had a keen insight and if he saw the future correctly, she would have a chance to meet this guy and give him her take on what she felt about the plan.
Indeed the office building was close by. Steve led the way as Nancy was in a state of wonderment. She had heard the president use her name and now she was being transferred to DC; also a new office with a fairly direct link to the president. This was all a bit much for one day and it had just barely got started.
They rode the elevator to the third floor, after passing through a security marine guard at the door. As they followed Steve down the hallway, he pointed to office 302 and said that was the office of the infamous Oliver North of Iran fame. Brad thought it a little ironic both he and North were in relatively the same business.
Coming to the end of the hallway, a door marked X Section stood open. Inside workers were still busy with some finish work. Brad went through the motions while Nancy was all ears and eyes. She loved the thought of the old buildings having very spacious offices and this was one of them. She guessed it took up about half the side of the floor with two doors.
Billy was searching for the best room for his computers. He found a niche with a window that looked out over the area. He wasn't sure what he was looking at but a nice view anyway. Sandy was into every nook and cranny sniffing out looking for god knows what. Finally she lay down next to where Brad was sitting talking to Steve about the North Korean defector they would meet in a few hours.
Steve said, "I know nothing much about him. I was told he spent a lot of time being trained by the CIA. His family is living in Seoul so we feel his loyalty is not misplaced by the threat of his parents being tortured due to his defection. Also, it's known that he knows his way around very well, Pyongyang the capital. Well, let's see what happens and I wish your wife was here. But maybe we can fly him to Oregon and have her chat with him after we finish here."
"That's a good idea. However, we'll have to hide the stealth helicopter as I don't trust him that far," said Brad.
"I'll leave that up to you. I'll have my hands full here. The closer we get to kick off time the more anxious the administration will get. The latest word on the North nuclear strike is still a good to go. Well, let's catch a snack before the meeting as dinner will be mostly a passing thought."
****
When Brad and company walked in there sat a Korean with a clean cut guy in a suit. No doubt the 'suit' was CIA. Soon after the president came in and sat down, meeting all members with his eye contact acknowledging their presence.
The president said, "Brad, this is Mr. Park. He speaks a little English but we have an interpreter for this brief meeting."
Brad didn't miss the word 'brief' and he was glad it wasn't going to take long. The CIA man spoke first, "Mr. Park has been in training for almost a year now. We feel he is quite capable to perform what you seek from inside North Korea. We've supplied him with our latest communication devices, which are built in his clothing, for optimum information flow. His paper work, upon inspection, is bona-fide and should pass muster. Mr. Pratt, his bag is packed and he's ready to receive any and all instructions you give him."
"Thanks you and we'll leave for the coast of Oregon directly after this meeting." Turning his attention to the president, "Sir, by Friday you should have a full report on the tests we're performing now. I know you're a very busy man, but would you say hello to Sandy my faithful dog?"
The president laughed and said, "I think this is a first in my life. I'd love to be introduced to your companion. I've heard about your two shepherds' and their brave deeds." Brad stood up and so did the president. Sandy followed her master to the president. Brad told Sandy who he was and that he was one of the good guys. Sandy looked back and forth at both men and then held her paw out for him to shake. The president shook her paw and then shook Brad's hand wishing him the best of luck.
After the president left and the CIA man disappeared, Brad said to Nancy, "Well Nancy, you're walking in tall cotton. A heavy load has been placed on your shoulders. I'll leave Billy here with you to set up communications. Of course we need direct lines to the Round House. By the time we get back to Oregon, the tests should be complete. Mike will give you the details and you can make the report for the president. There're a few things I'll add so wait until I give the final draft to you. Billy, do what you do best. I need some fresh close ups of the west coast of North Korea by satellite. Any questions?"
The flight back was uneventful. Mr. Park slept the entire way. Sandy, after checking him out, accepted him. Brad relaxed a little knowing Sandy thought he was an okay guy.
After landing in North Bend he told the pilots that in the morning they would fly to Palm Springs. Brad needed to see how the tests went and to have his father line up the proper ship to house the stealth helicopters.
It was around three am when Brad drove the van into the Round House. He'd called his wife and she met him and Mr. Park at the front door. Rocky and Sandy had a brief meeting too. Rocky stuck his nose up in the air and waited for his master Brad to stroke his back.
Sujin made some green tea and the three of them sat and talked until the sun came up. After that, Brad went with Rocky for a run on the beach with the SEAL team. So much was happening so fast, it wasn't until late the following night he had time to talk to his wife. However, that proved effective as Sujin had a lot of time to talk to Mr. Park.
By ten am Brad was in the air flying south to Palm Springs. Brad's father general Pratt was brimming with the news of the tests. When Brad arrived at his house, Mike, the colonel and father were sitting at pool side telling old war stories. Brad said, "Sorry to interrupt guys, but the story I want to hear right now is how the test went at night."
"Mike jumped in and said, "It went terrific. The only things I'm worried about if the track in North Korea is old, some swaying of the cars will might throw us off a foot or two."
"Brad Pratt, can't you even say hello to your own mother? Someday I'll be gone and you'll wish you came to the kitchen to say hello and give your mother a hug." She said this with a serious look that Brad winced and his father's face turned a bit red. He jumped up and spew forth a bunch of apologies and soon his mother smiled, saying with the smile, got you son.
The cook came out with a plate of sandwiches and lemonade to drink. Brad was suddenly hungry and decided to relax for a few minutes. Mike took a deep breath and said, "Wow! Brad you barely escaped with the hair on your head this time. If I were you, I'd not push it next time around." Brad and his mother laughed together.
After the food was wolfed down, Mike gave Brad a succinct account of the moving train test. He said, "We got lucky as no moon and it was completely dark in the desert. Of course the stars were out, but the pilots said with their night vision illuminating the way, it was a piece of cake. Like you ordered we had three choppers come in a line. The lead chopper and the one following passed over perfectly then each one fired off three rockets into their respective two cars. The lead chopper then hovered over the back end of the engine and two SEALs repelled down. That for all intents and purposes ended the test. The whole operation took only five minutes to disable t
he occupants and stop the train. All three choppers fired three rockets into each car. The recordings confirmed the gas was sufficient; and the animals were all sound asleep for a few hours after the test."
"Sounds good Mike and I'd like to view the video when we get back home."
Father said, "I understand you need a ship that can secretly house three or four stealth helicopters. Tell me more what you are thinking about."
"In Dalian, China, we will dock one of our naval ships as a good will visit. The ship will be open to the population, except certain areas. The back or stern will have an opening whereby the stealth helicopters can fly out unseen and unheard. As the Chinese New Year brings out tons of fireworks, nobody will see our choppers leave or return. Your job father is to work with the Navy and Mike will be with you to see the helicopters loaded and set sail for China. I'm told by the president that China will work with us on this mission."
"Sounds good son and now, what's this news about a defector turned spy from North Korea?"
"My word does travel fast in your circles father. Yes, he is currently in my home being entertained by my wife. Before she is through with him, nothing of value will remain in his head. We'll transfer him via stealth into North Korea's capital and wait for his reports. Apparently, he has some hi tech communication equipment concealed in his clothing. He's fairly confident he can verify 'The Dear One's' train and car as it leaves the station for China. I'm still on the fence as to whether or not to trust his report. We need a back up to verify the leader is on the train we are going to attack."
"You said Brad, that if memory serves, the leader's daughter is high military level and set his schedule. Is there any way we can find out from her the leader's schedule?"
'Dear One' Breathes Fire Page 5