Red Mercury
Page 26
Joe Deakin was the team-6 member who walked into the Diner to keep eyes on Sun-Yung as he entered; he quickly scanned the area but could not see her.
He sat down at a vacant table and again scanned the Diner and thought that she may have gone to the toilet a waitress came over and asked him for his order, “a coffee white please,” he answered.
A few minutes later his coffee arrived and the waitress said, “anything else sir?”
Joe replied, “No that will be all.
“Enjoy your drink, sir.”
As the waitress turned Joe said, “Ma’am!”
The waitress turned and Joe said, “I am supposed to meet my girlfriend here I am running late, but I cannot see her here.”
“What does she look like?”
“She is Asian looking with black hair in a boyish cut with a parting.”
The waitress thought for a moment and then said, “a woman like that came in about ten minutes ago and met a man at the table over their,” she pointed to a corner table by a rear door exit. Both of them immediately went out the back door and have not come back in.”
Joe said, “What did the man look like Ma’am?”
“He was of a similar origin a lot older than her maybe in his fifties possibly her father; he had been in here for about ten minutes before she came in.
Joe stood up from his table and went over to the rear door opened it and looked outside, there were several cars and a couple of trucks all appeared empty, he spoke into his Comms, “Mobile-6 to eagle-3, over.”
Max replied, “Go ahead, over.”
“Sir, Sun-Yung has given us the slip; she entered the Diner and immediately left out the back with a man, it looks like they left in a vehicle, over.”
“Okay, see if you can find anyone whom might have seen anything out the back and then wait there, eagle-3 out.”
Max turned to the two unconscious CIA men in the back of the vehicle and looked back to the front again.
Tracy was driving and she had heard the conversation with the team at the diner and fleetingly looked at Max and said, “you looked concerned Max?”
“I have a bad feeling about this Tracy!”
“I don’t follow you Max, we have the suitcase and the two CIA agents and we have this virtually wrapped up!”
“Call me paranoid Tracy, but my instincts tell me everything about this stinks. How long to the safe house?”
“We should be there in about thirty minutes Max.”
87
‘ICIS’
Saltbox Hill
Biggin Hill
Kent
Lat = 51 degrees, 19.7 minutes North
Long = 0 degrees, 1.2 minutes East
Thursday 21st September 1989(same day)
Eighteen forty-nine hours BST
GAIL had used her extensive systems to recover the call from the payphone and was now about to play it to Strayker and Vince.
GAIL spoke, “The call was placed to a Pyongyang in North Korea and directed to Supreme Commander of the Korean people’s army Marshall Jong Kyok-Sik. They spoke in Korean however; I have translated it for you. I will play the call now.”
“Sun-Yung I am Marshall Jong Kyok-Sik, I was told your call was a matter of state security. I hope you are not going to waste my time, you are still wanted for murder!”
“Sir, I’m in possession of a Russian Red Mercury nuclear fission device, my terms are simple drop all charges against me and a full pardon for any previous or current crimes committed, along with my reinstatement and you can have the device.”
“Where are you?”
In America sir, I am just off Route-95 near Fredericksburg.”
“Give the number you are phoning from, I’ll call you back in ten minutes.”
GAIL said, “Marshall Jong Kyok-Sik returned the call seven minutes later I will play it for you now.”
“Sun-Yung, make your way to a diner at 305 Garrisonville Road Stafford just off route-95 north of you. A man named Lee Kwŏn will be waiting for you in the diner he will recognise you. He will take you to a safe place; I will arrange the documentation for your full pardon, which you will have once we have confirmed the validity of the device.”
“I am on my way now sir.”
Strayker was first to speak, “bloody hell this is getting out of control, we cannot let the North Koreans get a hold of this device, their just the sort to use it against the south. GAIL is there anyway you can trace her leaving the diner?”
“I have already redirected our satellite and will see if I can pick up anything on the traffic-cams and CCTV systems.”
“Okay connect me to Max.”
88
Safe house
Stockton lane
Richmond, Virginia
USA
Lat = 37 degrees, 33.2 minutes North
Long = 77 degrees, 30.0 minutes West
Friday 22nd September 1989(next day)
Zero hours and nine minutes EDT
Max had just arrived at the safe house when Strayker called him, “eagle-2 to eagle-3 come in over.”
Max said, “Standby one moment eagle-2.”
Max gave the orders to secure the two CIA men in two of the upstairs rooms of the house and then replied into his Comms, “Eagle-2 go ahead, over.”
“Max we have a serious problem, it would appear that Sun-Yung has played everyone, she is in possession of the Red Mercury.”
Max said, “I had a gut feeling something was not right, when sergeant Cray examined the suitcase and stated he was not happy with the weight of the suitcase.”
Strayker said, “Well she has it and has made a deal with the North Koreans to deliver it to them for a full pardon and reinstatement.”
“Where is she now sir?”
“GAIL is trying to track her using traffic cams and any other possible CCTV systems in the area.”
“Okay sir, what do you want us to do with our three prisoners?”
“Hold onto to them, I will speak with the PM and ask her to speak to the Russian and US presidents to arrange to take them of your hands as well as asking them how they want to proceed with Sun-Yung.”
“Copy that sir, eagle-3 out.”
89
10 Downing Street
City of Westminster
London SW1
Lat = 51 degrees, 30.2 minutes North
Long = 0 degrees, 7.7 minutes West
Friday 22nd September 1989(same day)
Zero six and forty minutes BST
The Prime Minster having been briefed by Major Strayker fifteen minutes ago was now on a three-way conference call with both the American and Russian Presidents.
Both the Presidents listened whilst the British PM spoke, “gentlemen, I have some good news and some really bad news regarding the on-going mission in America. Firstly, the good news is as you are aware Yurchenko is in custody and now both CIA agents are in custody. The bad news is the Korean woman Sun-Yung is now in possession of the Red Mercury device and has contacted North Korea and brokered a deal with them for a full pardon in exchange for the device.”
The American President Bob Dulles was the first to respond, “Madam Prime Minister, do you know where Sun-Yung is at the moment?”
“We are at the moment trying to track her down Mr President, however I must ask you both how you want to handle this?”
President Nikolia Zinoviev replied, “We cannot let the North Koreans have access to this technology, it would result in a total destabilisation in that region.”
President Dulles countered, “Prime Minister; your people are already embedded in this mission, I feel it would be tactless to remove them at this critical point, whatever it takes Prime Minister I would like them to apprehen
d Sun-Yung and the device.”
The PM thought for a moment and then replied, “Firstly you will both need to make arrangements to have the three men in custody at the safe house taken into custody as soon as possible, in order to release Max and his teams to pursue Sun-Yung, I will have the details of the safe house address made available to you. My people are already engaged in tracking Sun-Yung down, any questions gentlemen?”
There was a moments silence before the PM said, “leave it with us gentlemen, if anyone can stop this disaster happening it will be the OSC. I will keep you both updated thank you for your time.”
The Prime Minister immediately placed a call to Strayker at ICIS.
“Major; you can let Max and the teams loose on Sun-Yung as soon as you have her in your sights, both the American and Russian Presidents are on board with this.”
Strayker replied, “thank you Ma’am we will do our utmost to stop her.”
“The destiny of the world is in now in your hands Major, good luck.”
“We will not let you down Ma’am.”
90
Safe house
Stockton lane
Richmond, Virginia
USA
Lat = 37 degrees, 33.2 minutes North
Long = 77 degrees, 30.0 minutes West
Friday 22nd September 1989(same day)
Zero two hours and twelve minutes EDT
Max’s Codetta came to life with the voice of Strayker, “Max; you have a green light to track down and take appropriate action to neutralise Sun-Yung and secure the device. Also your three prisoners will be shortly taken off your hands, GAIL has some new Intel on Sun-Yung and I will now pass you over to her, over.”
“Copy that sir, go ahead GAIL.”
“Max; I have been able to locate Sun-Yung leaving the diner using a petrol station CCTV system across the road, it was not the best quality footage but I was able to clean it up and obtain the licence plate as, 2039-BKX a New York plate on a rented Ford station wagon. I have checked on traffic cams and when the vehicle left the diner, it joined route-95 north bound and is currently on route-395 heading north nearing Washington, over.”
“Copy that GAIL; we will need aerial support to get us up there and advise mobile team-6 to pursue them.”
Strayker responded, “I will make a call Max and have the Americans provide transport, over.”
“Standby sir, I will liaise with Tracy for a pick up point.”
Max called Tracy over and said, “We need an aerial pick up point anything close to us Tracy?”
“The UR stadium on Maplewood Ave is fifteen minutes away that should be okay Max.”
Max spoke back into his Codetta, “eagle-3 to eagle-2 we have a pick up point location at the UR stadium on Maplewood Ave, over.”
Strayker replied, “Okay Max make your way over there, I will arrange the transport, out.”
91
Richmond City Stadium
3201 Maplewood Ave
Richmond
VA 23221
Lat = 37 degrees, 33.0 minutes North
Long = 77 degrees, 29.2 minutes West
Friday 22nd September 1989(same day)
Zero three hours and nine minutes EDT
The stadium was built in 1929 and seats approximately 22,000 people.
The stadium was known as City Stadium until 1983, when it adopted the name University of Richmond Stadium or UR Stadium as part of an agreement, in which the University of Richmond agreed to lease the stadium for $1 per year in exchange for maintaining the facility.
Max was at the stadium with Roy, Vas, Tracy and Roy’s team-4; the four remaining members of team-6 had been left at the safe house guarding the three prisoners.
They heard the approaching throb of the helicopter a few moments before if came into view.
Tracy looked up and said, “It’s a Whitehawk from the Presidential squadron based at Quantico, The President must have called them in to assist us.
Max looked up at the helicopter as its silhouette changed entering the lighted area and noticed its unique colouring; the main fuselage was a green colour with the top near the rotor blades in white with the US flag imprinted upon the white painted section.
The Sikorsky VH-60N Whitehawk from the US Marine Corps call sign HMX-2 was piloted by Jim Tracy, he had been ordered by the President to pick up an armed Special Forces unit from the stadium and follow the orders implicitly of their leader colonel Max Storm, no questions asked.”
The pilot had reduced the helicopters speed to 85 knots bringing it down towards the ground he lifted the nose to further reduce the speed and the descent rate immediately began to drop at the same time.
As the helicopter neared the ground, he reduced the speed further by pulling on the collective leaver with the helicopter gently touching down.
Max gave the order and they moved to the opening starboard door and as they clambered in the doorman spoke to Max, requested he go up top, and speak to the pilot.
The pilot turned as Max approached and said, “You Colonel Storm?”
Max quickly noted the pilot’s insignia on his flight suit consisting of a single fouled anchor, surmounted by a shield with 13 stripes, centred on a pair of wings that also indicating the pilots name and rank.
“That’s correct lieutenant, I presume you need coordinates?”
The pilot had noticed the distinct and unusual assault uniform as they had approached the helicopter and now the English accent he said, “Sir, you British?”
“Max replied, “lieutenant the less you know the better, now head towards your capital, I will give you more precise coordinates once I have them.”
As Max returned to the cabin area the co-pilot, Doug Ramsey said to his pilot, “their uniforms and body armour are defiantly not US issue and that name colonel Storm, it is familiar but I cannot put a finger on it.”
“Let’s leave it Doug, and concentrate on getting these guys to their destination.”
Doug Ramsey replied, “Okay sir, we are clear for take-off.”
92
Central Intelligence Agency
Langley
Fairfax County, Virginia
USA
Lat = 38 degrees, 57.2 minutes North
Long = 77 degrees, 8.8 minutes West
Friday 22nd September 1989(same day)
Zero three hours and thirty-four minutes EDT
Chuck Morris had spent the last few hours in his office discreetly collating the information packages on Carter and McFaul; he was just about to leave when his phone rang.
Looking at the time, he knew that whoever was calling knew he was in his office.
He picked up the call and said, “Director Morris.”
The voice on the other end was immediately familiar as the Presidents, “Chuck I have just been speaking with the British PM and the Russian Premier. I presume you have not had any recent contact with colonel Storm?”
“No sir, I last spoke with him last evening before they went to grab Carter and McFaul along with the device. Why has something happened?”
“Yes Chuck and it is not good.”
President Dulles briefed him on the events and the situation with Sun-Yung.
When he had finished Chuck Morris let out a sigh and said, “Christ this is becoming an ever evolving nightmare sir!”
“I agree Chuck, all we can do is pray that the OSC can secure the device and deal with Sun-Yung. The British have asked that we take Carter and McFaul into custody from the safe house; the Russians are sending some people there to secure Yurchenko. I don’t need to remind you Chuck that this needs to be done discreetly.”
“Leave it with me sir; I will arrange the transfer so it is kept off the radar.”
“Good man Ch
uck, I will speak to you later today unless anything urgent requires us having an early talk.”
“Okay Mr President.”
93
Airspace
Forty miles south of
Washington DC
Lat = 38 degrees, 29.4 minutes North
Long = 77 degrees, 10.2 minutes West
Friday 22nd September 1989(same day)
Zero three hours and thirty-eight minutes EDT
Max had kept in contact with mobile team-6 and continual updated the pilot with the course.
He was now receiving another call from team-6, “eagle-3 from mobile team-6, target vehicle has now stopped and is entering a warehouse style building, over.”
Before Max could reply GAIL came in, “eagle-3 the satellite indicates the building is on Thirteenth Street, number 559, close to the junction of Taylor street NW. My records show the building is a shoe import company named Barnabas shoe emporium Ltd, specialising in shoe imports from North Korea. I am now sending the coordinates to your pilot, over.”
“Copy that GAIL, team-6 stay on site and advise on any further developments, out.”
Max spoke to the pilot, “lieutenant you should be receiving coordinates to our target area.”
Lieutenant Tracy replied, “yes sir, we have just received them, making alterations to target area now.”
94
Barnabas shoe emporium Ltd.
559 Thirteenth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20004
Lat = 38 degrees, 53.8 minutes North
Long = 77 degrees, 1.8 minutes West
Friday 22nd September 1989(same day)
Zero three hours and fifty-three minutes EDT
Sun-Yung had spent some time speaking with the man named Lee Kwŏn and had learnt that he was the proprietor of the business at the warehouse they had just entered.
Like all North Korean’s Lee Kwŏn had been conscripted at the age of seventeen and had served the maximum five-year term.