Islamic State: England

by John Morris

  The Group Captain said, “She knows her stuff all right, and must be a big asset to you.”

  “That she is. She’s our online information gatherer, and can access your system here, and those of other agencies, from her office. I thought it wise to personally introduce her to you and the team, as we will be working closely together, Group Captain.”

  “Thomas please, Tom. Except when official is required.”

  “Thanks Tom, please call me Dan. Alison will be dealing with the all of this on our behalf, on a daily basis. I would like her to receive an update once per day, say a morning report with video. Also if anything unusual occurs, like a transport plane landing off schedule. I would have her as dedicated liaison. Cuts out the middleman, me.”

  “Good thinking. The Sergeant that she is talking to right now, is an experienced operative who was sent to take over the running of this room. He has prior experience of this type of work, as do I.”

  “Let’s set this up then Tom, and make it official.”

  Dan checked the log, and was pleased to see a stable pattern emerge for Great Britain. The results regarding Europe were less predictable in destination, but the pattern of the airplanes was repetitive. After a short discussion, he and Tom went to action their plan.

  Dan spoke first. “How’s it going, Alison?”

  “Great. Sarge and I are getting along famously.”

  Tom spoke next. “Sergeant, please liaise directly with Alison, and send her a full report every morning, plus immediate instances of anything unusual––transport planes, that sort of thing.”

  “Yes Sir.”

  Alison said, “I only need a video of your screens, the twenty-four elapsed hours since the last backup. You had better send me the feeds from when this went pan-European, as we seem to be a little behind.”

  Sarge queried, “I’ll need a secure channel Ma’am, this is a military net computer.”

  “No problem, I already have access to it. Let me set up a secure socket we can use as a dedicated gateway to my server. It will only take a moment. Which console?”

  When they got back, Dan took Alison up to the hide, showing her the physicality of what they were about. She looked through the binoculars he offered, and after studying the aerodrome, said, “Thanks. This is exactly what I needed. I’ve seen the bigger picture, so now I can fully relate to the details. I’ll need to work for the next few hours to get everything the way I want it.”

  “As you do that, I’ll formulate a proper list of priorities, and what we need to check. The order of importance may change over the days, but this is where we begin. The biggest threat as of this moment, is the aircraft, so start there.”

  They returned to the office, and Alison went straight to her room. Percy said, “We had another delivery from our storeroom. I think we should follow her, see if everything is Okay.”

  They met Alison coming down the stairs. “People have been in my room. This is not secure.”

  Percy said, “Ma’am. I have a key, so does Dan, you have the only other. I let my men inside, and watched then as they placed what I hope is acceptable, for now at least. I secured the door afterwards. This place is most secure, especially your room.”

  “I’ll need to check.”

  They followed her, and it seemed Percy had got it about right. Alison had them move furniture around until she was happy. “Yes, this will do fine. Thank you Percy, Dan.”

  Alison got straight down to work. Dan and Percy caught up with Ben in the office below. They settled on a daily working routine, much of Percy’s work being transferred to Ben, leaving Percy free to do what he was best at, interacting with the local community, and keeping his ear to the ground.

  Ben departed just after five p.m., and Dan said, “You can go home if you want to Percy.”

  “I prefer to stay, at least during the week. Less nagging you know.”

  “No problem. Run Ben through the daily log for a few days, until you are confident he has got it. If you are not, do it yourself, and let me know. I also need to define Misses Nicholas’ duties.”

  The neighbour bustled in twenty minutes later, asking who needed dinner. Dan made her sit down, and laid down the law. “We are extremely grateful for your help, but I, and you, need to know what you are doing.

  “I would like you to provide breakfast for Percy, Alison, and I, plus probably Ben, for around eight o’clock each morning. There will also be lunch. Between breakfast and lunch, please clean and do what you do. You may only enter the two secure offices when the occupant allows. This is for your own protection. Finish after lunch, as we will all dine at the inn later.

  “You are also on the payroll.”

  Dan handed her an envelope full of cash, and she quailed. “Dan, I don’t need this! I’m supporting you, your cause.”

  “Thank you, and yes you are supporting us, admirably.”

  “No I’m not. I need something proper to do, obviously. I used to be Post Mistress of this place, and before that, confidential secretary for the manager of the local bank. I can type at over one hundred words per minute, with no mistakes.”

  Percy said, “That’s fast.”

  Dan added, “Very fast. Anything else?”

  “I spend most of my time online, when I am not here, and run a blog to assist older people, that has thousands of followers.”

  “Would those be local people?”

  “Most are. Why?”

  “I’d like to know why many of them left the area, and if any were––coerced to leave by foreigners.”

  “Muslims you mean. Yes, some were. Want me to start a new thread?”

  “Please, but keep it low key, a rant or moan thingamajig.”

  “Sounds like fun. I’ll see to it.”

  “Thank you Misses Nicholas.”

  “Stella, please.”

  “We are fully staffed right now, but should things change, I will call on you first. I presume you have an idea of what we are about?”

  “Yes, you are counting the number of illegal migrants and militia debarking aeroplanes that are pretending to be light aircraft, over at the old aerodrome…”

  By the time she had finished, Stella had given Dan an in depth summary of their operation. Dan was horrified that Stella knew so much about their operation. He considered, and it became obvious, idle slips of the tongue over breakfast or lunch. Perhaps seeing things when cleaning. Dan felt foolish but had to react quickly. He said, “Not a word to a soul.”

  “My lips are sealed Dan, always have been.”

  “Stella, I hope you mean that. The fate of this country may hang on the silence of your tongue.”

  “That’s why I said nout. None of my business anyways, unless you lose and the Muslims take over. I’m rooting for the team, Dan.”

  “Thanks Stella. Did you have any luck with the old freezer?”

  “No, I need somebody strong to move it and the others to a power point. If they work, they will need moving again. You look like a strong young man. Let’s go.”

  All the appliances appeared to work, but were in need of a good clean. Dan called Percy, and together they manhandled the items through to the shop.

  Alison came to them, and looking at the display refrigerators, said, “Is one of these going begging? I could do with one in the ops room. I tend to snack a lot, not eat properly.”

  Stella said, “Which one?”

  “Why the Pepsi one of course, I always pass the challenge.”

  “That may be, but I need to clean it first. Tomorrow perhaps.”

  “Oh, thank you so much. This place is beginning to feel like home from home.”

  They were about done when Dan’s mobile rang. “Felicity, are we on for tonight?”

  “Yes, finally. Pick me up from home at seven. Ciao.”

  Dan glanced at the time display and said, “Shit, I’m running late. Percy, lock up please, I gotta run.”

  Alison stole the moment, after his departure. “Wow! So Dan’s on a date. Who is she?
Come-on, spill the beans. This is so exciting.”

  Chapter 16 ~ Getting Set

  Dan awoke in Felicity’s bed, remembering a most enjoyable evening, one of the best in his life. He looked over at her sleeping form, and for the first time wondered if they did have a chance together. Almost immediately he berated himself, it could never work out. He reached over, and wrapped his arm around her, coaxing her gently awake.

  Running late, neither of them had time for breakfast. Dan said, “I’ll call you for tonight,” as he raced out of the door.

  Smells of breakfast wafted out the windows as Dan arrived at the office. He waited as Ben parked and they entered together. “No sign of Alison?” asked Dan.

  Percy replied, “Not yet. I think she worked through the night.”

  Dan went up and rapped on the door. Alison opened it, and said, “I’ve made great progress.”

  Dan asked, “Have you slept?”

  “No, not yet, I’ll do that later, once the basics are all in place. This is what I’ve got so far.”

  Dan was amazed at the progress she had made, a full working model of the Trimingham feed since inception, with pause and mouse hover, a pop up giving flight and cargo details. “This is brilliant Alison. What about the other airfields?”

  “Ah, I did those first, well, set them up at least. Now, this is not the technological stone age, so what I did was requisition four of this model drone, here on the screen. It is at the large end of mini, runs on petrol, and can hover or land vertically. It has a range of several hundred miles, but topping up the tank will be a problem.

  “Each of these comes with a detachable mini-drone that’s electric, and can recharge via solar panels on the wings. This would give you the ability to get close to the passengers, maybe even get facial recognition, or fly inside a hangar.”

  “Okay, I like this, great idea. What’s the catch?”

  “Somebody will need to fly them from a consol in this room: You. But first you need to put them in place, so I have chartered the jet you normally use, and it will be ready for takeoff at ten o’clock. Tim will be waiting for you at London City airport at eleven, and give you the drones, plus other things I have marked, like the tracking consol, and a proper computer with dedicated multi-screen capability.”

  “Good work Alison, I’ll need to make my report before I leave. This is going to be tight. What about the locations?”

  “Ah, I got good satellite fix of each, and have identified where the drones could be placed. They may need to be moved later, but that should not be far.

  “I’ve also identified these small airstrips, and will contact them before you get there. I’m presuming you will fly to the first from the City. Each lies within twenty miles of the target, close enough to save fuel, yet far enough away for you to not be observed.”

  “Alison, you are a star! I can’t believe this. Thanks. We will have direct contact?”

  “Yes, Tim will give you a satellite phone that can reach me on this number.” She wrote it down and handed it to Dan. “It should not interfere with the aircraft, but might do, so don’t use it during takeoff or landing.”

  “Got it. Anything else?”

  “Yes, I’ve decided to make this an operations room. The bed needs to go, and the wardrobe. I’ll need desks instead, plus secure storage. I’ll sleep next door, as the inn doesn’t work for me.”

  Dan glanced at the clock on the screen, and said, “I gotta go, will you join us for breakfast?”

  “No … yes, why not, I could use a short break.”

  Alison joined the breakfast table a few minutes later, and brought with her a vibrant buzz, despite the fact she looked overly tired. She added food to her plate, before stopping and staring at the traditional fried bread.

  She picked up one piece. It was a sodden mass of overcooked oil, fat dripping onto the plate below. “Oh my giddy aunt! You cannot be serious? Here, let me show you how it should be done. Stella, is this dripping in the frying pan?”

  “Yes, I cooked the bacon in it.”

  “Great! I call this Irish Fried Bread, in honour of my mother, and my roots. Use lard and not cooking oil.”

  Alison took two slices of thick white bread, pressed one side into the hot fat of the frying pan, and set them to grill. Once golden brown, she took one piece, leaving the other for people to try. Stella cut the strange toast into four, and was surprised by the reaction: “Delicious,” “Yes, so light and fluffy,” “Mmm. Another please.”

  Misses Nicholas was unsure, but tried the last piece herself. Her eyes widened in wonder, and she said, “It seems you can teach an old dog new tricks. Much healthier too.” With that, she took the plate of sodden and normal fried bread, and throwing it in the bin, cooked fresh to the new recipe.

  Dan left as soon as he had eaten, and made his daily report. He added a small page of supplies, asking Tim bring them to the City airport. The Director came live online, and they spoke briefly. She finished by stating, “I’ve taken over sole charge of your operation, so in future report directly, and only to me. Harry is aware, and is not expecting further contact from you, until this is over. I need you isolated. Get to the bottom of this Dan.”

  Dan returned to the office, and spoke briefly with all inside. The time was just before nine when he departed for Norwich airport. After pre-flight checks, he was in the air a little after ten, and touched down before eleven o’clock.

  Air traffic control assigned him an apron set to one side, where Tim was waiting with an SUV. Two men got out and started loading the jet, Tim coming to Dan and saying, The Director spoke to Alison, and this is the result. This bag contains your request. Let me show you how to operate this new drone, it’s state of the art.”

  Dan knew how to operate drones, but this was more complex, having the detachable mini-drone. He put the craft through its paces, before hovering to release, relocate, and return the mini-drone to the mother drone. The control consol was similar to a game pad, the display showing the craft under control, with the other inset top corner.

  Tim pointed out some features. “This shows mobile phone connection, as with your own phone. Reception is good here, so use that if you can. The antenna below is for Wi-Fi, which I doubt you’ll have, and the lowest is for direct satellite link. This always works, but is a heavy drain of power, so only use it in emergencies.

  “The mini-drone is similar, and displays here when in prime focus. Both can store several days’ worth of data, which you may need for the smaller drone. I set these up so that one consol controls only one drone. Normally an experienced operator would control all from the same one. You and Alison would understand this, but others may get confused. You can add other drones to the system, and define parameters using the menu, here.”

  “Thanks Tim, anything else?”

  “Yes, the Director asked me to give you this memory stick. I’ve no idea what’s on it, and she will send you an decryption code in due course. Be careful Dan, she seems to be relying on you to do the impossible, whatever that entails.”

  “Hmm. I’ve got a good idea.”

  “One last thing. One of the boxes contains a small arsenal, should you be discovered and need to fight your way out. “

  When Tim left, Dan requested a take-off slot, and departed London fifteen minutes later, headed for Rochdale. Alison confirmed his landing schedule with a flying club in the nearby countryside. Dan landed, and launched the drone immediately, landing it before meeting the inhabitants.

  Later, he was in Sheffield on the pretext of having his tyres checked. He paid a small fee in cash, leaving shortly afterwards, with more air in his tyres. The scenario, with differing guises, repeated in Derby and Leicester, each drone being placed where Alison had specified, to be moved into final position later.

  Dan called before takeoff, asking for a Transit van and a couple of able bodies to be in Norwich for when he touched down.

  He arrived back in Norwich a little after five, tired, but happy. Less happy when he rea
lised the able bodies were Percy and Ben. He barred their way. “Thank you, but this requires younger people, no disrespect. Please see if there are any porters, kids looking to make a buck.

  A civil argument ensued, but when Dan became distracted by a call from Felicity, the oldsters started off loading. Everything was going well, until they began to offload the new, large, and heavy monitor.

  Dan stopped them, and hefting one end, realised it would be a struggle for him. He hired a couple of young men to complete the job. Even they struggled with the monitor, but cleared the other items from the aircraft.

  They returned to the village in convoy, and Dan sent Ben home. He went to see the two lads that had started the ball rolling, and both Kevin and Neville were pleased to assist, especially when they realised they would be paid.

  Before they started work Dan said, “I want your word of honour, that you will say nothing to anyone about what you see. You are here to move furniture, and that is all you will relate, even to your parents.”

  They swore an oath, and began by putting smaller items aside so they could move the monitor first. They hefted it and Neville said, “Christ, what’s in this. Lead?”

  Dan grinned, “Yes, LED. Don’t drop it. Put it down if you need a rest.”

  They manhandled the weight up the stairs with some difficulty, and left it on the landing. Dan checked on Alison, who was in the bath. “Oh goody, I’ll be out in a minute.”

  “Have you slept?”

  “Yes, I had six hours, and am ready to burn the midnight oil. Get rid of Charlie’s bed, the one in my ops room is larger, three-quarter, and more comfortable. Take the wardrobe through as well, then we’ll have room to set everything up.”

  Alison appeared and gave instructions, as she knew what the boxes contained. “I’ll be a couple of minutes getting dressed, and then we’re a go. Is there any coffee?”

  The lads continued to carry stuff, as Percy went down to attend to drinks. He met Misses Nicholas, who had spent the afternoon cleaning the storeroom, and she took his order.