Islamic State: England

by John Morris

  “Nonsense. Sometimes it’s good to mix with the troops, as it were, isn’t that correct, Director.”

  “I most certainly agree. Today I will take luncheon with the team here, and discover what they are doing behind my back. It’s good to pop in now and again, keeps them on their toes.”

  Educated banter ensued for a few minutes, before the senior man finished his drink, and rose to depart. The others left with him. Military departed first, the director closely following after giving Dan the drones. She headed to meet the Chief Constable with Alison and Veronica in tow. Dan was left alone with the Group Captain.

  “How did it go Tom?”

  “Very well, I have approval to increase the operation on a needs be basis, and have been confirmed in my new position, so no more acting.”

  “That’s brilliant news. You earned it.”

  “I’d never have stood a chance without your support, and don’t go protesting. That is the truth of the matter.”

  “I’ll leave you to tell Felicity, she will be delighted. She also has news of her own for you, but it is for you two, and Margaret to share, not me.”

  “Thank you. How’s it going?”

  “We are enduring as a couple, the job allowing, growing closer, and seem to be falling in love. She’s one hell of a girl Tom, you must be very proud of her.”

  Dan drove back towards the village, but toured Norwich, leaving small, solar powered drones in pertinent locations. Percy was practicing drone manipulation when he got back, and they got to work.

  It was after one when they heard a helicopter approaching, and went outside to welcome their colleagues. Felicity had already joined them, and several villagers also gathered to witness the rare event, mouths gabbling ten to the dozen.

  Greetings were brief. “I’ll fill you in a bit later, but things went well. Now, let’s have something to eat, I’m starved.”

  They took aperitifs in the restaurant, while Veronica was shown up to her room. Martin Edwards rushed in apologising for being late. He was also booked in, and shown immediately to his room.

  All enjoyed the meal, the Director remarking, “That was most agreeable. I now understand why you like it out here. Put the cost on your bill, Dan. Now, I need to see your base of operations, and then we can debrief.”

  The inspection was brief, and Stella was tasked to make pots of tea and coffee. Once settled in the operations room, the Director took out her notes, but spoke without looking at them.

  “On my way here we detoured, and flew over many of the villages you mentioned. I now see your problem, this is a nightmare. Were this to repeat regards all old tithe housing in the country, I dread to contemplate the results.

  “I had a most agreeable conversation with the Air Vice Marshal, who is broadly supportive of our efforts. He is interested in the significant military intelligence that you have provided, proof of militia, weapons, ammunition, and medium range missiles.

  “I, and this team, should be concerned with where these missiles could be used in UK, and what type of warhead might be employed. I am thinking particularly of dirty bombs and chemical weapons. Keep your eyes peeled for any supporting information. Let’s move on.

  “The Chief Constable was not a likeable man, but a dedicated servant of his force. He seemed irked that to be Chief Superintendent Stonehouse had sent a report, and request for support, on matters he knew little about. I filled in the blanks.

  “Our conversation remained difficult until Alison showed him aeroplanes landing, hundreds of Muslims getting off, and later being transported. She followed this with tracking of the same aircraft, showing it had arrived directly from Raqqa in Syria. She evidenced footage of Wymondham villages, and I mentioned the locals who lived there being bullied out of their homes.

  “He called Stonehouse to attend. That was perhaps a bad move on his part, as he was faced with three against one. We explained about our registering everyone in Lower Meddlington as owner of their home, and how we wished to expand the project, obviously to prevent the Islamification of more villages.

  “He was wavering, when Alison produced the false bills of sale copied from the Land Registry, and she supported with the appropriate clip of a farm manager denying all knowledge.

  “Stonehouse maintained pressure with the tale of Aunt Dotty, and he was tasked to complete all household registrations, as his first operation on taking up his new position.

  “Alison will fill you in on other details, but the only thing not sanctioned, was to move against Wymondham police station. The Chief Constable wanted to know how badly the force was compromised before arresting them.”

  Attention switched focus to Peterborough. Dan asked, “How did it go with Matthew Green?”

  “Extremely well, although he was taken aback at the scale of the next phase of the operation. Regardless, we have his full support, but that’s because there is a bonus and recognition, for the regional office making the most new registrations.

  Felicity spoke next. “This is going to make a lot of people exceptionally happy, I’m delighted. Have they offered any more staff?”

  “Yes my dear, four more trainees, with the possibility of more to follow, but I doubt it. So that makes six able bodies. How will you run this, Felicity?”

  “As before. I worry six young men away from home, and all together, may get up to mischief at night. So, a pair to each area, and it will probably fall to me, as acting Chief Inspector, to organise. That is a plus.”

  “Good, I have a few other things to mention before we wrap this up, but it won’t take long. Regardless of what happens locally, the focus must remain of the bigger, nationwide threat. Dan, what is your plan?”

  Dan ran them through his list of priorities, and how he would blood Martin in the field. Their immediate task was Luton, followed by eyes and transponders on vehicles attending the other airfields.

  The Director said, “That’s a lot of flying, Dan, and no doubt you will be visiting Europe in the near future. Time to save on hire costs. I’ll requisition a small jet for use on this project, and have Tim fly it up to Norwich. You also have a pilot’s licence, Veronica. That will give you all versatility.”

  “Yes Ma’am, but I haven’t flown in years.”

  Dan said, “Veronica, we’ll take a couple of practice flights with you in the chair. It will soon come back to you, and would prove a great relief to me.”

  The Director said, “Okay, we are finished here unless anyone has a question … Good. I am ahead of schedule, so Dan, Felicity, I’d like to take a peek at this house you have claimed.”

  “Thank You Ma’am.”

  Felicity replied, “I better leave now. You’ll be taking the chopper I presume.”

  As they landed Dan said, “Percy’s house is two doors over. We own everything from the river to the road. Set down at the top of the field, just before the orchard.”

  “You could have a light jet runway here, but I guess the neighbours would complain. Horses for children are good, or a smallholding. But then, you will both be too busy.”

  Felicity met them in the orchard, and took over as tour guide. The Director poked her head in rooms, but it was clear she was not there to view the property, neither did she bother with every room. Dan had rigged up an electrical extension cable from the main supply, and they made drinks in the kitchen.

  “This is impressive Dan, Felicity, and tells me of your thinking. It could become an ideal place to get away from it all. We all need our personal space you know, and someone at home. By that I mean, in both your instances, a partner that understands the duty you perform, and while that duty may never become more than your relationship and commitment to each other, it sometimes takes precedence.

  “Finding the right person is difficult. I did not.

  “It may be early days for me to say such things, but you look and behave like a couple, so you better get used to the idea.”

  “Thank you Ma’am, we will. But I’m sure you did not take this detour if th
ere wasn’t something else on your mind.”

  “Correct. The Chief Constable was most supportive of the asylum seekers cause, and hoping to offer more immigrant facilities. He mentioned moving against the illegal airports, but qualified his remarks to the contrary.”

  Dan said, “So, he stated what he must, and then gave reasons why this immigration should be allowed to continue unhindered.

  “He called it humanitarian relief. Sounds a bit PC to me.”

  “My problem is that these flights are scheduled by ISIL, not the government, or a relief organisation.”

  “Exactly. He appeared oblivious, even after I stated the facts quite clearly. I did not pursue the point, but it disturbed me greatly. He is in with the political movers and shakers, the senior councillors, social workers, and MP’s––nice for them to have the backing of the Chief Constable.”

  “No doubt, on retirement and a fat pension, he will be offered lucrative consultative positions, become chair of an inquiry. He’s marketing his future prospects, showing he will come in on the correct political side.”

  Felicity added, “Yes, that is common for Chief Constables when they retire.”

  “Yes Felicity. One of the reasons I wanted this little chat, was to warn you of his motivations. I would advise you, and your immediate bosses, to be extremely careful when moving against the asylum projects. I strongly suggest you gather information, but do not employ more than minor delaying tactics regards any pies the Chief Constable has his fingers in.”

  “Understood Ma’am, I’ll pass it upwards.”

  “Good. Now, regards GCHQ, has Colin been in touch, Dan?”

  “No Ma’am, not a peep.”

  “He’ll be working through the information provided at administrative level. I received a call late last night from Doug Simmons. He told me that the Commander of GCHQ Bude, wants to see you ASAP.

  “Your requests have sparked a few red flags it appears. I suggest you go tomorrow late morning, as Tim will by then have a light jet for you. Take Alison with you… No, have Alison available to supply you with information. The two newcomers will need settling in.

  “We are done, except for one last piece of advice, from a grandmother. Get a bedroom, bathroom, and the kitchen working. You will need a place to shut yourselves off, and this is ideal. Send me your report concerning your visit to Bude later, Dan. Felicity, always a pleasure.”

  After the Director departed, Felicity said, “What was that really all about, Dan?”

  “She’s a wily old stick. She was checking us out as a couple. Were you not who you are, you would be my Achilles heel. Remember, I’m adopted, raised by MI6. She’s the nearest thing I have to a mother.”

  “Understood. I better take you back to work, and then get on with my own.”

  Later, Dan took time aside to research Bude, also wondering what the forthcoming meeting was all about.

  GCHQ Bude was one of the most secretive arms of British central intelligence, and mainly dealt with satellite communications, and tracking. They were the only agency to be able to cover satellites in both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. They had been used for physically identifying and tracking, Taliban leaders, who were later taken out by American drones.

  The terrorist link was clear to see, and he surmised the connection had to be RAF Trimingham.

  Chapter 27 ~ Eyes On

  Dan was awake and busy early on Friday morning. He did not present a report, having seen the Director the afternoon previous. Tim called as he was preparing to go to Norwich airport. “Hello Dan. I got an old jet ready to bring up to you, but I will need taking straight back. How does Norwich for nine a.m. sound?”

  “I’ll be there waiting, so arrive as early as you can. My day is going to be a long one.”

  “I’ll be leaving shortly in that case. Anything you need up there?”

  Dan requested a few more supplies, and drones, packed a small case, and departed to breakfast with the team. They were talking about work for the coming day, and he needed to make arrangements to meet in Bude.

  “Alison, I need you to arrange our new jet has an apron and service facilities at Norwich airport. Refuelling after every flight, here are the details. I also need to know where to land at, or near GCHQ Bude.”

  Veronica insisted she take over as his PA. “Dan, I’m damn good at this, and Alison is far too busy to be distracted.

  “Alison?”

  “Yes please, I have too much on, and it only gets worse.”

  Dan was early at Norwich airport, but Tim was landing. They quickly offloaded and were soon airborne. Veronica came over comm. and said, “Dan, your appointment is for eleven o’clock and a private airfield is a few miles distant. Bude will collect you when you arrive. Details…”

  After dropping Tim off, Dan departed for Bude. It was a long flight, and the local airstrip granted landing clearance as he approached. He called Bude requesting collection. He landed, and departed immediately his transportation arrived.

  He was introduced to the Station Commander a short while later. “Hello Dan, please call me Bernie. We only use first names here, and they may not be our real names. It’s a form of security. “Thanks for coming so quickly. Refreshments are on their way, and in the meantime, I thought we should have a little chat.”

  “My pleasure, Commander. First, I need to know which flag, or flags, alerted my operation to you.”

  “Dan, please, let’s ease ourselves in. We both need to understand each other first, I believe. We will get to what brought you here shortly. Let me introduce some of what we do, as regards your interest…”

  Bernie focused mainly on identifying terrorists, the majority of whom were based in the Middle East, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. “We work closely with other international agencies, of course. The latest threat we are determining is that posed by ISIL, and this is where you come in. Tell me a little about your operation.”

  “We were brought in to monitor an airfield, and established two thousand illegal arrivals from Raqqa every day. Most were civilians, but several hundred were militia. They also transport weapons, ammunition, and missiles back and forth.

  “We have identified four other private airfields, and Luton. I hope to check that out this afternoon, and the other airfields next week. We regard this as being the prelude to the Islamification of UK and Western Europe.”

  “Thank you Dan. That is all that concerns us, for now at least. I should add we are aware of RAF Trimingham’s involvement, and they are using some of our resources. Switching squawks is a clever idea, as is their use of uncontrolled airspace. Never underestimate these people, Dan. How do you read what they are doing, locally I mean?”

  “They are creating a Muslim majority that will vote for whom they are told to vote for. We have already witnessed the effects, town councils, county councils, all gaining more Muslim representatives, although from differing political parties. The more worrying aspect is Muslims are also dominating the local parties, and they choose who stands for MP.

  “My problem is that this will take years to accomplish. I would presume that once a position of dominance is reached, they would all cross the floor and unite behind a new Muslim party. That is supposition. We have nothing on that officially.”

  “You think this is a wild goose chase.”

  “No Bernie, more of a Plan B on the back-burner. I would also state, I consider the latest rash of terrorist attacks on home soil, to be splinter groups, or Plan C. I need to determine what Plan A is.”

  “You are incisive Commander, and I broadly agree with you. I believe that if we co-operate, we may be able to solve that conundrum. What do you make of this?”

  Bernie passed Dan a large photograph of an Arabian face. “We had it digitally enhanced, recognise him?”

  “He’s older, but yes. ISIL. A unit from Aleppo.”

  “No longer. We have been taking out their leaders, and this one is now a Commander in Raqqa. This photograph was a still from your own airfield, three night
s ago. We need to know everything about this man: where he goes, who he meets, and when he leaves. Are you up for the job?”

  Dan tapped the picture as he looked up. “Plan A.”

  Bernie said, “If there is one jihadist, there will be others. We need full disclosure of what this lot get up to in Blighty. Are we clear?”

  “Crystal. Give me details of who you need watching, and we’ll run facial recognition software.”

  “We need higher quality images. Mistakes were made in Afghanistan. An innocent family lost their father. That’s why I’m prepared to offer you the latest in micro-drones. We have them on trial from the U.S. military. I can let you have six. They will be undetectable, once in position, say on a hangar, and are solar powered, with back-up battery.”

  “One dozen, and we have a deal.”

  “Perhaps eight.”

  “And what about monitoring a headquarters where all these ISIL commanders go?”

  “Ah. One dozen it is. Dan this is…”

  “Needs to know basis, I know. My Director, and only my closest will have knowledge. You have my word.”

  “Here’s my direct contact number, let’s swap details, and I’ll introduce you to Derek, he will be your dedicated liaison here.”

  “Excluding myself, Alison will be our main contact with you, Veronica as second.”

  Derek was an amiable young man, and after a short discussion, they parted company. Dan was driven back to his light jet, where he checked in with Veronica. He headed for Luton, she scheduling private landing, apron parking, and rental car for him in advance.

  As he settled to monitor the autopilot, he felt a heavy weight descend upon his shoulders. He had the support of what was becoming a great team, and had already begun to delegate. He had the backup and resources of both civilian and military at his disposal, and yet he still felt overwhelmed. He did not understand what exactly they were facing. If they--he got it wrong, it could result in the Islamification of England.