Islamic State: England

by John Morris

  In his summing up, the Judge said, “If you refuse to swear an oath of allegiance, of loyalty to this Country, and our Queen, then you do not deserve to be a part of it. Citizenship revoked!”

  V. J. Ali was charged with extortion, smuggling, coercion, and attempted murder. When asked to swear an oath of allegiance, he spat at the bench, and went off on a foul-mouthed tirade. He was sentenced to be executed that day.

  The statement Waheed had made went some way to implicate his father, Hussein, although most of the evidence relating to murder, violent behaviour, running human trafficking, prostitution, underage prostitution, drug, and alcohol racketeering, came from his own records, including that which Waheed tipped Felicity off about. Charges of forced marriage and FGM were added to his file, and Hussein the Father, was found guilty on all counts. He refused to take the oath to Queen Charmaine, and was sentenced to death.

  Nevertheless, Waheed’s evidence had a far more damning effect on Mohammad, who stood stone faced in the dock, and said, “I do not recognise this court, I only recognise the judgement of Allah.”

  He refused to answer any questions, and looked at people with a menacing glare. He, too, was asked to take the oath, and tried to attack the Bench. He was sentenced to immediate execution.

  Most of the minor players were dealt with more leniently, and especially those who took the oath to Queen Charmaine. The trials were set to run through the weekend, where councillors, and local gang leaders, thugs, smugglers, human traffickers, and child prostitution racketeers, plus enforcers, would be tried. The two ex-senior police officers from Wymondham would be in that group.

  Although many were sent to the new regime, harsh prisons, inmate numbers were quickly dropping as foreign offenders were deported, as were many of the newly convicted.

  The pattern repeated across England, until the threat of ISIL, and supporters of Muslim extremism, were either sentenced, executed, or deported. University campuses were included, the ringleaders and troublemakers already well know. Similar trials occurred in towns not directly affected by ISIL or Muslim takeover of council.

  With Leicester retaken, only Birmingham remained. One quarter of the large city was under ISIL control, and taking it would be a long engagement. Makaarim became a part of the expanding new team at Veronica’s request. She transferred to the village, and it was her, not Sinjun, that came up trumps.

  “Veronica, I just found a group opposed to Daesh. They are based in Sparkhill, with branches in Bordesley, Small Heath, Ward End, and Lozells. They want to work with us. How do you want me to play this?”

  “Carefully, they may be ISIL.”

  “I’m sure they aren’t. ISIL/ISIS supporters never use the word. They consider the acronym DAESH: Dawlat al-Islamiyah f’al-Iraq w Belaad al-Sha, an extreme insult, and kill anyone that uses it. They will be genuine.”

  “I’ll call Dan immediately.”

  Dan arrived at the office a short time later, and after hearing what was on offer, became subdued. “If this is kosher, it’s a massive lift.”

  He called Bude, and later the Director, before speaking to Sir Jack.

  “So let me get this straight, Dan. Instead of our planned ground assault, we undermine from the inside?”

  “Yes, Sir Jack. We’ll insert some of our best agents, and ask MI5 for full support. I’ll also go in, check them out personally. If this is for real, we can take them from the inside. We would need to smuggle arms in, or steal theirs. Your siege can then be plan B.”

  “Yes, a supporting action. I like that. Destabilise the centre first, before we hit. Regular reports, Dan, until we have a plan in place.”

  With his Director’s approval, Dan sent several teams into Birmingham. He liaised with Steve Sterling from MI5, and together they assembled a subversive operation. Dan and Steve went in together, finding the group to be genuine. They both decided to stay and direct action on the ground from the inside.

  Their small group learned of weapons stores and local control centres, who was in charge, and tracked hardliners. Once information was gathered, and formative plans in place, Dan spoke on an extremely secure line with Sir Jack. “Sir, we are ready here. What’s your position regards the strike?”

  “Your Makaarim came up with something odd. I spoke to Sinjun, and my own advisors, and it breaks the rules, but should be highly effective. We will parachute in troops at twenty-two hundred hours, on New Year’s Eve. You will need to begin earlier, but leave zero footprint. Take the arms bases, and activate local cells of resistance. Also, take out any soft targets, especially ISIL control centres.”

  “Got it. They won’t be expecting that. Good call, Sir. Most will be off guard, and half drunk by then. Islam appears to be a curious religion.

  “We’ll need ninja’s, Sir. By that I mean our best SAS platoons, here on the ground to be briefed before we strike.”

  “It will be as you wish. They will need a safe corridor in.”

  “We may just have several. The old canals. They aren’t monitoring those. Come in from the east, south, and the Black Country, and we’ll set to work in advance of the others.”

  “Good work. Call me tomorrow at eighteen-hundred hours, and we’ll be ready to deploy the next evening, New Year’s Eve. Excuse me, I need time to set this up.”

  Felicity was aghast when she heard of the plan, but she realised his duty to Country was paramount, if only for a few days. The people needed freeing from ISIL, and she rationalised her personal emotions against the greater good of all.

  Two days later, after turning down offers of New Year celebrations, she joined the team at five-thirty. All except Sinjun were present, and he was on videoconference.

  Alison said, “Dan and the first wave go in at six, eighteen hundred hours. Felicity spoke to him, and he seemed upbeat. She buffed his ego, but afterwards experienced a new feeling, that of impending loss. To calm her fears, she became busy, making drinks and snacks, before becoming immersed on comm., as information began to flow.

  The hours flew by as the team worked to support operations on the ground. The caliphate were caught completely off guard, and inroads into their infrastructure were quickly made. Pinpointed by Bude, fighter/bombers took out local bases, and as disarray of defending forces mounted, troops began the external invasion.

  It was bloody. Many died, including innocent civilians. ISIL had used many as human shields, and killed some in desperation of being overrun.

  The fighting continued into January, but by the third day, most of Birmingham was again under British control. Isolated pockets were then taken out; resistance infiltrators securing many British lives, before buildings housing ISIL troops, were taken out by missiles, aircraft, or drones.

  Dan returned to Lower Meddlington on Tuesday the third, when the fighting was as good as done. He sported new wounds, but was in fine spirits. Felicity fell into his arms, her relief palpable for all to see. Once feeling secure, she berated him for being so foolish. Notwithstanding, admiration for her chosen man soon took precedence, and she took him home to comfort and recuperate.

  §

  In her New Year’s Message to the People, Queen Regent Kathy made a public proclamation. “My people, it is my pleasure to announce the scourge of ISIL has all but been driven from Britain’s shores, and will never be allowed to return.

  “Some may consider our actions to be extreme, but so were theirs, and we played by their rules. Our aim was to make the roads and byways of Britain, safe for women and children to walk the streets alone at night. We have mostly been successful. This cancer has now, virtually been removed.

  “We have already deported thousands of thugs and tricksters, con artists, smugglers, thieves, murderers, paedophiles, and people traffickers, back to their home countries in Europe and the Middle East. The vast majority were Muslim extremists.

  “Please put aside your personal hatred and bigotry, and welcome into the bosom of our society, those moderate Muslims that remain. Help them integrate and enhance our
culture.

  “Of those deported, that those countries are now under ISIL rule is not our concern. These people, by their total disrespect for life, human decency, and the laws, the morals of this country are guilty of treason. Please report all instances to local police, who will follow up. Our border controls are now some of the toughest in the world. They will not be returning.

  “We are undertaking a massive restructuring of government, and hope to hold a General Election to restore Parliament, but later this year. We are also creating a new, light-weight civil service, and returning core industries and infrastructure to state control. Education, Power, and Health face a new beginning, as does implementing our national police force.

  “Please continue to check this channel, and see our official website for latest updates and information. Thank you, may you rest in peace.”

  The New Year saw Felicity being given the highest commendation by her force. Her work, her results far exceeded expectation. Dan’s team regrouped under a new title, and continued to recruit new members. Veronica was naturally tasked with training, and identifying personal skill sets.

  The team were still monitoring UK, but the focus tended to be small and specific outposts of Islam. The UK mopping up operation was in full swing, but for the team, their old job was largely done.

  Veronica moved on from basic training, to have new teams monitor their past threats out of sequence, where they had to make their own logs, decisions, and calls. It proved an interesting, entertaining, and valuable teaching tool.

  Dan spent some time away talking with Sir Jack and other military, plus fledgling government departments. Their first resolve was the security of the British Isles. Some talks included representatives of Eire. Dan made friends with his opposite number in the Irish security services, and they developed a good understanding.

  Dan’s main obligations for the New Year were, to ensure the continued freedom of Spain and Portugal. Italy appeared to be teetering on the brink, but Dan’s number one charge was to liberate France. The team began to work in close association with the Free French, and they largely adopted the British approach.

  Dan called Sinjun. “I just finished with Sir Jack, and your work on Leicester was to quote him, ‘Brilliant!’ well done. They needed the lateral diversions you scripted, to confuse the enemy, and many lives were saved. He gave me his full proposal to pass on. You remain with the new team, for now, and are promoted to Major-General, backdated to when you came to us.”

  “That is most agreeable Dan. I accept the appointment with relish.”

  Chapter 53 ~ Last Strike

  Felicity held her hen party the following Wednesday, in Norwich. It began with exotic coffee and snacks, followed by shopping. The girls stopped in each bar they came to, and had a great time. They took in a wine bar, a risqué show, finishing in a club. It was late when she fell asleep on a friends couch, but she did make it into work the next morning.

  Dan also had his stag do the same night, and Percy decided they should have a beer at each pub on the ‘square mile’, as they called the walk around the roads of Lower and Upper Meddlington. To his party were added Sinjun, Martin, and Alison.

  They started in the pub near the police station, dropped in at the pub at the top of the road, and then walked out to the off licence at the shopping centre. Percy called Alf, who gave them a ride to the top of Upper Meddlington high street. He departed saying he’d join them later. They had a pint in each pub, news of what was afoot quickly spreading. Sid the builder and his mate joining them.

  The fourth pub in Upper Meddlington, was a little way down the road towards Lower Meddlington, where they topped up and were getting a little drunk. Percy made sure he and Dan ate several rolls, and the half-mile walk back to town seemed to ease their drunkenness. Out of courtesy, they went to the pub that was virtually a restaurant, and had a quick pint there, also spreading the news.

  After backtracking to the quietest pub, they went to the nearest from home, knowing their goal was in sight. Alf joined them, and they stayed for two pints, before heading off to complete the circuit where they started. Many had gathered there to welcome them, local farmers, shopkeepers, and people that knew, or knew of Dan. They held out until last orders, and Percy saw to it that Dan’s drink regularly disappeared.

  They had had a great night, made a big impression on the people they met. Percy saw Dan home. Dan was asleep as soon as his head hit the couch, and Percy napped in the armchair nearby, waiting for the inevitable. Dan threw up several times during the night, he was not a big drinker. Percy got him to drink isotonic water, and napped.

  Sid rapped the door at seven. “I’m going to get the lads bacon butties, do you need any?”

  Percy thanked Sid, and ordered four. Dan came out of his drunken slumbers looking bad, but alive, and he revived with hot, sweet tea, and breakfast butties. After a shower, Dan was more like his old self, and thanked Percy for staying. “I had to. Threw up three times so you did, in that bucket right there. You should be as right as rain in a few hours, and you made a good impression with the locals.”

  “But you drank the same. Why aren’t you like me?”

  “A secret not to be shared. I did’ne. I drank a little of each glass, and sidled it away, and I also ate a little. Okay, I did enjoy a couple near the end, but for the most part, I was okay to drive. The Best Man’s job is to entertain, look after, and look out for the Groom. It was my first time.”

  Both Dan and Felicity worked on Thursday, and finished their day knowing they had a long week off. They shared a quiet, loving night in, telling tales of their nights out, and talking of what was to come. They were nestling awake on Friday morning, when a rap came to their front door. “Not your mother at this early hour?”

  Dan went down and let Margaret in, Tom leaving for work. The morning was dark, cold, spittling with rain. Margaret said, “There’s a warm front coming in overnight, tomorrow should be a nice day.”

  Dan went back to bed, and later, Felicity got morning coffee, as her mother rattled on. “Now you did tell the bridesmaids to come for fitting, didn’t you? Who’s the chief usher? … I better get that sorted. Where's the guest list? You see how much there is to do.”

  Dan and Felicity chuckled. They did not see, and knew everything would be fine. The day became busy, although Dan had little to do, and went into work. That evening the bridesmaids arrived, with their hired dresses, and Margaret checked their fittings until satisfied.

  Dan called around seven. “How’s it going, Filly?”

  “Great, we’re almost done. What about you?”

  “I’m still at the village, and it’s bad luck to see you before the wedding. I’ll stay here for the last time tonight, and avoid seeing you in the morning. Percy and your mother can ensure I remain out of sight. I’ll prepare in the library, so have my wedding tackle sent there.”

  “I miss you, but I know you are right. Until tomorrow, then. Mwah.”

  Dan slept well, completed his morning routine, and ate breakfast with the team. The day was like spring, warm and calm. Percy called at nine. “Time to come home Dan. All is ready and you are expected.”

  He was being dressed in the library, when the sound of a jet came from the field. He ran out the back, and found Sir Jack parking a Harrier near the hangar. “Today’s the big day. Oh, not a wedding present, but we may still have a little job to do later, and I have a lift back today. Here’re the password; read, memorise, and eat.”

  They walked back, and Dan was ushered once more into the library, where his fitting was almost complete. Several people arrived, including the team, and the house was busy. Cameramen and the local press were in their element. Sir Jack was adjusting Dan’s medals, when an aid rushed up. “Sir, Queen’s Flight is compromised. The interceptors were drawn off, and there’s a new threat.”

  Dan threw off his jacket and ran for the field. The engines were coming up as Sir Jack and a cameraman reached the field. Dan closed the cockpit canopy, saluted wi
th his first two fingers, and the Harrier rose into the air. Dan activated forward thrust, and pulled up the nose, as the undercarriage was withdrawn. He released vertical thrust as the plane came over, and sped away in the opposite direction. Sir Jack said, “I’ve never seen that manoeuvre before, we’ll need a copy of the recording.”

  Dan contacted military control. “This is Dan flying Sir Jack’s Harrier. I am on my way to assist Queen’s Flight in difficulty. Directions to destination and current status.”

  “Dan, you are the nearest to them. Four fighters drew the interceptors away, and the dogfight is still in progress, if two bogeys down. There is a new threat, an old aircraft, but it is closing. You should reach QF about the same time. They are approaching a small mountain and will try to dodge behind it.”

  Dan came closer, and saw Queen’s Flight nearest him, being hunted. His angle of approach was an advantage. He locked and fired at the enemy plane, taking it out, but not before it released two heat seeking missiles. “Patch me through to QF.”

  Dan continued to close, taking a route that would put his Harrier between the missiles and the helicopters. Closing on position he said, “Queens Flight, this is Dan, I’m in the Harrier in your mirrors. I am going to have the missiles come after me. On my mark, dive, and hope they follow me. Out.”

  Dan positioned himself between the missiles and their target: “Dive.”

  The missiles were locked on Dan, and he tried to outrun them, pulling the nose up until they were climbing vertically. The nearest missile was too close for comfort, but it spluttered and fell back to earth. The other, a newer version, did not. He tried to shake it off with normal manoeuvres, but was unsuccessful. He was considering more extreme measures, when his earpiece said, “Harrier pilot, Interceptor one is with you. I cannot lock on the missile, you are too close together. Can you shake it off?”