by Bella Juarez
“This is really cool,” Isabel said as she sipped her tea and looked around.
“It is. What do you want to do tomorrow, angel?” Alex asked.
Alex was surfing on his phone, catching up on the flood of messages that had stacked up since he’d been in Afghanistan. Two of those messages in succession made him laugh out loud, catching Isabel’s attention.
“What’s so funny?” she asked.
“Messages from my mom and sister,” Alex answered.
“Oh? Your mom and sister? You have a sister? Where are you from originally, Alex? I really don’t know that much about you, considering,” Isabel said.
Alex looked up from the phone and stared at Isabel. His background and hers were worlds apart. She’d struggled all of her life and worked for everything she had. He’d been privileged and grown up having everything handed to him. His entire life had been easy until joining the Navy, and the hardest thing he’d ever done was his SEAL training. No one had handed him a damn thing there and it was all his. He knew with her attitude about the wealthy, his past may even be a deal breaker for her.
“What do you want to know, angel?” Alex asked.
“Where are you from?” Isabel asked.
“California.”
“Is there a city?”
“Beverly Hills.”
Isabel smiled and looked away. “I knew it,” she scoffed.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“I knew you were from money.”
“Really? I don’t have any money. I’m just a lowly enlisted medic in the Navy,” Alex said.
“Yeah, right. It’s written all over you, Alex. You can always tell good breeding. So what happened with your mom and sister?” Isabel asked.
Alex was relieved that Izzy didn’t go into one of her rants about how wealthy people get rich off the backs of the poor.
“They were wishing me a happy birthday,” Alex said.
“When was you birthday?” Isabel asked.
“A few days ago, angel.”
“Is there a date? I should know it.”
“May the tenth. My sister’s a comedian. She always has something witty to say.”
“Are your mom and dad still together?”
“Yes, they are.”
Alex could tell this conversation was bothering Isabel. He didn’t know what to say to make her feel more comfortable with him. Their pasts were so different and Isabel was very insecure. He knew that only time and patience would cure her uncertainties. For now he needed her to feel like he was open to talking and being honest with her. He would give her his trust in hopes that one day she would reciprocate. They talked as they ate and were entertained by a wandering gypsy family in the open-seated area. The woman honed in on Isabel.
“Such a mysterious beauty. Would you like me to tell your fortune, beauty?” the gypsy asked in perfect English.
Isabel giggled and looked at Alex. “No, but you could tell his. I’ll bet he has quite a story.”
Alex chuckled and picked up his phone. The gypsy woman took his phone and set it on the table. She took his hand and turned it over so she could look at his palm. Her head snapped up.
“Master!” she exclaimed lowly. Alex twitched slightly and almost pulled back his hand at the word. “Your destiny is linked by two women. One you will almost lose but regain to almost lose again. You must possess both to tame your restlessness and find true happiness. Be careful of those who are close. The light one is your enemy,” she said.
Alex dug into his pocket and took out some euros. “Thanks for the heads-up,” he said as he handed the gypsy some money.
“No, Master. It was my privilege to meet one so rare,” the gypsy said, folding his hand over the money. “Guard what you treasure. It is not safe,” she said as she bowed low and backed away.
Alex put the money back in his pocket and picked up his phone. Okay…that was officially weird. He tried to shake the creepy feeling the gypsy had given him. He’d never seen this woman, much less talked with her, and she’d hit close to home. He mentally went through the things she said and disregarded them one by one.
My destiny is linked by two women? What two women? Hell, I’ve forgotten how many I’ve had. I sure as hell ain’t got time for a relationship with the one sitting next to me. Much less two! I’ve got enemies close? Yeah? No shit! I’m a SEAL. That could apply to anything. Keep what I treasure close? What the fuck kind of code is that? That could mean anything, too. Master…How the hell was that a draw for her? Maybe she’s in the lifestyle and knows one when she sees one. Through his peripheral vision he could see Isabel staring at him, so he turned and looked at her.
“Are you okay?” Isabel asked.
“Why shouldn’t I be?” Alex asked, looking down at his phone. Isabel didn’t answer. He looked at her again. She was looking at him with some interest. He cocked his head. “Please don’t tell me you believe that crap.”
“No, but you looked pretty surprised by something she said.”
“Nothing surprised me about what she said,” Alex said, taking a drink of his bottled water. “Because it was all crap.”
Chapter 11
Military Counter Intelligence Research Laboratory
Near Aksakovo, Russia
May 21, 2009/0658 Zulu
Azad was working on documenting his latest findings and he was dragging his feet. He was scheduled for a trip to Afghanistan to the lab where all of this started. Because of the location, Iran was controlling it and guarding. He would be collecting the samples because Ivanov didn’t trust the Iranians. Thank God! He was also supposed to plant a little surprise while he was there. Hopefully Kashi would be able to pick up the signal and direct the team he was working with to the location. They needed to destroy it and he needed to come up with a suggestion after his visit. One of his eager lab assistants burst into his office, interrupting his plotting.
“We’ve done it, Doctor! Come quickly,” the man said.
“What have we done?” Azad asked, looking away from his computer.
“The nanobots, I have discovered how to eliminate them,” he said.
“Oh?” Azad asked with a smile.
Bloody hell! That’s not what I wanted to hear today!
Azad came from around his desk and followed the lab assistant out to the lab where he’d been working. Who the bloody hell told you to run those test? They were supposed to be working on mutating the pathogen, not finding a way around the antibiotic that controlled it. He followed the lab assistant to the workspace and listened to the explanation.
“I’ve just discovered it, Doctor. I really hadn’t bothered documenting it because I was working on your experiments in mutation. I stumbled onto it by accident. I will get right on the documentation as soon as I’m done with my demonstration.” The lab assistant beamed proudly.
Azad smiled broadly. “Go on, this sounds promising.”
“The nanobots are susceptible to electromagnet pulses…” the assistant said.
“Yes, we know that. But there is no way to know where the antibiotics will be used to release the pulse,” Azad said.
“There is no need now. Watch this,” the assistant said.
The lab assistant had the microscope on a projector so that he and Azad could watch the test together. He released the pathogen and then placed a sample of the antibiotic with it. Sergei had discovered how to get around the antibiotic long ago and Azad was curious to see if the lab assistant had come to the same conclusion. He and Sergei had devised a plan to avoid saying anything about it when Sergei decided to defect. Azad needed to see if this experiment required more testing. He was hoping it was a flash in the pan and not a true discovery. Azad watched the microscopic nanobots surround the pathogen and start to isolate it, giving the antibiotic time to work and eliminate it altogether.
“Now watch this,” the lab assistant said, adding a chemical.
Azad watched the additive and it looked like there was nothing happening. The ass
istant switched on a light near the desk. The additive seemed to rush forward and the nanobots drifted off and moved to the side. Within a few minutes the pathogen seemed to multiply and behave like it was designed to.
“The weak electromagnetic pulses from the LED light activate what I call the conduit. When it is exposed, the nanobots are destroyed by the EMP. The good thing is they are susceptible even at a very low-level pulse with the conduit. We can add the conduit chemical to the pathogen delivery system, making it resistant.” The lab assistant smiled.
“All hospitals have florescent lights. The EMP emitted from the lights would activate the conduit.” This wasn’t the same discovery as Sergei’s and it was much more effective as well as foolproof. It was so simple. Bloody hell! What do I do now? “That’s brilliant. We should celebrate!” Azad said with a smile.
“We can as soon as I document some of these findings. I want to remember what compound of chemicals I used to make the conduit,” the lab assistant said.
“Of course, write it down and we’ll go out and celebrate. I have some stains that need time. So, I’m free for the next couple of hours,” Azad said.
Azad watched carefully as the man made a few notes in a notebook. The man locked the notes in his drawer at his station and placed the key in his left front pocket. He smiled at Azad and took off his lab coat, hanging it neatly on a peg outside the door of the lab. They walked out into the cool spring afternoon and started for Aksakovo. They reached the small town and Azad kept driving. The lab assistant looked puzzled and asked where they were going.
“There is a most relaxing tavern at the entrance to Ussuri. It was a favorite with the colonel,” Azad said.
“The nature reserve?” the assistant questioned.
“Yes, he said he used to hunt bear out at the reserve and it was a fond memory of his. He was glad to return to Aksakovo. He was always well received at the tavern,” Azad said.
“Really, I had no idea,” the lab assistant said, smiling and settling back into his seat.
No you don’t. Azad had to stop this man from talking. I hope the bears are hungry.
Chapter 12
Near Kush, Afghanistan
80 km from the Pakistani Border
May 25, 2009/0730 Zulu
Azad walked through the dank abandoned building down to the basement. He arrived at the door where two guards stood. His Iranian escort gave them permission to open the door. They stepped through the entry point and went through two more successive checkpoints. Each of the labs they passed through got increasingly more dangerous with its contents. They reached their destination and the team with him all slipped on the hazardous material suits that would hopefully keep them safe.
“Dr. Jobrani?” a man asked inside, dressed in protective gear.
“Yes, Dr. Goryunov?” Azad said.
“Yes, this way. The items have all been packed. We’ll start on the level-two lab next week after we clean out this one,” the man said.
“Good. I should be here for the next shipment. How are your hosts treating you?” Azad asked.
“They are very suspicious. Some goat herders have moved into the area and it’s taken all we have to keep them from killing everything around. They don’t seem to understand the concept of surreptitious operations,” the man said.
“I’ll speak to the colonel in charge. I know him personally,” Azad said.
“I wish you would. The Americans are close and have an outpost not far from here, about five kilometers from Kush,” Dr. Goryunov said.
“They would have this place destroyed in a matter of minutes. I share your concern and I will speak to the colonel for you and reinforce your concerns,” Azad said.
“Thank you, Doctor. Director Ivanov said we could trust you.”
Azad smiled and got to work. He turned away because he didn’t like those words. No one had questioned the lab assistant being gone yet. Azad’s cover story about him wanting to leave and visiting his parents was about to run out. He was hoping to plan his disasters in order, first the lab assistant gone missing and then the much bigger crisis of the illegal lab being discovered by the American special operations units working in this area. He managed to conduct his business in the lab and afterward sought out the Iranian colonel’s office. The Iranians were taking care of the security and making sure that the Russians didn’t double-cross them. They guarded the labs and the few Russians working here.
“Colonel, I think we have all we need,” Azad informed.
“Very well, we will provide you an escort to Pakistan so that you may cross safely,” the colonel said. “Mechi is doing well. I spoke to her mother yesterday. She sends her love.”
“Tell her I’ll be home as soon as this business is over with. I think we’re close,” Azad said.
“My niece understands that your work is important. She is not complaining,” the colonel said. Azad smiled and turned to leave. “Azad, I brought you something from home,” he turned away for a moment. He handed Azad a package. “Mechi said it’s your favorite.” “Tell my wife I love her and I’ll be home at least for a visit very soon,” Azad said.
“I will. Be careful,” the colonel said.
“Jeizie, the Russians are getting a little nervous about those tribesmen and your men. We don’t want anyone knowing we’re here. I know you understand the importance of this work. It would be a setback if anything happened to our operations here,” Azad said.
“I know. It is hard to keep them under control. They want to fight. But I promised the president we would live to fight another day. Our time will come,” the colonel said.
Azad left the colonel and found the truck going across the border was almost loaded and ready. He stood casually up against the wall inside the warehouse and slipped the beacon into a crack inside the crumbling concrete. They called for him and he walked to the vehicle, taking a seat. He activated the beacon with his cell phone as they drove away.
* * * *
Kashi was surveying an area near Kush when his satellite phone vibrated. He paused and looked at the screen. He realized what the message was and quickly wrote the numbers down. He packed up his equipment and called his escorts, informing them he needed to get back. It took forty-five minutes to get to Camp Echo. Before Azad reached the border they needed to have someone in place.
* * * *
“Shaq! Shaq!” the young boy called.
“What’s up, little man?” Shaq said in English to himself as he turned toward the sound of his name. Young Fahran, one of the tribal nomads in the valley, was rushing toward him.
“What do you need, Fahran?” Shaq asked in Arabic.
Shaq and a team were out scouring the Kush Valley, attempting to locate the base they needed to find. Kashi had informed them that the Russians were starting to move stuff out of the lab because of the incident with Iran. They didn’t want the Americans to find it now, not even by accident.
“My father sent me, Shaq. He said there are trucks and men with guns near one of the pastures. Some of the goats were killed when they got too close to the fences,” Fahran said.
“It wasn’t the new ones that were just born?” Shaq asked as he dug into his pocket.
“No, but my father is angry. Can I have some candy?” Fahran asked, smiling broadly.
Shaq smiled and pulled out a bag of Skittles that he always kept with him in case he met up with some of the kids. They always seemed to be okay with him as long as he had a treat for them. He handed the small snack-size bag to Fahran.
“Did your dad say exactly where the goats were when they were killed?” Shaq asked.
“Yes, near the stream where the goats water. Across there is a fence with a building inside. No one was there when we were here last spring,” Fahran said, taking a Skittle and popping it into his mouth.
Shaq looked across the open expanse of the valley they were in and knew the location of the stream Fahran was talking about. They hadn’t quite gotten to that area yet. He looked at the young b
oy and smiled. The people of the local tribes had gotten really friendly with the SEALs because they were stopping a lot of the pillaging that was going on. The SEALs were also providing medical care and food on occasion. The SEALs, however, were still cautious.
“Fahran, go back home and don’t tell anyone you talked to me, other than your dad, okay?” Shaq said.
“Why?” Fahran asked, wrinkling his nose.
“Because I don’t want you to get hurt, and you know how the raiders can be.”
The boy popped another Skittle in his mouth and shrugged. “Very well. Can I stay with you?”
“Not today. But I’ll see you soon,” Shaq said, tossing him a second snack-size bag.
The boy smiled and tucked his candy within his tunic and took off running toward his family. Shaq called the small team in and informed them of the latest from the tribesmen in the area. Shaq decided to get back to Camp Echo and talk with Cobra about what he wanted to do next.
The team returned to Camp Echo and Cobra let Shaq in on Kashi’s find as well. They devised a plan and decided to drop in on the herders at the far western corner of the valley the next day.
* * * *
Fahran was frightened, more frightened than he’d ever been in his entire eight-year lifetime. The four men with guns had rounded up all of his family and had brought them to a ravine near their camp. So far no one had been hurt and he was used to the constant fighting that had gone on around him his entire life. Usually the raiders left him and his family alone, but these men were different. They looked different and Fahran didn’t understand what they were saying when they spoke to one another. He clung to his little sister, who was whimpering. The men, women, and children had been separated.
Shaq…Fahran prayed that Shaq hadn’t forgotten his promise to come and see him again. The big dark man was his friend. He’d met Shaq one day when he and his cousins were out watching the herd. His cousins had started to pick on him because he was younger and smaller. They were about to dunk him in the icy stream that was nearby and no matter how much Fahran fought he could not get away because they were bigger and stronger. Shaq had stopped them and since then all the boys in the tribe respected Shaq. Fahran’s sister started crying when one of the men passed too close. Fahran pulled Jazaria closer.