Ten minutes later the Hercules C130 had landed and was now stationary on the apron, the rear cargo door was being opened and Max and his men were embarking.
Nearby were three Jaguar motorcars with Police outriders, standing by them were Strayker and the Prime Minister.
As Max emerged he was greeted by an RAF NCO whom saluted him, Max returned the salute, “sir; the prime minister would like to meet you and your men.”
“Very well Sergeant, I’ll have the men fall in.”
The NCO did an about turn and marched back to Strayker.
Max gave the order to his men, to fall in.
They assembled into ranks and were standing at ease.
Strayker approached with the Prime Minister, Roy Smith barked the command, “attention.”
Max and Strayker saluted each other.
The Prime Minister spoke, “Colonel Storm; you and your teams have done this country a great service.
Unfortunately, all I can give you is the countries sincere thanks and appreciation along with my personal gratitude.”
Max replied, “Ma’am; I think I can speak for all the men here, it will always be a pleasure to rid this world of tyrants like Shakira to keep our country safe.”
The Prime Minister looked at Max for a few seconds noticing the black colour of his eyes, before turning away, returning to her car.
Strayker spoke to Max, “Colonel; have the men back at Hesters copse, I want a full debrief then give them Ninety-six hours R&R.”
Max replied, “Yes sir,” and saluted Strayker.
Downing Street
Downing Street London
Lat = 51 degrees, 30.2 minutes North
Long = 0 degrees, 7.7 minutes West
Ruth Nelson had just delivered the press release statement to the Prime Minister, having gone over it with her.
The Prime Minister was satisfied with the statement; in her drawing room, a TV crew and camera were set up awaiting her address to the country.
The statement was to be broadcast on all channels.
The Prime minister entered the room and sat down behind her Oak table, after a minute the broadcast went live.
“Citizens of the United Kingdom; over the last few weeks our country has endured violence on a scale not seen in such a short time since the second world war. We have lost many citizens to these atrocities and my heart goes out to their families and loved ones, I can now assure you that these atrocities will no longer transpire as the man and his followers whom were responsible have been taken care of permanently. Our country is again safe due to a small unit of men for which I am extremely thankful. We all owe them a great debt, this unit of men known as the Operational Strike Command is this country’s most deadliest force and I will not shy away from unleashing it when it is deemed necessary; they are our first and last line of offense.”
The picture faded on millions of TV sets around the country.
Strayker and Max had been watching the speech at OCS headquarters in Whitehall Place.
Strayker turned to Max, “A nice speech Max; along with a thank you to you and your men.”
“Yes sir; for now we can regroup and look for replacements for our losses, I have a feeling it will not be long before we are called on again to rout out evil; hell bent on attacking this country or its peoples.”
“That’s why we are here Max; and when that day comes; we will once more step up to the breach and meet that threat; now let me take you to my club for a well-earned meal and drink.”
“Now that’s a proposition I can live with sir.”
Max Storm will return in
Project Reaper.
Also Available
The Wrath of Shakira Page 19