by Bryan Murray
Jake turned to Ben. “So, where are the pilots?”
The older man smiled. “A few miles up the road on the test sites.”
“And when do they take over the drone to test it?” Sarah asked.
Ben turned to Andy. “Perhaps you’d like to explain, Andy?” he winked at Jake. “Andy’s our control acquisition genius.”
Andy started to explain. “In the software package we design, each drone has a built in access code that can be downloaded from this building to the individual pilot control stations on Alpha test site down the road. Once Ben signs off on a drone that’s ready for a test flight and the drone is lined up on the runway outside, he assigns the code to one of our resident pilots in the modular control center. Then the pilot takes it from there.”
Jake looked at Andy. “Amazing, so you just stand here and suddenly this unmanned weapon of destruction simply takes off into the sky and disappears from sight?”
Andy grinned. “Exactly. Mind you, we can automatically monitor how the test pilots in Alpha test site are putting each drone through its paces.”
Sarah asked a question. “And how do you carry out the testing of the weapons, Isaac?”
Isaac answered. “We have secure target sites up in the mountains where we have empty inflatable buildings, robotic terrorists and remotely operated cars on empty roads. That way the drone checks out the target site, acquires target accuracy and the data is fed back to the pilot miles away. This allows him to decide if it is the equivalent of a high probability ‘kill’ and he can then fire the missiles accordingly.”
“Doesn’t that get expensive firing all those missiles?” Sarah asked.
Isaac smiled. “It’s all factored into the price to the customer. It’s pointless selling them a multi-million dollar drone if when it get to wherever it’s going for any reason the missiles can’t be launched!”
Sarah nodded that she understood. “And do you use live warheads on the target range, Ben?”
He nodded his head vigorously and negatively. “Absolutely not, Sarah. The range is too close to other populated areas, so although we fire the test missiles, the deadly vaporizing warheads are not included,” he smiled. “It would also be damned expensive to use live warheads, besides which, if we had used live warheads on every test missile we’ve fired, there’d be a crater in Central Tennessee the size of the Grand Canyon!”
“So, the warheads are shipped separately under heavy security to the clients for arriving later when the drones are in place?”
“Exactly.” Ben replied.
“And are they pretty easy to arm?” Sarah asked.
Ben turned into another building with the heaviest contingent of guards they had seen so far on the tour. Above the building was the sign that read ‘Ordnance Control’. When Ben stopped, this time their ID’s were checked in detail before Ben drove further into the building.
As they drove down the long building, at the beginning where they started was a modern machine shop where the casings for the missiles were all being precision machined by pre-programmed machine tools and once again it was like an automotive production line. The missile casings were then slowly progressing along the assembly line to have their electronic software installed and all the complicated wiring inserted until they reached the final assembly station at the far end of the building.
Ben continued to answer Sarah’s question. “In answer to your question, Sarah, the arming is very straightforward, after all the clever stuff has been done up the line. The armaments are lethal but without the extremely sophisticated target acquisition and imagery reception software, the impact of the final vaporizing explosion would be meaningless.”
A young, Asian Indian man with a pleasant smile came across to join them and Ben introduced him. “This is David Peshar, our resident armaments genius. David trains all the customer’s staff on the correct arming of the missiles, once they are ready to go into a live situation.”
Peshar smiled. “Hi, Guys. Any questions?”
“Hi, David, and who controls the individual explosives now?” Jake asked.
“That’s all under the close control of our ordnance inventory staff.” Peshar replied.
Ben smiled. “Thank goodness. I’m just happy to know these things can fly and shoot if necessary. When and where they decide to arm them is somebody else’s call.”
David received a call on his phone and had to leave. “Will you excuse me, folks, nice to meet you, call me if you have any more questions.” he left.
Jake was impressed. “Thanks, David,” he turned to Steve and Sarah. “It’s like a sci-fi movie, guys,” he then turned back to Ben who had a smile on his face. “And after the testing, what happens then?”
Ben did a U-turn at the end of the building and headed back. “The pilot flies the drone back here and we tuck it back in bed for the night.”
“And then?”
“As soon as the test data is received and either one of the three of us signs off on it, we gift wrap it and send it to the customer with a hefty supply of DM4’s!”
“DM4’s?”
“Yes, the heavy duty vaporizing missiles!”
“Amazing!” was all Jake could say.
Ben then drove up to a Winston chopper that was waiting for them on the tarmac. He ushered the trio towards it. “So, jump in, guys, we’ll take a ride over to the Alpha and Beta test sites.” they all climbed on board and the chopper quickly took off down the valley.
During the brief flight Jake turned to Ben. “You mentioned a Beta test site, Ben?”
Ben nodded. “Yes, that’s where we train pilots on combat flight simulation, before they progress to the Alpha site when the drone that their company or military group are buying is ready for a test flight by our resident test pilots to prove the drones first. After that we then let the ultimate pilots have a go.”
* * *
Further up the valley they came in to land in a fenced-off clearing area surrounded by security guards.
Ben shouted across to Jake over the sound of the chopper. “This is the Beta test site!”
Jake nodded that he understood.
In the center of the clearing there were three separate 4-module mobile command centers, each mounted on a base about the size of a 20 foot container with a tractor/trailer at the front of each for ease of transportation.
When the guards spotted Ben they waved them forwards and as they walked over to the first of the command centers, Ben explained a little more to Jake.
“Each of these 4-unit mobile command centers are identical to those on the Alpha test site. They house four separate pilot control stations, each one totally capable of controlling a single Death Dart.”
They walked up the retractable steps and into the first control center where four swarthy-looking pilots in a distinctly different military uniform were undergoing training from one of Andy’s instructors.
“These gentlemen are with the Royal Jordanian Air Force.” Ben explained.
“They are getting general navigation and target acquisition training first, and then when they get to weaponry training, either Isaac or Andy will take over once they are cleared for final test flying on Alpha test site.”
Jake was most impressed. “And how long does it take to train these guys, Ben?”
Ben smiled. “Well, that’s the good news, Jake. Compared to manned fighter aircraft personnel training, which can take at least two years, this only takes a little less than a year to take a bright guy off the street and have him combat ready! These guys have been in training for quite some time.”
Sarah was still curious. “And do you and your team get involved in the initial screening of all new pilot candidates?”
“Yes indeed,” Ben replied. “When they are from our own US military or that of a friendly international customer, it’s a lot easier, but when it’s a non-military recruitment we are meticulously careful.”
* * *
After a most interesting tour, including the Alpha t
est site that was very similar to the Beta site, they flew back in the chopper to the golf cart and Ben then drove them back towards the main facility. He turned to Jake. “So, Jake, you know the general sequence of events and both Isaac and Andy are at your disposal at any time, but unfortunately Roddy and I have to attend the International Air Show in Tel Aviv on Friday. Winston has a huge booth there, our marketing team are already on site and as you can imagine, we are hoping that the Death Dart will be the star of the show!”
“I have no doubt that it will,” Jake replied. “Are you also meeting with any of the locals when you get there? Doug mentioned that the Israelis were good customers of yours.”
“Absolutely,” Ben replied. “I’m also going to visit with my old colleagues from the domestic drone manufacturer in town. We were all good friends and they were most sympathetic and considerate after my wife died!”
“I’m sorry, Ben, I didn’t realize you were a widower,” Jake answered. “Was that why you moved to the US?”
Ben had a sad look in his eye. “Not really, although it was a relief to make a new start and the prospects of joining Winston were just too good to miss.”
Sarah could sense a certain sadness in the older man. “Was she sick very long, Ben?”
“Not at all, it was an unfortunate car accident, the guy who hit her was drunk!”
Jake was sympathetic. “I can understand what you mean, Ben. Sarah and I spent some time in Tel Aviv and the driving was unbelievable. So, you can imagine what would happen if you added alcohol to all that craziness!”
Ben nodded sadly. “Exactly,” he took a deep breath. “So, we can make a start on the audit tomorrow and I will be available for questions all day if you need me.”
Jake thanked the three of them. “Sounds like a plan. Thanks for the tour, guys.”
Ben dropped them off at the corporate office and they returned to their work station to make a few notes. They were interrupted by the arrival of Roddy Fergamo, the Technical VP, who stopped by for a chat. He was a sun-tanned, suave Italian in his fifties.
“So, how’s the first day going, guys?” he asked.
“Very well,” Jake replied. “We had an excellent tour of the facility with Ben and his team. Most impressive.”
Roddy smiled. “Great, did he tell you we’re both heading to the Air Show on Friday?”
“Yes, sounds like a major PR event from what Ben was saying.”
“Absolutely, you wouldn’t believe how competitive our market’s become compared to the days of the UAV pioneers, who started building the drones looking like flying, pregnant grasshoppers in their garages, before trying to get Uncle Sam interested in funding them.”
“I can believe it,” Jake replied. “It seems like the whole world is suddenly starting to evolve around unmanned aircraft of all kinds.”
Roddy agreed. “True, would you believe that the US Government alone has access to over 10,000 drones of all shapes and sizes. Some are hand launched, ramp launched, remote launched and now with the breakthrough of the Death Dart, they are stealth protected, supersonic purveyors of instant death to the bad guys. When you think that the US has only around two thousand five hundred manned fighter aircraft, you get to see the massive technical swing away from manned flights!”
“So, are you expecting a big turn out there in Tel Aviv, Roddy?”
“Yes, this is our biggest sales event of the year, especially since the market was opened up to other friendly allies. Our multi-lingual sales team are primed and ready. We already spent over a million bucks on a futuristic booth and the security surrounding the Death Dart on display will be unbelievable!”
Sarah was a little curious. “Things can get a little hot and heavy in Tel Aviv, Roddy. I know having lived and worked there, so will you be displaying a complete combat drone on the booth?”
He smiled. “Excellent question, Sarah and the answer is no. We’re not risking anyone either copying or stealing our internal hardware and software, so all the clever stuff will be left out and glossed over and presented on huge video screens.”
“Good idea,” Jake interjected. “And what about personal security for you and Ben?”
Roddy thought for a moment. “Oh, don’t worry, security will be tight at the show and confidentially, all our senior staff down to our level have the implants!”
“Implants?” Sarah was curious.
“Yes, high-tech GPS microchips, similar to what people have surgically implanted in their pets. That’s why if we get lost or kidnapped, the cavalry will know where to look.”
Jake was pleasantly surprised but nevertheless still concerned.
“Maybe we can also help, Roddy?” he ventured.
“In what way?”
Jake was thinking fast. “Well, both Sarah and I have excellent contacts with the Mossad. Maybe we could get them to keep an eye on you and Ben, particularly when you are both away from the show. They are very discreet, you won’t even know they are there, but believe me, they are a deadly group of guys to have in your corner. All it takes is a phone call?”
Roddy smiled. “Hey, it works for me and I’m sure Ben will have no problems.”
Jake was somewhat relieved. “Great, leave it with me. I’ll let you know if we get it set up before you leave.”
Roddy shook hands. “Thanks, guys, we’ll talk about this later.”
“No problem.” Jake replied as Roddy left.
CHAPTER 7
First thing the following morning, it was already hot and sultry in Tel Aviv as the Mossad Senior Agent Joseph Cohen, young and athletic looking, made his way across the parking lot to his office in the Mossad Headquarters.
He was going through the incoming cable traffic from around the world, keeping up to speed with any international happenings that may require closer attention from the Mossad, one of the most lethal and effective intelligence agencies in the world.
His phone rang and when he answered it he was very pleasantly surprised to hear a familiar voice on the other end of the line.
“Good morning, Joseph, this is Jake Harrigan, can you talk?”
Joseph smiled. “Of course, good morning, Jake, nice to hear from you, how’s Sarah and Steve?” he asked.
“They’re fine, send their regards.”
“So, what can I do for you, my friend?”
Jake chose his words carefully. “I was wondering if I might ask a small favor of you, Joseph?”
“What kind of favor?”
“Well, I’m working with a client in the US, you probably know them, it’s Winston Aerospace!”
Joseph knew immediately who he was talking about. “Of course, their Death Dart drone is a world leader.”
“Exactly, and they will be exhibiting one on a huge booth at the International Air Show in Tel Aviv this week-end.”
“Correct, so what do you need, Jake?”
“There are two of their very senior people coming out for the show, Joseph. Roddy Fergamo their VP and Ben Jacobs. Ben is an Israeli, the chief designer and technical brains behind the Death Dart. I was wondering if perhaps your superiors would allow you to assign a couple of shadows to these guys, just to make sure that nothing happens to them while they’re in town. It could be disastrous if some of our terrorist friends decided to pay them a visit. What do you think, Joseph?”
“Well, the good news, Jake, is that since my promotion after our last job together, this is within my authority to approve. All you need to do is let me know their flight details, where they are staying and we’ll do the rest.”
Jake was pleased. “That’s great, Joseph. I owe you one, so if ever I can return the favor, just let me know.”
“No problem. So, when are you coming over again? I really enjoyed our last job together.”
“Me too, but I’m kind of tied up with this job at Winston for a while and after that I’m not sure where we’ll be. You wouldn’t believe how busy we’ve been these last few months. Sarah, Steve and I have been flat out trying to keep p
ace with the new business coming in from a whole group of new clients.”
“That’s good news, Jake, keep up the good work and e-mail me the itineraries of the two gentlemen as soon as you can.”
“I will and thanks again, Joseph. Bye.” he rang off.
* * *
On their last visit to Tel Aviv, Jake and Sarah had worked very closely with Joseph and his Mossad team. Their initial contract with the Mossad had been through Sarah’s uncle, Ari Golchen, who was then the Israeli Defense Minister.
Their assignment had originally been to help train some of the new Mossad agents, but shortly after they arrived, their assignment was overtaken by much more pressing events.
A sudden series of deadly Arab terrorist attacks against major Israeli owned targets in the US and Israel, very quickly started to send the Israeli economy into an unprecedented tailspin.
It was then that Jake and Sarah were seconded to the Mossad team investigating the attacks, one of which sadly included the cold-blooded murder of Sarah’s uncle, Ari Golchen himself.
After Jake, Sarah and Steve, who was then with the CIA, started to check on exactly who could be profiting from the collapse of the Israeli economy, they tracked down a company in Austria who were actively buying up the depleted shares of all the large companies who had been attacked.
Later, when the trio went out to Austria to check out the company after hours, they were horrified to find out that it was owned by an 88-year-old demented billionaire Neo-Nazi, a former Hitler Youth, with his own German terrorist team (only dressed as Arabs), all of whom were committed to bringing down the Israeli economy. A kind of modern day Holocaust!
When Jake and Sarah finally discovered that this madman’s ultimate planned attack on Israel, was to set off a briefcase nuclear device in Jerusalem in the middle of Holy Week, Jake and Sarah, together with Joseph and his team had to race against the clock to bring the Neo-Nazis to justice and avoid the catastrophic explosion.