by K D McNiven
“Fantastic! What did you find?”
“Back in the forties, the British and American military were doing underwater testing near where you’re anchored. It had to do with some kind of directed-energy weaponry that went afoul and unleashed incredible damage.”
“Not kidding,” said Decker. He felt his pulse quicken. They were running out of time. With the submarine having zeroed in on them, and the feds having gotten to Dean McDermott, it was only a matter of days before they got targeted. “What else?”
“From what I’ve been reading, and I’m no physicist, the weapon released highly-focused energy. They call it PEP, or Pulsed Energy Projectiles. Get this, Decker, the weapons emitted infrared laser pulses. The thought was to release electromagnetic waves that could actually paralyze an entire community if the testing reached its final conclusion.”
“You could only imagine what would have happened if that kind of weapon was unleashed around the world.”
“Don’t even want to consider that, Decker. Apparently, the experiment had been scrapped because of some major failure in its design.”
“If true, then whatever facility was being used may have been destroyed to hide the evidence?”
“Once I fill you in on the rest you can make your case,” Brock replied. “This information came to me by way of Brodsky whose father had some personal knowledge of the incident.”
“I think we’re getting somewhere, Detective.” Decker had been sipping at a bottle of Heineken beer and polished it off. This information was exactly what he’d been waiting for—something to tie the lava mountain together with the electromagnetic readings they had gotten. “Go on. I’m fascinated.”
He cleared his voice. “During the final testing, the underwater base they had built was destroyed in an explosion. From what I can gather, several scientists lost their lives and the surrounding area was contaminated. According to Brodsky’s father, this was a hush-hush operation and anyone caught giving up information risked being arrested for treason and court-martialed. Those days it wasn’t a slap on the wrist to commit treason. Unfortunately, the trail ends there.”
“It would explain the cover-up.”
“Problem is, how will you obtain such information except for breaking into military files?”
“Certainly an issue,” agreed Decker. “However, we at least have something to go on. You’re top-notch, Detective. Now I know why they call you bulldog.”
Brock chuckled. “Wish I had more to give you. At least you have something to go on.”
“You’ve done plenty. Thanks for following through on this. You’ve risked a lot on my behalf. I appreciate it more than you know. Tell Brodsky thank you as well.”
“Got it. And figure it out, Decker. Quickly!”
***
Having new information would at least give them something more solid to work with. Now Decker needed to figure out how to go forward. It was apparent he wasn’t going to get help from his buddy, Dean McDermott. The very thought left a sour taste in his mouth.
Otto and Chase were readying the winch and taglines. Once Ceto was deployed, they would make their way back to the control room to be sure the equipment such as the drive motors, cameras and lighting were all functioning properly. Shark Eater would have to maintain her position to minimize the possibility of damaging the umbilical cable securing the ROV.
Decker walked out on the deck. He knew Ceto would be sent down once more to determine what the structure might be. Possibly the missing link, he turned over in his mind. If the military had been testing a directed-energy weapon, and something went wrong, perhaps it created some type of a vortex upsetting the balance of nature itself?
Before sending Ceto back down, the team lowered a large suction hose beneath the surface to remove the layers of sediment deposits near the area where they had seen the structure, in order to catch a clear visual.
Combing over snapshots Ceto had taken earlier in the day, they had spotted a hypothermal vent and measured the temperature of the water near the area at several hundred degrees centigrade. Samples brought back to the surface were tainted with caustic Sulphur and they concluded the seamount had been generated from that specific vent.
As the team gathered around for the deployment of the ROV, once more an air of excitement rippled over the deck. Because it ten o’clock in the evening and it was pitch black out, the crew added an extra light middeck, though with the all-around white light on the ship, the extra light port side, starboard, and stern, they had no problem with viewing the outdoor monitors.
“Three…two…one…” Linus called out, his hand manipulating the lever and Ceto slipped below the black waves on its descent to the seafloor. This exploration would either confirm or shatter Brodsky’s dad’s theory.
“I hope you and our goddess of the sea, bring us back a bucket-load of treasure,” Ryn smiled. “We’re due for some good luck right now.”
“We’ll do our best, Ryn,” Linus replied, his hand manipulating the handle, at the same time, watching the monitor to steer Ceto.
The minutes ticked by, then hours as they waited patiently for the video shots. Data was being sent up to the surface through the umbilical cable to the shipboard sensors. Ceto was driven down to four thousand meters by the hydraulic drive motors, close to two and a half miles down. The first several video clips came back clouded because the waves were a bit more impressive than it had been on their last probing and stirred up sediment. As they waited it out, they monitored a slight eruption happening beneath the surface from the hypothermal vent causing turbidity currents, forcing them to raise the ROV for several hours. The waiting became frustrating, but it was what it was. The ocean with its unpredictability won over every single time.
In the meantime, Decker shared the information Brock had given him with the team. All of the pieces were starting to come together, still, they had to acquire proof. That would be the difficult part.
When the ocean calmed around eight o’clock, the winches lowered Ceto once again and it immediately took to snapping shots and videotaping with incredible clarity. Linus manipulated the cutting arm to saw through a section of what appeared to be a steel grid. They had since lowered the lift-line and Ceto would use its claw to transport the steel grid and attach it to the line.
After the steel section was attached, the heave-compensated winch began raising it, keeping the line taut to prevent it from swinging dangerously like a pendulum in the waves. They all cheered when it breached the surface and they hoisted it onto the ship’s deck for observation.
It was indeed a steel crossbeam. And from the video clips, they were beginning to come into an agreement there had been a type of structure or testing station built in this vicinity at one time. Now came the difficult part. How would they be able to substantiate what they believed took place to what actually took place?
While going over all of the photos and streaming video Ceto had acquired, Decker contemplated his next move. “We have data that shows an extreme amount of electromagnetic radiation is in this area,” he said. “We agree the amounts exceed any acceptable parameters and that it directly interferes with weather patterns as well as navigational equipment on both planes and ships crossing this expanse of ocean.”
“Why doesn’t it do it all of the time?” asked Karina.
“Good question,” Decker said. “All I can gather is that it has to do with the weather during extreme electrical storms. Somehow it acts in accordance with the electromagnetic force and generates a perfect storm. We experienced microbursts, which in themselves are dangerous to ships and planes because they create heavy winds and high seas. I believe the electromagnetic field in this region, coupled with the added fuel of a super-storm generated a maelstrom, or whirlpool have you. Maelstroms happen because of opposing currents, or tides. In our case, had we been sucked to the bottom, we too would have been a part of the lava seamount over time with the continuous eruptions from the seafloor vent.”
“We were very cl
ose to being sucked into it,” said Callie, remembering what looked like a giant swirling funnel nearly dragging the Jade II inside.
“I believe everything came together at exactly the right time. Like synchronicity,” Decker continued. “The tectonic plates must have shifted at the same time a volcanic eruption occurred, bringing the lava to crest, and to top it off, the weather reached a zenith. That’s when everything went to hell. Fortunately, instead of being sucked into the maelstrom, we were catapulted onto the seamount’s rocky edge. When we investigated, we were able to see the planes and ships swallowed up in past storms but as the waves began beating at the sides of the seamount, it began to break apart—we thought it was sinking.”
“Sounds like you’ve opened a can of worms,” Manny said. “But even with all of this information, it still doesn’t exactly nail the culprits or even hint at a conspiracy.”
“My Catch-22,” Decker replied. “The biggest and most important question is why has this spectacular event happen time and time again in the same location? And why are there enormous amounts of electromagnetic energy limited to this specific area?”
“That’s a rhetorical question I assume?” Ryn asked, his eyes smiling. “So, now what?”
“Don’t think you’re going to like it.”
All eyes turned to stare at Decker.
“I don’t see any other way than to break into the naval base on Tucker Island and steal the files.”
“What?” came Callie’s shrill voice. “What are you thinking? The island will be swarming with personnel. Bona fide soldiers trained to fight! You can’t really be serious?”
“No other way,” Decker repeated. “Listen, I understand if none of you want to risk it. Frankly, I wouldn’t savor the idea if it wasn’t my hide on the line. But it is. And I should be the one to execute it.”
A long stretch of silence followed as the cogs were turning in their heads. They were pondering on whether they should let Decker go it alone, or if they would be willing to stage such an outrageous act. It could send them all to prison for life.
“Of course, you know I’ll go with you.” Callie broke the silence.
Decker smiled and started to debate the point.
“No arguing. I’m going and nothing you say will change my mind.”
He knew better than to quarrel with Callie once she’d made up her mind to do something. Stubborn, but more than that, braver than most people he’d ever known. He reached out to squeeze her shoulder tenderly.
“Me too,” said Ryn.
“I’m in,” said Dax. “We’re a team, mate.”
The others followed suit. They would not let their friend go it alone even if the cost was high and even if they lost their lives in the battle, it now became a matter of principle.
“I don’t know what to say,” Decker said.
“That’s a first,” Dax joked.
Decker chuckled. “Guess the next step is trying to locate blueprints on the naval base and see what we’re facing.”
“On it,” Ryn said, heading for the pilot house.
Callie walked over and circled Decker’s waist. She knew they were without other options. Without the files, they had nothing. At the same time, she knew how dangerous this would be and it left no room for error.
Later in the evening, the team gathered in the mess hall. Carson had sent multiple diagrams and information for them to study before going ashore. Blueprints and maps Ryn had printed out were spread out over the table. After a long review of the naval facility, they concluded breaching it would prove difficult at best. Maybe even impossible. At the same time, they realized none of them were safe. The CIA was still monitoring them, two people were dead, one missing, and there was no assurance that the rest of them might suddenly disappear as well. Worse, they could only guess as to the reason why.
“What we’ll have to do is go ashore in the zodiac at night. There won’t be as many men stationed on the base,” Decker said. “First thing we will face is an eight-foot-high fence. From what I’ve been looking at, I don’t think it is electrified but we will need heavy-duty cutters to cut through it.”
“It will put us at the rear of the building,” Ryn said, pointing his finger at the blueprint so others could visually follow along.
“Only five of us are going and one person to man the boat for when we come out,” Decker said. “I’m going to have Callie and me, Dax and Kat, Chase and Ryn go along. If anyone doesn’t want to go, tell me now.”
Silence followed.
“If you look at the blueprints, the layout is pretty simple,” Decker said. “It’s like a large H. The line in the middle is our objective. The files are kept in a room there. We’ll only have a short window of time to get in and out, which means we have to be precise and we have to move swiftly.”
“And the guards?” asked Dax.
“They’re at the front. We’ll have to disengage the cameras—Linus, I’m placing that in your capable hands and computerized head. Here’s the layout of the cameras.”
Linus grabbed the sheets and began studying them. “No problem. I can swing it.”
“Kat, there’s a breaker box at the end of the building. When we are through the back door, I need you to disengage the breakers. Hopefully, it will be enough to distract the guards. Once you’ve accomplished it, hurry back to the boat so they don’t see you. I want you armed and ready.”
She nodded, feeling much more secure with firearms than she had a year ago. Dax had even taken her to the shooting range in Miami and helped her learn how to shoot straight. It had taken some time, and a healthy chunk of patience, but eventually, Kat hit the bullseye.
“We need to get our weapons and ammunition ready. We’ll need flashlights and camo gear. Captain Manny’s already set coordinates for Tucker Island. We should arrive in several hours. So, let’s everyone grab your belongings. We’ll meet back on deck in three hours and go over everything once more.”
Chapter 26
⁂
Shark Eater laid anchor a mile offshore. Everyone made preparations. They were dressed in camouflage clothing with caps, guns in hand, and their nerves were strung tight as a bowstring. If they failed and were caught, chances were ninety-nine percent they would be looking at the inside of prison walls for a few years to come.
They went aft to the stern platform where they stepped into the zodiac. The water looked calm, the air warm. None of them spoke as they tried to wrap their minds around what they intended to do.
“Make sure we are all on the same channel,” Decker said. Everyone pulled out their hand radio to double-check. “Ready?”
“Ready as we’ll ever be,” Dax answered as he kicked on the motor. Putting the zodiac in gear, they headed toward land. They only had a couple of hours left before the sun came up, which meant they had to be concise and get out quick. When Chase got close enough, he cut the motor, stepped out and dragged it onto the shore.
They searched the perimeter. When they didn’t see anyone, they headed toward the wire fence. Decker dropped to his stomach, took the cutters in hand, and began snipping at the sturdy wire until he’d formed a large enough hole for them to crawl through. Decker went first and stopped short of the rear door several feet in front of them, and to the backside of a large tree. He grabbed his hand radio from his hip.
“Linus, do you have us covered?”
“I’ve run interference. You should be good to go, but you won’t have long before they have the cameras back up and running.”
“Roger that,” Decker said. He made a forward motion with his hand and the others moved in behind him and signaled Karina who had separated from the team. Her heart pounding, she rushed to the outer corner of the building where the breaker box was located. As Decker said, a lock dangled on the front panel. She withdrew a small hand crowbar, slid it into the loop and wrenched the steel bar sharply until the lock snapped. She tossed the lock aside and opened the door. Inhaling deeply, she raised trembling fingers to the levers and began s
napping them over, seeing the lights going off as she did.
When everything went dark, Decker signaled for them to move. They rushed the back door, Decker pulling out his professional lockpicking tool, working the lock until he heard a click and knew the latch had disengaged. He cracked open the door. The corridors were dark, though he did hear the hum of several voices further on down the length of the hall.
All of them had guns at ready. They hurried down the length of the first hall, guided by a penlight until they reached the middle section where the files were. When they got to the room, Decker again used his lockpick to gain access. Tension mounted as the voices appeared to be getting closer.
At last, the door cracked open and the team rushed inside in time to avoid a group of naval officers walking down the hall. They ducked against the wall as one of the officers shined a light through the window on the door. The light danced across the walls and then disappeared.
“Okay, let’s start searching for the files,” Decker whispered.
They dispersed but still kept a watchful eye for any lights coming their way. Briefly, they flashed their penlight on each cabinet face searching for dates, flipping off their lights as quickly as possible to not be seen, and moved on to the next file, looking for the 1950’s files. Not an easy task as the room had rows of files stretching to the far back wall.
“Hey,” Decker called out. “I think I’ve found the right file drawer.” Of course, it happened to be locked. Once more, Decker had to pry it open. He shuffled through hundreds of archives, hoping to find anything to do with naval operations during that time frame in the Bermuda Triangle.
“Anything?” asked Dax.
“Not yet.”
“Lights off,” came Ryn’s voice. “Footsteps coming.”
They shut off the lights and lowered themselves to the cement floor, not daring to move. Again, a flash of light scanned the room. It wouldn’t take too long before someone went to check the breakers, so they needed to get out as quick as possible.