The Clinic

by Ray Carole

  Earlier they had collected all of Decker’s kit, they wanted all traces of him gone; if any subsequent rescue party found a tent it gave them a search point to start from.

  They were working on their knowledge of Antarctica where the snow never settled that deep, inches if at all, enough to cover all ski tracks and evidence of stopping points, but not deep enough to prevent finding a body.

  With one member of the assassination team captured, one dead and now Decker, the man the other two were supposed to be assassinating captured, Ivan knew they had a strong hand.

  Speaking to his Russian Commander back at the Vostok Operations room, they intended to make it even stronger after listening to a few other interceptions of The Clinic’s communications.

  Ivan’s satellite phone started ringing, his commander at Vostok was primed to give Ivan an update on current developments.

  ‘Ivan we have intercepted more communications from a man called Gerry, confirm you are copying this?’

  Ivan pressed the phone to his ear, ‘Yes I copy Sir,’ maintaining eye contact with Decker at all times.

  ‘Okay it seems Gerry is a key person in this thing they called The Clinic, copy?’

  ‘Copy Sir.’

  ‘Gerry and another man called Sean are now with a team called Trans-Ant Team. These are the guys we saw Decker drinking with on his website. The Trans-Ant Team have no idea who the two men are for real, copy?’

  Purposely keeping the transmissions short knowing the weather conditions were bad and he had Decker in front of him to keep an eye on. Ivan remained brief.

  ‘I understand Sir.’

  ‘They will be heading to meet Decker at an RV position that is not fixed, we do not know where this position is yet but Decker will know roughly for sure, as that’s where he was heading whilst evading you, copy?’

  ‘Copy Sir.’

  ‘Okay wait for the others to meet you. By then I will have thought how to resolve this RV location.’

  ‘Okay Sir, out.’

  Stakes were getting high if the Russian Commander himself was hatching a plan of his own, Ivan mused. It would mean leaving the helicopter three hours away at the fuel cache. He couldn’t afford any large signatures to appear on the radar at this point. The team was only 50NM from the Pole. He felt they had pushed it enough already and reinserting the heli could compromise this operation that was gaining significant traction.

  Ivan turned his focus solidly back on to Decker.

  ‘Harry Decker, yes?’ Ivan asked him kicking some ice up at his face.

  ‘No shit, Mr Spetnaz what can I do for you?’ Decker was obviously still a little concussed as he slurred his words slightly.

  Training his weapon on Decker, Ivan simply smiled.

  ‘No need to play the tough guy Harry, I know you’re tough, I know you’re a professional, just look at the damage you have caused today.’ Ivan pointed to the dead body laid next to him. ‘It’s not just my comrade you have murdered. You have murdered another person’s comrade, someone you will meet shortly.’

  ‘I have no idea who they are and why they want me dead or captured. I know you’re Russian, from Vostok no doubt. That little quiet airbase where you Spetnaz monitor the weather? I mean what the fuck are you guys doing in Antarctica? Do you always have a presence in case a random bloke like me shows up with a load of assassins chasing me across the Antarctic plateau?’

  Ivan could see the funny side to Decker’s last comment though he remained silent waiting for him to finish his rant.

  ‘I’m just trying to get to the South Pole and you fuckers keep delaying me.’

  ‘What do you have that they don’t want anyone to know about Harry? What have you decrypted or what do you know that is so revolutionary the British government has sent in a crack team to carry out a deniable operation? Have you deserted your Government? Were you so involved in a project that your departure from the military a few years back has now crept up on you? Are you happy the British government attempted to kill you today?’

  Feeling slightly smug at his barrage of hard-hitting questions Ivan casually started to pace up and down. Mindful to keep his distance, he was itching to find out what Decker was hiding.

  ‘I don’t know why they want me dead, I came here to create history and find my own piece of solitude that I thought I deserved after years of fighting and suffering. I just protected myself like anyone else would. I’m here to create history not become a part of it. I have nothing that I know of that could be so dangerous to the British government.’

  ‘Well you have my friend and we will find out exactly what it is. We are the same Harry but my government is not trying to kill me, and will not continue to hunt me down till they do. At the moment I am the only chance you have of surviving and I know you don’t want to die.’ Ivan paused. This whole situation was intriguing. He’d heard obviously of the British SAS for years but never met someone who had served in it. ‘It’s only when you leave the Special Forces you can begin to live, my former comrades tell me. Is this true?’

  ‘I didn’t come here to get killed, I came here to return to the former greatness of my past, and yes that meant living again. Obviously some fucker isn’t happy with that scenario and who’s to say they are the British government anyway?’

  ‘It is your government, under what guise we don’t know, but it is. I am your only chance of survival and that’s why we are going to work together and you will do as I say, or more innocent people will die.’ His phone rang again. Taking a firm grip of his weapon in his right hand so that Decker knew he had him covered Ivan spoke. ‘Hello Sir.’

  ‘Ivan you have his phones and sim cards intact. When the other team members are co-located with you this is what you will make WHITEOUT do, copy?’

  ‘Good copy.’

  ‘Using our batteries, but his phone and sim he will make an emergency call to Trans-Ant explaining he has slight battery life after his solar panel wires managed 10 minutes of connection before failing, copy?’

  ‘Send.’ Ivan replied.

  ‘He is to tell them that he is injured and they need to meet at these revised coordinates, soon as they repeat correct coordinates, turn the phone off immediately, you getting this?’

  ‘Copy all Sir can you send the relevant information now?’

  ‘Negative we will work the coordinates out then talk to you shortly, that’s all.’

  ‘Copy all Sir, out.’ Digesting the information whilst holding eye contact with Decker he continues where he left off before the commander’s interruption.

  ‘We know where you are heading but you lost communications a couple of days ago. They don’t know if you’ll turn up and they won’t wait either. Once my friend’s arrived with one of the men who tried killing you, you will make a call to them.’

  ‘Fuck me you have their number do you Mr. 118 118?’ Decker said half laughing referring to a phone search company that helps you find any number anywhere in the world. Ivan just tutted seeing through Decker’s sarcasm. Ivan registered this, his training had taught him that if a prisoner became humorous about his situation of capture he is either destitute, ready for execution or playing a cool game.

  ‘No but we have your two phones with no battery power and Sim cards by the way, and I’m sure we will find them on your contact list. I guess you thought you buried that one deep didn’t you Harry but not deep enough this time, but don’t worry even professionals make mistakes in the heat of the moment.’ Ivan smirked.

  ‘That’s mega. So put your batteries in it then make the call right?’

  ‘Simple hey,’ Ivan added.

  ‘Genius you really are Einstein aren’t you?’ Though Decker was furious they had the Sim cards. He had thrown them earlier, knowing how he should have buried them deep.

  He was fully aware the man he was talking to wa
s an officer. One his English was perfect and two he had not been brutal or that rough with him. He appeared to know where this game was going and was playing all the right moves, or his commander certainly was. Decker pondered his situation: ‘He’s working to a bigger picture for sure, directed by higher formation, I imagine there is a very busy operations centre somewhere directing his moves. This is at Kremlin-level for sure now, and they know they have to box clever politically. In the real world people think I am just without communications, everyone thinks I’m fine and expect me to meet Trans-Ant later tonight. The Russians can’t maneouver that close to the Pole; in fact I am surprised they got dropped off this close without popping up on a few people’s radar. Maybe I am wrong, who gives a shit down here and how well is it monitored? Well apart from by the Russians, I’ve found that out the hard way—’ He was interrupted.

  ‘Your friends from the Trans-Ant team, you look like you had a few good nights out in the photos on their website Harry?’

  ‘It’s allowed in the West, having a good time you know?’

  ‘Well you do as I say and they all live, you have my word. One soldier to another right? I will meet you halfway on this Harry.’

  ‘Anyone who asks to meet you halfway is usually someone who is a poor judge of distance I believe. You’ll kill them.’

  ‘We won’t even meet them face-to-face to do that.’

  ‘Really what’s the plan then shit head?’

  ‘You will call them on your own phone, which is plausible to the real world as your solar panel could have worked again to get enough battery life in your phone. You will make out that you are injured and that you need picking up instead of meeting them. You will give them the coordinates I tell you. Simple ‘shit head’, yes?’

  Decker knew not to give anything up as he thought through the scenario posed. He could call Andrew and ask for a pick-up due to injury, that would not be suspicious at all and would lure the team in.

  But why on Earth would Ivan want the Trans-Ant team to meet them? They offered no benefit, no information and were not part of this operation.

  Shit. There was only one plausible reason as he thought back to the last call with Steve. So initially happy the video hadn’t been uploaded back then he totally forgot about the documentary guys. They must be the other members of The Clinic with them and the Russians must have intercepted this knowledge from their phone calls.

  Bollocks. He willed Andrew and the crew to be alright. The Clinic may be next to Andrew without him knowing who they were, Decker thought. They would still be listening no doubt to Andrew give an innocent answer by just telling him they did have new people with them. At this point it still wouldn’t tell him if he was being held at gun point as they would be working to a foolproof cover story.

  When he spoke to Andrew he mustn’t ask either, they were smart and if The Clinic heard this sort of question, they would know he suspected them.

  So The Clinic is with Trans-Ant. I arrange a pick up and the Russians arrange an ambush. Why would they not be happy with just me, and the guy who has tried to assassinate me? That’s enough information without having to risk compromise or an international incident if the Trans-Ant RV goes wrong.

  Why risk it? They could cut and run now. Fly a helicopter in and go straight to Vostok. It would be another six days before anyone will be worried about me, plenty of time to have me back at the Kremlin with a set of crocodile clips clenching my bollocks.

  But The Clinic… Decker paused trying to see how it all came together in his mind. I reckon the two muppets attempting to kill me wouldn’t know fuck all about The Clinic, they would just be a hit team tasked with taking me out.

  Whoever is with Trans-Ant is important, well at least important enough to know about The Clinic or high up in it. These guys must be here to clear up any mess, or me, basically.

  It must be the only reason for insisting I call Andrew and bring forward the RV time at a place of the Russians’ choice. It’s classic tactics, the Russians are making the calls, luring them in on their terms.

  Shit, The Clinic and Trans-Ant are driving into an ambush, they want me alive but at what cost?

  Would they gun down Andrew and the team to clear all this up? How the heck would they pull that off? It’s not the fucking Bermuda Triangle down here.

  No sooner had he pondered, he had his answer.

  This is the Russians for fuck’s sake Harry, get a grip, they will clear it all up for sure.

  Decker went straight back to his survival instincts, he would never want the guys to die in the crossfire, and did not want to take Ivan’s words of trust about not killing Trans-Ant team.

  This RV was the only real chance of survival for him the more he thought about it, an RV would now bring total confusion, more chaos and a substantially higher chance of evasion, if The Clinic put up a major battle with the Russians to get to him.

  It’s the classic rock-and-a-hard-place type scenario but I will have to go with it. I can’t let personal relationships get in the way of what makes sense for my survival. Andrew and the lads are great guys, proper gents and seeing them get mowed down unarmed would devastate me as it’s my fault.

  Before any potential guilt got the better of him he heard his dad’s voice again.

  ‘Son never base arguments or decisions on emotions, always base them on facts.’ The facts are on the wall, I have to make the call to facilitate the new RV, I won’t ask any questions. What Ivan and higher command have planned after that I don’t know, but he has slipped up already and he will slip up again for sure. Be patient, be sharp.

  Ivan shivered and delved into his backpack and pulled out his big down jacket. It was getting cold remaining static guarding this guy.

  In an act of kindness he pulled out a small down sleeping bag that was stuffed away and undid the zip so it was a large blanket to place over Decker knowing that he would be feeling the same way.

  Does he genuinely give a shit about me? he wondered, before brushing that thought off. He is not feeling sorry for me I know that. I am an asset they need alive and not hypothermic. Keeping me alive involves these acts of kindness. In all honesty I think this officer is kind-hearted, you don’t meet many who are as ruthless as me and my mates back in the day.

  He forced himself to go back to rallying all of his thoughts and battle appreciations through his ingrained filtering system. He was trying to work out the RV scenario, his fingers itching for a pen and paper to map the ambush scenarios out from every person’s angle to predict the best line of action.

  Ivan knew Decker had little to say but noted he was obviously thinking to himself, he reminded himself to stay on guard, this man had proven that he could be lethal. He looked at Decker wondering what the hell it was that this man knew. Not knowing was killing him for sure though he purposely avoided striking up needless conversation, as it would only create hostility. Ivan didn’t want Decker worked up and pissed off, that would just alienate him. He had also worked out that Decker was ridiculing him continually but he refused to bite back.

  Ivan’s phone started ringing.

  He moved away from Decker and took the call.

  It was his other team member with Mick giving him an update on expected time of arrival.

  Collapsing the sat phone antenna he walks back over.

  ‘So Harry this is what will happen. When my man arrives with the man who is trying to kill you, I will instruct you to call Trans-Ant and speak to Andrew, yes? You’re a seasoned professional so I expect no covert tactics from you remember. They will die if you try anything foolish. Talk as an expeditionist and not a ruthless killer, you will tell them that you have regained slight battery life so you have to be quick. Then you will tell them you have twisted your knee badly and can hardly walk, possibly a spiral fracture. Due to the time, quickly ask them to record the coordinates I give you. Once th
ey are happy, request they pick you up as soon as possible, and ask what their expected time will be. That’s all Harry, that is all. Simple yes?’

  ‘Sounds like a great plan,’ Decker responded with sarcasm of the highest order.

  ‘Good, we are clear,’ Ivan happily pronounced.

  Ivan dialled his phone and moments later he started to wave his hands as he caught sight of them in the trench system ahead.

  Decker followed Ivan’s line of sight and noticed two figures walking towards them. One huge Russian in front, the other would-be assassin bound dragging behind on a leash.

  Decker gritted his teeth hard out of contempt for their prisoner as he eagerly waited to see his face. He was actually anticipating it was someone he knew, but then again everyone he knew in the business were seasoned pros, the best would have got the job done. Not this pair of halfwits who had compounded The Clinic’s problems, by failing to do their job and were now handing him over to the Russians. It was highly embarrassing for them and despite his current situation bound helpless, bloodied and bruised he couldn’t wait to gloat.

  Stopping 30 metres away, the huge Russian moved forward to meet Ivan. Both looking at their GPSs the huge Russian started pointing due South-East.

  Ivan must have asked them to try and find an opening outside of the trench systems Decker surmised. Trans-Ant would never be able to negotiate the terrain here. Hence Ivan requested to find a suitable location to set up the ambush.

  Speaking in Russian the huge guy was getting louder pointing more strongly in the direction they had come from.

  He was clearly confident that he had seen an area suitable whilst moving here that fitted the bill.

  Decker listened in to catch the gist of what was going on. The Russian who was talking and pointing was explaining to Ivan that only 1 nautical mile away the labyrinth became clearer, it ended at a rubble field. In Antarctica these rubble fields almost form perfect demarcation lines or boundaries. One second you would be in the worst rubble field ever with these types of trenches, then five metres later you can pass through the rumble field and find that it opens like a gate, and you will enter a completely flat landscape.