Who Controls the Sea

1

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8/16/2021, 7:30pm

Four foreign investors were about to reach a deal with their patient hosts. Even though an effective vaccine had been made widely available months before, everybody who was present in the Board room were wearing face masks at the request of the Board chairman. Overall, Vietnam had done a remarkable job managing Covid-19, and today’s meeting was no exception. The time for the native and foreign executives to add their signatures to the deal had arrived.

After everyone in the room had signed, Chairman Tao bowed and assured, “I am confident you gentlemen will be most satisfied with our services. Our IP/TLS security is second to none.”

The man standing closest to the chairman, Franz Tobald from Switzerland, handed Chairman Tao a double-encrypted solid-state drive, “That’s why my employer is paying you, Mr. Tao.” Franz turned around and said, “Our business here is done. Let’s catch the next flight to Tokyo.”

As the four European businessmen waited for their limo to pull up, the Frenchman standing next to Franz, Jacque, was shot in the chest and dropped the all-important briefcase that he was carrying on the ground.

“Grab the briefcase and take cover!” instructed Franz to Fritz, a fellow Swiss investor. Fritz did as he was told and took cover behind a concrete pillar as bullets whizzed past him and chipped away at the pillar. The gunman closed in on Fritz but was threatened by a man with a 9mm handgun. The first gunman shot at the new gunman, snatched the briefcase out of Fritz’s hands, knocked a passing driver off his scooter, and took off down the road.

Franz looked at the second gunman dressed in a tailor-made suit, who had holstered his gun. “Are you a cop?”

“Close. NSA: International Division,” answered Jay Cross, NSA Special Agent for International Affairs. “Mind if I commandeer your limo?”

“Do I have a choice?” asked a slightly amused Franz.

Jay grinned, “You know the answer to that.” Jay showed his badge to the limo driver who reluctantly got out. Jay quickly sped off toward the gunman on the scooter.

The gunman on the scooter glanced back and saw the limo gaining speed toward him. He fired off four rounds before taking a sharp turn to the right down a narrow alley that was too narrow for cars to drive down.

Jay came to an abrupt stop in front of the alley and hopped on a motorcycle whose engine was running. Jay flashed the owner of the bike his badge and stated, “Official police business” and sped off.

The owner yelled in Vietnamese, “Hey! You can’t do that—I don’t care if you are a cop!”

Jay was already two blocks away. The alley split off into a T intersection. Jay noticed there was a walkway that ran diagonal and somewhat parallel to the new alley where he figured he could make up some time. Jay revved up the motorcycle and caught up with the scooter. The gunman got off a few shots. Jay fired one shot at the man’s rear tire and managed to hit it. The metal of the scooter’s rear wheel scraped against the pavement until the scooter turned sideways and ran into a rice cart. There was a small explosion upon impact. The gunman took his time getting up and tried to escape, but Jay caught up with him before he was able to.

Jay picked the Vietnamese man up by his black leather jacket and asked, “Who are you working for? Why were you trying to kill foreign investors from the Swiss firm Zoluch?”

The man spit in Jay’s face and uttered, “Like I’d tell you, you American pig!”

Out of the corner of his eye Jay noticed a man pointing some sort of gun at him from a balcony across the street. Jay sidestepped one step to his left and used the gunman as an unintentional shield. A poison dart hit the man’s back, who died within 20 seconds. Before the gunman succumbed, Jay was already chasing the man who had fired the lethal dart. Jay cut the man off down the road next to a fruit stand and grabbed him by the shirt collar before he was able to get away. Jay recognized the man as none other than the Russian Oleg Brolokai, a notorious mercenary and assassin for hire. Jay heard the rumble of several engines racing toward him. Jay hit a button that was strapped to his shirt that locked in on his exact location. Four black sedans came to a screeching halt and several men got out and started shooting their guns at Jay. A few seconds later, Jay threw a smoke bomb toward his assailants.

After the smoke cleared Jay and Oleg had seemed to disappear. Out of nowhere a helicopter came flying by. Jay had already hopped on and had forced Oleg into the helicopter as well. The men below fired off several shots in desperation. The helicopter’s pilot then fired a mortar burst that hit behind the gunmen and lifted off to safety. Jay had achieved an important objective. Not bad for a day’s work.

2

NSA Headquarters

Fort Meade, Maryland

Jay needed sleep. He had been up for over 30 hours, but his supervisor had instructed him to submit a report by 4:30pm—a mere six hours away. Jay was certain his supervisor, Ronald Cushing the NSA Deputy Director of Operations (DDO), would write off Jay’s latest investigation as another bout of youthful adventurism, but Jay had picked up valuable collateral. The Russian mercenary Oleg Brolokai was on every developed country’s top ten most wanted list for international criminals, and Jay Cross had finally nabbed him. It might not have been Jay’s chief objective, which was to infiltrate the International conglomerate Choi Enterprises based in Vietnam, but it was at least something. On the surface, Choi Enterprises was a legitimate company that was primarily known for buying down interest on defaulted loans. The NSA had received a tip from a former Choi employee a few months ago that there was potentially billions of dollars being illegally laundered and collected somewhere in the organization, primarily by offering third world governments private security arrangements and facilitating illegal arms sales with dictatorships and terrorist organizations, but so far no substantial clues or evidence of the operation had turned up until now. Mr. Brolokai didn’t sell his services to your average brokerage.

Jay furiously typed away to finish his report on time and made it into the lobby of Director Cushing’s office at 4:32pm. The administrative assistant, Todd Duve’, wasn’t the least bit surprised that Jay was “late”. “Right on time as usual I see, Agent Cross,” noted Todd.

“It’s better than usual, Mr. Duve’. It’s the best I could do coming from 11 time zones away,” replied Jay.

Todd wryly smiled, “Well, our director believes in being punctual.” The phone rang. Todd answered it and said, “very good” before he hung up. Todd looked at Jay, “Director Cushing will see you now, but noted that he is disappointed you’re not on time.”

Jay pressed his lips together and said, “He should think about that the next time he sends me on an assignment halfway around the world.” Jay paused and straightened out his suitcoat. He then wryly smiled and said, “Have a terrific day, Mr. Duve’.”

Todd lifted the leather binder that Jay had put on his desk, “I think you might need this.”

Jay cleared his throat, “Details, details, Mr. Duve’.” Todd laughed to himself as Jay walked into the director’s office.

Jay walked into an office that always seemed unnecessarily spacious to him, but what did he know? He was simply a field agent.

“I see your report is five minutes late as usual, Agent Cross,” stated Director Cushing.

“Four minutes to be exact,” corrected Agent Cross. “Did you hear about the prize I acquired?”

Director Cushing skimmed over the report and then set it aside. “I did. Good work, Jay,” Director Cushing paused and sipped some coffee. He continued, “Unfortunately, it appears that a major arms deal was still reached with Choi Enterprises and the terrorist organization Idida in their well organized and established cell in Uzbekistan.”

Jay nodded, “So I’m headed to Uzbekistan.” Jay said this more as an understanding than a question.

Director Cushing stood up, “No. I don’t need you to start World War III, Jay.” Director Cushing walked over to two chairs next to his desk and motioned for Jay to sit down in one of them. Director Cushing took a dissolvable antacid with carbonated water and sat next to Jay. “We have a lead from one of Choi’s primary subsidiaries, Singh IT Services, in Taiwan. Singh specializes in IT security and cloud services. We believe Singh is the company that protects Choi’s secret computer network where the illicit arms transactions are occurring. Your orders are strictly to undertake a reconnaissance intelligence mission, Jay. I don’t want any trouble,” instructed Director Cushing.

“Do I ever cause trouble?” grinned Jay.

Director Cushing stared blankly at Jay for a moment before replying, “I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear that, Agent Cross.” Director Cushing paused and sipped some more carbonated water. He then asked, “Any questions?”

“Am I able to catch a decent night’s sleep before I go back to the far east?” asked Jay.

Director Cushing nodded, “Yes. Your chartered flight leaves tomorrow at 1.”

“OK good. I’m going home.”

Jay got up and was at the door when Director Cushing stopped him, “Oh and Jay—you’re only authorized to carry one 9mm. I mean it when I say we can’t have any trouble.”

Jay grinned, “The 9mm pistol is my favorite weapon anyway.”

As Jay walked out the door Todd politely inquired, “How’d the meeting go, Agent Cross?”

“It must not have been too bad. The boss didn’t mention the agency needed to take out an additional insurance policy this time,” Jay winked. “Until next time, Mr. Duve,” Jay paused and advised, “Don’t work too hard.”

“Not sure how to do that,” replied Todd.

Well what good was that, thought Jay. Life just wasn’t any fun with all work and no play.

3

Private Residence of North Korean Dictator

North Korea

The constant crashing of the waves against the rocky shore was comforting to North Korean Dictator Gi Dun. Gi had spent the last several years making a mockery of the American president by pretending to agree to America’s demand that North Korea stop the development of nuclear weapons, while refusing to commit to any formal agreement. North Korea would have a nuclear arsenal—indeed was well on its way—that would surpass China’s within two decades. The country had more than enough enriched uranium. North Korea just needed to acquire adequate delivery systems for their warheads. This was Gi’s top priority where his country’s nuclear program was concerned.

Gi’s personal representative—Dai Luc—had finalized a deal which would make Gi’s wildest dreams and ambitions come true. North Korea had signed an agreement through an undisclosed subsidiary of Choi Enterprises known as Aldric Incorporated. The North Korean government would pay Aldric Incorporated a sum of $50 billion yen for a five-year contract that would provide North Korea the necessary delivery systems it needed to attach its warheads to. The deal also provided for the protection of North Korea’s fleet on the high seas so North Korea could conduct an amphibious landing and attack against Taiwan sometime in the coming weeks. Once Taiwan was taken South Korea would surely fall and Japan could potentially be targeted. After that, who knew? Possibly China and beyond.

Lives were sure to be lost, but so what? North Korea was destined to be a great country—an empire even. Gi was destined to be a great leader—the greatest in Korea’s history. Decades of sanctions had brought his people to the brink of starvation. Did that bother Gi? Not in the least, although being boxed in by the world’s democracies did bother Gi. The time to let “history take its course” was over. Destiny was right in front of him for the taking and Gi was impatient to fulfill what he saw as his destiny. North Korea would be the dominant country in eastern Asia—perhaps even in all of Asia. His people just needed a visionary to make it so. Gi was that visionary. The world would soon learn this truth.

4

Street Market

Taipei, Taiwan

The streets were bustling with activity. It was a bit noisy for Jay’s tastes, but such were the hazards of being an NSA agent who was sent all around the globe in the interests of national security. Fruit and vegetable carts lined both sides of a narrow street. Jay was on the lookout for a Taiwanese intelligence operative named Zhang Li. Hopefully this guy wouldn’t prove to be next to impossible to find. Right now, it felt like he was looking for a needle in a haystack, or, with geography in mind, a kernel of rice in a rice field.

Jay noticed a beautiful woman standing in front of an apple stand. Jay was drawn to feminine beauty and couldn’t help from stopping. “So many choices. How are we ever to decide?” asked Jay, as he smiled and looked over at Zhang.

Zhang didn’t look up at Jay and stayed focused on the apples, “So much of it depends on what you are in the mood for. Are you looking to try something sweet? Sour? Bitter? A combination of all three? There is no right or wrong answer, no?”

Jay raised an eyebrow and smiled, “I tend to like my apples sweet—personal preference, of course.”

Zhang faintly smiled, “Of course.” Zhang put the apple down and shoved Jay to the ground, “Look out!” A knife that had been flung at Jay hit the apple cart. Zhang shot a few rounds off from her pistol at the assailant, who started running away. She looked down at Jay and asked, “Are you OK?”

Jay caught his breath and nodded, “Tolerable I’d say.” Jay paused, stood up, and brushed dirt off his shirt. He looked at Zhang and asked, “Are you the intelligence agent?”

Zhang nodded, “I am.” Zhang pointed to a row of bicycles, “Hop on that bike over there. We don’t want your assailant to get away.”

After Jay got on his bike and they took off pedaling down the road Jay yelled, “I want you to know I’m under strict orders not to engage with anyone. I’m on a reconnaissance only mission,” Jay winked.

“Too hot for you already? This falls under the category of self-defense,” assured Zhang.

“That’s what I’m afraid of,” replied Jay.

They chased the assailant down the road. The man jumped up onto an awning, kicked open a door on the second floor of a shop, and ran inside. “Let’s go up. I’ll go after him. You stay outside in case I get into trouble,” instructed Jay.

“You men are all the same. You don’t think any of us can handle trouble. I’m perfectly capable of defending myself, thank you,” replied Zhang.

“I know. That’s why I want you to stay outside in case I need help,” emphasized Jay.

Zhang rolled her eyes and followed Jay upstairs. Jay looked over the door that had been kicked in and said, “Stay here. I’m going to go a couple doors down. It looks like the walls are soft partitions, so he can easily move from room to room.”

“OK. Be careful,” advised Zhang.

Jay grinned, “Don’t worry. I’m a professional.”

Zhang shrugged, “Whatever. Just get your assailant—preferably alive.”

Jay walked two doors down. An old woman was sitting outside the door sipping some tea. Jay motioned ‘shh’ with his finger. The old woman didn’t change her expression. Jay showed the woman his badge and slowly entered the room. Jay quietly walked past the room’s partition into the room to his left. The attacker was hiding behind a dresser when he leaped out and assaulted Jay and started strangling him with chicken wire. Jay elbowed the medium height man in the abdomen several times, but the man held his grip on Jay’s throat. Jay noticed a hardcover book with sharp edges on top of the dresser. He elbowed the man in the chest, reached for the book, managed to secure it, and pressed the edges of the book into his assailant’s armpit. The man’s grip loosened as he clutched his arm. Jay grabbed the man by the shirt collar and punched him in the face twice, before the man kicked Jay off him with a quick round kick and pulled out a knife.

The man thrust his knife at Jay. Jay picked up a vase and deflected the man’s thrust. The man thrust his knife several more times, but Jay blocked his every thrust with the vase. The man was about to throw the knife at Jay. Jay noticed the knife was about to become airborne, so he turned his body sideways and jumped off the exterior wall on the other side of the room as the knife went flying through the room’s partition and fell to the floor in the room on the end where Jay’s assailant had entered the building from. The momentum Jay picked up from pushing himself off the exterior wall caused him to push his opponent through the light fabric of the partition wall between the second and third rooms. Jay’s assailant then somersaulted backwards and pulled out his gun as he got up. Right before he was able to get a shot off, he was hit in the shoulder by a bullet that had been fired from outside the room.

Jay looked at Zhang, “I thought I told you to wait back there.” Jay then kicked his opponent’s gun away which dropped on the floor in front of him and lifted the man up off the floor as he twisted the man’s injured arm. The man cried out in pain.

“Would you rather I’d have waited, and you’d be dead right now?” inquired Zhang.

“A solution would have presented itself,” Jay paused as he brought the man over to Zhang who put handcuffs on him. “Thank you all the same.”

“You’re welcome—I think,” replied Zhang.

“And thanks for keeping this guy alive. My mission is to do a reconnaissance and collect intelligence, after all,” Jay sarcastically reminded.

“I wouldn’t want you to violate your orders,” quipped Zhang. “Let’s bring this guy to the hospital. We can interrogate him once he’s well enough to talk. I’m sure he has something to tell us.”

“No dinner and wine first?” asked Jay.

“Sorry Agent Cross, I don’t mix business and pleasure,” replied Zhang.

“Your loss. I find business is more enjoyable when it’s pleasurable,” admitted Jay.

Zhang shook her head, “You’re incorrigible.”

“Perhaps, but I’m also fun,” joked Jay. “You have set your boundaries, Agent Li, and I shall abide by them. I might not like them, but I will respect them.”

“Gee, thanks. That’s all a girl can ask for, right?” Zhang sarcastically replied.

“You asked. I complied,” said Jay. “After we get to the hospital, I’m going to take the rest of the day off and do some, uh, sightseeing,” informed Jay.

“Do what you want. Don’t forget we have a briefing at 0830 tomorrow morning,” reminded Agent Li.

“That should give me enough time for at least a cup of coffee,” remarked Jay.

“I hope so. That’s almost lunchtime for me,” said Zhang.

Fifteen minutes later they brought their assailant to the hospital and made sure the police kept him under watch. After they were back outside Zhang said, “Glad that’s over. See you tomorrow.”

“Yes, we will. The night always turns into day,” replied Jay. The following 16 hours would be a rarity for Jay: free time overseas. Then again, for an operations and intelligence agent who worked for the U.S. government, there technically was no such thing as “free” time.

5

Choi Casino and Hotel

Taipei, Taiwan

It was 9pm. This was Jay’s favorite time of the day. The worries of the day were over and most people who didn’t fall asleep during the 10 or 11 o’clock news were looking to relax, unwind, have a few cocktails, and possibly participate in some intimate adult fun if they were so inclined as a couple or if luck struck them as a single person. Being physically attractive and possessing a charming personality never hurt either. Jay was strikingly handsome, and he could charm women and men alike whenever it suited him. Since it was night his intent was to focus on charming attractive unattached women. If they were attached and he ended up charming them and taking them to his room or they took him to theirs it wasn’t his fault they were attracted to him. Attachment meant commitment and Jay had never been one to commit in a relationship—at least since a bad breakup he had experienced a decade ago. As of today, Jay was just fine with that arrangement.

Jay really wasn’t much of a gambler, but he had gotten a piece of intel that someone of interest in the Choi Enterprises and subsidiaries investigation was a high stakes baccarat player. Jay looked down at his ultra-secure smart phone and identified a person of heightened interest in the investigation who was sitting at the table. Jay first sat at a nearby casino bar to drink a Jim Beam and Coke. He couldn’t help but be intrigued by the brunette to his right wearing a stunning and sparkling blue dress. Jay looked over and smiled, “I seem to have come to the right place.”

The woman grinned and replied in a Nordic accent, “But with the wrong intentions, no?”

Jay shook his head, “No, misguided perhaps, but never wrong.”

That caused the woman to laugh, “You’re an honest player then, Mr—”

“The name’s Jay Cross.” Jay gently reached for the beautiful woman’s hand and lightly kissed it. “And whom do I have the pleasure of enjoying such fine company with?”

“Isla. Isla Livindal,” Isla smiled a seductive, yet innocent smile. “Believe me, the pleasure is all mine, Mr. Cross,” Isla paused. “What brings you to Taiwan? Do you enjoy gambling the far east circuit?”

“I don’t really enjoy gambling, to be quite honest with you. I’d rather enjoy a bourbon Coke with a beautiful woman next to me,” admitted Jay.

Isla shifted her eyes from left to right, “Even if that beautiful woman is a stranger whom you have never met before?” Isla lit a long cigarette as she asked.

“When it comes to conversing with the opposite sex—particularly the opposite sex of the attractive sort—I am content both talking to an old friend or an enchanting lady such as yourself whom I’ve only known for two minutes,” Jay paused and took a sip of his drink. “That’s just the way I am.”

A middle-aged man with whitish blond hair sitting at the nearest baccarat table motioned for Isla to come over. “I apologize, Mr. Cross, but my associate over there is calling me over. Maybe we can pick this up later?”

“Your associate looks familiar. Is he famous?” asked Jay.

Isla laughed, “Infamous, perhaps, but not famous. Arik likes to keep what you Americans call a ‘low profile’,” replied Isla. “I’ll stop back later as long as you don’t find a different woman to charm into your room, Mr. Cross.”

“Don’t bother. I’ll wait out a few hands and will then join the game. I’d love to meet your friend,” said Jay.

“I thought you don’t like to gamble?” asked Isla, who looked a bit confused.

Jay raised his eyebrows as he sipped his drink, “We can’t always do what we want to.” Jay paused and smiled, “Go, run along now. I’ll come over halfway through my next drink.” Jay paused again and added, “You’re in luck. There’s no woman here I find more fascinating than yourself this evening, Ms. Livindal.”

Isla blushed, “You are too kind, Mr. Cross.” Isla took her martini, started to walk away, and smiled, “Chow for now. I’ll be watching for you.”

“I’m not one to break my promises,” assured Jay. Jay finished his drink and excused himself ten minutes later to use the restroom. He went into a stall and uploaded photographs of Arik Flossam that his hidden bodycam had captured through a lightening cable to his secure iPhone. He then got out of the stall and walked up to the sink to wash his hands, adjust his suit, pat his hair down, and rub some fresh expensive cologne on his neck. This was one game of baccarat that Jay would need to stay alert for. He double-checked to make sure his bodycam was invisible to a possible snoop. It was. Jay waited one more minute before he left the bathroom and proceeded to the baccarat table.

The dealer greeted Jay as he approached the table, “Good evening, sir. This table has a minimum bet of $5,000. It is not for the faint of heart.”

Jay nodded, “I never play the minimum bet. I’ll wager $10,000 U.S.”

The dealer took Jay’s cash, “Very good, sir.” He pointed to an open seat, “Please, sit down.”

As Jay sat down and settled into his chair the Icelandic businessman Arik Flossam introduced himself, “Welcome to our little game of chance here, Mr. Cross, I believe?”

“Thank you, although I find it a bit creepy when someone knows who I am whom I have never met before,” noted Jay.

Arik lifted his head and laughed. It seemed that all his strands of almost bleach white hair were perfectly spiked in a uniform fashion. “I have been accused of a lot of things, Mr. Cross, but creepy certainly isn’t one, I assure you,” Arik paused and sipped some Cognac. “My associate here, Isla Livindal, was telling me about your pleasant conversation. What can I say? I’m what you Americans might call a bit of a nosy old man,” Arik laughed, and looked over at Isla who weakly smiled. “I think I’ll just wager the minimum on this bet. Something tells me this isn’t Mr. Cross’s first game of baccarat.”

“That’s a safe bet, sir. I’m sorry. I didn’t catch your name?” inquired Jay.

“My name is Arik. Arik Flossam,” Arik paused and lit a cigarette. “Tell me, Mr. Cross, what brings you to Taipei? Are you here on business or pleasure?”

“I thought it might turn into pleasure,” Jay grinned as he looked over at Isla, who was blushing. “As it is, I’m scouting out a possible location for a tech consulting firm.”

“Ah, I see,” Arik paused. “What are your impressions of Taipei so far.”

“So far so good,” replied Jay, as he sipped some bourbon and glanced over at Isla once again. “Last call. It’s the dealer’s move.”

The dealer flipped over his two cards, “Three of hearts and the ace of diamonds.”

Jay possessed both of those cards, “Beginner’s luck, I guess,” Jay paused. “That’s enough excitement for me tonight. If you’ll excuse me.”

“Very impressive, Mr. Cross. Are you sure you don’t want to play one more hand? I’m also curious, what is the name of the consulting firm you work for?” asked Arik.

“It’s called Broadway Technical Consulting Services. I apologize, but I’m afraid I have a busy day tomorrow. Better luck next hand,” Jay paused. “It was a pleasure making your acquaintance, Mr. Flossam.” Jay turned to Isla and smiled, “Isla, you as well.”

“I hope this isn’t bon voyage, Mr. Cross,” said Isla.

“I have a feeling our paths will cross again, Ms. Livindal. Good night.” Jay left the casino floor for a quieter hotel bar. He looked under his sleeve and smiled at the room number that Isla had slipped him while the cards were being flipped over.

Arik gazed at Jay for a moment as he walked away and then brought his attention back to the table. “Let’s play another round. I have to win my money back now,” joked Arik. Everyone around the table laughed. After Arik knew that Jay was gone, he subtly glanced at a stout Chinese man and gave the slightest of nods. The man, Arik’s personal bodyguard and fixer, Fu Shan, acknowledged Arik and proceeded to follow Jay.

It didn’t take long for Jay to notice he was being followed. He stopped every so often in crowded areas to play a few slot machines and worked his way toward the main hotel restaurant. Jay managed to slip into the kitchen, grabbed a chef’s uniform he saw hanging, and quickly changed into it. He started walking through the kitchen and thought he had lost his follower, but Fu was a professional. Fu figured out what Jay was up to and cut him off on the other side of the kitchen. Fu took out a dagger and threw it at Jay, who was barely able to deflect it with a hanging frying pan that he was able to grab. The two sous chefs who were in the kitchen instinctively recognized there was trouble and ran out of the kitchen. Fu grunted and readied himself to attack Jay.

Fu then pulled out two throwing stars with both hands, crossed his arms, and hurled the sharp stars directly at Jay. Jay somehow ducked behind a prep table as the stars went flying overhead and then hit the tiled wall behind him. Fu then took out a long nunchaku (or nunchuck) and charged ahead. Jay grabbed the back of a dish cart and used it as a shield against Fu’s charge. Fu picked up dishes from the top of the cart and started throwing them at Jay. Jay ducked and dodged the plates as they shattered on the floor behind him. Fu was then able to use brute strength to push the side of the dish cart into Jay and pinned him against the three-partition sink in the dishwashing area. Jay grabbed a metal pan to deflect Fu’s nunchaku thrusts but was struck in the right hand. Jay’s hand stung as he clasped his right hand with his left hand.

Jay noticed that Fu’s back was dangerously close to four 400-degree fryers. Jay managed to muster just enough strength to push the dish cart just enough so he could grab a dish towel that was hanging under the dishwasher. Jay spun around, wrapped the towel around Fu’s neck, and dragged his head over to the fryer and completely immersed Fu’s head in the scalding grease. After a few seconds Fu lifted his head up out of the fryer and cried out in sheer pain. Fu had third degree burns all over his face and neck. Jay then grabbed a ladle from the prep table that was adjacent to the fryer and used it to shove Fu’s body back toward the fryers. Jay then showed off his endurance and agility as he used the dish cart and the prep table to lift himself up off the ground and kicked Fu’s entire body in the fryer vats of boiling cooking oil. Fu’s suit caught on fire as he pulled himself out of the fryers and staggered out of the kitchen while screaming at the top of his lungs.

Fortunately, Jay had gotten the better of Fu in this matchup. Not that it much mattered. It was clear to Jay that Arik didn’t believe Jay’s cover story and didn’t want Jay to find out any more than he already knew about what Arik did for a living. Jay knew that once Arik found out he was still alive he would send someone out after him again if Jay persisted in his mission. Naturally, Jay intended to be persistent. He never quit a mission once he started it unless his superiors shut his operation down and he had no other recourse. Jay would do everything possible to do his best to stay under the radar, so his superiors wouldn’t be tempted to recall him.

It had been a tough day at work, thought Jay. It was time for him to finally unwind and get better acquainted with his new friend Isla.

Jay had stopped by the hotel bar and picked up the finest bottle of champagne the hotel offered. He dropped his suit coat off in his room and loosened his tie for a more casual look. With a bottle of champagne and too champagne flutes in hand he discreetly knocked on the room number Isla had slipped him at the baccarat table. Jay waited a minute and there was no response. He nodded to himself, thought he had struck out, and was about to walk away when the door cracked open. “Come in quick and shut the door. This isn’t very proper you know, Mr. Cross,” directed Isla.

Jay did as he was told and set his tie down on a chair in Isla’s suite. “I thought you might be in a mood for a nightcap,” offered Jay. Isla was wearing a seductive night dress. Jay noticed her hair was wet. “I hope you weren’t planning to go to bed—without me, that is.”

Isla laughed, “You aren’t very modest, are you, Mr. Cross?” Isla bounced on the room’s California king bed and laid with her breasts partially revealed toward Jay. “Sorry—I would have answered sooner but I just got out of the shower. Pour me some champagne, Mr. Cross. There’s nothing like a good glass of bubbly at the end of the day.”

“Can do,” Jay smiled. The two laughed and talked for a good two hours. Jay was starting to get groggy, but he didn’t want this encounter to be strictly platonic.

“Isn’t it about time you kissed me?” Isla quietly asked.

“I would say so. I just know that women like to express their feelings so that’s what I was attempting to do. Isn’t that the gentlemanly thing to do?” winked Jay.

“Until desire overwhelms my senses. Take me Jay. If you want me at all, take me right now and don’t let go. I have never wanted anyone so bad,” confided Isla.

“Then I best not keep you waiting, right?” joked Jay as he wrapped his arms around Isla’s body. As the two were getting into the groove of lovemaking Isla noticed an indent for a holster in Jay’s shirt. She made a mental note, smiled a devious smile, and then poured herself into the pleasurable task at hand. There was nothing like using the power of sex and beauty to get your way.

6

Taiwanese Intelligence Headquarters

Taipei, Taiwan, 0835

Jay had snuck out of Isla’s suite early in the morning. He had a bit of an uneasy feeling about her. He thought she seemed a little too close to Arik, whom Jay was quickly realizing was probably the linchpin to his entire investigation. A second date was likely out of the question, but it had been an enjoyable evening, and that’s what mainly mattered to Jay. That and making sure the lives of innocent people were protected.

Jay could have done anything he wanted to in the business world after he served in the Air Force’s elite pararescue unit, or PJs as they were commonly known. On one hot mission in Syria he had saved an entire platoon of Army Rangers only to lose his partner and best friend, Dan Billings. The last ranger who was saved pulled Jay up into the chopper as insurgents were closing in on the drop zone. As a result of that traumatic experience, Jay had decided that he would devote his life to government service and to save as many innocent people as he possibly could and do everything within his power and ability to prevent terrorist attacks and wars from breaking out. This was, of course, easier said than done.

Jay had waited in line for over 20 minutes for a dark roast coffee at a Starbucks three blocks away from the Taiwanese Central Intelligence HQ, which, naturally, caused him to be five minutes late to the meeting. Taiwanese Central Intelligence operative Cheng Nui was giving an informal presentation to three of the agency’s directors and Zhang Li when Jay quietly snuck in. Cheng nodded and continued with his presentation.

When Cheng took a moment’s break Zhang took the opportunity to rib Jay, “Long night, eh?”

“I don’t remember Taiwanese beds being so firm. I guess I’ll have to take a mental note of that,” replied Jay.

“We’re happy you’re finally able to join us, aren’t we gentlemen?” Zhang asked and looked around at the others in the room.

The three directors sighed. The senior Deputy Director for Operations, Tou Shou said, “It’s fine, Zhang. Agent Cross was probably just feeling jet lag. Cut him some slack.”

Agent Li sighed. Why did other men always have to defend the attractive ones? It didn’t make sense. “Investigative work is intense. A good night’s sleep is hard to come by and should be taken advantage of,” said Zhang.

“I agree, Zhang,” replied Cheng. Cheng then smiled, “Although I think Agent Cross might have found a different sort of relaxation last night. Am I right?” Cheng reached out his hand and gave Jay a high five.

Zhang shook her head, “Guys are all the same. It’s all about penis envy.” The three older men in the room started to laugh, but Zhang then glared at them. “Do you have a problem with something I said, gentlemen?” The three men silently stared at the floor and shook their heads. “That’s what I thought.”

“It’s OK, gentlemen and women. I think we should get to work. I ran into a bit of mischief last night, and I don’t mean the good kind,” noted Jay.

Tou grinned, nodded, and nudged the guy next to him. Zhang had had enough of their display of sexist bravado. She exclaimed, “I agree with Agent Cross. We have lots of work to do and a lot to discuss.”

“Yes, yes, of course,” said the Taiwanese Deputy Director of Intelligence, Zhou Lor, the man whom Tou had nudged. “We have confirmed the Swiss investor Franz Tobald was indeed on business in Ho Chi Minh City last week on behalf of Aldric Incorporated, of which Arik Flossam is the Chairman and CEO of. Arik is also, incidentally, the majority shareholder of Aldric’s Fortune 500 parent company, Choi Enterprises. We have strong reason to believe that Aldric is indeed a front for an arms dealer,” explained Zhou. Zhou paused to wipe off his glasses. He raised his glasses up to the light to look for any spots he might have missed and then looked at Jay, “Arik left early this morning to attend to an important Aldric Board meeting in his home country of Iceland. Cheng is about to share some very useful information pertaining to this meeting.”

Cheng nodded, “Thank you, Director Lor. We have received an unconfirmed report from one of our Korean intelligence analysts that Dai Luc is expected to be at the meeting.” Jay raised his left eyebrow slightly and sat up a little in his chair upon hearing Dai’s name. Cheng resumed, “We are not sure why, but Aldric Incorporated and possibly even Choi Enterprises could be working out some deal with the North Korean government. This is a probable reason why Arik was on business in Taipei,” Cheng paused. “We need a few agents to go to Iceland and gather as much intelligence as can possibly be gathered for the Aldric-North Korean connection. I volunteered but my director thought this might be of interest to you, Agent Cross. Don’t worry, you will not be travelling alone.”

“And whom would my traveling companion be? I tend to get better results working alone,” emphasized Jay.

“That would be me,” said Zhang. “And there won’t be any funny business, Agent Cross. This trip is strictly professional. Got it?”

The three directors briefly laughed until Zhang glared at them. Jay gulped, “I’m afraid this is no laughing matter, gentlemen. I’ve seen Agent Li in action. She means what she says.”

“So, you agree to my terms?” asked Zhang.

Jay nodded, “I agree that you and I will maintain a professional relationship. That should be good enough for you.”

Zhang shook her head, “Whatever. I will see you at the airport in two hours.”

“Great. I’ll be at the bar,” replied Jay.

The older man who had been sitting on the right side of the table had remained quiet during the entire meeting but took this time to address Jay. It was the main Director of the Taiwanese Intelligence Agency, Gui Zemin. Director Zemin grinned a slight grin at Jay, “I agree. It is always best to calm the nerves before flying, Agent Cross.” Director Zemin paused as Jay smiled and nodded back. Director Zemin continued, “The Taiwanese people and government have always been proud of being a shining light of capitalism near a giant cloud of darkness, Agent Cross. Of course, we have friends in the region, but we also have adversaries—powerful adversaries in both our region and throughout the world,” Director Zemin paused and sipped some coffee. “If Gi Dun is up to something that could affect the security of our country we must know what that is. Maybe Gi is merely interested in procuring new weapons for his vaunted arsenal, but I’m not so sure? Gi does not send Dai on trivial errands. I am afraid that Gi might be plotting something with this Arik Flossam and his shell company, Aldric Incorporated.”

“Not to mention with Idida as well,” added DDO Shou.

Director Zemin nodded, “Yes. Aldric’s potential connections to Idida is also very disturbing.” Director Zemin paused, took a deep breath, and then looked at Jay again and asked, “Are you up to this challenge, Agent Cross? We have looked over your file and have heard many good things. I must say, I am impressed with what I have read and heard. Your exploits precede you. Will you live up to your reputation?”

“Well, that’s a lot of pressure, but I’ll try not to disappoint,” Jay grinned. “I know I’ve got a good partner in Agent Li for this mission,” Jay paused. “The instructions I have from my superiors are to avoid active engagement of any sort unless it’s for self-defense, so I won’t be able to target Mr. Flossam just yet.”

“If you get us reliable and accurate intelligence, Agent Cross, we’ll help your government to get the authorization to arrest or neutralize Mr. Flossam, if need be. Good enough?” asked Director Zemin.

Jay smiled, “It’s like they say—good enough for government.” The three directors and Jay shared a good laugh. At least Jay was getting closer to doing what he did best. His hope was always that he would be able to break up the bad guys’ party in time.

7

Headquarters of Aldric Incorporated

Reykjavik, Iceland.

It was all coming together as Arik Flossam had predicted it would. Arik was about to finalize a 5-year contract worth $50 billion yen with the chief of staff (and right-hand man) of North Korea’s “visionary” leader. Arik’s overhead was low as he practically paid slave wages to the workforce that manufactured and prepared the missile delivery systems who worked under the protection of the Idida terrorist network in Uzbekistan, which was one of the most corrupt countries on earth. A concert ticket that was purchased legitimately could be acquired or “stolen” for the right price in Uzbekistan.

Everything was moving along according to plan with Arik and his company, Aldric Incorporated. Soon Arik would spend most of his time in his island fortress, that was located on a remote rocky island off the west coast of North Korea in Korea Bay. It was from this island where Arik would demonstrate the power of his greatest invention ever—a propelled tractor beam and compactor that could theoretically latch onto small cruisers and submarines and then crush them down into recycled tin. Subjected to the mercy of such a contraption, the US, Russian, and other “first-rate” navies of the world would have no choice but to accept Arik and Gi’s demands, lest they wanted to jeopardize losing their entire submarine defense and more.

There was just one problem that needed to be attended to, as there always was where diabolical plots were concerned. There was one American agent from the US National Security Agency, Agent Jay Cross, who was getting a little too close for comfort to Arik’s business operations. That’s why Arik had summoned a senior investor from one of Aldric’s subsidiary investment firms, Dalbec Securities. The man Arik had instructed to come to Aldric’s headquarters was the Swiss investor, Franz Tobald. Arik motioned for Franz to have a seat. The only other person who was in the boardroom with Arik was Isla Livindal. “I trust your flight was comfortable?” asked Arik, as Franz sat down.

Franz nodded, “It was. Thank you, Arik,” Franz paused. “I must say, I’m surprised you wanted me to come in person. I wired you the funds as soon as I got back to Zurich.”

Arik stood up, walked over to Franz, and held up a picture of Jay Cross, “Do you recognize this man?”

Franz shook his head, “I don’t think so.” Franz looked at the picture a little closer, nodded, and pointed his finger, “Ah, yes, come to think of it he was a special agent or mercenary of some sort, perhaps, who ran after Oleg in Taipei. It’s a shame about Oleg.”

Arik folded the picture, “It’s a shame Oleg didn’t eliminate Agent Cross.” Arik looked over at Isla, “Isla, would you be so kind to bring Mr. Tobald here a glass of water?” Isla smiled, nodded, and left the boardroom. Arik looked at Franz, “Is Perrier OK with you?”

Franz gulped, “Yes, Perrier is good.” Franz stood up, “I still don’t understand why my presence is required here?”

“We have reliable intelligence that Agent Cross is on his way here, with an intelligence operative from the Taiwanese Intelligence Agency,” Arik paused to sip some Perrier. “This would not be a problem if you had ensured Agent Cross had permanently remained in Tailand.”

Isla was back in the boardroom. She set a bottle of Perrier on the table in front of Franz’s chair. Isla smiled, “Please, drink.”

Franz hesitated, “I wish I could, but I have a plane to catch.”

“Sit down. I insist,” demanded Isla.

A chill ran down Franz’s spine. He nodded and slowly sipped some water. Meanwhile Arik looked outside to the sidewalk far below and waited until some construction workers completed some work near where limousines generally picked people up. After the workers cleared out Arik turned to Franz and said, “What are you waiting for? You have a plane to catch.”

Feeling relieved Franz nodded, “Yes, yes I do. Thank you, Arik. I promise this won’t happen again.”

Arik smiled, “I know it won’t. Enjoy your flight.”

After Franz left the room and was in the elevator Isla looked at Arik and said, “I know Franz made a mistake, but this won’t stop Agent Cross from coming here.”

“It will send a warning, no? Maybe that will be enough?” hoped Arik.

“For most yes, but it won’t for a man like Agent Cross,” predicted Isla.

Far below the boardroom a man who was watching the limousine pickup site departed when he saw Franz approach. Franz was a little confused why the man had been standing there and soon his last thought answered that question for him. Franz’s left foot broke through a narrow crack in the concrete which set off a claymore that tore up Franz’s leg and triggered another high-powered explosive that caused flash burns all over and practically incinerated Franz’s body.

After seeing and hearing the explosion from above Isla asked, “Satisfied?”

“I’m never satisfied, but this will have to do,” Arik sipped some Perrier. “Come. We have work to do. Mr. Luc will be here within the hour.”

“Of course,” Isla smiled. “You know explosions get me all hot.”

Arik pulled Isla close to him and aggressively kissed her, “I suppose I could spare a few minutes, my dear.” And so, he did.

8

Harbor

Reykjavik, Iceland

Jay and Zhang had heard about the “accidental” death of the Swiss investor Franz Tobald outside of the Aldric Incorporated Headquarters that morning. It was becoming clearer to Jay by the hour that someone at Aldric—almost certainly Arik Flossam—was uncomfortable with the joint American NSA and Taiwanese Intelligence Agency’s investigation of Aldric Incorporated, its subsidiaries, and parent company Choi Enterprises. Jay knew the encounters he had with Oleg, the anonymous thug he and Zhang had fought in the apartments, and the martial arts expert he had severely burned with fry grease weren’t just coincidental occurrences. Someone or a group of people (likely a terrorist organization or criminal syndicate headed by Arik) were doing everything possible to prevent their investigation from proceeding. Jay was determined to do everything possible to see the investigation through to its successful conclusion.

Jay and Zhang were currently posing as a couple on vacation. They had stopped at a waterfront bar for a drink. Zhang had ordered a daquiri with no alcohol. “Tell me again how imbibing alcohol is going to help us track down our lead?” asked a skeptical Zhang.

“If anything, it will help with the jet lag,” Jay quipped and sipped some beer. “The longer we sit here the more we expose ourselves.”

“And that’s a good thing?” asked an astonished Zhang.

“My you’re snappy, aren’t you?” observed Jay.

“Our job is to try and connect Aldric Incorporated with the Idida terrorist organization and illegal weapons sales to foreign governments. We’re also trying to determine the partnership between Choi Enterprises and Aldric. And you think trouble will magically appear out of thin air if we sit back and have a few drinks!” exclaimed Zhang. “I don’t agree with your logic.”

“Logic has nothing to do with it,” stated Jay, as he pulled out his 9mm and gently pushed Zhang’s head down. “Get down!” A bullet was fired and missed the top of Zhang’s head by about 6”. Jay fired back and saw the man run in the direction of a small cruising yacht. “Call Cheng and tell him we’ve made contact with Aldric’s armed security detail.”

“And just where do you think you’re going?” asked Zhang.

“Looks like I’ll be going aboard a boat,” replied Jay.

“I’m coming with you, Jay. We’re partners. We can contact Cheng after our chase ends,” stated Zhang.

Jay shrugged, but he didn’t stop Zhang from following him. Jay saw a man with a couple of young ladies had just pulled up to a dock to grab an early dinner. Jay waved his badge at the man, “Sir, I’m going to need to commandeer your boat,” he paused. “I hope you have insurance.”

“Hey man, you can’t just take my boat. It’s my boat!” shouted the owner.

“Believe me, I wish I didn’t have to,” Jay paused as he and Zhang walked onto the boat. Jay smiled, “I heard this place has great wings.”

“You’ll hear from my lawyer, man!” yelled the irate owner.

“I expect to,” said Jay as he unraveled the rope from the dock and then took off behind the yacht the shooter had gotten on.

Jay sped up behind the yacht. Three men with submachine guns started firing at Jay’s boat. One of the men was perched on the small upper level of the yacht. A few bullets pierced the front of Jay’s speedboat as he sharply turned to the left and aimed his 9mm at the closest assailant. He shot the two men on the bottom deck of the yacht in the chest. The man on the top deck kept firing away at the speedboat as Jay swung the boat around to the right and prepared to ram the side of the yacht.

“Hold on to something!” Jay yelled at Zhang. Zhang nodded as she clasped tightly onto the metal handles on the sides of the passenger seat that she was sitting on. Jay rammed the speedboat at 25 knots into the side of the yacht. A big hole was pierced into the side of the yacht’s hull. The man who had been firing the machine gun from the top deck lost his footing. Jay jumped aboard the yacht, gun in hand, and looked back at Zhang, “Go out into the bay and call for backup.”

Zhang nodded, “Be careful, Jay.”

Jay replied, “I’ll do my best. Now go.” As Zhang backed away from the yacht before she turned out toward the center of the harbor the man on the top deck had regained his footing and resumed firing his machine gun at Jay. Jay fired back a few times, but the man was protected by a steel deck plate. Jay then noticed a weight to the pully that held the yacht’s lifeboat was directly above the man. Jay used his elbow to break the glass a fire extinguisher and an axe were behind. An alarm went off as Jay sliced the axe into the cable that held the weight. The weight was the last thing the machine gunner saw before it landed on his head.

Jay then made his way toward the yacht’s bridge. On his way the man who had fired at Zhang and him while they were enjoying their drink tried slamming a door into Jay, but Jay was barely able to avoid getting hit. Jay managed to kick the man to the ground, but the man quickly shot the two handguns he was holding at Jay. Jay saw the water was directly below him over the railing on his left side. He pretended that he didn’t notice how precariously close he was to the edge of the yacht. The man took the bait and charged Jay. Jay simply tripped the man before he came to the railing, which caused the man to stumble forward. The man somehow managed to grab a hold of the railing with one hand as his one gun fell into the cold water below. The man aimed the gun that he was still holding at Jay’s head, but Jay took out a miniature flame thrower that he kept on him for emergency situations and burned through the rope that was holding the lifeboat’s other weight up. The weight hit the man’s fingers on the hand that was holding onto the railing. The man plummeted into the harbor below. Seconds later, the lifeboat seesawed against the side and then edge of the yacht’s lower deck until it fell into the sea and started to float away.

A helicopter came swooping down and picked up the yacht’s captain and a man wearing an expensive suit who had been on the yacht’s bridge with the captain. The helicopter’s cannon began firing automatic bursts into the bridge. Jay concealed himself just enough and found cover behind a steel wall behind the bridge. After the cannon fired off about thirty rounds the helicopter lifted off. Jay didn’t hesitate and rushed to the bridge, grabbed the wheel, punched the accelerator, and took off in the direction of the helicopter, even as water started rushing onto the deck.

Jay called for swat team assistance from the Reykjavik police department. The helicopter turned around and resumed firing its cannon at the yacht. Jay was headed right toward a covered slip. He knew the helicopter’s pilot would fire a rocket at the boat garage. Jay used the ship’s radio to prevent the accelerator from slowing down, ran out of the bridge, found a suitable spot to jump out into the harbor, and made his escape.

The boat sped into the slip. The fuselage caught on fire from impact, starting a small fire. The helicopter then fired two rockets at the yacht. The yacht and the boat garage erupted in flames. The helicopter’s pilot said over the radio, “It is done.” The helicopter then picked up altitude and flew away from the blazing inferno at the boat slip.

Jay managed to swim to the edge of the boat slip as he came to the surface. He then swam over to a metal ladder, waited a few more minutes to ensure he wouldn’t be detected, and then pulled himself out of the “refreshing” water. It turned out the owner of the boat that he had confiscated would indeed need to file a claim with his insurance provider.

9

Reykjavik Police Headquarters

Reykjavik, Iceland

Zhang brought in a hot cup of Starbucks coffee to Jay. She wouldn’t dare admit it to Jay, but she was impressed and even mildly turned on by Jay’s latest exploit—not that she would ever consider sleeping with the pig. She was also relieved that Jay was OK. Whatever the man’s flaws, nobody could say he wasn’t brave.

Zhang handed Jay the coffee, “Two creams no sugar. That’s what you wanted, right?”

Jay nodded, “Yes, thank you. You are most kind, Zhang.”

Zhang managed a small, but sincere smile, “I’m just relieved you didn’t need me to save you this time. I thought you were lost for sure when I saw the explosion.”

Jay sipped some coffee and said, “Always leave yourself an out.”

Zhang sighed, “Some out.”

A man wearing an immaculately ironed police uniform walked into the waiting room with two other officers that Jay and Zhang were sitting in. Zhang started to stand up but Captain Einar Allard, Operational Commander of the Reykjavik Police Department, motioned for her to stay seated, “No reason to get up on my account, Ms. Li.” Captain Allard paused to sip some strong Icelandic coffee. He then reached out his hand to Zhang and Jay, “Captain Einar Allard, Operational Commander of the Reykjavik Police Department. You two were involved in quite the incident yesterday. From what I’ve gathered, this isn’t the first time that trouble has crossed your paths, particularly you, Mr. Cross.”

Jay grinned, “I assure you—I’m not purposefully looking for any, Captain.”

Captain Allard laughed, “You’re not purposefully trying to get shot? I should hope not, Mr. Cross.” Captain Allard sipped some more coffee and sat down. The other two officers sat down to the left of the captain. Captain Allard pulled out some maps, “As you know, we have confirmed the delivery systems that the North Korean government is purchasing are manufactured in Uzbekistan. We suspect that many of the non-nuclear missiles, rockets, guns, and other weapons are being manufactured here, on the Northeast coast of Iceland somewhere in the vicinity of Bakkafjörður.”

Jay nodded, “That would explain the warm welcome we received.” Jay paused and stood up, “I’m going to need to get up near Bakkafjörður and see for myself. The NSA will want photos before we’ll be able to issue any warrants or confront Arik,” stated Jay. “Just send me a guide to within 150 miles of the area and I’ll take care of the rest.”

Captain Allard sipped some more coffee, “Agent Cross, you were nearly killed yesterday.”

“It wasn’t the first time,” admitted Jay. Jay took a big sip of coffee and asked, “Isn’t that why we’re here? Or do you have photographs I can share with my government?”

Captain Allard sighed, “We have reason to believe the facilities are hidden under inactive geysers and dormant volcanoes. A few Icelandic intelligence operatives have gotten close, but, unfortunately, they didn’t make it back.”

“It’s OK. No need to risk any more lives from Icelandic law enforcement,” noted Jay. “I have a customized flier my engineering team set up for me. It is sitting in a warehouse in Reykjavik. If you give me coordinates where we can ensure of being undetected, I can have it delivered to that location,” Jay paused and cleared his throat. “The flier should enable me to fly low enough and hover just long enough to get several accurate photographs of the installations’ perimeters and entrances.”

Captain Allard nodded once, “I officially advise you against this, Agent Cross, but I can see you’re a man who is determined to get his way.”

“When I’m determined,” confirmed Jay.

Captain Allard turned to the officer on his left, “Lars, please assist Agent Cross with getting his equipment moved to this coordinate.” Captain Allard handed Sergeant Lars Kirgaard a piece of paper, “Also, make sure to notify Agent Cross’s covert flight to Icelandic aviation and air security forces.”

“Yes, Captain,” replied Lars.

Captain Allard looked at Jay and shook his hand, “Good luck. If you get captured, we will deny any and all knowledge of knowing you.”

“The story of my life,” grinned Jay.

Captain Allard nodded. Then he, Lars, and the other officer left the room. Zhang stood up, “You don’t have to do this, Jay. There must be a safer way.”

“There is, but by the time the Icelandic authorities would get authorization to conduct an operation I’m afraid the manufacturing equipment will be in crates bound for Tehran or some sinister place,” noted Jay. “My job is to collect intelligence so that’s what I intend to do.”

“I know it is. It’s just due to your recent engagements we know you now have a target on your back. At a minimum, the Aldric security personnel have been alerted to your presence,” said Zhang. “Are you sure you don’t want to lie low for a little while until the heat dies down? —as you might say in America.”

“I see where you’re coming from but I’m afraid Arik might be planning to transfer the weapons manufacturing equipment since he’s been alerted to our presence,” Jay paused. “At the moment, Arik thinks I’m dead. That buys us a little time.”

“I see,” Zhang paused and sipped some water. “Please be careful, Jay.”

Jay grinned, “Have I let you down yet?”

“There’s always a first time for everything,” noted Zhang. The two left the conference room as Jay briefly thought about Zhang’s words of caution. Maybe it would be wise for him to practice a little more caution than usual.

10

Geothermal Basin

Northern Iceland

A small front-end loader was used to remove Jay’s custom flier from the trailer. After two workers removed the flier from the crate Jay thanked them for their help and waited for them to drive away before he finished the assembly of his lightweight hover plane. Thirty minutes later Jay was strapped into the plane’s cockpit with a headset on his head. Jay radioed the frequency Captain Allard had given him, “This is Tundra 3 ready to lift off.” Jay waited for a while but just heard static over the radio. Jay repeated, “This is Tundra 3 standing by.”

Jay waited a while longer and was about to lift off before he was given the authorization when he heard a barely audible voice over the radio, “Roger, Tundra 3. You may proceed with takeoff.”

“Roger that. Thank you. Tundra 3 out.” Jay pressed a button on handles that were to his right and left and used them to propel the hover plane off the ground. Rocket fuel lifted the plane to an elevation of approximately 600 feet before he turned the thrusters off and opened his V-shaped wings. Although the plane could only travel at a maximum of 540 mph, it could make tighter turns in a pinch better than any fighter jet that had ever been built. Jay was hoping he wouldn’t need to use that feature but given the trouble he had run into over the last day, he knew he couldn’t rule out an engagement.

Flying at a cruising altitude of 3500 feet, Jay was taken aback by the beautiful landscape below him. There were craters, active geysers that would shoot up hundreds of feet into the air, as well as active and inactive volcanoes. Jay had heard that Iceland was a beautiful country and his flight confirmed what he had heard. When this investigation was all over, and Jay had saved the world, he planned to come back to Iceland and explore the landscape more fully.

Less than 20 miles from the small port of Bakkafjörður Jay noticed the first opening in the rocky ground below that looked like it might have been slightly altered. Jay pointed the nose of his plane downward and swooped in for a closer look. When Jay got close enough to hover, he turned his thrusters on and slowly descended for a closer look. At first Jay wasn’t sure if the crater was any different from all the other ones he had seen, but then he noticed the etchings of a garage type door and saw a satellite dish and a few radio antennae next to the door. Jay pressed a button to open a hatch the plane’s camera was stored inside and proceeded to take several pictures before he retracted the camera and hovered back out above the crater.

Jay came across two more installations over the next several miles, one of which was just four miles from the coast. After Jay had hovered above the crest of the last crater, he heard a warning on his plane’s heat-sensing radar. There were four green blips flying toward him fast.

The pilot in the lead fighter jet radioed his commander in Korean, “We have an unidentified civilian aircraft at 11 o’clock in front of us. Do I have permission to shoot? Repeat, do I have permission to shoot.”

The message passed through a few operators before it was passed up to General Zin Chai, Commander of the North Korean Air Forces. The lieutenant colonel who relayed the message to General Chai asked, “General, what are your orders?”

General Chai thought for a few seconds before he replied, “I will need to consult the Minister of War. We don’t want to be in violation of international law for shooting down a civilian.”

After the message was relayed to him the pilot confirmed, “Roger. We will maintain a holding pattern with the plane in our sights until we receive further orders. Raven 1 out.”

Jay turned his plane sharply to the right and found himself flying at a 45-degree angle in the direction of the V formation. He blinked his eyes a few times and did a double take before he said out loud, “MIGs.” Jay flew in a little closer for a better look and thought he barely made out the faint outline of brown skin in the cockpit. The MIG fighters didn’t have any country identification, but they seemed to be a newer model of MIG XV jet fighters. There were only two countries in the world known to use this model of MIG military jets, Russia and North Korea. Jay doubted Russia would have any fighter jets stationed in a remote corner of Iceland. He had certainly acquired some useful intelligence on this little jaunt.

“Are you sure the Americans won’t protest?” asked Yan Gee, the North Korean Minister of War.

“I’m positive they will deny any knowledge of the man flying the plane. He is a secret NSA agent,” assured Arik over the phone.

Minister Gee nodded, “I should consult with President Dun on this matter, but I have instructions to use discretionary orders based on your advice.” Minister Gee paused and took a sip of bottled water, “We will instruct our pilots to fire a warning shot. If the man doesn’t fly away, I will send them instructions to shoot the plane down in violation of Icelandic airspace.”

The pilot got his instructions two minutes later, “Yes sir.” Jay had turned around and was hiding below the top of a crater. The MIG XV flew straight ahead toward the top of the crater and fired its heavy cannon against the top of the rim. After receiving the warning shot Jay took off out of sight of the MIG formation. The pilot figured the warning shot had accomplished his task and radioed his commander.

A minute later the lead pilot noticed two explosions from the two planes in the rear of their formation. Jay had snuck up on the formation from behind and had fired two mini rockets simultaneously at both planes that were at the rear of the formation. The left wing and right wings of each respective plane was torn in half as the planes plummeted into the craters below.

The jet that had been flying to the lead pilot’s left broke away and circled behind Jay. The pilot started firing off its machine gun cannon at the back of Jay’s plane and then fired off a missile. Jay veered sharply to the left and inverted his hover plane. He barely managed to dodge the heat-seeking missile that exploded a few hundred yards in front of him. The MIG behind Jay fired its cannon again and the lead pilot flew directly in front of Jay’s plane. Jay waited until both planes were within 100 yards of his plane, as both jets fired off their cannons. Jay then released his front and rear countermeasures as he spun his hover plane around several times. The rear plane had come close enough to Jay, so the countermeasures began jamming the pilot’s electronics. Jay then fired off one of two hydra rockets directly into the fuselage of the rear MIG XV. The plane exploded into a giant fireball. “The faster they move, the more they burn,” observed Jay, as the plane’s remnants crashed into the cliff of a volcano.

The remaining pilot in front of Jay was determined to destroy Jay’s plane. The pilot pushed his throttle to maximum speed and clipped the right side of Jay’s plane, as Jay somehow managed to evade the full force from the MIG’s acceleration. Undeterred, the MIG pilot circled around and fired off his cannons at the back of Jay’s plane. He then fired a mortar. Jay did his best to evade the mortar, but the mortar clipped the plane’s radiator. Jay’s engine was now rapidly overheating.

Jay did the only thing he could do. Seeing the sea before him he set his hover plane to self-destruct in ten seconds and ejected from the plane a little over a mile from the coast. The lead pilot grinned and fired off a missile. Upon impact the missile exploded the nitrogen bomb that Jay’s plane turned into after he had initiated the self-destruct sequence. The explosion engulfed the remaining MIG in flames before it too exploded. On a clearer day the explosions would have been seen for close to a hundred miles.

Jay was soon safe on the northeast coast of Iceland and out of danger for the time being, but he feared that would be but a temporary luxury. The good news was he had uploaded all the photos that he had taken to his specially designed iPhone, so he now had evidence of Aldric Incorporated’s illegal weapons manufacturing.

11

East China Sea

350 Miles NE of Taiwan

A British submarine was conducting a joint operation with the US Seventh Fleet based out of Honolulu, Hawaii. The seas were relatively quiet these days—just the conditions a captain nearing retirement preferred. The British submarine Montgomery was getting close to where the ocean depth went from 1500 feet deep to just 450 feet deep, which often invited increased aquatic activity. The ship’s XO, Commander Robert York, stated a command to the crew over the ship’s digital PA, “Right rudder bearing 260 degrees.”

“Right rudder bearing 260 degrees. Aye sir,” acknowledged the submarine’s pilot.

After the Montgomery had made the full turn Captain Ted Lancaster walked onto the bridge. “Good morning, Commander,” Captain Lancaster greeted Commander York.

“Good morning, sir. Would you like a second glass of tea, sir?” asked Commander York.

“No thank you, Commander, I have had my fill,” Captain Lancaster paused. “Looks like we should be making our rendezvous with the Kerry within the hour. I’m sure our men will be pleased after the conclusion of the exercise, so we can sail to Sydney for some well-deserved R & R.”

“Yes, sir,” agreed Commander York.

“Sir, this is Sonar. Pardon for interrupting, sir, but we’re picking up a rather unusual echo bearing 2-6-0…directly in front of us, sir,” reported the chief Sonar Operator, Petty Officer Lyle Andrews.

“That’s odd. Perhaps it’s a false reading,” suggested Commander York.

Captain Lancaster shook his head, “Nuclear submarines less than 10 years old that are meticulously maintained don’t generally make false sonar readings, Commander.” Captain Lancaster headed down to the sonar room. The noise had intensified by the time he got there. “May I?” Lyle handed the captain a pair of headphones. The volume increased and made a high-pitched screech, which caused Captain Lancaster to take the headphones off. “It’s almost like something is trying to jam us.”

“Precisely, sir,” agreed Petty Officer Andrews. “The strange thing is nothing visual is showing up on our monitors,” Lyle paused. “Maybe we should alter our course a bit, sir?”

Captain Lancaster nodded, “Yes, I think you’re right.” Captain Lancaster spoke into the PA, “Helmsman, right full rudder.”

“Sir, I apologize, but we are under instructions not to change our course until we make contact with the Kerry,” reminded the Helmsman, Petty Officer Second Class Mark Barron.

“I understand, Helmsman, but I am ordering a Code White. Repeat, I am ordering a Code White,” instructed Captain Lancaster.

“Aye, aye, sir,” acknowledged Petty Officer Barron. The bridge and entire submarine soon became a bustle of activity. For some reason, however, Mark was unable to turn the sub. “The sub isn’t responding to my controls, Captain.”

Captain Lancaster ran up to the bridge and asked incredulously, “What do you mean it’s not responding?”

At that moment the same high-pitched shriek that Lyle had first identified filled the entire submarine. Men covered their ears, and some put on noise cancelling headphones to try and drown out the infuriating noise, but the noise increased the farther forward the ship sailed. A general fear gripped the crew. Most took less than thirty seconds to resign themselves to their fate, being the professionals that they were. Many took out photos of their kids and spouses before they waited for the inevitable.

Commander York shouted, “Right full rudder! Right full rudder now I say! Now!!!”

Captain Lancaster put his hand on Commander York’s shoulder, “It’s no use my friend. We have lost control of our ship.”

The shrieking noise stopped for about a minute. After a minute the crew of the Montgomery heard the first thump against the hull of the submarine and then heard several more. Water poured through a bulkhead in the ship’s engine room. Water pressure then caused rivets, bolts, and other hardware to break off all throughout the sub as water came pouring through and started flooding the floor. The bridge quickly began filling up with water. That hardly mattered as the submarine’s hull began to compact together until it had been flattened to little more than a pile of scrap metal. Before he passed out from the fatal pressure that had been caused by the submarine being compacted and losing its power, Petty Officer Andrews thought to press the emergency SOS button that would send a distress signal to British naval command as well as the American Submarine Kerry. In less than five minutes the remains of the Montgomery, including the submarine’s crew, sunk to the ocean floor at a depth of 750 feet below the surface.

The self-propelled tractor beam above turned off its powerful electromagnet and resumed sailing in stealth mode. It was heading back to recharge in an underground slip in a small rocky island off the coast of North Korea where Arik Flossam had built a new command and control center for Aldric Incorporated, or Aldric Horizons, as Arik had rebranded his criminal organization.

12

Hotel Bar

Hamburg Germany

Jay was icing his left shoulder (he had injured it after hitting the ground after he had ejected from his plane in Iceland) and enjoying a double Jim Beam and Coke at his hotel’s bar in Hamburg, Germany. Jay and Zhang had been instructed to spend a few days recuperating in Hamburg after all the action they had seen in Iceland. Zhang was even enjoying an alcoholic strawberry daquiri—a rare pleasure for her.

“I sure hope Iceland’s army gets to those crater facilities before the equipment is removed,” said Zhang before she sipped her daquiri.

“My guess is Arik arranged their removal after my run-in with the MIGs,” replied Jay. Jay closed his eyes and pressed his ice pack into his shoulder, “Oh, this ice feels delightful.”

“Where do you suppose the equipment is being moved to? Uzbekistan?” asked Zhang.

Jay’s eyes remained closed, “That would be my guess, but I wouldn’t rule out a different and more isolated locale.”

“What’s more isolated than Uzbekistan?” asked Zhang.

Jay opened his eyes and looked at Zhang, “North Korea.” Jay then sipped his drink.

“Do you really think Gi Dun would allow a foreign enterprise to build a facility in North Korea outside the control of the North Korean government?” wondered Zhang.

“Maybe not on the mainland,” stated Jay. “There’s plenty of obscure island real estate off the western coast of North Korea.”

“What makes you think a megalomaniac like Arik Flossam would want to build so close to North Korea?” inquired Zhang, as she took a large sip of her daquiri.

“With all these questions I think I might just need another drink,” Jay paused and flagged the bartender. “Sir, may I have another? You can make this one a single.” Jay looked back at Zhang and asked, “Where did the chairman of Choi Enterprises meet representatives from Aldric Incorporated?”

“In Taipei. Why would that matter?” wondered Zhang.

“Here you go, sir. That will be three Euros,” said the bartender as he set the drink down on the bar in front of Jay.

Jay put down a $5 Euro bill on the bar, “Thank you. Keep the change.”

“Danke, sir,” replied the bartender.

Jay stirred his new Jim Beam and Coke a few times and said, “It’s always best to stir drinks rather than shake them.” Jay sipped his new drink and asked a follow-up question, “Who is currently Aldric’s most high-profile customer? I think you know this one.”

“North Korea,” Zhang paused. “And Gi Dun needs a supplier for the delivery systems for his warheads. His supplier is Aldric Incorporated which needs to meet in a neutral location like Taiwan that isn’t on any agency’s radar.” Zhang stopped to think for a moment. “Still, I don’t quite see how Iceland and Uzbekistan are tied to Taiwan.”

“They’re not…as far as Aldric is concerned,” replied Jay.

“You mean? —no!” exclaimed Zhang, as she practically knocked over her daquiri.

“Gi Dun doesn’t care about making money. He cares about increasing his weapons arsenal and territorial expansion. Arik Flossam, on the other hand, cares a lot about making money and about being an aggressive dictatorship’s sole weapons supplier,” Jay paused and took a sip of bourbon. “Taiwan is more significant than it appears—from Gi’s standpoint, anyway.”

“You really think Gi could be planning an invasion of Taiwan?” asked Zhang, who was doing her best to absorb the latest in the game of high stakes global domination.

“We’ll do our best to see it doesn’t come to that,” stated Jay.

A call came through on Jay’s secure cell phone. Jay answered, “Agent Cross.”

“I see you’ve made quite a mess of things in Iceland and Taiwan—but Iceland—my God, Jay, what were you thinking?!” demanded Director Cushing.

“Did you find those photographs I took useful?” asked Jay.

“Yes, yes, but that’s beside the point. You caused several millions of dollars-worth of damage, Jay. Do you know how much our agency’s insurance rates have gone up because of your recent escapades?” asked Director Cushing. “Believe me, you don’t want to know.”

Jay grinned, “I’m sure I don’t, sir.”

“Anyway, since you’re already working on this case, I can hardly pull you off, now can I?” Director Cushing rhetorically asked.

“Everyone can be replaced,” noted Jay.

“Yes, but that requires paperwork and two years of intense training, time which we don’t possess right now,” replied Director Cushing. “I have some distressing news to report. A British submarine that was conducting a joint Anglo-American exercise in the northern East China Sea earlier today has gone missing. The officers and crew aboard the American submarine Kerry that was participating in the exercise with the British submarine Montgomerywere set to rendezvous with the Montgomery minutes before the submarine disappeared. I have been on the phone with the CNO all morning,” explained Director Cushing. “The aggravating part of this is we don’t have any evidence to suggest the North Korean government had a hand in the disappearance. It’s a complete mystery.”

“Mysteries tend to unravel,” noted Jay. “Do you want us to go back to Taiwan?”

“I wish, but not at this time. The Icelandic Army conducted a raid against those alleged weapons installations you sent us photographs of. All they found was rocks and empty crates,” Director Cushing sighed. “It appears that Mr. Flossam got the jump on us.”

“Indeed,” replied Jay. “His mistake was probably telling those MIGs to engage.”

“I ought to have you locked up for the rest of your life for taking on MIG fighter jets alone!!” shouted Director Cushing. “I think you’ve expended your ninth life.”

“Maybe sixth,” joked Jay.

“Fortunately for you the MIG destruction is my headache to deal with for now. Of course, there’s not much I can do since North Korea claims their government didn’t authorize them to be in Iceland,” said Director Cushing.

“Naturally,” added Jay. “Any idea where the weapons manufacturing equipment was shipped to?”

“As it just so happens yes. The CIA has determined a significant portion—if not all—of the equipment has been sent to Uzbekistan,” Director Cushing paused and wiped off his glasses. “You and Zhang are to travel to Quarshi, Uzbekistan. There you will meet a battalion under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Jared Miller from the Third Army Ranger division that is currently based out of Kabul, Afghanistan. As you might guess, with Taliban assistance Idida operatives can easily slip over the border into Afghanistan. That is a problem for another day, however, and outside of your scope. You will simply provide gathered intelligence to Lt. Colonel Miller and his officers. They will conduct the raid of Aldric’s facilities in Quarshi that is protected by Idida,” Director Cushing paused. “I don’t want to hear about you going anywhere near those facilities, Agent Cross. Do I make myself clear? Taiwanese Intelligence has instructed Zhang to restrain you if necessary.”

“I’m not actually sure she’d like that,” quipped Jay.

“This is no time for jokes, Agent Cross. We need to do everything possible to prevent North Korea from obtaining better weapons delivery systems,” Director Cushing paused and wiped off his forehead with a handkerchief. “Do you have any questions, Jay?”

“I’m sure I’ll come up with one or two,” said Jay. Jay then inhaled and stated, “Looks like we have another plane to catch.”

“Yes, you do. And remember—no engagement,” warned Director Cushing.

After Jay hung up, he took the last sip from his drink. Zhang turned to him and said, “We don’t have to leave until morning. You want to grab some dinner?”

“You’re asking me out?” Jay winked.

Zhang pushed Jay on his injured shoulder. Jay bit his teeth together. “Oh, I’m so sorry—I wasn’t thinking. Are you OK?”

“I think I’ll live,” replied Jay.

Zhang smiled brightly, “Good.” Zhang paused, “To be clear, this is a work dinner—nothing more.” Zhang smiled again, “Although you are beginning to grow on me, Agent Cross. Maybe that’s what happens to people when they endure traumatic events together?”

“Whatever it is, I like it,” smiled Jay. “Meet you in the lobby in an hour?”

“How about 30 minutes?” suggested Zhang.

“Even better,” agreed Jay. “You know what goes good with dinner? —red wine.”

“Easy there, buddy. Just be glad I agreed to go to dinner with you,” replied Zhang.

“I meant it will go good with my dinner,” Jay grinned. After all, red wine almost always went well with dinner. This was encouraging. He seemed to finally be getting somewhere—and not just in the investigation.

13

Island X

Off the western coast of North Korea

Arik was entertaining one of the world’s leading industrialists when his administrative assistant informed him that an unexpected guest had arrived. What’s worse, he had just signed a major deal with this same guest a little less than a week before. Arik turned to his guest, “My apologies, Patrick. I’m afraid I have a bit of business to attend to. I will meet you a little later in the bar for an after-dinner drink.”

“No reason to apologize, Arik. I know you are a busy, busy man,” replied Patrick Dowling, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Dowling Industries. Dowling Industries made steel components and specialized in manufacturing weapons casings. Aldric Industries bought the casings for the weapons and weapons delivery systems it manufactured. This helped create the façade that Aldric was a fully legitimate enterprise.

Isla got up after Patrick left the table, “Need anything, my love?”

“I need Mr. Dun to allow me more latitude than he is,” complained Arik. “I will see you later tonight, my dear.”

Isla smiled, “I will be waiting.” Isla gently caressed the back of Arik’s neck, sending shivers through Arik’s spine, which caused him to get slightly aroused. The sensation faded shortly after Isla left the grand dining room.

Arik pressed a button to call his assistant, “Send him in.”

“Right away, Mr. Flossam,” replied his assistant, Chloe Patterson.

The North Korean Dai Luc approached Arik with an expressionless face. Gi Dun’s personal emissary was all business.

“Dai, what an unexpected pleasure? What brings you to our little island here?” asked Arik as hospitably as he was able to be. “Can I offer you a drink?”

“No, I am fine. We have a—situation, Mr. Flossam,” informed Dai.

Arik raised his eyebrows, “Situation? I’m not aware of anything out of the ordinary, as far as ordinary goes in our business, Dai.”

“The destruction of those MIG XV’s have given President Gun—North Korea—bad publicity,” began Dai. “President Dun has publicly stated he did not authorize those MIGs to operate out of Iceland and were deployed without his knowledge,” Dai paused. “Minister Gee told President Dun you encouraged him to authorize our aircraft to engage the civilian aircraft. It is unfortunate the man flying the plane turned out to be an experienced pilot—perhaps even a fighter ace.”

“I’m not sure how it happened. The pilot—there is no doubt in my mind it was Agent Cross—was flying some sort of modified military-grade plane. How else can you explain four MIGs getting blown up?” asked Arik.

“Agent Cross? —I thought he was killed when your helicopter blew up the yacht?” questioned Dai.

Arik shook his head, “I thought so too, but, somehow, Agent Cross escaped.” Arik paused and sipped some brandy. He continued, “Please do not worry yourselves any further about Agent Cross. My operatives through Idida have learned he is on his way to Quarshi, Uzbekistan at this very moment—along with Taiwanese Intelligence Agent Zhang Li,” Arik took another sip of brandy. He then coldly stated, “My operatives have been instructed to removeAgent Cross and Agent Li from their respective services as quickly as possible. We have an entire terrorist organization aiding us. I assure you, Dai, Agent Cross will not get away from us again,” promised Arik.

“I should hope not, Arik. President Dun wouldn’t want anything to delay his planned invasion, which is scheduled for six days from today,” informed Dai. “I trust this is the last we shall hear of Agent Cross. Let’s leave it at that.”

“Gladly,” replied a relieved Arik.

“Now, to better news. President Gun and even myself were most impressed by your ocean exercise the other day. It is with the knowledge that the American navy will be neutralized during our invasion why President Dun is proceeding with his scheduled timetable,” explained Dai. “You should be most proud of your extraordinary device.”

“I am just happy my clients are satisfied with our product,” Arik grinned. “May I offer you a drink now?”

Dai shook his head, “I wish we could exchange pleasantries some more, but I have much business to attend to back on the mainland.” Dai paused and looked around. He then looked at Arik and said, “I assume your new facility is adequate for the increased manufacturing for our delivery systems?” inquired Dai.

“Yes, thank you. More than adequate. Please send my thanks to our gracious host, President Dun, once again,” replied Arik.

“Excellent,” Dai was about to turn around but then stopped. “I foresee you doing very well here, Arik. Very well indeed.”

“That’s the plan,” Arik smiled a devious smile. “Have a good evening, my friend.”

“Good evening, Mr. Flossam,” replied Dai as he bowed. Dai then left the room as suddenly as he had appeared.

A moment later, a man who had recently been disfigured approached the table from Arik’s left. “I know you want revenge, Fu. Go get it,” directed Arik.

Fu Shun grew angrier and angrier the more he thought about Agent Cross and how his face would always have hideous scars from his head, down his cheeks, and to his chin. Fu held a cylindrical piece of steel alloy between both hands. He proceeded to press the 2-foot long metal cylinder together. His face grew redder and redder, but he eventually crunched the cylinder down to a squished 3” in length. Fu opened his mouth and clenched his teeth together as the redness slowly dissipated.

Arik smiled, “I’d say you’re up to the task.” Arik paused and then added, “Oh, and by the way, the American FBI didn’t have enough evidence to try Oleg Brolokai. He will be in Uzbekistan to assist you and Idida. Oleg wants revenge too, but I think he’ll let you do the honors once he sees your face,” Arik smirked and sipped some more brandy. “Any questions?”

Fu shook his head, “No. I just want to shove Agent Cross’s head into a hot fryer—like he did to me!”

Arik nodded, “I can see that you do.” Arik paused and stood up, “I like your spirit, Fu. Now go and don’t come back until Mr. Cross has been dealt with once and for all.”

Fu nodded, “Yes, Mr. Flossam.”

Soon there would be nothing and nobody in the way of Aldric Horizons from being the chief weapons supplier to the world’s major belligerents. The business of manufacturing and making arms was going to get much more lucrative in the coming weeks and months, and Arik intended to control the flow of weapons and weapons delivery systems to whatever government, terrorist, or criminal organization required his services. If all went as planned Aldric Horizons would control at least 75 percent of major weapons sales to states and organizations within a year. At that point Arik would be able to do whatever he wanted to do—and he intended to do and acquire a lot more than he already had.

14

Third US Army Ranger Division, 2^nd Battalion Temporary Forward Base

Quarshi, Uzbekistan

The makeshift canvas walls that delineated there was the semblance of a military post out in the semi-arid high plains outside of Quarshi were blowing from the strong winds in this region of the world as an Army jeep drove up to the post with Jay and Zhang. Zhang was the first to step out. Jay stood up, stretched a little, and adjusted his sunglasses as he slowly made his way out of the jeep. It felt good to feel the sand below Jay’s feet as he stepped onto the ground.

The 2^nd Battalion’s second in command, or XO, Captain Marvin Ritter, greeted Jay and Zhang before they entered the forward base. “Welcome to Camp Dry,” greeted Captain Ritter. “How was the drive in?”

“Bumpy,” replied Jay. He added, “Nothing we’re not used to, Captain.” Jay paused and continued, “I’m afraid we have limited time, Captain. There’s a very good possibility the weapons and delivery systems manufacturing equipment we believe was transferred here might only be stored here for a short time before it’s transferred to a more secure location.”

Captain Ritter looked a little confused and asked, “What’s a more secure location than Uzbekistan?”

“North Korea,” answered Jay.

Captain Ritter sighed and nodded, “Yeah, can’t get much more secure than that. I don’t even want to know how North Korea relates to this.”

“I wouldn’t either. You have that luxury. We don’t,” replied Jay. “We should go see your CO, Captain. I recommend you assault the sites the CIA has identified tonight.”

“That seems like a tight timetable,” Captain Ritter paused. He added, “We’ll see what the CO says.”

Lieutenant Colonel Jared Miller was just finishing up a salad when Captain Ritter approached him. “Sir, I’d like to introduce Agent Jay Cross from the NSA and Agent Zhang Li from Taiwanese Intelligence,” said Captain Ritter as he saluted.

Lieutenant Colonel Miller saluted Captain Ritter before he stood up. He then stood up to shake his guests’ hands. “Welcome Agent, Cross—Agent Li. I trust our hospitality has been sufficient?” asked Lieutenant Colonel Miller.

“More than sufficient,” confirmed Zhang.

Lieutenant Colonel Miller smiled, “Good. If nothing else, the Army aims to please.” Captain Ritter handed Lieutenant Colonel Miller the report that Jay had given him. “Looks like you’ve done your homework,” Lt. Colonel Miller paused and looked puzzled. “This can’t be right. Your date for the assault is today. Army Rangers are quick, but this is crazy,” noted Lt. Colonel Miller.

“Sir, Agent Cross believes we have a narrow window of opportunity. If you’d like me to assess our immediate combat readiness, I’d be more than happy to,” offered Captain Ritter.

Lt. Colonel Miller shook his head, “Impossible. I’m setting the date for three nights from tonight. Understood?”

“Colonel, if I may?” interjected Jay. Lt. Colonel Miller reluctantly nodded for Jay to proceed. “Thank you. I realize an assault tonight might be a bit unorthodoxed, but we are dealing with an adversary who doesn’t like playing by the rules, in any respect. If you’re worried about mission failure, I will assume full responsibility,” assured Jay. “If we don’t move tonight—or dawn at the latest—I fear the weapons manufacturing equipment that was temporarily transferred here will already have been relocated to its new location, which, I might add, will be much more difficult for us to infiltrate—but I will, of course, try if it is necessary since that is my job.” Jay paused and then quietly mentioned, “I’d much rather intercept the equipment here.”

Lt. Colonel Miller nodded, “I understand your desire to move.” Lt. Colonel Miller paused and wiped his head with a small towel. “Two nights from now is the best I can do, Agent Cross. It’s just not realistic to move before that.”

Agent Cross nodded and replied with a hint of disappointment, “You’re in charge, Colonel. I assume your driver can take us back to our hotel?”

“Yes, of course. I’ll see to it,” replied Lt. Colonel Miller.

“Thank you, Colonel. You are most hospitable,” said Jay.

Jay and Zhang were playing a card game while enjoying a bottle of red wine in Jay’s hotel room. “Ace high. I win,” grinned Jay.

“You know for a guy who doesn’t like playing cards very much, you sure win a lot,” whined Zhang. “I’m spent. Pour me another glass of wine, Jay.”

“That I can do,” grinned Jay as he grabbed the bottle. “I must be growing on you?”

“Not exactly, I just don’t have anything to do for two days,” replied Zhang, as she didn’t even try to conceal her flirtation.

“Maybe take a break after this glass. I don’t want you to pass out before dinner,” grinned Jay.

“Do you trust the food here?” asked Jay.

“Not really, but I still need to eat,” joked Jay. “I think I’m going to go back to my room to freshen up. A nap might do you good.”

“No, I want—I want to stay up with you…” replied Jay, as she tried to keep her eyes from closing.

“Come on, get up and lay down for a bit. You’ll feel better,” insisted Jay.

“I’m not tired—I’m really not, but maybe 10 minutes of rest wouldn’t hurt,” acknowledged Zhang.

“No, not at all,” agreed Jay.

Zhang and Jay went into Zhang’s hotel room. After Zhang laid down on her bed, Jay put the comforter over her and kissed her forehead, “Sleep well.”

“I’m not falling asleep…I’m just resting my eyes.” Ten seconds later, Zhang was sound asleep.

Jay had some impromptu reconnaissance work he needed to attend to.

15

Industrial Warehouse District

Quarshi, Uzbekistan

The manufacturing equipment was already in the process of being removed from the warehouse it had been placed in for the last several weeks. Forklifts and front-end loaders were busy loading trailers up that would be driven across Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and would be delivered to a railroad terminus in northwest China for the long train ride across the whole of northern China before it would be shipped to its destination of Island X from the port of Qinhuangdao. Jay perched himself behind a sand dune far enough away to be seen and started taking photographs of everything he saw in front of him. After he was satisfied that he had enough, he went back to the hotel. He planned to head out to the Ranger base before dawn.

Zhang was still sound asleep in her room when Jay woke up. Jay didn’t bother alerting her. He went out front and had the driver pull up his nondescript sedan—with several modifications. A long Lincoln sedan started to follow Jay after he was six blocks from the hotel. A few blocks down the road Jay noticed another Lincoln tried to cut Jay off, but Jay quickly turned to the left. It looked like he’d be forced to take a detour to the Ranger base.

Jay kept making left turns as two additional Lincolns joined in the chase. Jay stopped for several seconds at one point. Right before he took off, he pressed a button which released several spikes behind his car. The Lincoln that was immediately on Jay’s tail drove over the spikes, which caused the car’s tires to puncture. The driver drove as far as he could before his tires ripped off and he crashed into a pile of sand.

Two of the Lincolns had split off and one continued to stay on Jay’s tail. The two cars attempted to cut Jay off from in front of him. Jay accelerated and timed it, so he would meet both cars at almost the exact second that they met in the intersection. Jay then pressed a button which released a mortar from the back of his hood on both sides of the car. Jay’s impeccable sense of timing meant both mortars were direct hits to the cars’ engines.

Jay looked back and was surprised to see the passenger in the Lincoln that was still chasing him was none other than Oleg Brolokai, who happened to be aiming a grenade launcher at Jay’s Ford Fusion. Jay swerved to the left and right several times to try and throw Oleg off. Jay pressed another button which released countermeasures behind him. Oleg fired off his grenade launcher as the driver took a sharp left turn to avoid the flak that Jay had released. The flak had been released in the nick of time, as just a few pieces of shrapnel from the grenade that Oleg had fired hit the passenger side of Jay’s Fusion.

The Lincoln got back on course. Jay pressed another button. A small piece of glass retracted in the rearview window and a machine gun started firing through the window. Oleg and the driver took out machine guns and fired back at Jay’s machine gun. Oleg managed to disable Jay’s machine gun. Oleg aimed his grenade launcher and had Jay in his sights as they came across a river. Jay revved his engine and drove right to the river, as his wheels turned on their side and the amphibious vehicle’s pontoons were lowered. The black Lincoln that had been following Jay drove to the river’s bank. Oleg and Fu Shan (who had been sitting in the back of the car) got out of the Lincoln and cursed Jay. Fu was so mad he leapt onto a wooden beam on the river’s bank and broke the beam in half with his elbow as his body weight came crashing down on top of the beam.

“Damn that man!” yelled Fu.

“It’s OK, Fu. There’s only one suitable place to dock on the other side of the river. We’ll cut him off,” assured Oleg.

“We better. We can’t let Agent Cross get away from us again,” insisted Fu.

Oleg nodded. There were two of them and one of him. How hard could it be?

Jay ditched his vehicle on the other side of the river and did his best to get lost in the crowded morning market. Despite going into a shop and buying new clothes Jay had an uneasy feeling that he was being followed. After going out of the store Jay bought an apple from a street vendor. As Jay ate the apple, he scanned everything that was all around him. As he was walking in front of some soft barrels, he noticed a shadow of someone who was holding some sort of weapon. Jay took out his 9mm and side-stepped to the left. A poisonous dart was released and harmlessly hit one of the barrels. Jay wanted to shoot but there were too many people in his way, so he was unable to take a clear shot.

Oleg jumped off the balcony that he had been standing on and took off running down the street. Oleg was fast, but Jay was quickly gaining on him. Jay noticed Oleg turn into a narrow alleyway. Jay had noticed that all the alleyways made a semi-circle and looped back onto the main road, so he ran up to the next alley that Oleg would eventually have to come back down on. Sure enough, Jay saw Oleg coming down the next alleyway. Oleg was now walking and stopped a few times to catch his breath. Jay leaned against the side of a building at the corner of the alley and the main street and waited until Oleg got close enough for Jay to apprehend him. Jay was about to make his move when a man forcefully shoved him against the ground. It was Fu Shan.

“Oleg, you get back to the warehouse. We have to move the equipment now!” Oleg nodded and took off. Fu then smiled with revenge and stated, “It’s time I remind Agent Cross who I am.” Fu stepped out of the shadow he was standing in and showed Jay his disfigured face, courtesy of Jay.

Jay pushed himself up and mocked, “I’d say it’s an improvement.”

Fu growled, grabbed Jay by the shoulders, kicked Jay’s gun away, and pushed his shoulders inward until it felt like they would snap. Fu then took his nunchucks out and put the nunchucks’s chain around Jay’s neck. Jay struggled to breathe. He elbowed Fu in the abdomen a few times, but Fu strengthened his grip on Jay’s neck. Jay managed to push Fu back a few feet and came across a vendor selling chains. Jay managed to kick Fu above the heel, which caused Fu to temporarily release his grip. That was enough for Jay to grab a chain and wrap it around Fu’s ankles, as the vendor ran out of the alley to safety. Fu then stumbled over backward. Jay ran over to grab his pistol, but as he did Fu took out his own Glock and started shooting at Jay. Jay ran behind a cart and shot back a few times before ducking back under the cart. Fu grabbed a cart next to Jay and pinned Jay between the two carts before Jay was able to do anything further.

Fu smirked and knocked Jay’s gun out of his hands with the nunchucks. Fu then grabbed Jay’s gun and pointed it right at Jay’s head. “Looks like this is where the road comes to an end, Agent Cross. I doubt you ever expected you’d die from a bullet that was shot out of your own gun, did you?”

Jay thought quick and pulled a cable that was connected to some scaffolding that was above them. The action distracted Fu enough for Jay to push the cart he had hidden behind out of the way. Jay grabbed Fu by his tie, took his gun back, and said, “I’ll be taking this back, thank you.” Jay then kicked Fu with a forceful sidekick. Fu was pushed back against the brick wall of the building the scaffolding was on. Jay then tugged on the cable some more. The scaffolding jolted around enough and caused two cans of oil-based paint to fall over and land on Fu’s head. Fu ran away screaming in pain as the paint burned into his eyes and nostrils.

A crowd of onlookers had gathered around Jay. Jay greeted them and said, “Wrong paint.” Indeed, it was.

A few people in the crowd laughed as Jay made his way to where he could find a cell phone signal. They didn’t have much time to stop the weapons equipment from being transferred, if they had any time at all. Jay would do everything possible to halt the transfer. The problem was, sometimes one person’s good intentions wasn’t good enough.

16

Forward Army Ranger Base

Quarshi, Uzbekistan

An hour later Jay pulled up in an Army jeep to the forward Ranger base. A specialist, Specialist Adam Dwyer, greeted Jay on his arrival, “Welcome back, Agent Cross. Captain Ritter wanted me to ask if you’ve had breakfast yet?”

“I had an apple,” replied Jay.

Specialist Dwyer shook his head, “Agent Cross, that is not enough. We can have our cooks whip you up an omelet, French toast, scrambled eggs, oatmeal—whatever your heart desires.”

“What my heart desires, Specialist, is to prevent Idida and Aldric’s security detail from transferring equipment that will be used to make delivery systems for nuclear warheads,” stated Jay. “I’m sorry, but my mind isn’t on food right now.”

“Sir, you know what Napoleon said—an ‘army marches on its stomach’,” Specialist Dwyer pointed out.

“I’m not in the Army,” Jay reminded Specialist Dwyer.

Jay continued to walk toward Lt. Colonel Miller’s command post. Before Jay could address the Lieutenant Colonel, Zhang stepped in front of the CO. “Good morning, Jay. Did you sleep well?” Zhang sarcastically asked.

Jay waited several seconds before he responded, “I couldn’t afford to wait, Zhang. They’re loading the equipment as we speak.”

“You weren’t supposed to do anything without me. You were also ordered to avoid an engagement of any sort, and I was instructed to prevent you from doing so. You made me look like an idiot!” yelled Zhang. “How can I ever trust you to do what you’re supposed to do?” asked Zhang.

Lt. Colonel Miller chimed in and asked, “Bad time, Agent Cross?”

“Not at all. Agent Li here is simply telling me how she feels,” replied Jay.

Agent Li shook her head, “You’re impossible—just as I was beginning to care about you.” Zhang paused and then warned, “I will inform my superiors and Director Cushing if you get out of my sight for the rest of our time here.”

Jay looked at Lt. Colonel Miller, “She’s charming, don’t you think, Colonel?”

“This dispute is between the two of you. I’m not getting involved,” said Lt. Colonel Miller. “Captain Ritter showed me those photographs you sent us. We’ll be ready to move by 4 this afternoon.”

“Four? That’s too late. The equipment will be all gone by then. We need to move now if we have any chance of intercepting the convoy,” stressed Jay.

“That’s the earliest I can get a platoon deployed,” began Lt. Colonel Miller. “And, Jay, I am under orders you are not to accompany us. You are welcome to use my command post in my absence. Do I make myself clear?”

“Fine, but go now, otherwise we—you—will have missed your opportunity,” insisted Jay.

“There are thousands of tons of equipment that needs to be moved. There’s no way they can haul it off that quickly,” determined Lt. Colonel Miller.

“Yes, that’s why they started yesterday,” replied Jay. “You have heard my recommendation, Colonel,” Jay paused and proceeded to make himself a cup of coffee from Lt. Colonel Miller’s Keurig. “You know, I think I will have some breakfast now. Care to join me, Zhang?”

“No, but I am hungry, and I need to keep an eye on you, so I guess I don’t really have a choice,” replied Zhang.

“Great. I’ll make you a cup of tea,” said Jay.

“You don’t have to, but who I am to refuse hospitality?” Zhang paused. “This doesn’t mean I have forgiven you.”

“I’m not asking you to. I was simply offering you a cup of tea,” noted Jay. Why did women always have to make a bigger deal out of gestures? Jay would never know but he intended to enjoy his cup of dark roast coffee.

Industrial District Warehouse

Quarshi, Uzbekistan

Lt. Colonel Miller assembled his strike force which was commanded by Lieutenant Mike Rollins. “Are you ready, Lieutenant?” asked Lt. Colonel Miller.

“Yes, sir! We are locked and loaded,” confirmed Lieutenant Rollins.

Lt. Colonel Miller nodded, “Good. You may commence with the assault at your discretion.”

A minute later two squads of Army Rangers ran down on both flanks of the perimeter to the front of the warehouse. A few private security personnel fired off machine guns but were quickly gunned down by the oncoming Rangers. A sergeant in the lead of the squad on the left, Sgt. Dan Tucker, set an explosive to blast a hole through the steel garage door. After Sgt. Tucker set the explosive, he ran back 40 yards with a cable connected to his detonator. After everyone was a safe distance away Sgt. Tucker hit the detonator and set off an explosion that pierced a 3-foot diameter hole in the garage door.

After most of the initial smoke and dust had cleared from the explosion Lt. Rollins stood up and ordered, “Let’s go!”

The Rangers cautiously entered the warehouse. A man on a forklift was hauling a pallet of scrap metal when the Rangers entered the warehouse. The Rangers yelled at the man to get off the forklift and put his hands over his head. The man didn’t understand English, but he jumped off the forklift after a Ranger fired a warning shot at him and put his hands in the air, proclaiming his innocence in his native language as Specialist Dwyer apprehended the man. The Rangers spent 15 minutes searching through the warehouse and discovered that all the weapons and weapons manufacturing equipment had been removed.

Lt. Rollins sighed and called Lt. Colonel Miller, “Sir, there’s nothing. Turns out that NSA agent was right about everything being moved.” Lt. Colonel Miller didn’t reply so Lt. Rollins called him again, “Sir, do you copy?”

After 15 more seconds Lt. Colonel Miller replied, “Yes, I copy, Lieutenant. Good work. Sometimes our objective can’t be achieved, despite our best efforts.”

“Yes, sir,” replied Lt. Rollins. The Lieutenant had learned his lesson. If he was ever in overall command, it would be best to listen to the expert with good instincts who does his homework.

17

North Korean Air Force Base

Jonchon, North Korea

Major Ye-jun San’s bomber squadron of eight D-2 bombers was in excellent condition awaiting to carry out its important mission. Major San’s attack squadron would be the leading squadron of six bomber squadrons that were charged with disabling the South Korean Air Force and American Air Force wings that were based in South Korea. There was little more training his men needed to do. They were all experts on the mission and intended targets. The hardest part now was simply waiting for their orders to proceed with the mission. A rumor was circulating the attack would commence in four days, but nobody except for General Chai knew for certain, and possibly not even him yet. Military operations did not work without the strictest secrecy—especially in the age of electronic communications networks.

Major San’s wingman and assistant Squadron Leader, Captain Mal-chin Chul was looking over the D-2 bomber he was assigned to while a technician was making a few adjustments to the engine. Captain Chul nodded with approval, “Good work, Sergeant.”

Sergeant Kim-li Yong grinned, “You know I can’t send you up unless you’re flying the fastest jet, Captain Chul.”

Captain Chul laughed, “I’m glad you’re the technician and I’m the pilot. If it was the other way around this bird would never get off the ground.”

“And I don’t like flying, so I guess we’re where we belong,” added Sgt. Yong.

“Yes, I think so too,” agreed Captain Chul. Major San approached Captain Chul and Sgt. Yong. “Ah, Major San—a pleasant morning to you, sir. Sgt. Yong is just making a few minor adjustments to my D-2 here,” greeted Captain Chul.

Captain Chul nodded, “Yes, yes, very good, very good.”

Major San paused, looked over the Sergeant’s work, looked Captain Chul’s jet over, and said, “This is the best bomber on Earth, gentlemen. With encouragement from our Great Leader we shall complete our mission and pave the way for the invasion and, ultimately, for our future empire. So is the wish of our Great Leader. We are but instruments in his grand design to bring greatness to the whole Korean Peninsula.”

Sgt. Yong nodded and sighed, “Maybe. That’s way above my pay grade.”

Captain Chul laughed, “Ours too, Sgt. Yong. The Great Leader excepted—we all must do as we are instructed to do.”

“Wise words, Captain Chul,” began Major San. “We should be eternally grateful that we have the privilege to play a leading role in helping to carry out President Dun’s vision. I for one am very honored for the role I will play.”

“As am I,” echoed Captain Chul.

Sgt. Yong thought for a moment before he replied, “Again, it’s all above my paygrade, but I can see you believe it to be important, sirs, so it must be. I’m just happy I get to work on these expensive engines.” Sgt. Yong then want back to work to tighten a bolt.

“Your job is the most important of all, Sergeant Young. You make sure we can take off and drop our bombs,” laughed Major San. The three airmen shared a laugh (Sgt. Yong laughed a few times then went back to work) before Major San and Captain Chul left to attend to other duties. Morale was high. That was always a good sign, thought Major San.

President Dun’s Residence

North Korea

Korea would soon be united—once Taiwan was firmly placed under North Korea’s control. The Air Force was ready. The Army was ready. Thanks to President Dun’s new partner—Arik Flossam—the US Navy would not be able to prevent an amphibious invasion. The pieces on the chessboard were all falling into place for Gi Dun. Soon President Dun would be at the head of the most powerful country in East Asia. In time he would oversee the most powerful EMPIRE on the planet, but first things first. Taiwan first needed to be conquered so ALL of Korea could be reunited. After Taiwan was taken the North Korean military would be able to install additional launch sites for their nuclear and conventional missiles. The military would also be able to use Taiwan as a staging area for an amphibious attack against South Korea, if North Korea hadn’t overrun South Korea by the time the amphibious assault force was ready to deploy. It more than likely wouldn’t be necessary, but Gi Dun was going to assure victory no matter what.

It was time to boost troop morale. Gi picked up his phone and said, “Get me General Chai.”

“Yes, President Dun,” replied Gi’s Senior Administrative Assistant, Ji Yoo. In less than 10 seconds General Chai was on the line. Ji Yoo said, “General Chai is on the line, sir.”

President Dun nodded, “Thank you, Ji Yoo.” President Dun paused and complimented, “Hello, General. You have done very good work, General—very good work.”

“Thank you, President Dun. It is you whom I draw my inspiration from,” replied General Chai.

“After you take out the South Korean Air Force and the American Air Force 177^th Fighter Wing please make all preparations to support the invasion. The invasion will not commence until you have bombed the Taiwanese military out of commission and destroyed critical military targets,” directed President Dun. “I know that you and your men will do your duty for our great country, General Chai.”

“As long as the American submarines are unable to prevent our squadrons from flying over Taiwan, we should be able to destroy Taiwan’s military capabilities in less than a week,” stated General Chai. “The situation will become more problematic if the submarines and cruisers are still patrolling the East China Sea, but Minister of War Gee has assured us the warships will not be a factor.”

“Minister Gee is a very wise man, General Chai. You will do well to listen to him,” advised President Dun. “A super water weapon has been tested and has proved successful beyond all of our expectations. The weapons manufacturers did not let us down in this instance.”

“Then Taiwan will not be difficult to subdue,” General Chai determined.

“That is most excellent news, General,” replied President Dun. “General, how would you and your lovely wife like to come to dinner at the state residence tomorrow evening?”

“We would be honored, Great Leader Dun,” General Chai bowed, even though President Dun didn’t see him.

“Very well. Ji Yoo will send you the details, General. I will see you tomorrow,” President Dun hung up. Rule Number 2: it was always best to charm your military elite. That complimented Rule Number 1: to maintain absolute power at all costs.

18

American Eighth Army Headquarters, Camp Humphreys

South Korea

The American Army was one vast machine, thought Jay. There were rows upon rows of tanks, Humvees, jeeps, armored vehicles, troop transports, helicopters, military hardware and equipment, etc. It was hard to believe there was any entity on Earth capable of defeating the United States’ Military, but one never knew where or how threats might arise. The CIA had written off bin Laden in the 1990s only to be completely caught off guard on that fateful day in September of 2001. In Jay’s estimation, one could never be too careful, because you never knew what danger lurked around the next bend.

The 8^th Army’s Chief Liaison Officer and old friend of Jay’s, Major Mark Compton, asked the driver to stop the tour jeep he had been riding in with Jay and Zhang. “It’s a beautiful day here in South Korea, wouldn’t you two agree?” asked Major Compton.

Jay nodded and grinned, “Lovely, Major, just lovely.” Jay paused and got out of the jeep. Major Compton and Zhang followed before the driver sped away. Jay turned to Major Compton and asked,

“Have you heightened your alert since the incident with the British submarine?”

“General Murphy is getting daily intelligence briefings and is well informed of any and all regional as well as worldwide threats,” replied Major Compton.

Jay sighed, “So, in other words, you haven’t.”

Major Compton sighed and shrugged his shoulders, “You know how the brass are, Jay. When it happens to an ally it’s not really their issue.”

“We can only hope it doesn’t become their issue,” warned Jay. “I was told the CIA sent you satellite images of Arik’s so-called Island X?”

“Oh yes, Agent Jordan dropped them off this morning. He was all paranoid the contents would get intercepted if he sent them over our ultra-secure network,” confirmed Major Compton. Agent Skip Jordan was a CIA field agent assigned to the East Asian sector.

“Physical copies are still the best technology,” said Jay.

Major Compton then turned somber and added, “We have also discovered the reason for the Montgomery’s fate from intercepted encrypted communications from within Aldrich Industries we were able to decrypt.”

“Oh? I’m very interested in that information, Major,” replied Jay.

Major Compton took a deep breath and said, “Arik’s team has appeared to have developed some sort of deep sea tractor beam-encased in a metal trash or ship compacter-which appears to disable steel ships within a certain range. I must admit, it’s a scary, but also incredible technology.”

Jay shook his head several times and sighed, “Deactivating that tractor beam is my top priority.” Jay paused and then looked at Major Compton, “How soon can we get a boat and some Zodiacs?”

Major Compton’s eyes opened wide, “You’re always itching to put yourself in danger, aren’t you, Agent Cross?”

Jay nodded, “I swore an oath—twice—to defend our citizens and all innocent civilians in the world. Standing around on an army base won’t let me do that very well when there is a determined adversary that needs to be stopped,” Jay paused. “I have my team assembled. Now all I need is a ride.”

“Yes, about that, I was surprised you insisted on working with a battalion of Army Rangers from the Third Army Ranger Division based in Afghanistan. Do you have some sort of prejudice against 8^th Army Rangers?” asked Major Compton.

“Not at all. Zhang and I worked with this group over in Uzbekistan and were impressed by their skill and professionalism—with one notable exception, of course,” noted Jay.

“Yes, I see you have requested a different commander. I’m not sure why you’d want to break up a team like that?” wondered Major Compton. “In any event, at least an 8^th Army company officer is good enough for you.”

“My hope is the plan is swiftly executed and the team survives,” replied Jay. “Just about anybody would be an improvement.”

Major Compton nodded, “Right. I appreciate your recommendation for Captain Ritter to lead the team, but the Ranger divisional commander here thought the captain is a bit inexperienced to lead an assault of this magnitude. Fortunately, Captain Ritter has worked with Major Redding in the past so I think the dynamics will work out all right in the end.”

“You have to have the dynamics,” agreed Jay. “Mark, we don’t have much time. NSA and CIA intelligence believe a North Korean aerial attack against South Korea and Taiwan is imminent. It would be best if you could send me within the next 12 hours—next six even.”

Major Compton nodded, “I understand, Jay. The decision is out of my hands, but I’ll keep pushing.”

“I will too,” replied Jay. Jay then nodded and sighed, “I appreciate your help, as always, Mark. Zhang will stay here with you to assist with anything you might need.”

“And where do you think you’re going to, mister?” asked a perturbed Zhang.

Jay grinned, “Not far. I’m going for a quick drive down the coast.”

“Jay don’t get any funny ideas—” Jay cut Major Compton off.

“My idea isn’t funny,” assured Jay. “I’ll be back up this way before long.”

After Jay left Major Compton shook his head, “The man’s got more determination then anyone I know. I just wish he wasn’t such a pain in the ass.”

Zhang laughed, “Haha, I know what you mean. He’s such a pain in the ass.”

Major Compton nodded, “Come on. Let’s grab a cup of coffee while we’re waiting.”

“I’d like that,” replied Zhang. Despite all his annoyances, Zhang hoped that Jay would succeed in whatever he was attempting to do. She also hoped he would be OK, wherever he was. Somehow, she was starting to have feelings for the man. It wasn’t fair how life worked sometimes.

19

South Korean Coast Guard Base

Somewhere Along the Western Coast of South Korea

Jay pulled up to the gate of the South Korean Coast Guard base in a BMW convertible the NSA kept on hand for American agents at Camp Humphreys. The guard was hesitant to let Jay through. Jay said, “One moment.” Jay picked up his phone and explained his situation. In less than ten seconds the guard’s commanding officer called him and instructed him to let Jay through. Jay grinned as he drove by, “Much obliged for the hospitality, sir.”

Jay pulled up to a warehouse by the station’s docks and met his old friend, South Korean Intelligence Agent Sing-fun. “I’m glad to see you’re still well supplied there, Sing,” smiled Jay.

“We’re at war,” Sing half-joked. “Why is it you always must come through the backdoor, Jay? Is the American taxpayer tired of funding increased insurance rates due to your exploits?”

“That’s the beauty about the American taxpayer. The craziest among them all support national security and defense spending,” replied Jay. Jay looked over the selection of Zodiac rafts and outboard motors in the warehouse. It didn’t take long before he found the two rafts he liked. “Those two. I like those two,” Jay pointed to the rafts.

Sing shrugged, “Those are the best ones they’ve got!” Sing paused and sighed, “Do you ever not get what you want?”

“Not often,” Jay showed the slightest of grins. “Sing, we don’t have much time. That’s why I’m asking you this favor,” Jay paused and looked away for a moment. He then looked back at Sing and sincerely said, “I appreciate you doing this for me, Sing. If we pull this off Taiwan just might be saved.”

Sing nodded, “Yes, of course. You know I can’t refuse your requests, Jay—no matter how unorthodox or unauthorized they might be.”

Jay winked, “Who said this isn’t authorized?”

Forty-five minutes later, Jay and Sing pulled up to a cove along the coast close to Camp Humphreys. Zhang and Major Compton were standing on the shore as they pulled up. “That barely took you an hour, Jay. I must say, I’m impressed,” acknowledged Major Compton. “I suppose you’re not staying for long?”

“I just need Zhang and Specialist Dwyer for now. Major Redding can bring the rest of the assault squad up at 2300 hours tonight, if that works for the major?” asked Jay.

“Does he have a choice?” asked Major Compton.

“I doubt it,” grinned Jay. Jay, Zhang, and Specialist Dwyer changed into wetsuits. They then loaded a few small bags worth of explosives as well as emergency and medical supplies onto the rafts. Zhang and Jay made sure their pistols were loaded and good to go.

Specialist Dwyer checked over his Glock and submachine gun. He made sure he had plenty of ammunition. “I’m good to go,” said Specialist Dwyer.

Jay nodded, “OK, good.” Jay looked at Major Compton and said, “I think we’re ready to get this party started.” Jay paused and looked down at the ground. He then sighed and looked at Major Compton again, “The latest intelligence from Agent Jordan shows Gi’s air attack is likely to commence no later than tomorrow afternoon. I’ll do my best to shut down Arik’s tractor beam before then.”

“Hey! I’ll?!” complained Zhang.

“Right, my apologies. We’ll do our best to stop Arik,” corrected Jay.

Zhang nodded and smiled, “That’s better, Agent Cross.”

Major Compton nodded, “I’d tell you to be careful, stay out of danger, and wait for the Rangers, but knowing you, that would be a waste of breath.”

“No fault for trying,” replied Jay. Jay then looked at Zhang and Adam, “Are you two ready?”

Adam nodded, “Let’s rock’ n roll!”

Zhang inhaled and replied, “I’m like you, Jay. I don’t stop until the job’s done—even if I disagree with some of your tactics. I prefer to do everything not to get myself killed, but that’s just my style.”

“What’s the fun in life without taking risks?” grinned Jay. “Major Compton, we’ll see you soon.”

Major Compton shook Jay’s hand, “Sounds good, Jay.” Major Compton paused but stopped Jay just before he pulled away, “Please do be careful, Jay. The Rangers won’t be far behind you.”

Jay grinned wide, “I’ve done OK so far, haven’t I?”

“So far, yes…but there’s always a time when luck runs out,” noted Major Compton.

Jay nodded and then started to pull away. He replied, “We’ll see you soon, Major Compton.” Jay couldn’t stand on shore bantering all day. He had a job to do in the interests of US and international security.

20

Approaches to Island X

Off the West Coast of North Korea

Jay and Zhang’s Zodiac was in the lead in the setting sun when they approached the secondary channel that led past a few small islands—almost large rocks—before it reached the east side of Arik’s island fortress that Arik and the North Korean government simply referred to as “Island X”. Jay motioned to Adam to slow his motor to trolling. Jay scanned the rocky shoreline for several minutes and then shook his head, “I don’t see any adequate spots to land on this side. That’s unfortunate. According to the intel I received from Skip, this side is the most protected against detection—cameras are just located on the northeast and southeast corners. The smaller channel we came in on is north of the southeast corner, so we had a much better chance of avoiding detection,” Jay paused and looked up and down the shoreline some more. He glanced at Zhang and then looked at Adam, “We’ll have to wait until it’s dark to try and sneak around the southeast side of the island. Hopefully we can find a place to land on the south or southwestern side of the island. The thick stainless-steel marine garage doors are located on the north side of the island.”

“What about that little pebble beach right there?” Zhang pointed to a small but accessible rocky beach.

“How did I miss that? It’s perfect. I could kiss you,” said Jay.

“Please don’t,” replied Zhang.

“You really need to lighten up, but that’s a discussion for another day. Adam, follow me,” advised Jay. After Jay and Adam landed, they unmounted the rafts’ motors, tucked them away under a rock ledge, and pulled their rafts under the cover of the same ledge.

“What now?” asked Adam.

Jay pulled out a map and said, “The secret entrance Skip identified is three miles from here. The island’s security is remarkably lax outside of Arik’s fortress, which comprises the northern third of the island. This entrance Skip pointed out to me leads to a ½ mile underground tunnel that takes you directly to the center of the fortress. There is a patrol nearby, but since the entrance is a secret entrance no guards are posted there. If we play it right, we’ll be able to sneak right in—with the proper sound-proof detonators, of course.”

“When has anything ever gone wrong?” Zhang sarcastically asked.

“Well, it’s no fun if everything goes right, now is it?” said Jay. “Let’s stay about 12 to 15 feet apart as we make our way to the entrance. I want to get there within the hour. Ready?”

Zhang nodded, “I’m ready.”

“No point waiting here,” agreed Adam.

The sky turned darker and darker as Jay, Zhang, and Adam made their way to the secret entrance. It was a difficult trek through rocky terrain, but they didn’t run into any major issues until they came within ¼ mile of where Jay’s map said the entrance was located. Two armored personnel carriers were transporting a half dozen Aldric mercenaries in each vehicle on an unpaved road that came within 50 yards of the entrance.

Jay pulled Zhang down as the bright lights of one of the carriers shone directly in their path. Zhang was breathing fast as they waited a few minutes for the transports to move north. After they could no longer hear the vehicles Jay stood up, “That should be their evening patrol. Close call, but they didn’t notice us. You guys ready?”

Zhang gulped, “For Taiwan.”

“I’ll drink to that,” agreed Jay. “Let’s go stop this madman from realizing his diabolical dreams.” It was the same old script in a new location.

Specialist Dwyer walked down and set two detonators on either side of the entrance. He ran back 75 yards to where Jay and Zhang were waiting. He set the detonators off ten seconds later. An almost silent explosion shot a fireball a few hundred feet into the air before it started to dissipate.

A few minutes later Jay, satisfied with Adam’s work, instructed, “Let’s go!” The three ran down the gravel path to the blasted entrance. As the saying went, it was ‘now or never.’

Fortress Control Room

Island X, North Korea

The control room was a hotbed of activity. Two dozen technicians and scientists were busy attending to various tasks that were required to keep the island’s control room fully operational. In a few days the first five warhead delivery systems would be ready, which carried with it an extra $20 million bonus for Aldric Horizons. Arik was pleased with the progress, but he knew his company could do even better. After this order was received, he would promise President Dun that Aldric could produce ten more delivery systems and two additional nuclear warheads within 30 days. That would require more staff, but what did Arik care? He would soon monopolize the weapons manufacturing market—a position he intended his company to keep long after his own lifetime.

Isla grabbed Arik by the arm and said, “You work them like slaves, you know.”

“Work is good for the soul, no?” asked Arik. “Name an empire that wasn’t built on the backs of slaves?”

“I know it is a necessary evil, but I suppose you do pay them, so you’re actually rather progressive,” noted Isla.

“They are paid handsomely, I might add,” replied Arik.

Arik then turned his attention to his chief physicist, Christian Lavold, who was standing on the other side of Arik. “Magnificent work, Christian. You and your team should be very proud of yourselves,” said Arik, who rarely passed out compliments.

The Danish scientist bowed, “I am happy to be of service, Mr. Flossam. The democracies have exploited our planet’s resources for far too long. It is time they learn a lesson they won’t soon forget.”

Arik smiled, “I couldn’t agree more, Christian.” Arik then looked back at his lovely partner and said, “You see dear, our efforts will one day help to clean up the environment.”

“But who will be left to enjoy a cleaner world?” Isla playfully asked. “The fittest will survive and the worthiest of them will inherit the Earth, no?” Isla laughed. “Money is the great equalizer, gentlemen. With it you can do anything. Without it you can do very little. What does it matter what condition you find the Earth in when you control the means to help it or hurt it?”

Arik nodded and walked back to a counter behind him. He then proceeded to pour himself some bourbon and said, “I’ll drink to that. Anyone else?”

Christian shook his head, “I better not. I’m on duty.”

“Suit yourself. How about you my dear?” Arik looked at Isla.

Isla walked over and made herself a Cosmopolitan. “I only drink elegant drinks, my love. Martinis are more my style.”

“I’ll drink to that too,” Arik toasted and took sipped some bourbon.

Halfway through their drinks Fu Shan interrupted. “Yes, what is it, Fu?”

“Our motion sensors near the southeast entrance have detected intruders,” informed Fu. “Heat must have set them off. The sealed entrance must have been detonated somehow.”

“Seal off the entrances and perimeters. Send out all patrols. This station is now on red alert,” ordered Arik.

The alarm sounded and red lights flashed throughout the fortress. The control room was a bustle of activity as guards assembled and technicians scrambled to their stations. The severely scarred Fu remained in front of Arik and Isla after the alarm had sounded for almost a minute. “Fu, you have your instructions. Go find the intruders and deal with them.”

Fu grunted and nodded. He then asked, “What if he’s one of them?”

“Oh, right, Agent Cross. If he is among our trespassers bring the party to me. I hope he’s here, Fu. I shall very much enjoy watching him die,” assured Arik.

“That makes two of us,” agreed Fu. Fu grunted once again, punched his right fist into his left hand, and proceeded to walk down the tunnel in the direction of the “secret” entrance.

21

Tunnel Leading to Underground Fortress

Island X, North Korea

Red lights were flashing, and the alarm was sounding incessantly. Zhang looked nervously back up toward the southeast entrance, “We have been detected and they’ve sealed the entrance. I thought you said this was a secretentrance we could sneak in through?”

“Arik must have gotten wiser,” replied Jay. “Adam, how many canisters of the methoxyflurane sleeping gas do we have?”

“Around 16,” replied Adam. “I doubt we have enough.”

Jay nodded, “Maybe not to complete our mission, but we might be able to escape.”

Zhang grinned, “You don’t think your luck has run out yet?”

“I make my own luck,” replied Jay. “We just have two canister guns. Have you ever fired one of these?”

“No, but I’m a fast learner,” Zhang said as she grabbed the gun from Jay.

“I was hoping you’d say that. They’re a little too heavy for my taste,” replied Jay, as he checked over his Beretta.

“The bigger the better in my book,” replied Zhang.

“I’m making a note to myself,” winked Jay.

Zhang lightly blushed but didn’t reply. At this point sleeping with Jay didn’t sound like a terrible idea. Maybe it wasn’t a good idea, but it didn’t sound awful.

They soon heard footsteps and shouting. The three of them put their gas masks on. Adam looked at Jay. Jay gave him a thumbs up. Jay brought up some tripwire several yards in front of where they had been standing. Adam turned on the detonator. The first guard rounded the corner in the tunnel and began firing his machine gun when he saw Adam’s outline. The guard stepped over the wire a few seconds later which instantly severed both of his legs and left a large gash in his chest. Two more guards rounded the corner. Jay flung throwing knives at the guards and hit both in the chest. Jay ran up to retrieve his knives and led the three of them around the corner.

The alarm suddenly stopped, and the red lights stopped flashing. It was now darker than night in the tunnel. Adam took out three pairs of night vision goggles and handed Jay and Zhang their pair. Before long Zhang saw red lights arcing toward them. Jay motioned to Zhang and Adam to stand on either side of the tunnel. Jay then fired a Beretta round a little ways down the tunnel but aimed at the ceiling. Two guards then started shooting down the tunnel, as Jay, Zhang, and Adam were tucked behind a bend. After the firing stopped Zhang and Adam walked around the bend. Each fired off a canister. The guards fired off several rounds before falling to the floor. Two more guards came running up, but started to become wobbly, and then fell to the floor before they were able to fire a shot.

“Naptime,” remarked Jay as he quietly walked past the downed guards.

They didn’t encounter any more guards before they came across a room where two tunnels branched off. “Zhang and I will go right. Are you all right going left?” asked Jay. Adam nodded. Jay nodded and acknowledged, “OK then. The tunnels should meet in the fortress control room.”

As Jay and Zhang made their way forward a tracked tunnel rover came charging down the tunnel toward them. The rover’s driver started blasting the rover’s 75 caliber machine gun after it picked up Jay and Zhang’s shapes. Jay aimed at the rover’s tracks and shot at them, but the bullets harmlessly bounced off. Jay then noticed a small connecting piece that mounted the machine gun to the rover. Jay carefully aimed and hit the connector. The machine gun fired off a few more times before it fell to the tunnel floor. “Fire away!” Jay yelled.

Zhang fired off three canisters above and below the rover. The rover rolled ahead 15 feet before the driver and his two passengers slumped over. The six guards that were walking behind the rover also soon succumbed to the gas. “That’s one way to even the odds,” said Jay.

“If you say so,” shrugged Zhang.

The room in front of them appeared to be large and well lit. It also looked to be suspiciously empty. “It looks like we made it to the control room,” noted Jay. “I wonder why there’s no welcome party?”

From farther down the control room they heard Adam shriek, “Guys, get out of here—it’s a trap!”

Jay and Zhang turned around but soon several magnetic doors protruded out of the walls and prevented them from leaving. Before long Arik, who was wearing a perfectly pressed white suit, started clapping from a walkway above the ground floor. “Well done, Mr. Cross. Well done. You have certainly given me quite the chase.”

“I’m glad I’m cause for entertainment,” quipped Jay. Guards walked over and forcibly disarmed Jay and Zhang.

Arik nodded, “I would call it more of a nuisance, which we have now gotten under control. I must admit, I am impressed by your persistence, Mr. Cross, but it has proven nothing more than a fool’s errand,” Arik paused and walked down the stairs onto the ground level. Isla walked alongside Arik. “I am a businessman, Mr. Cross, but I must admit, I shall take pleasure in your suffering and eventual death.”

“That sounds like a challenge,” replied Jay.

Arik laughed, “You and I are not so different, Mr. Cross. We are both out to get a competitive advantage. It’s a shame you can’t see the futility in working for the tired western democratic capitalists.”

“Well, I see that you’ve converted a one-time lover,” joked Jay, as he glanced at Isla.

Isla walked up close to Jay and breathed on his neck. She said, “There was no conversion necessary, Agent Cross. I have my priorities straight.”

“Perhaps, although I believe they’re the wrong priorities,” replied Jay.

“Money and power lead to freedom. What do you plan on getting out of your career—a gold watch?” asked Isla.

“At least the watch would mean something,” retorted Jay. “The problem with worshipping money and power is no amount will ever be enough.”

Isla then gently rubbed Jay’s crotch, “That’s why I like to throw in a little sex—to keep things interesting. From what I recall, you do as well.”

“Sex doesn’t have to equate to power,” replied Jay, as Zhang looked at his and Isla’s exchange in disgust.

Isla soon walked away and locked her arm in Arik’s. “I don’t do anything for free, Agent Cross. My man Arik here understands that.” Isla then proceeded to passionately kiss Arik for several seconds.

After they stopped kissing Arik wiped some lipstick off his face and smiled, “What can I say? Isla knows what she wants, and I can provide her with what she wants.”

“You can only provide pain, suffering, and death,” stated Jay.

“You are so judgmental, Mr. Cross,” replied Arik. “I’d love to stay and chat, but I am a busy man.” Arik turned to two guards standing to his right and snapped, “Guards, take them away.” A pair of guards grabbed a hold of Jay and Zhang. A third guard pushed Specialist Dwyer along to join Jay and Zhang.

“The show shall commence after dinner,” promised Arik.

“Show?” wondered Zhang.

“He means our deaths,” replied Jay.

“Agent Cross is a smart man, Agent Li. Too bad he doesn’t know when to quit,” Arik icily said. “I shall enjoy watching you die, Mr. Cross. I’m sure someone will enjoy watching your friends die as well.”

The three were pushed along out of the control room toward a holding cell.

22

South of Demilitarized Zone

South Korean Airspace

The countryside below him looked so peaceful, thought Captain Mal-chin Chul. It was such a pity Captain Chul’s countrymen resisted embracing the Great Leader’s government and ideology. President Dun believed his country’s people needed to be productive, but there was work for all if all were willing to work. Why did the South Korean government so stubbornly resist President Dun’s entreaties and attach themselves to the corrupt Western democracies? What did democracy ever do for anyone besides cause pain and disappointment? The future was a People’s Republic, where everyone could make a useful contribution to society. If the people of South Korea couldn’t be convinced the North Korean government was vastly superior to their own through peaceful means, there was no alternative except for them to be forced into submission. This was why militaries existed, after all.

15 minutes later the South Korean and American Air Force bases came into view. Captain Chul had a bomb payload of 12,000 lbs.—6000 designated for South Korea and 6000 for Taiwan. He was just waiting for final authorization from his commander.

A moment later Major San’s voice crackled over the radio, “You have permission to proceed. Please expend your entire payload. Over.”

“Copy that, sir,” Captain Chul pressed a few buttons and unlocked bomb bay number 1 on his D-2 Ultra-Stealth Bomber. “I have unlocked my bay doors. ETA over target in 20 seconds. Captain Chul out,” reported Captain Chul.

“Roger that, Captain. For the glory of our entire homeland!” emphasized Major San.

Captain Chul waited six seconds before his GPS targeting sights would be directly over the fighter jets and fighter bombers below to open the bomb bay. Six seconds later the bombs were released directly over their target. His payload wouldn’t miss—that much was certain. Captain Chul had flown enough simulations and exercises to know the precise timing of unlocking, opening, and releasing the doors. Thirty seconds later a multitude of nearly simultaneous explosions were set off at once. The sheer destruction that Captain Chul was able to safely observe from 35,000 feet above the earth’s surface was almost enough to make Captain Chul despise his mission. Almost. He then thought everyone makes choices and must suffer the consequences of those choices. South Korea had nearly 70 years to reunite with its northern sibling. The time for reunification was at hand.

“Good job everyone. After the next two waves there won’t be much left of the enemy air forces,” Major San paused and reset his coordinates. “Onward to Taiwan.” The squadron of eight bombers maintained their V-formation and veered slightly to the right. Phase 1 had been a resounding success. Major San had no reason to doubt Phase 2 would be any less successful.

Osan American Air Force Base

South Korea

The entire base was a burning, smoldering mess. On duty pilots and support personnel alike, who weren’t killed or severely injured from the first two bomber waves bravely did everything they could to prevent the numerous fires that had broken out everywhere from spreading beyond the confines of the base. They also created spontaneous fire suppression squads to do their utmost to control and put out the raging infernos. Their professionalism and quick response allowed them to stop the fire from spreading more than a few blocks beyond the perimeter of the Air Force base. It didn’t take long before they were able to contain the fire strictly within the boundaries of the base, although the fire suppression team stood guard in case additional fires broke out along the base’s border.

Private First Class (PFC) Michelle Rocoa was one of the first Air Force personnel who responded to subduing the carnage. Michelle had already assisted with putting out half a dozen fires and was about to lead a newly established hastily assembled fire suppression squad to control fires that had broken out in the two main aircraft armaments warehouses. As Michelle led her squad toward the fresh fires Major Mark Compton and Skip Jordan pulled up in Major Compton’s jeep. Major Compton flagged down PFC Rocoa and asked, “Need a hand?”

PFC Rocoa nodded, “We can always use more help.” Michelle continued running. Major Compton and Skip ran alongside her as she said, “We have a makeshift hospital set up about 100 yards back or so. Would you mind making sure they have enough water, fresh bandages, and are warm enough, sir?”

Major Compton nodded, “Absolutely.” Major Compton paused, took his cap off, rubbed the sweat off his forehead, and sighed, “This is unbelievable. Our intelligence indicated there would be a strike, but I never imagined it would be anything of this magnitude,” admitted Major Compton.

“Yes, sir. It looks like the ceasefire is over,” noted PFC Rocoa.

Major Compton stared straight ahead for a moment and then acknowledged, “I’m afraid your right, Private. If you haven’t figured it out, we’re in a state of war,” Major Compton paused. “Anyway, excellent work, Private—excellent work. I will put in a recommendation to your CO to make you an NCO. I understand that you’ve saved a lot of lives today.”

“I’m just doing my job, sir,” replied PFC Rocoa. “Thanks for your help, gentlemen. The Air Force appreciates it very much.”

Thirty minutes later Major Compton and Skip stepped out of the temporary hospital where just two medics and one nurse were available for over 50 patients. Skip almost vomited as he stepped outside, “I don’t know if I can go back in there, Mark.”

Mark nodded, “You’ve done enough, Skip. You’ve done enough.”

Skip shook his head, “Those medics and the nurse—they can’t just up and leave like I can.”

“They took an oath to save lives. American military medical personnel take that oath seriously,” replied Major Compton.

“I know,” nodded Skip. “It doesn’t mean I don’t feel bad for not being able to do more.”

“We all do the best we can, Agent Jordan,” said Major Compton. “Any word from Agent Cross and Agent Li?”

“Negative. We’ve lost their signal,” replied Skip in a somewhat worried tone.

Major Compton shrugged, “That’s disappointing.” Major Compton paused and sipped some water. He continued, “Agent Cross is the most resourceful NSA agent I’ve ever known. He’s also the smartest—and Agent Li is no dummy either. I give their odds better than 60 percent.”

“We might as well get that Ranger squad deployed,” said Skip. “Let’s hope it’s not a recovery mission.”

“Hey—let’s go with them. It will get us out of hospital duty,” suggested Major Compton.

“You don’t have to ask me twice,” replied Skip. “We should be able to make the coast in 40 minutes.”

“Very well. I’ll call Major Redding,” said Major Compton. “I really hope they’re OK.”

“Like you said—Agent Cross is resourceful,” reiterated Skip. The question was could he avoid himself from being killed so he could use that resourcefulness?

23

Holding Cell

Island X, North Korea

They hadn’t been in the cell for more than 15 minutes and Jay was ready to get out. Zhang had sat and sulked in silence the entire time. She finally had enough of giving Jay the cold shoulder and snapped, “I can’t believe you slept with her!”

Specialist Dwyer grinned, “Me neither. Way to go, man!”

“Shut up, Adam,” instructed Zhang. Zhang looked back at Jay, “She’s not a good person. I know you have a good morality radar. How could you?”

Jay took a few deep breaths and replied, “I know. Sometimes my instincts get the better of me. I know it’s a cliché, but our encounter didn’t mean anything. It was just pure carnal pleasure mixed with business,” Jay paused and looked down at the ground. He then looked tenderly at Zhang, “If I had known how upset it would make you, I would have passed.” Jay paused and added, “And if I’m being perfectly honest, I wasn’t sure we’d have a connection or not.”

“Don’t flatter yourself,” replied Zhang. Zhang then blushed the slightest bit, “But things do have a way of surprising us when we least expect it.” Zhang paused and stood up to stretch, “I know you just gave into your impulses. If this turns into something more than passing flirtation, I would advise you to refrain in the future—that is if you want a future with me.”

Jay grinned, “Hmmm…now that’s an intriguing proposition.” Jay then opened a camouflaged flap on his right shoe and took out a small baggie of sealed patches and some Chapstick. “First we’ll have to find a way out of here.”

“I’m with you, but how are we supposed to do that?” asked a confused Adam.

Jay cut the seals the patches were in and placed four of them on the steel door of their cell. “The guys over in the R & D division at the agency set me up with these little items in the event we found ourselves in a tight jam such as we find ourselves in now,” explained Jay. “Please stand back. The doors are about to get a little hot—melting hot.” The activating agent in the patch took a few minutes to work but once it mixed with the metal in the door and the oxygen in the air the doors started to turn bright orange. Jay nodded, “Looks like it’s working.”

Zhang blinked several times, “Oh my God! You’re actually getting us out of here.”

“That’s the idea,” agreed Jay. “We should soon see thick pieces of rebar spaced eight inches apart behind the steel exterior. The heating agent from the patch won’t melt those. That’s where the Chapstick comes in.”

“Chapstick? I don’t get it,” admitted Zhang.

“Let me try this.” Jay put spread the Chapstick around his lips. He chuckled, “There is actually Chapstick in this. The boys weren’t kidding.”

“How is Chapstick going to help us?” demanded Zhang.

“Well, it’s more than just Chapstick, my dear,” replied Jay. Jay clicked a tiny button on the side of the Chapstick container. Seconds later a laser was cutting away at the rebar. Three minutes later Jay had cut them a hole big enough in the door they could fit through. “It’s now or never. My first order of business is to find a more conventional weapon and then to try and contact Major Redding. I doubt we’ll be able to break out of here on our own.”

Zhang and Adam were astonished. Zhang kissed Jay on the lips and then started to give him a deeper kiss before she caught herself. Zhang slowly withdrew and blushed, “Sorry. I was so happy I lost control of myself for a moment.”

Jay smiled, “No apology necessary. I promise we can continue where we left off later,” Jay paused and then looked ahead, “Let’s move.”

As they started moving around the hall Adam asked, “Any other tricks up your sleeve there, MacGyver?”

“Not up my sleeve, no. I do have one more thing in my shoe though,” replied Jay.

Adam shook his head in awe, “You think of everything don’t you?”

“It’s good to be prepared for any contingency,” acknowledged Jay. Jay then pulled out a small pin and clipped it to his shirt. The cellblock guard was walking down the hallway. Jay tapped on the clip which caused the guard to immediately cover his ears as he struggled to stay standing upright. Jay then lunged forward and chopped the guard in the neck, which knocked the guard out. Jay grabbed the machine gun and two handguns off the guard. He also found a few daggers. “When you tap once on this little pin here it sends out a radio wave of hundreds of extremely high-pitched frequencies straight in front of you. The range stretches out for a length of up to 200 feet but is just a foot wide. If you tap twice on the pin the frequencies shut off.” Jay checked over the Glock he took off the guard. As he walked past the guard he reached into his shoe and remarked, “Take these ear buds. They’ll shield you from the intense frequencies. As you saw, the noise is a bit infuriating.”

“Just a little,” emphasized Adam. “How come I always have to carry the machine gun?”

“Because you’re an Army Ranger. You get paid to hold a machine gun,” answered Jay.

Two guards on a cart noticed the “prisoners” who had escaped and sounded the alarm. Jay clicked the pin on his shirt. The frequencies the pin emanated combined with the blaring alarm sound caused the guards to jump out of the cart and roll onto the ground, clutching their ears the whole time. One of the guards somehow managed to grab a hold of his gun but Jay fired his Chapstick laser directly at the gun and cut the trigger off. The guard then grabbed the other guard’s gun. Jay then flung both daggers into the first guard’s chest. When Jay ran up to retrieve the daggers, he looked down at the other guard who simply nodded once and then conked out. Jay grabbed their weapons and put them on the cart. “Let’s give this thing a try.”

As he got into the cart Adam’s jaw dropped, “Wow—this thing can go 40mph. And it runs on electricity!”

“The North Koreans are certainly innovative,” noted Jay. “Up ahead it looks like there’s the office for the cellblock guards. I’m going to see if I can figure out a way how to contact Major Redding without someone listening in. You guys stand watch.” After Jay stepped inside the office, he turned the alarm off.

It had been some time since Jay had dabbled with using radio frequencies for communication, but it didn’t take him long to realize the open channel Arik hadn’t considered blocking off. In addition to the SOS channel used for emergencies (which Arik had made sure was blocked) there was a secondary channel used for non-emergency general inquiries. It was hard to say who would pick this frequency up, but the US Army was aware of this lesser known channel. “Here goes nothing,” Jay said to himself.

Jay just heard a few local weather reports and fisherman inquiries for the next few minutes. Just when he thought he wouldn’t hear from Major Redding a faint voice crackled over the radio, “Jay—I can’t believe it. You’re OK! Sit tight, my friend. Major Redding’s assault squadron of 20 Rangers, Skip, and myself are on our way. We should get to that landing site of yours in ten minutes or so.”

Jay breathed a sigh of relief, “Oh good. That’s excellent news, Mark. Let us know when you make your entrance. We’ll try and time it to when you arrive, but my guess is they’ll check in with these guards before too long. I think they had a few female guards so maybe Zhang’s Korean will be able to fool them?”

“OK Jay. Stay down, stay low, and stay out of sight as much as possible. We’ll be there soon!” assured Major Compton.

Sure enough, the Captain of Guards called and inquired about the alarm less than a minute after Jay ended his conversation with Mark. “Is everything OK?” asked Captain Du Yan. Captain Yan waited less than five seconds for a response. Getting none, he repeated, “Taji, do you copy?!”

Zhang calmly inhaled, closed her eyes for a few seconds, and replied, “Yes I copy, sir. We just finished our patrol. Everything is normal over here.”

“You sound a little different, Taji. Did you get enough sleep?” asked Captain Yan.

“Yes, sir, I am well rested, thank you,” replied Zhang.

“Very good, Taji. Rest and sleep are very important—very important,” Captain Yan paused. “Please report to my office after your shift changes in 15 minutes.”

“OK sir, I will do so. Thank you, sir,” obliged Zhang. Zhang waited several seconds before putting the radio down.

Zhang breathed a huge sigh of relief, “Oh my God—they bought it! They actually bought it!” exclaimed Zhang.

“Great job, Zhang. I knew you had it in you,” Jay complimented.

“What do we do now? We’re sitting ducks back here,” said Adam.

“We wait—and pray,” advised Jay.

“I’m impressed, Jay. For once you’re taking the careful approach,” smiled Zhang.

“I never said I had a death wish,” Jay winked. Even so, he would feel a lot better once the Ranger squad showed up.

24

Ministry of Defense Headquarters

Pyongyang, North Korea

Reports from the South Korean air raids were encouraging. The North Korean Air Force had achieved total and complete surprise and had hit 100 percent of their intended targets—and then some. The nearest American aircraft carrier from the US Seventh Fleet was currently a few hundred miles to the northeast of the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific. Minister Gee didn’t expect the carriers’ F-22 fighter jets would be able to intercept the North Korean D-2 bomber squadrons before they were over Korean airspace, but his job was to plan for the worst-case scenario.

Minister Gee picked up his phone to call General Zin Chai. “General, what is the ETA for the D-2 squadrons to reach Taiwan?”

General Chai looked over his digital charts and replied, “Less than thirty minutes, sir.”

“As long as our ally can neutralize the US Navy as they have promised, will the Taiwanese military bases be rendered defenseless in an hour? If so, I will commence with the amphibious invasion. The transports are currently 50 miles off the coast of Taiwan,” informed Minister Gee.

General Chai inhaled and said, “In my humble opinion, neutralizing the US Navy in a matter of hours is a tall order.” General Chai paused to sip some water. He then continued, “If the US Navy can indeed be thwarted our assigned targets will be destroyed. I admit, I am skeptical, Minister Gee, but if preventing the Americans from intervening is possible our invasion is all but guaranteed.”

Minister Gee nodded and smirked, “Very good, General. Very good. I shall inform General Yoo he may proceed with the amphibious attack.”

First Wave North Korean D-2 Bomber Squadron

25 Miles from Taiwan

This whole operation had been surprisingly easy—too easy, thought Captain Chin. Captain Chin radioed his fighter escort for a third time to make sure his enhanced radar hadn’t picked up any enemy fighters yet. His escort pilot radioed back and confirmed his radar was clear of enemy fighters. Captain Chin thanked him and smiled. This would be a glorious day for North Korea—the soon to be vast Korean Empire. It would only be a matter of time before South Korea would sue for peace after the North Korean military established a base of operations from Taiwan. There would then be no buffer between Korea, China and Japan. The Koreans would establish the Pacific empire the Japanese had once dreamed of. In time Korea would become the world’s dominant power. It was almost foreordained.

Then something unexpected happened. Six American F-22s with super turbo jet engines had somehow caught up with Captain Chul’s bomber squadron. Three of the squadron’s fighter MIG XV escorts were quickly shot down before they managed to take out one of the F-22s. The MIGs were far more maneuverable than the F-22s, but the F-22s could fly 150mph faster than the MIGs. The five remaining F-22s flew out of missile range before turning around and fired missiles at the MIGs broadside. Two more MIGs were shattered to pieces. The remaining three MIGs regrouped but were purely on defense as they needed to protect the bombers.

Soon the bombers were being picked off one by one. Five of the bombers remained after they reached the Taiwanese coast. Major San radioed, “Captain Chul, we are just a few miles from the main Taiwanese military base on the north side of Taipei. Captain Hoo and Lieutenant Zei, I am directing you to change your mission and drop your payloads over central Taipei. Captain Chul, Lieutenant Ni, and I will break off and head for our primary target. We should have enough to destroy the central Taiwanese military base. That should be sufficient for the amphibious invasion to proceed as scheduled.” Major San then radioed his fighter escort commander, “Major Na, please protect Captain Hoo and Lieutenant Zei’s flank. The rest of us will not require your protection for the remainder of our mission.”

“Copy that, sir,” acknowledged Major Na.

Major Na mustered newfound inspiration and scored direct hits against two F-22s that had been targeting their cannons on Major Na’s fuselage but had only caused superficial damage. The three remaining F-22s concentrated on the two D-2 bombers that were targeting Taipei. The American pilots shot the two bombers down before they released their bombs but were unable to stop the other three bombers in time. Moments later the Taiwanese military base had been decimated, just as Osman Air Force base had been a few hours earlier. The F-22s were forced to retreat before they were able to intercept the North Korean bomber squadron on its return flight. The second wave’s targets were adjusted due to the unexpected engagement, but the second wave’s mission was entirely successful. Despite brave American fighter pilot heroics, Taiwan was now open to an amphibious ground invasion. The only thing that could possibly prevent that from happening was the US Navy, which would need a big assist from Agent Cross, Agent Li, and the squad of Army Rangers that was coming to their rescue. Unbeknownst to its captain, an American submarine was traveling directly into a trap that had been perfectly set.

25

Tunnel in Underground Fortress

Island X, North Korea

The fifteen minutes was almost up, and they could ill afford to wait in the cellblock office any longer. “I think I noticed a secondary corridor a little before we passed this office. I’m guessing the badges we picked up will get us through the door,” Jay paused and gulped. “The only way to find out is to try.”

Jay led Zhang and Adam to the steel door a hundred yards behind them. “Here goes,” stated Adam. The longest second of his life passed but the red light turned to green and a buzzing sound was heard. “Looks like we’re in.”

The corridor led to an informal sitting area. Jay recognized the Vietnamese man whom Arik and Isla were talking to. Jay whispered, “I wonder what this is about?” Jay paused and advised, “Keep down and stay quiet. We have an excellent view from here.”

Twenty or so yards away, Arik mixed Chairman Tao a gin and tonic. After he poured the drink, he toasted his glass, “To our future prosperity, Chairman Tao! You will never have to work again. How does that make you feel?”

Chairman Tao sipped his drink and replied, “Happy. Very happy. I am an old man, Mr. Flossam. It is time for me to step down from my many responsibilities and spend more time with my grandchildren.”

“I couldn’t agree more,” nodded Arik. “You will be proud of what Aldric Horizons will do for your legacy and that of Choi Enterprises, Mr. Tao. I am very grateful for you bringing me into this business. Anyway, I am sure you would like to get back to your family and who I am to keep you from doing so?” Arik laughed. He turned to his Chief of Security, Fu Shan. “Fu, please escort Mr. Tao to his helicopter.”

At that moment Jay came out of hiding and greeted the two villains. He was pointing a Glock at Arik that he had taken from a guard. “Not so fast, Arik. I think you’ll find the deal isn’t as sweet as you think it is.” Zhang and Adam came out armed and protected both of Jay’s flanks. Jay continued, “We can do this the easy way or the hard way—the choice is yours.”

Arik stared blankly ahead for a few seconds and then started to laugh, “You are a very funny man, Mr. Cross. Have you ever thought about being a jokester or comedian, as they call them in your country?”

“My job doesn’t leave much room for comedy,” replied Jay. “Hands up Arik and Chairman Tao. You are both under arrest for the sale of illegal arms to a government the UN has passed a resolution that explicitly forbids the sale of those arms. Arik, you are also under arrest as a suspect in the death of all 76 officers and crew of the British submarine Montgomery.”

“Your idle threats don’t scare me, Mr. Cross. The South Korean and American air forces in South Korea have been destroyed, as has the entire Taiwanese military. An amphibious invasion ordered by the North Korean government has commenced at this very hour. America has lost, Mr. Cross. Your government will be powerless to stop us.”

Jay couldn’t believe what he was hearing, but he doubted Arik had much incentive to mislead him that erroneously. “The invasion wouldn’t go forward unless North Korea has complete control of the sea,” Jay pointed his gun straight at Arik’s head. “I know you control the tractor beam from this fortress. Where is the controller located? I will not allow the lives of American sailors to perish from your dreadful device on my watch. I’m not going to repeat myself. Where is the controller?”

Jay was so concerned by what he had just learned he failed to notice Fu sneak up behind him before Fu swiped at Jay with his combat knife. The knife grazed Jay’s shirt but he was able to dodge the strike. Arik ran toward the room’s exit, grabbed a Glock, and yelled, “Kill him! Don’t let him get to the controller at all costs!!” Arik then ran out of the sitting room. A visibly scared Chairman Tao followed.

Adam and Zhang took off after Arik but were soon pinned down by a cluster of guards armed with machine guns. Meanwhile, Fu had grabbed a lead pipe and was pushing it against Jay’s neck. Jay tried to resist, but Fu’s strength was too much. Jay could feel the life leaving his body. He felt it would be seconds before he passed out. He realized this was probably it. Dying as the result of being choked to death by a metal pipe by a large Chinese man was the last way Jay had expected he would die, but that looked like how he was going to meet his maker.

In an instant something hit Fu in the back of the head and the pressure against Jay’s neck was relieved. Captain Ritter had knocked Fu to the ground with an ornamental vase he found on the room’s table. Jay put his hands to his neck and took a minute to breathe at his normal rhythm again. “Looks like I got here just in time, Jay?”

Jay gasped several times before he weakly replied, “Yes, per—perf—perfect timing, Captain Ritter.” Jay took another minute to collect himself and pointed to Captain Ritter’s canteen. The captain was more than willing to offer it. After he drank half of the canteen Jay said, “That was intense. This guy has been chasing me all over Asia. I can’t seem to get away from him.”

Sergeant Dan Tucker and Lieutenant Mike Rollins soon came into the room and shot the guards who had pinned down Zhang and Adam. Adam waved. “Boy am I happy to see you guys. I thought we were goners for sure,” admitted Adam.

“Glad we could help,” replied Sergeant Tucker. “We’ve got enough C-4 to blast this hole back into the ocean. We’re ready to set the charges as soon as we get you all to safety.”

Jay shook his head, “I must find the controller for Arik’s tractor beam—the ship compactor that crushed the Montgomery. An American submarine is heading right into the compactor’s path. We must stop Arik from destroying the submarine. If we don’t North Korea is going to invade Taiwan.”

Lieutenant Rollins replied, “I need to run it by Major Redding. This site is not secure for civilian movement.”

“Haven’t you learned Agent Cross isn’t your typical civilian?” asked Zhang. Jay smiled.

Lieutenant Rollins thought for a moment and then relented, “Sergeant Tucker, go with Agent Cross. The rest of you come with me. We’ve got to get you out of here. After we set the charges, we’ll just have ten minutes to get off this rock,” Lieutenant Rollins paused and looked at Jay. “Be careful, brother.”

Jay nodded, “I intend to.” Jay checked over his Glock and then asked, “Say, this might seem like a strange request, but does anybody here have a Beretta? I never quite feel right when using a different gun.”

“I’ve got you covered,” replied Major Compton, who just came into the room.

“Major Compton, I thought you just did paperwork?” joked Jay.

“This falls under ‘other duties as assigned’, I’m afraid,” replied Major Compton.

Jay took his Beretta from Major Compton and looked it over. “It works perfectly. Although, why wouldn’t it?” Jay paused, “Well, I’d love to stay and chat, but I have to go save the world, or very close to it, anyway.”

Major Compton nodded, “Don’t take too long, Jay. They’re under orders to stay here less than 20 minutes before they light this place up.”

“I won’t. Just make sure to get Zhang and Specialist Dwyer to safety. They are very brave warriors, you know,” noted Jay.

“We’ll take good care of them. Don’t you worry about that,” Major Compton paused and saluted Jay. After Jay returned it Major Compton said, “You’re the first civilian I’ve ever saluted. I just thought you should know.”

“I’m honored,” Jay paused. “OK, Sergeant Tucker, let’s go find Arik and that controller. Lives are depending on us.”

“Yes, sir,” acknowledged Sergeant Tucker.

Why did it always have to come down to the wire, wondered Jay?

26

SSN Sheridan

30 Miles off the Coast of Taiwan

The Sheridan was almost on a collision course with three North Korean troop transports. Indeed, the American submarine was a mere 14 nautical miles from the flagship (the deluxe cruiser Kim II) of the North Korean fleet that was providing protection for the troops who would be undertaking the amphibious invasion against Taiwan.

Lead Sonar Operator, Petty Officer First Class Rodney Fuller, radioed the captain, “It’s hot bearing 1-4-7 degrees, sir. Real hot.”

Captain Steven Duke nodded from the bridge, “Thank you, Petty Officer.” Captain Duke took a moment to look over the coordinates. He then ordered, “Ahead 1-4-7 degrees.”

The submarine pilot, Petty Officer Third Class Miles Carter acknowledged, “Ahead 1-4-7 degrees, aye, Captain.”

The Sheridan turned ever so slightly to the right and was nearly broadside with the leading North Korean troop transport. The torpedo operator, Gunnery Mate Petty Officer Second Class Christopher Roberts remarked, “Range to troop transport 3500 yards, sir.”

Captain Duke thought for a few seconds and then replied, “Flood the tubes and prepare to surface. We want to scare them off if possible.”

“Flooding the tubes aye, sir,” answered PO2 Roberts. The Petty Officer pressed the button to flood the torpedo tubes, but nothing happened. PO2 Roberts figured there might have been a short circuit in the controls, so he quickly reset the breaker. He pressed the button again, but the tubes were not flooded. Confused, PO2 Roberts radioed, “The torpedo tubes will not open, sir. I tried resetting the breaker. Maybe we have an electrical problem on our hands.”

Sub Pilot Miles Carter interrupted, “I’m unable to steer the sub either, Captain. I’m unable to steer! We are now bearing 1-3-2 degrees left!”

“Full reverse, Petty Officer,” ordered Captain Duke.

PO3 Carter pulled the throttle back but it was of no use. He was no longer driving the sub. “Sir, I don’t know what happened. I—I—”

“What, Petty Officer, what is it?!” demanded Captain Duke.

“I’m also unable to add power to the engines,” added PO3 Carter.

The Sheridan’s Chief Engineer, Lieutenant Bradley McCormick confirmed, “The engines have been stopped, Captain. I’ve done everything to reverse polarity but they’re not responding,” Lieutenant McCormick morbidly added, “It must be that ship eater we’ve been warned about. What else could it be?”

Captain Duke stepped away from the bridge microphone for a moment. He almost lost it but then somehow mustered the strength to resume his duties. “I’m sorry fellas. I’ve done the best I can. You have all done extraordinary work during your time on the Sheridan,” Captain Duke paused and wiped away a tear. “Sometimes our adversary is too powerful to overcome. I suggest you take the last few moments we have left to look at family pictures and say goodbye from afar to your loved ones. I will remain on the bridge if anyone needs anything until we go down.”

Everything was complete silence for a moment, until PO1 Fuller shouted, “Hip-hip-hooray for Captain Duke—the best captain in the United States Navy!!!”

Several rounds of “hip-hip-hooray” were made in Captain Duke’s honor before the men quieted down to say their silent goodbyes to their loved ones. None of them knew how many minutes they had left.

Outside Tractor Beam Control Room

Island X, North Korea

Zhang was following Adam and the other Rangers to the surface but then heard some footsteps behind her. She made sure the Rangers kept moving forward. Once they were out of sight she turned around, holding her Glock handgun out front. She heard some scrambling and saw someone turn a corner. She slowly made her way to the corner before peeking around it. A hidden door then opened behind her. Chairman Tao was pointing a modern .38 at Zhang’s head. “Not so fast there, missy.”

Zhang dropped her weapon. Chairman Tao picked up Zhang’s Glock and dragged her in front of the control room. Arik opened the door to the control room, “Kang, I’m surprised you’re still here, but I see you’ve brought company.”

Chairman Tao scoffed, “Open the gates so I can get to my helicopter. I’m taking the woman with me.”

Arik stalled, “Why do you need her? You can buy any woman you want.”

“This one could come in useful,” Chairman Tao yanked on Zhang’s hair as she cried out in agony. Fu Shan then snuck up behind Chairman Tao, but Arik subtly signaled for him to wait. Arik nodded, “OK, Kang. You win—like usual, only—”

“Only what?” demanded Chairman Tao.

Arik gave a slight signal to Fu again. This time Fu complied. He shoved a sai straight through Chairman Tao’s back and twisted the blade after it pierced his spine and protruded through his chest. Arik leaned in close to Chairman Tao and said, “I think we made a bad deal after all, Mr. Tao. I think I’ll stop transfer of payment to your account.”

A throwing knife was then flung at Fu. Fu stepped out of the way but was pierced in his left shoulder and nicked on the neck. Jay and Dan had their guns trained on Arik and Fu. “Let her go, Arik. It’s not worth it.”

“I decide what’s worth it. I am in charge here,” Arik coldly declared. Arik started to carefully back into the control room, holding a gun against Zhang’s head the entire time. “Your submarine is lost. The North Koreans and I have won, Mr. Cross.”

Jay held up a small wire and said, “I don’t think so. We found the electrical panel for the tractor beam controller in a communications closet back there,” Jay nudged his head in the direction of the closet. “Power should be coming back on the sub right about now. The game is up, Arik. President Dun’s invasion will fail, if he doesn’t call it off first. I’m not going to ask again—let her go!”

“You won’t make it out of here alive, but I will. Goodbye, Mr. Cross. I can’t say I’m ashamed our paths will never cross again.” Arik activated the fortress’s self-destruct sequence (which was set to go off in 15 minutes) and dragged Zhang into a secret secure hi-speed elevator inside the control room.

Fu threw a cannister of tear gas at Jay and Dan before he ran down the tunnel in the opposite direction. Jay and Dan ran the other way, doing their best to cover their face as they repeatedly coughed. “So that’s it? It sounds like we’re trapped,” surmised Dan.

Jay coughed and shook his head, “According to the fortress schematic, there’s a secret stairway not far from the control room. Since we destroyed the control room’s electrical panel, we don’t have to worry about the doors being locked. We have a narrow window of time, but I have to get Zhang back,” Jay paused. “You can get back to the squad if you go the way that big Chinese guy went. Going after Zhang is dangerous, so I understand if you want to bow out.”

“I’ve come this far. I won’t abandon you now,” assured Sergeant Tucker.

Jay nodded, “OK then. Let’s get to Arik’s helicopter on the double!”

The two opened the door to the stairwell that led directly to the island’s helipad, adjacent to the elevator. Jay knew he had a few minutes before the helicopter would be ready to take off. He ran up the stairs like he had never run before.

SSN Sheridan

29 Miles off the Coast of Taiwan

Just when they thought their sub was going to be flattened by the ocean’s pressure the emergency power turned on the Sheridan. Within 20 seconds the main power turned on and the submarine’s nuclear reactor came to life. The Sheridan had propulsion again. Captain Duke didn’t waste a moment to get the Sheridan moving back toward the surface.

“Bring us up to a depth of 80 meters bearing 1-6-2 degrees,” ordered Captain Duke.

“We’re set to go 80 meters bearing 1-6-2 degrees aye, Captain!” exclaimed PO3 Carter.

“Are we on full reserve power yet, Lieutenant McCormick?” asked Captain Duke.

Lieutenant McCormick looked at the monitor in front of him and replied, “We are at full reserve power, sir! We are also sitting over 70 percent full propulsion as well, sir!”

Captain Duke nodded and looked over at his Executive Officer, Lieutenant Commander Jeff Clark and asked, “Do we level off before we surface, Jeff, or do you think we have sufficient power to go up now?”

“The prudent thing would be to level off until we’re at least at 85 percent full power,” replied Lieutenant Commander Clark. He then grinned, “But we were almost killed. I’m sure the crew is more than ready for a fight.”

Captain Duke grinned, “My thoughts exactly, Jeff.” Captain Duke paused and then radioed, “This is your captain, speaking. All hands-on deck. Prepare to surface and prepare for combat. We are on red alert and battle ready. Repeat—we are on red alert.” Captain Duke hoped they would catch the invasion fleet before the troops had entered their landing crafts.

As the officers and crew prepared to surface and confront the North Korean fleet PO1 Fuller noticed a blip on sonar. He turned the submarine’s camera on and caught the first glimpse of the tractor beam, which looked kind of like an enormous baseball bat. Power had been cut to the tractor beam and it had been demagnetized as it fell harmlessly toward the ocean floor.

“Captain, I think you will want to see this. It should be showing up on the bridge’s main viewing screen right about now,” informed PO1 Fuller.

Captain Duke’s eyes opened wide and his mouth dropped in astonishment as he looked at the powerless tractor beam. “It’s incredible to think that rather un intimidating sinking object might have been a serious detriment to the world’s most powerful navies,” reflected Captain Duke. “We owe whoever deactivated that thing our everlasting gratitude.”

“Amen to that,” agreed Lieutenant Commander Clark.

Some unknown individual had done his or her part to save the crew of the SSN Sheridan so they could live to fight another day. It was now time for them to do their part to stop a major war from breaking out in East Asia.

27

Helipad

Island X, North Korea

Arik’s helicopter was about to land by the time Jay and Dan made it to the helipad. Fu Shan (he had turned around and gone up the same stairwell Jay and Dan had gone up), Arik’s Captain of the Guards Du Yan, and three other guards were protecting Arik and Isla. They didn’t have any time at all so Jay directed, “You take out those four guards and the big Chinese guy, if possible. I’ll go after Airk.” Jay paused and shook Dan’s hand, “Good luck and thanks for having my back.”

Dan nodded, “Like the PJs, Rangers don’t leave anyone behind.”

Jay started scrambling down a rocky, uneven path as Dan shot the three additional guards. Fu and Du took cover behind fuel barrels. Du started shooting at Dan, as Dan punctured several holes in the barrel, causing jet fuel to leak out all over the helipad. Jay came to a vantage point where he almost had a perfect shot on Arik but then Isla unexpectedly came up from behind and kicked his gun out of his hand.

“Too bad for you I fight better than I make love,” said Isla.

“This shouldn’t be too hard, then, should it?” Jay sarcastically replied.

Isla threw several roundhouse and front kicks at Jay. She quickly landed one squarely in Jay’s stomach, causing him to stagger backwards several feet before he was able to regain his footing. Jay then reset himself and frowned, “I have also believed it is better to make love and not war, if given the choice. Maybe you should too.”

“I don’t settle, Jay. Sex is fleeting and temporary. Power is overwhelming and long-lasting,” asserted Isla. Isla then took out a chain, twirled it around, and snapped it at Jay several times, nicking his arms a few times as he deflected her thrusts. Isla fiendishly smiled, “As you see, I don’t keep this chain just for the bedroom.”

In between thrusts Jay was able to grab a hold of the end of the chain and managed to pull it away from Isla. He then kicked Isla with a powerful sidekick to the hip. After Isla fell to the ground Jay pulled the chain against Isla’s neck, which caused her to suffocate. Once Jay was certain Isla had passed out, he dropped the chain. He looked at Isla and said, “This is why I can’t get into whips and chains. Too hazardous.” Jay picked up the gun that Isla had knocked out of his hand and ran toward Arik.

Arik was about to force Zhang into the helicopter. Jay was 15 yards from Arik and Zhang when Du started to shoot at Jay. Jay kneeled behind a fuel barrel, aimed carefully, winked at Du, and then shot Du in the chest. Jay then started running toward Arik and Zhang but was stopped by a powerful chop from Fu.

Fu lifted Jay up with both of his meaty arms and started to literally crush Jay’s shoulder’s inward. Jay could hardly speak but he managed an insult and said, “Is that all you got?”

This angered Fu beyond reason. Fu then threw Jay several yards back and then picked up an empty fuel barrel that was riddled with bullet holes. Fu raised the barrel over his arms and was about to throw it down on top of Jay. Jay saw his opportunity. He grabbed a cotton pad from his shoe, rubbed it against jet fuel that had leaked onto the concrete ground from the barrel, pulled Fu’s shirt open, and pressed the pad against Fu’s skin. Jay quipped, “Time to blow off a little steam.” Jay then drew his arm back and punched Fu in the stomach with a Judo power punch. Fu was pushed back a full four feet, as the fuel barrel landed hard on his feet. Fu screamed out in intense agony after the barrel hit his feet as his chest started to turn red from the heat activating agent Jay had placed on his chest. Before Jay reached the helicopter, a mysterious man pulled Fu up off the ground, scraped off the heat activating pad with a razor, and pushed Fu on the back of an ATV. The man then took off on the ATV as fast as he could go with Fu strapped to the back of it.

The helicopter started to lift off once Jay reached it. Jay saw a retractable cable attached to the helicopter. He shot the cable’s control console, which caused the cable to start unwinding and twirl around. Arik shot at Jay several times but was unable to get off an aimed shot as the helicopter’s momentum and wind blew Jay around on the cable. Jay then slowly climbed up the steel cable. He had just about climbed to the edge of the helicopter’s floor when he heard Isla’s hoarse voice from 75 feet below and looked at her.

Isla was pointing a gun directly at Jay’s head. “I have a helicopter to catch, Jay. There’s just room for one of us—and that person is me.”

Jay thought he was done for but then a bullet pierced right through Isla’s heart. Isla looked up with frozen eyes at Jay and then fell from a rocky ledge onto the concrete below.

Sergeant Tucker shouted from the spot he had set himself up in and set his weapon to sniper mode, “It’s all clear, Jay. Get the girl so we can get out of here!”

Jay pulled himself up into the helicopter. Arik held a gun against Zhang’s head, “Take one step closer and she’s dead—you hear me—dead!” Arik paused and smirked, “You lose, Mr. Cross. Taiwan is lost and it’s only a matter of time before my business will be back up and running.”

“Zhang—ear buds,” said Jay. Arik was confused by what Jay said, but Jay touched the pin that was tucked into his shirt. Arik lifted his hands to shelter his ears from the endless ringing in his ears caused by the ultra-high frequency that Jay’s pin had unleashed. Jay then turned so the pilot was exposed to the screeching noise. The helicopter started to spin around out of control. The helicopter was just 200 feet above the surface. Jay looked at Zhang and advised, “Knock the pilot out and take over flying so we don’t crash.”

Arik’s hands trembled as he tried to steady his gun enough to shoot at Jay. Jay easily pushed Arik’s hand down. Arik’s other hand then swiped down and accidentally tapped Jay’s pin twice and knocked it off Jay’s shirt. Feeling disoriented but having regained his senses Arik reached for his gun. Jay kicked the gun away from Arik they got in a stranglehold. Arik then mustered enough strength to push Jay out over the edge of the helicopter.

Zhang screamed from the cockpit, “Jay!”

Arik stepped on Jay’s right hand which was holding onto a metal handle. Jay used his free hand to grab a hold of the cable and wrapped it around Arik’s body. As Arik was momentarily stunned, he removed his foot from Jay’s hand. Jay then used the cable to pull himself back up into the helicopter. He then pulled Arik forward and put his one remaining heating pad on Arik’s forehead. He then pushed Arik down away from the inside of the helicopter. Arik desperately hung to the cable and defiantly shouted, “You can’t defeat me, Mr. Cross. Nobody can defeat me!” Arik’s forehead then turned bright red. “Awww—my head—it’s on fire! Damn you, Mr. Cross! Damn you!!!”

Jay then took out his Chapstick, applied it to his lips, and then started cutting the cable with the Chapstick’s laser. Once he got to the last cable strand he looked down at Arik and said, “Time to go cool off.” Jay then pushed on the weakened strand until the cable came loose from its mount.

Arik shouted, “Nooooo!!!!!” He then fell three hundred feet into the icy, choppy waters below.

Jay then went to the cockpit, pulled the pilot into the back, and sat down next to Zhang. He put on the headphones and said, “Go pick up Sergeant Tucker. We’ll have to get really low since we lost our cable.”

Zhang hovered downward but couldn’t get close enough to Sergeant Tucker without being pinned down by the downdraft that was being generated by the high winds. “I don’t think I can get close enough. It’s too windy!” yelled Zhang.

Jay went into the back of the helicopter. He looked around and saw the emergency parachutes. He quickly opened up the chute, tied it to a handle, and said, “Get as close as you can. He’ll have to climb up on this chute.”

“Is that strong enough?” asked Zhang.

“It will have to do,” replied Jay.

Zhang got as low as she could. She was unable to get closer than 100 feet from the surface where Dan was standing. Jay looked down at Dan and yelled, “Hello Dan. Grab a hold of this parachute. It’s all we have to pull you up.”

Dan tried to grab the parachute several times, but the wind was blowing it around too much. Jay thought about what to do for the next several seconds when a huge explosion sent fragments of the island’s main satellite dish to fly hundreds of feet into the air. The explosion’s impact pushed the parachute directly at Sergeant Tucker, who tightly wrapped both of his arms around the chute. Jay then looked down at Sergeant Tucker who gave him the thumbs up.

Jay smiled, looked at Zhang, and shouted, “We’ve got Dan. Now let’s get out of here before we’re made a permanent collection on this island.”

Zhang flew the helicopter a few hundred yards to the east of the island. Jay pulled up Sergeant Tucker as the fortress blew up, which caused a forbidding but beautiful orange fireball in the starless night sky. “What a sight to behold,” remarked Jay.

Dan nodded and sighed, “I’m glad we got off.”

“Yes, we did. We achieved our main mission, but we haven’t stopped the war yet, as far as I know,” reminded jay. Jay walked back up and sat down in the cockpit, “I have to try and get a hold of Major Compton. We have to get the message out to the 7^th Fleet that we control the seas,” Jay paused and gazed off into the distance for a moment. He then added, “The fleet’s submarines are the only thing stopping a successful invasion of Taiwan. We have to do everything possible to prevent that from happening.”

As Jay attempted to contact Major Compton Zhang brought the helicopter over three Zodiac rafts that were sailing away from the burning remnants of Island X. It truly was a strangely beautiful sight to behold.

A speedboat sped away from the island in the opposite direction of the Zodiacs. The driver grinned and looked back at the bruised and exhausted Fu. Agent Cross might have bested them this time, but they would get their revenge. Oleg Brolokai had never let his captors escape unscathed. He wasn’t about to start a new tradition. He had a reputation to uphold. For now, he had to rest and regroup. North Korea was out so Oleg headed toward the Chinese coast. The important thing was to survive. If you did that you lived to fight another day. Oleg turned slightly northwest as Fu groaned in debilitating pain. They might look pathetic, but Oleg and Fu had escaped from Island X right out from under Agent Cross’s nose. That prompted Oleg to smile wide as he cruised along the top of the dark, but now calm sea an hour or so before dawn.

28

SSN Sheridan

27 Miles off the Coast of Taiwan

Shortly after Captain Duke had ordered the Sheridan to surface he had been ordered to maintain a depth of 25 meters from the admiral in charge of the 7^th Fleet’s Submarine Task Force, Rear Admiral Leon Waters. Evidently, the American and South Korean Air Forces, as well as virtually all of Taiwan’s military had been obliterated by the North Korean Air Force spearheaded by their sleek D-2 bombers. The Navy’s top brass were waiting on a general directive from the Chief Naval Officer (CNO) and Secretary of Defense on whether to engage the North Korean invasion armada. This was ordered before Agent Cross was able to notify Major Compton in the Eighth Army about the death of Arik Flossam and destruction of Island X, which ended up being mostly self-inflicted.

North Korean troops were starting to assemble at staging areas in their transports to get into landing craft by the time the anticipated message reached Captain Duke. The Sheridan’s secure encrypted communications system had been damaged after the power outage. Technicians had been working nonstop for the last thirty minutes to get the secure network operational again. Captain Duke was relieved once he finally saw the message.

“The situation on land has been stabilized,” informed Captain Duke. “Admiral Waters has ordered us to surface and intercept the lead transport,” Captain Duke paused and looked over his navigation screen. “Up scope.”

The submarine’s periscope was deployed. Captain Duke saw North Korean troops were minutes away from entering the landing craft. “Down scope.” After the periscope came back down Captain Duke looked over his navigation charts again and instructed, “Flood six torpedo tubes.”

“Flooding six torpedo tubes aye, Captain,” acknowledged PO2 Roberts. PO2 Roberts began pushing buttons and before long all six tubes were flooded, “The torpedo tubes have all been flooded, sir.”

Captain Duke nodded, “Very good, Petty Officer. Bring us up to the surface bearing 1-5-4 degrees.”

“Aye, Captain, changing course to surface at bearing 1-5-4,” acknowledged PO3 Carter.

Within two minutes the SSN Sheridan broke the surface of the East China Sea and was directly perpendicular approximately 300 yards away from the lead North Korean transport. “Surface battle stations ready!” ordered Captain Duke.

A crewman opened the hatch. Gunnery crews took command of the two 10-inch deck guns and two 60 caliber machine guns. Within minutes the crew of the Sheridan was ready for a major surface engagement if it came to that. Captain Duke hoped that would be avoided but a lot of good airmen and women, as well as South Korean and Taiwanese military personnel had been killed the day before. It was Captain Duke’s and all honorable naval officers’ duty to ensure their devotion to duty had not been in vain and that, God willing, they would be remembered for all time.

North Korean Transport

300 Yards from the SSN Sheridan, East China Sea

An American submarine had surfaced in front of Captain Ree Nochi’s transport—his transport—whose crew was prepared to engage in battle. Captain Nochi’s orders forbade him to engage with an American naval vessel without prior authorization. Punishment for doing so would lead to a swift execution without trial.

“What are you orders, sir?” asked Captain Nochi’s XO, Lieutenant Commander Sing-Wei.

Captain Nochi thought for a moment and replied, “I had been assured we wouldn’t run into any American submarines or other naval vessels. But that is clearly a submarine less than 300 yards in front of our bow.” Captain Nochi shrugged and sighed, “I am under strict orders not to engage with an American naval vessel unless ordered to do so. I have no choice but to consult my superior officer.

Lieutenant Commander Sing-Wei nodded, “Aye, aye, sir. We will be awaiting your orders.”

President Dun’s Seaside Palace

Near Wonsan, North Korea

Dai Luc entered Gi’s spacious study with a look of defeat and despair on his face that Dai rarely carried. Dai’s expression was enough for Gi Dun to realize his latest private sector partner, Arik Flossam, had been defeated, thus failing Gi. He wasn’t the first megalomaniac who would fail the Great Leader, nor would he be the last, realized Gi. This partnership had been nothing more than an exercise for President Gi to see if his grand designs were ready. Although his country had made a powerful statement the world would not soon forget, it was just a statement, nevertheless. The unexpected result would just give Gi more time to increase his nuclear arsenal. Maybe it was meant to be?

“Order Minister Gee to withdraw the fleet. Our mission has been diverted, Dai, but we have not been defeated. We inflicted thousands of casualties and have suffered none. I would venture to say we are the victor, after all,” declared President Dun.

The emotionless Dai Luc nodded, “Your instructions will be immediately carried out, Great Leader. Thank you, as always, for your wisdom.”

Yes, he was full of wisdom, thought Gi, as Dai exited the room and quietly shut the large mahogany double doors behind him. Someday that wisdom would allow him to create a vast Korean Empire. That day would just not be today.

SSN Sheridan

26 Miles off the Coast of Taiwan

It had been a tense five-minute standoff, but the North Korean transport was still steaming toward the coast of Taiwan. There was no indication the North Korean fleet was going to retreat, but none of the North Korean warships had fired at the Sheridan yet. “I wonder what they’re waiting for?” PO1 Fuller asked Lieutenant Commander Clark. PO1 Fuller was supervising the surface gun crews.

Lieutenant Commander Clark shook his head, “I’m not sure, but I’m afraid they’re going to ram us pretty soon if they keep coming toward us.”

Then, as luck would have it, they heard the captain of the North Korean transport give a terse order over the ship’s intercom. Within a minute the troops who had been waiting to board the landing crafts dispersed and went back inside the ship. The transport stopped suddenly and then slowly made a 145 degree turn to the northeast and started sailing in the opposite direction. The lead transport of the invasion fleet became the rear ship of the invasion fleet. Before long a North Korean destroyer could be seen coming behind the transport to take up the rear of the battle convoy. Ten minutes later the destroyer was completely out of view.

A minute after the North Korean destroyer was out of sight cheers were made by the Sheridan’s surface crew. Captain Duke walked out on the deck and told Lieutenant Commander Clark and PO1 Fuller, “I’d like to buy the person or people responsible for their retreat a drink.” Captain Duke paused, sipped some coffee, and sighed a sigh of relief. “I know I’ll be breathing a little easier for the rest of the day.”

“Should we prepare to dive, sir?” asked Lieutenant Commander Clark.

Captain Duke looked out toward the Taiwanese coastline and shook his head, “Nah. We’ll skim the surface for a while. Submariners don’t get enough fresh air,” Captain Duke paused and sipped some more coffee. He continued, “We’ve got orders to go into the port near Taipei and do what we can to assist the Taiwanese government with port recovery efforts. Go ahead and take the bridge, Jeff, and set a course for Taipei. I’ll be in my cabin.”

“Yes, sir,” acknowledged Lieutenant Commander Clark.

Captain Duke nodded and left the deck. He was relieved he and his crew were alive and that no damage had been inflicted to the Sheridan. He could finally relax after the tensest and most stressful morning of his life.

29

Seaside Cottage

North Shore of Oahu

Jay slipped on his robe and walked to the bar of their luxury cottage to mix him and Zhang a drink. He mixed Zhang a Sex on the Beach and himself a Bourbon Coke. “Sleep well?” Jay asked as he handed Zhang her drink.

“Yesssss…God, I could sleep for two more weeks,” admitted Zhang.

“Well, we’d have to devote a little time to a few other things,” winked Jay.

Zhang blushed, “Mmm…what do you have in mind?”

“Building a strong emotional connection,” replied Jay, as he drew Zhang in close to him.

An hour later, Zhang and Jay were waiting at a restaurant bar on the beach down the road from their cottage. As they were laughing and having a thoroughly good time a man approached Jay. “May I help you?” asked Jay.

The nicely dressed man offered to shake Jay’s hand. As they shook hands the man said, “The name’s Rogers. Trent Rogers,” Trent paused and withdrew his hand. “Your man Skip Jordan told me I should meet the man who possibly saved us from World War III,” Trent paused again. He then asked, “May I join you?”

“Like the British Commonwealth, this is a free country,” replied Jay.

“Bartender, please get them two more drinks apiece for whatever they’re drinking. I will have a margarita on the rocks,” said Trent. Trent then looked over at Zhang and asked, “So how does it feel to be with the man who just saved Western civilization?”

“Well, I was enjoying myself,” replied Zhang.

Trent laughed, “Right-o—right-o! I won’t be long.” The bartender then set down Trent’s margarita. “Thank you,” acknowledged Trent. He took a small sip, puckered his lips together a few times, and asked, “I’m sure everything you did is classified, but, tell me, how did it feel to take down Arik Flossam?”

Jay took a big sip of his Bourbon sour and replied, “You’re from British intelligence—Double O. You should know exactly how it feels.”

“Why would I? It’s not like I’m James Bond or anything,” noted Trent, as he sipped his margarita.

“No, I suppose not. Nobody can be James Bond, after all,” replied Jay as he looked at Trent with a curious expression on his face as he raised his right eyebrow. Zhang laughed with one arm around Jay and the other holding her strawberry daquiri.

The world would be a little quieter tonight and everyone—including Jay Cross—would sleep a little easier. Removing grave threats with potential serious worldwide implications was just what NSA agents did who worked for the International Division. Jay could drink to that.