Sooley Base

By DP Tolan

INSIDE BOOK COVER

Two brothers secretly journeyed to Asia, arranging purchase of Medium Range Ballistic Missiles from China.

Amir bin Ubaidi, a Saudi General is training Force Ten to protect the bases where these missiles will be based..

Tooley becomes aware that Arabia has purchased the missiles and is building bases to give the Kingdom real power.

Israeli satellites and intelligence sources confirm the construction of the bases.

American diplomats and the White House obtain Saudi assurances of no First Strike with the missiles. This assurance is conveyed to Israel … and the story unfolds.

Hold your breath as you follow the characters of Sooley Base.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Dec 25, 2013
• ISBN: 9781483516486

Book preview

9781483516486

Sooley Base

1 – Tales told many ways

I worry about those bastards across the water Hamid, the eldest, told his sibling. They keep killing each other off, buying new weapons, threatening us with their new toys. He frowned, concern on his face. We go to do what we must. There is no other avenue, no alternative. This journey will complete our plans.

The two men strode toward the building ahead and the journey beyond. Aware of the supremacy of a dragon, they moved with purpose, their mission a closely held secret. Like Aladdin, these travelers from the desert sands knew the duality of such power. Storytellers recorded that if such a beast escaped its bonds, it could turn on its masters and devour them. One could use them, but only at great risk and after considering the forces so constrained. The journey to acquire such influence held its own dangers, as ancients knew from the tale of Pandora’s Box.

Their robes were grayish cloth, undistinguished save for the broad gold edging worn with an air of self assigned importance. They moved together holding hands affectionately as custom allowed, their prayer beads held in the opposite hands. Hamid thumbed his well worn silver beads, while Boldar held his of carved sandal wood. Sandals of supple leather slapped on the floor as they walked.

Refreshed, their hands and feet purified for prayer, they stowed their sandals in the designated bins and walked toward the prayer hall. Over the terminal structure ahead the sun’s rays affirmed God’s splendor and blessings. A Call to Prayer resounded from the minaret – ‘God is great.’ This reminder to pray echoed from speakers in each corner. All in earshot heard, but few prayed openly; the brothers were consumed with a more worldly concern.

Boldar nodded ... It is sad that we must do what we go to do, but others now have long range weapons they hurl at each other. Will they strike at us? Our land has few soldiers, limited resources but all we have is just the black gold beneath our sandals.

Posturing for power often started around a desert campfire. As these brothers and others had watched embers glow, others analyzed the battles across the Gulf. The continuing blood bath between Iraq and Iran provoked serious reflection. Arabia’s moves on the international scene gave purpose to their journey, to complete their mission. These men sought clout, their own weapons of winged death, to blunt the threat of war or to use to incinerate an enemy.

Their red and white checkered head covering were scented with frankincense, their dangling flaps gave a pleasant hint of rituals from most ancient times. The hanging folds of the ghoutra hung around their heads scenting the coiled black fan belt. Hamid, his voice filled with conviction whispered through the fabric. When a bear comes into the neighborhood, one buys a club for self defense or adds arrows to one’s quiver. We were almost caught unawares when our jets shot down those from Iran back in 1985. The short distance across the Straits is now a reminder of our need for vigilance despite the success of that dogfight.

We need to strengthen our military forces, especially as the Iranians seem willing to challenge us in our own airspace. Thankfully our mission will complete the task to truly arm the Kingdom.

Our buildup gives notice of the strengthening of our power. Hamid replied The Navy has purchased French, American and British equipments and associated support. Muslim military units, from as far as Bangladesh, bolster the Land Forces at our borders.

Brother, those things are well underway. As we travel, we play the trump card, our special weapon. It will force our enemies to pause before attacking us. I made the same journey two seasons ago to put our plans in motion.

Our military is moving with other Sunnis to build a regional force, through the Gulf Cooperative Council perhaps?

"Yes, the GCC contemplates buying anti-submarine warfare aircraft and ships. It will restrain those across the Gulf."

Maybe that will keep their subs in port. One can pray it will be so, Praise Allah! Arabia sent these Princes to obtain influence and balance the scales of military capabilities.

Royal Terminal

Riyadh International Airport - Caravans of old journeyed from desert encampments to distant lands, the sturdiest of camels carrying the travelers. Warriors with shining swords of the sharpest steel protected them to their destination. At the journey’s end they slept in the finest of tents, with soft cushions to recline on as they ate exotic foods. Hamid and Boldar were on a journey of less than one thousand and one nights, but like storied travelers of eons before they sought weapons of legendary power.

Riyadh’s airport terminal spread out stylishly. Its separate area for royals included opulent restaurant, and several female only boutiques and posh cafes, and its lavish prayer rooms allowed the two sexes to worship separately. Interior walls sported the finest in abstract art, Italian marble pillars and counters; supple leather seats graced an espresso bar served flavored coffees in the latest European fashion. The respective bathrooms featured gold tone fixtures, and embellished frames surrounded their large mirrors. The terminal was a worthy spot for brothers to start a journey of great purpose.

Fit for a King

As they walked their eyes admired its accoutrements, the gaudy realities of authority. The plane ahead appeared as just another jumbo jet. This was a clever deception; the Boeing 747 was embellished in gold and an anti-missile detection and deception systems protected the plane when airborne. The windscreen had anti-laser coating to shelter its pilots’ eyes; the tires were blowout proof. The engines were up rated from regular Pratt and Whitney jet engines, using more fuel but providing greater authority. It was a fitting symbol of power.

It is my first flight in this plane. It is pleasant to have such comfort for our mission; even the prayer calls are muted. It is our flying carpet, to whisk us to Asia, a magic clothe, to shroud us from our enemies. Let us toast to our success!

The plane’s trappings were fit for a specific royal, the King of Arabia and brother to these men. Skilled Italian, French, and Swiss craftsmen had decorated its bathrooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and lounge areas. Gold and silver appeared extensively in motifs of palm trees, camels, and Bedouin desert scenes to create the ambiance of a desert camp. A well concealed wine cellar, climate and pressure controlled, held the plane’s selections, worthy of any palette.

The 747 taxied to the terminal to let just two passengers board. Prince Boldar, Ambassador to the US and his older brother Hamid, Ambassador to the PRC, walked down the red carpet and boarded. Senior Ambassadors and brothers of the King, on serious business for the Kingdom, they deserved such perks. Security and surveillance personnel, whose numbers surged at pre-boarding, augmented computerized check-in scanners. Others who personally recognized the royals added their scrutiny and complemented security. The Princes’ personal body attendants walked aboard, respectfully a pace behind their masters. The expedition began, with the desert Princes journeying to distant lands. Uncertain what would emerge, the brothers prayed for what suited their needs. When ones’ neighbor bought a dragon, one acquired one in self defense, or stole theirs. Hamid smiled, Let’s begin. This journey will ensure the Kingdom’s safety for years.

The Princes boarded their flying carpet and flew to Hong Kong. The airport there, among the worlds’ most accommodating, welcomed flight SV 7093’s touchdown after a thirteen hour flight. The brothers watched the waters of the harbor race by as the planes’ tires slowed. It is like seeing the sands from a camel’s back. I am glad the monotony of our flight is over. Pray Allah it is as I arranged in 1985 when I met General Lu and his infidel Colonels. I will introduce you them all Boldar proclaimed.

British Crown Colony, Hong Kong - A mountaintop retreat soon provided breathtaking views of the harbor and the ancient tram ascending Victoria Peak. Their suite was the top floor and a terrace. Dinner was without equal, with a view across the inner harbor to Kowloon and the New Territories, the closest part of mainland China. Hamid, once we enjoy Hong Kong’s pleasures for a day or two it’s just a quick overnight trip to Macao. I’ll introduce you to the casinos there. It will be our last distraction before venturing on to see the General.

Boldar had journeyed here three years before, clandestinely signing arrangements for the historic deal. Long term oil purchase contracts had been promised at favorable rates, and as a gesture of friendship and cultural exchange, he offered funding of Mosques in Muslim areas.

Pleasure as a ploy

The hotel was but a taxi ride to the ferry terminals to Hong Kong and Shanghai, serviced by modern hydro-foil craft that took one in luxurious style. Their guards struggled to match their pace ... Damn they walk like someone is shooting at them.

It’s a good thing for us no one is one of their guards quietly added.

Hamid, Boldar realized, was not the sort to cavort, to drink or gamble. Brother, you’re a babe in the woods. He smiled "It is up to me to draw off the Press. It’s a drudgery but I love to be sinful and

sensational." His security arrangements were subservient to the subtleties of the sex ahead. Stir one’s basic responses, arouse interest. Intimacy holds power, the seeming desires of imagination, the realities and the myth, a powerful use of man’s curiosity and interest in things unknown, forbidden. Rumor rags outsold mainline press editions, people were curious. Couple that innate interest with the mystery of the Orient and you had stories that would sell, overshadowing the real business.

Chartered hydrofoils contracted by the brothers served to keep their movements and personal security impregnable, and comforts private and personal. The casinos ahead were at the center of Macao’s economy. The hotel, an affiliate of the Mandarin chain, was known to provide consummate accommodations, and discrete distractions. It was the brother’s choice for the night. Gambling over, they walked in casually and cautiously, preceded by personal body guards.

The younger of the men motioned for their body guards to move close. He covered his mouth with his hand to conceal his words and lips. For the next two days my brother and I will do as I did those years ago. You are to dress in western clothes, like Europeans. We will pay for your gambling for these days. Whatever you win you keep. If you lose we will cover your losses and expenses, without question. These credit cards have $10,000 dollar limits; use them wisely. Conceal your true identity at all times. Answer no questions.

Prince Boldar singularly among his brothers used the Press, discretely leaking bits of alleged sexual adventures to British and American tabloids. On sensing his brothers’ disapproval Boldar paused. Hamid, among infidels whose criticisms are of little value, I use the Press to disguise my locations and actions. They like sexy stories, even if not true. It is quite amusing. This tactic creates credible diversions from the serious business we are secretly about. We can at will pull up our tents and steal off into the night.

Boldar was satisfied with his efforts. He walked like a saint but sinned like the devil. Which story was true; which one was printed? He was careful, revealing just the smallest amount to tantalize. His lawyers even selectively put pressure on tabloids, to provide fodder for additional days of diversionary coverage. If I remove just part of the lurid story, the mystery and mystique lingers.

Unfocused photos were leaked to the tabloids, file photos of the Prince and a woman fleeing the scene of their sordid affair, a veil, her figure alluring even at a distance, perfumes vapors lingering from their liaison. The tabloids obligingly published the exposes, disguising the pursuits of regional control.

Keeping a lid on

Spring 1987 - The smell of sweet incense rose, mingled with that of Cuban cigars and the business at hand was obscured. They were on a mission to buy a real weapon with teeth that could streak through the skies bringing death to enemies. A big check was being written, against part of the family jewels. The check was put on the table, out of sight, endorsed behind closed doors, and few in the West knew. The huge military upgrades were identified, calculated, and analyzed. Boldar smiled with satisfaction.

Multiple business relationships linked to their arrangement were developed, multiple language skills and interpretations required. Plans sprang for the from the potential business opportunities. The plans projected waves of personnel in various places producing goods and services. If one buys a gun, it may frighten your neighbor. What would a volatile, unrestrained neighbor do? The Sword of Damocles hung in the air. What would Israel do if it discovered the program?

The Law of unknown consequences came into play.

The brothers put the Kingdom’s foot under the tent flap, concluding the secretive agreements. The words forewarned of future conflict. The realities spoke of immense funding transfers, contracts, investments, and influence. Manpower, land, utilities, resources were required in quantities that rivaled the building of pyramids, all in SECRET. The participants struggled to fabricate vague program descriptions and invoked diplomatic speak to divert attention and shroud understanding of what they were about. Few specifics were described. The contracts to purchase missiles obscured such critical systems specs as warhead size, missile range, and manpower training requirements. Ball park figures and estimates provided slim Intel to those who would crack the shroud of secrecy.

Foot under the tent flap

Crafted in electronically secure rooms, the contract’s wording and broad tasks were the consensus of senior military and political leaders selected by the King and an inner council. The initial mission statement, to establish rough guidelines and costs, had been assigned to Prince Boldar for negotiation and accomplishment. The draft invoked broad military and geo-political goals, on a scale not previously considered. It was a huge investment in defense.

The secrecy of such arrangements required special accounting, and secretive accountants. Malik Budhrani filled the bill. He came from a small village in Baluchistan, an area of Iran bordering Pakistan. His clearance revealed he had been associated with accounting of Iranian government’s Savak. He’ll fit. The Shah’s Secret Police classified efforts and expenditure of funds had ties to the CIA, another plus or minus.

Malik, like most Third Country Nationals, paid a works agency to obtain his job in the Kingdom. Always eager to supplement his meager salary to offset commissions paid to get his job, he looked to sell his information, his weaknesses and angles. It will take me a year to earn back the commission, so I must find other sources of money. He looked to the journalist quizzically - Do you have job for me?

Stefano knew him, relied on Malik for the final assessment. He knew the ropes, could dot all the eyes and cross the tees. But even Malik struggled to trace the many accounts as layer upon layer of business plans were drawn up, government licenses registered with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, corporate bank accounts opened and the required escrow accounts funded. Malik was one TCN who took notice, and provided valuable insights.

"Most confusion, many Chinese and expat staff were hired, who began to bid on local contracts, issue sales invoices and purchase goods and services from local suppliers. The legalistic underpinnings of business in the Kingdom were well documented practices that structured the one sided strictures whereby businesses incorporated to make a profit. Saudi investment partners and capitalization, licenses drafted endorsed and certified, got a blessing to make huge profits. Equity funding by non-Saud partner(s) with partners identified. The files began to grow in quantity, while the classification SECRET remained consistent. File cabinets filled, and then seemingly reproduced themselves with more contracts.

Subtle signs did emerge of the investment size, bit by bit, 500 million dollars here, 500 million there, and soon serious investments became obvious to even a casual bean counter. Stefano had but a rudimentary concept of businesses here.

I’ve detected movement of much amount of dollars in exchanges of oil for ‘other.’ All the numbers agree; it surprising, though ‘adjusted’ for privacy. There are other large amounts for construction contracts in the south. I am uncertain what means. Is this worthy of a finder fee? Malik looked to his friend with the expectation of rewards.

All numbers agree; it is most strange, almost to be a lie I think. I see once in audit I do back home. I guess, how you say, they ‘cook the books.’ Is it worth an envelope?

Yes. I’ll give you some now, more if it proves valuable. Thank you for your discretion. Few in the West had any inkling that a check had been written, that Pandora’s Box was to be purchased and then opened.

Oil shipments were contracted for, regularized, and their tempo ramped up, movements of Chinese commercial cargos became common. Malik mentioned these arrangements to him and suggested that such limited commercial profits were unworthy of so prominent a Prince as Boldar. Something is under foot.

Why all this business with China? Stefano asked ...Prince Boldar is too important, too important to involve himself in such a scheme; it doesn’t even promise the riches he can command. What is this about?

Stefano thought of it, found his suggestion tantalizing. You’re on! What kind of information can you help me with – just business stuff? That seems too common? What can be of value here, unless it is a big oil deal with some unsavory country, perhaps China? Perhaps they make deals with both Chinas. I’ll bet they do. With that thought Stefano slid an envelope across the table.

2 - Money talks

Well documented practices

Spring 1987 - Stefano traced the accounts as best he could, tried to discern how they aligned with business plans being drawn up, government licenses registered with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. This is major bucks as Roger says! Businesses survive on regularized infusions of money. This ancient dictum predated even written records and was the life’s blood of those so lovingly termed bean counters. Stefano turned to another bean counter for clarification. Those who spend are most eager to ensure their needs are satisfied, and the funds accounted for and justified.

At the start of each encounter with a source he ensured neither party had been followed, and was comfortable where they met. I must to calm their nerves, put them at ease. Inquire tangentially, indirectly; ask them to share concerns or observations about fellow workers, gossip a bit, about the office Grinch, the sneak thief, the lothario, the asshole who pissed them off, who they were afraid of. He would talk out their anxieties; Francisco was the alchemist, trying to synthesize gold information out of lead fragments. Roger had assigned Stefano the cover name Francisco for reporting purposes, which fit with the journalist’s profession.

Mohammed Udrees was a keeper of ink on paper, organizing and routing documents which served as the heart of the Ministry. He grabbed his phone Salam, greetings. The plan of which we spoke was approved. I will send you forth a copy. Please to see the moneys move as stipulated this week.

Stefano deflected questions from his sources, sidetracking the queries. Instead he led them down the garden path to a pool of possibilities, doubt and confusion. He would often ask a question in response, forcing the discussion in other directions, raising rhetorical issues and uncovering more real information. Knowledgeable Royals had staffs to look for business opportunities and become partners. The Kingdom’s Five Year Plans paralleled those for the ‘Chinese matter.’ Major Ministry of Defense and Aviation military branches were signatories on the matter. The construction matter had no payoff, no substantive product save infrastructure improvement and ‘better defense.’

Taiwanese Trade Mission, Riyadh - Lieutenant Colonel Chang Liu also caught wind of some effort. Alerted, the military attaché made more regular visits to MODA. The pattern of the financial movements he observed were irregular, but provided evidence that big money and bigger projects were being put in place, and involved Chinese from the mainland.

Secrets of a sinner

Spring 1987 - The breakfast buffet complete, Boldar smiled, and then boasted softly to one of his guards. I gave her a gold necklace; it was all she wore last night, but Allah forgives all. The guard shifted on his sandals as he thumbed his worry beads. Forgiveness from the Prince’s ‘favorite wife’, his true love of the current four allowed by Islam, would be sated by construction of a sumptuous palace in the mountains of the Asir.

The Captain altered the ferry’s course and speed adroitly to avoid nearby ships and sampans loaded with cargos. The fin stabilizers were sufficient to slow but not stop the vessels slows rolls which churned Hamid’s stomach.

The ferry ride to Shanghai was pleasant; waves broke across the bow, the faintest smell of the salty sweetness of the sea lingered. That would change as they neared the dock. Chop of the waves breaking as the wake spread out astern. It’s like the ripple on water Boldar observed, trying to distract his seasick older brother. Take deep breathes. Our journey this morning will soon be over. Next time see doctor for pills to calm your stomach.

Lines were laid out on deck below which sailors would soon use to tie the hydrofoil to a Shanghai dock. Sailors on deck responded to barked orders, yelled responses. Fenders emerged, were tied off and slung over the gunwale to cushion the collision with the pier. Rat guards kept unwelcome guests away. He must be tired, or he’d be more gentle to his job Hamid palely said.

The vessel pulled in to the landing, dropping them off at the ferry terminal, enroute their destination, the International airport. "Step lively brother, the party awaits and business will not be our sole pursuit. They will ship our missiles from this very port, though the General will not tell us of such things. We are even now preparing Yanbu for them."

Follow-on travel arrangements efficiently verified an exclusive hotel for rest, its entire top floor rented for security. Despite these arrangements the Princes knew that their every movement, spoken word, and action would be observed and reported to the government, as in so many other parts of the world. They moved to the day’s business.

Den of Dragons

PLA HQ, Shanghai - Two armed guards in uniform preceded them, and their personal guards in western dress followed. The group walked from the black sedans to the entrance, itself secured by other military. They snapped to attention and presented arms. The nondescript gray concrete building ahead was punctuated minimally with windows, had metal mesh screens. The impression of drab and bleary industrial architecture was all business.

They strode to the entry, gentlemen of culture and wealth by the signs one could see. Expensive, well tailored business suits gave to a practiced eye the presumption of Saville Row or Milan’s finest fashion house. Though their western dress was blatantly out of place in this part of the Middle Kingdom, nothing in their dress, behavior or words identified their origins. Those that needed to know knew. Of the others, no guard or driver would question these darkly complected men.

Boldar sighed. Inside all will be business. They entered and walked down a long hallway to a conference room. Inside the dominant industrial feel continued, with blank gray concrete walls. In the long room a metal, plastic topped table in the center surrounded by bleak metal chairs which welcomed them. This room and its occupants were all about business. Let’s see what they have to say. Then we go have fun somewhere, what say!

I miss the earthiness of a tent in the desert for business.

Boldar nodded agreement to Hamid. In this room, with soldiers around us with sharp sabers, one must not wake those behind the curtains.

A projector and slides presented a lengthy briefing on the Chinese missile system. Boldar touched Hamid’s wrist. There are no reporters at this base, no paparazzi to catch hidden pictures of us, yet our every movement will be recorded. No one will discuss what we say or do, beyond official circles. This is good. This ‘Middle Kingdom’ and ours alone will know. He covered his mouth and the microphone – "We will rename our missiles Sand Dragon. It is power in one’s pockets, to emerge from sand and gobble our enemies. When banners of battle are unfurled they will emerge. They will be under lock and key, for only purposeful release."

General Lu entered, impeccably dressed. Colonels, Zhang, Lam, and Huang attended him as in Boldar’s previous visits. The Colonels, wearing their peculiar PLA insignia, intently followed each word, as though their lives depended on interest. Lu’s olive green uniform was adorned with red and gold sashes reflecting traditional Asian color preferences. The black boards on his shoulders adorned with gold stars. Four golden buttons placed conspicuously down the front, with smaller gold button on pocket flaps, each button featuring five pointed stars. These buttons were slightly stressed by what one might term General Lu’s generous calorie intake.

Service to the people

PLA HQ conference room - Four rows of medals and ribbons honored participation in the PLA and campaigns. Among his awards were those for suppressing counter revolutionaries, and as his age meant he was not old enough to be a veteran of the Long March or the war with North Vietnam, he had those which told of Service to the People. The decorations were precisely mounted but their age suggested an officer past the point of seeking advancement, of being settled in his job with Second Artillery.

Boldar bent forward to his brother’s side; to Hamid he whispered "I recognize two of the Colonels. It is reassuring to see continuity of their technical attention. On a previous visit I offered General Lu to extend scholarships for Chinese to attend religious training in Riyadh. Additionally I offered 1,000 Qurans to be printed in Chinese within China ‘for those communities.’ This is way to convert some infidels to the way of the Prophet. Any students no doubt will be carefully screened for loyalty and political correctness, but they can serve the Chinese Muslim. Allah is wise."

Lu stood at the front and welcomed the brothers to China’s 2nd Space Academy. Here is the missile in question, manufactured in tunnels and factories near Gansu. The General attributed the missile design to Chinese engineers, but its roots traced further, to WWII German engineers, and centuries further to Chinese discovery of gunpowder.

Wiggle room

The briefing began in earnest. All of the business was done in English, in a manner confusing but which provided wiggle room to both parties. Aides feverishly consulted dictionaries and pamphlets to ensure the correct or implied meaning, in Chinese and Arabic was conveyed. Lu continued, amidst a sequence of slides. Factory include workshop, test facility, all out of sight of those who watch from the clouds. Your missiles are to be 2,500 kilometer range with 2,000 kilogram payload. We will fit these with conventional warhead.

Video clips and scenes of missile movement to launch sites, erection, and launch followed in a blur. Lacking the requisite background, neither brother recognized what was not briefed. The missile’s accuracy was glossed over, stressing such details as the fuel and oxidant mixture, range, and transporter/launcher options. Colonel Zhang injected Our Missile Force includes support force, educational institute, and research and factory units. Our deployed units organize into launch battalion, brigades, and missile base. Our training include senior missile enlisted, for technical and operational use. So Boldar interrupted General Lu, how many men are needed to operate what we purchase?"

"We assign 400 to 500 men, including Officers. They train for eight months. Some take more because specialty. Tests mark success