Cutt 2: Book two of three

By Dr Tony Miller

Set in modern-day Afghanistan the fascinating story of a very young behind the lines British agent and the involvement of some Afghan girls previously condemned to a life of slavery and abuse. The Afghan girls and the agent form an alliance, as time passes the Afghan girls support the agent in a number of covert and very dangerous missions. The team decide to join the agent full time, they train endlessly, the oldest 18 the youngest just 14; This is done with the help of a female British army officer Kate Murphy, who helps fashion the team into a military fighting unit.

From horror, rejection, shame and adversity the Afghan girls become a unique fighting unit, excelling at all they do, their lives like steel forged in fire. Their international reputations soon sees their services in demand from the Americans and also the Russians and they continue to produce results wherever they are sent. Drama, suspense and love an interesting mixture.

Read the book before the film.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dr Tony Miller
• Release date: May 21, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393021094

Dr Tony Miller

Dr Tony Miller is an International Psychologist and has successfully written to date 32 books, some published in Chinese. The series My love affair with Olga has achieved a worldwide readership and comprises of 5 books. Cutt8, this latest book in the Cutt series is now available and is likely to become a film. All of the Cutt series are available as audio books. Dr T. can be contacted by email at [e-mail] and for business www.tony-miller.com

Book preview

Chapter one – always improving

At our home base in Afghanistan our training under the direction of Lieutenant Kate Murphy was always being increased. The new focus was improving upper body strength. There were two key exercises to master, one-arm press-ups and being able to jump to your feet while lying down. Murphy’s team consisted of Begum, who leads the team of Afghans(13) and also Himeko who is Japanese.

My Official but never to be spoken rank is General in the British Army although my name is Tom Roberts; everyone always calls me Commander. It was my late fathers nick name and it got passed to me.

My team is young, the youngest is just 14 years of age; the oldest is Kate Murphy (British Army), now 24 a years old, and just older than Himeko who is from Japan.

Begum the leader of the Afghan group is now 18, the same age as me. So an interesting mix of ages, gender and cultures.

We have been engaged in many battle conflicts together and have been the most harmonious of groups, the happiest by a mile are the team from Afghanistan who seem to find joy in every thing they do. Their pasts however have been so awful that the detail would make you cry; yet from that adversity and pit of horror, they have become who they are today, an expert military fighting unit with one focus, revenge against insurgents and those who abused them in Afghanistan.

Our two tigers who share our hidden site in southern Afghanistan are always about, as they have matured they like their own space and spend most of their time now together but away from us.

It had been nearly two months since our last action, and it was late one evening when my beacon light flashed. It was a signal from my Controller. I went to the radio, as always a recorded message, meeting tomorrow at tea time, new project. I Informed Murphy and we agreed that Begum should come as well. By now all the Afghan team spoke English very well and Kate and Himeko could both speak Afghan (Persian).

Early the next day we left and went through the cave system to where the jeeps were hidden. The drive to the local Afghan civilian airport was just over two hours and we arrived at the rear of the hangar at 2.45 pm. It was a beautiful warm day and there was no one at the airport at all, which always seemed the case. In the distance we could hear the drone of a planes engines. The plane landed and out got our Controller and what looked to be a senior Russian army official. They walked briskly over to where we were, we exchanges salutes. I established quickly that the Russian could speak no English, so I did whatever translation was needed.

We sat down and the Controller went about explaining that we were to be involved in a joint mission with Russia to destroy a major drug making factory.

He then said Commander your specific job is to do an observation mission with your team and produce a plan of action. Then in liaison with the Russian army to do a full assault on the factory and completely destroy it

I was wondering where the Russians fitted in and what their interest was. So I asked the question Controller, why the Russian involvement

The Controller replied Commander, this specific factory is vast and supplies 50% of drugs smuggled into Russia, they want it completely destroyed, its in a civilian area, next to a small hospital and school, so how its destroyed is very important. The Controller then added, the Russians will do whatever demolition is required, your job ends when they get to the factory

Well I thought I can just imagine that happening I then asked in Russian where is this place

The Russian Army officer replied Sangin He rolled out a very detailed map of the area.

At the same time Begum blurted out, Sangin!  it’s probably the most dangerous and lawless place in the whole of Afghanistan, is he joking

I did the translation

The Russian army officer replied No, I’m not joking it’s got to be destroyed

Begum had her head in her hands she looked at me and said Commander It could be our last mission, its just so dangerous. One of my team lived there and knows the area like the back of her hand so we have a head start. Are we sure we can’t do an air attack?

The Russian replied – no it’s got to be boots on the ground and a confirmed account of what’s been destroyed.

I asked Begum Which one of the team comes form there?

Begum replied Tela

I smiled and replied so our fates are in the hands of a 14 year old, well what could possibly go wrong

Murphy looked at me and said Commander – everything

I explained to the Russian about who we were going to use for our guide, I thought he was going to have a stroke. He kept repeating A 14 year old girl

Eventually we moved on, I had every faith in my team, age was absolutely irrelevant, they are all amazing and I would trust my own life with any of them.

I then said to Murphy – what do you think?

Murphy replied If your in Commander; so am I

I looked at Begum she said, I’m in too, just so you don’t get lost

I then spoke to the Controller and said Don’t forget all the Afghan team are volunteers as is Himeko, they don’t have to take part at all

The Controller just nodded; from the look on his face I could see he did not think this mission would work.

I relayed everything to our Russian officer, who still seemed in a bit of a shock about having a 14-year-old guide. Hearing that almost all my team were volunteers seemed beyond his comprehension.

I then asked the Controller some questions When does this need to be completed by and who’s pushing for this action?

The Controller replied It needs to be done before the opium crop is processed, so within three months. As for who’s pushing this, well the head of the Russian army is the person we have spoken to and it has the backing right from the top in our country, drugs are an international problem.

My final question Why my team? I asked the Controller.

He replied, Ask our Russian friend

Which I did

His reply There is great confidence in you and you are seen as a true and honest friend

My final question to the Russian On the day who’s in command

The reply was instant You are commander

We discussed matters for quite a long time after.

All done, it was time for us all to leave, we all duly did our salutes and departed.

Back in the jeep, not much was said, it would soon be evening, I suggested to Murphy and Begum we discuss this with everyone in the morning. Both just nodded, not a good sign.

We were all sleeping out side, all the evenings were hot and we never seemed to have got out of the habit of sleeping naked.

I did not sleep well, this mission seemed complex to say the least.

In the morning we all had breakfast together, the whole team knew we were going into action, it was just a shared feeling, so a quiet affair, hardly anyone talking. When we finished, I gathered everyone together and explained our next mission – it was to be in Sangin. I also explained that our success depended on Tela’s knowledge of the area and help. I added None of you need to do this, Murphy and I have no option, but you do, think carefully before you commit your self’s

It was hardly perceivable but all the Afghan girls were looking at Begum, Begum gave the smallest of movements and all the team said Yes Commander we are with you, I looked at Himeko,

She said well I’m not staying behind, of course I’m in

And so the band of warriors were as one – focusing on what needed to be done. As we normally do, we started by drawing a large map in the gravel in the entrance to the cave, we sat and listened while Tela explained where the factory was and how we would get to it. Four hours later we were still at it.

The factory was on the edge of a river, Tela’s advice was that the safest way to get there would be by river. This was due to the high number of improvised explosive devices IED’s used in Sangin, also all the roads and paths to and from the factory were patrolled as well as fixed gun placements. Tela’s idea for getting into the factory was good, she said there is a door right by the river, the men gather there to smoke, it was always unlocked, even at night

Tela then drew in the gravel a large floor plan of the factory showing where the guards were positioned.

The final idea was to fly by helicopter, then move about 5Km to Sangin by river. This would either be a walk in the river, swim or by boat. What ever we did we would be going against the flow to get there. The ideal time to do this would be on a Thursday night as, according to Tela, there would be no one in the factory until Saturday morning. So our plan was there in outline, Thursday would be are departure date

The big issue was who was going to go, I had spoken with Murphy about it she advised me the whole team believed they would be involved. I got Begum involved, she was adamant that this was such a dangerous place we should all go. Sixteen people on a secret recon. mission would never work. If I knew where I was going I would go on my own.

That evening after dinner I announced the plan Our mission is to go and do a recon. mission and gather information so that the Russians can do the attack. We must not be seen at all. The plan is we will all leave by helicopter and fly down wind, landing as close to the river as possible. The helicopter is to be covered. I will move up river to Sangin with Tela who is going to lead this part of the operation.

While I was talking I was watching Begum like a hawk, I knew she would want to be involved and would signal to Tela not to agree.

I continued Is that OK with you Tela

There was a long pause, she was watching Begum, who in turn was watching me, then Tela replied

Yes Commander

Murphy never one to be quiet for long asked What exactly is our role?

I replied If you hear sustained gunfire, break cover and try to save us, but do not land and get into on the ground fighting, the helicopter is well armed and should be able to ward off all but the heaviest of attacks.

Begum then added it’s a good plan, please consider taking Himeko as well

I nodded, and replied good idea Begum, I will give it some thought

I added, Ok everyone lots to do, lets get busy and get ready for action.

Tela seemed a remarkable individual, only 14 years of age but very confident in her own abilities, we had a number of chats and decided we would carry swords and knives and a small side arm. Also water to drink and a one day food pack. It was Wednesday, we all went through the plan again; we were ready. I advised Murphy I could not take Himeko as she was effectively a non swimmer.

Chapter 2  Mission – Sangin and a lot of swimming.

Thursday arrived quickly, the team were checking and refuelling the helicopter, gunners were allocated by Begum, Murphy was going through a detailed check list. We were ready, we had an early dinner, boarded the helicopter, the blast proof door on the cave shut and locked and we took off – destination Sangin.

Tela was up front with the pilot, and would decide where we were to land, time passed, Murphy was sitting next to me and said quietly, Take care. I felt relaxed, and just hoped we were able to complete the swim particularly as we were against the current.

We started our descent, landed and Tela and I were off, I glanced behind, the team were covering the helicopter. We were moving at a good pace, in fact marching, Tela was in the lead, I, immediately behind her. We were not on the footpath, it would be too dangerous due to either anti personnel mines or trip wire booby traps. I suppose we were about ¼ km from the first group of buildings. Tela stopped, we then turned and got into the river. Earlier in the day we had both covered ourselves with anti mosquito cream, just as well and the place seemed swarming with them, the water was deeper than I had imagined, so the choice was to swim. It was truly hard work, we had been swimming for almost two hours before the building was in sight. Tela had not made a sound, we were both breathing heavily. We continued onwards. The building was a very non descript two story concrete affair with no windows facing the river, the back of the building running parallel to the river and about 15 metres away from the river bank.

With a bit of difficulty we got out of the water, sure enough there was a steel door, but not shut. We stripped off including our boots, so as not to leave a wet trail behind us when we went in, we had some water to drink, there was a slight warm wind so we were dry quickly.

I nodded to Tela, I followed her into the building. It was fairly dark but some lights had been left on, enough light for me to get a really good idea of the layout of the place. I was surprised at how big it was, for all intense and purposes it was a modern factory. I had my waterproof notebook out and did some measurements and did some drawings. I also took a few photos. It was a very eerie place. I looked across at the stairway, Tela signalled for me to go up. I went upstairs, it was just a storage area, nothing much but a few curious rats scurrying about. There were beds up there in fact a row of beds. I went back down the stairs Tela was walking towards a side door, outside there was a fleet of lorries. This was drug manufacture on a very large scale. I whispered in Tela’s ear Where exactly will the guards be when the place is functioning?

Tela pointed to six different locations, I marked them on the map.

Furthest away from where we had come in were bags and bags of raw materials ready for processing, in fact several lorry loads.

I tapped Tela on the shoulder, time for us to go. We walked back through the factory, the amount of state of the art processing equipment was hard to comprehend. This was a multi million dollar setup. Once outside I spotted two large generators, also a look out post. I added this to my drawing, we had some more to drink and something to eat it was time to go. I checked with great diligence that we had left no trace of our being there. That done we slipped back into the river and started are journey back. Going back was so easy we went with the flow as they say. Our journey back was done in silence, we had lots of company from various insects along the way.

From our position in the river it was impossible to see where to get out. Tela only made that judgement by constantly looking back from where we had come. We swam to the bank and got out, our march back was following exactly the same route that we had come from. It was now 3am, in the distance we could just make out the outline of the helicopter – we were almost there. We were marching at a good and even pace, Tela still in the lead.

As we approached the helicopter there was waving from the team, the netting was removed, the moment we were onboard, we started up and were on our way flying back to our base in the south, mission successful. Begum was hugging Tela, for sure she was outstanding and Begum was making sure she knew that.

Back at our base the helicopter was checked refuelled and netted. I radioed that the mission was successful, adding bring a recorder with you. I had the two bleeps back, which was the confirmation that the message had been received. I sat on my own and wrote up my notes and did an accurate drawing showing what we had seen, occasionally asking Tela for some input. I also thanked Tela for doing such a great job.

I never asked Tela how she knew this place so well, I’m sure at some time she might tell me but I had a pretty good idea. We all had breakfast together and once my map and notes were finished I went for a wash and tidy up.

It was an easy day for everyone, I was quickly joined by Begum who went to great lengths to tell me how concerned she was about just two people being on the mission, she was exceptionally close to me, we were both up to our necks in the water, she was standing so close she had both of her feet on mine we were splashed by Tela who had come to join us. Begum edged back, the three of us chatted away about everything and nothing.

Even though it was a day off the afternoon seemed a series of challenges, who could do the most one arm press ups – Murphy won, who could do the most jump ups from lying on your back on the ground – with a pack, surprisingly Himeko. We all slept very well that night; all in the open the temperature was perfect. There was just a slight wind it was beautiful.

The next day it was off for a fast march, lots of whistling from the platoon, first it’s a long way to Tipperary later followed to the Radetzky March which was currently my favourite for fast marching. I could sense what was going to happen as we were marching back to the pool we were about 300 metres away Murphy shouted now, it was a flat-out sprint to see who could get to the pool first, it was Begum in the lead, with Murphy beside her I was next with Himeko almost in my foot steps I thought my lungs were going to burst, just as I was almost there I was barged out of the way by Himeko, we all landed up in the pool. The winner, well it was a joint finish Murphy and Begum, they were laughing their heads off and hugging each other, the rest of the team were all clapping, second was Himeko. Competition was always very high in the team but it was always fun. After we had recovered it was time for breakfast, then parade drill for the rest of the day. During breakfast I spoke with Murphy, I need Tela to get in as much practice with knife throwing and using the sword as possible. I have finalised the plan in my mind we will go through it this evening and you will need to allocate roles accordingly

We all did the parade ground drill for most of the rest of the day, in my mind all the time was the plan for the destruction of the factory.

That evening we ate early and I went through the plan.

Attention every one, let’s go through our plan of action, then Murphy will allocate roles, if you’re not happy with what you’re doing or not sure – say so.

Everyone nodded

Our role is to get the Russians to the factory, Thursday night they will place all of the explosives, we must then get them back and away in their helicopter before daybreak on Friday, no one must see us, no one must know we have been there, we must not engage any one, hurt or kill anyone, the explosives will be set to go off mid-day on the Saturday when the factory is in full production and fully manned.

Everyone was silent I continued "we will fly in, get dropped off and hide our helicopter. After the Russians have left we will be picked up and return safe to our home here. There are three key positions, one group will stay with the Russian helicopter, check no one has any fire arms and check they are equipped for the mission, This group will also lead and take command if a rescue mission is launched. The second group will be on the outskirts of the town where we enter the river, checking everyone in and very importantly helping us out of the river, accounting for everyone and all the equipment. This group will follow the Russians down to the helicopter. The last group who will be armed with knives and swords will be will comprise of our leader for this mission Tela, Himeko and myself.

Exactly who is going to be where, I will hand over to Murphy to explain.

Murphy thought for a while and said Begun it makes sense for you to be on the river. If we come across any Afghan locals its better they talk with a fellow Afghan. How many of the team do you want with you?

Begum replied Five will be fine, I will pick them later, as I understand it we will be armed with just swords and knives?

Murphy replied exactly right. Then went onto say I have the remaining group and in our helicopter we will have the robots, six of them. If there is a rescue mission Commander am I to take command of the Russian Helicopter or wait for ours to arrive?

I replied Take the Russian Helicopter, there won’t be time to wait

––––––––

Our discussions went on for another three hours, at the end everyone knew their exact role and where they were going to be.

Just before we went to sleep Begum and Murphy were in deep discussions, Himeko came over to me and said Can I respectfully remind you I can’t swim very well Commander

I replied, we will all have floatation aids, just a plastic bottle or something similar, you just hold on the bottle and kick your legs, no swimming needed, I then added, I will find something for you tomorrow and you can practice

Himeko nodded and said Thank you turned and left

Murphy and Begum were still in intense conversation I assumed it was the old issue of where Begum slept at night. I put my head on my rucksack and was asleep in a trice.

In the morning I woke early, wondered down to the work shop, deep in our cave and found a three litre plastic bottle and top, I screwed the top on and returned to where we were sleeping, I woke Himeko, together we went to the pool I said to her Hold the bottle in both hands, keep your arms straight and just kick your legs

She nodded and off she went, it was perfect, she was so happy, a grin from ear to ear, I left her I suspect she would be swimming for ages. Prior to breakfast Tela was getting practice in with knife throwing; coached by