White Eagles

By Robert Statin

Tamás Baroviski is one of the youngest agents to join the secretive and exclusive International Intelligence Agency when he embarks on an operation along the eastern coast of Russia. He is given strict instructions to cripple the sinister organization known as RITO. Lucky for him, he’s not alone, as he travels with a team of fellow operatives, including a member of his own family. Soon, Tamás is deep undercover. He begins to closely observe one of his fellow agents, Forest Monatello, in the hopes of discovering whether Forest is actually a double agent working for RITO. Tamás is sidetracked by an attempt on his life—an attack by an unidentified assailant. His attacker seems to have almost superhuman strength, leaving nothing but mutilated bodies in his wake. In the meantime, Tamás fights the distraction of an attractive and alluring female agent. He is shot at, slashed with a sword, and even thrown into a near-fatal car crash.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu Publishing Services
• Release date: Jul 23, 2015
• ISBN: 9781483427065

Book preview

STATIN

Copyright © 2015 Robert Statin.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted by any means—whether auditory, graphic, mechanical, or electronic—without written permission of both publisher and author, except in the case of brief excerpts used in critical articles and reviews. Unauthorized reproduction of any part of this work is illegal and is punishable by law.

ISBN: 978-1-4834-2707-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4834-2706-5 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2015902825

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Lulu Publishing Services rev. date: 07/06/2015

Contents

Chapter 1:   The Final Test

Chapter 2:  A New Place To Stay

Chapter 3:  Vacation?

Chapter 4:  First Impression

Chapter 5:  Getting To Know ‘Her’

Chapter 6:  Welcome To Russia

Chapter 7:  More Twists And Turns

Chapter 8:  The First Assignment

Chapter 9:  Setting Marcus Straight

Chapter 10:  Peace & Chaos

Chapter 11:  Warehouse 51

Chapter 12:  Murder Mystery

Chapter 13:  Ripper’s Mine

Chapter 14:  Growing Accustom

Chapter 15:  Black Valley

Chapter 16:  Arial Attack Training

Chapter 17:  Dinner For Four

Chapter 18:  White Eagles

Chapter 19:  Auto-Shop

Chapter 20:  Execution Day (E-Day)

Chapter 21:  Danger On Us Soil

Chapter 22:  Street Chase

Chapter 23:  A New Beginning

Chapter 24:  Capture The Flag

Thank You

The best way that I could describe writing this book is that it was a journey. There is no easy way to explain the thinking and planning that goes into writing a book. I have to say that I would not have been able to complete this journey without the help of many people. I want to personally thank my high school Computer class teacher, Mr. Daniel Whipple, for teaching me the different computer programs and assisting me in finding the perfect cover design and symbol to use for my book. My grandmother, Connie Ferrelli and my mother, Suzette Rizzi spent countless hours editing the book, giving me pointers, assisting in fixing textural discrepancies, and helping finalize the ending of the book. I also want to thank my parents Dominic and Suzette Rizzi. They helped me through the publishing process with guidance and knowledge in contract signings, choosing the right publisher, allowing me to have the audacity to be a writer, and to have this first book actually completed and published for people to read. Generally I thank my entire family and friends who have supported me in writing this and giving me ideas to help the story read smoothly and logically.

CHAPTER 1

The Final Test

The pilot’s voice crackled from the outdated P.A. system, All Arctic Special Armed Forces members prepare for departure. The AC-130’s turboprop engines were immediately powered up to full throttle jolting all the passengers back against their seat. The plane began to ascend above 17,000 feet.

Be sure your parachutes are strapped tight before you jump. Istvan Baroviski, you’re first. You will jump when the light turns green and I call your name. The copilot had to yell as loud as he could in order to be heard. The noise from the engines made it impossible for the men to hear him. Tamás could barely hear himself think, let alone hear the copilot. They had to concentrate on what he was saying because of the head gear, which meant the men had to lip read.

Tamás tapped the copilot’s shoulder after he stopped speaking. What’s the point of the green light if you’re telling us when to jump? he yelled. The copilot still could not hear him.

There goes the light, he said as the light flickered on.

Geronimo! Istvan yelled disappearing into the sky.

Bye Dad, Tamás yelled as Istvan bolted past them. He knew his father didn’t hear him, but for Tamás, it was worth the effort.

The copilot began to read the list of remaining passengers from the clipboard. He had a tight hold on the bottom corners to keep the papers from flapping around. This of course didn’t work. The suction from the door ripped sheets of paper off the clipboard out into the sky. The copilot walked over watching them spin away. Well that’s disappointing. I’ll just say your names by memory. There are only four of you anyway.

Every year, all International Intelligence Agency agents are required to complete specific training tests before entering the field. Any agent who does not pass is denied active duty until fulfilling the mandatory exercises. This was the final training exercise for the team.

Aaron Sotera, you’re up. The copilot patted Aaron’s back. He slowly walked out and simply fell forward into the air. Aaron is the Arctic SAF’s field leader. His nickname, ‘Drunk Runner,’ was earned by his constant decision to be first to run in the line of fire. This helped assure his team got to cover safely. He runs like he’s drunk to confuse the enemy, and it keeps him from getting shot. Six foot two and muscular, Aaron is known for his outstanding endurance. So far, he has suffered through three gunshot wounds and two stabbings. The Director of the IIA offered him a once-in-a-life time option of early paid retirement, relocation under an alias, and full benefits. He refused.

Forest Monatello, you’re next. Forest is the team’s sniper and lookout in the field. He is the man perched in trees or roof tops monitoring target areas. Nobody knows anything about him except his job description for the IIA. He sits alone in his suite, talks on the phone, watching the door. No one dares interrupt him.

Prior to the time Tamás had been accepted into the IIA to become a full time agent, he made the mistake of walking into Forest’s room while Forest was on a phone call. Being a rookie, he didn’t know where he should stand.

Forest was caught off guard. He quickly finished his call with gotta go, love you, bye! The words spoken ran together. Tamás had to think a moment to figure out what he said as he hung up the phone.

Tamás usually is not intimidated by people of Forest’s size, but the infuriated scowl sent ice cold chills down his back. He stood powerful and unafraid. It seemed as though Forest could see into his soul. Don’t ever come in here again without knocking; as a matter of fact, don’t ever come in here again. Now get out! He said it quietly so no one else could hear him as he shifted forward feeling agitated. Tamás sensed he was about to be knocked out of his shoes. He bolted out the door as fast as he could, unable to maintain his pace; he stumbled and landed face down on the carpet.

Tamás had been investigating Forest for a few years after that incident. He wanted to learn more about him. What keeps him ticking every day? What triggers the indescribable anger within? All he found was that his first name was Forest. He already knew this, so he gave up when he couldn’t find any other information.

Tamás Baroviski, one moment, stated the copilot, holding up his hand for him to wait. He sat back down and looked at him. Alright blue eyes…you’re up. The copilot gave him the thumbs up. He first glanced down watching the other three men descend, and then at the large sharp rocks covering the mountains. Snow caps peaked at 13,000 feet, giving him just a little more than 8,000 feet to work with. He felt edgy knowing there were more rocks just under the blanket of snow. The plane continued to ascend.

Hurry up kid. We’re about to enter some thick clouds. If you don’t jump now, you’ll never find your team! Tamás took five short steps backward, exhaled and took a running leap into the air. Midair, he turned his head to watch the plane fly away as he descended to the ground. A small trail of vapor followed his feet as he cork-screwed downward catching up with the team.

Istvan, Aaron, and Forest released their parachutes. Tamás accelerated past them continuing to fall. His parachute was jammed. His team helplessly watched him plummet as they floated a thousand feet above him. Tamás tensed up imagining himself hitting the ground, or worse, hitting a tree.

Controlling his panic, he exhaled and tried to relax. It didn’t work.

Open up he yelled at the parachute shaking it violently. He pulled the emergency parachute out of the bag snapping the string, sending it floating away into the wind above him.

Tamás was running out of time and luck. Unhooking one of his straps from his harness, he rolled his backpack to the front of him. The power of the wind tugged the loose backpack. Unattached from his suit, he held the back with one hand as it pulled away. One free carabineer on his belt, he hooked the back straps to his front harnesses. With seconds left, he unlocked the switch blade from his belt loop carefully cutting a hole in the backpack to get the parachute out. Less than 5,000 feet, now at the bottom of a small valley, the parachute deployed giving him whip lash before he hit the ground.

There was no time to find a place to land, he attempted to land in a little opening at an uphill angle. His objective was to pull up and drop down to the ground. Executing the plan, he landed exactly how he wanted with the other three landing farther down the mountain side.

Once everyone had reached the ground, they shoved the parachutes into their backpacks. The parachute and the pack were made of a special nylon material; when lit it burned without leaving a trace. This must be done correctly because the rest of the parachute and backpack are covered by a protective casing. The casing is designed to burn underneath the protective barrier; destroying the pack, the parachute, and the barrier from the inside out. The chemical reaction produces oxygen so inhaling the fumes is not harmful during the burning process. This new technology was released from the IIA laboratory and only IIA members were allowed to use it. No other government agencies had this unique equipment.

Arctic SAF set out on foot heading deep into the Alaskan mountains back to base. The valley where the team landed was in a high elevated location; high enough for a thin layer of snow to blanket the ground. The air was thin making them feel light headed. They remained thankful that the snow wasn’t deep which made it easier for hiking down the paths. Each member pulled out the straps of their second packs attached to the parachute and turned them into backpacks. The Arctic SAF continued to walk down the mountain and began to feel the warmer air temperature.

Istvan and Aaron talked frequently in few minute increments, then would become quiet, and return to conversation again. This went on for about a half hour. Forest stopped in front of Tamás forcing him to stumble to avoid running into him. For some reason he wanted to be at the rear of the crew, so he fell behind. Tamás passed, trying his best to avoid eye contact. Tamás used the reflection in his chrome knife handle to watch Forest. He frequently glanced behind them into the trees. Istvan and Aaron ignored him.

Istvan was the most talkative of the four. He started most of the conversations especially when there were long periods of silence. Forest and Tamás tuned them out. A small family of Pikas ran by, and red squirrels jumped from tree to tree.

Later in the day, Tamás listened in to Aaron and Istvan when he heard his name. They were talking about previous missions before Tamás was on the team. The exchange of laughter and hearing them talk of old times made him jealous. He decided not to listen anymore. He heard his name a second time. Did you hear Director Calhoun announce one new member will be joining each team in the IIA? He informed me about our next mission as well. He said by the time we are sent into the field our new rookie agent will be trained well enough to accompany us. Both Istvan and Aaron were acting dramatic.

Tamás knew he was the new member. Hearing that he was guaranteed to be joining the next operation, he muttered a yes under his breath.

I did hear about that Istvan, responded Aaron, I hope our new asset is a decent person. Tamás continued to ignore them trying to hide his excitement. He faced the ground and managed not to smile when they looked at him.

The team continued on with few breaks. Two miles past their last break, they set up camp in an open area next to a small creek, away from the woods. The ground was a large flat circle big enough for a game of Frisbee. The member’s backpacks are equipped with a mini tent and survival supplies.

That night Tamás had an eerie feeling. He felt like the woods were closing in, surrounding him as if he were the only person on earth. Even though he was accompanied by the other Arctic SAF members, he still missed civilization.

Istvan plugged his ear buds into his MP3, listening to his favorite music. Tamás recognized the various songs because he and his dad shared the same taste in music. Aaron, also the team’s pyro, started a fire and roasted the meat they caught earlier. Forest didn’t partake in the meal. He decided to eat some snacks from his back pack. He finished his meal, opened the tent door, unzipped his pack, and assembled his 50 Caliber.

Each member’s backpack also stored their weapons. It’s understandable they will need them in the field, but none of them understood why they had them now. The final exercise was to test their survival skills. Tamás thought it would make it tougher carrying a gun and ammunition. The weight would slow them down especially on steep inclines. He thought about it concluding that since they were practicing survival, Forest was going to use the gun for hunting.

Forest put together his weapon and slowly turned to stare at Tamás. With the light of the fire, Tamás couldn’t tell if his eyes were glowing or showing reflection from the fire. He was too far away to be sure. Forest stood up and turned around. Istvan and Aaron both stopped what they were doing and watched him as he disappeared into the darkness beyond their range of vision. He became a black image and then gone altogether. His shoes made no sound muting his walk. Ten minutes later, Istvan put his MP3 away and sat in the wood chair he devised out of three logs and strands of rope to watch the fire.

Aaron decided to break the silence. I don’t understand why he brings his 50 caliber everywhere we go. We’re in a forest, deep in southern Alaska. Why would anyone need that kind of gun, and ammunition two times the normal amount of gun powder? There is no need for that amount of power. Every time we do a training exercise he brings it along.

Istvan exhaled. How should I know? None of us seem to have the guts to ask him any questions, and we’re a few of the most insane people on the planet. I’ve heard that gun go off. Even if he’s a mile away it is so loud you jump out of your skin. The air up here is dense and cold. If he shot something a mile away, anyone would know our location. He’s never used it and tonight won’t be any different.

That gun sounds like a bomb. He was at the firing range once examining his gun. It’s designed to fire powerful rounds and is ten times louder than any other gun government issued. I’m told he has custom ammunition and his gun is custom made for the extra power. Aaron finished talking, picked up a stick, looked at it and threw it into the fire.

We shouldn’t judge or question him unless necessary and so far, none of us have had the guts to question him.

Still…we’re on private property. The only people out here are other teams which are miles away, doing the same training.

Istvan sighed rubbing his temples. I don’t know why, and I don’t care. He always returns in the morning minutes before we depart. So stop trying to figure it out. Istvan struggled with the situation. I try to be supportive regardless of Forest’s strange behavior.

I know that.

After they finished eating dinner, the team relaxed before turning in for the night. Istvan was the one who declared time for bed. We all know in case of an emergency, use the small flashlights the agency provides. It’s on the keychain in the front pockets of your packs. If you need to take a walk during the night, take the flashlight and bring your gun in case you come upon a wild animal. Get some sleep you two. Good night. He yawned, stretched and slowly walked to his tent with his head drooping down.

Tamás woke up at around 1:30 a.m. from back pain and needed to relieve himself. He grabbed his two issued Desert Eagle’s, his flash light, and set off into some trees away from camp. The guns were magnificent, but the engravings were extravagant adding extra weight to the normal four pounds. Once he finished doing his business, he walked back to camp and sat down on the log seat his father made earlier. His father, before becoming an agent, was a skilled craftsman that made comfortable outdoor chairs and woodwork. This was one of many jobs he had while living in Kansas and Chicago.

He threw a few more logs onto the fire making it flare again. The weather was a little nippy, but not cold enough to need extra clothing. Tamás lay down on the ground close to the fire and relaxed staring up at the millions of sparkling stars looking over him. For the first time in months, he felt at peace. He slowly shut his eyes and dozed off as the heat of the fire warmed up his side.

Unexpectedly, a powerful, ear-piercing gun shot rang out echoing through the trees. He jumped up looking around. He was frightened and unsure of what was happening. He quickly pulled out his desert eagle and bolted to his tent. Unzipping the door, he grabbed extra magazines shoving them in his pockets. He exited the tent stumbling and moved toward the others to help them. That was the fastest Tamás had ever moved, but Istvan and Aaron were already up and moving before he got out. They slipped on their boots, loaded their guns and closed the tent doors. Aaron zipped the top and side shut leaving the bottom open.

The three men turned on the walkie-talkies with headphones built into their jumpsuits. The walkie-talkies were built to get clear reception up to five miles in case they were split up. The button was silent when pressed and the microphones were sensitive to allow whispers to be heard.

They bolted from the tents hopping over the creek, each man picking a tree to hide behind. Although separate from each other, they stayed close to see any hand gestured commands. Aaron and Istvan crouched aiming at the camp. Tamás couldn’t do much since all he possessed were two high caliber hand guns. The men spoke quietly and were in constant surveillance.

Aaron whispered through the walkie-talkie. What the hell is he shooting at this hour of the morning? He was lost as to what was going on and how to react. There was radio silence for a brief period. Istvan whispered back through the radio with Tamás trying to relax and listen to them. Maybe he got charged by a moose. I’m sure he intimidated some creature living out here.

Another shot rang out into the night, then more silence. Aaron and Istvan ducked down. Tamás ran to the tree assuming prone position next to his father. Even though he grew up spending more time with his mother, he felt safer with his Father.

Aaron commented about the second shot. That shot was much closer to camp. He’s getting closer. In response to possible danger, Istvan cocked his M-16. Aaron did the same with his ACR. Aaron went silent taking a few minutes to separate logical and illogical scenarios. Alright let’s think this through. Forest fired once, and we all ran behind the trees.

Istvan responded, You have a firm grasp of the obvious.

Aaron stopped to think and spoke before Istvan could talk. He left without his suit with the walkie-talkie; he shot a second time, and the second shot was closer.

Where are you going with this? Tamás asked.

He can’t be shooting at us or he would have hit us. We all know he’s too good to miss. He spoke excitedly knowing he wasn’t the target.

He’s on IIA property, he works for the IIA, and he’s on our team. He wouldn’t come after us. He has never fired his gun and missed. We still need to be cautious right now. That’s why we’re on the opposite side of this here creek aiming our guns at our own camp site.

Tamás felt left out. Maybe it was a bear.

Yeah…what if it’s that? Aaron asked looking at Istvan for a response.

No, that can’t be it. It wouldn’t take more than one shot with that gun to kill a bear.

Tamás thought then said, Well, what if there were cubs and he killed them. Maybe the mother charged him.

Istvan continued to shoot down the ideas. He wouldn’t be anywhere near cubs. Any properly trained sniper perches up in a tree, not close to the ground. What sniper do you know that shoots at close range on the ground with that big of a caliber?

Well we don’t know if he’s shooting at close range. Aaron was stumped.

True, but his shots sounded closer so he has to be nearby.

Out of nowhere, they heard machine gun fire echoing into the mountains behind them. Everyone looked toward the gunfire. There was another moment of silence, then a third gunshot. Aaron whispered to the others. That sounded like an RPK. Now that’s a good choice for machine gun!

Istvan began to breathe heavily, his voice unsteady. I don’t think we’re alone out here.

After five minutes of hiding, Forest slowly walked out of the woods into the camp. He looked around and noticed Aaron’s tent door slightly open. He then looked right at where they were hiding. He dropped a log drenched in kerosene on the fire re-igniting the flame. The kerosene he used was a special formula of kerosene. When lit it emits a bright blue flame. This is the IIA’s symbol signaling all clear. Even after he lit the fire signaling all clear, none of them budged from behind the trees. Each one of them watched him slowly walk back into the woods. Tamás worked up some courage and slowly emerged from the shadows. Istvan and Aaron slowly got up following him. All three of them stopped right before the river hesitant to cross over. Seconds later, Forest reappeared dragging a corpse through the dirt. Tamás knew by the section of lower body and leg missing that Forest’s gun was the weapon used on the man.

Aaron and Istvan both froze, mouths gaping. Forest sat down and pulled out a hot dog from his pocket. He picked up a stick, set it into the fire, stuck the hot dog on it, and put it back into the fire.

Tamás began to feel nauseous as he looked at the man’s open wound exposing his stomach and intestines. His clothes were saturated with blood. To Tamás’s surprise, Aaron was the one to sprint to the creek to throw up. He thought he would be the first to do that.

While gagging from the rancid scent, Tamás spoke up. What the hell happened? He looked away from the corpse turning towards Forest who was now sitting on a log. And how are you able to eat a hotdog…from your pocket? Aaron and Istvan planted their eyes on Tamás, flabbergasted that he asked such a question to Forest. Forest stood up asserting his authority in the situation.

Forest, talk to us? Istvan said.

Forest grunted pulling his slightly burnt hotdog out of the fire. Yesterday, I thought I saw someone following us, so I fell behind and scanned the area around us as you imbeciles talked about crap nobody gives a shit about. He turned looking right at Tamás. I saw you watching me in the reflection of your knife. I’m not that stupid! And to answer your question…I’m hungry. Anything else you want to ask?

Tamás was staring into his eyes. Forest had never talked to him, nor had he ever really said anything out loud to anyone. Tamás remembered the last time Forest yelled at him. The only thing going through Tamás’s mind now was Forest is Russian?! This was surprising and exciting for Tamás. Tamás recalled Forest’s accent was not obvious on that day he spoke so quietly on the phone in his room. I have to befriend this incredible man, he thought to himself. All his life, he’s wanted to meet someone who was Russian and be able to visit Russia. There isn’t anything special about the country that made Tamás like it. He just had a strange interest.

Do you have any other Intel besides the fact you thought you saw someone earlier, and your hunger for dirty beef links? Forest turned looking back into the fire exhaling, sick and tired of answering questions.

He was carrying an RPK and pictures of us with black circles around our faces. He also had pictures of us in his backpack from our missions in Iraq and Syria. He was perched up in a tree aiming right at your tents. Just a little while ago, he pulled out a magazine, loaded his gun, and took aim. He took a break to take a bite out of his hotdog. I was protecting you people asleep in your tents. I shot off his leg sending him thirty feet down to the ground. He got up…hopping…and moved towards the tents still trying. I shot him again stopping him dead in his tracks spreading his intestines out on the ground. I would have blown off his head but we will need facial recognition when we get back to base. He shot his machine gun into the trees to shoot me while still conscious. So I shot him a third time in the area.

Istvan pulled Forest to the side to talk privately. Aaron went through the trespasser’s personal items passing time. Curious, Aaron called Istvan over when they finished speaking. How do we get this body all the way back to base? HQ is at least eight miles away.

He’s from the middle east, Istvan said sounding slightly racist. He’s smaller than us, so he should be light. We’ll each take turns carrying him on our shoulders. He glanced at his team as they all sat around. I guarantee none of us will be sleeping anytime soon so go put on your night vision glasses and pack your tents. Let’s get out of here. Oh and good morning.

CHAPTER 2

A New Place to Stay

Arctic SAF began their perilous departure from camp down the mountains. The paths were covered with big rocks and giant logs from fallen trees. Tamás was given the pleasure of carrying the body first. They claimed this would be a test to see if he was strong. In reality, they just didn’t want to carry the body on their shoulders. That thought came to him after he carried the body for a while. The dead weight made the corpse a lot heavier.

After a period of time, the shaking dropped his mouth open displaying his green teeth. Appalled by the sight, Tamás turned the body upward on its back. A gold watch fell from the man’s pocket breaking open when it hit the rocky ground. A picture within revealed him, his wife, and his little boy. After looking at the picture, the team hiked another eleven hours.

They stopped for lunch at a waterfall. The members ate fruits picked while hiking, filled up their canteens, cleansed the water with small packaged water purifiers, and relaxed on the large boulders around the waterfall. Forest sat on the reachable highest rock looking down over the waterfall, allowing his legs to dangle over the water. Tamás set the body down next to Aaron’s stuff before he went climbing. It was Aaron’s turn to carry the corpse and Tamás was glad his turn was over. He perched himself on a rock on the opposite side of the little pond and trail. Istvan sat on a small rock next to where the water flowed off into the pond below. Aaron sat at the base of the waterfall next to their packs. None of the members were tired from walking. Maybe it was from the big surprise they had that morning. Either way, it helped them walk a lot farther with less than five hours of sleep.

They then disembarked, continuing to hike up another section of mountains. A view of IIA headquarters at the bottom of the mountains emerged through