Preserve and Defend

By Rick Ferguson

America finds itself in a perilous situation. Years of corrupt leadership, unrestrained and insatiable fiscal policies has led the nation to the brink of economic disaster, and international irrelevancy.
An unpopular incumbent President having fought off a primary challenge, now faces a tough general election when rancher, businessman, philanthropist Carl Wesley threatens his second term. Desperate to win, and driven by the Progressive Party, he makes a covert deal that puts Americas national and economic security behind his own interests.
After an attack on Christian missionaries, the disappearance of five CIA assets, and the killing of an Ambassador. Matt Hearns begins to unravel the evil plans and leads a remnant in the intelligence community to save the nation while a hard hitting investigative journalist searches for the truth.
Caught in the crossfire of international politics is the future of Israel!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Sep 19, 2016
• ISBN: 9781524543563

Rick Ferguson

Rick Ferguson is currently a craftsman, working as welder. He is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Army. His diverse background includes, Radioman, Paratrooper/Pathfinder, and Firefighter/EMT. His travels have taken him across much of America, and to Europe and the Middle East. He has been a student of leadership much of his life, and has a passion for the restoration of Honor and Integrity to the American government. For several years he has held closely the desire of writing a fictional novel. Rick lives in Tennessee with his wife and two of four children.

Book preview

Prologue

East of Erneh, Syria, 1974

The battle-weary Sergeant Major ducked behind the small cluster of rocks and brush on the northeastern slope of Mount Hermon. He motioned his companions down. He listened intently for the enemy’s pursuit. In the distance he could hear the sound of muffled explosions. They had been evading capture for several days by traveling at night and seeking concealment while there is daylight. Wounded and cold, he was determined to get the remnant of what was left of his unit to safety.

Earlier this evening, they had awoke and found that the enemy had advanced past their positions, which were nothing more than two small caves. Having snuck through the enemies’ front lines, they thought maybe they could quickly make their way to friendly lines that were formed just to the east of the town of Erneh. But they had run into an Israeli patrol. The enemy’s pursuit had intensified, as more enemy units had joined the search, and quickened, as evident by their failure to detect the booby traps that his men had placed.

While the placing of booby traps had served to slow their pursuers, it had done nothing to thwart the enemy’s determination to capture him and his tattered remnant as they approached the town of Erneh. The chill of the night air brought a shudder to his body as he made a count of the men with him, before slowly crawling to his left.

Mulazim, we must keep going.

Let them have another minute. We are almost to safety, the officer answered. It was more of a plea than an order. He knew he owed not only his life but also the lives of the others that had survived to this point to his more experienced Sergeant Major. He heard the patience in the response of the older leader. The same patience and nurturing that the two had shared since he had been posted as the leader of the platoon.

He remembered the words of the Sergeant Major on the eve of the beginning of the war. He did not look at him the way some of his peers had been received by their NCOs. He had always looked past the fear and uncertainty that showed in his eyes, to pull from his heart the qualities that as he said, Were put in you by Allah to fulfill his purposes.

Having desired from his adolescence to be a great military leader, he left home frustrated with his father, who had different plans for his son. He joined the Islamic Liberation Front and received training in small arms and explosives. He left the terrorist organization when he became of age and returned to Syria to join the Army. After only a couple of years, he was sent to officers training and, just a few months before the war, was assigned to his current unit.

The Sergeant Major allowed the men to catch their breath for a minute. But now he needed to get them moving again. He looked over to his young officer. He had been aged by the war. He had seen it many times, with the many other officers he had served under. But this one was different. The imam that blessed the unit before the beginning of the war had charged him with the young officer’s life. He remembered the words of the imam: Look past his weakness in faith, and simple knowledge of the things of Islam. He is only beginning a long journey to fulfill the purpose that Allah has set for him.

The Sergeant Major looked up the slope. He knew they were out there. He then looked toward their goal; it was time.

These men had started the war with one of the lead elements of the Syrian Army. Just five days ago they were on the edge of the town of Nafah. His unit, along with others, was ready to destroy the Israeli units. They had the Israelis outnumbered and still stunned, but the word came to cease their attack. The next day the Israeli forces began to push the Syrian forces back; he and his men had been left behind when their brigade began their retreat. The Sergeant Major had forty-one men then; now he was down to fourteen.

He motioned the others to gather around. The sounds of the enemy’s fighter jets could be heard in the sky above. It had been two days since they had seen any Syrian aircraft. He quickly assessed his remaining ammo. He had three remaining magazines for his rifle.

We must get the Mulazim to safety, he whispered quietly.

The scrapping of rocks froze the men. He could see the fear on their faces.

Go now, he ordered sternly.

As his men moved off into the darkness, he turned in the direction of the sounds of the enemy; he waited until he saw the figures rise from the ground to pursue after his companions. He opened fire, spraying rounds in their direction, forcing them to the ground again. He looked behind him, checking the progress of his unit’s escape; they needed more time.

He reloaded his AK-47 and rose spraying rounds across the front of the enemy’s positions; he felt the bullets strike his body, knocking him to the ground. With the last of his strength, he pulled the pins from the two remaining grenades. One he tried to throw in the direction of the enemy; it landed a few feet short of the enemy. Exploding it caused the enemy to take cover; he only hoped that he had bought his men the time they needed. He rolled over on the second grenade, waiting for the enemy to come.

Second Lieutenant Taimur Khalid looked back up the rocky slope in the direction of the second explosion; his Sergeant had died bravely trying to save him and the others. He only wished their political leaders would have had the same commitment. One day he would avenge his death.

Camp David

7 June

Mr. President, I have adjusted your schedule as you have asked. You have one more day here in Washington, said Michael Crane, the President’s campaign manager. The frustration could be heard in his voice.

Thank you, Michael.

How many times do you have him in California before the election? asked the gentleman seated in the chair next to the President.

Once each month until October. He will be out there four times in the last two weeks before the election. Texas and Florida the same, I pulled dates from New York and the South.

New York is in the bag. The South… well, the blacks will vote for him, and the rednecks won’t, came the arrogant response from Peter Vandenberg.

That is not what we saw in the primaries, the campaign manager shot back.

The President sat there silent. He was exhausted, and it showed on his face. The primaries had taken their toll on him. He and his campaign manager, along with one of his closest friends, and biggest supporter financially had arrived at the Presidential retreat yesterday from California. This morning they were joined by the White House Chief of Staff and Secretary of State Helen White.

The President was at Camp David as opposed to the White House for two purposes. One being that he needed to rest before beginning the campaign toward the General election. No other sitting President in recent history had had to face a challenge for the nomination of his party. The last one was almost fifty years ago. This challenge had went down to the wire and had only finally been put down two days ago when the President narrowly won California.

President Steven Johnson had won the White House four years ago not as a positive step forward, but as an acceptable alternative. He was considered a pause after the eight years of tyrannical socialism that the country had endured under his predecessor. His narrow victory three years ago was based on the moderates of his own party being joined by the Independents and RINOs—or Republican in Name Only. He was sold as a centrist that would ease the pressure on America by an increasingly oppressive federal government.

After a calm and criticized as lifeless first year in office, President Johnson saw his party fragment. The Progressives which were the majority wanted to continue with the strategy of avoiding confrontation, while making subtle changes that would continue to weaken state governments. Their strategic timeline did not sit well with the liberal segment of the party. This strife within the party was exploited by the opposition and caused the President to lose control of the Senate, and narrowly hold on to the House in his first midterm.

While for the past year, heading into his reelection bid, the President had within his own party attempted to solidify his base of support; these efforts failed when he fell from grace with the liberals and moderates of the party. This is what led to him having to fight off a strong primary challenge.

When the Conservatives of the opposition party fell just short of getting their candidate through the primary, and it appeared that they would nominate yet another status quo RINO. Both the liberals and the progressives saw this as an easy election, and covertly supported a challenge for the nomination. They felt four years was enough and it was time to push for more advancement of their socialist agenda.

What the Progressives had not seen coming was a third party candidate arising that challenged both of the established parties. They rejoiced at first, their thinking was that a conservative candidate would pull from the opposition, they never could have imagined what they saw happen the last few months.

I want to start in the Midwest, said the President.

I have you hitting seven cities in five days all in the Midwest. And we have increased our campaign ads there, answered his campaign manager.

Okay sounds good. If you will excuse us we have another appointment, said the President.

When the President, Peter Vandenberg, and the Chief of Staff were alone, the President asked, Are you sure this is the best way?

The Chief of Staff knew that the President’s reluctance stemmed from both fear and pride. Fear that he would be discovered. Nothing could stay hidden in Washington. And pride in that the President still thought that he could win this on his own. The Chief of Staff was in position to make sure that neither discovery, nor self-effort manifested any success.

I believe at this point it may be the only way, Peter Vandenberg responded. He didn’t want to sound despairing, but did want to be real.

Which was the second purpose for the President being at Camp David. He was running out of money. The primary challenge had forced him into spending money that would have otherwise been put toward the General election. Even with what the party would now be releasing to him, and anything that could be funneled in legally or illegally, November was still a long way off.

I have already broken every campaign finance law there is. I have more to give but it will take some deception to get to you. This deal will give you what you need, advised Vandenberg.

Not to mention the economic benefit. Which we all know will be the deciding factor come November, added the Chief of Staff.

Steven we must not lose this now. We are very close to achieving our goal. We don’t need a worsening in the economy be the thing that causes America to wake up and bring an end to what we have accomplished, Peter Vandenberg added as he rose and made his way to the wet bar.

Okay, but I still think that as long as the Chancellor can hold the line in Europe, we can survive this storm, the President said.

I don’t see that happening, he is losing support as each day passes, the Chief of Staff answered.

The President was still holding on to anything or anyone. He had no idea he was about to be painted into a corner.

So how is this going to happen?

All you have to do is follow the script, and you will be reelected come November, Vandenberg advised.

The knock at the door signaled that it was time.

Give me a few minutes, let me know when our guest is ready, the President instructed.

The President sat waiting, growing impatient and not certain what the pending meeting would bring, he thought briefly about calling for Marine One and returning to the White House. His major downfall during his first term was foreign policy. He, like his predecessor, was weak when it came to handling crises and confrontations internationally. Because of this America had suffered greatly and had found itself in harm’s way on several occasions. It was also how he had found himself easily enticed to compromise himself for the sake of continuing to maintain power.

He was standing at the window when Secretary of State Helen White entered the room.

They are arriving now, Mr. President, she informed the President.

Very well, where is Marty? He asked as he fidgeted with his tie.

He is waiting to greet them. Helen responded perceiving his edginess.

He should be in here with me. Why don’t you greet… He didn’t finish, he knew why she couldn’t greet them. The same reason she couldn’t be dispatched to their countries. He would have to find another Secretary of State should he win reelection. Helen White received as much respect abroad as she did here at home.

He turned around to find that she had left the room.

The Chief of Staff checked himself in the full length mirror, satisfied he made his way to the foyer. He watched as the two Mercedes limos pulled up, he walked briskly out of the house and down the walkway to the vehicles as they came to a stop. He waited a short distance off as the visitor’s private security opened the door.

The Camp David security force Commander had objected to the security entering Camp David armed. But he had been overruled by the Secretary of State. They would not enter the room in which the special envoy would meet the President. He raised his hand to his mouth to whisper into the mic on his wrist.

Keep eyes on these guys, he said to the hidden snipers.

The Chief of Staff turned to look at the window where the President stood watching the arrival, he had on purpose left the President alone, and the isolation would serve to weaken the President’s resolve. He had for the last month, delicately manipulated the President into thinking that there was no further options available for the United States.

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatu Allah, the Chief of Staff greeted the elder, kissing both his cheeks.

Wa alaikum Assalamu wa rahmatu Allah wa barakatuh.

Welcome to Camp David emir.

He leaned in close to whisper in the ear of the Chief of Staff. The General sends his blessing upon you.

Thank you. Please this way, he motioned with his arm.

The Muslim envoy was ushered into the house and shown to a room in which he could refresh himself before meeting with the President.

President Steven Johnson paced the floor as he waited. Confidence had left him. From his early days in politics he had determined that one day he would hold this office. Today he felt as if the office was holding him. He wondered if his predecessors had suffered the same.

Beginning with his rising from the California statehouse, to the governor’s mansion, to the U.S. Senate; he had become known as the master of the hot button. He seemed to be able to sense what was going to become the next major issue, and somehow align himself with the center of both sides.

His opponents would have a field day if they knew of this meeting. The conservatives would call for his resignation, press Congress for impeachment, and if unsuccessful in those two endeavors, beat him up with this from now till November.

The President’s pride also condemned him, here the most powerful office in the world, its holder reduced to waiting on a nonofficial state visitor. He knew he had to keep his temper under control.

The knock on the door froze him in place. He turned to face the door as his Chief of Staff entered.

Mr. President, are you ready?

Yes, let’s get this over with. Is he ready?

Yes, remember be open, but noncommittal.

Within a minute, the door opened again, and the Chief of Staff ushered in his visitor.

The two were introduced formally. Seated in chairs facing each other, a small table at right hand of the visitor held glasses of water. There was a brief period of diplomatic niceties. With the President welcoming him to America, asking how his trip was. The guest commenting on the impression of Camp David matching its reputation.

President Johnson, I know that you are a busy man, your elections are approaching rather quickly, and demanding so much of your time. My instructions are to be discreet and brief. I have been sent to deliver our terms for your country’s acceptance into the Islamic Alliance’s International Energy Allowance. The man spoke softly but firm.

The President tried to maintain his poker face, not wanting to show weakness or desperation as he thought to himself.

They could have called it something better… allowance?

Emir, the United States greatly appreciates the Alliances desire to continue our long standing position as the leading consumer and importer of energy resources from the Gulf States. The United States does indeed desire to enter into negotiations on an energy trade agreement. We hope that we can work together to form an agreement much like the European Union has with your Alliance, the President answered.

Having only recently begun to have dealings with American politicians. He was not however ignorant of their ways. Having studied both of the political parties and their positions, he had a clear understanding of the lawlessness that bred the corruption, and arrogance that was so prevalent in the leadership of America.

The American President’s statement revealed two things that did not go unnoticed by his guest. One he was a liar. The other that he was unaware or just disregarding the Alliance’s recent elevation in the global order, and their intelligence capabilities. Although this was the initial consultation with leader of America, it would also be the last on this matter. The Alliance was not receptive to negotiations.

He looked around at the décor of the room, and the fact that the American President had chosen Camp David and its historical significance to the Middle East as the setting for this meeting, signaled that the American was trying to convey that he was somewhat in control. Whether the American President was either not understanding, or refusing to acknowledge the Islamic Alliance position. He was prepared to end that thinking now.

Mr. President, as I stated before, you are a busy man, and I am also busy as well. I hope I have not misled you. These terms would be better stated as demands. You have thirty days in which to acknowledge acceptance and begin to implement them. America’s submission to these is the only way in which to avoid the triggering of events that are already in place, and would have a devastating effect on America.

The Chief of Staff listened to the conversation taking place in the adjacent room. The audio/video system recorded the meeting of the two men. He saw the President’s face soften, the man was compromised, and he had no way out. Whatever ideas may be filling the President’s mind at the moment would only turn out to be futile.

What are the conditions? the President said. There was a hardness to his voice.

The Chief of Staff watched as the Emir gave the President a single sheet of paper, the informality of the transaction between two men only amplified the weakened position America was in. He saw the look of shock on his face when he read the conditions, his head shook slightly, and he looked up at his guest.

I will leave you to confer with your advisors. The Alliance will await your reply. Thank you for your hospitality. Allah be praised.

Rising from his chair, he turned and departed, leaving the President standing there.

The Chief of Staff met him outside the door. Emir, I trust your visit was enjoyable and fruitful.

It was, he answered. Giving him a smile as he looked him in the eye. He laid his hand on the Chief of Staff and pronounced a quick blessing before turning and heading for the front door and out to his waiting vehicle.

The Chief of Staff and Secretary of State quickly joined the President.

Well, how bad is it? Helen White asked.

The President handed her the sheet of paper.

Mr. President, are you all right? asked the Chief of Staff.

Have Marine One get ready I am returning to the White House immediately. You two will be joining me. Call a meeting with the Attorney General immediately upon my arrival, the President ordered.

The Secretary of State handed the paper to the COS after she had looked it over.

This isn’t that bad, Helen White said.

Not that bad! Are you serious Helen?

What I meant is, this is possible. What difference does any of this make? The economy will win this for us in November, the Secretary of State argued.

Helen has a point, Mr. President, the Chief of Staff said as he read the list of demands.

Maybe you two missed the one on subjecting American citizens to Sharia law. Or the one on severing all treaties and aid to Israel, the President said as he gathered his things for the return flight to the White House.

Who cares about Israel? Do you think the American people want to continue to suffer economically over them? Helen countered.

Except that the Jewish voice in America speaks in unison with the Christian conservatives, and Congress has no choice but to listen.

Hell with Congress, Helen blurted out then stopped.

Yes, exactly, why don’t you tell them that when you appear before them. Better yet ask my predecessor how it worked out for him. Enough for now, Marine One is ready, let’s go, the President ordered as he made his way out.

Peter Vandenberg was already aboard Marine One. The flight forty minute flight to the White House was silent as the President pondered his next move. The Chief of Staff didn’t want to push too hard yet. He needed to keep the President focused on the campaign. Right before they landed the President broke the silence.

I want you two and Peter in my office as soon as possible after we’ve landed. Get the Attorney General on his way to the White House. I am going to need to speak with the German Chancellor also. Later today I want the Energy Security Council to meet.

Yes, Mr. President.

Marty… they want a sacrifice, the President said. He pulled the headphones from his head. He felt more alone than he ever had in his entire life.

Two hours later, back in the Oval Office, and having just gotten off the phone with the Chancellor, the President appeared to have gain some confidence back.

The Attorney General had just finished reading the proposal given to the President. He looked to the Chief of Staff. The question was all over his face.

Yes, they are serious, the COS answered him.

Options?

This would violate the Constitution on so many levels. Even if you were able to get this through Congress, the Constitution would stand in opposition, the courts would strike it down quickly, the Attorney General stated.

To hell with the Constitution, Vandenberg said.

Put what through Congress, am I to take a piece of paper to Mitchell and ask him for advise and consent, the President shouted angrily.

If the Alliance sees that we tried maybe they would be willing to negotiate, Helen White said.

They are not negotiating anything. They think they have me personally, and the country captive, the President replied.

If they cut off our oil supply, it could take several months, maybe two years to recuperate from it, Helen White warned.

How long to get our own oil flowing to the refineries?

Open our National Defense reserves, increasing production at current sites, import from other sources would by us some time. It would be rough for the near term, but we could possibly be at 50 percent within a year, maybe less, Vandenberg replied.

We don’t have that long, we have thirty days.

Mr. President, I see no option but to capitulate to their terms, said Helen before adding. To begin to drill our own oil… well, it could cause you major political problems in the party.

There is something we can do to cover ourselves, the COS suggested.

What? Helen asked.

The President looked to his Chief of Staff. What are you thinking?

I have some ideas, let me look into some things and make some calls. We can talk about them later. You are to return to Washington in about ten days, hopefully we can have everything worked out then, the COS said. The others all seemed to be in agreement.

An hour later when they were alone.

Mr. President, I think you should return to the campaign trail, focus entirely on that. Remember what Peter said, just follow the script. Allow me to take care of everything, this will allow you to have deniability should anything ever come to light. I would take the fall entirely. I want to limit Helen’s involvement, I don’t trust that she would be standing in your corner if it came to defending you.

And just what is this script that you two keep talking about? asked the President.

Mr. President, there are many that have invested much into seeing the goals of the party reached. They are not willing to wait any longer, nor are they willing for the opposition to regain power and begin to undo everything.

I will trust you to do what is necessary, responded the President.

New York City, New York

25 June

Inspector Larry Hansen listened to the communications between his tactical units. All personnel were in position, tensely waiting the order to breach the warehouse. The Emergency Service Unit was deployed for the breach and securing of the warehouse while uniformed officers had secured a perimeter around the industrial complex.

We are ready, sir, one of the officers of the command center vehicle informed him.

He and his officers would be raiding a suspected drug cache. Detectives from the precinct had received tips from workers in the complex of comings and goings into a separate outlying building by suspicious persons. The final tip which led to the securing of a search warrant was when a worker spotted a large tractor trailer making an unusual late night delivery. When he brought it to his supervisor attention he was dismissed and told to mind his own business and keep his mouth shut. His becoming offended led him to police.

After several days of surveillance they were ready to give up, when they observed a vehicle with three men which they described as Latino or Middle Eastern enter the warehouse late one night. The surveillance team attempted to follow and identify the three men, but their effort was met with misfortune when they had become caught up in an accident. That was three nights ago, tonight they would find out exactly what was in the building that had been unoccupied for several years.

Inspector Hansen watched the camera feeds, the first showed the four large overhead doors behind unloading docks, the second showed his breach team readied at the man door to the right of the docks. Two other screens would display the view from the helmet cams of two of the breach team officers.

Tell Lieutenant Demerges to execute the warrant, ordered the Inspector.

He watched as the team breached the door, he could hear the team communicate through their radios,

Clear!

Clear!

After several long seconds, he heard, Upper mezzanine is clear.

Inspector Hansen listened as his team moved through the warehouse, thankfully he heard no shots.

All secure! All secure! Lieutenant Demerges announced.

He rushed from the command center and ran into the warehouse followed by several uniformed officers. Dust that had been stirred up by the breach team could be seen settling in the beams of light from the flashlights.

Sergeant, deploy your uniforms at the entries. Get the lights on too! he ordered.

Inspector, you better come see this, one of the Sergeants of the breach team said.

He followed the Sergeant to the far end of the open warehouse floor. There against the west wall was several large shipping crates, they all appeared to be military style. He looked at the markings on the crates.

Ah hell, get the forensics team in here now. Lieutenant, secure your team, he ordered.

Inspector Hansen waited for the forensics team to deploy around the crates, he watched as they first photographed everything, then they opened the first crate.

Inspector, one of the forensic officer called.

He looked into the crate, My God, that is a lot of firepower. They all appear to be new. I need to call this one in downtown. Get to work, we need to find out who put these here. I will be in the command center.

Inspector Hansen called downtown, the Deputy Commissioner was on his way. He asked for more detectives to be sent to help in the initial part of the investigation. Three hours later he was still waiting on the forensics team to finish, he did not want to take any chances on this one, and he was willing to let them have all the time they needed.

Inspector, the forensics are finished. You want to start inventorying everything?

Yes, Captain Freeman can you find the Deputy Commissioner and find out where he wants to secure this stuff. I will be inside.

An hour later they were only halfway through the process of inventorying and tagging the seized weapons when the Inspector’s phone rang.

Inspector, the Feds are here.

Great.

Sergeant Tony Minelli watched as the three black SUVs pulled up to the inner barricades. Two officers opened the way for them to pull through. He watched as the Federal agents began to exit the vehicles.

Hey, Sarge, what’s the Feds doing here? asked one of his officers.

Their weapons are military, possibly stolen. It looks like they are taking over.

Great, this is going to be a long night.

Yes, it is.

The Sergeant watched them parade off into the warehouse. Within a few minutes three of them came out. They stood off by themselves talking. Something was odd. They didn’t look like cops to him. He pulled his phone out and photographed the tags of the three SUVs. He walked over to the command center and stuck his head in the door.

Yo, Greg, can you get a picture of those three over there?

Sure. Why?

Just take the picture, and uh get me a copy, the Sergeant said.

You got it, Sarge.

Sergeant Minelli continued to keep an eye on the three. One of them stepped away and made a phone call. He didn’t know why, but he had a strange feeling about the presence of the three of them.

Kowalski, get over here, he ordered one of the officers at the barricade.

Yes, Sarge.

Give me the clipboard, he said.

The officers were supposed to record everyone that entered the barricaded perimeter. He walked up to the two of them.

Excuse me, gentlemen, I need your names for the log, he said, holding up the clipboard.

Both of them looked at him with contempt.

That won’t be necessary, Sergeant. It was the third man that had stepped away.

Hey, I am just doing my job, gotta have a record of everybody entering the crime scene.

Sergeant, listen to me, there is no crime scene, and there will be no record. Your inspector will be securing your duties here. I suggest you refer any questions to him, the man said in a dismissing manner.

Inspector Hansen took the call from the Mayor’s office. The Deputy Commissioner had been called to the Commissioner’s office. He hung up frustrated, confused, and angry.

Captain, we’re done here. It is their jurisdiction now. They want us to pull everyone back to the outer perimeter. The uniforms will stay, and the mobile command is to be left.

Inspector, what gives?

Just do it, please, the Inspector said, the frustration apparent in his voice.

Yes, sir.

Sergeant Minelli, called the Inspector, have the forensic team report to me right away.

Yes, Inspector.

The Sergeant headed off to collect the forensic team. As he passed the command center, he heard someone call to him.

Sergeant. It was the officer that he had asked for the photo.

He hurried to the door of the command center. The officer handed him a manila envelope.

Take this.

What’s this?

Just take it!

Three hours later the Sergeant sat at his desk inside his Precinct Headquarters. He opened the envelope and checked out the contents. There was the photo he had asked for. It clearly showed the faces of the three feds. With it was a phone number, scribbled below it, his number is unavailable, but this is the number he called. There were three photos of the weapons and ammunition. The third photo was a screenshot from the helmet camera of one of the emergency service officers on the breach team. It was the shipping label on one of the crates inside the warehouse.

He quickly returned everything to the envelope. Shut down his computer and headed to the locker room, where he secured the envelope in his locker till the end of his shift.

Two hours after his shift ended he sat with several other of the officers at the Blue Line. The news came on and the crowded bar quieted some when the story began about the night’s activities of the NYPD.

Tony recognized the warehouse when the footage was shown as the anchor’s voice described that the NYPD’s dedicated men and woman had once again successful in attempting to stop the flow of drugs into the Brooklyn Heights neighborhood. The anchor went on to describe details of the drug seizure.

That’s bull! He didn’t even mention the weapons! Tony shouted.

University Medical Center

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

He sat in the exam room listening as his longtime friend and doctor gave him the news. The words of his doctor echo inside of him.

Terminal.

There were of course options, but end result would be the same. It was time for the question.

How long?

His doctor looked at him with compassion in his eyes, Barry… you have nine months to a year.

He tried to encourage himself by thinking that he only needed six. While his doctor talked of what the future would hold in relation to the progression of the disease, suggesting that he retire and rest and enjoy his remaining days. He had only one thought.

Maintaining the balance of power… and the suppression of anyone that threatened it.

He looked his doctor and said, I don’t want this getting out.

Preparations

Chapter One

He made his way from the kitchen down the hall to his study. It was where he spent most of his time when he was home. He set his coffee cup on the end table next to his chair. He retrieved his laptop from the desk and sat down in his favorite chair.

He cherished this time. Before the day accelerated into busyness and more often controlled chaos. Here in solitude he could forget about world outside. He could allow himself a few minutes of reminiscence of the past.

He pulled his Bible from the table and began reading from where he had left off yesterday. Finishing his first cup of coffee he made his way back to the kitchen for what would be his second, and last until he got to his office later. Returning to his study, he took his laptop and opened his e-mail. The first one caught his attention immediately. He opened and began to read.

A servant was sent to a faraway country.

Unusual, you being cryptic, my friend.

Where he tended to his master’s business. He soon found something that caused him extreme grief. His master was deceitful, austere, and arrogant. For he thought he was above the law.

All right, Richard, what have you gotten into now?

For he sent his people’s enemies, tools of war.

He understood the last line clearly. He would have to wait for more information on the details, but his friend had just informed him of something very serious. He hit the reply tab and sent to his friend details of the Redskins progress at training camp, what was going on at church, and that for the fourth year in a row the youth Pastor had won the annual golf outing. He added that he enjoyed the excerpt from his book and looked forward to reading more.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Nabil Al Habash waited as his guests returned to the conference room located in the Pakistani Consulate. Their agreement to host the meeting signaled yet another obstacle overcome. The recent coup in Islamabad had freed them from their former pro-Western government. This freedom swept their country into the Alliance. And their new government, recognizing that they were the only nuclear nation inside the Alliance, was eager to find its position among the other Islamic nations.

With the addition of Pakistan to the Alliance membership, two objectives were met that were of major importance to the Alliance. They now had a nuclear armed military, and gained considerable leverage over the Iranian President.

The outcome of this meeting could very well change the world forever. With such implications, the Islamic Alliance Foreign Minister knew he must exercise both diplomacy, and a firm guiding hand.

There was no secrecy of the meeting. In fact it was discreetly, but with purpose made known to the west. The Alliance wanted this to receive publicity. By holding this meeting inside the borders of one of the holdout countries, it served as a propaganda victory. Muslims around the world, with sincere hearts awaited the outcome, while others held less honorable motives in desiring to gain information and even now UAE intelligence agents along with American intelligence, were watching from outside the Embassy grounds.

These nine men that had gathered here three days ago, and without challenge, were the most honored and influential Ulama of Islam in world. What was most impressive was that some of these men, once considered enemies or antagonists, now sat next to each other.

These men represented every sect of Islam and had come together for one purpose, to end the Division of Muslim brothers all over the world. Differences had to be laid aside, trespasses forgiven, and their focus redirected toward the advancement of Islam.

Once everyone had been seated and prayers for guidance expressed, the men gave the attention to the Foreign Minister.

Brothers, have you satisfied yourselves to the evidence?

The eldest of the group stood. An Imam that traveled here from Turkey, We have, and we agree that this would satisfy the requirements given by Allah himself.

Are there any concerns by anyone, please freely proclaim them here, now, the Foreign Minister said.

Brothers, it was my great fear that as leaders we would not be able to secure ourselves to a common cause, thus dooming the ummah to continued strife and rebellion. It has been agreed that Muslims should be ruled and protected by Muslims, proclaimed the elder cleric from Turkmenistan.

The men continued to offer concerns, debate in judicial consultation, and in the end, pledge allegiance to what everyone agreed was the will of Allah. The Foreign Minister allowed the men ample time, not wanting to quench this unity that was manifesting. After much time, and when it appeared that all had spoken out all that was in their hearts. The Turkish Imam rose once again. Everyone gave him their full attention.

"Brothers, while it is very possible that genealogies could be fabricated, just as an election by the ummah could be. We have seen many that have rose up to proclaim themselves as such, in concerning this matter. They were brought low and disappeared or were killed. We know that several years past, our Syrian brothers attempted this very thing. Although their motives may have been sincere, it was not the will of Allah, so they also did not last.

It is not so in this case! If we fail to recognize what is before us, if we try and end this, we could find ourselves fighting against Allah himself."

I agree, this is truly a blessing of Allah, shouted another!

The Islamic Alliance Foreign Minister stood and addressed them, Brothers while we have made much progress this is true, much work remains. Many of our brothers still remain in bondage to oppressive governments, governments that still remain under the influence of the Great Satan, and rulers that let their egos and thirst for power deceive them.

Everyone knew that he was referring to the Saudi Kingdom, and the smaller countries bordering the kingdom, and Iran. The provision of a charismatic leader that could bring unity to the faithful brotherhood would be the greatest weapon against these governments. Already many nations had submitted to the overwhelming will of their people. This peaceful transition had been the Alliance’s goal from the beginning. Sadly though there were some that simply would not submit, these would have to be dealt with in other ways. The Alliance had many willing, loyal replacements that would be put in their places.

I propose that we take this back to the ummah, from there we can issue our fatwa of our findings, offered the elder from the United States.

May the peace and mercy of Allah be with you, offered the Foreign Minister.

May the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be with you too, the humble leaders of the Islam responded.

Later that day the Islamic Alliance Foreign Minister held a private meeting with the head of the Saudi sect known to be the most influential in the Saudi Kingdom.

We will soon bring our people, their vast resources, and military strength to our anointed leader, Sheik Ali Ahmad informed the IA Foreign Minister.

This will please the council.

We will accomplish this immediately following Ramadan. Our plan will forever sever my countries relations with the Great Satan, stir an emotional furor that will carry over to the holdout countries of the Western Persian Gulf. We are committed to unifying our strengths and demonstrating our resolve to the world.

After Ramadan would be perfect timing, we will coordinate our other actions with yours, answered the Foreign Minister.

Inside he knew his diplomacy had won over the Saudi, he would now return to the kingdom with a seed of unity planted in him. What the Sheik did not know was that he would find a very willing accomplice in the Crown Prince. Already much progress had been accomplished inside the Kingdom. The two facilities at Tabuk and Buraydah were very close to completion, largely in part to the Crown Prince, and the failing health of the King.

Sheik Ali Ahmad stood and bowed slightly. Wa alaikum Assalamu wa rahmatu Allah wa barakatuh.

The Foreign Minister returned the farewell and watched as the Arab Sheik left. The Sharia council would be pleased that the Kingdom would soon join the Alliance. The Saudi military would be a major key to insuring the Alliance would overwhelm its enemies.

He pulled his cellphone from a pocket of his bisht.

Have my plane ready and notify the security detail we will be departing in ten minutes.

Yes, Emir, the voice replied.

He then sent a text, the body comprised of four words. While he waited for his security detail to signal him that his vehicle was ready to transport him to the airport, he thought about the weeks to come.

He would have a very busy itinerary leading up to Ramadan. He would be headed to Europe to meet with European Union leaders first, followed by a trip to America where he would address the United Nations. The next few weeks were crucial to the Alliance’s plans.

Meanwhile just under six hundred miles to the northeast in Iran.

Birjand, Iran

The silver Rolls Royce Phantom pulled up to the security checkpoint and was quickly waved through. It stopped at the main entrance of the newly constructed building. An officer of the Islamic Alliance moved to the vehicle and opened the door, a single passenger exited the vehicle and walked to the door being held open by one of the security detail.

He paused to take in the entire complex. Located on the western outskirts of the eastern Iranian provincial capital, and located near what is known as the silk road. Because of its closeness to the Afghanistan border, it was the pathway for opium as it was smuggled to Europe.

Being close to Afghanistan, and with the abundance of universities and technology, it was an obvious choice for one of the Alliance’s Command and Communication Centers.

The location also signal a message to the faithful inside Iran that they were not excluded. The Iranian President opposed his country becoming member of the Alliance. This was primarily due to his own ambitions of maintaining control over his nation. The Ayatollah however had already decreed that the Islamic State would not only become, but would defend the Alliance. The President was holding onto a false confidence in his backing by the Russians. He would eventually submit or he would be dealt with.

But first the Saudi Kingdom would need to be brought in, either willingly or compelled.

Once entering the foyer he was met by a uniformed officer who greeted him and motioned to the waiting elevator, the cool air offering a refreshing relief from the late afternoon heat. Approaching the elevator an officer pressed the button on the panel, the elevator’s doors began to open.

The man known as the Lion stepped into the elevator. The doors closed, and the car began its descent. A few seconds later it slowed to a stop, and its doors opened.

Emir, welcome, another uniformed officer greeted him.

Allah be praised, thank you, Colonel. Is General Khalid here?

Yes, he is waiting for you.

I will see him now.

The Emir was led to a reception area, a fresh glass of purified water was set on the table by his chair. He was just settling in when an officer wearing the uniform of a General entered.

Emir, how was your trip?

It was very fruitful, but I fear that we will need as the Americans would say, a regime change.

He had hoped to persuade the Ethiopian leader into brining his people into the Alliance. It had been an objective of the Alliance since its inception to bring an end to the human rights atrocities that had been prevalent in both Ethiopia and Eritrea. He would be receiving guidance from the council on how to proceed with their pending and certain demise.

I have been instructed to receive directions from you on a matter important to the council, the General said.

General, I have received a list of targets from our brothers in Britain. These targets have been identified as dangerous to our progress. They need to be destroyed immediately. He handed a sheet of paper to the General.

I understand, General Khalid answered.

These targets need to be destroyed quietly, there shall be no compromise on this.

I understand.

The last target should be taken alive and transferred to the Kingdom, our safe house outside Riyadh will be ready for delivery.

I shall begin at once Emir.

The General looked the list over, five of the targets were agents of America. He thought briefly how much pleasure it would bring him if he were to be able accomplish this personally.

Much of our success in Europe depends on this, as well as the plans of Pasadran.

The cleric was referring to the Islamic Alliance’s Special Operations Division. Sharing the same name and organized similarly to the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps, it was already in a deployed status. While Pasadran was the code word assigned to the unit’s leader, it also signified the entire unit itself. The Division was numbered at over one hundred thousand and were prestaged in smaller units around the world.

When the General heard the name Pasadran he stiffened, his countenance hardened. But inside, his heart soften. Have you talked to Pasadran?

Yes, General, I was able to see him during my visit to America several weeks ago. He looked very well and expressed interests in how your preparations were coming.

The Emir never missed an opportunity to maintain an edge, and stimulated the emotional ties further by reiterating, General, it is very important to Pasadran’s success that these targets are destroyed.

I will not fail, Emir.

And what is the status of our Pasadran warriors in Russia?

Their training will be completed in time for them to meet our ships in Sevastopol, the General answered.

Admiral Quasim’s ships are undergoing their refitting… What is the progress?" He knew the progress. He was more interested in knowing if the contention between the two military leaders was still a problem.

The Admiral is busy preparing for his tasks. Knowing that his answer did not satisfy, he added, The Admiral understands his place. I believe there will be no further insubordination. He only wants to serve the Alliance… he is anxious, as we are all to begin.

When the Iranian naval officer had been picked to lead the Alliance naval strike force, he eagerly accepted. But then learning that he would be under the command of the General, his character was tested. He wanted to remain loyal to the Iranian President and yet be a part of the coming offensive. His outburst at a planning briefing, led to his being called before the Iranian Supreme Leader. He came away with a severe chastisement and a promotion to Admiral. The Admiral was assured any further acts of insubordination would result in more sever discipline.

Now tell me about the Army. Is there anything that you lack, General?

We are progressing much faster than we initially planned. This is affording our warriors to undergo extra training.

And our pilots?

They will return from Russia before the start of Ramadan, this will give them plenty of time to be familiar with their new aircraft. They will fly to their designated airfields and be readied right before the opening of hostilities.

Very well, we have delivery of all ground equipment. Once the holy time is complete, things will change in the peninsula and those materials can begin moving north.

The marrying of crews with their tanks and other vehicles will be easily accomplished. There is one thing which is yet to be completed, the General said.

Yes, prompted the Emir.

Dagon. We are lacking the final shipment. It is the most important, and without it we cannot implement the system.

The last shipment should be arriving in Baghdad very soon. You are to be notified directly when it has arrived. What is the status of the final transmitter at Antalya?

It is behind schedule and may have to be finished at a later date.

What is the problem, General?

Their Prime Minister.

It will be addressed with him personally.

The Turkish Prime Minister was divided in his loyalties. He was attempting to pander to the Alliance thereby satisfying his own countrymen that had elected him. While allowing himself to be influenced by the Europeans.

He sensed that something was bothering the General. He thought he knew. The General was still holding on to offense. Offense that had come to him many years ago in the form of betrayal.

General, something is bothering you deeply, what is it?

The Russians. I fear they could be our greater enemy, the General answered.

Ah, you think that they will betray us as they have before?

Are you not suspicious, Emir?

The world is different now, General, the power of the nations that influenced both us and the Zionist has been weakened, or no longer exist. Their memory of their own failures, and the failures of the Great Satan to oppress the people of Islam, now grip them in fear. Their desires are for other things, like their security and prosperity. I am convinced that the leaders of Russia will understand that it is beneficial to them in the long run to avoid interference. And yes I am suspicious of the intentions of all. Our success this time is not dependent on anyone or anything, it is solely dependent on Allah.

Emir, unless there is anything else I shall issue the orders for the targets.

No, General, that is all.

The General left, his mind absorbed the information. If these targets were a threat to Pasadran then he would see to it that they were quickly destroyed. Pasadran was key to the success of his armies. Over the last two decades he had thought a lot about the plans that only now he was seeing come to fulfillment. He had sacrificed so much, he longed for the reward that lay ahead, the reward of entering the city on a hill and hearing praises to Allah.

Ghazawan… oh my… son.

His thoughts drifted back to that day, the last day that he had seen him. He was twelve, he had his mother’s face but his father’s strong will. He wanted to be like his father. He would often be found wearing one of his old Army hats leading other children in attacking an Israeli outpost. He was twenty-eight when he heard from him again. Then six months ago another call. Since that time he had held onto a promise that he gave him. Soon they would be reunited. He mentally put the thoughts away, he had much to do.

The General entered the communication suite and gave the duty officer his orders.

Send a message to these men to report to me immediately in Buraydah.

Yes, General.

The General picked up a phone and ordered that his plane be readied for takeoff immediately.

After the General departed from his presence, he thought things out for several minutes, then called for his aide.

Has the Foreign Minister reported in?

Yes, Emir, he has reported success!

Allah has truly blessed us.

He sat in quiet meditation. Reflecting on the progress of the Alliance. His mind drifted back to Medina, four decades ago, when three young men addressed the elder Ulama. These elders, recognized as the leading scholars and authority in the hierarchy of the Islamic religion, were the then guardians of both the legal and religious traditions of Islam. The elders listened in astonishment as the three younger men pleaded with them to bring unity, strength, and separation to the Muslim people of the world. Their zeal and dedication was immediately recognized by the elders. Each of their pleas to the elders was not only convincing, but seen as being sent from Allah. In the end the elders all agreed that these three men would one day restore the Islamic Empire.

That was the beginning of the Alliance. Over the decades, and despite efforts by some to advance the dream through violence, the three rose, in each one’s own way to become the leadership of the Alliance.

He thought of the other two and their sacrifices. The young Lieutenant of the Syrian Army had worked hard and rose to the rank of General. He had dedicated his two sons when they were still in the youth to the Alliance. This dedication had already cost him the life of one of them, the other he had not seen in over a two decades.

The other while enjoying a more comfortable lifestyle, suffered having to subject himself under a King that had aligned himself with the Great Satan. His years of waiting would soon come to an end, the Prince would soon be exalted.

He broke his meditation, there was still much to do.

He dictated several messages to him to be sent out, the most important to the council. It would update them on his progress to date. He needed to rest before his departure later this afternoon. The strain of his efforts for the Alliance was beginning to weigh heavy on him. The next two weeks would be very important to the Alliance. His first stop would be in Kuwait. Then he would need to pay another visit to Turkey. He hoped that he would be able to find a peaceful resolution. Egypt would be his third stop. He would meet with the Mediterranean contingent of the EU.

Over the past decade he had built the organization of men and equipment, which would be needed to accomplish the goals of the Alliance. Only in the past year had it begun to operate at the level of efficiency that would be required. Built on the foundation of simplicity, it utilized available technology, and would provide the leaders with the necessary information to guide the Alliance.

He rose from the chair and made his way to his private quarters that was reserved for him. A fresh thobe had been hung there for him. He called the duty officer to leave instructions to wake him, and to have his plane ready to depart two hours after that. He stretched across the bed and was asleep in minutes.

Ma’am, we have a ping on Aladdin One, announced one of the several controllers that sat monitoring the signal feed from the National Security Agency.

Jenna Copeland looked up to the display, a red dot indicating where the cellular signal had originated.

Dubai, interesting. Can you zoom in please?

Jenna Copeland looked neither her age nor anything like what one would expect for a Senior Support Specialist for the Central Intelligence Agencies Special Collections Division. Jenna looked more like the typical girl next door, ready to head off to college. Her perfect figure and sweet personality caused her to be both the object of envy, and lust, depending on the gender of her beholder.

The display screen began to zoom in until it reached bird’s eye level.

Pakistani Embassy, said the controller.

Jenna watched and waited as her team worked quickly to capture as much information as they could. Her and her team’s primary mission was signal intelligence support for the covert teams of the Special Activities Division. Another was support for the analytical team of the Intelligence Directorate, specifically the Islamic Alliance section.

He just sent a text, reported one of the controllers.

How long to get it? she asked.

Just a minute.

Got it! Four words, its encrypted, the controller announced, frustration in his voice.

Their targets of late had gone to a new encryption of their calls and texts. So far the NSA had been unable to break the encryption.

She picked up a phone on the desk behind her. Punching one number she waited for it to be answered.

We got a location on Aladdin One, Jenna reported, "Call lasted approximately twenty-seven seconds, and it was followed by a four word text.