Pulse

By David Scott

Five years ago the Princips terror group was taken down by Darcy and Peter and their team.
Now the Princips are back with plans to conquer the earth.
Darcy and Peter and their team are the only ones who can stop them.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jan 29, 2019
• ISBN: 9781546275329

David Scott

Professor David Scott, PhD, MA, Adv DipEd, BA, PGCE, is Professor of Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment, Institute of Education, University of London. Previously, he served as Acting Dean of Teaching and Learning, Acting Head of the Centre for Higher Education Teaching and Learning, Director of the International Institute for Education Leadership and Professor of Educational Leadership and Learning, University of Lincoln.

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© 2019 David Scott. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 01/28/2019

ISBN: 978-1-5462-7533-6 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5462-7531-2 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-5462-7532-9 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2019900354

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

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.

CONTENTS

Chapter 1     Prison Break

Chapter 2     Homecoming

Chapter 3     Countermeasures

Chapter 4     Project Liberation

Chapter 5     Project Managers

Chapter 6     Phil’s New Job Jitters

Chapter 7     FTA

Chapter 8     Countdown

Chapter 9     Cat and Mouse

Chapter 10   Thinking Outside the Box

Chapter 11   Lock and Load

Chapter 12   Connecting the Dots

Chapter 13   The Snatch

Chapter 14   Helicopter Hitchhiking

Chapter 15   Death Valley Days

Chapter 16   Sam’s the Man

1

Prison Break

Sentencing of Dr. Phillip Jones Four Years Earlier

The judge at the sentencing of Dr. Phillip Jones: Phillip Jones this court finds you guilty of conspiracy as a member of the Princips terrorist organization to commit a terrorist attack against the United States of America using a nuclear weapon and sentences you to six consecutive life sentences plus 50 years without the chance of parole in the Federal Penitentiary at Florence in Fremont County, Colorado. You are remanded over to proper authority to begin serving your sentence immediately. This court is adjourned.

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Flying in formation like a flock of vultures a fleet of twelve attack drone gunships designed and built by the terrorist group called the Princips, all having U.S. Army white stars and Ft. Carson etched on their sides as deceptions, were almost at the Federal Penitentiary in Florence, Colorado.

A guard planted as a mole by the Princips terrorist group shot the guard standing next to him and disabled the panic button preventing closure of 1,400 remote controlled steel doors and disabling security cameras, lasers and motion detectors.

At the exact same time another guard planted by the Princips as a mole shot two guards by a concrete exercise pit where all three of them had been taking Dr. Jones for exercise. The mole unlocked and removed leg irons, handcuffs and stomach chains from Dr. Jones and gave Dr. Jones a loaded gun. They started running for the preplanned escape exit shooting every guard they encountered shattering the otherwise dead silence of the prison.

The second Princips mole joined them in route as they ran toward the designated exit.

As this is happening five drones are firing concentrated bursts of custom designed armor piercing rounds into a section of the 12-foot high perimeter fences topped with razor wire across from the escape exit. Five more drones are providing covering fire against perimeter guards and dogs.

Two other specially modified drones are firing missiles into two watchtowers killing the guards in them. Then they join the other drones to complete the destruction of the targeted section of the fences opening an escape hole for Dr. Jones and the two moles.

Dr. Jones and the two moles ran through the hole in the fence dodging the shot up fencing and razor wire that had fallen to the ground as a helicopter landed to pick them up. The twelve drones are providing withering fire against guards and dogs. Three dogs managed to run through one hail of lead and began chasing after Jones and the moles.

Human hands at the controls changed the attack angle of two drones sending down deadly fire on the pursuing dogs that were almost snapping at the heels of Dr. Jones and the moles. The dogs disintegrated. Jones and the moles quickly got inside the helicopter.

The helicopter lifted off rapidly and throttled forward as the pilot pressed a red button. One guard who’d been taking cover and began firing at the helicopter suddenly thought he saw it disappear from the sky. It must have gone over the horizon he thought. There were more important things to worry about like the escape of a high value prisoner, a disabled maximum-security prison and mourning many dead and wounded fellow guards.

The drones that had been hovering began a self-destruct sequence. They were blowing up one by one spewing debris over a wide area in front of the prison.

Where’s the chip? one of the moles asked.

Dr. Jones panicked. I’m not sure. The mole retrieved a hand-held device from a bag. Hang on. I’ll find it. Stretch your arms out to your side. The mole began moving the device over Dr. Jones beginning with his head. Two red dots displayed over an outline of a human body. You have two chips one on each side of your neck. Bend over. We must be fast because you’re being tracked.

Dr. Jones bent his head over as the mole took another device from the bag and hovered it over him. Dr. Jones was curious despite the circumstance. What are you doing? The mole didn’t say anything. Dr. Jones was expecting something to puncture his neck and was bracing himself for pain when the mole said. All done. Dr. Jones lifted up his head. I didn’t feel a thing.

I disabled the chips. They are still embedded in your neck. When we get to headquarters, they can be surgically removed. I did a full body scan. You don’t have any other chips implanted in your body except for your neck.

In the distance Dr. Jones could see billowing smoke and flame from a forest. The pilot answered Dr. Jones’ unasked question. A diversionary fire set to tie up their resources and cause a distraction.

The pilot handed Dr. Jones and the two moles parachutes. Dr. Jones was perplexed and concerned. What’s this? As the pilot is putting on his parachute he explained. We’ve got to parachute down. We’ll be over the drop point in six minutes. Put on your chute. You have a reserve chute, but if the first chute fails, or if any of us have a canopy collision, it’ll be too late to use the reserve chute because we’ll be too close to the ground. This is a one-shot deal for all of us.

The pilot turned to one of the moles. Help Dr. Jones put on his chute. As the mole is helping Dr. Jones into his chute the pilot asked him, What is your first name Dr. Jones? Dr. Jones replied, Phillip. I go by Phil.

The pilot checked the time and tells everyone, Three minutes to drop off. The mole helping Phil into his parachute said, Pull this handle when you jump out. Try to hit the ground sideways and don’t stick out your legs or arms rigidly. Stay loose. It’ll be bumpy. Better than spending the rest of your life in prison, right? Right, Phil nervously replied.

The two moles made sure their own chutes were secure. One mole turned to Phil. Follow us out.

The pilot set the self-destruct timer. Let’s go! This copter’s going to go into a steep dive, crash and self-destruct. Phil watched as the first mole jumped out, then the second mole. Phil could see their chutes inflating.

The pilot checked the timer. One minute to drop point Phil. If you don’t jump now, you’ll die when the helicopter crashes and blows up when you could be safe down there. If you jump after missing the drop point, you’ll get tangled up in trees. Go ahead and I’ll follow.

Phil knew jumping with a chance to be free was better than staying locked up 23 hours a day in a maximum-security federal prison. He jumped out of the helicopter and immediately pulled the handle sensing relief as the parachute expanded above him feeling the wind against his face that was exhilarating. The pilot jumped after Phil. The helicopter began a fast descent and crashed in a nearby wilderness area.

Phil could see an open meadow where the two moles were gathering their chutes as the pilot was floating downward next to him. Phil mustered his courage and loosened his legs and arms as the ground suddenly swelled up on him. Phil’s heart rate was racing as he was pulled to the side as his feet touched the ground.

The pilot ran up to Phil. You ok? Phil was shaking, but relieved. I’m ok. I’m free! It’s a miracle. This is almost as daring as the hijacking of the nuclear weapon Dr. Smith planned and managed. One of the moles hollered, Truck’s here! Get on! The pilot patted Phil on the shoulder. Grab your chute Phil.

The two moles, the pilot and Phil threw their chutes into the back of the idling truck and climbed in the back. The truck sped off. After driving for a few miles, their truck switched off with another waiting truck. As all three were walking toward the waiting truck an explosive sound caused Phil to turn around. The truck they’d just been in was engulfed in flames. They repeated this several times on back roads.

After hours of carefully heading in a northwestwardly direction and switching trucks Phil, the two moles and the pilot came to an innocuous rest stop after dark. This time they switched off with a car and cautiously got on the I-70 westbound near Grand Junction, Colorado.

Phil was checking the radio and found a news station. Quiet fellas. Let’s listen.

"We have more information about the daring and coordinated prison escape that took place this morning at the federal penitentiary at Florence, Colorado. Federal authorities are saying the notorious terrorist Phillip Jones escaped with inside and outside help. Prison authorities say five guards were killed inside the prison and two were wounded.

An attack by drones outside the prison killed eleven guards and wounded eight. Many of the wounded guards are in critical condition. Fourteen prison dogs were also killed in the attack. Federal authorities say the number of killed and wounded guards are the highest to ever happen in the history of the Federal Penitentiary System. Two prison guards, apparently plants, aided Jones in his escape.

The attack by a large number of armed drones targeted the location closest to the exit used by Jones and his accomplices in the escape. It is believed some of the drones shot small missiles at watchtowers. The drones were painted green and had U.S. Army insignia on them. The drones self-destructed and are being examined by the FBI and military investigators from Ft. Carson.

Jones and his accomplices slipped through the security fence and were lifted out by a helicopter that crashed in the Wet Mountains area. No bodies were found in the helicopter wreckage and the helicopter apparently self-destructed on impact. FAA and FBI investigators are at the crash site. It is believed Jones and the people who were with him may have jumped out of the helicopter using parachutes. No trace of parachutes has been found. No bodies have been found in the area. Tire prints from a vehicle were found in an open field a half mile away from the helicopter crash site and are being tracked.

Authorities suspect the fire that burned part of the southwest section of the San Isabel National Forest above Great Sand Dunes National Park early this morning was set on purpose as a diversion as part of what appears to be a sophisticated escape plan.

Phillip Jones, who holds two PhDs, was sentenced four years ago to six consecutive life sentences plus fifty years as a conspirator in a plot by the domestic terror group known as the Princips to attack the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach with a nuclear weapon. Federal officials are fearful this escape means the group may no longer be dormant.

Local, state and federal authorities are combing the area. Anyone within 400 miles in all directions of the Denver, Colorado Springs and Pueblo Colorado areas are advised to be on the lookout for any suspicious vehicles and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement. Authorities believe Jones is traveling by truck, but could be in a car or in any vehicle traveling in any direction. We’ll bring you more updates as soon as they are available. Turning to today’s national weather…"

Phil turned the radio off. How did you manage to pull this off?

The man who had piloted the helicopter responded. The operation was planned by many of your friends. It’s been in the works for almost two years. No offense Dr. Jones – Phil – but we three have been asked not to tell you our names for security reasons. I hope you understand.

Phil moved his head affirmatively. Yes, completely. I would expect nothing less. I am grateful beyond words for your help in my escape. I do think my escape has placed the organization in grave danger. It would have been more prudent to let me stay in prison. At this moment we’re all wanted men and the feds know we’re active.

The pilot was looking at Phil with a faint smile. Precautions have been taken. People at the highest level wanted you free to help in our greatest project. You’ll learn more when we get to headquarters.

Are you able to tell me where headquarters is?

Not yet. Please be patient. You’ll know soon enough. We’re driving straight through until we get there.

Phil felt a surge of the old swagger. The Princips are still active then! After the raid I wasn’t sure. We were badly damaged as an organization losing a lot of people and resources, including Dr. Smith. I was told he shot himself. I never did know his first name. You know how we are.

The pilot laughed. "We’ve changed some. Things are still tight, and rightly so if you remember we had traitors among us at the time, and in some ways we’re tighter than in the past, but we’ve loosened up in other ways since Los Angeles.

It was determined too much formality was bad for morale. You’ll receive a briefing when we get there. In the meantime, we all need to stay vigilant for local police roadblocks and for the Highway Patrol and National Guard. As you said Phil, we’re all wanted men."

The car continued on I-70 passing a sign saying Welcome to Utah. The pilot continued talking. "We’re in Utah now. We have another car switch to make near a town called Richfield. Phil as an engineer you’ll appreciate this. This car we’re in is outfitted with the latest anti-surveillance technology some of it known only to our scientists.

It uses the same technology that was used in the nuclear missile heist in North Dakota. The other vehicles will be outfitted with it too. We have three more switch offs to make before we get to headquarters. My two friends and I will trade off driving and being on guard.

Another team bought a used car for cash today in Pueblo and left enough blatant clues while buying it to lead someone to believe the person who bought it was you. This team will abandon it north of Denver on the I-25 to give the impression you could have been the person who bought the car and are heading north."

Phil was beginning to fall asleep still listening. That is great foresight and planning. Great planning. You all really did a job on the feds. I would like to ask why you didn’t use silencers to shoot the guards? The gunshots were heard all over the prison.

It wouldn’t have mattered Phil if we had used silencers Phil, the pilot replied. Once the panic button was cut the prison went on full alert. We did consider it and decided bringing silencers into the prison would add an unneeded variable to the mix and we opted not to use them.

The pilot saw that Phil was falling asleep. Phil you rest and sleep. We’ve been told to take good care of you.

Phil smiled to himself as he drifted off incredulous that he was out of prison and a free, even if a wanted, man.

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Phil and his cohorts arrived at Richfield, Utah as dawn was breaking. After switching cars, they cased a diner. After determining it was safe, they ate breakfast, then started back out again. It was the pilot’s turn to drive and he began talking. We’ll get on the I-15 shortly and switch cars again in Cedar City and then switch cars one last time outside Las Vegas this time an SUV. Stay alert. We’ll be home in time for a late lunch.

Phil began talking to the group. It’s a strange feeling being out and about. For four years I spent 23 hours a day in a cell. The pilot was shaking his head and inquired of Phil, Didn’t it make you go crazy being alone so much of the time? Phil reflected on the question. I was on the road to insanity. I was held in H Unit, a Special Security Unit.

One of the moles spoke up. I was stationed at the prison two years. The security is impressive. It’s called the Alcatraz of the Rookies. You can’t tell direction when you’re inside the place. It can be so quiet you can hear a pin drop. It took a lot of hard work for the Dr. Jones Rescue Project Team to anticipate and defeat their defenses. I’ve been in intense training for the last seven months. We all have.

Phil thought he’d misunderstood. Did you say the Dr. Jones Rescue Project Team? The mole broadly grinned like a Cheshire cat. That’s what they called it.

The other mole agreed. It took a lot of hard work and planning to get you out Phil. A lot of hard work and planning. You sure must be held in high regard. The Senior Staff wanted you out bad.

They arrived at Cedar City, Utah and switched cars again. The car they had been in self-immolated like spontaneous combustion and was pushed inside an abandoned barn. They briefly drove through a slice of Arizona and then reached the Nevada border.

Outside of Las Vegas on Highway 95 they trading in their vehicle for the last time this for time a four-wheel drive SUV. The pilot had a question for Phil. Care to guess where we’re going? Phil checked the map. Based on our direction and the highway we’re on I’m guessing we’re going to Death Valley.

The pilot looked at the two moles. That’s why Phil’s a doctor. He’s got a lot of smarts. You’re correct Phil that’s where we’re going Death Valley.

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Darcy Garcia-Dale and Peter Dale were married and joint CEOs and owners of the private investigative agency called Discreet Detectives International, also known as DDI, located in Beverly Hills, California.

Darcy was going over accounts receivable at her desk. Peter was checking his phone at his desk seeing how the Lakers made out last night. Sam Sergio, DDI’s Operations Director, walked in their office.

Peter noticed Sam had a serious look on his face. Hi Sam. You look worried about something. Sam slowly sat down on the plush couch across from their desks. Have any of you listened to the news in the last hour? Darcy looked up from her invoices. Hi Sam. Say again?

Sam cleared his throat. I heard on the news Phillip Jones was busted out of the federal pen in Colorado. Remember him? Peter was beginning to feel apprehensive at the news. I remember. He was one of the terrorists we testified against at the trials. He escaped?

Yes, as incredible as it sounds. It had to be an inside job. It’s shocking they could plant people in that maximum-security prison. They used drones in an attack blasting a hole in the multi-layered security fence. They killed a bunch of guards and got out by helicopter.

Darcy had a flashback. I remember they used drones to survey the Vincent Thomas Bridge. Sam had a flashback too. I was the one who first saw the drones flying around the bridge. The drones used to get Jones out of prison were lethal. They blasted two guard towers with missiles. The helicopter was found but no bodies. My bet is they skydived out of the helicopter to a waiting vehicle and are on the run. You know what this means don’t you?

Peter looked over at Darcy and they both looked at Sam. That’s right. We know for sure and without a doubt the Princips are active. There’s a good chance they’ll be coming after us now. We’re the reason their attack plan on the ports and bridge didn’t work. Our testimonies sent them to prison and disbanded their organization, or so we thought.

Darcy leaned forward. Sam, we’d talked about this after the trials when you put on extra security for all of us just in case something like this happened. You still have that security detachment watching Peter and Peter junior and me, don’t you?

Sam replied, Yes I do. I’ve scaled coverage back incrementally. After all it was what, five years ago when they tried to blow up the ports with a nuke? The Jones and Schaefer trials ended four years ago. Everyone thought the Princips were finished. I was praying that between the number of them captured and sent to prison and the number of them killed at their headquarters the Princips had been neutralized. It seems they’re back with a vengeance.

Peter stood up feeling sweaty. Peter and Darcy had never fully recovered from the PTSD they’d contracted years ago. Peter had a question for Sam. Can you put more security on? We can afford the expense. Put more security on. Whatever it is double it. You agree right babe?

Darcy stood up also. I agree. Logically this would be the time to do that. Sam, what is your best advice from a security perspective for all of us and DDI?

Sam had a quick answer. Avi. He’s the best in the business. His security firm is legendary. I’m calling Avi. I’m sure he’ll discount his price considering how we helped him find the plans for the temple that made him and us famous. It’ll still be costly if we go on 24/7 coverage with Avi’s firm know that.

Peter said, I’m sure Darcy will agree to his price whatever it is even without her doing a cost analysis. Get going on it.

Darcy sat back down in her chair looking over at Peter slightly annoyed.

What if I wanted to do a cost analysis?

Because logically as you would say this is too important for us to be concerned with trivialities like a cost analysis and we’re rich.

As Sam was walking out the door Darcy called out after him. Be sure to get the best discount you can from Avi. Keep us posted.

Sam turned his head and shouted out, Yes boss. I’ll keep you posted.

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2

Homecoming

Phil was thinking of his comrades who were killed and captured in the raid on their compound north of Los Angeles where he had been captured by Navy SEALS after the attack on the ports had been stopped. Phil had a question for the pilot and moles. Does anyone know what happened Dr. Kahn, Dr. Wilcox, Dr. Miskaryan and Dr. Wang? Do you know if they were killed or captured?

The pilot thought about it. I don’t about them. I know that about 45 or 50 of our comrades were captured in the raid or at the ports and about 15 of them like you were sent to high security prisons. You were the only one sent to the ADX Florence prison. Most of the others received lighter sentences than you did and were sentenced to medium security prisons. Phil, do you remember Dr. Schaefer?

Phil remembered. Yes. Dr. Schaefer was put on trial at the same time I was. What happened to him? The pilot said, Dr. Schaefer was sentenced to life without parole like you and was sent to the federal prison in Beaumont, Texas.

One of the moles spoke up. Dr. Wang was also sent to that same prison in Beaumont. Dr. Miskaryan managed to escape and is on an important assignment at a satellite company as a head honcho. Dr. Kahn shot himself to evade capture, like many of the comrades did who couldn’t get away though the escape tunnel. Dr. Wilcox escaped and is on assignment working undercover at an aerospace sub-contractor supporting Forensics in parts acquisition.

Phil was taking this in. Since Wang and Schaefer are housed at the same prison you could have focused on that prison in Texas had gotten two comrades out instead of one.

The Senior Staff decided to focus on getting you out, the pilot replied. They are still thinking about ways to get Schaefer and Wang out, but with your breakout the feds will review their procedures and intensify their prison security. You won the lotto and were chosen. I was told you were the most valuable comrade in prison not only because of your engineering background but because of your leadership experience during the L.A. operation.

How many comrades were killed in the raid?

We lost over 150 comrades Phil. For those who couldn’t get away in time most fought to the death or committed suicide like Dr. Kahn and Dr. Smith. They took a lot of those Navy SEALS with them. Speaking of helicopters, they managed to shoot one of them down, remember that?

Phil recalled the computer lab worker who managed to get off a shot from a Stinger missile blowing up a landing helicopter full of SEALS before he was killed. I was there. I was exchanging fire with SEALS on that helicopter when I was rushed from behind and captured. I was ready to die. I would have killed myself if I could have. I didn’t tell them anything. All they found out about me came from the few comrades turned cowards who turned state’s evidence.

The memory pained Phil. He had another question. How many comrades escaped like you?

I’m not sure, The pilot replied and looking at the two moles asked, You guys know? I got out through the escape tunnel that bore through the high hill over the compound. How did you guys get out?

The first mole: I was in Wilmington on big rig duty the morning of the raid heading back to the L.A. headquarters when we got a text to go underground and meet up at the emergency headquarters in Roundup, Montana.

The second mole: I was at headquarters that morning and got out through the escape tunnel too. I heard we were able to destroy most of the sensitive computers and documents before leaving once we knew we were under attack not leaving much for the feds to find. I think more than 750 comrades were able to escape including children.

The pilot rejoined the conversation. Most of us rendezvoused in Roundup. For the last two years we’ve been working out of the new headquarters in Death Valley. At the time of the attack 200 comrades were at Roundup. Roundup is still the backup emergency headquarters.

Phil was happy to hear that a large number of comrades had been able to get away that day and that the organization had managed to resurrect itself. This is such good news. I never dreamed I’d be free again and be back with my comrades again.

Phil’s inquisitiveness came to the fore and he turned to the pilot. What’s this greatest project you told me about? The pilot answered, You’ll find out soon. We’re a few miles from headquarters.

Phil had one more inquiry to make. What can you tell me about Darcy Garcia and Peter Dale? Have you heard anything about them?

One of the moles spoke up. "They became famous. Not only because of their involvement in exposing us, but also because they co-discovered plans or prints of an ancient temple in Israel the Second Temple that once was on top of Mount Moriah in Jerusalem. I learned a lot about it because it was all over the news. You can read about it on the internet.

They own a detective agency based in Beverly Hills, California called Discrete Detectives International."

Phil felt a surge of anger and hostility. I’m not in the least bit interested in reading about their exploits. Hasn’t the organization taken steps against them? They testified at my trial assuring I would be sentenced to either death or life in prison without parole. There was someone else, two other people, can’t remember their names off the top of my head, who also testified against me and the others. One of them would engage me in staring duels during the trial. Sam Sergio that’s his name. Sam Sergio.

The other mole spoke up. The other man was Fred Barclay. Barclay and Sergio were part of the testimony along with Dale and Garcia against you and others. Did you know they were all given medals at a ceremony presented by the President in front of Congress that was televised live?

Phil didn’t want to hear about honors bestowed he wanted to hear about retributions planned. For the first time since his freedom he was feeling anger toward his comrades. Phil raised his voice saying, Let me ask you one more time. Hasn’t the organization taken steps against them?

The pilot joined the discussion sensing that Phil was becoming agitated. "Phil try to relax. Yes, we’re working on that. We’ve obviously had to keep a low profile since the raid. It’s taken us a time to rebuild and restructure.

Reestablishing and relocating the headquarters to Death Valley was no small feat. It took an enormous amount of money and bribery and logistics and planning and effort and incredible civil engineering even by our standards.

Getting you out took tremendous effort. The training we endured to break you out was excruciating. If I had a nickel for every practice run I took part in I’d have ten dollars."

Phil cheered up. Is the greatest project you mentioned to exact revenge on Dale and Garcia and Sergio and Barclay? The pilot said, "No, it’s not. But believe me the organization