Back to China: Jim Scott Books, #25

By Mike Jackson

I've had requests for another Jim Scott book, because some readers evidently weren't satisfied with the help he gave Bob Becker in Bigfoot Bait or Pool Of Blood.  So here is the requested book, Back to China, Sim Scott Boks #25.  In it, the new President asks Jim to help retrieve two topflight physicists from China, where they were taken after the Chinese kidnapped them in a bloody shootout on the streets of Las Vegas.  The President is made aware of Jim's capabilities by Tony Henry, now Sir Anthony, the British SIS (MI6) Chief.  A previous President, who had served during the time the Janitors were together, happens to be visiting the White House at the time.  He also endorses Jim as the man for the job.

A side issue in the book is the matter of a Chinese team bent on assassinating the new President.

When I was just a young lad, the thought of flying at the speed of sound was unheard of.  Yet lo and behold, we now have planes flying at much faster speeds.  Therefore, reaching the speed of light should not be written off as impossible.  While the sci-fi folks have come up with ideas like portals, et cetera, for mankind to travel to the stars, in reality it will have to be done at least faster than the speed of light, to accomplish the job.  Perhaps such speed is being worked on at Groom Lake (Area 51).  If so, I am well-satisfied we don't know about it.  I also hope no one in Washington, D.C. knows about it either, since no one there seems capable of keeping their mouths closed about our technological breakthroughs. 

This is the story, in part, of a couple of guys who are working on that very project…in Area 51.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mike Jackson
• Release date: Feb 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215270417

Mike Jackson

After serving in the Navy, Mike Jackson went into construction for a couple of years, then into banking for a few more. His next endeavor was in sales, where he spent most of the remainder of his life…until he started writing. On finding out that the most enjoyable thing of his life was writing, he's kept at it for several years and is still plodding along. Mike is married with two adult children and two grandkids. Mike and his wife have one dog at the present time, but he is a pip…and runs the house.

Book preview

Back To China

A Novel

By

Mike Jackson

1.

Kevin Hogan and Marlin Walendy left the helicopter they arrived in at Nellis Air Force Base, in Las Vegas.  They were soon placed in the middle vehicle, of three black SUVs with heavily-tinted windows.  They sat in the back.  The six men meeting them were part of a DOD security team, tasked with the safety of the two men.

With two members of the security team in each of the three vehicles, they drove off the base.  Less than half a mile from the front entrance to Nellis, a dump truck swerved in front of the lead SUV and the driver slammed on his brakes.  At the same time, another dump truck drove up to the rear bumper of the trailing SUV, pushed it forward to the second SUV, and kept pushing until the second one ran into the first.

As that was happening, three black sedans pulled up alongside the SUVs on the driver’s side.  Four more sedans drove down the shoulder of the road, and pulled up alongside the right (passenger) side of the now-totally-boxed in SUVs. 

Almost immediately, two men jumped out of each of the dump trucks, while four more men got out of each of the sedans.  They weren’t the only ones leaving their vehicles, as the six-man DOD team was out, and were quickly doing battle with the thirty-two men in the attacking force.  The gun battle was fierce, if short-lived.  When the shooting stopped, Kevin Hogan and Marlin Walendy were jerked out of the middle SUV, and placed in one of the sedans.  Two of the attackers got in the rear with them, securing their hands and placing hoods over their heads.  Another attacker got in to drive, with still one more getting in the front passenger seat, before the sedan roared off.

At the shootout scene, all six DOD team members were on the ground, with multiple wounds.  Two were dead—the other four unable to fight, due to their injuries.  The attackers suffered more.  Twelve were dead or dying. Ten others had non-life-threatening wounds.  Their total of dead and wounded presented a serious problem for the attackers, because they all had to be loaded in the remaining cars.    

As fast as they could, all members of the gang were crammed into one car or another and driving from the scene.  Each car had left as soon as it was loaded, so the four uninjured members of the attacking group left together with the last car.  The dump trucks were left at the scene. 

In the meantime, several calls had been placed to 911.  The first police units to arrive were nearly four minutes late, as all the attackers were gone.  Several bystanders, and other observers of the carnage, quickly filled in the first policemen to arrive.  A fast check of the three SUVs determined they had come from Nellis, as they had stickers in the windows for the base. 

When the call came into the base about the situation, there was a mad scramble to get military personnel on the way.  It took a while for other DOD personnel familiar with the plan to transport Kevin and Marlin to a major casino/hotel—and still longer for local Homeland Security personnel to be notified.  After the FBI arrived, they got everyone organized, to try to recover the two who had been kidnapped.

Meanwhile, the sedan transporting Kevin Hogan and Marlin Walendy reached the small airport, where a long-range executive jet was waiting.  On arriving, the two captives were hustled aboard.  Once the two were placed in seats, with seatbelts snugged up tightly, the plane took off, heading to the west...far to the west. 

Both men had been gagged before being put in the seats, to preclude their communicating.  Even though they couldn’t speak, they could still think, and both realized why they had been abducted.  Only one, Kevin, was sure they would be rescued in time.  He, like Marlin, was one of the leading physicists in the world.  Kevin was Australian, but had gone to school at Cambridge.  Even before he graduated, his talents as a physicist had become obvious.  He was approached by the British government about working for them.  He agreed.

Marlin followed a slightly different course, but wound up working for the U.S. government.  In time—as both continued to excel and climb to the very top of their field—they shared the long-sought hope of finding a propulsion system capable of making realistic universal travel no longer a pipe-dream.  As they neared what they hoped was a true solution, the British and U.S. governments decided to ask both to work together on the project...at Area 51 in Nevada.

That is where they came from when landing at Nellis.  They had reached a point of total exhaustion, and had asked for permission to spend a few days in Las Vegas, to get away from their work and clear their minds.  Not fifty men in either nation were aware of their work, or their pending vacation.  Those not aware were the new President of the United States, and Prime Minister of Great Britton.  Both men were soon to be made aware.

As part of the security preparations for the trip to Las Vegas, a British SIS (MI6) four-man team had been going over security at the selected casino/hotel, where the two would be staying.  They and the six-man DOD team—now shot to pieces—had been allowed full access to the hotel security system, even though no casino personnel knew exactly who would be staying at their hotel, since false names had been used.

When the four SIS agents had been standing around for twenty minutes past the pre-determined time of arrival of their charges, one of them called one of his counterparts from the DOD team.  Of course, there was no answer.  However, the FBI agent holding the phone quickly, checked on the calling number.  Since the phone was a highly sophisticated British government issued phone, nothing about the call could be traced.  In the meantime, the FBI team investigating the incident near Nellis had a GPS trace put on the phone.  Two agents were dispatched to speak to the holder of the phone, but were cautioned to tread lightly—since the phone they detected might be what it actually was, one belonging to a friendly intelligence agent.

When two FBI agents walked up to the man who had called, they identified themselves.  One gave the number of the DOD officer, and asked, Did you just try to call that number?

After a bit of dancing around by both groups, the SIS agents soon had the story of what had happened.  To say they were not pleased to have not been informed much sooner, about the kidnapping and shootout would be a great understatement.  A member of the team immediately called his home office, and asked for his Chief. 

SIS Chief Sir Anthony Henry got on the line.  I take it you have some disturbing news for me.  We are aware Mr. Hogan is not where he is supposed to be.

Yes, sir—I’m afraid you’re right.  He...and Mr. Walendy have been kidnapped.

The agent explained what he knew about the situation.  When he finished, Sir Anthony asked, Do you have any knowledge of just who did this?

None, sir.  Though from what I just heard one of the FBI agents tell the other agents with me, it seems several witnesses stated they seemed to be Asian.

Very well.  Do what you can.  I will be back to you.

When he got off the phone, Sir Anthony asked, What is the status of our GPS device?

Moving past the coast of California...almost certainly in an airplane, sir.  If one was to extend a straight line from Nevada through their present location, it would cross over Japan, Korea, and into China...if it doesn’t stop in North Korea.

Thank you...I’d bet on China.  That pipsqueak, Kim Jong Un, doesn’t have the smarts or balls to pull off an operation like this.  In fact our man in Korea says a recent flight of American fighters headed for North Korea caused him to wet himself...before they veered off at the last second.

Within three seconds, Sir Anthony called #10 Downing Street.  When he had the Prime Minister on the line, he paused just a moment, then spoke.  Sir, we have a very serious situation.

Which is?

Sir Anthony explained what he knew of the shootout and kidnapping, then added, These two men were working at the American facility known as Area 51.  It is believed they were about to make a major breakthrough in a propulsion system unlike anything before it.  If they succeed, not only will mankind be able to visit distant solar systems, but weapons containing bombs would be able to reach halfway around the world in a matter of minutes...possibly seconds.

I have heard nothing of this.  Why am I only now hearing about it?

Not my decision, sir.  I, and a very few of my people, were tasked with the safety of Mr. Hogan.

A job you evidently have failed miserably.

The Prime Minister immediately regretted those words and apologized.  Sir Anthony understood the Prime Minister’s angst, and got back to the problem.  He suggested he and the Prime Minister, head for America as soon as possible by the fastest means available.

Why?  What would we be able to accomplish?

I’m afraid—if my worst fears are correct—that the Chinese have them.  We will have to work with the Americans for their fast recovery.  America has, amongst other things, an asset we do not...a chap by the name of Jim Scott.

What is so special about Mr. Scott?

Mr. Prime Minister, if we leave now for America, by the time we get there, he will have a well-thought-out plan to recover these two men.  I have a few ideas, but no one on this planet is as capable as Mr. Scott for a task of this nature.  I feel we must recover these two men within twenty-four hours, or they will be pumped dry of what knowledge they have, by the time we follow normal procedures.

Sir Anthony then explained his thinking in detail, and after another few minutes the Prime Minister agreed to leave for America immediately.  Once they were airborne, Sir Anthony asked the Prime Minister to give the new American President a call, to announce they were on their way, and to ask permission to land at Andrews Air Force Base, with a helicopter standing by to take them to the White House.

When the call came in from the Prime Minister, the new President was in the Oval Office with the former President.  The ex-President was there just as a courtesy, and for a chat about how to conduct the business of President, as seen through the eyes of a man who had dealt with the 9/11/01 Muslim attack on America.

Since the person who answered the call, had informed him who was calling, the President answered his phone, Hello, Mr. Prime Minister.  To what do I owe the honor of your call?

I’m in the air, on my way to meet with you, about the kidnapping of Mr. Hogan and Mr. Walendy.

Who?  Who are they?

Are you not aware those two have been kidnapped?

No—and I have no idea who they are.

It was small comfort, to have company in being kept in the dark, by one’s own government, but it did run through the Prime Minister’s mind, before he told the President who and what the two men were, and what they had been working on.  He also informed the President that he and Sir Anthony thought it best if the two countries worked together, to recover the two men at the earliest possible time. 

The President was stunned, but immediately controlled his anger at knowing nothing about the matter, and agreed to have the Prime Minister met at Andrews and flown to the White House.  After those items were agreed to, the Prime Minister suggested, It might be a good idea for you to speak with Sir Anthony.  He has a few things he’d like to put in motion, while we’re in the air.

Fine—put him on the line.

Mr. President, the best man to handle this matter is Jim Scott.  I expect by the time the Prime Minister and I arrive, he will have developed a recovery plan, and will be ready to proceed immediately.  With your permission, I’d like to call him.  He’s an old friend, and I can get him in the air to Washington at once.  He might even be able to arrive before we do, sir.

The President at least knew who Jim Scott was.  He knew he was very rich, and had given much to his campaign for the Presidency.  He had also done a wonderful job of fund-raising for the campaign.  The President, however, had no idea Jim had the capabilities Sir Anthony indicated he had. 

He agreed to have Jim contacted and asked for help.  When he mentioned Jim’s name to Sir Anthony, his guest sat up straight in his chair, and smiled.  The President noticed and, after ending the call with Sir Anthony, asked, You seem to be familiar with Mr. Scott.

You might say.  He did a few things for me while I had your job...things totally off the record, and often quite outside the law.  I consider him a friend...he has made several visits to Crawford.  I know it is not my place to ask, but would you mind telling me why Jim is going to be coming here?

The President quickly told his guest what the problem was.  When he finished, the ex-President took a deep breath, then exhaled.  You can find no man better suited, nor more capable to handle this, than Jim.

Would you mind staying around for the next little bit?  I might need some insight on how to proceed...especially since you know Jim Scott so well.  I think the first thing I should do is find out why in the hell I knew nothing about what those two were up to—and also why I have heard nothing about this kidnapping.

Be happy to stay around for a while.  I might suggest we move to the war room, and work from there.  Much easier to shut down those recording systems.

The President nodded, and grinned.  I take it you’ve had experience in talking where you can’t be heard.  Don’t bother answering...let’s do as you say.  I’m thinking Ken Alexander, my National Security Advisor, someone from DOD...probably start at the top and go for the Chairman.  Also suppose the FBI and CIA directors—and, of course, Homeland Security.

That would be a good place to start.  I must admit that during my time, I knew little of what was going on out at Area 51.  When you call the Joint Chiefs Chairman, you might find out if he knows anything before he comes over.  If not, have him send whoever does.

Good point—let’s go.

***

While the President and ex-President were having their discussion, Sir Anthony had been busy.  His first call was to Jim Scott.  Jim, need you headed for Washington in the next three minutes...crashing emergency.  Better bring Bear with you...plus your lovely bride.  We can talk more when you’re in the air.

Three minutes might be pushing it, Tony.  But will leave ASAP.  No Bear, however.  He, Sarah, and kids are up north a ways.  Take them four hours to get back.  Should I wait—or have Sarah fly him out when they get back?

Bear Turner, his wife Sarah, and their children lived on the Scott ranch.  Bear was a retired Marine and SEAL.  He also belonged to a CIA led group, funded by Jim, that worked closely with the English (SIS and SAS).

Don’t have time for that.

Hector’s here with Rosa, on a visit.

Hector was Hector Garcia, a retired Marine Master Sergeant, longtime friend and comrade in arms of Jim’s.  They had been part of a team, led by Jim that did off the books (black bag) jobs, from nine months before the 9/11 Islamist attack on America and running for nearly seven years.  He also helped out the CIA-led team, working with the English from time to time. 

Oh...well why didn’t you say so in the first place?  Load him up and leave—now.  Glad the Jim Scott luck is holding...though I have a bit of it going for me, too.

You mean Wendy being in England?  War bags?

Of course—and ‘yes’ to Wendy.

Tony was laughing at that exchange, when he called SIS headquarters.  Maggie Littlefield, his number two at MI6, answered, Where are we, Tony?

Have Jim headed to D.C.  Since we are blessed with having Wendy around, get her—if willing—on her plane, headed east with Oscar...and a double squad with him aboard.

Where east—and what about me?

We’ll figure out where east in a bit—for now head toward Turkey.  You stay right where you are.  You’re running things from there.

You’re not telling me something.

How astute, young lady.

***

At Jim’s ranch, he looked at Hector.  We’re going somewhere.  Something hot.  That was Tony.  Let’s gear up and split.  Come on, Holly...you’re flying...to D.C.  Rosa, sorry to leave you sitting here.  When Sarah gets back, have her fly you home...unless I need her to fly Bear somewhere.

Rosa Garcia, Hector’s wife, was familiar with the urgency of this type of situation, and just nodded.  This was far from first time that just out of the blue, Hector would be going off somewhere with Jim, and she had no idea of where.  She just got up, walked over to Hector, kissed him, and gave him her usual orders.  Come home safe, Mr. Garcia.

Ten minutes later, one of the three very high-performance executive jets on Jim’s property was airborne:  destination, Washington, D.C.

2.

As soon as Holly had the plane on a heading to D.C., Jim called Sir Anthony.  Okay, pal, Holly is flying Hector and me to Andrews.  I’ll give you my plane info shortly.  But right now, I’d sorta like to know what the hell’s going on.

Kevin Hogan and Marlin Walendy have been kidnapped.  They were working on a special project at Area 51.  Those two are world-class...

Physicists...I’m familiar with some of their concepts.  Let me guess—they were kidnapped in Las Vegas.  If so, where were your people?

They were waiting at the casino hotel, where the two were going to enjoy some R&R.  DOD had a six-man team, in three SUVs, pick them up at Nellis Air Force Base, for transport to the hotel.  They made it less than a mile.  As of right now, they—or at least Hogan, and presumably Walendy—are heading west from Las Vegas.  Their present heading has them winding up in China—if, of course, I’m correct in assuming the Chinese are behind this.

You’re probably right.  So you want Hector and me to snatch them back?

Yes.

I suppose you have no idea where in China they might be taken?

Just a hunch...one of the Jim Scott variety....one of your gut feelings.  There is a recently constructed Chinese facility in the middle of nowhere...Qinghai Provence, to be precise.  It was built into the side of a small mountain—more like a hill—and has a nice new road running quite a distance, to and past the facility.  They have only recently moved the heavy construction equipment out of the area.  Umm...one more thing—the road leads nowhere once past the facility.  It may or may not be completed.

How long did the construction take?

Roughly six months.

How long have Hogan and Walendy been at Area 51?

The better part of a year.

I’d say you may be right, but I’ll draw up two plans:  one for populated area, and one for the ‘middle of nowhere.’  By the way, since you seem to have sure knowledge of where at least Hogan is, I assume you have a GPS device imbedded in him somehow. 

Correct.  Now, give me your plane info.  You’ll be met at Andrews, and flown to the White House.  We’ll meet you there.

Who is ‘we’?

The Prime Minister and me.

Jim nodded to himself, and gave Sir Anthony the information.  Then he got down to serious planning.  While he worked on the plan, Hector watched.  At one point, Hector asked, You know we’ll need at least four, don’t you?

What I was thinking.  You’re figuring out who the other two will be.  I’m not real sure on timing, but I’d say we’ll have very little, so probably none of the folks who readily come to mind will do.

***

While Jim and Hector did their planning, the President, ex-President, and the President’s National Security Advisor, Ken Alexander, had moved to the Situation Room (called the War Room by many) of the White House.  In time they had been joined by the Air Force Lieutenant General, who had the most knowledge of the research being done by Kevin and Marlin at Area 51.  He gave them a brief rundown on what the project entailed, and explained that both Hogan and Walendy were worn to a frazzle, and really needed some time off.  He was thanked, and left. 

After he left, the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Directors of the FBI and CIA arrived.  The President looked across the table at those three.  Are any of you aware that two leading scientists, working on a secret project at Area 51, were kidnapped early this morning just after leaving Nellis Air Force base?

The Director of the CIA shook his head.  The Director of the FBI nodded, and the Secretary of Homeland security answered, Yes, sir

May I ask why I was not informed?

The Secretary of Homeland Security swallowed, and looked at the FBI Director, who answered, We are investigating the matter as we speak.  To tell you the truth, I had no idea they were of great enough importance to inform the White House at this point, sir.

Two men from Area 51 are kidnapped in broad daylight, after a major shootout on the streets of Las Vegas, and you had no idea I might be just a bit interested?  Never mind...don’t bother answering.  Where is your investigation presently?

The last I heard, it has been determined three dump trucks used in the matter, were reported stolen about an hour before the incident.  No trace of the cars used has yet been found.  A major effort is underway to find the two missing men.

The President thought for a few moments, then waved his hand in a dismissive fashion.  He looked at Ken Alexander.  When are the Prime Minister and his Chief of SIS due to arrive here in D.C.?

The last I checked, they were due in about two hours.

The President raised his eyebrows.  Must be some fast plane.

Then, after a brief pause, he looked at the two Directors and Secretary.  You three go see what you can find out.  Report back here two hours from now.  If you think you can accomplish what you need to using the phones here in the White House, please feel free to do so.

After a bit of discussion, Ken Alexander led all three to separate rooms to conduct their phone calling.  When those four had left, the President looked at the ex-President and asked, Anything you’d like to say?

Not now.  Best wait for both Sir Anthony and Jim to arrive.  Knowing the plane our British friends are using, and the one Jim will come in, I’d guess they will arrive about the same time.

***

As the two Presidents chatted while waiting for their arrival, Sir Anthony, Jim, and Hector were all very busy.  Aboard his plane, Sir Anthony was getting frequent updates on the course the GPS unit inside Kevin Hogan was traveling.  He also knew that a C-130, given to SIS by Jim Scott, was in the air, headed for Turkey.  This particular C-130 performed better than any other in the world.  Jim had paid a king’s ransom on a retrofit that included new, much more powerful engines,