North Star Literature

Shadow War III

So Whats the story on the new story?

Shadow War was about a Nuke threat, SWII a biological. SWIII Pirates?

That is right Somali pirates and a brand new idea to send them into the history books along side their Caribbean counterparts. The Wind Walker team again leading the way. While a smart young Naval officer gets an opportunity to try out a tactic not used since the Q boats of WWII. Lost and missing Pirates make piracy a little less appealing.

I'll update this page occasionally, just to keep you all wondering.

Thanks for all the support

TR Wallace

Shadow War III, The Murky waters of Diplomacy

Chapter One

It was a fine day for sailing as Victor Astor and his wife made their way north up the African coast. Just three weeks ago they had stopped for a few days in Cape Town, South Africa to replenish their stores. As well as take a long overdue break after cruising the east coast of Africa. Victor had recently retired from a public life as the Governor of the state of Georgia. It had been a life long dream of his to sail around the world. He had bought the boat many years ago at a discounted price. The boat was in need of many repairs, and served as a pet project for many of those years. Because of his hard work the forty foot long sloop had once again been brought back to its former glory.

The couple had read all the warnings before starting their little adventure. The State Department had listed this part of the African coast as the most dangerous. Because of this Victor and his wife planned to sail straight past taking turns at the wheel. Also as a precaution Victor had purposely set a course that veered away from the coast putting their small craft at the edge of international waters. He felt it would be safer in the open waters off the coast. They expected to be clear of the area in a couple days and free to continue their trip at ease.

Since changing course he had only spotted one other ship, an old freighter headed the opposite way. It was of no concern since it had to be at least two or three miles away. As darkness fell over the small craft his wife Abbey brought him a plate of fresh fruit to nibble at as he started his night shift at the wheel. “How far must we travel like this”, she asked?

“We're making good time, he assured her. At this rate we will clear the area by sunrise I expect”.

All night Victor dutifully stood his post at the wheel. By daybreak he knew they were now at the edge of safer waters. Scanning the horizon he saw nothing but a small freighter coming their way from the northeast. Someone making port on the Somalian coast no doubt. Victor raised his binoculars to get a better look at the vessel. It was a split freighter flying what looked like a French flag. He could not be sure yet since they were still a distance away. But their course was such that they would pass behind the small craft in just a matter of minutes.

Victor continued to watch the ship and its crew who were out on deck attending to their own duties. Suspecting nothing he turned to his wife and said, continue on a heading of 015, I'm going below to nap for a while”.

“You do that mister I know you have to be worn out after the day you just put in”, she replied as she watched he descend into the galley.

Abbey took a seat at the wheel as she sipped at her coffee and checked the course again herself. She

too now watched as the freighter drew even closer. Some of the men out on deck waved a friendly greeting as the ship started to pass by two hundred yards astern of the small boat. Abby waved back as she would to anyone else they had encountered. Now even a few men on the bridge came out to look down at the small craft but those men were not waving.

As the freighter passed by suddenly she saw the three small Zodiacs come around the stern of the ship racing towards the sloop. Frighted Abbey screamed to Victor, “Victor get up here quick we have a problem”.

Victor who had just laid down sprung to his feet and made for the cockpit of his boat. As he did so he grabbing a .38 caliber pistol from his chart table before going up the ladder. As he emerged from below he saw that the boats had drawn withing a hundred yards and were gaining quickly. Knowing they could not possibly out run them he yelled, “turn hard to port and then hard to starboard. We can not out run them but we can sure as hell make it hard for them to board us”.

As Abbey steered an evasive course Victor brandished the pistol in the hope that seeing he was armed might change the minds of these pirates. Yet when they saw him waving the handgun they only fired a burst of automatic weapon fire over his head.

They were now within a hundred feet and Victor started firing wildly until the pistol was empty and then dropped to the deck as they returned fire.

“Abbey get below”, he yelled as he reached up and continued steering the zig-zag course. Within another minute he felt the impact of the first boat as he bumped it with the hull. Turning immediately away he hit another on the port side. Then he heard the sounds of men clamoring aboard his boat.

Next he saw the young African man standing at the rail on the starboard side looking down on him.

“It was a good try, he said. Give up now and we will not have to hurt you or the lady. Then turning to one of the others he said, cut the sails loose”.

“What do you want, Victor said as he stood. We are American citizens you know that right”?

“Oh Mr. American we know that already, and your people will pay a good price to get you back. As he said this he motioned for the others to go below.

“Don't hurt my wife, Victor pleaded, we will do whatever you want”.

“You will do whatever we tell you to either way now, he said as the sounds of a struggle rose from below.

As the boat slowed to a stop with its sails hanging from the mast Victor and Abbey were loaded aboard a zodiac, under guard and taken to the freighter.

**********************

Lofton was woke by an aide and told he was needed. Victor Aston had been an old pal of Lofton's back in his early days as a congressman from Michigan. Back then he and Aston had served in congress together. The two junior congressmen found they had more than just their party in common. Both had grown up in rural farming community's. Both had been involved with unions, and both won their seats by promising to push their unions needs once they were elected. Together they became the union voice in congress.

As President Lofton walked out into the hallway he asked, “so what is this all about Johnson? I'm not in the habit of being woken at four am, this had better be important”.

“I figured you would want to know as soon as possible sir, Johnson replied. Victor Aston and his wife have been taken by the Somalian pirates. They are asking for a million each”.

Walking into his office Lofton sat down at his desk and thought about this a moment. “Wake the secretary of state, I want the State Department all over this as soon as they come to work this morning. Wake Admiral Deaver as well I'm going to need him to stop by so we can talk options. And since the people saw fit to vote me out of office I may as well use our pirates as well. Call Wind Walker and schedule a meeting for this afternoon with one of their people. I may as well use everything, I'm going to be a civilian in another month anyway”.

“I'll see that it is done immediately sir, Johnson said. Is there anything else sir”?

“I'm sure the CIA is aware of this as well contact them and leave a message for their new Director. I will need to speak with him as soon as he arrives this morning”.

**********************

At five am Jim Kelley woke to his phone ringing in the kitchen of the cabin. Weary Jim thought who in the hell is calling so early in the morning. Stumbling half awake into the hall he made his way to the kitchen and picked up the phone. “Hello”, he said as he switched on the kitchen light.

“Get dressed Jim your flight leaves Traverse City in an hour and a half, Mike said. We have an audience with his majesty at the White House today”.

“Whoa there Hoss, Jim said, back up I thought you said White House. What is this all about”?

“I'll fill you in with the details when I pick you up at Reagan, but bare facts Somali pirates took a friend of Lofty's and he wants them back fast I'm guessing”.

“You don't say”?

“I do say and you need to catch that flight, the info was,sent to your phone. You connect in Indianapolis and arrive here around noon, so get a move on there boss,” Mike said as he ended the call.

Jim hung up the phone and sprang into action. That is right after he started some coffee.

The morning routine of the White House had been turned upside down as priority was given to anything related to the kidnapping. As President Lofton walked the Secretary of State to the door and bid him farewell he spotted he next appointment. “Admiral Deaver so glad you could take time to come over, he said as he escorted the Admiral into the office. I'm sure that by now you have heard about my old colleague being taken by the pirates what can the Navy offer in regard to this”?

Settling into the chair in front of the desk Deaver asked, “what do you want the Navy to do about this sir”?

“We do have a fleet in that area do we not, Lofton asked? So why are people still at risk when they travel those waters”?

“Sir we have a fleet in the region. We have patrol vessels that are constantly searching international waters for pirate threats. As well as the Canadians, British, French and others. We even have special forces employed in our interdiction into the problem. But the rules of maritime law as well as international diplomacy have our hands tied. You can not stop what is going on there with one hand tied behind your back. But if your asking me why a former Governor was taken, I haven't a clue”.

“What we need Admiral is a better defensive plan, a way to use the rules they now hide behind against them”.

The Admiral smiled then said, “I may have an idea that could sound a bit bizarre sir but this is not a problem that we in the Navy have overlooked. I met with a sub commander back in 09 that had a great idea. Problem then was your cuts to the Navy's budget. So the idea was set aside. Perhaps now would be a good time to revisit it. Opening his case he removed a file marked classified and titled simply Operation Trojan. Placing the file on Lofton's desk he said, this may be what your looking for sir”.

As Lofton examined the plan Deaver took a moment to wander about the office. He stopped occasionally to examine photographs, or plaques. But he made sure nothing interrupted the presidents viewing of the plan. Finally Lofton cleared his throat and asked, “how long would it take to build such a craft”?

Deaver smiled as he turned towards the President and said, “how many do you want sir”?

“If what I just read here can be done, I want one as soon as possible deployed against the pirates. So how long are we talking Deaver”?

“It can be ready to fly out tomorrow, ready to deploy inside a week. And I give you my word you will have your first pirates by the end of that first week sir”.

“You talk as if this boat is already done, Lofton said. On a downsized budget, that you yourself just sat here and complained about. You still managed to build a vessel that was never even approved”.

“Not everything needs approval sir, there is always another way to get things done in this town. You know that better than most sir”, Deaver replied.

“Make it happen and fast, I want them to see the consequences of messing with US citizens”, Lofton said.

“Yes sir”, Deaver said as he saluted and did an about face and walked towards the door.

That afternoon when Mike picked Jim up at the airport it was starting to snow. The weather called for a major storm to move through the area that night. Jim didn't look forward to being snowed in at the Wind Walker compound. Some of the guy's didn't care much for cold weather. Especially Dave who missed his home in Alabama most dearly when the cold weather blew in.

Once they were both in the car Mike told Jim what he knew already. “Somali pirates took the former governor of Georgia and his wife sometime early this morning. They contacted the US Embassy in Ghana making their ransom demands known. From there the state dept took over and contacted the president because they recognized the name. I am not sure but I think we are being called in for a mission”.

“I don't know Mike, Jim said as he settled back in the seat. Lofton doesn't really like the team I doubt he is going to use us for anything other than a back up plan. I mean look at the record, I'm just glad he is on his way out”.

“What else could it be, Mike said smiling, we are finally getting some field time again. He knows he is on the way out, he has nothing to lose.

Jim was skeptical at best, he hadn't trusted Lofton from day one. He had always tried to remain respectful but guarded his personal views to protect the team. Lofton could be treacherous if crossed this he knew. So did his former boss Mitch Fox who finally had enough of the teleprompter camera hound and quit. Lofton always thought of his image first before doing anything. And if it was a success bathed in the credit. But failures were handed down to aides, directors and other subordinates to take the blame. He was slick and nothing bad ever stuck to him.

When they finally reached the hallway outside the office they stood waiting only a couple minutes before Lofton opened the door and welcomed them in. “Sorry to keep you waiting, he said, but as you can imagine it has been a hectic day here. Have a seat guys, get comfortable I suspect this may be a lengthy discussion.”

Mike and Jim sat down on the leather couch facing the matching wing chair where Lofton planted

himself. “I have a vague idea why we are here Mr. President, but how about you fill in the gaps, Jim said. I know Americans were taken from a pleasure boat while sailing off the coast of Africa. To me that is a State Department problem isn't it”?

“Normally so Mr. Kelley, Lofton agreed, but this time it is someone I know. Normally I would let the State Dept. handle this but Victor could be used against us. Remember as a congressman he had access to a lot of classified items. We can not risk him being compromised further than he already has been. We need him back and fast before they can figure out his value to us”.

Jim thought about that a moment and said, “he was a congressman twenty years ago. What could he know that would still be classified”?

“Sorry Kelley but your just going to have to trust me on this one”.

“So what exactly are you suggesting we do then Mr. President”, Jim asked point blank.

“I finally have to sanction a mission with your team, Lofton said. It humbles me to ask this after all the terrible things I've said. But now I see the true value in your operations”.

Jim was thinking to himself what a load of happy horse shit this guy is spreading. Looking at Mike he realized Mike was taking every word at face value. “Bull shit, Jim said lowly but still audible. You really think you have to grease us that bad to get a mission out of us? Come on sir level with us we will still do the dirty work. But at least be honest, give it a try it don't hurt”.

“FINE, Lofton shouted. Truth is I would rather be tared and feathered than use that damned team of yours but I have no choice. From where I am sitting they are not much better than the pirates. A band of cut throat killers lead by the worst of them all, you Kelley. But in a month I'll finally be free of this job and whatever the American people might think of this. They can all kiss my ass the ungrateful hoard”. That said he stood and walked to his desk for a sip of water.

“See sir the truth don't hardly hurt at all. So when do you want us to leave”, Jim asked?

Lofton was not happy to be called out but he was glad this meeting was over. “As soon as possible, I'll send an executive order over to CIA within the hour. And Kelley if you can't bring him back, you don't need to bring any of that team back either”.

“I understand sir, come home with your shield or on it. Must be one of those new liberal ideas huh”?

“This meeting is over just do the job”, Lofton said as he turned and left the office.

“Well Mike let's go over to CIA, looks like we are going to need intelligence on these guys. Time to pay our favorite gatherer a visit, Jim said as he strolled out into the hallway.

The secret service officer in the hall was watching intently, he had obviously heard the shouts. Jim

turned to him and said, “keep an eye on the old guy I think he is going to blow a gasket”.

*************

When Lieutenant Marks got to the hanger at Oceana Naval Air Station his crew was waiting. Walking in he returned their salute and said, “good afternoon people. You are all probably wondering

why you were detached from your units today and sent over here to me. It is simple together we are going to make history. I understand all of you have sailing experience and are gunners mates. Well we are going to take the fight to the enemy old school people. We are going to be the core of operation Trojan.

For those of you who don't know the story of the Trojan horse I'm gonna give you the simple version. I fortified city was offered a giant wooden statue of a horse that was wheeled up to the city gates. The people came out and took there prize through the gates inside the walls. That night a hundred Trojan soldiers emerges from the horse and swept through the city after opening the gates to there own army. And of course the enemy got to die, end of story time.

Now what could that story have to do with you? Your going into the belly of our horse, which isn't a horse at all”. Motioning to the four men and solitary female he lead them into the hanger next door.

As they walked Jake Keller said to one of the others, “Sub officer, maybe spent a little to long under water”. The others all snickered as they followed the Lt.

Inside the neighboring hanger they saw someones pleasure boat. Climbing a ladder that was leaning against it Lt. Marks took to the heights to continue his explanation. “What you see here people is a classic forty two foot sail boat. Normally you would expect sleeping quarter for up to six, a head and a galley. This one has some special features courtesy of Uncle Sam. The extras include a turbo charged deicial motor, a periscope concealed in the mast, M60's mounted port and starboard. And my favorite, a 20mm gun forward concealed under trap doors and mounted on a hydrolic lift. It also feature a retrofit on the hull adding a inch of armor plate from the waterline up. And we are going to take it to Somalia where we are going to introduce some pirates to pain”.

“Sir one question, Petty officer Trisha Collins said. I have question regarding privacy seeing how I am the only female. I also would like to know why I was picked.

“That's a fair question, Marks said. We needed one female, part of the disguise. To keep it looking real. These guys with you are all going to be stuck below deck during daylight hours while we operate topside. We want any observers to see what appears to be a man and wife. You and I will dress as vacationers, so bring your swim suit. However when we are approached you will go below and change

into BDU's. And we will turn around and show them our guns. There will not be a lot of time for training but it is pretty simple. The 20mm is the only thing we need to train on really. I planned the tactics when I planned the boat. Just follow my lead.

We have a C-5 Galaxy due in tonight that will load the boat and fly it to Diego Garcia. We will be wheels up at 0100, be here by 2300 with your gear ready to depart.

Jason Bradshaw was still operating in the middle east as a gatherer for the CIA. He was on the fast track to success and had been since the days of Mitch Fox. Jason sat alone in his hotel room preparing his up-link so he could send a urgent intelligence message. Earlier in the spring Mitch had given him the task of tracking the whereabouts of a missing C-130. That plane had disappeared over the Mediterranean under suspicious circumstances.

When it disappeared the plane fell below radar in the gulf of Sirte. The planes transponder signal ceased moments later as it completely disappeared. When searcher were deployed to the area they found no wreckage, no survivors. It was as if the plane had been swallowed up without a trace. Suspecting it was highjacked a search of Libyan airfields was made by CIA satellites, again producing nothing. For eight months it had been a complete mystery until now.

Jason had finally found a link to prove the plane did not crash. Two days earlier he had been in Libya under the cover of a vacation. He had infiltrated one of their air bases where a contact had said the plane was being kept. In the darkened hanger he found a C-130 still bearing it's US markings. He examined the plane for obvious damage but there was none. The tail number was a match, but he needed something he could carry away proving it was there. For that he boarded the plane and searched by the light of his penlight. He was amazed at the planes condition it appeared to be flight ready as if it had just been parked. The only thing missing was the 45,000 Lbs. Of ordnance that was bound for Afghanistan. His diligence payed off when he spotted an inspection tag with the aircraft s production number on it. Carefully he removed the tag with his pocket knife.

Now in the safety of his hotel room in Egypt he waited to up-link with a secure satellite. To protect the evidence he had pulled up a corner of the carpet in the room and hidden the tag. When he had a link he sent a coded message back to Langley with all the info from the tag. Then he burnt the paper he had kept the info on and went to bed.

It was growing dark as the C-5 with the boat and crew approached Diego Garcia. Lt. Marks knew he had to prove his theory in fast order showing real results. In the past two years there had been several

hijacking's by the Somali pirates. Once they even managed to take a cargo ship containing Russian armor. But results against the pirates had been minor at the very best. With six navies paroling they still managed to take ships, cargo and hostages. His plan would end that.

He had originally planned to place the boat in an amphibious assault ship for the next part of the trip but Admiral Deaver had a better idea. They would use an old LST to transport the boat and his crew from Diego Garcia to their deployment point.

“Heads up people, we will be landing in a few minutes when we do hang tight. I'll arrange to get us to the ship as soon as possible so you can hit the racks. If everything goes according to plans we should be underway by the time you wake. And in four days we should be near our deployment point on the northern tip of Madagascar”.

When the plane landed the crew was transferred to the LST while Lt. Marks oversaw the movement of the boat. Like a mother hen he watched until it was safely secured inside the ship. An hour later the LST accompanied by the submarine Santa Fe, set out for their deployment point. Marks stood at the rail watching the sub as it ran on the surface two thousand yards off their starboard side. When he thought up this idea he was serving as Weps. Officer aboard the USS Boise another LA Class sub. The submarine was a key part of his strategy. At their deployment point he would meet with the Santa Fe's commander to make sure he understood what they were doing. Because they were to be the unseen part of the plan. They wanted the pirate mother ships. Without them they would cease to be any real threat.

After a visit to CIA headquarters Mike and Jim had gathered all the intelligence available on the Somali pirates. With that they prepared a plan that included several hit and run attacks until the Astor's location could be confirmed. Their plan was to take the team on a little float trip. They too were planning to fly to Diego Garcia. From there they would fly out to the USS Eisenhower CVN-69 where they would base their operations. As it patrolled on station off the coast of Somalia. Jim had already arranged for a carrier with Admiral Deaver who was happy to assist the Wind Walker group.

Back at their compound Mike, Dave and Jim poured over the intelligence picking key targets to take out while they could. The idea was to hit pirate strongholds, supply locations, and basically mess with their heads until they could locate the hostages. Their primary mission was the recovery of the Astors. Yet the opportunity to raise some hell only came along so often. Taking full advantage of that opportunity they were going to ride that wave as far as they could. Picking seven key targets they

started getting things ready.

At dawn the team Mike had chosen for the task prepared to depart. Three four man teams lead by Mike, Dave and Baker. Consisting of Doc, Bucky, Randall, Goldberg, Gredenko, Harrison, Ludington, Kotito and Conner were those who were picked for this operation.

The remaining Wind Walker operatives would stand by at the compound with Jim should anything else arise in their absents. Jim and the others gathered to see the others off as their Blackhawk's ascended and turned towards the Andrews air base. As the helicopter flew out of sight Jim turned to Bulldog saying, “looks like your in command mister”.

It had not yet dawned on the Bulldog that he was the ranking member of those left behind. As the realization hit him he turned to Ian and said, “well what have we got on the training plan for today”?

Ian was taken a little off guard but managed to recover quickly. “If you will follow me sir I'll show you. I have the schedule in the command shack”.

Bulldog turned to the others saying, “if you want chow this morning you better go get it now. I want everyone back here ready to train by 0900. Don't make me come looking for you”. Then he followed Ian into the shack.

The remaining Wind Walker troops were speechless as they watched him walk away. Then Peterson said to Jim, “what in the hell was that”?

“Sounded like your new team leader to me, Jim said. I suspect that if your hungry you better get moving”.

After a night at sea Lt. Marks sat down the next morning after breakfast with his crew. He had decided it was time to explain the entire mission now. “Good morning people”, he said keeping it informal as he sat down.

“Good morning sir”, Petty officer Young replied.

Smiling Marks said, “look everyone I appreciate your military curtisys. But lets face it we are going to be a small crew on a even smaller boat. As well I would prefer we remember our places but drop all the sirs. My name is Jason and I am a sailor just like you. So if you don't mind lets start by getting each others names. I remember Trisha, so who are the rest of you”?

Each spoke in turn as they went around the mess table. Jacob, Jake Keller, Bob Young, Jerry Lambert, JJ Washington.

Making sure Marks said each name as he looked around the table. “Trisha,Jake,Bob, Jerry and JJ. That's better sounds so much better than all that sir and petty officer stuff. Like I said we are going be

real informal. I thought I would take a moment today telling you the details of our mission. We are as I stated back at Oceana a Trojan horse of sorts.

The Pirates conduct their operations from mother ships. These range from trawlers to freighters. They launch attacks using small fast boats capable of overtaking their victims quickly. In these boats are usually a handful of armed men. To helpless vacationers, fishermen and merchant sailors who can not resist this has been most effective.

Operation Trojan will change that. You have already seen our ability to fight back. But some of the mother ships have been fitted with 20 and 40mm guns”.

“Lt Marks, I mean Jason, JJ said. We have some armor but nothing that is going to stop a 40mm round. I don't know but this is starting to sound like a bad idea to me”.

“Your right JJ, Marks replied. That is why we will always have our big brother shadowing us. You probably noticed the sub running beside us this morning if you were top side. That is the USS Santa Fe. They are going to always be with us. Of course during the operation they will be submerged. But should any mother ship decide to fire on us they will deliver a torpedo and surface to pick up survivors. They will also serve as a brig for any prisoners we take.

Here is the plan of operation. We will cruise about a mile outside the African territorial waters up and down the east coast.. Remaining at all times in international waters. Big brother will follow us a couple thousand yards back. Trisha you and I are going to be topside during daylight operation. We will be watching for any other craft. As well one of you guys will be a part of the daylight watch. Your job will be to check out to the horizons every hour or so using the hidden periscope. Of course while the daylight watch works you remaining guys will sleep.

When a vessel is spotted we will maintain our course and whoever is below will monitor the contact. At the first sign of aggression we will wake everyone and go to quarters. I thought about gun assignments last night and this is it. Jerry you will be our 20mm gunner. Jake our port side 60 gunner. Bob I want you on the starboard 60. JJ you will be loader on the 20mm. And Trisha you will be ammo handler for the 20. Once everyone is at quarters we can deploy our secret.

The sails can be lowered and stowed automatically. 20mm crew must wait for this before deploying the 20. Once the sails are down we engage the 500hp motor and turn hard to port or starboard. When I identify that they have committed a hostile act such as firing on us I will give the command to fire. Only on my command will anyone fire. If they turn to run we run them down. If we have to do that 60 gunners will arm themselves with small arms and come top side. You to will act as a boarding party to collect them if there boat is sinking. Or to contain them until transfer to the Santa Fe.

Once they have stopped if the mother ship runs we can do nothing about that. So long as it does not fire upon us. If they do fire upon us, we will leave a boarding party with the pirates if necessary and steer evasive. Once the mother ship is dealt with we will return and transfer prisoners to the sub.

The same operational plan goes for our night time operation. Any questions so far”?

“How many pirates can that sub hold”, Jake asked?

“The Santa Fe was retrofitted with a brig before coming out here. I was told they can accommodate twenty prisoners. Why don't we head down below and I'll go over the systems with you all because some of you will be doing double duty. Jerry I heard you are a mechanic too”.

“Thats right Jason”, Jerry replied.

“That makes you our engine man then as well as gunner, Marks said. Come on everyone I'll give you a idea of what a marvel our girl is”.

Marks lead the way as they headed down the passageways leading down to the main cargo deck. As they walked up to the stern Jake noticed something right away. “This boat hasn't got a name yet”.

“Your right Jake, Marks said. What do you think we should call her”?

Jake thought a moment and said, “Sea snake considering how deadly as she is”.

“Trident, JJ said you know like that big spear thing Neptune carries”.

The guys started debating the virtues of the different names while Marks noticed Trisha thoughtfully looking at the boat. Then suddenly she said, “call her what she is, let it be a warning, Trojan Horse”.