ACV's 1 Operation Black Gold (8 page)

CHAPTER 10

The young officer was sitting outside his father’s office.  It had been a very strange day and he contemplated it in silence.  After their initial meeting, he had taken them down for a meal, then to the stores to get kitted out.  While they had been eating, he had taken the opportunity to phone his father.  He had already convinced himself there was not going to be a war.  However, when he had relayed their thoughts to his father his response had been a shock.

He did what he had been told to do and gone to the signals room took the mini discs from his personal recorder.  He put them in a red dispatch box and sent them to HQ.  When he had finished their reintroduction, he reported back to the signals room where he was immediately ordered to report to his father. 

‘Come in son.’

‘Oh sorry, I was daydreaming.’

The Brigadier smiled and slapped him on the back.  ‘I’m sure you’ve had a lot to think about, come in, sit down.’  The Brigadier sat down and moved aside a large pile of A4.  He tapped it.  ‘This is the transcribe of your discs, it makes very interesting reading.’

‘Why did you ask me to record our conversations?’

‘I only wanted to gauge their mood after the previous evening’s violence.  Did you find out what Murison’s being doing since he left?’

‘I did ask.  This and that according to him, but I managed to corner Buff, well George before I left.  It seems Murison went to college and university if that is what you were looking for?’

‘Yes, it would explain a lot.’

Ivan knocked and entered with another stack of A4.  ‘This is the last disc sir.’

‘Thank you put it down over there please.’

‘Is what he said true, is there going to be a war?’  He blurted it out.

The two older men exchanged glances.  The Brigadier shifted uncomfortably in his seat, what could he say.  He underwent a rare conflict of emotions.  ‘Yes.’

‘How long have you known?’

‘The general staff were put on a full war footing at half past 6 yesterday morning.’

‘Why hasn’t anyone been told?’ 

‘It has been decided by the powers that be that the general population become aware of the emergency a - little more gently.’

‘Why for god’s sake?’

‘It is hoped that the Americans will believe the government is only aware of things as they develop.  That gives us time to prepare.  If they know we know, it might cause them to make some sort of pre-emptive strike.’

It made sense to the young man.  ‘So he was right?’

The brigadier sat back, ‘about some of it, not all.’

‘Are you trying to tell me we can fight?’

‘Oh yes, we can fight all right.’

His son leaned forward, ‘how, with what?’

‘You’ll just have to trust me on that for now.  Everything will become apparent soon enough.’

‘OK.’

‘Did they agree to see me?’

‘Yes, Murison said they owed you that much.’

‘He did?’

‘Yes, although some of them weren’t quite as keen.  It was a strange little episode; it’s all down on disc.’

‘Yes, well tell me about it anyway.’

‘There’s not much to tell really.  I told them you wanted to see them.  There were a few protests, and then Murison stepped in.  He told them you knew and always had right from the start.  What else, oh yes, that a lesser man would have thrown them to the wolves to save their career, right or wrong, you stood by them and that they owed you that much.  Besides they could always tell you to fuck off afterwards, so they agreed.’

‘I see how did they react towards him?’

‘When then?’

‘No the whole time you were there?’

‘Your father wants to know if Murison’s their leader.’

I don’t know.’  The young man sat back deep in thought.  ‘It’s strange very strange.  They listen to him yes, but only when they are ready to, they seem protective of him too.  Did you read the transcripts from the first disc?’

‘Yes.’

‘Well the bit when he was describing the horrors of war to me, he got a little over emotional.’

‘Yes, I listened to that bit.’

‘It was strange, but they all managed to get themselves between him and myself.  It was very subtly done.’

‘Subtle,’ snorted Ivan, ‘that must have been a new one they learned in civie street.’

The three men laughed.

‘Yes, maybe,’ the young man continued.  ‘All in all it’s been a very unusual day.  I’ve heard you talk about them often enough, but that is the first time I’ve met them all together.  I thought I would be disappointed but I wasn’t.  There were a few moments when they seemed to forget I was there, when they were discussing and planning things.  I don’t know how to convey this, but it was as though they emanated a kind of power, a force.  They were talking about things on a grand scale far beyond anything I can comprehend, but the most impressive thing was, I think they could do it.  Left to their own devices I think they could actually pull it off.  As for Murison being their leader, I don’t know, but he certainly is a focal point of some kind.  When they were discussing feasible plans for the Organization of these resistance groups they would always run it past him at some point to get his view on it,’  he started gesturing with his hands, getting excited.  ‘It was amazing to watch, he would take even the most obscure idea or opinion and turn it into a workable one, or rip it to pieces, take two or three of those pieces expand on them and come away with two or three workable ideas.  I have never seen anything quite like it in my life.’

‘No Son, but I’ve a funny feeling I have, Ivan?’

‘Yes sir, another piece of the puzzle fits into place.’

‘I’m sorry but are you two talking about Albania?’

Ivan nodded, ‘aye lad that we are.’

‘Yes and a very important missing piece of the puzzle.  How can nine private soldiers pull off a minor military miracle completely un-aided?  Without any kind of command structure, without the tactical training or training on the weapons used.  Who assessed the situation and correctly at that, who committed them to that course of action, brought them through it unscathed then concealed the whole affair.  Leaving absolutely no evidence to convict them and then have the personality to keep them together during the most intense interrogation they could possibly receive.’

The young man was bubbling with excitement, this was the first time he had ever been included in this discussion.

‘They could have done it.  After what I saw today, I would stake my life on it.  However, I think you are putting too much emphasis on the one.  Yes I think Murison could have assessed the situation in the wink of an eye and perceived the course of action needed, but I think all of them were a hundred percent committed to the course of action to be undertaken before they even left their own trenches.  That above any other factor led to their success and their ability to resist the pressures that followed.’

‘Yes sir, I think the lad’s right.’

‘It’s the most feasible explanation I’ve ever heard thank you.  You did a brilliant job today, will you come over for tea tonight.’

His son hesitated a bare second, ‘Yes I’d love to.’

‘Good tell your mother I won’t be home until at least eight.’

‘OK Dad,’ he smiled, ‘I‘ll see you later Uncle Ivan.’

‘I’ll see you later lad.’ 

The young man left.

‘That will please his mother.’  Ivan mused.

‘Yes it will.  Somehow I don’t think he’ll worry so much about what his friends say anymore.’

‘Aye, the wee fella’s done a fair bit of growing up today.’

‘I pray to god it will be enough.’ 

Ivan sat down on the vacant seat and tapped the new pile of A4.  ‘What do we do with this lot?’

The Brigadier moved the pile in front of him.  ‘Yes, what do we do, damn it Ivan,’ he thumped the pile with his fist, ‘how could we have missed such talent.’  Ivan knew he wasn’t supposed to answer that.  ‘Have you read this?’ 

‘Most of it, listened to other bits.’ 

‘About five years ago we were asked to submit ideas for a resistance movement.  There were ten senior officers including myself.  We couldn’t come up with half of this.  Some of it is so simple, I can’t believe we missed it; others are so audacious they are brilliant.  With this as a blueprint we could set up a whole resistance movement, we could start and finish a war in ten minutes.  Where did we go wrong with these men Ivan? What a bloody waste.’ 

Ivan had been mulling over the same thought.  ‘I think the lad might have put his finger on it.’  He shifted forward on his seat.’  We’ve been looking at them as individuals, so did everyone else.  All the way down the line, what if they don’t really come into their own until they are all together.’

The brigadier half agreed with him, ‘yes, but surely one officer could have spotted it.’

Ivan snorted, ‘if I remember correctly, they were too busy trying to keep them out of trouble.’

‘Yes, well this idle speculation isn’t getting any work done.  I’ll have to pass the bulk of this information on.’

‘To who?’

‘General Pearson, I think he’ll know what to do with it.’

Ivan grimaced, ‘oh yes, I forgot to mention.  I had a call from the chief clerk at Glencourse he had a visit from the MP’s, he had to give them Murison’s name, they should have him by now.’

The brigadier smiled maliciously, ‘then god help them.  I wouldn’t like to be an MP today.’

CHAPTER 11

‘Whit d’ye mean, he fucking taped it.’  Buff stood, arms folded, his face a mask of stubborn righteousness.  I on the other hand was leaning over a sink of hot water dripping wet with a razor in one hand half shaved.  ‘Whit exactly did he tape, how did he tape it?’

‘All officers have to carry some kind of recorders now.  I had a wee tape for the cadets.  The regulars have fancy mini disc things.’

‘Fit for?’

‘Evidence, there was too many officers getting accused of a manner of things for a while.  So if they’re in a one on one situation we a jock or junior rank whose committed a misdemeanour, they have to record it for their own protection.’

I spat, ‘so fit exactly did he tape?’

‘Everything.’

‘Whit, ye mean he was recording before he walked in?’

‘Aye.’

‘How d’ye ken a’ this?’

‘I asked him when I seen him out.  He’s going to give it to his dad.’

I shook my head and carried on shaving.  It had no doubt Buff had his reasons; I wondered if that was why he’d forced me to speak earlier.

‘You’re no going to shout at me then?’  I shook my razor in the water and carried on shaving.  ‘Ye ken he probably taped enough to pit us away six times over.’

I finished my shave and rinsed myself before answering.  ‘What’ll happen now will happen.  Anyway what good did it ever do me shouting at you?’  He grinned knowing he had been forgiven.

Things had quietened down greatly while we went about old but familiar tasks.  We had been asked to put on working dress for the following day, and with the help of an iron and ironing board that had appeared magically from a hole in the wall, we proceeded to make our new gear presentable.  I was surprised by the fact that every one of us had managed to retain our regimental stable belts, even though as I my case I couldn’t use the original notches.  I had become way to fat.

I was in the process of fitting a cap badge onto a new Tam Ó’ Shanter, the holes of which as usual were in the wrong place making the whole thing a fiddly operation when we were invaded once again.  A rather tall, harassed looking officer flanked by two strong looking Military Police men crashed through the door.  Once we’d had a good look, we ignored them, going back about our own business.  The Military Police men quickly noticed the signs of recent violence and became a little apprehensive hands sliding nearer their side arms.

Our blatant disinterest in them seemed to harness the officer even more, he tried clearing his throat to gain our attention, he was ignored, and he cleared it even louder.

‘Ye want to get that seen to,’ chipped Abie on the way past, ‘It could turn nasty.’

Trust that wee cunt to pipe up.  A few sniggers did the rounds.  I must have gone red in the face to stop myself laughing.  It had given the officer the intro he needed though.  He pulled a piece of paper from his pocket.

‘I believe there’s a Private Murison here, I need to see him immediately.’

Before I could respond, big Grizz came crashing out of his locker where he had been searching for something.  The metamorphosis was amazing.  The big friendly bear of a man was gone, in his place stood a man bristling with authority.

‘Why, what do you want him for?’ 

The two MP’s instantly recognising one of their own stiffened, the officer didn’t.  ‘When you acquire the authority I’ll consider telling you.’

Grizz reached into his back pocket, pulled out a small wallet and flicked it open in the officer’s face.  His warrant card was on one side, the other a golden shield with a silver thistle.  ‘This, I believe more than gives me the authority.  I am Detective Inspector Adams of the Grampian Metropolitan Police Force.  Now identify yourself and state your business.’

The two MP’s snapped to attention. 

‘But you’re a Private aren’t you - you all are.’  Squeaked the officer.

‘My civil rank completely supersedes any army rank I may have.  It also supersedes any rank you or your men have, unless of course you’re charging a man for not cleaning his boots.  Then I’m afraid he’s all yours.’

‘You can’t be serious?’

Grizz leaned forward, ‘Oh yes I am.’

One of the MP Corporals leaned forward and tugged at the man’s sleeve.  ‘He’s right sir, civilian authorities have complete authority over us.’

‘But this is a matter of national security.’  He had really cooked his goose that time. 

‘I believe national security is a civil matter is it not.’  The officer, deflated, he had been out manoeuvred.  Let me see the charge sheet.’  He handed it over reluctantly.  Grizz scanned it quickly.  A frown creased his face.  ‘What’s your name?’

‘Captain Stewart.’ 

Grizz grilled him with his eyes, ‘you may not have to salute me Captain Stewart, but I still out rank you.’

The luckless Captain stiffened with shock, realising what he said was true, and for a carrier officer, insulting a man like Grizz was shear stupidity.  ‘I’m sorry sir, but I’ve been trying to track this man down for 24 hours now and I’m a little fuzzy around the edges.’

‘There are no charges on this man, only a name, rank, and number.  24 hours later isn’t exactly hot pursuit.’  Grizz waved the paper under his nose.

‘Well sir, we were going to interview him first, eh before handing him over to the civil authorities.’

‘You mean you’re just going to make up charges as you go along.’

‘No sir, we do have official charges, but well I didn’t have time to fill them in.  As soon as I found out who and where he was, I rushed straight over.’

‘Well you’ve totally fucked it now.  You know that don’t you.  You realise it’s against the law to arrest a man in this manner, without so much as a word laid down against him.  Surely the Military can’t be that stupid.’

‘I’m sorry sir.’

‘There’s no bloody point telling me you’re sorry, it’s not me you’ll have to answer to.’  The hapless Captain seemed to shrink a little.  ‘Now what are these charges supposed to be?’

‘He hacked into the army’s computer and sent priority flash messages, froze consoles without proper access codes or the proper authorization.  He is a danger to national security.  We must arrest him and conduct a proper inquiry into the incident.  We have to find out how he got into the system.’

I in the meantime was trying out my new T.O.S, in the mirror, my long hair wasn’t making it easy and it looked kind of silly too.

‘Jim!’

I finished tucking some loose hair behind my ears.  ‘Aye Grizz.’  I presented myself to him doing a little twirl.  ‘Whit d’ye think?’

‘I think you’re in a lot of trouble Jim.’

‘Nah, dinna think so.’

‘Jim if you hacked into their computers they can lock you up for years, it’s very serious.’

‘Nah, dinna think so, as a matter ó fact, I ken so.’

He frowned, ‘you seem very sure of that.’

‘I am as a matter of fact.’  I took my wallet from my pocket.  ‘I’ll tell ye whit, I’ll bet ye a hundred pounds right now they won’t touch me.’  That surprised him, I never bet on anything, not even the National.  The only time I was heard to say that was when I was over 300% solid on my facts.  He mulled over that for a moment.

‘Whit did you do?’

‘Fuck sake man!  I told ye last night about Davie Whitton and the bairn.  All you lot did was laugh at me.’  I could see the cogs begin to turn as he tried to remember what I had been saying through his drunken haze.  ‘I used their computer to get that wee lassie help, that’s it.’  I could see the pieces fall into place and the recognition turn to shock as he realised I hadn’t been trying to put one past them the evening before.

The Captain butted in then.  ‘You mean Mr. Whitton, the surgeon.  Yes that’s right sir, he used the computer to get him temporarily released to perform an operation, but that isn’t the point, he still has to be brought in for hacking into the system.’

‘Bollocks, I never hacked into the system.  I used normal procedures as I wrote them down myself.’ 

The officer shook his head, ‘Pardon, as you what?’

‘As I wrote,’ I hesitated for a second, thinking, ‘you don’t really know who you’re fucking with here do you?’

‘I say.’

‘Jim dinna, these are serious charges.’  Grizz warned.

‘Oh fuck off the lot of ye.’  I turned back to my locker; I was getting sick of the stupidity.

I hadn’t noticed Buff watching the proceedings from the doorway, as soon as I turned my back he moved in placing himself between us.  The first I realised he was there, there was a warning growl.

‘Leave him be.’

‘Let them do their dirtiest Buff.  I’m sick to the back teeth of these officious bastards.  They’ve plagued my whole life.  Well no more, they’ll rue the day they messed we me.’

Gigs tried to intercede, ‘hey what’s happening here Jim?’

‘Piss of Gigs you had a good laugh at me last night as well.’

Buff lost his temper then, ‘You’re nothing but a bunch ó bastards.  I told ye Jim wrote that program they use, I helped him, whit makes it so difficult to believe?’

The officer interrupted, ‘He can’t have done.  I’ve already checked them all out and none of them have ever been near the army.’

‘Who’s them?’  I snapped.

‘The development team.’

‘What bloody development team?  I wrote the whole program, and coded it myself.  I even saved it onto master disc.  It went straight from my hands to an army testing team and that was the last I saw of it.’

‘Rubbish you can’t have.  Cpl give me that folder.’  One of the NCOs pulled a blue folder from a map pocket.  He opened it and flicked through a few pages.  ‘Here we are, show me where your name is on here and I will walk.’

I took the folder and looked it over.  On it was the names of a development team.  At the top of the list were the names of the chief developer and writer.  Instead of mine in both, there were the names of my head of department and my lecturer.  ‘Oh the bastards, the dirty bastards.’  I sat down and read the rest, only the names of the youngest and brightest from my class were on it.  My worst fears were being realised.  All these years of waiting in vain, I wanted to puke. 

‘What’s the matter?’  Buff asked.

‘Look.’  I handed him the document.  ‘Nah wonder I couldn’t get a job in the computing industry Buff.  If they could take my name off this one, they could have taken it off the lot.’  I took a deep breath to steady myself.

‘This is all very interesting, but.’  He got no farther.  The blue folder slapped him full in the face and Buff was right behind it.  Grizz just managed to stop him clocking the startled officer.

‘Dinna Buff.’  I jumped into the affray, pushing him back gently but firmly.  He looked down and our eyes locked.  Now you can say what you like about telepathy, there seems to be many forms.  Some take a lifetime to achieve others don’t, as in the case with soldiers.  Maybe it’s the way they live through the hardships of military life, but I think it’s probably got more to do with the fact that they spend most of their time fighting one another.  Miss a queer look or a braced shoulder and you’re likely to get a fist in your kisser or a big army boot in your nuts and believe me.  The pair of us had battered each other into a pulp so many times a glance in a tight spot was enough to tell one exactly what the other was going to do.  My look was enough to tell him I was going to skin this cat another way.

‘Leave it Buff, they can write fit they like on bits of paper but I’ve got proof they can’t refute.’

‘Where?’  The officer snapped.

I will give the man his due, he was rubbing the mark on his cheek where the small hard-edged folder struck him, but he wasn’t taking a fit about it as most officers would.  My perception of the man changed slightly.

‘I left my name, address and a small note at the bottom of the program.  Unless of course they’ve managed to break into the coding and removed it.’

He was shaking his head.  ‘As far as I know, no one has ever been able to break into the coding.

‘Want to see it?’

He was shaking his head again.  ‘No thank you, I’m not doing three months in jail for crashing a master Console.’

That caused me to scratch my head a bit.  ‘Why jail a man for crashing a Console for god’s sake, it only takes a few seconds to reset it.’ 

Now it was his turn to frown.  ‘You can’t reset it.  Once it has crashed, it’s crashed.  The army’s got a warehouse full of them.’  I racked my brain for the reason for this strange phenomenon.  Had I withheld the reset procedure all those years ago with the rest of the security procedures?  I couldn’t remember.