The Vatican's Last Secret

by Francis Joseph Smith

  “Sure do, Dan,” Eian shot back confidently, “as long as the autopilot stays off,” looking back at Dan and Jim, a smirk still resident upon his face. “We have a little over one hour till we get this baby on the deck and start unloading your mysterious cargo.”

  Dan removed his Nokia satellite phone from his pocket, keying up two prerecorded phone numbers. “One hour you say? This would make it an excellent time to call our ground transport personnel and make sure they are in position at Millville.”

  British Nimrod Aircraft, trailing B777

  Nimrod aircraft were utilized extensively by the British Navy for anti-submarine warfare missions in the 80s and early 90s. Since the demise of the Cold War, it was primarily regulated to VIP transport or electronic eavesdropping for the British Foreign Services.

  The Nimrod following the Boeing 777 happened to be an extended series model four with the latest in avionic eavesdropping equipment. The crew consisted of eight flight officers whose primary mission was to detect and decode electronic signals. In this particular case, they were trying to detect signals emanating from the Boeing aircraft, hoping to eavesdrop on both sides of any conversation.

  The boring eight-hour flight was suddenly interrupted when a signal, the first in as many hours, was detected.

  The lead intercept officer was busy scribbling something on a piece of paper before turning to his mates. “Flight Lt. Hawkins, please radio General Parker in the trailing aircraft, and inform him that we just intercepted an air-phone conversation originating from our suspects. Inform him that the Boeing 777 pilot will fake an in-flight emergency and land at an airport called Millville in the state of New Jersey.”

  General Parker’s Aircraft

  In the cockpit, the pilot, copilot, and navigator kept up the vigilance, trailing the lead Nimrod by only eight kilometers. The cockpit crew could clearly view the red and white anti-collision lights of the forward aircraft, close enough to almost reach out and replace the bulbs.

  The navigator suddenly hunched over his radio, busily scribing a message, before turning to the general. “Pardon me, sir, but we have a message from our forward aircraft. They’ve intercepted a cell phone transmission from our suspects.”

  General Parker quickly read the message before handing it to the SAS team leader, him stretching in the chair beside the general. “What do you make of this?”

  The commander read the message before returning it to the general. “I never heard of this Millville, sir.”

  “That makes two of us. If our Irish lad deviates from landing at Newark International, how are we to declare the same emergency in order to land behind him at Millville?”

  The commander shook his head. “No sir, we would lose the element of surprise, wouldn’t we?” The commander turned his attention to a map of New Jersey that now lay before them, tracing its coastline in an attempt to locate Millville. “I have a radical plan of attack for our two friends, that is, if you are willing to think out of the box, sir.”

  “Commander, I am willing to listen to just about anything,” General Parker said. He turned in time to see his navigator had finally located Millville.

  “We took the liberty of bringing on board all of our gear because we had no idea what type of operation was going down,” replied the commander. “Translation: we also have our parachutes. So if you will indulge me,” he said, pointing to the Millville location, “We can land via parachute over the airport runways here,” pointing to two intersecting black lines indicating the main runways at Millville. “We can jump from our aircraft at around 1,500 meters and glide down virtually on top of the suspect’s aircraft. With it being dusk, they won’t see us coming. If you read the map’s legend in the corner here, it speaks of the particulars for this spot. This airport has everything going for it. It’s secluded. It has a regular jump area adjacent to it that the U.S. Military from Fort Dix use as a nighttime jump spot. In my discussions with our pilot, this aircraft is about six minutes behind the suspect’s aircraft, so we should be able to ambush the bastards on the ground and in a location where they would never expect it. In doing so, this allows our aircraft to continue on its route to Newark airport as scheduled, uninterrupted. No one will know the difference. When our ground mission is complete, we can steal transport from around Millville and proceed to the Newark airport in a matter of a few hours.” He searched the general’s face for any sign of concurrence.

  The general poured over the map in deep thought, allowing his finger to trace the route the Nimrod aircraft would have to traverse. “Let me get this straight. You are going to para-jump onto a United States civilian airport and overtake these hoodlums on the ground?”

  The commander casually glanced from side to side, wondering what he was getting himself into, especially after the debacle in France. “Sir, I know it sounds a little unorthodox, but this would be a chance to redeem ourselves.”

  “How do you think the Americans will react to us parachuting over an active civilian airport?” General Parker said.

  The Commander looked him straight in the eyes before responding. “Obviously, we don’t want the Americans to know, sir,” looking at his watch and then referring to the digital clock on the aircraft’s bulkhead. “Right now, figuring the time difference between our aircraft and American Daylight Savings Time, the operation will commence at or around dusk. No one will see our aircraft nor hopefully will they observe our people parachuting into the airport. For peak efficiency, we will be utilizing our black camouflage outfits with matching parachutes.”

  The General nodded. “I still don’t like the idea of operating in such a brazen, untried fashion in an allied country. That little operation in France was nothing compared to this. The Americans will not just sweep it under the carpet, especially if anyone from their press corps gets wind of this.”

  “If their press gets wind of this, General Parker, it’s because we’re all dead and on CNN.”

  Aboard B777 aircraft

  Eian occupied the pilot’s seat, Jim in the copilot’s seta, and Dan in the flight engineer’s seat, each feeling the effects of the long transatlantic flight. Eian was on his sixth cup of coffee in as many hours, wishing he had brought along another pilot to relieve him at the controls for a spell. At least Jim and Dan had been able to take naps in the rear of the aircraft.

  “Okay, ladies,” Eian said, “according to my trusty cockpit instruments, which would never lie to me, I would put us at about 90 miles east of the Millville airport. So in about five minutes, we are going to put my little aircraft deviation plan into action. Jim, I want you to proceed down into the cargo hold and start preparing our cargo by loosening the straps for when we hit the deck. Now, as soon as you feel the landing gear hit the runway, you will start maneuvering the cargo toward the side-entry door. We will then taxi over to an isolated portion of the airport where a truck will be waiting to off-load the cargo. Then two of my friends will board the aircraft and take your place. Remember, the manifest states three passengers, and you gentlemen will be exiting stage left. At the same time, we will take aboard a dummy load of cargo, some old furniture that is labeled antique and such. We will only have a few minutes before this aircraft will have to take off and continue on our flight path to Newark. The vehicle you have for your escape is all yours. Think of it as an early Christmas gift. At that time, gentlemen, we will be parting company, at least for the time being.”

  Eian finished the remainder of his coffee. He then dialed the frequency to Newark’s setting. “Dan, when we hit the deck, I will need you to watch the airport tower and ramp for any movement directed toward us.” He reached behind his seat for a green flight bag, extracting a 9mm pistol with accompanying silencer. “Only use this if you feel threatened. We don’t need a mass of dead bodies strewn about. As for myself, no worries. I still have my trusty Uzi,” patting under the pilot’s seat. “Last but not least, my friends, I will be requiring some good old American hard cash up front for my little flying gig, first to pay fo
r the services of the two gentlemen who will be coming aboard, and secondly there is the matter of the truck and the aircraft lease. Now, will that be cash or credit, Danny?”

  “Eian, as always, it has been a pleasure doing business with a man of your qualities and scruples.

  “Enough with the build-up for my ego, Danny,” Eian said. “Cash is the acceptable form of payment.”

  “All right, Eian, I must agree,” Dan said. “Without your first-rate services we would have been two ducks stuck in a puddle of mud. If you could take the time to look under the blanket located directly behind you, you’ll find a small flight bag. In it, you’ll find a generous amount of gold to buy yourself something nice. It should be close to $150,000 thousand dollars’ worth. Now remember, that money is also for your two cohorts, plane rental, plus payment for the truck. I also threw in some extra cash for pocket change. However, remember, Eian, sit on the friggin gold for a few weeks and use Nick in New York for the resale. He will give you a good price with no questions asked. Did you hear me? Sit on the damn gold.”

  “Understood, Danny,” Eian said, eyeing the bag. “You don’t want the gold floating around too early after the take; but Jesus, that’s a tidy sum. Eian reached back to pick up one of the gold bars.

  Dan nodded to him. “Now, let’s get down to more serious matters. As planned, we will meet in the Florida Keys on my new boat.” Dan handed Eian a piece of paper with an address and telephone number for a boating marina. “I don’t have the boat picked out yet, but this will be its berth number when I do. If you have an emergency and find it necessary to telephone, you will ask for a Mr. Pepper. That will be the name I have arranged to get you through. If everything goes smoothly, you are to meet with us on the 30th of next month. But remember, that beautiful stuff you have in your bag cannot be peddled around for a few weeks, so lay low.”

  Eian slipped the paper safely into his shirt pocket, wondering what the hell type of cargo he was flying for them to be so generous.

  It was Jim’s turn to speak. “Eian, we may also have some additional flying work for you. Can you provide Dan a phone number where we can contact you in case we require your services earlier than the thirtieth?”

  Dan shot Jim a puzzled glance. “What’s the deal with the additional flying work? You want to share the details with me, Jim? I thought it was agreed that I would be doing the planning for this operation.”

  Jim raised his hands in mock surrender. “Just wait until we arrive in the Keys. I will provide you with the rest of the details.

  “So the apprentice takes over from the master, eh?”

  “Something along those lines,” Jim replied, enjoying the lead for a change.

  “Cousin Dan knows exactly where to find me, Mr. Dieter. Believe me; with the salary you gentlemen pay, it will be a pleasure to work for you again. Now, if I may be so bold gentlemen, it’s time to assume our positions.”

  General Parker’s Aircraft

  “General, our surveillance has tracked them to within 20 kilometers of the Millville airport,” the Commander said. “It looks as though their intentions are still the same, to declare an emergency of some type, enabling them to land at the Millville airport in lieu of Newark International.”

  The General shot him a quick glance. “Commander, are you positive we can catch them before they off-load their cargo?”

  “General, I am willing to stake my life on it,” he replied, expertly fingering his Uzi machine pistol.

  The General nodded. “Commander, you are well versed in the embarrassment we suffered in France.”

  “We will not let you down, sir,” the Commander replied. “The men are all familiar with the repercussions; confidence is high.”

  “Right you are commander. Proceed to your jump stations.”

  Aboard B777 aircraft

  “Newark tower, this is Boeing N7364,” Eian said calmly. “I have a problem with my left landing gear indicator. I am requesting a touch-and-go at Millville airport for a down- verification prior to our landing at Newark.”

  “N7364, are you declaring an in-flight emergency?” The Newark tower operator responded, knowing full well that Newark had some of the best capabilities for handling any possible aircraft emergencies.

  Eian had to maintain the simple appearance of a faulty landing gear indicator. The last thing they needed was the Newark Tower operator ordering him to change his plans. Eian had his own agenda. No matter what happened, he was landing at Millville.

  “Negative, Newark. We are requesting to deviate from our original flight plan for a touch-and-go at Millville for a landing-gear-down confirmation. We think a good jolt on the runway’s surface will provide a green indication for us to proceed on to Newark.”

  “Roger that, N7364. Steer to 197, maintain altitude and contact Millville Tower on frequency 2786. Good luck, and contact us on channel 1482 prior to your reentering the pattern.”

  “Thank you, Newark.” Eian said. He leaned over quickly dialing in frequency 2786 before calling the next location.

  “Millville Tower, this is Boeing 777 flight N7364 originally in route to Newark International, requesting a touch-and-go for faulty gear-light indicator.”

  THE MILLVILLE TOWER normally lay quiet at this time of day with most of the earlier traffic in the area having been small single-engine aircraft whose owners were out trying to hone their flying skills. None were usually present in the pattern after 4:00 p.m., creating a void until the dinner crowd started flying in from Philly around 7:00 or 8:00 p.m. The “crowd” usually consisted of a few planes flown by middle-aged men trying to impress their girlfriends or wives by flying them to dinner at a local restaurant.

  Morris Thompson sat in the Millville tower trying to enjoy his own dinner, a microwave meal his wife packed for him before he left home. How many times can I eat Salisbury steak? He pushed it away from in front of him, gravitating toward the vending machine. He searched his spare change when the call from Eian’s aircraft came in requesting an emergency touch and go.

  Finally, a little excitement around here. Don’t receive too many heavies in this place. He placed his change back into his pocket. His snack would have to wait.

  “Roger that, N7364. Would you like emergency services standing by?”

  “Negative, Millville Tower. Should be a nice and easy touch and go.”

  “Roger that, N7364, you are the only traffic in the pattern. You are clear on runway 11 for a straight-in approach,” Morris said. He decided to be cautious and place a call to the Millville Volunteer Fire Company as a precaution. Located only a half-mile from the perimeter of the airport, they could be on the main runway in a matter of minutes if needed.

  Eian provided a thumbs-up to Jim and Dan before replying to the tower operator. “Roger that, Millville Tower, I have a visual on the airport runway lights.”

  Eian paused for a few seconds before the next phase of his plan, contacting Millville Tower once more. “Millville Tower, this is N7364. I would like to request a deviation from my earlier request for a touch and go. I require a full stop for five minutes to perform a quick visual-gear check. Our left gear-down light just illuminated indicating a full-extended condition. I want to visually check the gear-down switch on deck.”

  “That’s affirmative, N7364. You are requesting a full stop for a gear check,” Morris said. “The airport’s wide open at this time. You may perform your check on the ramp to the west side of runway 11.”

  “Thank you, Millville. N7364 over and out.”

  General Parker’s Aircraft

  The pilot slowed the lumbering aircraft to 140 knots, dangerously near the stall speed for the type of aircraft, in order to facilitate the parachutists who would be attempting to jump from the rear of the aircraft. Any speed above 140 knots would possibly push the jumpers off course. Once the pilot was satisfied with his speed and altitude, he radioed back from the cockpit to General Parker in the rear of the aircraft. They were ready.

  Four men dressed in black
Ninja-like uniforms rose in unison from their canvas-webbed seats in the galley area. They walked through a narrow door in the tail section that led down to the rear exit hatch.

  “All right, gentlemen, this is for the big money. Good luck,” General Parker said to the men as they stepped willingly into the night’s darkness at 1,500 meters.

  The four men free-fell to 500 meters before activating their Sentry-modified parachutes. The Sentry-modified chutes allowed the user to essentially steer the chute, allowing a person, depending on the crosswinds at a certain location, to land within several feet of their objective. From 500 meters, it turned out to be a quick ten-second tight corkscrew maneuver with a near perfect landing 100 meters to the rear of the now- parked 777 aircraft.

  Upon landing, they expertly gathered up any evidence of their illicit landing on American soil, a first for British combat troops since 1814.

  “Welcome to America,” the commander said aloud to no one in particular.

  CHAPTER 39

  BOEING 777 – MILLVILLE AIRPORT

  “All right, people, no time for chatter. Let’s slide this container into the truck,” Eian yelled, looking at his watch. “We have three minutes before Newark starts asking questions about our location.”

  Eian had to yell over the loud whooshing sound of the aircraft’s auxiliary power unit (APU), a small jet engine used exclusively for ground power. He helped the men maneuver the three-by-four-foot pallet into the Ford pickup truck for Jim. The truck had a modified lift consisting of four hydraulic auto jacks installed in its rear to handle the pallet, allowing it to be gracefully lowered into its bed.