Jewel of Hiram (The Chronicles of Crash Carter Book 1)

by Frank Felton

  Riding the coattails of the F-117, Raines developed cutting edge composite materials for the second generation of stealth, solving riddles that plagued the B-2 Spirit like the mysteries of Atlantis. Even more, he successfully incorporated active stealth employment into the genetic fabric which would eventually become the third generation of this maturing technology. The skin of the B-2 had to not only reflect radar, but absorb it, and do so while not peeling away during high speed flight. It had to be stronger than steel, yet lighter than Aluminum.

  Such a challenge was the type of thing Drake Raines was born to solve. His designs would go on to be used in the F-22 Raptor and the F-35 Lightning II, which would replace the twin-engine F-15 Eagle and single-engine F-16 Falcon, respectively. He also became a shrewd businessman.

  Rather than work as a highly-paid contractor, he formed his own Limited Liability Company. This allowed him to apply for and receive exclusive patents for his numerous designs, which were ahead of their time and highly regarded by the deep pockets of the defense industry. As airframe lifecycles can last decades, he continued to perfect his designs to meet the changing requirements of the Stealth program. Drake Raines’s personal net worth soon climbed north of 50 million dollars, and defense contractors salivated over the man with the billion dollar brain.

  The life of a young, wealthy, playboy, soon began to eat away at his conscience. Just as a heroin addict needs more and more, the lavish lifestyle made it increasingly difficult to attain the intrinsic high which furthered his ambitions. His societal ineptitude led to a reversion to his parent’s anti-capitalistic ideology, culminating in near reclusiveness. He spent time reading manifestos of Guevara, Marx, and even Kaczynski. He began to revile those who sought to buy his intelligence for a profit, and felt guilty for the luxuries gathered unto himself in the name of national defense.

  He hated all good works and virtuous deeds,

  And him no less, that any like did use.

  And who with gracious bread the hungry feeds

  His alms for want of faith he doth accuse.

  -Edmund Spenser

  This metamorphosis accelerated in 1993 when he visited war-torn Kuwait after Desert Storm. Handlers within his own firm thought it would inspire his imagination to see a battlefield first hand. Perhaps he would realize he could make a difference in the speed and efficiency with which the Air Force might deliver a fatal blow to a strongman like Saddam, and in turn, save the lives of citizens. The trip was a sales pitch funded by the military to bring Mr. Raines back into action.

  The trip backfired.

  The prism through which he now viewed the world showed only the many lives his own livelihood had destroyed. With this narrowed vision, he blamed himself for providing material support to the ends of an empire. He came to loathe his existence. Increasingly ashamed of his wealth acquired at the tip of a sword, he vowed to change his life.

  He launched his own humanitarian assistance non-profit group. Throughout the mid-90’s, he spearheaded efforts to bring attention to the plight of the Middle East. His contacts in the defense industry gave him small, obligatory, donations, but behind their boardroom doors scoffed and laughed at his efforts. He soon realized his attempts to right the wrongs of human nature were futile. He could bend no one’s ear, nor make any difference, as a humanitarian. His only stock in trade, the only thing for which he had value, was as a Lord of War.

  His animosity deepened. The millions he made profiting from machines of war, in an America that sought to invade and destroy, left behind a wake of broken lives. He came to see America as the enemy, and his heart was tugged by the plight of the underdog. Subliminal fundamentals in thought hammered into his head from childhood began to take hold of his thinking. He grew even more disgusted that his parents were mere amateurs, who latched onto the revolution only for the gluttonous promiscuity which they enjoyed.

  His parents never put themselves in harm’s way. They enjoyed all too much their elitist lifestyle, spouting a worldview from the safe confines of Marin County. Drake Raines wanted to be a true revolutionary; a world changer. He had the mind, and the resources, to make it happen. He altered his plan of attack in a methodical, highly calculated manner.

  He was going to war.

  ~~~

  Just before the F-22’s first flight in 1997, the Joint Strike Fighter program looked to replace the F-16 with an upgraded stealth-enhanced version. It would eventually become the F-35. More than two thousand Joint Strike Fighters were projected with a total program cost approaching one trillion dollars over 50 years. The Joint Strike Fighter development contract was signed in November 1996. Every company bidding on the project wanted Drake Raines’ patents. In late 1997, he proceeded to auction those patents to the highest bidder.

  He traded the future cash flows for a significantly less lump sum payment, but it mattered not to him. The auction took his net worth up to almost 200 million dollars. Soon after completing the sale, he transferred the bulk of his wealth into overseas accounts. He then disappeared from the face of the planet.

  At least for a while.

  Raines had visions of picking up a weapon and joining the fight in a way he never previously had. He romanticized the idea of becoming a martyr to sacrifice himself at the altar of his newfound creed; a reckoning for the misguided life he lived. In searching for a venue to carry out this lunacy, he made contacts with locals in Eastern Anatolia, and his presence was sent through back channels to MEK operatives. The existence of an American could only mean one of two things; either he was a spy, or he was a fool.

  He was intercepted by the MEK while living as a nomad near Lake Van in eastern Turkey. It did not take long for his name to echo up the chain to mid-level commanders, who would likely judge him a spy and sentence him for execution. This did not come to pass, and once his name reached the top; there was fervor within the MEK leadership. It was a golden opportunity.

  An MEK commander dissuaded Raines from becoming a foot soldier; in fact, he was given no option. They convinced him that he could bring his intelligence to the fight and be far more effective to their ends. Secretly, they wanted to tap his vast sums of money, as well as his intricate knowledge of defense systems for espionage. They made him an honorary commander, and bestowed upon him the titles of a great man.

  He became indoctrinated in the MEK’s ideology, which was disparate to say the least. He brought a renewed focus to many decades of infighting and spent his twilight hours writing out beliefs with a pen and paper. He tailored an agenda to fit the overall ambitions of the MEK, which called for an overthrow of the Iranian government, a return of power to the people, and a hardline stance against Westernization.

  He spent years living in near squalor, in northern Iraq, occasionally being allowed to go along on low-risk incursions into Iran. He felt liberated in a way his millions of dollars never bought him back in the United States. He met a setback in 2003 with the invasion of Iraq by Coalition forces. His group of bandits lived in harmony with Saddam Hussein, but the now deposed dictator could no longer provide refuge. Once captured, Raines was charged criminally as an American citizen. More than five thousand MEK members were detained indefinitely at Camp Ashraf.

  Facing deportation and a lengthy prison sentence, Raines folded. He possessed a great deal of information U.S. Intelligence wanted, and he represented a treasure trove to his captors. During the five years he was with the MEK, he became the aggregation point for information. In a plea deal, he vowed to assist the Americans in helping to topple the Iranian regime, or at least sabotage their ambitions. He revealed details of the Iranian enrichment program and assisted the Americans in gaining leverage.

  He was required to continue providing information to keep his freedom. His intel would lead to the assassination of several Iranian nuclear scientists and the planting of the Stuxnet virus several years later. The Iranian government, who was aware of a rogue American operating in the region, responded in kind to word of his capture. In 2003, they attempte
d to pre-empt Raines with a secret letter to the U.S. government. They offered access to hidden nuclear facilities if the U.S. would utilize its conquest of Iraq to disband the MEK. The enemy of my enemy is my friend.

  The Iranians were fearful of the MEK’s ability to infiltrate Iran and wreak havoc. They also knew U.S. Intel was scouring the group for information, using every interrogation technique they could keep out of the newspapers. In particular, the Iranians wanted Drake Raines dead. However, the U.S. cast their lot with Mr. Raines and the MEK. The information he provided was all checking out, and it was invaluable.

  In late 2006, Drake Raines slipped away from his surveillance handlers and again disappeared.

  He discontinued all contact with the Americans. It was a major non-public embarrassment for the intelligence community, who rebuffed inroads with the Iranians in order to harvest intel from Raines. Displeased at this insubordination, the CIA put him near the top of their Most Wanted list. Soon thereafter, they engaged the Iranians in an effort to work together to bring Raines in.

  This time, the Iranians rebuffed the Americans. A step ahead, Raines already switched allegiances. He offered a truce with the Iranians if they would remove the Iranian bounty on his head. This removal was subject to regular contact and future information that he might uncover. Undercover Iranian operatives assisted his escape.

  The double cross and embarrassment enraged the CIA and the Pentagon, who put a kill order on Raines’ head. He now had tacit approval to seek refuge within the borders of Iran, putting him beyond even the CIA’s reach. Other intelligence assets, including a covert organization known as Red Top, began following his trail. It was difficult, if not impossible, as a several thousand strong underground militia of MEK fighters protected him.

  The greatest fear of the politicos was they created another bin Laden; a highly intelligent man who was well-financed and sympathetic to causes hostile to the United States. His journey to that station in life began with good intentions, but he descended into a virile hatred of society, and America. He now sought to set matters straight, as America put a target on his head.

  He vowed to respond in kind, and he was just getting warmed up.

  32. Commencement

  I am starting to reconsider my desire about staying. The work is drab; the money I get has nowhere to be spent. No nightclubs or bowling alleys, no places of recreation except the trade union dances. I have had enough. – Lee Harvey Oswald

  My time was near.

  Stage 4 cancer was the diagnosis. The nurses tried to comfort me. Doctors were amazed I was still alive. At this point I couldn’t have cared less. I told them to keep the morphine and that toxic brew of chemicals they wanted to inject me with. I was ready to go. My hypocrisy has its limits, but I suppose I’ll keep up this charade right to the end. I don’t really have much of a choice.

  So I sit here and write. I’ve left specific instructions for these ramblings. Maybe one day they’ll be read by the masses. It’s been ages since I put my thoughts down into words. On some level, I feel it important to leave this story behind. I’d love for it to live on after this old man’s body is but dust.

  The splendid servant Pastor Mahan heard of my travails and stopped by for a visit. I always enjoy a good discussion with a man of God. He starts in with the story of Job, then moves on to the inspiring pentameter of Psalms. We backtrack to the wonders of Ancient Egypt during the Exodus, and the rule of the Caesar in ancient Rome. All captured in the Bible, of course, but expanded upon by the likes of Pliny the Younger who witnessed the destruction of Pompeii by its nemesis Mount Vesuvius.

  I’m fond of Roman history. There is much to learn from their rise and fall. Our journey turns northward from Pompeii, to the seat of the Empire itself. En route we visit such oddities as Caligula’s pleasure ships found at the bottom of Lake Nemi, re-discovered in the 1800’s, and henceforth destroyed by those damn Nazi’s in World War II before they could be fully restored.

  The Nazis; I’m proud to say I had a hand in their defeat. It strikes me as odd that society today has been so quick to distance itself from the carnage of that regime. A few generations of prosperity and relative peace, and it’s as mankind feels he has taken some great leap forward; never again to allow suffering and murder on such a grand scale. I have sad news for you, friend. Nothing in your genetic makeup has changed. It will all happen again.

  The forces of evil prey on the unsuspecting. Add a pinch of suffering, pain, and hopelessness, and mankind will again tear itself to shreds. Even as I write, the thought that this once great country could so willingly untether itself from its anchor, the Constitution, demonstrates your inability to learn from the past. Unchecked power will always lead to tyranny.

  There is no great mystery why history repeats itself, over, and over, and over again.

  The line dividing good and evil cuts through the heart of every human being. And who is willing to destroy a piece of his own heart? – Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

  Friedrich Nietzsche suggested that men are endowed with the same basic impulses at birth, which they may pursue of their own free will in any manner they choose. Though Nietzsche himself expressed contempt for Stoicism, in this regard he finds himself in harmony with its school of thought, by one of the more well-known Stoics of whom I am fond:

  But I have seen the beauty of good, and the ugliness of evil, and have recognized that the wrongdoer has a nature related to my own—not of the same blood or birth, but the same mind, and possessing a share of the divine. –Marcus Aurelius

  Some of that evil is easy to spot. Back in 1943, the Nazi uniform all but institutionalized it. It is ironic that such an overt display of evil now lends itself to mankind’s slothful approach to morality. Truly treacherous evil is far more difficult to find than a swastika; and far more common. It sneaks in as a thief in the night.

  Good and evil are dueling moral dualities within the soul of man. They are intangible constructs which are subject to one’s perspective. Mankind has been on a quest to define what is morally right since the time of Adam and Eve. Thousands upon thousands of years have passed, yet precious little has changed at the most basic level. Very few have done anything to stop it; save for the cadre of unseen warriors who struggle just below the surface. It has been so since the fall.

  Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. –Matthew 5:9

  I don’t mean to imply that I advocate war. Most wars throughout history lacked a referendum for taking up arms. The common understanding among man is war should be pursued as a last resort; for survival, or to oppose the extinction of one’s very life and well-being. In such cases, there is no need for justification, as it is merely self-defense. War for another purpose—ideology, economics, or humanitarian—is destined to fail. There is only one casus belli worthy of an end outside of self-defense; and that is to fight evil.

  Only a march on evil should be done from the offensive, but alas, it has never been done. Nation states do not engage in such ends. A crusade or intifada is not a fight against evil, but against an opposing ideology. Evil on some level has infiltrated every religion at some point, and nations have destroyed men by the hundreds of thousands in the name of religious beliefs.

  The forces of darkness can only be fought by individuals, for that is where the battle begins, and ends. Evil itself is an astute disciple of warfare. Its formidable ally is complacency. The disinterested man is a footsoldier of darkness, and a fool.

  Every hero must fight a villain. Who is to say which is which? The heart does not lie, but warriors, be they heroes or villains, can be found on either side of the ethical scrimmage line. One must give caution to relativism.

  I offer this reflection not to tell you that all is lost, but that hope might spring eternal. Just as evil is on the march, so too are the forces of righteousness. This is self-evident in the world in which Hank Benson and I lived. Warriors such as us fought battles armed with ordained virtues in the gray areas of combat. While virtu
e by definition is good, some men fight for tainted desires.

  Far removed from the time of the Romans, modern-day warriors inhabit battlefields of the air, in space, and even cyberspace, armed with weaponry many iterations more destructive than swords and arrows. Yet certain principles remain legitimate today, thousands of years later. Just as a trusty sidearm, those principles will always find their target when properly aimed.

  And just as good and evil may be merely different expressions of the same basic impulse, a principle in itself can become either strength or weakness. Understanding the nature of one’s opponent, his ideals, his beliefs, and his principles, is crucial to achieving victory.

  So it is said that if you know your enemies and know yourself, you can win a hundred battles without a single loss. If you know only yourself, but not your opponent, you may win or you may lose. If you know neither yourself nor your enemy, you will always endanger yourself. –Sun Tzu

  ~~~

  Not all stories have a happy ending.

  In 1944 I jumped from an airplane to fulfill a prophecy. I confess to you now that I told you a lie when I inferred that others made it out of that plane. I don’t live by your Ten Commandments. Even if I did, would I be the first to tell a lie?

  But the midwives disobey and let the boys live. When the king of Egypt asks them why they’re doing this, they answer, “The Hebrew women ... are vigorous and give birth before the midwife comes to them.” God was kind to the midwives and the people increased and became even more numerous. – Exodus 1:19-20