Down below on the barge Savage heard the hatch door lock move. He whispered, “Mate, I think it’s time one of us gets the hell out of here.” But it was too late. The terrorist unlatched the hatch door and when it swung open the terrorists saw Storm and Savage. Both terrorists quickly cleared the hatchway pointing their AK-47’s at Storm and Savage. Savage was holding the detonator crate. When he saw the weapons pointed at him he quickly turned around to put the crate down. The two terrorists were now moving down the stairs as fast as they could. One of the terrorists overreacted to Savage’s quick movement and squeezed off a single round striking Savage in the right side of his back. Savage fell on top of the detonator crate and lay there motionless.
After seeing Savage go down Storm turned back to the terrorists yelling, “You bastards!” While Storm was yelling at the terrorists, Savage started moving his right hand ever so slightly in order to reach into his back pocket. The terrorists were so focused on Storm that they did not notice Savage’s movement.
One terrorist said to the other terrorist, “Be careful. One wild shot down here, and we’ll make an early trip to paradise.
Savage pulled a black bag out of his back pocket. Once out of his pocket he shook off the bag revealing a small pistol. In extreme agony he rolled over onto his back and before the terrorists could react, he fired off two shots hitting both terrorists in the forehead. The terrorists fell off the stairs with their weapons into the crude oil. Within seconds both terrorists were engulfed by the crude oil.
Storm reached down helping Savage sit up. Storm looked at the pistol Savage was holding and said, “What the hell is that? I thought Bermuda police officers don’t carry firearms.”
Savage looked up at Storm with a grimace on his face and said, “Does this look like bloody Bermuda to you?”
Storm replied, “Well, that was damn good shooting for someone who doesn’t carry a firearm.” He pulled out a folded handkerchief from his back pocket and said, “Here, put this on your wound.” He also pulled off his belt and wrapped it around Savage’s side adding, “This belt should hold the handkerchief in place.”
Savage looked up and said, “Thanks, mate, I think the bullet passed through me.” He reached up and handed his pistol to Storm and saying, ‘Here, mate, take my pistol. You’ll need it. You’ve got to get upstairs and stop these bloody terrorists and their speedboats, while I do something with this floating bomb. I’ll try to get this detonator crate off the tanker before they set it off.”
Storm took the pistol from Savage and after examining it for a few seconds said, “Well I’ll be damned! It’s a Walther PPK semiautomatic pistol. Who the hell do you think you are a British secret agent?” Storm was right; the Walther PPK was made famous by a fictional British agent.
Savage tried to smile and said, “Yes, mate, he’s my bloody hero you fool!”
Storm went on to say, “I’m sure by now we’re too close to New York City to explode this tanker. That means now we’re going to have to make sure no one else does.”
Savage replied, “You’re right, mate. Either we disable the detonator or find the trigger device. There’s so many explosives on this tub if the detonator explodes I’m sure the tanker will go with it.”
Storm snapped back, “Well then, your only choice might be to get the detonator crate off the tanker before it explodes.”
Savage smiled and said, “You create a diversion, and I’ll do just that.”
Storm added, “We’ll see. Are you sure you’re going to be alright?”
Savage replied, “Yeah, I’m as tough as nails. Get moving before Imad misses the two terrorists that went for a dip in the pit.” The two shook hands, and Storm left the explosives barge making his way up the steel stairs. Savage continued to sit on one of the crates watching Storm exit through the hatchway. He sat there for a few more minutes. Finally, still in pain, he stood up and turned around picking up the detonator crate. He slowly made his way up the stairs and onto the platform by the exit hatch.
Meanwhile on deck Storm had crawled under one of the speedboats that were still up on blocks. Hooda and Imad walked up and were standing just a few feet away from where Storm was hiding. All Storm could think about was pulling out his PPK pistol and putting an end to Hooda and Imad. He knew that doing that would change nothing. Hooda was smart enough to make sure that each suicide bomber would be able to carry out his mission independently.
Imad was the first to speak, “Hooda, the speedboats are ready to be lowered into the water. Are you ready to go through the check list with the men?”
Hooda replied, “I’ll read off the destination list and you check off each man and send them to their speedboat.”
Imad replied, “Yes sir.”
Hooda continued, “I will read this list once. Don’t ask me to repeat myself. The destinations are Coney Island, JFK International Airport, Staten Island, Ellis Island, Oil Storage Tanks Depot, Staten Island Ferry Terminal, United Nations, Brooklyn Bridge and Governors Island.”
Storm listened to the target list not believing what he was hearing. How in the world could he stop these ten deadly suicide speedboats all going in different directions to their targets? He had no way of warning Homeland Security or the New York City authorities. Even if he was luckily enough to overpower one of the speedboat drivers he might be able to overtake two to three of the other speedboats on their way to the targets. The reality was that he would be lucky to take out one and probably be killed doing that. Then there still was the problem of the tanker. Neither Hooda or Imad had anything to say about the destination of the tanker. The tanker loaded with explosives and oil could wipe out half of Manhattan if exploded. What the hell was he going to do? Storm also wondered how Savage was doing with the detonator crate.
Hooda went on to say, “Imad, as planned you join the speedboats and coordinate their movements. I’ll go to the bridge and make sure the tanker stays on course. When the deed is done I’ll pick you up.”
Imad replied, “I will not let you or Cobra down. Am I assured you will do the same for me?”
Hooda placed his hand on Imad’s shoulder and said, “I will be there for you. You will not be left behind.” The two departed in different directions. Storm was left there thinking, “Well, I’ll be damned. Those cowards are going to kill thousands of innocent people and their entire crew of terrorists. Then Hooda and Imad have an escape plan. I’ll be damned if they think they’re going to get away with this suicide massacre.” Storm rolled out from under the boat and moved in the direction to where they were beginning to lower the speedboats into the water. The sun had not yet risen so the terrorist’s movements could not be detected from anyone on the shorelines.
Savage had been peeking out of the hatch waiting for an opportunity to venture out on the deck. He decided to leave the detonator crate hidden behind the hatch door. He stepped through the hatchway under the cover of darkness with the intention of making his way to the bridge.
Storm had made his way to the aft side of the tanker where the speedboats were lined up waiting to be lowered into the water. No one was watching the speedboats at the end of the line. The terrorists seemed to be watching and cheering on each speedboat and suicide terrorist pilot as they were being lowered into the water. Storm took this opportunity to crawl into the back of the second to the last speedboat in line. Every open spot on the speedboat was loaded with explosives. He finally found a hiding place in a small storage seat compartment at the back of the speedboat. He lifted up the seat cushion and hid inside, crossing his fingers that the terrorist would not try to stow anything in this compartment.
About ten minutes later the terrorist assigned to Storm’s suicide speedboat climbed aboard. Storm could hear him walking around the small deck and speaking in Arabic. Storm felt the cushion seat above him move. He quickly pointed his PPK up just in case the lid was opened. To his surprise the cushion now seemed to compress down like the terrorist was sitting on it. What Storm didn’t realize was that the terroris
t had loaded two more crates of explosives on the cushion he was hiding under. The speedboat was now being lowered into the water. Storm could tell by the sudden jolt and the splash that the speedboat was now in the water. Within a minute Storm could hear the engine in the speedboat fire up. Storm expected the speedboat to accelerate, but instead it just sat there idling its engine. Storm could not tell, but all the speedboats were waiting by the tanker for the last speedboat to be lowered into the water. Yes, they were all waiting for Imad, and Imad was waiting for his signal from Hooda before lowering his speedboat into the water.
Meanwhile it was almost dawn, and Savage was able to move around the tanker without being noticed. Most of the terrorists were in the speedboats or at the railing of the tanker watching the speedboats. Savage was still trying to deal with the acute pain from the bullet wound; however, he knew he had to keep going. He slowly made his way up to the bridge of the tanker to find Hooda and two other terrorists. Hooda was in the process of giving the Cobra salute to Imad which was the signal to begin the attack. Imad’s speedboat was now lowered into the water with the other speedboats. Imad stood up from behind the speedboat’s wheel and yelled out, “Today, my brothers of Cobra, we will strike terror into the United States and the rest of the Western world. The Western infidels will now feel the full force of the Holy War.” He paused for a minute and then continued, “You all know your assigned targets. May the spirit of Cobra go with you into battle. We are destined for paradise. Now go!” Within seconds the speedboats set out at high speed towards their targets. The only way any shore patrol was going to stop them from reaching their destinations would be to blow them out of the water.
Storm knew he would have to act now if he would have any chance of stopping the terrorists and warning the authorities. He pushed up on the lid above him, but the lid would not budge. He pushed harder and still nothing. Now he knew that he would have to push as hard as he could which might alert the terrorist driving the speedboat. With all the strength he could muster he shoved the lip so hard that the two crates of explosives went flying overboard. Storm jumped up out of the box trying to quickly get his bearings. While Storm was collecting himself the terrorist heard the commotion and turned around seeing Storm. He reached over and picked up his AK-47, but before he could get a single shot off, Storm fired his PPK several times striking the terrorist through the heart. The terrorist slumped back over the steering wheel causing the speedboat to make a sharp right turn. This sudden movement knocked Storm to the deck. He quickly got to his feet and ran over to the terrorist, throwing him overboard then grabbing the wheel. While Storm was getting the speedboat under control he was being watched by Imad from his speedboat. With his cell phone, Imad quickly called Hooda. Hooda flipped open his cell phone, clicked speaker then said, “I told you not to call me unless it was an emergency.”
Imad replied back, “But Hooda, one of the infidels from Bermuda has just killed one of our men, and now he has control of a speedboat. Do you want me to detonate his speedboat?”
Hooda snapped back, “You fool! If you explode the speedboat the explosion will alert the authorities. Do not key any codes. Do you hear me? Go kill him, but not with explosives.” Hooda was beside himself. He snapped the cell phone shut and went over to one of the bridge viewing stations to try to spot Imad.
Savage had been listening to every word Hooda and Imad had been saying. He thought to himself, “These bloody terrorists have the detonator codes programmed into their cell phones. If anything goes wrong on the speedboats they can explode them with the cell phones. That why Imad is out there with them. How in the hell can I warn Storm?” Then he realized that the code to set off the detonator crate on the tanker must also be on the cell phones or at least Hooda’s phone. Now he just had to figure out how to take out Hooda’s two thugs.
Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death
While Savage was waiting for the right opportunity Hooda was getting impatient for the plan to swing into full motion. Hooda turned to one of the terrorists saying, “You stay here and lock the tanker on course. We’re going to check on the chopper to make sure it’s prepped for takeoff.” Hooda and one of his henchmen left the bridge passing within a few feet of Savage. Savage was lucky. If Hooda had turned the other direction after leaving the bridge he would have walked directly into him.
Once Hooda was out of sight, Savage turned his attention back to the bridge. The terrorist who was piloting the tanker was concentrating on the tanker’s direction and had his back turned to the hatch. Savage quietly stepped through the opened hatchway and was able to get within a foot of the terrorist without being detected. Savage tapped the terrorist on the shoulder and yelled out, “Hey mate, where we going?” The startled terrorist turned around only to find Savage’s right fist planted squarely into his face. The terrorist never knew what hit him. He was sprawled out on the floor in seconds. Savage stood over him shaking his right hand and said, “Damn that hurt me worse than it hurt you.” Now he had temporary control of the bridge and the terrorist’s AK-47, but what next? He still had to warn Storm and somehow defuse the detonator. Furthermore, he had to be on the lookout for the return of Hooda and his henchmen.
Back on the speedboat Storm had sighted the terrorist speedboat that was closest to him. He picked up the AR-47 from the deck and threw the throttle wide open hoping to catch up with the terrorist in a couple of minutes. What Storm failed to notice was that Imad was in pursuit of him. As Storm closed the gap between the speedboats other terrorists saw him out of the corner of their eyes. He turned around and started firing his AK-47 at Storm. Storm managed to escape being hit by any of the bullets ripping through the air. The two speedboats were now side by side colliding with each other as they flew over the waves. Now neither man could fire at the other at this close range without losing control of his own speedboat. Storm finally broke the stalemate by locking the steering wheel temporarily with his AK-47.
Without hesitation he leaped from one speedboat to the other. As he landed on the other speedboat the terrorist tried to fire at him in vain. Storm grabbed the AK-47 and shoved the butt of the weapon back into the face of the terrorist. The terrorist flipped back over the seat causing the speedboat to swerve out of control. Storm fell over the same seat landing on the terrorist. The two rolled over the deck fighting each other and trying to gain control of the AK-47. The terrorist was first to gain control of the assault weapon, but before he could pull the trigger Storm gave him a karate chop blow to his throat. The terrorist dropped the AK-47 as he grabbed at his throat trying to breath. Storm next kicked him so hard in his mid section that he fell backwards cracking his head on the speedboat’s rail. He appeared to be dead. Before Storm could do anything else he heard Imad yelling, “Don’t move a muscle, you infidel, or I will blow your brains out.” Storm stopped dead in his tracks. He knew Imad meant business. Imad continued to say, “You think you’re funny trying to stop our suicide boats. Don’t you?”
Storm replied, “Well Imad old buddy, the thought had crossed my mind.”
Imad added, “The only thing you’re going to do is drive this speedboat on to its target.”
Storm now knew that Imad was afraid to fire his weapon at him. He must be fearful of setting off the explosives too early as this would alert the authorities. Storm only had one choice at the moment. He was at least ten feet away from the driver’s seat and Imad would probably shoot him before he could get there. So the next best thing was to join Imad. Storm yelled out, “Look, there’s the Coast Guard!” Imad glanced away just long enough for Storm to jump onto Imad’s speedboat. The fight of their lives ensued.
Back on the tanker, Savage finally thought of a way to warn Storm. He was pretty sure, but not positive that Storm knew Morse code. The only problem was that he was going to have to use a very unconventional device to communicate with Storm. The tanker’s air horn! He knew that as soon as he made the first sound with the tankers horn it would draw the terrorists back to him, but he had no choice. S
avage began to sound off the tanker’s air horn, “Daaaaaaaaa Daaa Daaaaaaaaa Daaa , Daaa , Daaa Daaaaaaaaa Daaa Daaa, Daaa Daaaaaaaaa Daaa Daaa.”
Then, “Daaa Daaaaaaaaa Daaaaaaaaa Daaa, Daaa Daaa Daaa Daaa, Daaaaaaaaa Daaaaaaaaa Daaaaaaaaa, Daaaaaaaaa Daaa, “Daaa.”
Then, “Daaaaaaaaa Daaa Daaaaaaaaa, Daaa, Daaaaaaaaa Daaa Daaaaaaaaa Daaaaaaaaa, Daaa Daaa Daaa.”
And finally, “Daaaaaaaaa Daaa Daaa Daaa, Daaaaaaaaa Daaaaaaaaa Daaaaaaaaa, Daaaaaaaaa Daaaaaaaaa, “Daaaaaaaaa Daaa Daaa Daaa.”
The Isle of Devils HOLY WAR Page 14
