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When Brad landed he hit with his feet running. A Navy van was waiting for him with a female driver. Brad said, "Get me to the base safe and sound, but don't spare the fuel."
She said, "Yes sir. Hang on we're on our way. Nice dog by the way. Does it have a name?"
Brad turned to look at his driver. He was starting to come down with her soothing conversation. He said, "Her name is Sandy. She's one of two very special family members of ours."
"Sir, I've been instructed to take you directly to the Base Commander's office."
"Fine with me. I presume you're my driver for awhile. If so, then after I meet with your commander, I want to see where the secret project was warehoused."
"I'm at your disposal for the duration," she said.
"What's your name please?
"I'm Alice McGoodwin," she replied.
"When we're alone call me Brad. When we're in mixed company, sir would be best."
"Okay Colonel Brad," she said smiling.
Alice parked in front of the base commander's office building. Brad wasted no time using long strides to enter the building. A young sailor in a spiffy crisp uniform saluted then said, "Welcome sir to our base. Captain Hiram Locker is waiting for you in his office. Follow me please."
Captain Locker walked around his desk as soon as the door opened. He stuck his hand out, but looking rather grim than pleased. Brad noticed, but never thought much of it. He was here on business, not to socialize. Greetings out of the way, Locker motioned with his hand and arm to a chair that faced his desk. Brad pulled the chair back about five feet and sat down crossing his leg over his knee. Sandy sat at attention beside him.
Both sized each other up and then Brad said, "Captain, what the hell happened here. How could you lose a prototype sub that was in your charge?"
That struck home like a punch to his midsection as Locker's face turned two shades of red. "Are you here for my resignation," he said with sarcasm dripping from his lips.
"No I'm not. If I wanted you gone, you'd not be sitting here talking to me. I want you to help me find that cat sub. I want this base to pull out the stops and return the egg that is all over this bases face. I've just come from the President's office. I want to hear your story before we venture down to the dock," said Brad with a much nicer tone of voice.
"There's not a lot to tell, I'm afraid to say. I got a call saying when the USS Vermont reached its first port of call, the cat sub they were toting was gone. I ordered everything frozen in place. Nobody leaves the base, the Vermont is still sitting there not moving and we have the pens closed; but a little late for that," he said in a calmer voice.
"Okay, let's go see where the cat sub was last viewed and by whom," said Brad standing up walking to the door.
Alice was driving with the commander and Brad riding in the back. Sandy sat in the right side passenger seat looking regal. Brad said, "Who is in charge of security on this project?"
"We've a Major Rick Lostine from the Marines. I'm not using this for an excuse Colonel Pratt, but I just took over this base a month ago. I'm still getting my feet wet, so to speak. I didn't know about this secret project until I was briefed a few months ago. As I represent the Navy and we've certainly lost face, I want to redeem ourselves. I'll do whatever is necessary to solve this mystery."
At the dock where the subs are docked for maintenance and other things, Brad and the Commander walked into a locked down warehouse. Two Marine guards stood at the small door saluting when they passed inside. The lights were on, but the most intense right in the middle of the warehouse. Brad stood still looking at a very unusual craft. It was a full scale mock up of the prototype cat sub. When Brad first looked at it he thought it looked an alien space craft.
Brad counted six Marine guards and a few civilians standing around talking. When he walked up a Marine major glared at Brad with defiance in his eyes. Obviously this was Major Rick Lostine the man in charge of security who had absolutely failed in all respects. Next to him was a Marine Captain who looked every bit the opposite of Major Lostine.
Brad said, "I presume you're in charge of the security major?"
"Indeed I am and who are you, if I might ask. Also, how did you get passed my guards? I don't see any name tag," he said with a false sense of bravado.
"I'm Brad Pratt and I've the authority to fire you and that's just what I'm doing: firing you. You've got three hours to clear off this base mister or wind up in the brig. Captain, you're now in command of the security. Escort the major out of here please."
Captain Margo Slipster looked at Captain Locker and he nodded to her. She took the major arm and led him out of the warehouse. He never said a word of protest.
The warehouse was in silence. Brad was enraptured by the cat sub. A civilian walked up and introduced himself as the designer of the craft. Paul Hullseth was in his fifties and rather unassuming. However, when he talked, people listened. He had vision and his vision sat before Brad in all its glory. Sadly, the working model vanished. Brad said while looking, "Who stole your sub Mr. Hullseth?"
"I wish I knew. Whoever took it was damn clever. I was almost two years designing this sub and I've no doubt someone in my firm leaked the information. It could be a major power or a person with a ton of money or terrorist groups --- God forbid---that took it. I doubt it's very far away from here."
"I'd like to continue this conversation with the engineer who was or is in charge of building the sub. Who and where might he be," said Brad
"I'm right here Mr. Pratt," said Rolf Sark.
"Gentlemen, give me a walk around with an overall look. After that we can sit down and discuss what each segment is used for," said Brad.
Mr. Hullseth said, "Okay," as he pointed to the left cat facing the sub, has enclosed a short range nuclear missile. In the prototype that is missing, the shell of the missile is there, but the insides and bomb are not on board. The other side has storage for many drones to wreck havoc wherever necessary. Inside with the drones, a compartment for two to sleep are not very comfortable, but better than nothing. In the cockpit or pilot area have seats for four. That's a rough overall of the cat sub."
"Now I'd like to see where the trident sub was last seen," said Brad.
It was a short ride in an electric golf cart to the dock area where subs arrived and departed. It was getting late in the day, but for early fall, the weather was clear. Brad stood looking at the dock area where the USS Vermont sailed away with the cat sub on its back. That was the last anyone saw the cat sub.
Brad wondered who stole the sub. Was it a major player on the world's stage these days; or was it a terrorist group financed by who or what; or was it an individual seeking to ransom the cat sub. So many questions and damn few, if any, answers. The last thing he thought about was that maybe it was someone who would be the least suspected.
After receiving a detailed account of the cat sub, Brad went to his quarters to think about what had transpired since he was informed of a new super stealth catamaran submarine, equipped with the latest in electric drive from a scaled down nuclear reactor. On the world's market it would bring the owner billions of dollars. In the wrong hands, if used, would make the world an entirely different place to live.
Brad waited for the Batt team to arrive, as he nodded off with Sandy on guard duty and Alice outside in the van.
-4-
Alice had received word that the Batt team had arrived and needed picked up. It didn't take her long to race to the airport. The team had been alerted to look out for a Navy van with a woman driver. Billy, who timed his arrival with team coming in, was first to see the van and made ready to climb aboard with his precious cargo of laptops. Wendy and Agent Jones had their usual changes of clothes depending on the weather and destination.
When Billy saw Alice he almost went to his knees. He told Brad later that he knew for a fact there is a God as he made sure that Billy Ricker met Alice McGoodwin. Brad just shook his head.
In this officer
housing Brad and team were in a three bedroom two bath house. When Wade came down he could sleep on the sofa hide-a-bed. Brad had a fitful night's sleep. His thought kept returning to the missing sub. First thing he decided to do, while stroking Sandy's back, was order that Trident sub back to base. From there, Brad would take a short ride out to sea. His most particular curiosity was how the sub released from the mother ship. The old cliché: a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, ran over and over in his head.
Before daylight he heard his team arrive. He knew they'd be tired out so he stayed in his room to let them get some rest. He had a meeting with the design engineer and the main contractor at 9 am. He thought, to follow a trail, fist you must find some sign. Also, somewhere on the planet someone was behind the theft. It had to be both political and someone with a fat bank account. If there was a smell in the air, it probably came from Asia. Brad was also toying with the idea of bringing in the Master. However, for the time being, he'd let things develop.
Brad left a note and Alice, who never seemed to sleep, drove him to the office in the warehouse where the mock up sat. Paul Hullseth and Rolf Sark sat waiting for Brad. Both had a look of apprehension on their faces. They were present when Brad fired the Marine Major for dereliction of duty. Now, both thought if this man found fault with either one of them, their careers were down the drain. Brad, with a neutral look sat down at a conference table across from, what he suspected, was a clue to the disappearance of the cat sub. The trail would begin right this day. Brad said, "I need some background information please. First thing is how each of you was chosen to perform your respective jobs."
Both men looked at each other and the older of the two, Paul Hullseth said, "I'm the senior designer or architect of Mayberry and Parcell of Atlanta. We're chosen because of our past record of proven designs for the military. Also, we're chosen on our ability to keep a design secret until if and when it was made public. When you dig deeper, Mr. Pratt, you'll find our firm has an unquestionable reputation of integrity that is beyond suspicion. However, this is the first time we've worked with Rolf Sark and his company."
"Thanks Paul. Now Mr. Sark it's your turn. Let me say this before you begin your story. I realize you're probably thinking all I need is to research the files and all this information would be readily available. That's true, but I can't see the eyes of the person who wrote it or filed it or said it. Now please begin."
"Our company is located in Charleston, South Carolina. Our company name is Carolina Manufacturing Inc. The firm has been in business for 80 years. It was first a private company that went public in the 1980s. President Regan gave us a boast when he began the Star Wars program. Since then 90% of our work is government bids. I'm not involved in the bidding process. I go where they send me. I guess that whatever else you need Mr. Pratt, ask questions please," said Rolf.
"Who do you report to Rolf, if I may call you by your given name," asked Brad.
"I report to the General Manager Scott Bleedslow. He's a hands on kind of guy and my tenure has so far lasted for almost 15 years. He usually comes down once a week to see how things are going. I told him you were here and he's on his way to make himself available if you have some questions."
"Yes, that will save us some time. Now I've ordered the Vermont back to base. I want to know how the cat sub was attached and how it could possibly come loose. My team is on site now. From both of you, mostly from Rolf, I want employee history on everyone from you on down to the clean up man. I want to see the security checks. I want to know their bank accounts, cars or trucks they drive and any and all investments. Someone best be aware I'm on their trail.
Okay now give me the details how the sub was attached to the mother ship," said Brad.
Paul said, "We welded eyes on the mother sub on all four corners. Hidden up in the cat subs sections, in a slot, we had a reinforced stainless steel bar to receive a double J hook. It's threaded on both ends of the J hook. You simply turn the nut and when you're satisfied it's secure, and then go on to the next one. As there's no give once all four corners are tight, the object, or in this case, the cat sub is firmly secure to the mother craft."
"I'm sure you must have a spare J hook somewhere. I'd like to see it please," said Brad. Paul had an associate standing by and he heard the request. He was off in a flash.
"While he's gone, where was most if not all, the manufacturing of the internal structure made," asked Brad.
"Most everything was made in our factory in Charleston," answered Rolf.
"How many in your organization were cognizant of the end product being a secret sub for the military," asked Brad.
"I can't answer that question as I don't know. Here our fabrication crew knew what the end result was. However, they had to sign a non disclosure document and go through a strict background check," said Rolf.
"And in your office Paul, how many draftsmen knew what the end drawings were after the final blueprints were completed," asked Brad
"All of our staff was aware of the end product, but to talk about it off the job would be grounds for dismissal. They too had to sign a non discloser document and go through a security check," answered Paul.
Brad opened his mouth to say something when the guy came in a little out of breath to set a J hook on the table. Brad picked it up and examined it closely. It too was made of stainless steel. It was a simple device that worked very well. Power companies use them extensively to tighten wires to the ground.
Brad said, "Well, that's all for now gentlemen. I'm sure we're a long ways off yet, so be available when called upon. Thanks for your cooperation."
Brad's secure phone went off. He saw it was his father looking for some good news, he thought.
-5-
"Good morning sir," said Brad.
"Morning son. I've a small piece of information that might lend a hand to your investigation. That Marine Major created quite a fuss about you firing him. I had Homeland do a deep background check on him. It was discovered he'd taken a vacation in Hong Kong last year. Apparently, he was seen and photographed with Mr. Chi, the Chinese billionaire and richest man in China.
One of our people, who keep an eye on China and him, saw a newspaper picture and wondered who the white man was. He was ID and that information was sent on up the line where it rested until the news of you firing a marine major that was head of security. The name rang a bell and the information was passed on to me."
"Indeed that's very interesting sir. Do the usual bank checks and then get warrant for his house. Confiscate his computer to see if he's been doing some Internet banking. Also, any recent investments and so forth. Keep me posted.
Now, don't pass this around father, but if I'm not mistaken, I know about where the cat sub is. Sure we could just go get it or see if it is really there, but we need to discover who was behind the theft. It must remain for us to use as bait," said Brad.
"That would be a major relief for both the USA and me. Son, I'm not sure I was cut out for this job as Secretary. Just the size of the budget is overwhelming. That cat sub alone has cost two billion and counting. Now with China stepping on the gas pedal, using our money, has almost taken over the role of the biggest boy on the block. Anyway, thanks for the terrific news. I sure hope you're right. I'll let you know what transpires with the security major."
Brad was still in the warehouse office when his team arrived looking rather fresh and full of energy. Sandy gave the team a round of crotch sniffs then sat back down next to his master. Billy said, "Okay boss, what y'all want usins to do?"
"Billy, that was not very good and you'd best stick with west coast jargon," said Wendy. Brad just smiled as everyone sat down to hear what the boss had to say.
"Billy, sneak up on Carolina Manufacturing of Charlotte, South Carolina. Check the board of directors; the primary big power people; and check for political connections that lean to government contracts for instate business. Wendy you're our nautical expert. I want depths, traffic lanes, Army Corp of Engineers dred
ging past, present and future. I want to know the sea floor like I know the design of our Round House. Tides, currents the whole thing. Agent Jones, you're our snoop man around the docks, taverns base pool halls. Anything that relates to the missing cat sub.
I've ordered the mother sub Vermont back to home base. It should be here tomorrow. Okay everybody, go to work."
At first, Brad thought he would create a diversion by searching for the cat sub anywhere but local waters. What he needed was a fly over and take a look from the sky down to the shipping lanes. He reached for his phone to call Alice when she walked into the office. He smiled at her and said, "Alice get me a helicopter and let's take a ride over the sea shore. I want an aerial view of the coast line."
"Yes sir Colonel. Let me see when we can lift off. You did say we?"
"I sure did. I need some sharp eyes to support my vision. Besides being in the Navy I'd think you'd know all about the tides and currents at the opening of the waters to the ocean. Also the rules for entering and exiting the shipping lanes. That's about it Alice; any questions," said Brad with smile boarding on a smirk. Sandy gave a little woof knowing the tone of her master's voice.
By noon they were in the air headed east out of the base. It was a lovely day that was clear with lots of sunshine. Brad was especially keen on the seashore and the exit lanes for shipping. Brad and Alice had head phones on so they could talk back and forth over the noise of the engine. As they cleared the shore line and flew due east, Brad asked, "How far out before the Trident subs submerge?"
Alice kind of screwed her face up think and said, "I don't know Colonel Brad. Maybe the pilot knows."
The pilot said, "I'm not totally sure exactly, but towards the end of the shelf which is about 100 kilometers."
"Let's see the water color change as it gets deeper; so fly until the shelf is evidently slopping to the plateau," said Brad. All went quiet as they flew east watching the color of the sea. While waiting Brad wondered what this lovely Alice had in mind when she joined the Navy. He also wondered how she got the job as his driver. Most personnel would think that an honor and privilege to drive a VIP around. Alice saw him smile and said:
Classified: Missing Cat-Sub Page 2
