Agent of Vengeance

by Scott M Neuman

  As Fletcher approached the administrative buildings, he reviewed the accomplished objectives of his mission thus far. Hundreds of dead terrorists, and a nearly destroyed main base of operations. The PLGA was on the ropes but not down for the count, yet. Ron felt a sweet surge of satisfaction run through his veins. He had experienced this feeling many times before during his military career, and, though he hated to admit it, he still enjoyed it. However, Fletcher knew that his quest for vengeance had only just begun. The terrorist leaders who had orchestrated the death of his beloved Mary had yet to feel his wrath.

  He entered the one structure on the base that he had purposely left undamaged. It was a long, single story administration building. Fletcher had refrained from destroying the building for two reasons. First, he wanted to collect raw intelligence on PLGA from its higher-ups. Second, he wanted to get up close and personal with the terrorists that had most likely played a role in the planning of his wife’s murder. These dredges of society deserved a special kind of justice that Ron savored the opportunity to dispense.

  Fletcher entered the building and walked quickly down the main corridor, casually tossing into each room he passed a MK3 concussion grenade. When he approached the door at the end of the hallway, his intuition told him that this room was likely the office of the commander of the base. He also instinctively knew that any remaining PLGA terrorists were probably waiting behind the door to ambush him.

  Drawing on his military experience in clearing Viet Cong tunnels, Fletcher carefully opened the warped wooden door a crack and introduced a mirror with an extendable arm attachment. With this device he was able to survey the room. He saw five terrorists spread across the office. Two of them he immediately recognized from the intelligence files: Abu Jihad and Mohamad Talabi, among the most wanted terrorists on the Interpol watchlist. Together they had been responsible of dozens of attacks and targeted assassinations.

  The five terrorists were no match to Fletcher’s hardened combat skills. He quickly determined his preferred order of elimination and proceeded in rapid sequence. Kicking in the door, he shot three of the terrorists in the dead center of their foreheads with the Colt .45 within five seconds. He then opened fire with the Israeli air gun, hitting the remaining two stunned terrorists in their necks. They immediately dropped to the ground but were far from dead. Their shrieks of pain caused even Fletcher to flinch.

  Fletcher walked over the two terrorist leaders who were convulsing from pain. He addressed them in Arabic.

  “I only have one proposition to you scum of the earth. Whoever tells me where I can find the documents I’m looking for, I’ll mercifully put them out of their misery quickly. Then I’ll get a chair and enjoy watching the other one die a slow, agonizing death that only gets worse from here. It might take hours, but I have all the time in the world.”

  After hearing the proposal, in their agony both simultaneously pointed to the long dark curtains covering part of the back wall. Fletcher walked up to the curtains and parted them at their center. He saw that they covered a heavy steel door with a large combination lock resembling a bank safe. He examined the lock on the door and concluded that there was no way of forcing it.

  “What’s the combination?” he growled at the two cowering terrorists. They shook their heads to indicate that they didn’t know, and one was able to just barely squeak out, “Only Rajad.”

  Fletcher stood there for a moment assessing the problem, then decided that the best way to access the area behind the locked door would be from the outside. So he started toward the exit. As he was about to leave the room, he remembered that the two terrorists were awaiting his decision.

  Fletcher stared coldly at the murderers on the floor. Finally he said, “Sorry, you were both so quick in pointing out that room. It was a tie. Since there was no winner, you must both be the losers.”

  With that, Fletcher exited the building and returned to his stash of weapons. He grabbed the M72 LAW rocket launcher and the knapsack with the rest of his munitions. He decided that his best chance of gaining entry to the area behind the steel door while preserving whatever intelligence could be recovered would be to blow off a corner of the building. After taking cover about twenty yards from the building, he fired an LAW rocket at the edge of the fortified concrete wall, creating a deep depression. He then aimed the second rocket at the same target. When the dust and smoke cleared, Fletcher saw a hole in the corner of the wall just large enough to step through.

  Fletcher squeezed himself through the jagged edges of the opening and found that he was in the secured room. It was a large space that contained mostly shelves and boxes of files. His eyes became transfixed on a small desk that contained a locked filing cabinet. One shot from the Colt .45 was sufficient to destroy the small padlock. He then opened the drawer and dumped its contents into his now nearly empty knapsack. After exiting the room he tossed two remaining M67 incendiary grenades through the opening, just in case there was something inside that could be useful to terrorists in the future. The subsequent explosions caused flames to surge out of the blast hole.

  As he left the PLGA base by way of the main gate, Fletcher was satisfied that he had successfully completed the first phase of his mission. He remembered back to the phrase that he and his fellow commandos in Vietnam had told themselves many times, “Revenge is a dish best served cold.”

  Fletcher was confident that the PLGA would be out of action for some time. He wondered about what possible information could be gleaned from the papers he had obtained from the locked filing cabinet. Perhaps some clues regarding those responsible for his wife’s death? In any event, the next phase of his operation would focus on the leader of the PLGA, Ali Rajad.

  For the next several hours, Fletcher hiked southeast toward a certain Christian village. The commander of the village militia, George “Daredevil” Franji, was an old friend of Fletcher’s. The two had collaborated on anti-terrorist activities during his service as CIA liaison in Beirut. Fletcher knew that Franji would make sure he would be safely escorted back to Israel without asking any awkward questions.

  15

  Joshua 74575 was smiling broadly that Sunday as he made his way to see the Rabbi. He had finished his work even faster than usual, and was anxious to tell the Rabbi how much he had enjoyed the Sabbath. During the “lectures” of the SS education officers, Joshua had kept his eyes closed and dreamed of being free in Israel. The Rabbi had taught him sign language and how to read and write in basic Hebrew, and he was looking forward to using his new skills. Joshua had come to love the Rabbi in the way that a son loves his father.

  Unfortunately, Joshua had no idea what it was like to be a son. His mother was killed soon after his birth, and his father was not allowed to have any connection with his offspring. Joshua had been raised in the only place a Jew could grow up in Valhalla, the concentration camp orphanage.

  The Rabbi was also very fond of Joshua. He was encouraged that Joshua, in spite of having been brainwashed by the Nazis from birth, had a very Jewish soul. This had strengthened the Rabbi’s belief in divine providence more than ever. The Rabbi was convinced that there was a heavenly plan in which Joshua would play a critical role.

  When he spoke to Joshua, he remembered the Talmudic statement of Rabbi Chanina, “I have learned more from my colleagues than my teachers. But I have learned from my students most of all.”

  As Joshua approached the Rabbi’s cage that Sunday, he was thinking of his recent conversation with the Rabbi in which he had expressed his feelings toward Miriam. The Rabbi told him that he was in love, and that that this feeling is a powerful force for good in the world. Joshua was pleased with the idea that, in spite of his dreadful situation in Valhalla, he was able to find meaning in life through his love of Miriam and the teachings of the Rabbi.

  Then a dreadful thought entered his mind. In a few months, Miriam would give birth. She would be allowed to nurse the baby for a short period. Then she would be taken to the Broder Lab, never to be seen again.
This thought filled him with great anxiety, however, he knew there was nothing he could do to stop it.

  As he approached Rabbi Gershon’s cage, he knew something was wrong. The Rabbi was sitting on the floor, mumbling prayers, tears flowing from his eyes. As Joshua drew closer, Rabbi Gershon caught sight of him. The great scholar rose and wiped the tears from his face.

  Joshua, using sign language, asked, “My teacher, why are you crying?”

  The Rabbi forced out his reply. “Trouble has once again befallen the Jewish people. This morning, I had a visitor. His name is Mueller. He is better known in this man-made hell as the High Priest. He approached my cage and began to shout, ‘The hour of the Fuhrer’s revenge is near! The Reich Gott has commanded that in one month, all the Jews of your precious State of Israel will be exterminated. Afterwards, we will destroy all the other nations, and begin repopulating the world with pure Aryans from Valhalla.’ Then he burst out laughing like a madman, then abruptly turned and walked away.”

  The Rabbi paused for a moment before continuing. “Joshua, I’m a very good judge of people. I’m sure Mueller was speaking the truth. And, as I have taught you, it is our duty to help our fellow Jews as well as any person in need. You must escape and warn Israel and the nations of the world! I’m too old to make such a journey, but you, Joshua, are young and strong. You could make it to Israel and return with the Jewish army. Only they could stop this pagan god of destruction.”

  “But Rabbi,” Joshua protested, “There is no way out of these caverns. The only exit is the elevator located in the center of the SS Base.”

  Rabbi Gershon responded with a quiet voice. “There is another way out. Over thirty years ago, when they were building this terrible place, I was assigned to the rock quarry in the East Clover. I worked there before that section was closed off and used for storage.”

  “During my last days in the quarry, while swinging my pick, I broke through into an empty space. I managed to pick away at the edges and made an opening. It led to a long narrow shaft upwards. When I entered, I looked up and saw light at the top. That could only mean it reached the surface. The shaft was extremely narrow, but I was able to squeeze through by pressing my back against the wall and pushing up with my legs. After ascending halfway, I lowered myself back down because I knew I would need food and water to survive the journey through the desert.

  “I planned my escape for the next day. I carefully replaced the rocks to conceal the entrance and marked it with a wooden board. On the right upper corner of the board I scratched out a small symbol, a Star of David.

  “The following morning, I was fully prepared for my escape. However, there was no roll call for my work detail that day. Soon after, I learned that the Nazis officially closed the quarry. I was reassigned to the coal mines, and, before long, I was transferred to the zoo. Here my chances for escape ended.”

  “Joshua, it is a dangerous journey. I cannot force you to go. But you are the only hope for the salvation of the world. Are you willing to go?” The Rabbi’s eyes were filled with hope.

  Without hesitation Joshua nodded, signaling in sign language, “Yes, of course.”

  The Rabbi was greatly moved. “You must leave right away. First, fill as many bottles as you can carry with water, and take food from the animal cages. Drink as much as you can before leaving. Then wrap everything for the trip in in that sheet.” The Rabbi pointed to an old tarpaulin that had been discarded in the corner of the hall.

  “Before you leave, make a small cut on your finger and drip blood on to your shirt. Then, throw your shirt into the lion’s cage. That should fool the Nazis into thinking you were eaten. Afterwards, go to the far wall of the East Clover, There, search for the board with the Star of David.”

  “How will I find the Land of Israel?” Joshua asked.

  The Rabbi handed him his Hebrew Bible, his only book. On the last page he had carefully etched out a map and star patterns using spent matches that Nazis had thrown at him.

  “Use this map. During the day, when it is light, stay under the sheet to protect yourself from the sun. Travel only at night, when it becomes dark all around you.

  “The dots on this map represent stars, which are tiny lights high above your head in the sky which you will see when it is dark. By following these stars you should reach a large body of water, called a sea, within four nights. When you reach the sea, you will turn right and continue walking. Remember, do not drink the water from the sea no matter how thirsty you may be. It is not for drinking. If you do, it will make you very sick.

  “When you come upon people, if they are friendly, show them this book. I have written a message in Hebrew and German that explains the situation. If the people try to hurt you, run away! If they should catch you, don’t tell them anything.”

  “I will miss you,” Joshua said, sadly.

  “And I will pray for you,” The Rabbi answered.

  The two stood silently for a moment. Then the young pupil left the great sage, fully aware of the critical importance of his mission. If he failed, the Jewish people and the nations of the world would be doomed.

  Joshua followed each of the Rabbi’s instructions to the letter. He was able to make it from the zoo to the East Clover by way of Aryan neighborhoods that had not yet been populated. When Joshua reached the storage yard, there was only one guard at the main gate. Joshua found a hiding spot and waited for an opportunity. After about a half an hour, the guard hurried behind some large crates to relieve himself. That gave Joshua enough time to slip past him.

  It took Joshua quite some time to find the board bearing the Star of David, which was now covered by a thick layer of dust. Working quickly, he cleared away the rocks, revealing the entrance of the shaft. He entered the shaft with his food and water wrapped in the tarp and moved the rocks back into place to avoid discovery. Joshua was surprised to see that even though there was no light coming from the caverns, he could still see. He looked around found that light was coming from the top of the shaft.

  As the Rabbi had instructed, Joshua pressed his back to the shaft wall and pushed up with his legs. The process was slow, but he made steady progress toward the light above. When he was over a hundred feet up, the tarp opened, and the food and water bottles fell out. Joshua heard the glass shatter as it crashed to the ground. Joshua knew that he had to make a crucial decision. He could either descend to retrieve the food or continue. Remembering how the Rabbi’s delay had prevented his escape, Joshua decided to continue toward the light.

  It took Joshua another hour to reach the surface. He cleared away a few rotting boards that partially covered the top of the shaft and lifted himself to the surface. When he looked around, he couldn’t believe what he saw. Joshua was first blinded by the dazzling light of the sun which he had never before experienced. His head was spinning trying to take in the sight of endless sand dunes and desert plants, heat and fresh air. In his mind, he had entered a foreign and bewildering realm of existence. The Rabbi had tried to explain the outside world to Joshua, but he was totally unprepared for the overload of new stimuli.

  Joshua felt he could stand and stare at this new world forever, but reality set in. He had on his shoulders the responsibility to save the lives of the Rabbi, Miriam, the Jews of Valhalla, Israel, and the people of the world. He covered himself with the tarp until the light around him began to dim. While he was waiting, he removed the Bible with its map from his pocket. Unbelievably, the Rabbi had charted a course relying on his memory of those sections of the Talmud dealing with the Hebrew Lunar Calendar and combining it with his university studies of astronomy and mathematics.

  Joshua lined up the stars with the map and starting walking in the direction of the arrow. He spent the first night crossing a salt marsh in the Sahara Desert. When the sun came up, the heat was unbearable. He unrolled the tarp, covered himself, and went to sleep. When he awoke, he found that he was a bit thirsty, but not more than he had by the end of a regular Sabbath in Valhalla after fasting for 24 hours.
His many years of slavery had strengthened him to cope with almost any physical challenge.

  At nightfall he again began walking at a steady pace. By the third day he was nearly completely dehydrated. The last two days had been marked by record temperatures reaching above 125 degrees Fahrenheit. He was in desperate need of water, and kept moving only by sheer willpower. His mind told him to move forward, so he went on. Still, the human body can take only so much abuse. He had no appetite and was beginning to fell giddy. Then he started stumbling. He remembered that in Valhalla, if a man started stumbling in the mines, he was close to his end. But he knew that if he stopped, he would have no chance to save Miriam or the Rabbi.

  Suddenly, Joshua felt something being crushed under his foot. He looked down and saw a colony of white snails. He tried stepping on another one and saw fluid coming out. He suddenly had an epiphany. He took about a dozen snails and placed them in the tarp. He then squeezed the tarp and let the murky fluid flow into his mouth. After repeating this process several times he felt refreshed. The snails had saved his life.

  Joshua made camp that morning near the snail colony. He managed to tear a piece of the tarpaulin and fashion it into a makeshift receptacle to hold the precious snails.

  Two nights later, Joshua reached the Mediterranean Sea. Again, he looked out and could not believe his eyes. The sea was lit up by a full moon. He thought to himself that Project Valhalla’s river was nothing compared to the great sea on the surface of the world. Joshua bent down next to the shore and splashed himself until his body and clothes were drenched with the cool water. He heeded the Rabbi’s warning and did not drink from the sea. Joshua stood there for some time, gazing in awe at the majestic view.

  Joshua was happy. He loved this new world. He turned eastward and followed the coast. After walking for a few hours, he spotted a truck approaching from the opposite direction. The truck looked similar to those held in the storage area of Project Valhalla. As he moved closer, he observed that it was filled with soldiers. Joshua innocently waved at the driver to stop.