NOIR

Chapter Four

Blind Trusts

By Steve Edward

Friday, September 7th 2230 hours, Baldwin Farm, Hall County, Georgia, United States

Gina Baldwin startled at the sound of the phone ringing, picked it up expecting to hear her husband Randy. Instead it was Tabitha Alexander.

"Gina, this is Tabitha." Gina replied, "Yes. Mrs. Alexander." Tabitha sitting in the situation room of the White House spoke quietly, "Randy has gone in with the Marines and of course with Noir. I tried to change his mind, but he refused. He was and still is as stubborn."

The laugh from Gina surprised her, "I would expect no less," as Gina replied. The man at the head of the table motioned for the handset which she immediately gave to him, "Mrs. Baldwin, your husband likely has you and the children in his thoughts as I speak. I have the utmost confidence he will be successful as will the Marines and sailors backing the operation. Also this is not the only ongoing operation we have. There are Marines and sailors in the Mediterranean going at it as well; would you say a prayer for everyone?"

Gina Baldwin wiping the tears from her eyes replied, "Yes Mr. President, I will." Returning the handset to Tabitha Alexander he turned his chair around to a monitor.

Tabitha spoke, "Gina. We will do our best, to bring everyone home safe." Gina thanked Tabitha and disconnected. Tabitha set the handset down and turned in her chair to view the situation monitor commenting, "One hell of a combination. A wife and six kids already and he is after more." The President seemed to nod, "But not to adopt. He wants to get them back to their rightful homes. Go kick ass and a lot of it, Mr. Baldwin, but leave some for Noir and the Marines."

Saturday, September 8th 0545 hours, Slave Island Compound

Shock and Awe, a phrase coined during the first Gulf War could be applied here. There would be no disguising the approach of the gas turbine powered Marine LCAC's. Kirika fired two red flares and watched as two of the aircushion landing craft veered towards her. Within the compound, with communications rendered useless, one of the guards in a watch tower triggered off several rounds in shear fright, 10 seconds later a Hellfire missile from a Marine Super Cobra immolated the guard, the weapon and made 5 meters of the tower permanently disappear.

Jess Garr having wet himself when the watch tower exploded, scrambled out the door of his so called love nest. His young victim already returned what passed for barracks was no longer the subject of his desires, and that was the last thing on his mind when he ran into the compound only to run into Kirika Yumura and Mireille Bouquet.

Randy preoccupied with a hired gunman who had little sense at what he was facing was engaged in a gun battle with him, when a Marine LAV roared to a stop next to him and with one shot from it's cannon sent the idiot straight to hell. Waving his thanks to the crew of the vehicle, Randy sprinted toward the center of the compound eyeing the overhead cables musing as he went, "Kirika was right, if we had tried an aerial assault it would be different about now."

Rounding a corner of a low building, Randy scampered back as a burst from an AK-47 came at him, the stinging in his right arm an indication he had been hit. Pausing briefly he peered around the building again sighting another hired thug or mercenary who had crouched behind a barrel. It was the same LAV from earlier motoring behind him that caught his attention not only for the noise it was making, but the jury rigged speakers playing rather loudly, "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" as it poked its nose around the corner. The gunman stupidly fired and as Randy gazed up he watched the turret swivel again, and he covered his ears as best as could before it fired once again.

Kirika Yumura stood, her Beretta aimed squarely at Jess Garr and fired. Garr's pleadings fell on deaf ears, neither woman was showing mercy. A nearby Marine tangling with another hired mercenary or thug shook his head after witnessing the demise of the man in his under shorts then commented, "Hell hath no fury like a woman pissed off with a gun," as he sighted and took aim taking out his target.

By 0615 hours, the compound was under the full control of the United States Marines and the CNN camera crew and reporter began to film and report on what would be described in many languages in the days to come as beyond horror.

Saturday, September 8th 0630 hours, M/V Clyde, South Atlantic

Task Group 110 had located the likely smuggling vessel west of the Island Compound, and preoccupied with cleanup operations; Admiral Alex Reese requested assistance from several allied vessels shadowing the freighter.

The Monrovian flagged vessel at first refused to heave to, but a British Royal Navy Destroyer with a Swedish Naval Destroyer helped change the master's improper decision. A BBC film crew boarding the ship with the Royal Navy Marines and their Swedish counter-parts made yet another horrifying discovery after breaking open the sealed container shipping boxes chained to the ship's deck. The USS Essex launched a gaggle of CH-46 Sea Knights to retrieve the children found onboard to bring them to the Essex for medical treatment.

Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura found Randy sitting upright with a Navy Corpsman attending to a flesh wound to his upper arm. Mireille kneeling next to Randy seemed to smile, "Winged?" Randy looking first at the handiwork of the Corpsman and then at Mireille, "I've had worst. The idiot around the corner tagged me with an AK-47, the LAV tagged him with a cannon round." Kirika gazed in the direction that Randy had jerked his thumb. Barrel and human remains were well mixed.

Colonel Robles calling out to Randy from a nearby building waved him over. The Corpsman helped him stand and sent him on his way. Followed by Noir, Randy shook hands wincing slightly as the Marine Colonel gripped a tad bit too hard, "Chuck, what do you have?"

The Colonel, turned and motioned to follow, "Not too damn sure yet. Things are not adding up. Sure we got some kids so far, but there should be more. But where the hell are they?"

Kirika turned and looked at the stacked steel beams near the cove, "No tall buildings, yet I too saw more as well. I am sure of it." The clang of steel on steel attracted everyone's attention. Randy turned to view the source, a Marine standing next to a stack of steel plating. Mireille called out, "Marine! How large are those plates?" The PFC estimated the measurements, "About 20 foot by 20 foot, Ma'm!"

The Colonel turning back around stopped to look at a nearby LAV, its rubber tires having sunk slightly into the soil, "Oh Mother of God! The kids are underground!" Randy called out, "Mireille, Kirika with me. You too Staff Sergeant and bring your boys," as Randy sprinted to the nearest building, the Marine Colonel followed by other Marines ran towards another while he screamed out orders to search all buildings.

The Marines, experts at finding hidden entrances called out their find and as both Randy Baldwin with Noir walked up to a massive cell door hidden behind a camouflaged panel, a small child peered up in fear crouching on the steps blinded by the flashlights pointed into the darkness below. Randy knelt down next to the Staff Sergeant who had reached through the bars to hold the child's hand, "Staff Sergeant! Blow this fucking door open now!"

Within minute's vibrations of explosives soon were felt through the compound as the Marines freed the captive children. In one's and two's then by the dozens they streamed to the surface, aided at times by combat hardened Marines with tears streaming from their eyes. The film crew captured it all.

Saturday, September 8th 1300 hours, USS Essex LHD-2

Admiral Reese stepped carefully through the massed children, on the hanger deck of the amphibious ship. Everywhere he looked there was a child, but there was also a Marine or sailor attending to their needs. The USS Essex was speeding eastward at best possible speed towards Cape Town, South Africa.

The South African government had granted immediate landing rights and over flights as had every government contacted in the region. No one wanted to face the condemnation of other nations for not allowing mercy flights. The magnitude of the incident was just hitting the news wires, the first video tape airing in the United States was been repeatedly shown worldwide. The talking heads were getting busier by the minute. The raid in the Mediterranean with the USS Abraham Lincoln Task Group was a resounding success and just as shocking.

Temporary tables had been set up on the hanger deck where children could be processed. Kirika Yumura gifted with speaking many foreign languages had been pressed into service. Randy Baldwin with Ned Smith were typing out names onto computers, sending the printouts by runner to the communications center. Mireille Bouquet also helped as well, able to speak in several languages. Admiral Reese approached the table and motioned for Randy to follow, a sailor quickly took his place.

Admiral Reese finding a somewhat private spot next to an equipment tractor spoke, "Ok. Randy, I read the initial report. What about the fellow named Garr?" Randy leaning against the tractor replied, "Dead. The Marines located computers and the hard drives sans machines are with the Intel guy's and gal's topside. Hundreds of CD's as well. Many filled with digital photographs and MPEG movies, gruesome stuff. We lost no Marines, all minor wounds. The mercenaries in the employ of Garr did not fare so well. There were 20 all told. Out of that 11 dead outright, two more critical and the remainder suffering from a variety of wounds, and I am turning them over to South African authorities when we get to Cape Town."

Admiral Reese gazed over the organized chaos, "You should know the President will be going live in about an hour from now. I expect the arrival of the children will be covered extensively as well. We are going to shuttle these kids in groups by air using every available helicopter that I have got that can carry more than 10 passengers. You should know that the Lincoln battlegroup fared just as well." Randy mused over that news.

Admiral Reese about to turn away spoke, "Oh yes by the way Mr. Baldwin please do call your wife, and do so as soon as possible, she has been worried sick. A Mrs. Alexander asked me to convey the message to you." Randy smiling acknowledged he would and headed topside to CIC.

Saturday, September 8th 0705 hours, Baldwin Farm, Hall County, Georgia, United States

Angelina Lopez answered the phone, and hurriedly handed the phone to Sheriff Phil Nagel as she ran out of the study to get Gina. Sheriff Phil Nagel shrugged his shoulders and spoke, "Well Randy. How are things?" Randy standing in CIC keyed the headset, "Phil? Why are you there and where is Gina?" Sheriff Phil Nagel grinning replied, "Because a really big bird directed that I be here. Hang on, Gina is coming and she is really steamed."

Taking an unoccupied seat, Randy waited. A nearby crewman passed a cup of coffee into Baldwin's hands then departed. Gina spoke, "Husband? Just what the hell were you thinking?" as Randy hurriedly tried to find the switch for the overhead speaker and gave up. The watch crew within CIC pointedly ignored the conversation as best as they could.

Randy eyed the sailors and Marines, then keyed the headset "What had to be done." About to let go verbally, Gina remembered the children. Corey, Ashley, the twins and of course the babies now gathered in the study. Recomposing herself she spoke, "What about Mireille and Kirika?" Randy replied, "Both are safe, and uninjured." Gina detected something, "What about you, dear?" Dead silence. Gina asked again, "Husband? I am asking you again. What about you?"

Randy sighed, "Ok, I got shot. Minor flesh wound, nothing serious and just to prove it listen up," Guy's and Gal's will you please tell my wife I am in your CIC and that I am fine please. Gina having turned on the speaker phone was greeted by a chorus of voices, "Gina. He's fine and he's in our CIC on the Essex."

Gina turned to look at Sheriff Phil Nagel an Ex-Navy SEAL for an explanation. Phil obliged, "Randy is in the Combat Information Center of the USS Essex an amphibious combat ship."

Gina turned back to the phone and finally looked at the television which had been on mute, the video of the island raid playing once again then she saw Randy and Noir their faces digitally distorted in a background shot surrounded by children, "Randy. Hurry home. I understand." Then she disconnected.

Sunday, September 9th 1100 hours, Ramstein Air Force Base, Germany

The eight hour flight from South Africa the night before and the landing and greetings was at least to Randy Baldwin a jarring reality check. What data had been uncovered by the Intelligence Division of the USS Essex had been forwarded to the Pentagon and Langley, Virginia; the remaining material carefully packed was loaded with Baldwin on the last aircraft out of Cape Town. As one reporter covering the landings of the medical mercy flights at Ramstein stated, "We have not seen the end of it yet," proved to be true.

Things had gotten very hot indeed and many were now on the run. The unusual snow storm had greeted many of the children who for the very first time in their lives were seeing snow. In the commotion, Randy Baldwin, Noir and Ned Smith deplaned anonymously and headed for a full debriefing, the secured equipment cases under heavy guard followed.

Mireille Bouquet knocked lightly on the door and hearing permission to enter opened the door, "Randy. There is someone to see you," following behind Mireille, Princess Gloria Kristin and Sister Katrina with her aids Sisters Kanna and Jane then finally Kirika Yumura who closed the door behind her.

Princess Kristin took a seat then turned to Randy then Noir themselves, "Your actions will be remembered by many, I am sad that your names can not be announced." Randy spoke, "Princess, it is my preference and that of Noir. I made it very clear to the embedded reporter."

Princess Kristin nodded, "Yes, he seems to be honoring the request. The reporters film crew apparently altered any close up's as well making all of you unrecognizable."

Opening the small briefcase, the princess retrieved a folder and opened it, "There were all told six children of Swedish Nationality that had been reported missing, and my government has sent officially to the United States their thanks of gratitude for retrieving them safely. Four were recovered in your raid, the other two by the United States Naval Battlegroup led by the carrier Abraham Lincoln."

Randy already had a rough idea of how many nationalities were involved, the shear number of children in the custody of the United States Government was quickly dwindling by the hour as each was positively identified. World airlines were providing free airline tickets to anywhere on the globe to reunite the kidnapped children with far flung relatives. The children would proceed after being medically checked and none would travel unescorted.

Sister Katrina spoke, "Monsieur I have something for you and Noir. Please open the envelopes," as Sister Kanna gave each one to the respective addressee, Randy looking over the gilded envelopes and viewing the seal in place he opened his and retrieved the note enclosed. Reading it briefly he set the letter down. "I am honored, but I can not accept." Mireille and Kirika also voiced the same, but Mireille did so with explanation.

Mireille returning the note to the envelope and returning it to Sister Kanna as did Randy and Kirika, Mireille thought a moment then spoke, "It would again require public disclosure, neither of which we desire or want Monsieur Baldwin included. Please convey that is our utmost wishes. It would perhaps serve that he brings about international cooperation on this matter so that it may never happen again." Sister Katrina had already known the answers and accepted Mireille Bouquet's solemn words as final say on the matter, "I will convey the wishes."

Standing to leave, Sister Katrina bowed "All of you have been in our prayers and will remain so. May God be with you all." Sister Jane opening the door, waited for Sister Katrina to pass then before closing the door behind her, Sister Jane bowed as well.

Princess Kristin stood, then embracing each, she too departed. Randy looked at Mireille and Kirika, "How about some down time? The Air Force has a jumbo jet for the flight back to the States. Big plane, lots of room, free food, Noir pays a visit to Harmony and Olivia. Free flight back on a charter, on me of course?"

Mireille glanced at Kirika who was smiling, then she turned to Randy "So when do we leave?" Randy replied, "Liftoff at 1300 on the nose per the Air Force." Mireille nodded, "We will be there with you."

Sunday, September 9th 0835 hours, Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Marietta, Georgia

The blue and white US Air Force aircraft with the words "United States of America" emblazoned in gold on its fuselage, the aircraft a Boeing 767 rolled to a stop at the designated spot on the tarmac. The disembarkation stairs driven into position waited for the passengers to step from the cabin.

The black Chevrolet Suburban rolled to a stop, the driver dressed in civilian clothes Sheriff Phil Nagel exited the vehicle and walking to the passenger side and leaned against the fender.

Randy Baldwin followed by Noir, descended the stairs and greeted his friend who in turn welcomed Noir back to the United States. Loading their luggage into the rear, Sheriff Nagel got into the drivers seat and drove the vehicle out from the Air Base, headed for Hall County, Georgia.

The two hour drive passed quickly, Sheriff Nagel absorbing and digesting what Randy Baldwin and Noir had observed, actions taken and other interesting tidbits, which would never appear in the news for public consumption, Phil could not say anything in return.

Gina Baldwin alerted that Noir was coming had already prepared their guest rooms near the twins room. The smaller twins, Harmony and Olivia giggled and smiled when their father entered his home holding out their arms waiting to be hugged. Outside, Jill Nagel tearfully hugged each woman under the Welcome Home banner, then joined the remainder inside a happily reunited home.

The Aftermath

After the raids, came the finger pointing. Many countries blamed each other for the atrocities, but cooler and wiser heads prevailed. Within a month, with coordination from Interpol and the United Nations, Nations using a set protocol, began freely sharing reports on missing children. Identification and prosecution of those involved began. Numerous investigations began and are still ongoing.

All told, seven hundred fifty-five were rescued from the island compound by the Task Group 110 consisting of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and the Amphibious Battlegroup built around the USS Essex. The Lincoln Battlegroup, rescued one hundred and seventy five. The boarding of the M/V Clyde by the British and Swedish Royal Navies resulted in fifty more being rescued. From the large number of children rescued, sixty-six could not be reunited. With mutual agreement in the United Nations, these children are placed into the care of Vatican and the Catholic Church and all would eventually be adopted within two months, of that number twenty-five would start new lives with loving families in the United States. Twenty of these children, of various ages and sexes would arrive to new homes and loving families in Hall County, Georgia.

The ships master and the crew of the Clyde were detained for questioning by numerous investigating authorities. The hired surviving mercenaries captured at the island compound were transferred to the World Court, located in the Netherlands, tried and found guilty. They are serving life sentences in their respective home countries.

A brief visit to the Baldwin Farm by Admiral Alex Reese to celebrate an anniversary of sorts before his new assignment as Commander United States Six Fleet took place. During Noir's stay, Randy Baldwin invited the newly promoted Fleet Admiral for a private reminisce of events six years earlier when then Captain Alex Reese raced the USS Nimitz into very hostile waters to pull Randy Baldwin and the women he knows only as Baldwin's associates from the frying pan.

Before Noir's departure back to France, another anniversary is observed as well. The fateful meeting during a gun battle on the Chattahoochee River, which reunited Noir and Randy Baldwin two years earlier.

Ned Smith would be assigned back to the headquarters of the Central Intelligence Agency in Langley, Virginia to head a new position. He would begin overseeing intelligence matters regarding all forms of human smuggling. His insight will pay huge dividends as time progresses.

Randy and Gina Baldwin establish the Baldwin Foundation in November, a non-profit organization with its headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia and a field office in Paris, France. Working with various governments in official and unofficial capacities, the Baldwin Foundation becomes known as a trouble shooting organization to solve and develop solutions to numerous crises. Randy Baldwin maintains the secretive working relationship with Noir.

Noir would return to France, in mid-October to resume their activities…

Fini…

Facts:

In the United States alone there are 450,000 reports of missing and lost children annually. A majority reported are run-a-ways. They are usually quickly united with family by law enforcement personnel.

However sadly, many are never located. Since the year 2000, nearly 16,500 remain missing and many are under the age of 17.

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation

Indian Ocean Tsunami –

The initial death toll was put at nearly 175,000. Since this writing the estimates have climbed past 200,000. It will be likely that the true number of deaths will never be known.

Background of Story:

Sexual slavery is as old as slave trading. Modern times have taken this to a new level where smuggling of human cargo has become all too common. The recent disaster in the Indian Ocean from a massive tsunami resulted in numerous reports of kidnapping that involved young boys and girls, who will likely become the objects of the twisted desires of sexual deviants. World wide, 1,000 children disappear a day and they are not run-a-ways…

Steve Edward

Atlanta, Georgia January 2005