NOIR

Chapter Six

Fallacy

By Steve Edward

Wednesday, June 16th 0900 hours, Ramstein Air Force Base Infirmary

Randy Baldwin pondered his actions. There had been ten in the other container; those souls had been less fortunate. Four were found dead from hypothermia of the remaining six, two were in grave condition at a local German hospital with four in critical condition which included three children whose parents were among the dead.

The Air Force doctor treating Mireille and Kirika had stated to him that had another hour passed, there would have been more dead. Kelly Summers working with Commander Bence had been unable to locate Bazyli Besnik; it was though he had vanished into thin air. He had already directed Kelly Summers to get the first flight back to Paris. If there was to be any hunting done; the Paris office would handle it.

Port security had been increased at all ports, since Russian authorities finally admitted they could not be sure if anymore of the deadly mines were missing. As for Keanu Benoit, Randy was still perturbed at the man for involving himself. Dumont Didier had arrived in Germany and was dealing with Keanu directly at a nearby German civilian hospital. Dumont had briefly spoken by phone to Randy assuring that any planned exposé would not be published without his permission. Randy had been sorely tempted to leave Keanu inside the container to continue the trip, but both rail cars had decoupled from the freight train and left on the siding. The German Police had already made several discoveries which made the activities of both Trevor Sullener and Bazyli Besnik even more problematic. Just who and what had been smuggled, and for how long. Trevor having been read his rights was refusing to talk any further. The FBI brought into the case was now examining his computers and the company e-mails for clues.

The Air Force Orderly entered the waiting room and approached Randy, "Sir, they are ready to see you now." Followed by Irena and Nina, Randy escorted by the orderly took them to see Mireille and Kirika.

Knocking softly, Randy entered the room and Nina closed the door and with her sister took a seat next to their step-father. Randy leaned forward slightly spoke to Mireille, "How are both of you feeling?" Mireille fingering the gown, "I and Kirika will be much better when we are out of these."

Irena replied "The doctor said 24 hours for observation," as Kirika interjected "I am defrosted now." Randy having borrowed a German Fire Ladder had lowered it into the container. After Nina had passed up the child, Mireille then Kirika had tried to climb out. Both had passed out after coming out of the hatch so had everyone else but Irena and Nina who had worn cold weather parka's.

Randy spoke, "Kirika let the doctor treat you. Both you and Mireille went into shock when you came out of that cold container. You, Kirika nearly took a head dive over the side. Had the Air Force Rescue Specialist not grabbed you when he did you would have collected a head full of gravel; since I had my hands full with Mireille."

Mireille sighed, "What about the Ukrainian, Bazyli Besnik? Was Ms. Summers able to locate him?" Randy replied, "No. The bastard fled the Ukraine by unknown means, but I do have his bank account numbers, thanks to that idiot he was blackmailing in New York. Bazyli has a bit of history with the Ukrainian National Police but nothing of this magnitude. Interpol has been alerted, but he has gone to ground and not using his own passport. Bazyli admitted to Trevor that he was the one responsible for the destruction of the Fallacy, before Carl Greensand got to the office; Bazyli made the telephone call from a prepaid cell phone, purchased in Warsaw, Poland five months ago on which he made the admission. Besnik may think he is smart, but in order for Trevor to make the payments to him, he provided several banking accounts in various names. We are getting cooperation from the banks involved, because as soon as he accesses the funds we will at least have an idea where he is; as he could be anywhere right now."

Kirika interrupted, "Why was the Fallacy destroyed?" Randy sighed, "Fallacy was destroyed to make an example for Trevor if he ever skimmed from the smuggled goods again. Apparently he skimmed a load of jewels which included Rubies and Safire's hidden in the cargo and Besnik found out about it. They apparently did the smuggling runs in three month cycles. Besnik of course was sending human cargo as part of this smuggling run along with some drugs; I believe the remains that were found on the Fallacy were nothing but innocent victims. Besnik wanted to sweat Trevor again, to keep him under his control. I doubt there was nothing but human cargo in the containers. Besnik wanted him to think otherwise."

Mireille spoke, "I want Besnik, Randy," as he sat back in the chair he replied, "All in good time. Besnik will pay for his crimes. Mireille, when you made the arraignments did you or Kirika see where you were taken?"

Mireille spoke, "No. I and Kirika were blind folded as were the others. When we were picked up, it was by a windowless cargo van. The ride lasted in my estimates for two hours. After being searched, we were then blindfolded again and driven for a short period of time before being placed inside the container."

Randy seemed to nod, "Kelly missed you by five minutes. That little tracking bug with the final message was our only source of information that you and Kirika were likely inside the container."

Kirika replied, "Beside the container numbers how did you know where to look for us?" Irena replied, "They used duplicate containers. The manifest listed the same containers that were to have been delivered by the Fallacy in March." Nina interrupted, "The same container numbers were listed as being loaded on Fallacy in Germany. The photographs of the containers confirmed their presence onboard Fallacy. They duplicated the container numbers or had already in hand doppelgangers. It was a simple matter for them to insert them back into the supply stream. The previous warehouse booking had the container numbers, so when the new booking for storage space was found by Mr. Greensand in New York the same container numbers showed up again, so we knew which ones to look for."

Mireille replied, "Randy what would you have done if the information you had was not correct?" Randy Baldwin looked at Mireille, "I would have torn open every refrigerated container on every damn train and truck till I found you."

Wednesday, June 16th 1500 hours, Baldwin Foundation Offices, Paris, France

Kelly Summers sitting at a borrowed desk typed furiously, as Corey Baldwin stopped to give Kelly a cup of coffee, "Ms. Summers, my father said that both are doing well. They will be coming back in the morning."

Kelly taking the proffered cup of coffee sat back in the chair, "It was too damn close Corey. The bastard set them all up to die and four of which did. It could have easily been Mireille and Kirika."

Corey Baldwin pulled a nearby chair from a desk and sat, "My step-father told me there is risks in life that one must take. Aunt Mireille and Aunt Kirika know the risks and live with them. They undertook the assignment to help put an end to it. Don't try to blame yourself for what did happen, but take satisfaction that the men responsible will soon pay for their crimes."

Lucio Magnus followed by Alfred Stolzberg stopped to speak with Corey, "Young Corey, I have been informed that your mother and sister and the baby twins will be arriving this evening, is the guest house presentable?"

Corey perplexed at the news replied, "My mother and sisters are coming here?" As Alfred nodded, "Yes, Corey they are. Your mother was briefed about your step-fathers and step-sisters little adventure early this morning. They are flying on a charter as we speak, which should arrive in about two hours, would you like to come to the airport with me?" Corey not looking forward to the arrival replied that he would do so then picked up the phone and called his step-father in Germany.

Thursday, June 17th 1000 hours, Baldwin Foundation Offices, Paris France

Gina Baldwin eyed Irena and Nina, both showing innocent looks, then glanced at her husband, "Randy what were you thinking when you jumped out of a moving helicopter onto a moving train with the twins? They could have been hurt!"

Randy replied, "I was thinking of getting people out of what was soon to be a frozen coffin. The train was not moving that fast and neither was the helicopter. The twin's acrobatic routines at the high school are more complicated than that."

Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura watched the exchange with some bemusement. Mireille interrupted, "Gina, I and Kirika are rather grateful. We did not have the strength to get out. Irena and Nina lifted me and Kirika up the ladder."

Gina sighed, "Well I can be thankful for that. You two had us all worried in Atlanta." Lucio Magnus waited for the right time and interrupted, "Madam Baldwin, perhaps you should read the full details of what transpired, it will help in the understanding why Monsieur Baldwin took the actions he did." Lucio passed several folders to Gina Baldwin which she accepted.

Randy turned to Lucio, "Ok, Magnus any thing from the banks yet?" Lucio Magnus opened a folder, "There was a brief ATM transaction in Bucharest, but nothing more. We are attempting to verify the user from the surveillance tape, but it is of poor quality. The account was one of several we know that Besnik may have. There is also the matter of credit cards. Besnik likely has some in his possession under the various aliases he is using, but no activity on them as of yet."

Kelly Summers spoke, "For what it is worth, Besnik took cash on the barrel head so to speak, so he likely will not have to touch any funds for awhile. Besnik charged between 25 to 50 thousand dollars per head. As to how much he may have with him is another matter. If he is careful, he could smuggle that amount of cash just about anywhere."

Randy mused over the ATM in Bucharest, "Lucio? Where was that ATM exactly?" As Lucio reviewed the information he replied, "It was in the Central Train Station."

Mireille spoke, "Perhaps he is avoiding the higher security of airports. He would get around more easily by train, then instead of plane he could go by sea to just about any where on earth."

Irena stood and then approached a large video monitor. Typing on a nearby keyboard the monitor soon displayed the country of Romania and Irena overlaid all passenger rail lines. Irena turned to Lucio, "Monsieur Magnus, do you have the time the ATM was used?" Lucio replied with the information then Irena tapped the keyboard. Randy noted the colors changed.

Irena then was joined by Nina and Ashley. All three young teens conferred and Nina turned to face her step-father, "Monsieur Bazyli Besnik, is going west and south by rail. I believe he is likely headed to Greece." Gina Baldwin looked up upon hearing that declaration, "Nina? Why do you think Greece?"

Nina replied, "The time of day precluded any trains departing to the north, the only viable options was south. Prior to the time of the ATM activation, a passenger train had arrived from Odessa. The only trains departing afterward, was towards the south and west. Since Greece has too had a significant smuggling problem, he likely has contacts there that will facilitate his escape from European Continent, and avoiding the Bosnia-Herzegovina

Region altogether he avoids the increased border security of that region."

Gina Baldwin closing the folders that had been given to her, looked at her husband "Our daughters and step-daughters have a point. The Ukrainian National Police file on Besnik shows he has had some dealings in Greece. If he is going there, then he will make his escape likely by sea and then could end up anywhere from there."

Mireille replied, "Then it is agreed. Greece it shall be."

Thursday, June 17th 1200 hours, Athens, Greece

Bazyli Besnik shook hands with his old friend as he departed the small tavern. He had taken the risk of using the ATM in Bucharest because he needed local funds for the train ticket, and had used one of his many bogus passports to gain entry into Greece itself. Though the exchange rate for the funds he had smuggled into Greece was less than what he desired, Bazyli shrugged it off as a cost of doing business.

Bazyli hailed what passed for a taxi, and directed the driver towards the port area itself. Settling in the seat, he opened the international edition of USA Today and started reading. The article buried mid-way in the paper caught his attention as did another article. Bazyli mused, "So they found my containers, but only four dead. There should have been more. And of course Sullener, it was only a matter of time for him anyway."

Thursday, June 17th 1600 hours, Athens, Greece

Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura passed through customs with ease, and headed for their hotel. Mireille and Kirika after arriving unpacked, and began their search for Besnik.

Mireille using a satellite phone called Paris and asking for Randy Baldwin spoke with him, "We have arrived in Athens as scheduled. We will be making inquiries forthwith, anything new Randy?"

Randy Baldwin with Gina Baldwin in his office replied, "Nothing. I suspect he has likely used the black market to unload what cash he had. Based on what he was paid per head, we estimated he had at least 1.5 million dollars in his possession. No banks in Greece have reported taking such a transaction at this point. Gina brought forth a good point as to why he used the ATM, and it was to obtain local funds to pay for the ticket hence no large conversions in Bucharest. Also Interpol got a hit on an alias that we believe Besnik used. The passport he used was a valid Polish issue, however the number did not match the name, and by the time Greek authorities were alerted he was long gone."

Mireille replied, "So he is in Greece. What do you think he may be up to?" Randy had pondered Besnik's moves then recalling the military raid in the Mediterranean Sea nearly a year earlier, had several files brought to him, "When we raided that sex slave camp off the coast of Africa, the Lincoln Battlegroup which was in the Mediterranean at the time carried off a similar operation, the authorities never were able to directly link Jess Garr to that operation; but examination of the computers recovered from Garr's island compound indicated he had some role in it."

Mireille sipping a glass of wine on the veranda paused then replied, "I and Kirika retrieved certain information from a smuggler in Odessa in which both compounds were mentioned and which of course you acted on. Could Besnik be involved? He may be seeking sanctuary in the last place we would be looking for him."

Randy Baldwin looked at the stack of folders, "We have numerous names, most which were aliases. Let me cross-check the files and I'll call you back. Till then start doing your inquires, but make them discreet. As for your hunch, you might be correct. I've got the coordinates of the old compound and it is a half-day sailing from Athens. Start with the waterfront and see if anyone might be or has already charted an ocean going vessel to take them there." Mireille disconnected then turned to Kirika, "The waterfront is where we will start," as Kirika Yumura nodded while gazing at the busy harbor.

Randy having also disconnected rubbed his temples as Gina Baldwin tapped the intercom button and called her children to the office, "Irena, Nina, Corey, Ashley please come to your father's office now."

Gina setting the handset back in the cradle spoke, "Ok. Where do we start?" As the children filed in, Randy pointed to the folders; "List of names in all the folders that pertain to the raids of suspects never found. Then we match those names to any of the aliases used by Bazyli Besnik and see if we get a match on any, then cross-reference them to the data files. If Bazyli Besnik was involved with Garr, it will make him a key player in the human smuggling ring and the aliases already have arrest warrants through Interpol so if we can make a match, we will have a powerful tool to retrieve him one way or the other."

Friday, June 17th 0630 hours, Aegean Sea

Bazyli waved a farewell to the master of the small cargo ship as he motored away in the inflatable boat. It had been easy to pay for the passage, cash spoke many languages and getting passage on the coastal freighter had been easy.

Bazyli turned his attention back to the shore of the small island. He had not been to the island in nearly two years, but he knew it like the back of his hands.

Bazyli Besnik musing recalled the raid that had taken place here. It had taken place the same time as the raid on Garr's own island compound. Bazyli had kept himself distanced from Garr's activities here, though he had a hand in the smuggling of the sex slaves he had never directly interacted with any unlike Garr, whose appalling activities had come to light.

Entering the cove, Bazyli shut the outboard motor off and drifting he listened. Except for the occasional sound of a wave coming ashore and the scattered chirping of birds the island was silent. Changing to a paddle, he propelled himself to the small beach then pulled the inflatable boat ashore and concealed it.

Friday, June 17th 0930 hours, Athens, Greece

Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura relaxed on the deck of the motor yacht as it headed southeast towards the Aegean Sea. Just leaving Athens, Noir was following the trail of Bazyli Besnik. Mireille turned to Kirika whose eyes were closed under the sun hat, "Bazyli returning to an old haunt, he obviously wants to disappear," as Kirika glanced briefly at Mireille replied, "He seeks ground known to him. He will use it to his advantage."

Friday, June 17th 1100 hours, US 6th Fleet Headquarters, Naples, Italy

Admiral Alex Reese rose and greeted his guests as they entered his office. The Black African-American Navy Admiral gave a firm hand shake to Randy Baldwin and Kelly Summers then motioned for them to take a seat, "So Randy, good to see you again. What brings you to Naples?"

Randy taking a proffered seat, opened his brief case and extracted several folders then handed them to the Admiral, "Alex, I am following up on some unfinished business. When your task force raided the slave compound last year, the Lincoln Battlegroup did the same on another compound in the Aegean Sea. I have reason to believe that a man, who was the silent partner to the late Jess Garr, is back on that island. We have been able to identify him as a Ukrainian named Bazyli Besnik. He has a history of human smuggling and other ventures as well."

Admiral Reese opening the folders began reading in earnest, "So he was keeping his distance from the operation? I see you linked him with another smuggling operation. What's this about sinking a freighter?"

Randy replied, "He did it as revenge. It seems his partner in the scheme had double crossed him, so he arranged to have the container ship sabotaged. Besnik had the ship sunk, to remind his partner of his power."

Alex mused, "Some power. We had to increase port security, after word got out. Any idea if this Besnik has any more limpets?"

Randy shook his head no, "That we don't know, but the Russians can not confirm if anymore are missing, though all been reported accounted for; there has been the problem of keeping some of their hardware from coming into the black market."

Alex stood and walked to the large wall monitor which displayed all seagoing military units in the Mediterranean, "I suppose you are after this Besnik?

Kelly Summers spoke, "Yes we are Admiral. We have warrants for his arrest." Admiral Reese turned to the young woman, "I see. So Randy what do you need help with?"

Randy stood and joined the admiral, "I already have two operatives enroute from Athens to the former island compound. I don't need a lot, but it would be nice to have something with a helicopter or two and some firepower to boot."

Friday, June 17th 1700 hours, Aegean Sea

Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura slipped ashore undetected. Kirika found the deflated runabout and with the K-Bar that had been strapped to her leg, sliced the rubber skin rendering it unusable, "Besnik will have to swim if he wants to leave", as Mireille having concealed their own inflatable boat joined her, "He may have other options. But we will take that into account when the time comes."

Mireille's last conversation with Randy Baldwin, was two hours previously. The roar of aircraft in the background intruding into the conversation had punctuated it. Randy Baldwin and Kelly Summers were on the US Navy Carrier USS Enterprise, about to fly to an amphibious ship. Randy standing on vulture's row watching an F/A 18 shoot off the deck had one finger in his ear, while holding the satellite phone in the other, "Mireille, I and Kelly are on our way to the USS Iwo Jima, which is 75 miles from you. I should be in the area by 1800 hours. If at all possible, I want Besnik alive."

Mireille had replied, "If he resists, there will be no option." Randy caught that comment and replied, "I know he nearly froze you two to death, however do try your best. We need some answers to some questions, that he can only provide."

Friday, June 17th 1930 hours, Aegean Sea

Bazyli Besnik had found most of the buildings within the compound still intact, which had surprised him. Finding the least damaged one, he had been preoccupied with setting up house keeping. Though there was no electricity, since the generator supplying the power had been destroyed; Besnik used to such conditions had prepared his evening meal on a small wood stove and was savoring the last of the stew when the jiggling of the cans alerted him, that he had company.

Kirika fingered the fishing line once again as she whispered into the headset, "Rather primitive Mireille. Shall I continue?"

Mireille quietly replied, "Yes, do so. Also yank on the other line as well." Besnik heard the other set of cans jiggle, and quickly rose from his chair at the table and crouching walked to a nearby window; where the sight of a blond haired woman dressed in black greeted him in the semi-darkness, "Bazyli Besnik? Come out of there."

Bazyli panicked and reached for a Beretta handgun lying on a nearby table and turned back to look. The blond apparition was gone.

Kirika having grown tired of jiggling the cans on the fishing line had severed the lines before she approached the back of the building.

Peering into the window, the dim light of a propane lantern her only light, Kirika Yumura silently entered the room behind Bazyli, "Monsieur Besnik?" Bazyli spun and fired. Kirika charging launching herself into the air sent a flying kick that connected, sending Besnik through the window itself.

Mireille Bouquet stepped into Bazyli's view as his hand reached for the Beretta; Mireille stepped onto his hand with her boot grinding it painfully into the dirt and taking aim with her Walther fired, "Bazyli. The next one will be into your heart."

Besnik clamping his leg with his remaining hand looked up at Kirika and Mireille both aiming at his chest, finally passed out from shock.

Friday, June 17th 2300 hours, Aegean Sea, USS Iwo Jima

Bazyli, with his leg and hand throbbing from pain could rub neither. Standing at parade rest across from him a uniformed United States Marine corporal stood silently watching. Shackled to the chair, Bazyli watched as the door to the borrowed wardroom opened. Randy Baldwin followed by Noir and Kelly Summers entered and the Marine guard was dismissed.

Randy Baldwin and Kelly Summers had flown by Marine MH-60 helicopter to the island to extract Noir and Bazyli Besnik. Summers who had dryly noted that Besnik had been shot in the leg, had shown little compassion. It had not been lost on Randy Baldwin of her displeasure at seeing Besnik still alive, "I asked that he be taken alive. He will be punished later."

Bazyli trying to put on a tough appearance looked at the three women then Randy Baldwin, "So you have three women to protect you and do your dirty work."

Randy setting the briefcase down on the table and releasing the catches replied, "Actually, there are two more but it is way past their bed times and their step-mother said no to them coming along."

Randy removed the wind breaker revealing the Colt Combat Commander, "However I am rather capable of taking care of myself, Mr. Besnik as you can see." Taking a seat across from Besnik, Randy suddenly lashed out slamming his boot into Bazyli's leg which caused Besnik to yell out in pain, "However Mr. Besnik, I do not need them to do my dirty work in such cases as this. Though I do not like using such tactics, I will. One more crack about my associates and I will personally put a bullet into your head myself."

Mireille Bouquet spoke, "If you prefer Bazyli, one of us will be happy to do it." Bazyli looked at the blond haired woman with the unreadable blue eyes and swallowed deeply, "That will not be necessary. I am sure we all can come to some agreement."

Kelly Summers crossed her arms, "What kind of agreement? What do you think this is about Mr. Besnik? It is not some negotiation for a cargo shipment. You have another thing coming."

Randy interrupted, "Bazyli, I went to a lot of trouble to bring you here. You obviously figure it is the smuggling that we are interested in, but I am also interested in your connection with the sinking of the Fallacy. We know it was with Russian supplied limpet mines and of course your connection with Trevor Sullener. Mr. Sullener admitted you're your role as an accomplice. I have been able to track the funds used for purchasing the weapons, even to the point of who sold them. Then there is the matter of your human smuggling. A research vessel found the human remains in the containers on the Fallacy."

Bazyli looked at the folders that had been opened by Randy as he spoke, "It was you? You were investigating the smuggling?" Randy sat back and nodded, "Yes. My private foundation was investigating the human smuggling. Financially everything leads back to you. Your business as a cargo broker, even though I must admit it is rather good cover; you still had to have your fingers in certain things. But you got greedy and you of course did not like it when Trevor skimmed, hence sinking the Fallacy."

Kirika Yumura interrupted, "Your greediness extended to human suffering, preying on those seeking a better life. You did not care how many died or lived. You only cared for profit. For that you will likely suffer a harsh death, it will bring no one back; but will help to bring closure for others."

Bazyli realized the significance of the statement spoke urgently to Baldwin, "I have plenty to tell. I know many people in high places. I think we can come to some agreement." Randy Baldwin gathered the scattered folders and returned them to the briefcase, "Oh I am sure you know many in high places. It will be interesting to hear their names spoken of. However that is for someone else to deal with, but there will be no life sparing deals. You have garnered an automatic death sentence, which you can reflect on while waiting for the sentence to be carried out. Good night Mister Besnik."

Saturday, June 18th 1400 hours, Baldwin Foundation, Paris, France

Gina Baldwin sitting in the office watched the news conference which was being carried out in the waiting area of the foundation offices down the hall from her. Irena and Nina with Corey and Ashley sitting with her took in their step-father as he answered questions.

Keanu Benoit having gotten the attention of Randy Baldwin stood, "Monsieur Baldwin, in regards to the charges of human smuggling along with other illicit activities what other charges can be expected to be levied against Monsieur Besnik?"

Randy acknowledging the question responded, "In addition to the existing charges, Besnik will be charged with terrorist actions against the US flagged cargo vessel Fallacy which was lost in the North Atlantic in March of this year. He was linked with purchasing and paying for military weapons that were utilized in the ships sinking. He will also face numerous counts of murder, racketeeringas well as slavery charges."

Keanu Benoit thanking Randy Baldwin returned to his seat next to Dumont Didier whose presence at the news conference was not lost on anyone. Keanu adding a few more notes sat back then closed his small notebook, then spoke softly to Dumont "Monsieur Baldwin's Foundation did rather well. I am grateful things turned out the way they did."

Dumont replied, "You are lucky. Monsieur Baldwin risked many to close down Besnik's smuggling ring. You should think next time before leaping," as Dumont stood and thanked Randy Baldwin for his time the remaining journalists stopped their questioning and began to scatter.

Alfred Stolzberg briefly took the podium and made the routine announcement that if there were any further questions, which they are directed to him then he quickly departed and headed towards his own office followed by Dumont.

Randy Baldwin entered his private office, and quickly removed the constricting necktie "Thank goodness this is over with." Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura followed by Lucio Magnus discreetly entered.

Gina Baldwin stood and walked to both women and greeted both and they took seats on a nearby sofa, as Randy returned to his desk.

Mireille Bouquet spoke, "Besnik will find little sympathy anywhere. It was rather surprising his pleas to fight extradition from Italy fell on suddenly deaf ears." Randy looked up, "No body in their right mind wants him. The Italians were happy to declare him persona non grata. It was rather nice of them to have the judge waiting at the airfield."

The hearing had been short and to the point, with Besnik being turned over the United States Federal Marshall's for the flight to the United States, while Baldwin and Summers with Noir flew back to France onboard Randy's Gulfstream.

Lucio Magnus replied, "The Italian government has its own human smuggling issues and they preferred that Besnik face his troubles elsewhere. Considering what he has done, even the Ukrainian government held its tongue."

Randy turned to his wife Gina, "So who has been taking care of the Atlanta office?"

Gina smiled, "Martha has things well in hand. Carl Greensand said he would check in on things when he got back from New York."

Randy glanced at his watch, "Well I suppose we can fly home tomorrow, but tonight let's have a get together at the guest house. Mireille, Kirika, both of you are invited." Kirika smiled, "I would like that," as Mireille chimed in, "As I would as well. Perhaps we can do some catch-up."

Aftermath. . .

Bazyli Besnik by official records, retrieved from the Aegean Sea Island by US Marines attached to the USS Iwo Jima; was arraigned in Federal Court in the State of New York on charges of conspiracy to commit murder, sabotage, human smuggling, racketeering and slavery.Tried on the anniversary of the sinking of the Fallacy the following year, Besnik was found guilty on all charges and was sentenced to death. During the automatic appeals process, Bazyli Besnik would be housed in the Maximum Security Prison near Greeley, Colorado, where he would die of a massive heart attack before the death sentance could be carried out two years later.

Trevor Sullener, whose trial was held in October, was sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole.

Noir continues carrying out assignments around the world, their untold involvement in bringing about the capture of those involved remains a closely held secret.

Keanu Benoit and Dumont Didier would eventually write with the permission of Randy Baldwin an exposé that detailed the complexities and dangers of human smuggling. Both Keanu and Dumont interviewed Randy Baldwin, Kelly Summers and Carl Greensand at the Baldwin Foundation Offices in Atlanta, Georgia in early August. The exposé published later that month won such acclaim, that both journalists were jointly nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. Both men were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for literature in December.

The Baldwin's continue in their work in the foundation, with Gina Baldwin resigning her teaching position to assume a more active role in the foundation and to raise the Baldwin twins, Olivia and Harmony. The Baldwin children continue attending high school in Hall County, Georgia and to perform musical recitals.

Randy Baldwin continues with foundation work throughout the world and maintains a close but silent working relationship with NOIR.

Fini.

Steve Edward

March 2005