NOIR

Chapter Two

Deception

By Steve Edward

Wednesday, October 24th 0530 hours, Toussus-le-Noble, France

Kelly Summers pulled her jacket close as she stepped out of the Land Rover. The heavy mist with fog and low lying clouds made the airfield miserable. Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura joined her as a sedan pulled up next to the Land Rover.

Lucio Magnus exited the sedan and looked briefly at the weather above, "The Fixed Base Operator has advised that normal commercial air traffic is being rerouted, but Foundation II is inbound and 5 minutes out." Mireille Bouquet replied, "If Randy is flying the Gulfstream he will have a challenge." Lucio Magnus chuckled, "He is not in the Gulfstream, or otherwise he would have been here much earlier. However the FBO has stated that the Hercules will have no difficulty making its approach."

Kirika Yumura turned and looked questionably at Lucio, "He is in a Hercules?"

Else called the outer marker to Kay, whose deft touches on what could pass as a joy stick for a video game gently sent BFII back into the glide path. Both women had flown together while in the Air Force. Neither had stepped foot on the flight deck of a C-130J till they had been hired by Randy Baldwin, after both had been laid off from their commercial flight jobs.

Else scanned the flight instruments one last time, "Inner marker, I have visual." Kay clucked, "Gear down, now. Auto reverse set, 500 feet." Randy Baldwin sitting in the modified cargo bay in a passenger seat next to Lisa Mead began a mental count down.

The sound of the turbo props came first then the lights of the aircraft to Mireille Bouquet, "So that is why he said we could go heavy," as the C-130J touched French soil for the first time. A small truck started, and then raced away from the gathering, its strobe lights flashing it hurried towards the Hercules as it taxied off the runway.

Else took control as Kay relinquished then adjusting the throttles, Else taking her cue from the ground controller began to follow the small truck. Ungainly in appearance on the ground and in the air, the C-130J had a long lineage of brethren. Called the flying pickup truck, it could just about carry anything that could fit inside. BFII had like many of its brethren been utilized for relief services. A recent earthquake in South America had tested the skills of Else and Kay and their loadmaster Lisa. Else recalled having to land in an open field to unload, they did not know till later just how close they came to going into a concealed irrigation canal. To the earthquake survivors, they had become known as "Angles in a great Blue Hercules"

The small truck led the Hercules to its parking spot where a ground crewman signaling with his wands to direct the aircraft finally crossed both over his head to give the stop signal.

With Kay and Else busy with shut down procedures, Randy unbuckled his seat belt and following Lisa Mead waited for her to open the side access door.

Kelly Summers followed by the sedan approached the Hercules, just as the access door opened revealing the crewperson and Rand Baldwin. Parking the Land Rover nearby, Kelly with Noir exited the vehicle. Kelly noted that both pilots were scrutinizing them closely as they approached Randy and greeted him, "Mr. Baldwin welcome back," as Noir passed Kelly and Randy making their way to the aircraft.

Lisa Mead had turned away from the door for only a moment, then turning back around came face to face with Kirika Yumura, "Uh hello? Who the hell are you?" as Mireille Bouquet stepped onboard. Kay Milroy hearing the startled voice from her loadmaster wasted no time and left the cockpit, her entrance into the cargo bay was ungraceful as it was loud; her flight boots crashing to a landing on the cargo hold metal plating.

Kay Milroy, even in height to Mireille Bouquet locked eyes with her, "Ok. Who the hell are you two?" Mireille Bouquet did not see fear from the woman, only concern but she did not miss the Beretta either, "I am Mireille Bouquet and she is Kirika Yumura. We are associates of Monsieur Baldwin."

Randy Baldwin climbing back onboard eyed the spectacle, "Kay. It is ok. They are with the Foundation." Kelly Summers looking around Randy mused silently, "Oh great a gun battle inside the airplane. That would really start things off," as Kelly moved past Randy she spoke, "Ms. Milroy everything is fine. I am sorry that they startled you."

Kay Milroy satisfied turned to return to the cockpit then replied, "Next time please knock before coming onboard."

Wednesday, October 24th 1400 hours, Baldwin Foundation Offices, Paris, France

The meeting in the conference room had helped break the ice. The use of the Hercules was to allow the use of the mobile communications suite onboard, making it a flying forward office, the Australian government having given clearance for BFII to land in Darwin, had along with New Zealand and Japan sent representatives to the meeting.

Randy turned to the gathering, "Ok, thanks to the Aussie's for letting us use their facilities. Kay, we will utilize Darwin International Airport as base of operations, so we can plan on the non-stop flight tomorrow." Else held up her hand, "Ground support sir?" as Alfred Stolzberg replied, "Nattier International will have portable generators in place so you will not have to operate the onboard power plant. Refueling of BFII will take precedence upon arrival."

Equipment to carry onboard had been a sensitive issue, and Randy bringing anything other than normal side arms it could have presented a problem but Chuck Taylor the Australian Consul had laid those concerns to rest, "Mate, you have come very highly recommended bring what you must."

The problem of negotiating with those holding the hostages and who would act in the official capacity as intermediary had been decided jointly. A message delivered to a web based e-mail address was answered in the affirmative; they accepted the services of the Baldwin Foundation. The actual intermediaries would be Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura to deliver the ransoms. Randy Baldwin had no intention of doing so, and neither did Mireille or Kirika.

Randy turned to Alfred Stolzberg, "Alfred you ready for this?" Alfred Stolzberg a skilled negotiator would handle the talks directly, looked up from his notebook "About as much as I can be Randy. I can assume the final location of the negotiation site will be revealed to us before we arrive in Darwin?" Lucio Magnus opened a folder before him then replied, "Sources in the area indicate that the talks will take place in Singapore. Previous negotiations have been carried out there and the releases of other hostages have taken place in Singapore proper."

Randy turned to Kelly Summers, "Kelly, you will be with Alfred in Singapore. While you are there, take a look at what is left of the yacht itself. Look for anything that might be able to give us a clue to the identity of the pirates. The Singapore authorities are cooperating, but many of these acts taking place outside of their territorial waters has their hands tied and they don't have the naval forces to deal with the activities. Alfred be delicate and concise and for the both of you, don't become victims."

The remainder of the meeting was taken up with hammering out the finer details, then Randy with Noir, Kelly Summers and Lucio Magnus retired to his private office.

Lucio Magnus closed the door, and then joining Randy Baldwin handed over a folder, "The Soldats, as a whole see the activities as an effort to interrupt commerce and to kowtow to blood money to guarantee the safety of shipping."

Randy perusing the contents, seemed to agree "The Straight of Malacca is a shortcut and a shield to storms that may occur in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific. Some would consider the blood money a small price to pay to use the natural shield; however some can not afford to pay so they take risks."

Kelly turned to look at the monitor displaying the Strait itself, "Mireille mentioned earlier that in all likelihood that the hostages are somewhere in the Riau Island Chain. What about that needle in the hay stack?"

Lucio Magnus responded, "The Soldats have been endeavoring to find new sources of information. We believe that the current crops of pirates are outsiders who moved in to take over the lucrative trade if you will. They have been difficult to track. Some believe that they may be from an entirely different region altogether."

Mireille Bouquet responded, "If that is the case when we do locate them what actions do we take?" Directed at Randy Baldwin, he returned the gaze at Mireille Bouquet, "With your usual action of course. They have crossed the line; most governments at this point can not risk putting direct intervention in the spotlight. It will be discreet and final, but the hostages come first; I would like to bring them all back."

Thursday, October 25th 0100 hours, Riau Island Chain Base

Gnu Gorman tapped the mouse sending the message off into the ether. Perhaps it had been a mistake to attack the yacht in the first place but the over zealous use of the guns had precluded aborting. Shutting the laptop off, Gnu exited the hut then walked towards the beach. Gnu the son of a fisherman, had briefly joined in his father's endeavors years earlier; but as fate would have it the one day he did not go to the sea with his father, his father failed to come back.

Gnu chose another profession, one that became lucrative until authorities began to hunt for him. Seeking better opportunities, Gnu left his Nigerian village and eventually found himself in Indonesia where he applied his skills anew. It had been easy to do so, since a tsunami helped take out much of his competition and those it had not taken out he had viciously dealt with them on his own terms.

Gnu pondered the involvement of the Baldwin Foundation. It had been in existence for less than a year, yet its founder had been involved in world events. Gnu had read the news articles about the raids on the child slavery compounds. Baldwin seemed heavily interested in the welfare of children. Gnu having taken two children from the Japanese tugboat came to the conclusion that he was dealing with someone who had the strange ability to rain fire down on those who tried to harm children.

He would have to be cautious and wary, but he had already made the decision. Both would have to be released to show good faith. The ransom for them would of course not be collected, but that was the cost of doing business.

Thursday, October 25th 1300 hours, BFII, Indian Ocean, 6 hours to Darwin, Australia

There was not much a view from 28,500 feet. The prime view was from the cockpit the endless expanse of the Indian Ocean, seemed to belie a peaceful world. Else Conroy currently at the controls monitored the instruments as the C-130J droned onward. Kay in the cargo bay with Baldwin was having a late lunch.

Unlike the true military versions of the C-130J, the interior of BFII was relatively sound proofed. The communications suite unit mounted to the deck took up the forward part of the deck area, where Kelly Summers was downloading the latest e-mails from Paris and Atlanta and behind the suite was Randy's massive Hummer. Not an ordinary Hummer, the vehicle sported concealed armor along with additional enhancements that would have made Army ground troops green with envy.

Kay looked around at the gathering, never dreaming she would be flying such an assortment of people. The two that intrigued Kay the most were Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura. Their sudden appearance onboard after arrival had been startling. Lisa confided to Kay later, that she had not heard or felt the Asian woman as she boarded. One second she was not there, the next second she was.

Neither Kelly nor Randy offered much in the way of introducing either except to give her their names and they were associated with the Foundation. Mireille stuck her as refined with pose and well educated, deliberate and thoughtful. Kirika Yumura her partner as Mireille called her seemed just as well educated, but something about her made Kay wonder about their true professions. Kirika spoke very little, and when she did it was softly with conviction, but her body language telegraphed that she would be ready to spring into action. She remembered Mireille placing her hand on Kirika's shoulder during their initial encounter. Had Mireille not done so, Kay wondered if she would have lived.

Kelly Summers exited the communications center and rejoined the group and handed a stack of messages to Alfred Stolzberg, "Ah. That will take the Japanese concerns out of the picture for the time being," as Alfred passed the sheaf of messages to Randy.

Reading the messages, then setting them aside, Randy turned to Mireille and Kirika "They will be turning the children over to you in Singapore at 1100 hours tomorrow. The exact location will be delivered to the hotel where you, Kelly and Alfred will be staying, which means the four of your will be switching planes when we get to Darwin. Considering what we have onboard, I don't want to have to explain to Singapore authorities why we are packing so much, hence the use of Nattier's personal jet, vice us landing in Singapore directly."

The final load out before departing France, had not been missed by either Kay or Else. The equipment cases being carried onboard from the Land Rover were weapons and they were not of the single shot variety. Lisa had noted dryly that they had enough onboard to start a rather good sized ruckus.

Mireille replied, "If we do get the children as they indicate, shall we turn them over to the Japanese Embassy?" Randy briefly lost in thought returned to the present, "Yes, absolutely but before you do try to find out from them as much as you can about where they had been held and do it gently. Those kids likely saw enough to traumatize them as it is."

Kelly interrupted, "What about the extras? Customs will likely put the jet through a fine tooth comb when we arrive." Randy seemed to smile, "That's the beauty of a Hercules, we can deliver when needed." Lisa Mead, munching on her salad quipped, "The cases are already rigged. Say the word and where you want us and BFII will be overhead dropping the stuff into your lap."

Randy excused himself and entered the communications suite alone, then locked the door. Picking up the hand set of the satellite telephone, he began placing calls.

Thursday, October 25th 1800 hours, Riau Island Chain Base

Candice Nattier backed herself onto the bunk that had become her home as the door to the hut opened. The man that had saved her from being raped stood in the doorway and briefly looking at her, he then turned his attention to Yoko and motioned for her to come.

Yoko with the fright in her eyes evident shook her head no, and backed further into her own corner, "No. Leave me alone!"

Gnu motioned for someone beside him to enter, and another man entered and grabbed Yoko who was resisting. Gnu spoke, "You are going home with your brother, stop this nonsense now!" Candice spoke softly, "Yoko, I believe them. Please go while you can."

Gnu turned to Candice, "I assure you, the girl will be returned safely," as Yoko finally walking exited the hut. Candice's last view of Yoko was when Yoko hugged her younger brother.

Thursday, October 25th 1930 hours, BFII, Darwin International Airport

Willie Nattier standing next to Randy Baldwin, watched as his Gulfstream G-200 taxied for takeoff, "So he will be negotiating for four instead of six. What brought this about?"

Randy turned to Willie and handed a message printout to him, "That did. We are dealing with someone who knows the ropes rather well."

Willie began reading…

PERSONAL for Randy Baldwin, Baldwin Foundation

I decided to release the Japanese hostages to the care of your intermediaries for a reason. Your concern for the children's welfare likely brought about your decision to become involved.

I can assure you that Negotiator Stolzberg will be challenged to find an equitable solution that will satisfy all those currently involved. However if you decide otherwise to further interfere the remainder shall be returned home in "body bags."

Be forewarned, that I am watching your actions closely. Do not disappoint and leave me with the aforementioned option.

Gnu.

Willie Nattier swallowed deeply and replied, "This Gnu? He seems bent on this." Randy nodded sadly, "Yes. But he screwed up. I have a first name. But I have something else as well. Now to find his last, since he seems to think he is untouchable."

Lucio Magnus review of previous piracy attacks and hostage taking had turned up some interesting facts. None of the ransom that was paid was sent electronically. It was cold hard cash, and all the demands stated that US Currency was to be utilized. A liquid asset as it was called. Virtually untraceable and on black-markets, US Currency was worth more than gold itself.

The old saying from a credit card commercial imploring those not to leave home without it would not have prevailed here. Plastic was useless, but cold hard green cash was another matter.

Thursday, October 25th 2200 hours, Pan Pacific Singapore, Singapore

Alfred Stolzberg received the message upon checking in. He was not surprised that those he was going to be negotiating with already knew his hotel. It had been stated to those involved that he would be there.

Kelly Summers in the adjoining suite joined him as did Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura. The message contained the initial meeting place, and the location of where the two Japanese hostages would be turned over. The stern warning not to involve the Singapore authorities during the exchange would be heeded.

Pasir Panjang Park, a wildlife and nature preserve would be the exchange point. Kirika Yumura had picked up a pamphlet on the park while in the lobby of the hotel. Nearly inaccessible except by water, the exchange would take place at the visitor's center.

Alfred mapped out his routine for the morning. "The meeting will be here in the Pan Pacific Hotel itself, a one on one; which Ms. Summers, will allow you, time to examine the yacht, which I believe Mr. Baldwin, has already requested. Afterward, I would like you to interview the master of the yacht; Mr. Trevor Mittens. He is still in the hospital here in Singapore."

Kelly Summers looked up from her notes, "Any specific reason for Mr. Mittens?" Alfred leaned back, "Though wounded as he was, Mr. Mittens still heard things going on around him. He may not have seen who shot up the yacht itself, but he did hear their activities. There is an old saying, "It is not what you see, but what you hear" that counts."

Mireille Bouquet spoke, "And of the children? Take them to the Japanese Embassy or return them here?" Alfred replied, "Though Mr. Baldwin did say to turn them over to the embassy straight-away, do bring them here. I'll contact the embassy to make the pickup here. I am sure the children will be tired and exhausted. It will give us a chance to learn more in a much friendlier environment."

Thursday, October 25th 2330 hours, BFII, Darwin, Australia

Randy could see the skyline of Cobb County, Georgia in the background on the video monitor as his wife replied, "With only a first name it is a long shot. What makes you think he is not native to Southeast Asia?"

Randy replied, "A hunch. What have you and Lucio come up with?" Gina picked up a printout, "Lucio reviewed all the previous piracy attacks, and of course looked at the methods utilized. He said something about the patterns changing and said he would get back with me later as he had to make some calls."

Randy smiled, "Leave it to a lawyer to see a pattern. Did he say who he was calling?" Gina shook her head no and replied, "No he did not, but I saw the look on his face before he disconnected. It was like a light bulb had gone off over his head. One other thing, the message header on the warning e-mail, did you see it by chance? We got a match in the database. I am going to look into it."

Randy had to laugh, "It figures. Anyway, Alfred and Kelly with Mireille and Kirika are in Singapore. Mireille and Kirika are to pickup the kids at a seaside wildlife park at 1100 hours Singapore time. Hopefully by then, we may have some enlightenment as to who is behind this."

Friday, October 26th 0700 hours, Pan Pacific Hotel

After finishing breakfast, the group would split apart. Kelly Summers first stop would be the Yacht Candice then she would follow up with a visit to the wounded master, Trevor Mittens. Sipping the last of her coffee, Kelly glanced at Mireille Bouquet, "Mireille do you think you might need backup?"

Mireille setting her fork down replied, "No. I and Kirika will be fine. They would not be so bold to do it there. We will handle the transaction." Alfred interrupted, "Madam Bouquet, do you suspect an attempt to make things harder?" Kirika Yumura her eyes half closed replied, "They have so far followed their script to a point. They may still want to reclaim a lost profit or do something else."

Friday, October 26th 0900 hours, BFII, Darwin International Airport

Randy Baldwin looked briefly at the clock in the communications suite, then exited the suite and descended the boarding stairs. They were 30 minutes into carrying out the delicate part of could be decisive in terms of bringing hostages home alive, or dead in body bags. The time difference of being an hour and half ahead was at least better than being 12 or 13 hours behind.

Reaching the bottom step the sounds of military boots snapping to attention as his feet touched the ground was still getting some used to. The pair of Royal Australian Air Force Security Officers, smartly saluting till he passed then returning to parade rest when he entered the Hummer and then drove off towards the distant hanger that had become his and the flight crews temporary home.

Willie Nattier had spared no expense. Inside the hanger, were four large Recreational Camping trailers. Each fully equipped, Randy had found his to be rather comfortable when it came time to sleep. Fully soundproofed, even he could not hear a jet as it taxied past.

Kay Milroy relaxing in a nearby chair at the entrance to the hanger looked up as the Hummer came to a stop then joined Randy as he entered the hanger, "Any news yet?"

Randy walking towards the make-shift eating area replied, "They have gone their separate ways. Alfred is waiting for his counter-part to show-up and make themselves known and Kelly is on her way to the yacht. Mireille and Kirika are enroute to the planned pickup point."

Getting a cup of coffee, Randy headed towards the hanger office with Kay, "If we get the word how fast can you get BFII off the ground?" Kay Milroy smiling, "The ground crew can have us unhooked in less than 3 minutes, 4 minutes to get to the runway while spooling up the engines, another 3 or 4 minutes to get commercial air traffic out of the way and a minute to build up to takeoff power then final clearance and we start the takeoff roll; about 13 minutes or less. Expecting something?"

Randy held the door to the hanger office for Kay then entered after her, "If things go south, yes." Else turned to her partner as she approached, "The latest Met on the board. West of Singapore there is a front building, but nothing that we can not handle."

Willie Nattier, sitting across from a Royal Australian Air Force Captain looked up, "Mr. Baldwin? The negotiations how long do you think they may take?"

Randy taking a seat looked at the industrialist and replied, "It could take just a couple of hours or a couple of days. None of the previous negotiations lasted more than two days."

Randy knew each hostage negotiation could be different. There were circumstances of each case, which even Lucio Magnus found disturbing. Except for the yacht which may have been a spur of the moment or target of opportunity attack, the hostage's taken were related to someone of high stature within the companies that had become victims of the piracy attacks.

The New Zealand Tanker incident, the Master and Third Mate are brothers and are married to the sisters of the owner. The Sea Cadet is the grandson of the shipping company late father. The Japanese children, were brother and sister, and were the children of the tugs Master, who was related in marriage again to the daughter of the company owner.

The Philippine freighter, was the odd ship out. No one taken, though some of the cargo was pilfered it was able to continue on its way, though the Master of the freighter reported after arriving in Singapore that the ship's three passenger cabins had been thrashed during the boarding. The Master was also the owner. It was his only ship in the shipping company that he founded. Randy realized for the pirates to kidnap the Master, it would have been a wasted exercise.

The tone of the message from Gnu, clearly indicated he or someone under him had made a mistake, which left Randy pondering was the so called leader truly in control of those under him? Gnu wants out of the mistake by making the threats to kill the remaining hostages, in order to hold him back or to hold someone else.

Naomi Sesser studied the surroundings as the sedan approached the hanger. The cargo transport, with the Baldwin Foundation logo and paint scheme stood in the sun reflecting the rays outward. She did not miss the military guards around the aircraft either. Turning to her husband, "It seems Mr. Baldwin endeavors to block our own private negotiations for a specific reason."

Randy Baldwin glanced at his watch, as the sedan pulled to a stop in front of his Hummer. Looking out the window, he spoke "Willie, Mrs. Sesser has arrived. So far public knowledge of the kidnapping has been kept quiet. The New Zealand government agreed to us handling the negotiations, but Mrs. Sesser disapproval has apparently driven her to come here. You might want to get ready for some fire works.

Exiting the office, Randy headed for the hanger entrance where, Mrs. Sesser and her husband, Walden stood waiting.

Naomi eyed the American, his dress casual except for the shoulder holster he could have passed for an employee working in the hanger. Willie Nattier following behind with two women beside him seemed to be giving the American a lot of space. The two women, Naomi noted dryly were armed as well.

Friday, October 26th 1000 hours, Singapore Salvage and Repair Yards

Kelly Summers snapped the still color photo of the yacht from the port side. It joined the quarter view shots as well as the starboard side shot of the damaged vessel. Her guide and escort, Than Wu, opened the locked gate of the boarding ramp and headed to the main deck, "As you can see Ms. Summers, the attack was violent. I estimate four small craft were used, likely small boats that you would commonly call Boston Whalers equipped with outboard motors."

Than turned to aid Kelly onboard and found her already making her way forward, "Ms. Summers do take care there is a hole in the deck!" Kelly paused briefly at the warning and eyed the obstruction then made her way around it, "Hand grenade Mr. Wu?"

Than acknowledged, "Yes. The three crew members that died were killed here. I suspect they saw the attackers too late, after leaving the interior. They likely heard the gunfire that had been directed towards the bridge and came out to investigate and someone threw a grenade."

A make shift ladder had been rigged for access to the upper deck and Kelly Summers made her way upward examining the blast damage. High explosive anti-personnel had been utilized. The shrapnel had torn through the aluminum and fiberglass deckhouse shattering windows, and cutting down the remaining crew. It had been a blood bath.

Entering the bridge, Kelly walked towards the helm. Every window on the bridge was gone; glass fragments covered the entire deck area of the pilot house itself. Turning to Than Wu, Kelly spoke "Something is missing from here?" Than removed a spiral notepad from his pocket and replied, "Primary and secondary radar transmitter units are gone. They cut the cables to remove them. The communications radios were removed as well. The primary radio room behind the bridge was dismantled and the equipment removed. The global positioning system in the chart house and its associated repeater systems too removed."

Kelly looked at the helm console, "Someone tried to remove something from this as well?" Than pausing next to her nodded, "Yes, They attempted to remove the gyro repeater. However they did get the main gyro unit below decks." Kelly Summers jotted some notes down, "Strip as you go and fast as you can. What else was taken Mr. Wu?" As Kelly Summers turned to leave the bridge, Than pausing briefly to review his notes replied "They took the silver serving set and the cutlery and nothing else, but the safe that is onboard is still secure and untouched. I have been informed it does contain some considerable funds."

Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura, half listened to the tour guide's spiel. Both looked towards the visitor center surveying the layout. Built to avoid disturbing much of the natural beauty of the island, the visitor center was nothing more than a discreet intrusion of man into the wildlife preserve.

Stepping off the boat Mireille and Kirika paused to let the tourists pass. The exchange point was the observation deck, set into the side of the visitor center. Kirika split off from Mireille, and circled the visitor center from the designated pathway then rejoined Mireille on the platform, "No other docks or boat landings. The tour boat which brought us is the only craft here."

Mireille walking to the exchange point replied, "Then perhaps they are already here," as Kirika slightly to the rear broke off, "Then I shall check the interior."