Chapter 5 : Firebomb

24 hours later, Cape Town Airport

The national media interrupted their current programs to broadcast the news in live. It was incredible! Two planes struck in each other above the Atlantic Ocean. The probability to find survivors was practically none. The main TV channels tried to get exclusive interviews with the aerial security Director and the head of the Cape Town Airport, but total confusion about the circumstances surrounding the crash was prevailing with the aeronautic authorities.

How could two planes have collided in mid-air?

Ships were sent to search for possible survivors at the location where fragments had been seen. They simultaneously criscrossed the sector and picked up pieces of wreckage. Searches and hope were given up after several days; the final report was: 39 dead (33 passengers and 6 crew members).

Immediately, the investigation began. It did not reveal either a technical problem or a mechanical failure with the planes. So, the committee of inquiry became interested in the air-traffic control of the region. It denounced an air-traffic controller who was slightly suspicious; he already had problems with his work and had previously jeopardized passengers. Some disciplinary problems were brought out and the Director's laxity denounced.

So finally, ten days after the accident, the Aerial Navigation Director of the South Africa zone was fired.

It only remained for the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) to replace him.

All was going according to Jack Bristow's plan.

Los Angeles

Marshall and Carrie were already in South Africa.

Only the agents Bristow, Weiss and Van Der Meer remain in Los Angeles; they are waiting for Jack to be appointed as Director of the Aerial Navigation Security of the South Africa zone. Meanwhile, they put the finishing touches to their mission. Van Der Meer immerses himself into the work, well aware of the stakes, and he is also anxious to integrate himself to the Los Angeles team and to prove his worth to his superiors, and particularly to Jack, whom he admires.

Both being endowed with a warm and cheerful nature, Eric and Roger get along well. They study the technical aspect of the surveillance of their leader with cordiality, and indeed even with some connivance.

Eric sums up, "Every time we'll be out, we'll have to keep an eye open for trouble and watch over every thing which could be suspicious. We'll be directly link together with wireless receiver mikes and cameras that Agent Bristow will have placed. So, you'll have all the sound and pictures on the monitors."

" Then, most of the time it's you who will secure the close surveillance and I'll be the back up... but... always ready to move. Well, OK! But if you want to switch sometimes don't think twice about it! I'd be happy to go in the field." Van Der Meer gets enthusiastic.

"It's Jack who will decide about it. I don't promise you anything!"

"You think he won't want me to do it?" Van Der Meer becomes anxious. It's a large-scale operation and he wants to take a big part in it. I hope that I'm not spared either..."

"You don't know Jack yet! It's not his style. If he thinks you will do nicely, you won't have any problem but if he thinks otherwise... you'll go through a living hell!"

"Is he a bstard?"

"That also depends on him. In fact the trick not to get into Jack's sight, because if that happens, it will end very badly for you." Weiss teases his colleague.

Van Der Meer swallows, he is a little nervous and stressed as much by Weiss' words than the approach of their departure. He'd like so much to make a good impression.

"Don't worry, Marshall will be in for the close surveillance as well, and besides we'll have to infiltrate many airports. You'll see it, you'll be in the field, in the centre of the action with the adrenaline running in yours veins, the hideouts, and the hide-and-seek game with the patrols...You'll get every thing!"

Weiss likes his new colleague who, despite his age, is a greenhorn. His beginner's nervousness, his fieriness and his unceasing questions amuse him. And he likes this idea of taking him under his wing; he's also there to transmit his own experience. He is not the new recruit anymore!

Roger relaxes a little; he's swimming into a dream.

" Is Mr. Bristow always so collected and cool?"

"Always since I've known him."

"And with his daughter?"

"Now that's a long story."

The appointment of Jack Bristow as Aerial Navigation Director of the South Africa zone is confirmed at last; they will take off towards Pretoria tomorrow.

Now, all the teams are in place and the chess game can begin...

TBC…

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