" We are going someplace safe." Kevin told him. "But why take me?" Jonathan asked him. "Well, you just happened to be in the right place at the right time." Kevin smiled at him. "But I'm a Federal agent and you will be in a lot of trouble for this." he said to Kevin. "We have the King of Kings traveling with us and He has promised us His devine protection because we are following where He leads us." Jonathan looked into Kevins eyes and recognized the same look his wife had given him when she spoke to him about Jesus. He had closed his eyes to all the abuse he had wittnessed at the collisium. It was his job to do what ever he was told and he had complied. Even Bridget had asked him how he could do the things he had and still come home to her every night knowing she was just like these people. Kevin could sense that there was a struggle going on inside the young man. "No matter what you have done in your life that was wrong, Jesus will forgive you if you ask. We serve a merciful and loving God who doesnt want anyone to suffer and perish. We all rejected Him all our lives and now we know the truth and have a 2nd chance to be with Him forever after the next 7 years. If we had only listened before we would be with our families now walking those streets of gold. But we have that to look forward to now that we gave our lives to Him instead of the bottomless pit. There are many days ahead of us to do whatever He ask of us, wont you open your heart to Him and let Him show you the Way?" Jonathan let a tear slip out as he looked at Kevin waiting for his answer.
- Renee
____________________________________________________________________
The Rabbi kissed Ester on both cheeks as he was welcomed into their humble home. It felt warm and inviting after his long journey. The table was set for the 3 of them and Ester returned to the kitchen to bring bowls of hot steaming food to the table. A tear slid down the Rabbis cheek as he remembered all the wonderful meals his Naomi use to make him. He missed her so much. " Are you ok Rabbi?" asked Yoshi. The Rabbi took his hanky out of his pocket and blew his nose and wiped the tears form his face. "Yes Yoshi I am fine. I just get sentimental about the days with my wife sometimes." Ester rushed over to hug him."Would you bless our food this morning Rabbi?" she asked. "I would be honored." the Rabbi said as he slipped his beenie over his head and held hands with his new friends.
Yoshi left the Rabbi after breakfast to attend to the call he had recieved concerning the border. As part of the IDF military he was on call 24/7. Since Damascus had been destroyed the world had become increasingly angered at Isreal for the unjustice of Syria. Fo several days the world had been in shock but now their anger was beginning to be vented toward Isreal. The Isreali government was beginning to notice the military buildup in several countries and even now random missle strikes were coming across the border into some of the smaller towns. Yoshi drove into the base and parked. He entered the military compound and headed for the conference room for the morning briefing.
Yoshi left the Rabbi after breakfast to attend to the call he had recieved concerning the border. As part of the IDF military he was on call 24/7. Since Damascus had been destroyed the world had become increasingly angered at Isreal for the unjustice of Syria. Fo several days the world had been in shock but now their anger was beginning to be vented toward Isreal. The Isreali government was beginning to notice the military buildup in several countries and even now random missle strikes were coming across the border into some of the smaller towns. Yoshi drove into the base and parked. He entered the military compound and headed for the conference room for the morning briefing.
- Renee
____________________________________________________________________
Two men sat on the rooftop of the compound and one sat in the barn. Evening was descending upon them as they watched the sky. The lightning coming out of the east seemed to be getting closer to them. With a brightness they had never seen before, they watched as the light began to descend down on the compound. They watched with amazement and joy as angels appeared to them and encircled the perimeter of the fence surrounding the compound. One angel looked up at the two men on the roof of the compound. "The Lord has declared this place to be a place of peace and safety for His people. No weapon formed against you shall prosper. Your enemy will not find you. You may come down and tell the people to fear not, for the Lord has sent us to surround you with His devine protection." The three men scrambled to reach the ground. With excitement they rushed into the compound in search of Brother Aaron to tell him what the Lord had done.
- Renee
_____________________________________________________________________
The Rabbi sat in his room that Yoshi and Ester had given him. He opened his laptop on the desk and turned it on. His plan was to e-mail Lisa to see what was happening at the compound since he left but before he could start an e-mail popped up from Brother Aaron and the subject line read "Urgent! Read ASAP"
As he opened it and began to read, he gave a shout of joy that would have startled Ester had she been home, but she had left several hours ago to shop for their meals for the day and Yoshi had still not returned from his morning briefing and it was almost lunch time. As he read, he smiled and spoke openly saying, "Thank you Jesus, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. You have truly blessed us. Thank you for your devine protection."
He sent a quick note back and closed his computer. It was time to venture out and experience the center of the planet.
As he opened it and began to read, he gave a shout of joy that would have startled Ester had she been home, but she had left several hours ago to shop for their meals for the day and Yoshi had still not returned from his morning briefing and it was almost lunch time. As he read, he smiled and spoke openly saying, "Thank you Jesus, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. You have truly blessed us. Thank you for your devine protection."
He sent a quick note back and closed his computer. It was time to venture out and experience the center of the planet.
- Renee
____________________________________________________________________
CNM EXCLUSIVE (by Katia)
Good evening. My name is Heidi Anderson and welcome to our CNM Exclusive Interview of the intriguing new politician on the world scene: Teodor Argyros. He has climbed from a low-level position in the Greek government all the way up to our very own Secretary General of the United Nations..now titled Supreme Potentate. He has granted us a chance to sit down with him and ask him a few questions about his childhood, how he got where he is today, and what exactly happened at the UN the other day.
[Heidi turns to her left, a gooey smile on her face]
[Teodor walks over to Heidi, a dazzling, disarming smile on his face]
[They shake hands and have a seat in chairs across from each other]
"Hello Your Excellency Argyros. Thank you for agreeing to our interview this evening."
"Please, call me Teodor, and it is my pleasure Ms Anderson." He takes her hand and gives it a small kiss with a smile.
Heidi blushes. "You are very charming sir, but please allow me to call you Mr. Argyros."
"Whatever you wish Ms Anderson" Teodor says with a small nod in Heidi's direction.
Heidi sits up a little straighter and looks at her notes. "Ok Mr. Argyros, let's begin. My first question is this: how did you get your start in politics?"
Teodor looks wistful, as if he's nostalgic. "I entered the wild world of politics about 7 years ago. I do not know if you remember the Greek riots that occurred in the streets when a young man was accidentally shot by police?" Heidi nodded in confirmation. "Do you know how the riots ceased?"
Heidi shook her head. "No Mr. Argyros, it was never made clear who stopped the rioting and how...do you know sir?"
Teodor smiled. "It was I who stopped them Ms. Anderson." Heidi looked stunned. "I was not in politics yet, but I cared much for my people and my community. When I saw the rioting begin, it broke my heart to see Greeks fighting Greeks. It needed to stop." Tears filled Teodor's eyes. "You see, my nephew Kostos was the boy who was shot." Heidi's eyes filled with sympathy, and she gently patted Teodors hand. He gave it a squeeze and magically the sadness in his eyes was replaced with determination.
"I would not allow myself to let Kostos' death tear Greece apart; unfortunately many of his friends, family, and Greeks who did not even know him felt the urge to demand justice for him. I was touched by the gesture, but I was more concerned with the violence. I, being Kostos' relative, had no trouble calling a meeting with the Greeks in my town. I only expected my townspeople to attend, but people from all over Greece traveled to the meeting. I was astounded by the amount of Greeks I was speaking to.
"I urged them to stop fighting, and I tried to get them to see how the violence was pulling Greece apart. I told them we needed peace, not war. We Greeks are a proud people, and I reminded everyone of our heritage and all we had fought for...we needed to unite as one nation because it would only make us stronger.
"The applause I received after my speech nearly knocked me off my feet. I had a standing ovation. People were crying; enemies were hugging enemies. The posters filled with hate and intolerance were torn to pieces. Our country had united, all because of a small, heartfelt speech I had given.
Heidi already looked as if he had captivated her. "How did this success help you enter the political scene?"
"Good question Ms. Anderson. After my speech I was contacted by the Prime Minister; he wanted to offer me a position in his cabinet. I was flattered, but I insisted I was still too young and inexperienced to be in such a position; I told him I would need a few years of experience and schooling in politics before I would be ready. I remember he laughed and said "Son, you are more than ready to help lead this country, but if you need some time to learn and study the ways of politics, I will grant you that time."
"So what did you do for the next few years?"
"I went back to school to study political science and history; I ended up graduating early, at the top of my class. During my time in school, I became fast friends with the Prime Minister. He taught me much about the ways of the world and how to navigate the political arena; I credit part of my success to him.
"Two years ago the Prime Minister and I were having dinner in his mansion. He reintroduced the idea of me joining the cabinet. I, feeling much more prepared for the position, accepted his offer. I rose through the ranks over the next few years." The camera captured tears in his eyes once more. "The Prime Minister fell ill, as you may know, and his dying wish was to see me as Prime Minister. Of course, I needed to be appointed first, and it seemed the President of Greece wanted to grant the late Prime Minister's wish.
"I was sworn in on the day of the dissapearances." He put his hand over his heart, as if in grief. "It is terrible that a day which should have brought me and my beautiful country joy was marred by such a horrific event.
"Yet my country is strong, and under my leadership, we have been working through this terrible time. I am not sure if you have done any background research on Greece, but our country has the lowest crime rate and death toll in the world. Our economy is doing well considering the circumstances, and my approval rating is suprisingly high."
"Who will you appoint as the new Prime Minister of Greece, now that you are Secretary General of the UN?"
Teodor chuckled. "There is a lot of debate over who can fill my shoes, is there not? Do not worry, I will find someone suitable to take over my position as soon as I am able. Right now I am allowing the President to take over the duties of both Prime Minister and President while I try to improve the state of our world."
"Tell me Mr. Argyros, why did the former Secretary General promote you to your current position?" Heidi asked, the "reporter's gleam" in her eyes.
Teodor's eyes hardened and he cocked his head slightly to the left, yet his white smile still adorned his perfect face. "My dear Ms. Anderson, are you questioning the decision of the former Secretary General?"
Heidi felt a strange sense of fear overtake her. "No sir, I'm sorry sir, I apologize. I was just curious because there has been a lot of buzz over a new plan, a new vision you have created for our world; many say this is why you are now Secretary General. The former General mentioned you are more fit to lead the UN because of this vision. Any hints as to what you have planned?"
His eyes sparkled; believers viewed it as a sparkle of desire for power, while unbelievers viewed it as a sparkle of passion for helping the world. "I will not go into details just yet Ms. Anderson, but let me say that I plan to bring peace and harmony to our world. I plan to unite our planet just as I united my country in the past. I will root out all evil and soon every person on this earth will be able to live as they choose, so long as they agree to help establish the peace and order we all desire."
Heidi was completely taken; she had never met anyone so charming in her entire life. He had such a vision for the world! She knew he would save this planet from all the horrors they were facing; he was the one who would bring good, lasting change around the entire globe.
She had faith in him.
"Thank you Mr. Argyros for this exclusive interview."
"It was my pleasure Ms. Anderson" he replied, again kissing her hand and eliciting a blush on her cheeks. He looked into the camera and said, with his disarming smile: "Do not fret, citizens of the world; peace is not far off. Have faith in your governments as we work to bring about a global change. I will lead the UN to the best of my ability, and I promise you I will work fiercly to make sure each and every one of you receives all of the things you deserve."
Millions of people around the world were ensnared by his smile and his promise of change and hope.
He was the change they could believe in.
Good evening. My name is Heidi Anderson and welcome to our CNM Exclusive Interview of the intriguing new politician on the world scene: Teodor Argyros. He has climbed from a low-level position in the Greek government all the way up to our very own Secretary General of the United Nations..now titled Supreme Potentate. He has granted us a chance to sit down with him and ask him a few questions about his childhood, how he got where he is today, and what exactly happened at the UN the other day.
[Heidi turns to her left, a gooey smile on her face]
[Teodor walks over to Heidi, a dazzling, disarming smile on his face]
[They shake hands and have a seat in chairs across from each other]
"Hello Your Excellency Argyros. Thank you for agreeing to our interview this evening."
"Please, call me Teodor, and it is my pleasure Ms Anderson." He takes her hand and gives it a small kiss with a smile.
Heidi blushes. "You are very charming sir, but please allow me to call you Mr. Argyros."
"Whatever you wish Ms Anderson" Teodor says with a small nod in Heidi's direction.
Heidi sits up a little straighter and looks at her notes. "Ok Mr. Argyros, let's begin. My first question is this: how did you get your start in politics?"
Teodor looks wistful, as if he's nostalgic. "I entered the wild world of politics about 7 years ago. I do not know if you remember the Greek riots that occurred in the streets when a young man was accidentally shot by police?" Heidi nodded in confirmation. "Do you know how the riots ceased?"
Heidi shook her head. "No Mr. Argyros, it was never made clear who stopped the rioting and how...do you know sir?"
Teodor smiled. "It was I who stopped them Ms. Anderson." Heidi looked stunned. "I was not in politics yet, but I cared much for my people and my community. When I saw the rioting begin, it broke my heart to see Greeks fighting Greeks. It needed to stop." Tears filled Teodor's eyes. "You see, my nephew Kostos was the boy who was shot." Heidi's eyes filled with sympathy, and she gently patted Teodors hand. He gave it a squeeze and magically the sadness in his eyes was replaced with determination.
"I would not allow myself to let Kostos' death tear Greece apart; unfortunately many of his friends, family, and Greeks who did not even know him felt the urge to demand justice for him. I was touched by the gesture, but I was more concerned with the violence. I, being Kostos' relative, had no trouble calling a meeting with the Greeks in my town. I only expected my townspeople to attend, but people from all over Greece traveled to the meeting. I was astounded by the amount of Greeks I was speaking to.
"I urged them to stop fighting, and I tried to get them to see how the violence was pulling Greece apart. I told them we needed peace, not war. We Greeks are a proud people, and I reminded everyone of our heritage and all we had fought for...we needed to unite as one nation because it would only make us stronger.
"The applause I received after my speech nearly knocked me off my feet. I had a standing ovation. People were crying; enemies were hugging enemies. The posters filled with hate and intolerance were torn to pieces. Our country had united, all because of a small, heartfelt speech I had given.
Heidi already looked as if he had captivated her. "How did this success help you enter the political scene?"
"Good question Ms. Anderson. After my speech I was contacted by the Prime Minister; he wanted to offer me a position in his cabinet. I was flattered, but I insisted I was still too young and inexperienced to be in such a position; I told him I would need a few years of experience and schooling in politics before I would be ready. I remember he laughed and said "Son, you are more than ready to help lead this country, but if you need some time to learn and study the ways of politics, I will grant you that time."
"So what did you do for the next few years?"
"I went back to school to study political science and history; I ended up graduating early, at the top of my class. During my time in school, I became fast friends with the Prime Minister. He taught me much about the ways of the world and how to navigate the political arena; I credit part of my success to him.
"Two years ago the Prime Minister and I were having dinner in his mansion. He reintroduced the idea of me joining the cabinet. I, feeling much more prepared for the position, accepted his offer. I rose through the ranks over the next few years." The camera captured tears in his eyes once more. "The Prime Minister fell ill, as you may know, and his dying wish was to see me as Prime Minister. Of course, I needed to be appointed first, and it seemed the President of Greece wanted to grant the late Prime Minister's wish.
"I was sworn in on the day of the dissapearances." He put his hand over his heart, as if in grief. "It is terrible that a day which should have brought me and my beautiful country joy was marred by such a horrific event.
"Yet my country is strong, and under my leadership, we have been working through this terrible time. I am not sure if you have done any background research on Greece, but our country has the lowest crime rate and death toll in the world. Our economy is doing well considering the circumstances, and my approval rating is suprisingly high."
"Who will you appoint as the new Prime Minister of Greece, now that you are Secretary General of the UN?"
Teodor chuckled. "There is a lot of debate over who can fill my shoes, is there not? Do not worry, I will find someone suitable to take over my position as soon as I am able. Right now I am allowing the President to take over the duties of both Prime Minister and President while I try to improve the state of our world."
"Tell me Mr. Argyros, why did the former Secretary General promote you to your current position?" Heidi asked, the "reporter's gleam" in her eyes.
Teodor's eyes hardened and he cocked his head slightly to the left, yet his white smile still adorned his perfect face. "My dear Ms. Anderson, are you questioning the decision of the former Secretary General?"
Heidi felt a strange sense of fear overtake her. "No sir, I'm sorry sir, I apologize. I was just curious because there has been a lot of buzz over a new plan, a new vision you have created for our world; many say this is why you are now Secretary General. The former General mentioned you are more fit to lead the UN because of this vision. Any hints as to what you have planned?"
His eyes sparkled; believers viewed it as a sparkle of desire for power, while unbelievers viewed it as a sparkle of passion for helping the world. "I will not go into details just yet Ms. Anderson, but let me say that I plan to bring peace and harmony to our world. I plan to unite our planet just as I united my country in the past. I will root out all evil and soon every person on this earth will be able to live as they choose, so long as they agree to help establish the peace and order we all desire."
Heidi was completely taken; she had never met anyone so charming in her entire life. He had such a vision for the world! She knew he would save this planet from all the horrors they were facing; he was the one who would bring good, lasting change around the entire globe.
She had faith in him.
"Thank you Mr. Argyros for this exclusive interview."
"It was my pleasure Ms. Anderson" he replied, again kissing her hand and eliciting a blush on her cheeks. He looked into the camera and said, with his disarming smile: "Do not fret, citizens of the world; peace is not far off. Have faith in your governments as we work to bring about a global change. I will lead the UN to the best of my ability, and I promise you I will work fiercly to make sure each and every one of you receives all of the things you deserve."
Millions of people around the world were ensnared by his smile and his promise of change and hope.
He was the change they could believe in.
- Katia
_____________________________________________________________________
“I will go first” Daniel stated. He read his file word for word stopping only to let the men grasp what he was saying. Each time he stopped he would wait till each one gave a nod that they understood. When he finished he asked if anyone had any questions. No was the reply.
“You’re up next Op’s.” Joe read his file stopping only to look at Daniel briefly then he would continue. When he was complete, the Captain again asked if any questions needed answering. This went on to Josh and finally to Ben. Once Ben finished each man sat there and waited for someone to speak.
“We must stop here and ask God to guide us for he is the power that will lead us and direct us.” Ben said.
“I agree, let us all take a few minutes.” Daniel replied. Each man got down on their knees and preyed. They didn’t know what the future held for them or their country but in God’s hand they placed the burden.
“Josh, the message read Jericho Barak, show us where our site will be on the map.”
The Navigator stood and after looking at the map pointed to an area in the North Persian Gulf. “I will have better details when I can pin point it using SARNET 3.”
“Good, get a track to that location using three approaches and best times for each one. Next plot out courses we might need to change from one to other if need be to avoid shipping. Joe, check your systems and get with Josh and figure out which is the least travel route by merchant’s ships, naval vessels and known Iran spy boats. Gentlemen, I don’t have to remind you that this is top secret. Don’t ask or seek help from your department. If and when news or orders need to go out to the crew I will be the one.” Daniel looked at his watch then added, “I want to meet in four hours. In the mean time let’s turn this boat around and head north. Are there any questions?”
“What reason do we tell the watch we are turning north?” Joe asked.
Daniel thought for a second, if something was not said sailors would make up all kinds of rumors, they didn’t like the unknown. “I am sure the fact that we received a Red Bird is now all over the decks, we shall say we are getting in position for aircraft rescue operations that might take place in a few days. Any other questions?” No was the reply that he expected and received. Daniel had a good crew of officers and sailors so he knew he could count on them. “Ben, don’t leave yet, I want you and I to talk.” The other two left their Captain and headed to the control room.
Pouring two cups of coffee he handed one to Ben then grabbed a couple of rolls. Back at his desk he sipped the hot coffee and looked at the one man who would be in charge of ensuring that the missiles that they may launch were ready.
“Any concerns with our birds?” The Captain asked
“No sir, we have a problem with tube five but tubes six through ten checks out fine. The four Popeye’s on board received a 100% on the system run up last week, if you want I can run another one.”
Daniel thought then said no, he didn’t want an unscheduled check done that might raise flags among the crew. “This afternoon say 1600, I want you, Op’s and myself to go over the procedures for launch. If we are asked to strike our enemies with what we have onboard, I want to make sure that the three of us know and understand what we are doing.”
“Yes sir.”
“Also make sure all our fish are ready to swim you heard Commander Akeman file. If we get in a pinch I want out of it as quickly as possible without any mistakes. Clean kills”
“Yes sir, I will give you a status report on tube 5 at the 1600 meeting.”
Good, get some rest Ben and may God be with you.”
“Thank you sir and God be with you as well.” Ben stood and left the cabin.
- Alex
_____________________________________________________________________
It's been a little over two weeks since the disappearance of millions worldwide shook the planet....setting off a prophetic chain reaction...the final curtain raised...the stage being set. In a short time chaos has enveloped the globe. In the midst of it all a man has taken this perilous time to be a window of opportunity to arise in stature as a man of peace and purpose. Already being elevated to the highest office in an unprecedented fashion...he now sets his sights on the most ambitious achievement of confirming a time of peace between Israel and her enemies......a meeting has been set with Israel's prime minister
in the meantime...wars and rumors of wars ravage across the landscape as nations seek selfishly to capitalize on this unparalleled time in history. Nuclear strikes have already taken place in several countries....and tensions continue to mount between neighboring countries...North and South Korea continue to be on the brink of war....India and Pakistan's rage seems unyielding...yet nothing seems to rival the growing ferocious hatred towards Israel.....yet our New World Leader carries with him an assignment pre-ordained by none other than God Himself.
- STA
_____________________________________________________________________
He decided to walk towards the Wailing Wall. The air was fresh with the scent of flowers as he walked through the market place lined with people selling their wares. Fresh fruit, vegetables, homemade breads, cakes, and fresh fish seemed to be the main items of the day. As he walked he wondered if Ester was somewhere in this crowd doing her shopping. The people seemed unaware of the world he had just left behind as they went about their business. These people were use to chaos in their lives and had learned to live with it so that not much phased them anymore, including Damascus. Reaching the Wailing wall he walked among the many jewish men praying at the wall. Memories of his parents stories filled his mind as he touched the walls running his fingers across the rough rocks feeling the many cracks and crevices. He was in awe of the wall which he had only seen in textbooks as his parents had schooled him so many years ago. Small pieces of paper could be seen sticking out of the cracks. They were prayers that had been placed there from all over the world. He could feel the presence of the Lord as he pulled up a chair to sit before the wall. The wall itself was a humbling experience for him knowing it was a part of the original temple. He knew he would be an eye witness to the building of the third temple now that he had been relocated to Isreal. But until that time he would spend many days here at the wall reflecting on past history and the future ahead.
- Renee
_____________________________________________________________________
Jonathans mind was wondering as Kevin sat there waiting for his answer. All he could think about was Bridget and how Jesus had turned her life around since the disappearances. She had changed so much over the last 2 weeks. All for the better. She seemed gentler and kinder. Thinking of her becoming a mother was another wonderful thought. If all these christians were telling the truth about the future he would have only a few years to enjoy being a father and teaching them the truth. He started to cry harder as the Lord touched his heart. "Yes, Yes."he sobbed "I want Jesus in my life." he choked. Kevin put his arms around him. "Lets pray together." he said. Both knelt and Kevin led him in the sinners prayer. Jonathan felt the love of Christ wash over him as his sins were washed away. Kevin removed the handcuffs and shackles as everyone on the bus cheered and clapped for Jonathan. Kevin didnt know how Peter and Daniel were doing in their buses but the rest of this ride was going to be a blessing and celebration.
- Renee
_____________________________________________________________________
KNOCK ...KNOCK....POUND...."HELLO, is anyone home?" POUND....POUND....Two police officers standing outside....the husband has passed out ..stoned out of his gord...the two officers continue to knock....the badly beaten woman ...slowly coming too..."HELLO..IS ANYONE HOME?"....she struggles to find any strength to respond....manages to find herself crawling towards the door...praying silently.."Oh God ..please help me...manages to make it to the door and still on her knees grabs the door handle and opens the door...the officer's push it open ...the door knocking her backwards ..."MAM...are you alright?" .."Mam are you alright?" ...her eyes glazed over...dizziness overwhelms her..she begins to throw up all over herself...and cries.."oh Jesus ..please help me" The officer's call for an ambulance ...her husband awakens at the noise..."SIR..I'm officer Lacy..and this is Officer Taylor..911 reported a distress call from this address?" "SHE'S DELIRIOUS...LOOK AT HER...SHE'S CRYING FOR JESUS!" "She looks battered" "mam" the officer kneels to herside.."mam...can you tell me...are you alright?" "my daughter..she's with Jesus...He took her" she begins to wail ..."SEE...SHE'S GONE MAD!!!! continues her angry husband "How did she get these marks and bruises?" "she's distraught..and she's been hurting herself" "I've told her to quit..but she refuses"
still not convinced...officer Lacy again looks to the woman...."mam...I need you to tell me where you've gotten these bruises....has anyone done this to you?" Hysterically ..she sits up and grabs the officer's arms...."MY DAUGHTER...SHE'S GONE..SHE'S WITH JESUS...CAN YOU HELP ME?"
- STA
____________________________________________________________________
The Samuel of Ramah traveling at 14 knots was making good time. The Operation and Navigation Officers made a good track keeping them clear of most sea going traffic. The trick and hardest part will be passing through the Strait of Harmuz. Twice they had to stop and run silent while the USS Normandy CGN-60 got within 8000 yards but most other traffic had no idea that running 120 feet below them the Israel Dolphin Class submarine steamed northward on a course that would shock the world.
“Contact, bearing 256, range 4300 yards.” The sonar Tec yelled out.
This sent the watch standers into action. At the plot board, another man had written Charlie in a block followed by the contact bearing to the sub and the range.
“Contact designated Charlie at 21:34”
“Con aye” the Watch Conning Officer replied
“Contact Charlie bearing 256 range 4256 and closing. Charlie speed 16 knots, course 036.”
The Conning Officer was about to call the skipper when Daniel walked in.
“Captain on the Bridge”
The young Officer relayed the information to Daniel then told the helmsmen to mark all stop.
“All stop, aye sir” the sailor sounded as he pushed a lever to the stop emblem on his control panel. This sent a signal down to the engine room telling the engineers to stop the propeller shaft from turning. “Engine room reports all stop sir.”
“Aye”
“Contact bearing 257, range 4180 yards and closing, speed has increased to 16 knots.”
Daniel pushed button and asked the sonar watch to identify the contact as soon as possible.
Two other sailors were marking on the chart board and showing the target location in reference to their sub. Based on the known speed and course they plotted a line showing that the CP or closest point of contact would be at 1800 yards if everything stayed the same.
“Back 1/3 Helm” Daniel said. “Rig for silent running”
Red lights flashed throughout the sub in every compartment telling all crew members to stop what they were doing standstill and make no noise. In a situation like this, a simple dropping of a wrench could tell the wrong people that a sub was nearby.
- Alex
_____________________________________________________________________
The medium size Oman gun boat was no match for a sub in battle but it could report to any ears listening that a sub was close at hand. With all that was going on, Oman had bought 10 of these ships and had installed a new sonar system on board five of them to counter any subs. Killing an enemy sub was not always the best course of action but tracking one gave you options and it opened up tables of communications when needed.
“Contact Charlie is classified as a Germany made medium range missile boat sir, last known to carry weak sonar equipment but had on board Russian made Spark III for sub chasing along with surface to surface and air missiles.” Combat Information Center (CIC) reported.
“Copy, report if it makes any course or speed changes” Daniel responded back.
The swordfish, a sensor on the outside of the sub that told the crew what speed the sub was actually traveling though the water. 3 knots, 2 knots, 1 knot, 0, back 1 knot, back 2 knots once it read 3-4 knots it stead steady.
“All stop”
At 21:47 and 4100 yards away, the crew on board the Oman surface ship had just finished some repairs that made them go dead in the water earlier that evening. Having completed the work the ship crew engaged their propeller shaft and moved ahead for a quite night run. Their radar had no contacts and the new sonar was just that, new. The crewmen assigned to operate it had the training but lacked the experience of telling one noise from other. Seamen Rah Ekman was setting at the sonar screen when a weak ping sounded. Wanting to impress his Captain, Rah sat up and pushed a few buttons which locked in the last sound. He waited two more minutes for another sound but it never came. Darn he said to himself, he had wanted to find a sub. Turning the volume up on the receiver, he tapped a switch that took the system out of auto and placed it into manual so he could direct the search.
“Contact Charlie is classified as a Germany made medium range missile boat sir, last known to carry weak sonar equipment but had on board Russian made Spark III for sub chasing along with surface to surface and air missiles.” Combat Information Center (CIC) reported.
“Copy, report if it makes any course or speed changes” Daniel responded back.
The swordfish, a sensor on the outside of the sub that told the crew what speed the sub was actually traveling though the water. 3 knots, 2 knots, 1 knot, 0, back 1 knot, back 2 knots once it read 3-4 knots it stead steady.
“All stop”
At 21:47 and 4100 yards away, the crew on board the Oman surface ship had just finished some repairs that made them go dead in the water earlier that evening. Having completed the work the ship crew engaged their propeller shaft and moved ahead for a quite night run. Their radar had no contacts and the new sonar was just that, new. The crewmen assigned to operate it had the training but lacked the experience of telling one noise from other. Seamen Rah Ekman was setting at the sonar screen when a weak ping sounded. Wanting to impress his Captain, Rah sat up and pushed a few buttons which locked in the last sound. He waited two more minutes for another sound but it never came. Darn he said to himself, he had wanted to find a sub. Turning the volume up on the receiver, he tapped a switch that took the system out of auto and placed it into manual so he could direct the search.
- Alex
___________________________________________________________________
“Contact Charlie now bears 306, 2100 yards.”
The men on watch stood there looking up as if they could see the ship moving closer to them. Daniel, Joe, Josh and Ben were the only ones that knew being found could spell disaster for them. The rest of the crew just figured this was training.
Engineman Gabi, had his new CD player plugged in and was listening to a music CD while lying in his rack. Liking the heavy beat he had the volume turn up loud into his headphones as he tapped his foot. Turning over to get a book, his arm pulled the headphone plug out from the player which in turned sent a heavy music beat into his sleeping compartment, through the metal of the skin of the sub and out into the deep water.
“Contact!” Seamen Ekman onboard the Oram boat shouted with excitement. The surface ship Captain looked over at his seamen. “Where and what is it?” “1900 yards out, depth 120 feet, Sir, contact unknown, sounds like music” “Music,” the officer questioned “Sound general quarters.”
Gabi, slapped his player shutting it off. Looking around, the fellow crew members shock their heads knowing that the Chief Engineer would hear about this and he would inform Gabi in a very strong manor that he screwed up.
The sonar equipment on the sub was much better and powerful then what the gun boat had so when the boat went to general quarters the sonar watch heard the bells and could actually hear the voices on the loud speakers. “Sir, contact Charlie just went to GQ!”
The Conning Officer was about to tell Battle Stations when Daniel stopped him. “Lets watch and see what he is doing first; I doubt he knows we are here.” Walking over the sonar repeater, Daniel watch and listen to the Sonar man give his up to minute report.
“Contact Charlie increasing speed, 18, 20, 25 knots turning to port.”
Who was it and what was going on, Daniel thought. Had he known about the music mishap he would have sent his sub to GQ as well.
“Charlie bearing 355, 25 knots, range 2800 yards and moving away.”
“Charlie turning hard to port”
“Charlie new course 184, speed 25 knots 2750 yards and closing.”
Daniel didn’t like what he was seeing. How they figured out they were there he didn’t know but he had to get his sub out of there and quickly.
“Ahead flank hard turn to port and bring us up to scope depth. Con, sound GQ,”
Daniel reached over and opened a red metal box that had a lever in it. He pushed it once and closed the box. At the back of the sub just above the fins, two small doors opened and each one released a canister. Five seconds later the canisters started to bubble then make a loud noise. “Decoys released” he said as he moved to the plot board.
The conning officer had announced General Quarters and the crew was running to their stations closing all doors, hatches and scuttles as they went. In less then 45 seconds, the Samuel of Ramah was battle ready.
- Alex
____________________________________________________________________
The race for the two skippers now was who could get into the best firing position in case it came down to attacking the other and at this time the Oman Captain had five aces.
Captain Hekal sat in his chair on the gun boat bridge. His first thoughts were to clear the area then if possible turn back and make a run on the target if possible. It had to be an AMerican submarine. The draft on his boat was only 4 foot so a torpedo was not a worry but he heard that many American Subs carried Ship killing missiles that flew in and hit from above. Music he thought was not how if pictured his crew finding a American Sub so he held off reporting the contact to his higher command until he was sure of his findings. “Maybe a promotion for his sonar operator and him as well if it was in deed a sub” He told himself.
Turning north and running 200 yards, the ship shipper now turned back to where the contact was heard. At the first sign of trouble he would launch one of two Spark III missiles then head west announcing his find.
“Contact sir, moving north gaining speed and a lot of activity”
Captain Hekal didn’t like this; he wanted to be back in port where his new wife was waiting for him. “Keliz, lock onto target and fire missile” Hekal yelled into a speaker.
Keliz was the Missile Tec whose job it was to fire missiles. He didn’t know that his ship had found a sub he only knew that going to GQ took him away from sleep, so when the Captain yelled to fire a missile he pushed the launch button.
The Russian made Spark III was a very reliable sub tracking missile if it had a contact location loaded into its system. Without the information, the missile would activate once it hit the water and seek the closest target. Most missile Tec knew this and programmed a self kill in case in started homing in on their own ship. Keliz didn’t know this or forgot. White smoke filled the deck of the small boat as the end of the missile tube broke open allowing the ten foot booster with a 50 pound warhead to leave its nest.
Captain Hekal sat in his chair on the gun boat bridge. His first thoughts were to clear the area then if possible turn back and make a run on the target if possible. It had to be an AMerican submarine. The draft on his boat was only 4 foot so a torpedo was not a worry but he heard that many American Subs carried Ship killing missiles that flew in and hit from above. Music he thought was not how if pictured his crew finding a American Sub so he held off reporting the contact to his higher command until he was sure of his findings. “Maybe a promotion for his sonar operator and him as well if it was in deed a sub” He told himself.
Turning north and running 200 yards, the ship shipper now turned back to where the contact was heard. At the first sign of trouble he would launch one of two Spark III missiles then head west announcing his find.
“Contact sir, moving north gaining speed and a lot of activity”
Captain Hekal didn’t like this; he wanted to be back in port where his new wife was waiting for him. “Keliz, lock onto target and fire missile” Hekal yelled into a speaker.
Keliz was the Missile Tec whose job it was to fire missiles. He didn’t know that his ship had found a sub he only knew that going to GQ took him away from sleep, so when the Captain yelled to fire a missile he pushed the launch button.
The Russian made Spark III was a very reliable sub tracking missile if it had a contact location loaded into its system. Without the information, the missile would activate once it hit the water and seek the closest target. Most missile Tec knew this and programmed a self kill in case in started homing in on their own ship. Keliz didn’t know this or forgot. White smoke filled the deck of the small boat as the end of the missile tube broke open allowing the ten foot booster with a 50 pound warhead to leave its nest.
- Alex
____________________________________________________________________
“Missile away… Missile in the water bearing 0021, range 2100 yards... Missile active no lock yet.”
Daniel hated missiles and he really hated the ones that were not locked on a target even if it was him being targeted. Too many factors had to play out to keep his sub safe. “Release decoys now…” He waited three seconds then yelled now again and did it once more. Three spreads of decoys three seconds apart gave a target to the missile as big as New York City. “Hard Starboard, new course 000” He said hoping to put his stern away from the missile.
But the missile now pinging looking for a target found one and though it didn’t make as much sound as the new on 2000 yards away, this one was close and the noise of swishing water told it was a good target. The ping stopped and a steady ring told anyone listening that the missile had a good lock.
Daniel hated missiles and he really hated the ones that were not locked on a target even if it was him being targeted. Too many factors had to play out to keep his sub safe. “Release decoys now…” He waited three seconds then yelled now again and did it once more. Three spreads of decoys three seconds apart gave a target to the missile as big as New York City. “Hard Starboard, new course 000” He said hoping to put his stern away from the missile.
But the missile now pinging looking for a target found one and though it didn’t make as much sound as the new on 2000 yards away, this one was close and the noise of swishing water told it was a good target. The ping stopped and a steady ring told anyone listening that the missile had a good lock.
- Alex
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