Assault on Alpha Base Read Online Free PDF Page A

frowned, but stepped from the Chevy van and kept the door open. She held a hand up over her eyes and slowly scanned Alpha Base. She nodded to a group of airmen horsing around just inside the fences. Vikki called to Harding: “I wouldn’t think they would be so casual.”
    “That’s what’s going to make our chances better. The way to rip off the nuclear weapons is to do it right under their noses. We break into Alpha Base when they least expect it and blow one of the bunkers.”
    Vikki looked disgusted. “I’m sure you’re going to waltz up to the gate and ask, ‘Pretty please, can I have one of your nukes?’ Get real, Anthony. Are you going to call this thing off or not?”
    Inside the fence one of the security policemen elbowed a buddy and waved at the van.
    Harding urged Vikki, “Go ahead and wave back to him. I’ve got a plan how this whole thing will fall together. In fact, you’re the key to how we get onto Alpha Base.”
    “I’m not sure if I like what you’re thinking,” Vikki said. “Look at those Neanderthals—slobbering over each other trying to get my attention.”
    “Keep waving. After we leave, I’ll fill you in with all the details.”
    Vikki forced an insincere smile for the men and waved once more before climbing back in the van. “Let’s get the hell out of here. If I’m sacrificing my body, I want to know how you plan to do it.”
    She thought to herself that Harding was getting more difficult to live with; it wasn’t like the days when they were younger.
    It had better be one hell of a plan.

Chapter 3
    Wednesday, 1 June, 0845 local
    Wendover AFB Command Post
    Chief Zolley walked McGriffin to the exit. When they reached the corridor, Chief Zolley shooed the security policeman out, saying, “I’ll see Major McGriffin to the door.”
    “Very well, Chief.” The man slung his rifle over his shoulder and headed into the command post area. He eyed Zolley. “Mind if I take a smoke break?”
    Zolley waved him on. “Go ahead. This will take a few minutes—I’ve got to brief the major on some additional procedures.”
    Once the door slammed and they were alone, Chief Zolley turned to McGriffin. “Anything else I can help you with, sir?”
    “I don’t think so. It looks pretty quiet around here.”
    “It is. Alpha Base is mostly automated, as far as security goes. It’s got so many gee-whiz bells and whistles it will make your head spin. The guards rely on sensors, electronics and autonomous systems to keep them apprised of what’s going on. As a result, we don’t do anything here except keep the Pentagon in the loop.”
    McGriffin nodded. “Chief, I’m reporting for duty at 1800 tonight. I assume you’ll be here to help me learn the ropes?”
    “Great, sir. I think you’ll enjoy it. It’s not the real Air Force, but then again, I don’t think you can find the real Air Force anywhere. I’ve assigned myself to your shift for the next month. I wanted to make sure I could help out if you needed me.”
    “You already have.” McGriffin firmly shook Zolley’s hand. “I’m looking forward to working with you and your team.”
    Chief Zolley cracked a smile. “The pleasure’s all yours, Major.”
    McGriffin grasped the door leading to the outside and pressed on. He strode into the brilliant Nevada sunshine.
    Helicopters swung out from the base, practicing landings in the desert. Their chopping came as a low beat in the distance. From the front of the command post it seemed as if Wendover AFB were just another lazy western town. The absence of traffic and bustling people gave the base a feeling of mañana. Even Alpha Base’s presence a few miles away could not shake the sanguine atmosphere bubbling in the sunshine.
    This might not be so bad, thought McGriffin. I might grow to enjoy this place. Even if I’m not flying.
    Wednesday, 1 June, 1215 local
    Wendover, Nevada
    Dr. Anthony Harding wiped up his enchilada combination plate with a sopapilla. Yellow egg yolk spotted the