The Keepers of the Persian Gate Read Online Free PDF Page B

fuselage.
    “Pree-VYEHT,” he said, nodding to the various members of the team who had harnessed themselves to the handles. He closed the large door at the aft port side of the aircraft. It shut with a loud metallic thump. It was the sort of sound that would lead one to think that few screws had just fallen out the side of the plane.
    “That’s reassuring,” joked Elvis.
    Although the sea state was fairly slight, there was a small chop in the water which gave an unpleasant feeling for the passengers of the Beriev.
    “I hope no one gets sea sick,” said the Lieutenant.
    Suddenly, the engines began to roar. There were no windows in the cargo room, so the next sight the team would see would be the tarmac at the airport on Margarita. As the Beriev began to move through the water, the chop became more and more noticeable. It didn’t help that the men were dangling on harnesses. The lights in the cargo bay began to flicker as the Beriev’s engines powered up. The wind was blowing north-east so the Beriev needed to manoeuvre around the bow of the Nimitz in order to get a proper head wind. Russian shouts came from the cockpit. Once again, Alex duly translated: “Prepare for take-off!”
    For a military aircraft, the engines of the Beriev were unbelievably loud. The entire plane shuddered as the engines powered to their maximum for take-off. It certainly wasn’t comfortable. As she ploughed along, she began to bounce over each wave. Then the time between each bounce became longer and longer, until there were no bounces and the team knew she was in the air.
    “Thank God for that!” shouted Jake.
    “I wouldn’t get too excited. These Berievs aren’t the most reliable bunch of planes in the world. Almost one quarter of the standard versions ended up crashing due to engine failure!” shouted Alex.
    “Good thing this is the military version then, huh?” said Lieutenant Graham.
    “That would probably be of greater concern to me!” replied Alex.
    After several minutes of shakiness and turbulence onboard, a welcome calm descended over the plane as the vibrations all but stopped.
    “Alex, shout up to the captain for ETA!” ordered Lieutenant Graham.
    Alex duly obliged. A voice shouted back from the cockpit. “Eleven minutes,” translated Alex.
    ***
    The whole journey was only meant to last fifteen minutes. Most of the team didn’t even bother to unhook their harnesses. The exceptions were Lieutenant Graham and Alex, who moved into the cockpit to assist with the transmission of the landing code.
    Special Naval Warfare Development Group, or SEAL Team 6, were stony-eyed. None of them had made any efforts to introduce themselves to any of the rest of the team, let alone the other SEALs. It was as if they weren’t even on board. They had certainly perfected the one thousand yard stare and you couldn’t lock eyes with them if you tried.
    It was only about seven minutes into the flight that Paddy recognized the unmistakable sinking feeling of a descent. “That was fast. We’re already heading down.”
    It wasn’t long before the team heard a loud bang and then a sort of metal on metal clunk.
    “What the hell is that?” shouted Taylor.
    “That’s the landing gear,” said Paddy.
    The plane didn’t really feel safe. Even the engines had started to make a less than reassuring sound.
    “Don’t worry, she’s been flying missions round the clock in Russia without incident,” said Taylor.
    “That’s either cause not to worry, or greater cause to be concerned,” said Alex.
    “Why’s that?” replied Paddy.
    “She’s due an accident, that’s why,” said Marco.
    The Lieutenant and Alex made their way out of the cockpit and back down the fuselage to re-harness themselves.
    “Right, men, this is it. Get ready,” said Lieutenant Graham.
    “SEALs, all in all the time!” shouted Jake.
    Marco made the sign of the cross and looked to be praying.
    “Just remember what that old German general said to his men in World