the AK-47s was most effective, Orakzai Mesher. There was not a square millimeter of space in the village that was not shot up. Those Taliban who did not die when their houses collapsed upon them were killed by bullets.
This is the second time you've demonstrated your skills to great advantage, Sikes Bey, Orakzai said. I praise your efforts.
It's always nice to get a compliment for a job, Sikes said. But I do have a request, Orakzai Mesher. I would appreciate it if the next time I go out to do battle, that I got the proper support with me, yeah? I'm speaking of heavy weapons backup.
That will be done, Orakzai said. And I want to speak to you of another thing. With my dear comrade Khusahal now departed to his eternal reward in Allah's Paradise, I no longer have a field commander. I am sorry to say none of my Pashtuns are capable of leading more than just a few men. I would like you to take over those responsibilities.
Sikes could barely believe the words that were just spoken. He stared at Orakzai for a moment before he could respond. Uh...well...you mean be in command of your army?
That is exactly what I mean.
Captain Khadid smiled discreetly, trying to conceal his enthusiasm. This would make his job as military advisor that much easier. His superiors would also be pleased with the appointment.
Sikes looked over at him, then back to Orakzai. Yeah. I'd like that. How many men will I have under me command?
It varies, Sikes Bey, Orakzai said. You may be sure of between eight and nine hundred.
Blimey! Sikes said. That's a bluddy battalion, that is! He thought a moment, then asked, That ain't enough to be a pasha, is it?
Khadid spoke quickly, saying, But you would be leading an entire army no matter its size. Surely you deserve to be called pasha.
Sikes displayed a wide grin of pleasure. I wouldn't be Sikes Bey no more then, would I? I'd be Sikes Pasha.
That is an Arab title, Orakzai said. But if you want to be addressed as such, I shall order it done.
When do I take command?
It will be announced in the morning, Orakzai said. I will see that a translator is provided for you. I advise you strongly to begin acquiring a good working knowledge of the Pashtun language. My mujahideen are already favorably impressed with you from this morning's battle. Being able to communicate with them in their own language will solidify your stature as their battle leader.
I know something I could say in Pashtun to you already, Orakzai Mesher, Sikes said. Manana thank you!
Come back this evening, Orakzai said. We will dine together and discuss the details of this arrangement. That will include a muta with one of our young women. That will further consolidate your bond to our group.
The idea of a temporary marriage and having a woman also appealed to Sikes. It had been months since he had last enjoyed the sexual favors of a woman. Am I gonna get a chance to look around at the birds here?
I will pick one for you, Orakzai said. Do not worry. She will be from a proper family.
Well, now, Orakzai Mesher, all due respect, hey? But I'd like a looker.
All our women are beautiful, Sikes Pasha, the Pashtun leader said. He glanced at Khadid. The invitation to dine also includes you, my friend. The support of our Iranian brothers is most important do me.
Yes, Orakzai Mesher, Khadid said. With your permission, Sikes Pasha and I will withdraw until this evening.
They left the chamber, going through the cave to the opening. When they stepped out into the sunlight, Khadid spoke under his breath. You must not forget you are in the service of the Iranian government. Your new status with the Pashtuns will meet with much approval at Special Forces Headquarters as long as you maintain yourself under our command.
Now that sounds like a bit of a threat, Sikes said sullenly.
Think of it as advice, Sikes Pasha.
Then do this, Sikes said. Get a message out to Brigadier Khohollah that I want a commission a regular bloody commission in the Iranian Army. Not in the Jihad Abadi like I got now. And in the rank of major. And I want it proper and official. Not just something I'm being called. Understood?
I shall take care of that, Sikes Pasha.
Good, Sikes said. By the way, how d'you say 'major' in Farsi?
Sargord, Khadid answered.
They continued down the narrow trail to the village without further conversation.
Chapter 15
STATE DEPARTMENT
JOPLIN'S OFFICE
WASHINGTON, D.C.
30 APRIL
1130 HOURS
UNDERSECRETARY of State Carl Joplin's meeting with the Iranian charge d'affaires Saviz Kahnani was a follow-up to the session between the two gentlemen at the Bonhomme Richard Club on 24 April. This change of venue was an indication that the situation had become more serious. But it was not yet of such a grave nature that the U.S. Secretary of State, the Foreign Minister of Iran, or the two nations' ambassadors would become overtly involved.
Joplin and Kahnani had settled at a small table in one corner of the former's office for the session. Neither had a briefcase, notes, or any other sort of documents or maps in their possession. Joplin opened the session by reiterating that the President of the United States was now even more concerned about Iranian policies in the Middle East. Particularly where local insurgencies were concerned.
In spite of the increase in tension, Kahnani was relaxed and much at ease. Although not fully briefed, the embassy military attache had enlightened the diplomat enough to give him a feeling of confidence. My dear Carl, I am not aware of how the American government has obtained that erroneous information, but let me assure you that the Iranian government is not organizing an army of Arab insurgents in a grand scheme to conquer that part of the world.
Our intelligence services report to the contrary, Saviz.
It is true that we are aiding our Shiite brothers in Iraq, Kahnani said. But only in their struggles against the Sunnis. We do not publicize this, but obviously your intelligence has discovered those activities and arrived at erroneous conclusions concerning the true motives behind them. And if you make mention of it in the media, we will deny the fact for reasons of international sensitivity. But allow me to state emphatically that we will not tolerate atrocities committed by religious rivals against those Muslims who practice their faith in the same manner we do. In other words, we are deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of Shiites in Iraq.
This was one of those candid moments in diplomacy when explicit understandings and previous agreements limit the number of persons who would be informed of the exchanged information. This gave both Joplin and Kahnani more latitude in expressing themselves.
Joplin continued his dissertation, saying, The United States government is concerned that the Iranians are encouraging a civil war in Iraq. And this could well expand to other Arab nations.
Kahnani shrugged. This aid program came about from the bombing of the Shiite shrine in Iraq. And Tehran does not have alliances with Shiites in any other country. Such activities are handled by our clergy and involve only religious matters.
Much, if not most, of Islamic activity involves violence! Joplin said sharply.
I resent the implication our faith propagates warfare and murder! Kahnani shot back.
The Chehaar Garrison in eastern Iran has been closed, Joplin said. This coincides with the defeat of an invasion force that came out of Iran and into Afghanistan. It was a unit of armored cars that suffered heavy casualties.
Chehaar is an abandoned military site that has not been occupied for at least five years, Kahnani insisted. It is nothing but rusting Quonset huts sitting on the edge of a salt marsh. The idea that a detachment of armored cars has been lately stationed there is absurd. I would even hesitate to pass on your statement to my ambassador.
