Watson explained. That is definitely out of the question.
Shit! Turnbull said. If you ask me, the info on where and what they're doing in Iran goes beyond even 'know.' I would classify it as 'shouldmust-know.'
Yeah, Watson agreed. But it's a matter of first things first.
Alright, folks, let's get to business, Entienne said. This committee is to advise the President, so let's start concentrating on that. Any comments?
No one said a word for a few moments as all turned inward to reflect on the information that had just been given them. Carl Joplin was the first to speak out. I suggest that we wait until we know the smugglers' exact route or routes. Then use extreme prejudice in destroying it.
The only way that can be done is by putting some of our best people in harm's way, Turnbull said. But it's obvious we have no choice.
I agree, Joplin said. It would seem that the first thing to do is cut off that funding coming from opium smuggling.
That's a sound suggestion, Turnbull said. Cut the sons of bitches off from their money, and they're like the proverbial dumb bastard who's up a creek without a paddle.
Entienne nodded. Yes!
That's the Agency's take on things, Watson said. And I'm bringing that evaluation to this table from the CIA Director himself, folks.
I move the President's Chief of Staff advise him to launch attacks against the opium smugglers involved in Operation Persian Empire, Carl Joplin said.
I second the motion, Turnbull said.
Of course we'll have to wait until we get those exact routes through Afghanistan and into Iran, Watson pointed out.
Hell, Turnbull said, we already know it's somewhere in the Gharawdara Highlands. We can at least start getting ready for it. He glanced over at Joplin. Say, Carl, isn't that where your SEAL friends are?
Yes, Joplin replied. Brannigan's Brigands.
.
PASHTUN STRONGHOLD
5 MAY
1800 HOURS
THE skinned and gutted goat carcasses had been buried in the ground surrounded by glowing coals for close to twenty-four hours, a procedure that began almost as soon as the marriage contract between Archie Sikes and Banafsha Barakzai was signed. The occasion included the payment of the bridal gift and delivery of the nanny goat to the En-glishman's new father-in-law, Ghazan. Archie learned that the 125,000-afghani price for the marriage came out to some -u1,434 in UK money or close to 2,000 U.S. dollars.
Now the slow-cooked goats were being dug up by the men in charge of the preparation, while women laid out pots of various foods; kachumber salad, dala lentil soup, halva sweets, kofte meatballs, and other goodies that were on the menu for the wedding feast. Although there were no alcoholic beverages, in accordance with the laws of Islam, there was plenty of tea, coffee, fruit juices, and the ever-present Pepsi brought back in cases during the opium-smuggling activities. Tables, bowls, chairs, and stools were contributed for the occasion from just about every household in the camp.
When everything was set up, Sikes, along with his adjutant Jandol Kakar and translator Malyar Lodhi, made an appearance. Sikes responded to the happy greetings shouted at him with nods of his head as he went to his place, where the food was laid out. Normally, the feast would have been held a couple of days after the marriage was consummated, but an opium run was already scheduled and Sikes was expected to participate. The date could not be changed, and Orakzai Mesher was anxious to get his English field commander fully integrated into his organization.
When Sikes settled down on the cushions provided for sitting, he was served some sur chai tea with milk. He sipped slowly, continuing to nod to the many Pashtuns who shouted their congratulations at him. The noise of talking, shouting people looking forward to the banquet was loud with babbling and laughter. It increased even more when Orakzai and his entourage of bodyguards appeared. He waved to the people, then smiled at Sikes as he took his reserved place where he would be able to get a full view of the event.
The people turned back to their loud celebrating as they waited for the festivities to move into a higher gear. Suddenly, the noise began subsiding, and within a quarter of a minute, silence reigned over the scene.
Ghazan Barakzai and other male relatives of the bride appeared with her. Sikes looked at Banafsha, disappointed she was completely covered by a chadari over her face and a long burka that concealed her body. The girl looked a bit like a midget as she made her way to her own place at the feast. This was the first time he had seen her standing, and he noted she wasn't quite five feet tall. As soon as she sat down, the noise started up again and the people turned to the joyful task of consuming the food.
.
SIKES' QUARTERS
2000 HOURS
SIKES lived in a small cave within the complex where the senior mujahideen maintained their dwellings. It was only fifteen meters from the main entrance to Orakzai's residence. Sikes' bed had been made up by a group of women especially for the wedding night. The usual blankets and the chador he used for a pillow had been taken off, carefully folded, and placed in a corner. Some flannel sheets, a quilt, and thick pillows and cushions had replaced the coverings.
The groom had left the feast as per instructions a half hour before and gone to his quarters. He now waited for his bride as the flames in the cooking hearth provided the only illumination. Banafsha was to be brought to him to be deflowered and made a woman. Normally, as in a whorehouse, he was anxious for a coupling, but there was something almost foreboding about the Islamic arrangements. They lacked passion and excitement. It was as cold as if he were about to change the oil in an APC. Jandol Kakar had given Sikes explicit instructions as to what he was to do, and the procedure drained all the randy feelings out of him. This was not going to be an experience replete with sexual desire and romantic affection. It was almost antiseptic and clinical.
A new spate of yelling occurred, and began to grow louder. He turned his eyes toward the entrance to the cave and waited. Within minutes, the crowd had arrived, still hollering and laughing. The blanket over the door was brushed aside and a Pashtun with Banafsha stepped inside. The man, one of her uncles, led the girl to where Sikes sat on the edge of the bed. Then he abruptly turned and left the cave.
Sikes looked up at her face, able to see only the young bride's eyes. They were downcast and without expression or emotion. He stood up, reaching over and removing the chadari. He was now able to see her face quite plainly in the firelight. He gazed at her, noting she had a childlike quality with dark brown hair, black eyes, and smooth skin. Sikes felt like a pedophile; she was obviously not fully a woman, even though she would have to be experiencing menstrual cycles or she would not have been permitted to marry.
Kakar had explained she would be silent and docile through the consummation. Sikes took a deep breath and pulled her toward the bed. She lay down on it, now with her face turned toward the wall. Sikes lifted the hem of her burqa, revealing her nudity. She didn't have the curves or thighs of a woman, but he ignored her immature body. After a deep breath of resignation, he did what he was supposed to do.
Banafsha gasped with a subdued groan, then the job was done.
Now Sikes picked up a piece of white flannel and wiped at her bleeding crotch. After arranging his own clothing back to decency, he walked to the entrance of the cave and stepped out. The crowd, all male, cheered as he showed them the bloody material.
This was irrefutable proof that the bride, a proper Islamic woman, had gone to her marriage bed a virgin.
Chapter 17
PASHTUN STRONGHOLD
GHARAWDARA HIGHLANDS
ARSALAAN Sikes Pasha's appointment as the Pashtuns' field commander, in addition to his marriage, assimilated him deeper into the stronghold society, its mores and lifestyle. His first concern was to sharpen up his
