I can’t put the book down, I’m so into it. Maureen C.
You must have been a spy in the past; you have a great understanding of three
distinct cultures. Rhoda C.
I won’t let my husband start it until I am finished with it. M.C.
This is for the movie industry, I can’t put it down. R.C.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Chapter Twenty-five Same Night Off Iran
ENCRYTED MESSAGE TO: COMSUB ATLANTIC US SUB FLEET ATLANTIC HEADQUARTERS *BREAK* HIGH
PRIORITY*BREAK* FROM USS TRENTON SSN*BREAK* ON STATION IN INDIAN OCEAN*BREAK*WE HAVE
ON RECORD A DOLPHIN CLASS SUBMARINE OFF-LOADING TWO JET SLEDS*BREAK*SLEDS THEN
PROCEED TO IRANIAN COASTLINE*BREAK*SLEDS RETURN WITHIN A THIRTY-MINUTE TIME
FRAME*BREAK*SUBMARINE RETRIEVES SLEDS ABOARD THEN MOVES OFF IN A SOUTHERLY
DIRECTION*END OF MESSAGE*
PRIORITY*BREAK* FROM USS TRENTON SSN*BREAK* ON STATION IN INDIAN OCEAN*BREAK*WE HAVE
ON RECORD A DOLPHIN CLASS SUBMARINE OFF-LOADING TWO JET SLEDS*BREAK*SLEDS THEN
PROCEED TO IRANIAN COASTLINE*BREAK*SLEDS RETURN WITHIN A THIRTY-MINUTE TIME
FRAME*BREAK*SUBMARINE RETRIEVES SLEDS ABOARD THEN MOVES OFF IN A SOUTHERLY
DIRECTION*END OF MESSAGE*
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
First Review for Behind The Lies My Novel
Wow Joe!
After building the plot effectively in the first half the last half blew me away. Up to midnight finishing which is something that I do very rarely. Your writing talents have been hidden but you will take your place with the majors. A much better plot than the Cussler and Griffins.
When you get your book in front of the major reviewers you should hit the big time.
Jim
After building the plot effectively in the first half the last half blew me away. Up to midnight finishing which is something that I do very rarely. Your writing talents have been hidden but you will take your place with the majors. A much better plot than the Cussler and Griffins.
When you get your book in front of the major reviewers you should hit the big time.
Jim
Monday, May 25, 2009
Chapter Twenty-Four August Insertion
At precisely 1400 hours , Silberberg and Schwartz enter the wardroom. Sitting at the dining table are Captain Katz, Commander Rubin, and their sled team.
“Have a seat, gentleman,” says Captain Katz, who notices he’s beginning to feel fatherly towards these two former IDF men. Silberberg and Schwartz select seats directly opposite Katz and Rubin.
“We will arrive on station for your departure at 2115,” says Captain Katz. “I want to double check that each of us is fully aware of our individual and joint responsibilities. If there are any unanswered questions, I want them cleared up now, before we reach that point.”
“Captain, Brian and Hal met with us yesterday to review everything that the four of us needed to go over,” Schwartz reports. “Mark and I are comfortable with both their levels of experience and abilities. We’re clear on the retrieve signal codes for pickup at the end of the mission. We believe everything is squared away on this end,”
“Are there any questions from either of you?”
“No, captain,” says Brain. “We know what we need to do. We can get them close enough to shore,” spoke Brian.
“I want the four of you ready to debark at 2145. I will bring the sub to the surface. The conning tower will be just above water line and the escape hatch right at the water’s edge, which should make it easier to get the sleds and the gear out of the sub. I suggest that you travel the first stretch at a depth of ten meters.” Four heads nod in unison.
“After you drop off Mark and Natan, I suggest you return in the same manner. Our listening devices will pick up the two sleds in plenty of time to resurface to reclaim the two of you.”
“Have a seat, gentleman,” says Captain Katz, who notices he’s beginning to feel fatherly towards these two former IDF men. Silberberg and Schwartz select seats directly opposite Katz and Rubin.
“We will arrive on station for your departure at 2115,” says Captain Katz. “I want to double check that each of us is fully aware of our individual and joint responsibilities. If there are any unanswered questions, I want them cleared up now, before we reach that point.”
“Captain, Brian and Hal met with us yesterday to review everything that the four of us needed to go over,” Schwartz reports. “Mark and I are comfortable with both their levels of experience and abilities. We’re clear on the retrieve signal codes for pickup at the end of the mission. We believe everything is squared away on this end,”
“Are there any questions from either of you?”
“No, captain,” says Brain. “We know what we need to do. We can get them close enough to shore,” spoke Brian.
“I want the four of you ready to debark at 2145. I will bring the sub to the surface. The conning tower will be just above water line and the escape hatch right at the water’s edge, which should make it easier to get the sleds and the gear out of the sub. I suggest that you travel the first stretch at a depth of ten meters.” Four heads nod in unison.
“After you drop off Mark and Natan, I suggest you return in the same manner. Our listening devices will pick up the two sleds in plenty of time to resurface to reclaim the two of you.”
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Chapter Twenty-Three Engineering Challenges
The four engineers look back and forth at each other. No one seems to wants to speak first, to make any kind of commitment and possibly end up playing the fool.
“Look, we have measured those torpedo tubes down to the last millimeter,” Abdullah exclaims with frustration. “We know what we are working with. Can we fire the missiles from submarines or not?”
Givon, normally the quiet one, speaks first. He may be quiet, but his thoughts on the subject are clear. “Not the way they are currently designed. In order to fire that missile from one of the Kilos, its physical structure must be altered. Torpedoes are not missiles, and missiles are not torpedoes. We must alter the fin design, so that they can fly effectively once they break the surface.”
Farhani picks up on Givon’s thought. “When we have the proper fin designs, we then have to create a special propulsion system, one that will allow the sub to fire the missiles electronically, to clear the tubes.”
Nouri disagrees. “Kharam – you’re always the optimist. That’s only part of the propulsion problem. We need a discharge force great enough to allow a modified Shahab-3 to clear the submarine and get far enough away before its booster rocket fires and takes it to the surface.”
Abbas, always the doubter, shakes his head. “Muhammad, everything built into that current missile is designed for dry land. This is a very different usage. Honestly, I have to wonder if ten months gives us enough time to solve all these problems.”
“Gentlemen, I hear what you’re saying,” Abdullah says mildly. “We know that the Americans have overcome this issue. If they can, we can. If we cannot, then I guess we no choice but to steal their secrets.” Abbas looks up, wide-eyed. “Which at the moment is not an option on the table,” Abdullah quickly assures them all.
“Rahim and Kharam, I want both of you to take a missile housing and begin working on the necessary alterations so it can clear the torpedo tubes and to make its flight efficient.” Givon and Farhani look at each other and rolls their eyes.
“Majid, Taher, I want you two to work on the initial firing system to get a missile underway and safely clear of the submarine before ignition.” Nouri nods. Abbas shrugs.
“Look, we have measured those torpedo tubes down to the last millimeter,” Abdullah exclaims with frustration. “We know what we are working with. Can we fire the missiles from submarines or not?”
Givon, normally the quiet one, speaks first. He may be quiet, but his thoughts on the subject are clear. “Not the way they are currently designed. In order to fire that missile from one of the Kilos, its physical structure must be altered. Torpedoes are not missiles, and missiles are not torpedoes. We must alter the fin design, so that they can fly effectively once they break the surface.”
Farhani picks up on Givon’s thought. “When we have the proper fin designs, we then have to create a special propulsion system, one that will allow the sub to fire the missiles electronically, to clear the tubes.”
Nouri disagrees. “Kharam – you’re always the optimist. That’s only part of the propulsion problem. We need a discharge force great enough to allow a modified Shahab-3 to clear the submarine and get far enough away before its booster rocket fires and takes it to the surface.”
Abbas, always the doubter, shakes his head. “Muhammad, everything built into that current missile is designed for dry land. This is a very different usage. Honestly, I have to wonder if ten months gives us enough time to solve all these problems.”
“Gentlemen, I hear what you’re saying,” Abdullah says mildly. “We know that the Americans have overcome this issue. If they can, we can. If we cannot, then I guess we no choice but to steal their secrets.” Abbas looks up, wide-eyed. “Which at the moment is not an option on the table,” Abdullah quickly assures them all.
“Rahim and Kharam, I want both of you to take a missile housing and begin working on the necessary alterations so it can clear the torpedo tubes and to make its flight efficient.” Givon and Farhani look at each other and rolls their eyes.
“Majid, Taher, I want you two to work on the initial firing system to get a missile underway and safely clear of the submarine before ignition.” Nouri nods. Abbas shrugs.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Chapter Twenty-Two Meeting the Mafiya
“And what type of equipment are you looking for from me?”
“We have a list of various mechanical and electrical components that we are searching for, to fulfill the needs of several clients,” replies Hussein.
“And what kinds of components would these be?” The comment is made in an aggravated, disparaging tone.
“The utilities we are working with are looking for large horsepower generators, impeller drives, gear reduction units, flow valves, steam turbines and switch gear panels, for their control rooms,” Dakham tells him, unperturbed, then asks, “Is this something that you can assist us with, or perhaps you can recommend someone else for us to visit while we are here?”
“Do you have a list?” Dimitri asks, his words a command, not a question.
“Of course.” Hussein produces a document and hands it over to Dimitri, who merely gives it a perfunctory, almost dismissive glance.
“Vicktor, bring Ivan up.”
A couple of minutes later Vicktor returns with a small man who looks to be in his fifties, wearing grease-covered coveralls.
“Ivan, I want you to take this list and see if we have any of these things in inventory. If not, check our other sources.”
“Yes, sir,” Ivan says, taking the list, he promptly heads back downstairs.
“Gentlemen,” returning his disdainful gaze to Hussein and Dakham, “give us a few days. We will get back to you if we can be of some assistance. If not, then I suppose we could recommend another source.”
“We have a list of various mechanical and electrical components that we are searching for, to fulfill the needs of several clients,” replies Hussein.
“And what kinds of components would these be?” The comment is made in an aggravated, disparaging tone.
“The utilities we are working with are looking for large horsepower generators, impeller drives, gear reduction units, flow valves, steam turbines and switch gear panels, for their control rooms,” Dakham tells him, unperturbed, then asks, “Is this something that you can assist us with, or perhaps you can recommend someone else for us to visit while we are here?”
“Do you have a list?” Dimitri asks, his words a command, not a question.
“Of course.” Hussein produces a document and hands it over to Dimitri, who merely gives it a perfunctory, almost dismissive glance.
“Vicktor, bring Ivan up.”
A couple of minutes later Vicktor returns with a small man who looks to be in his fifties, wearing grease-covered coveralls.
“Ivan, I want you to take this list and see if we have any of these things in inventory. If not, check our other sources.”
“Yes, sir,” Ivan says, taking the list, he promptly heads back downstairs.
“Gentlemen,” returning his disdainful gaze to Hussein and Dakham, “give us a few days. We will get back to you if we can be of some assistance. If not, then I suppose we could recommend another source.”
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Chapter Twenty-One July Departure
As their gear is being unloaded and stored below decks, Schwartz, Silberberg and Bergman take a long look at each other. Nothing needs to be said. They all realize that this could very well be the last time they see each other.
“I expect to hear from both of you when you arrive on site,” Bergman says, breaking the solemn moment. “Remember, if you’re able to gather the information we need sooner than we have anticipated, move out. Do not remain any longer than you absolutely have to and put yourselves in unnecessary danger.”
Both Schwartz and Silberberg give Bergman a warm hug, both realizing that Bergman is as committed to the mission and anxious for their safety as they are. The three shake hands and board the sub.
Bergman takes one last look at them going aboard and prays God to protect them, for Israel’s sake, for their families’ sakes, and for his sake. Their loss on this mission, which for better or for worse was my idea, would be a burden I would bear for the rest of my life.
Climbing back up into the rental truck, he backs around and heads south to Tel Aviv. His nerves grow tenser with each passing mile – and the knowledge that the mission is actually about to begin.
“I expect to hear from both of you when you arrive on site,” Bergman says, breaking the solemn moment. “Remember, if you’re able to gather the information we need sooner than we have anticipated, move out. Do not remain any longer than you absolutely have to and put yourselves in unnecessary danger.”
Both Schwartz and Silberberg give Bergman a warm hug, both realizing that Bergman is as committed to the mission and anxious for their safety as they are. The three shake hands and board the sub.
Bergman takes one last look at them going aboard and prays God to protect them, for Israel’s sake, for their families’ sakes, and for his sake. Their loss on this mission, which for better or for worse was my idea, would be a burden I would bear for the rest of my life.
Climbing back up into the rental truck, he backs around and heads south to Tel Aviv. His nerves grow tenser with each passing mile – and the knowledge that the mission is actually about to begin.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Chapter Twenty Authorized Mission
Silberberg looks over at Schwartz, who nods that Silberberg should take the question. Silberberg smiles.
“We’ll be ready to set sail one week from Tuesday,” Silberberg says with confidence. “This will give us sufficient time to check out all of the equipment, once it has arrived, have some time with the captain to go over things with him, and still allow for a drop day of two weeks from Monday, which is what we want to aim for. Unfortunately we do have to go the long way around the Cape, for security reasons.”
“Getting dropped off on a Monday will give us sufficient time to arrive at our first target area by Friday, based on traveling only at night,” Schwartz adds.
“Why Friday,” Jacob asks.
Silberberg explains his theory of the Muslim equivalent of Shabbat. “We feel that we’ll have the least intrusion into our activities, setting up on site, if we time our arrival then,” Silberberg explains.
“Anything else before we complete this meeting?” asks Jacob.
“Only that Yosef and I still need to work out our transfer of goods to Hidden Talents, which we can take care of after this meeting,” replies Schwartz.
Sitting there, sweat pouring down from his armpits, his hands icy cold, Bergman speaks up for the first time. “I will call you first thing in the morning, Natan.”
“Captain, is there anything else?” Jacob asks.
“No, sir. We can handle this.”
All of the men rise and shake hands as they leave the chief of staff’s conference room. All are aware of Bergman’s cold hands. Bergman leaves thinking, Oh my God, this impossible idea of mine is really going to happen. God help us all.
“We’ll be ready to set sail one week from Tuesday,” Silberberg says with confidence. “This will give us sufficient time to check out all of the equipment, once it has arrived, have some time with the captain to go over things with him, and still allow for a drop day of two weeks from Monday, which is what we want to aim for. Unfortunately we do have to go the long way around the Cape, for security reasons.”
“Getting dropped off on a Monday will give us sufficient time to arrive at our first target area by Friday, based on traveling only at night,” Schwartz adds.
“Why Friday,” Jacob asks.
Silberberg explains his theory of the Muslim equivalent of Shabbat. “We feel that we’ll have the least intrusion into our activities, setting up on site, if we time our arrival then,” Silberberg explains.
“Anything else before we complete this meeting?” asks Jacob.
“Only that Yosef and I still need to work out our transfer of goods to Hidden Talents, which we can take care of after this meeting,” replies Schwartz.
Sitting there, sweat pouring down from his armpits, his hands icy cold, Bergman speaks up for the first time. “I will call you first thing in the morning, Natan.”
“Captain, is there anything else?” Jacob asks.
“No, sir. We can handle this.”
All of the men rise and shake hands as they leave the chief of staff’s conference room. All are aware of Bergman’s cold hands. Bergman leaves thinking, Oh my God, this impossible idea of mine is really going to happen. God help us all.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Chapter Nineteen After Their Trip
Scanning the breakfast menu both men are amazed at the number of selections it offers. Breakfast menus are nothing like this back home, nor in Pakistan. Hussein chooses a small juice and an order of French toast. Dakham decides to eat hardy. He orders a large juice, two eggs over easy, plus an order of pancakes.
Suddenly, as they are just starting to eat, just as both agree they could get to like living like this, the man from the newsstand walks into the dining room and takes a seat along the opposite wall facing them. They cannot miss noticing him; he’s still wearing the same brown leather coat and bulky red sweater he wore on the plane yesterday.
“Shit,” Dakham says quietly. “Can’t we even have a comfortable breakfast?”
“Don’t lose it!” Hussein jokes. “However, I don’t believe in coincidences either, so I would venture to say we have a tail. Where he’s from I have no clue, but he sure as hell wants us to know he’s here. Any suggestions?”
Dakham replies, “Well, let’s take our time with breakfast and see how much time he has to spare. If he’s really a tail, he will wait until we move. If he’s not, then we may be just overreacting.”
“Maybe we are,” Hussein concurs, “maybe a little, since let’s face it, we are new at this. Yet my gut is telling me, other than how much it appreciates this French toast, that somehow this guy is here to play a part in whatever it is we are getting ourselves involved in.”
“Me too,” says Dakham. “I suggest we finish our breakfast and get out of the hotel for a while. See if he follows us, yes, but I will also lay you odds that our rooms are bugged. I would rather not say anything of importance within these walls.”
“Very wise,” Hussein compliments his partner.
Suddenly, as they are just starting to eat, just as both agree they could get to like living like this, the man from the newsstand walks into the dining room and takes a seat along the opposite wall facing them. They cannot miss noticing him; he’s still wearing the same brown leather coat and bulky red sweater he wore on the plane yesterday.
“Shit,” Dakham says quietly. “Can’t we even have a comfortable breakfast?”
“Don’t lose it!” Hussein jokes. “However, I don’t believe in coincidences either, so I would venture to say we have a tail. Where he’s from I have no clue, but he sure as hell wants us to know he’s here. Any suggestions?”
Dakham replies, “Well, let’s take our time with breakfast and see how much time he has to spare. If he’s really a tail, he will wait until we move. If he’s not, then we may be just overreacting.”
“Maybe we are,” Hussein concurs, “maybe a little, since let’s face it, we are new at this. Yet my gut is telling me, other than how much it appreciates this French toast, that somehow this guy is here to play a part in whatever it is we are getting ourselves involved in.”
“Me too,” says Dakham. “I suggest we finish our breakfast and get out of the hotel for a while. See if he follows us, yes, but I will also lay you odds that our rooms are bugged. I would rather not say anything of importance within these walls.”
“Very wise,” Hussein compliments his partner.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Chapter Eighteen Third Week of June
“Natan, you look like you didn’t get any sleep last night. I haven’t seen bags under your eyes this bad since we went on that drunk after our last trek in the Negev. You need rollers for these bags.”
“Very funny. I got some sleep,” Schwartz protested, “but I couldn’t get my mind to shut down on all the planning we need to do, the logistics of the operation. I just know that I will be a far happier man when we can get in there, get the job done and get out.”
“You know, you could let me share some of that load,” Silberberg offers with all sincerity.
“Mark, you have enough to do, making sure we have all of the equipment and supplies we need, making sure that everything is in operating order, making sure we haven’t missed anything.”
“Yeah, the pressure is on both of us,” Silberberg agrees. “The last three desert treks we did, the IDF delivered all the equipment we needed. All we had to do was follow IDF orders. IDF did all the planning and supplying. But so can we. Now, though, I’m realizing how much we took for granted, what all goes into planning an operation on this scale. Holy shit, this can be a real mind trip when you’re never done it before.”
“Good. Face it and get it off your chest,” Schwartz encourages his partner. “But we’ll be okay, Mark. It’s just new, having to rely on ourselves almost exclusively, except for Yosef and whoever ferries us in. This is our show.”
“And speaking of Yosef,” Silberberg interrupts, “let’s give him a call and see how he’s making out with his end of things.”
Schwartz picks up the secure line on his desk, then dials the special number Bergman left with them. After the third ring, Bergman picks up. “Code words, please.”
“A million dollars,” says Schwartz.
“Okay, Natan. What can I do for you this morning.”
“Very funny. I got some sleep,” Schwartz protested, “but I couldn’t get my mind to shut down on all the planning we need to do, the logistics of the operation. I just know that I will be a far happier man when we can get in there, get the job done and get out.”
“You know, you could let me share some of that load,” Silberberg offers with all sincerity.
“Mark, you have enough to do, making sure we have all of the equipment and supplies we need, making sure that everything is in operating order, making sure we haven’t missed anything.”
“Yeah, the pressure is on both of us,” Silberberg agrees. “The last three desert treks we did, the IDF delivered all the equipment we needed. All we had to do was follow IDF orders. IDF did all the planning and supplying. But so can we. Now, though, I’m realizing how much we took for granted, what all goes into planning an operation on this scale. Holy shit, this can be a real mind trip when you’re never done it before.”
“Good. Face it and get it off your chest,” Schwartz encourages his partner. “But we’ll be okay, Mark. It’s just new, having to rely on ourselves almost exclusively, except for Yosef and whoever ferries us in. This is our show.”
“And speaking of Yosef,” Silberberg interrupts, “let’s give him a call and see how he’s making out with his end of things.”
Schwartz picks up the secure line on his desk, then dials the special number Bergman left with them. After the third ring, Bergman picks up. “Code words, please.”
“A million dollars,” says Schwartz.
“Okay, Natan. What can I do for you this morning.”
Monday, May 4, 2009
Hooray We Made It--It's Published
Thursday, April 30th became a very special day for me. “Behind The Lies,” my first novel, a military thriller began being published. Excerpts from this novel are on the blog and I will continue to post something from each of the one hundred and six chapters. It is currently available for purchase from Xlibris the publisher on their website www.Xlibris.com or if you would like a signed copy you can log onto www.joesmiga.com. My first shipment of one hundred and twenty books will arrive three weeks from the publishing date. Writing the novel took twenty-six months and the process of finding the right editor and working with the publisher took another fifteen months. Now begins the process of marketing the novel.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Chapter Seventeen Meeting with Top Military Leaders
President Egan calls Janet White and instructs her to set a date one week from this Friday for him to meet with Admiral Smith and Generals Bradley and Sanford. “Make it for in the Situation Room. It will just be the four of us,” he tells her. “We’ll start at nine. Tell them to plan to spend all day if necessary. And arrange for Marine guards posted outside.”
“I’ll contact the admiral and the generals, sir,” Janet answers. Two hours later, she confirms the meeting.
“Janet,” the president adds, “If anyone needs my attention that day, you are to instruct them I am unavailable unless it is, literally, a national emergency. If absolutely necessary, you, and only you, are to call me in the Situation Room.”
“Yes, sir, Mr. President. I’ll handle my end.” Janet could not keep from smiling at the thought of how the rest of the president’s staff will take this. They’re gonna go bonkers, she thinks with pleasure, wondering why they weren’t included and what’s going on.
“I’ll contact the admiral and the generals, sir,” Janet answers. Two hours later, she confirms the meeting.
“Janet,” the president adds, “If anyone needs my attention that day, you are to instruct them I am unavailable unless it is, literally, a national emergency. If absolutely necessary, you, and only you, are to call me in the Situation Room.”
“Yes, sir, Mr. President. I’ll handle my end.” Janet could not keep from smiling at the thought of how the rest of the president’s staff will take this. They’re gonna go bonkers, she thinks with pleasure, wondering why they weren’t included and what’s going on.
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