Starts Today..........North Sea Peril

[S.A.S.Sparrowhawk]

North Sea Peril

Day 1 - Somewhere off the coast of Aberdeen, Scotland

As the light blue sky turned a crimson orange from the rising sun, an equally orange helicopter flew towards the horizon just to the left of the sun. The waves seamed to reach up to grab the Sea King even though it flew thirty metres above a sea that would have reflected the sky if it not for the thrashing waves. On the side of the Sea King in tall black letters was 'Chisolm gas & Oil Co.', this was one of a small fleet of helicopters owned by the millionaire businessman, Sir Robert Chisolm.
On board the helicopter, with his back facing the cockpit sat Edward Armstrong, the PR man for the Chisolm company. Armstrong was in his late forties but looked younger, even with the grey hair that was sprinkled throughout his light brown hair. Armstrong looked around the rest of the cabin and at the other six occupants, the two main characters that interested him were the posh englishman John Shepherd and his japanese colleague Hiro Takashi. They had approached Armstrong a week previous, they were members of the international press who, with four colleagues, were writing a series of articles for various newspapers and magazines on the latest north sea gas rig - The Firestar. With the possible positive press, Chisolm jumped at the chance and granted their wish, now it was left to Armstrong to show them round the worlds biggest combined drilling and production rig.
"Is this the first rig you've visited over here Mr. Takashi?" asked Armstrong.
"Ah yes, but ive seen many in the united states" answered the Japanese, Armstrong didn't think much of the answer but one thing did puzzle him. Why were all thse men wearing leather combat boots? he thought, most wore jeans and heavy coats but the boots they wore were clearly military issue.
"How long till we reach the rig?" asked Shepherd in his upper class english accent.
"Should be only another half an hour" answered Armstrong after looking at his wrist watch.

As the helicopter flew on for a while the pilot popped his head through the door way "the Firestar is just ahead" he said. When they looked out of the windows they saw a grey speck on the horizon which grew steadily larger and larger, as they approached the rig it began to fill the view from the windows such was its gigantic size.
"The Firestar gentlemen as you know is largest gas producing rig in the world, yet because of its computerised equipment, it only has a work crew of thirty seven men and women" said Armstrong, as he went through his usual speech.
As the Sea King landed they were joined by two figures who ran towards the helicopter on its landing platform, they opened the door and the fierce cold wind blew into the cabin sending a shiver through Armstrong. As Shepherd and Takashi exited the helicopter the two new people tried to carry their hold-alls for them.
"Thats all right we can manage, thank you" shouted Shepherd above the howling wind.
Each of the six visitors carried their black nylon hold-alls tightly as Armstrong led them down a flight of stairs and through a doorway to the inside of the rigs interior, shutting the door after them, they again went down another flight of stairs. As Armstrong led them along the corridor, Shepherd noted each door, or more specific, the printed signs on these doors. It had always paid for Shepherd to note these little facts, the radio room or the hospital or even the kitchen and dining room, he made a mental note of these rooms off the main corridor. At the end of the corridor lay one last door, on it was a plaque that said ' Mr David Crosswell - Chief Executive Manager', Armstrong knocked and then entered the room allowing the rest of the group to follow.
Sat behind a dark wooden desk sat David Crosswell, he was an average looking middle-aged man wearing chrome ringed glasses.
"Ed, gentlemen, welcome to the Firestar, the worlds biggest combined gas drilling and production rig" said Crosswell.
"This is Mr. Shepherd, Mr. Takashi and their colleagues" Armstrong introduced his guests.
"Which publications aare you from" asked Crosswell.
Shepherd nodded at his companions, and they all removed various automatic weapons from their hold-alls, Shepherd himself pointed a MAC-10 "You could say we represent the power of the press" he smiled a dark menacing smile.

Copyright 2010

[The Baron]

Cool!

[S.A.S.Sparrowhawk]

Part 1 continued...

Shepherd pointed the barrel of his machine pistol at Crosswell's nose "right then Mr. Crosswell, you will do exactly as i or the jap says. UNDERSTAND?"
Crosswell nodded, so Shepherd turned Takashi "Get your laser mines positioned ready for placement" then turning towards the four others as Takashi pointed his Uzi at Crosswell and Armstrong, "Manta ray and Piranha - search all the rooms, round up the workers you find and lock themin the infirmary". Both jumped at the order and left the office.
"Catfish, Sturgeon - guard the entrance from the drilling and production area, anyone who enters is to be escorted and locked in the dining area" Shepherd ordered and the two immediately went about their business.
"Look mr. Shepherd" Crosswell said politely " do you really have any idea about what you're attempting? its going to be very hard........"
"On the contrary Mr Crosswell" shepherd interupted "I was a Royal Marine, ive been aboard many oil rigs as part of anti-terrorist operations. Its okay Laser you can go now, these gentlemen won't give me any trouble will you?"
The Japanese terrorist left the office with four of the hold-alls, he passed Manta ray and Piranha, both leading hostages into the rigs hospital while covered with machine pistols. Laser then passed by Catfish and Sturgeon, both allowed him through the door before closing it behind him, Laser desended the flights of stairs untill he was at the first of the rigs mighty legs.
In the office, Shepherd was holding the phone to his ear "patch me through to your office in Aberdeen Mr. Crosswell". Crosswell said nothing while he went about working the radio in the corner of the room. Shepherd could hear a buzz followed by a distant voice that grew stronger as it acknowledged what it thought was Crosswell.
"Switch on any recording devices, you can then listen to this message as long as your heart desires" Shepherd said sarcastically.
"Who is this?" the voice at the other end was saying.
"I at this time have taken control of the drilling and productin rig callled Firestar, if you attempt to retake it you will be sentencing it and all its occupants to death, i will contact you within four hours with our demands"
Again the voice demanded the identification of the terrorist.
Shepherd then answered "You can call me The Black Major".

Copyright 2010