WWIII3 Cyber Nuclear Holocaust is an original John Storm political espionage thriller. This plot offers a thrilling adventure for John Storm, with high stakes, international intrigue, and a race against time.

  CHAPTER 11: IMPOSSIBLE MISSION HOSTAGE RESCUE - JOHN STORM, HAL AND CYBERCORE GENETICA DECODE TABLET AND OTHER MESSAGES IDENTIFYING OPERATION GRAND SLAM - WITH HELP FROM NADIA PETROVA (KGB) AND KATYA VOLKOV

<< CHAPTER 10

"Hal, bring the Swann in closer please."

John spotted there were two guards outside the rusty hut, both smoking, laughing out loud and joking in Arabic. He silently circled the ramshackle building that he knew was just a decoy for the underground complex below. The dark made him almost invisible, in his black ops outfit. As one guard lit another cigarette for the other, John struck at impossible speed. The guards did not have time to comprehend being struck with iron fists. In a flurry of strikes one guard, then the other fell to the ground unconscious.

Boomp, blomp.

John zip tied and gagged them. Though they would not be recovering from those knock outs for some time.

Storm proceeded inside the hut carrying the lighter of the two guards through a rotten wooden door disguised as a section of wall, to a stand with an eye scanner. 

"Hal, could you give the all clear to Katya, bring in the RIB ....... Please."

John held the unconscious guard up to the scanner, peeling back his eyelid. The scanner read the guards eye.

Click.

A section of dusty floor lifted up fifty centimeters. John dropped the guard to one side, and lifted up the counterbalanced floor section, revealing steel steps, dimly lit, disappearing down into the ground.

John could hear voices.

Two more guards in the corridors below. John could not see them. He deftly descended the steps. There was no signal from Hal, blocked by the steel construction, and a copper mesh lining the complex. Meaning he could not tap into the local CCTV system.

One of the rusty steps creaked. 

"Ali." 

No reply.

"Ahmed?"

No reply.

Both guards rushed to the staircase spotting John just as he reached the floor. He leapt sideways.

One guard was quick on the trigger, sending a hail of bullets. One of which caught John in the leg.

Undeterred and now a little angrier, John ran forward at blinding speed. Not yet feeling the pain. He rammed into the guard still firing his machine gun. Grabbed the weapon and decked him side on the jaw. He went down.

The other guard was a just a bit slower off the mark. Wham. He never got round off.

Limping now, and blood staining his black trousers. John checked the remaining corridors. Nothing. He called out.

"Is anyone at home?"

The hostages yelled as one. "Get us out of here  ....  please, whoever you are"

One by one John unlocked the prisoners, who were somewhat disorientated.

"Follow me gentlemen." He repeated the request in Arabian, Hindi, Russian, German, French and Korean.

The hostages all looked at each other. Who was this man? But they obeyed without hesitation. John commanded instant respect. They could see he was wounded.

They got to the top of the steel steps. 

"Hold it." John held up his hand and put his index finger to his mouth to signal silence.

Katya was motoring in on the RIB. Hardly visible, but coming in fast. They could hear the motor, even with waves gently washing the shore.

The group of VIPs proceeded as quietly as they could.

Katya beached, leaping over the bow, to pull the RIB onto the beach as far as she could.

"Follow me." John again motioned the urgency, and rushed to help pull in the boat.

"Okay, quickly, get into that boat." John repeated the order in a couple of languages. His leg was beginning to throb.

Joe Biden was surprisingly nimble for his age. So too the Ayatollah and Xi Jinping, who carried a bit of weight. They all ran down the sandy shore and clambered onboard the RIB. John held the RIB firm while Katya helped the VIPs on board.

A twin engine RIB

In somewhat crowded fashion, they quickly motored to the Swann, that was coming in as close as she could to the shore, under the able command of Captain Nemo.

Biden and the other hostages struggled to see the Swann, a dim shadow, very low to the water.

"Is that a stealth ship?"

John expertly moored at the Swann's stern, nodding his head to the observant passengers.

"Okay gentlemen, we need to get onboard as quickly as you can please."

A little damp from sea spray, Joe Biden signaled to Jinping to follow at speed. Macron to Modi, Scholz to Kim Jong Un, and down the line. All working together in a common cause as one. John noticed this new spirit of cooperation, he thought to himself, the complete opposite of when they are in their offices miles apart plotting against each other.

Safely onboard and seated comfortably in the galley area, Dan and Katya offered hot drinks and high energy snack foods. The mood was one of huge relief. The most powerful men on earth were humbled.

"Is anybody injured?"

"No, but you are."

Katya found the first aid box.

"Commander, please take a seat."

Hurting quite a bit now, John hobbled into the cabin next door. Katya followed.

"Won't be long Dan." She smiled suggestively.

The rescued assembly burst into wide grins. Katya's black outfit showed all her curves.

Biden whispered, "shoot me quick."

While the world leaders gorged on energy bars, and gulped down fluids. Katya tore John's trouser leg open.

"Steady girl." John flinched. He could see the humour of the situation. Though in enough pain to quell any romantic notions.

Katya admired John's muscle tone.

"I think the bullet passed right through. But it has torn a lot of muscle."

"It's bloody painful."

The blood gushed now.

"Hold steady Commander."

John grit his teeth. Katya deftly cleaned the wounds. Then bandaged above and below the entry and exit wound. She then stitched the skin tight using a suture. And dressed the remaining area with hydrocortisone cream, bandaging the whole. She was impressed that her captain could take the needle so well.

"I'll leave you to dress."

"Thank you miss Volkov. Nice job"

Katya needed a beverage. She was never that good as a nurse. Feeling a bit shaky.

John put on some joggers and joined the party. He smiled at the assembly. They tried to reciprocate, a little unsure if they'd been rescued, or what was happening. But they all smiled knowingly.

"I'm John Storm. This young lady is Katya Volkov, and my crewmate is Dan Hawk." Starmer and Biden knew of John's climate exploits, nodding in acknowledgement.

"Is anyone else injured."

Nobody admitted to injury.

"We're trying to rescue you, and return you to your countries, if and when it safe to do so." John went to repeat the message, but Hal stepped in to make it easier on his voice. The group laughed.

"Oh, and this is Hal, our onboard AI," said John pointing to the galley screen. Hal beamed back. After a moment John continued.

"We know that a nuclear First Strike is imminent. I'll be onto that momentarily, but just wanted to assure you, you are safer with us. We're on our way to rendezvous with the USS Vermont."

Joe Biden gave out a gasp of relief. "Oh thank you Lord."

"On this ship, we are neutral, though working with Interpol and other agencies. But, only in the hope of restoring some degree of normality."

"I will personally guarantee your safety while onboard the Vermont. I'm a Navy SEAL, and Commander in the Royal Navy."

"What is going on," Emanuel Macron injected, somewhat flustered.

"The whole world, all nations, are the subject of massive cyber attacks. Your kidnappings were a prelude to starting World War Three."

John outlined the political situation prior to their kidnappings. The quality of the intel shut them up. All the heads realised he was bang on the money.

"Sorry, but I don't have much time, I need to get onto dismantling something called Operation Grand Slam, and a Cell called Red Dragon. They are turning your nuclear stockpiles against you. NORAD is being hacked right now. You're on Hal."

Hal explained the situation in four languages. While John accelerated the Swann to full speed, deploying the foils. The vessel lifted out of the sea - above the waves. Passage was swift and smooth.

"Jeeze, she moves."

"Yes Mr President. Hydrogen power."

They both smiled, with a thumbs up.

"Swan to Vermont, Commander Storm calling, over."

"Vermont to Swann, hello John, Jack here, been waiting for your call. Over."

"Mr Mason, a welcome hello Jack. Rendezvous ETA two hours coordinates 12.25, 64.29 - Arabian Sea. We've got the full package. Regards to your Captain. Please make the necessary arrangements for our guests. Over."

"On it John. Bravo buddy. Over.

"Acknowledged. Over and Out." 

John returned to the table, lowering himself into the seat with just a grimmace. 

"I'm starving, bet you are?"

The freed prisoners nodded, stomachs gurgling.

"In case you're wondering the arrangements are friendly. We are all friends here - no matter your politics or religions. Please. You've got two hours together. First, I must help Hal with NORAD. Forgive me."

"John, I'm managing the NORAD hack. Take five."

"Oh, well done Hal. Grateful."

Dan rustled up some Spanish chicken with Patatas Bravas. Eleven portions.

"Only eleven Dan?"

"I'm forward with Katya."

"Okay." John winked. 

"Questions?" John turned to face the group.

"A bit crowded, sorry about that. Geared up for eight max. Ten is a squeeze."

Jinping expressed his gratitude. So too Putin and Ali Khamenei. They all tucked in to the tasty chicken and paprika potatoes. They were still ravenous, having been on bread and little water. Dehydrated also.

"So, we're facing total nuclear wipe-out. A global holocaust. Almost inevitable really, according to Hal. But let's not apportion blame. You'd do well to remember Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and imagine that is your country ... tomorrow."  

Nobody in the galley wanted such devastation for their country. There was silence, signaling acceptance.

"Could I suggest that if we were to adopt a no-fault brain storming session. How might you see us. The whole world - if we were one nation, so no borders. No commercial competition. Energy and food for all. How might we get there to prevent another Red Dragon situation?"

While the group took in John's question, they savored a perfectly prepared smoky red pepper and sherry sauce.

"Chicken is superb. Succulent." Ventured Joe Biden.

"Mmmm, yes, very good," Macron enjoined. They all nodded. Putin smiled at Jinping and Kim Jong Un.

"No beer on board, sorry, I don't drink alcohol." John laughed as he picked up a beaker of sparkling Solar Cola. He put his beaker into the middle of the group. They all responded.

John looked around at every kidnap victim. Looked into their eyes and softly toasted: "to friendship."

The group joined in, with a clunk of beakers as one voice: "FRIENDSHIP." Then resumed eating, the mood more relaxed.

"We have orange and apple juice, if you prefer. Or a selection of teas and coffees."

"Whatever this drink is, it is invigorating," said Xi Jinping. "I like it."

This sentiment was echoed by the group. John didn't mention how the drink had helped the giant humpback whale, Kulo-Luna, to recover from her harpoon injury.

The intake continued. They all relished the chicken dish. A hit.

Then from nowhere, Jinping broke the ice: 

"Gaining domestic approval for disarmament and spending reductions might be difficult with our nationalistic or security-focused political pressures."

The group nodded in agreement.

Putin enjoined in Russian, John and Hal translating: 

"Establishing a direct communication hotline between leaders for crisis situations, would promote quicker and calmer responses to tensions."

The nodding continued.

"Ensuring verifiable compliance with disarmament agreements and proper allocation of resources, perhaps in a Global Sustainability Fund would require robust international cooperation and oversight mechanisms."

"Thanks Olaf. Agreed, at least I think these are all good points. Assuming then, if I may, we might establish a dedicated fund using the financial resources saved from reduced military spending. This fund could then be used to tackle climate change, pollution, food security, and renewable energy development. Does that make sense?"

The nodding slowed as the group took that in, knowing of the difficulties ahead.

"Finding a balance between protecting domestic industries and promoting open trade would be difficult, requiring compromise from all parties." This came from Joe Biden. "But if we don't have to worry about aggression. How about that?"

"Yes, and what about borders. We could tie economic benefits, such as trade agreements, to respecting borders. This level of cooperation can be incentivized through mutual interests. Existing agreements, such as the UN Charter, already emphasize respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, though, we now know that if unchecked, tension leads to rash dissident reaction. Almost claiming our lives. I'd rather see more education on these fronts, than try to establish more binding treaties that prohibit forceful territorial expansion." 

Kim Jong Un's remarks took the group by surprise.

"The whole planet is at risk if we cannot find a way to live in peace together."

"Thank you Prime Minister Zadari. That is the whole point I think. We are here because policies were not working. Forgive me if that is a little over simplified. You were all doing what you thought was right, and yet here we are. If I may offer, given the realities we now face, and assuming we all want to survive another throw of the dice. Hal, what can you offer as an AI with no ambitions to rule?"

"Gentlemen, I can confirm that I don't have an agenda of my own. I'm just a learning machine that solves equations logically."

The group acknowledged Hal's parameters.

"As I've been asked for input, I should mention that a triad of extremist Cells is intent on destroying the world as we know it. All of your capitals and military bases will be wiped out if we cannot counter the in progress cyber barrage. The general population will starve after the exchange of ICBMs and hypersonics. There won't be much to argue over. This is 'Operation Grand Slam' as I calculate it. Over 99.5% for sure. The second part of Red Dragon's plan appears to be to shelter underground for three months, then rise from their basements, in Operation Phoenix, to take over what is left of the planet. Does that help to put things into perspective."

Narendra Modi was first to grasp the facts. "You mean to say if we cannot agree a plan, that there is no hope?"

"That's my take on it," said John. "Assuming we can defuse the ticking bomb and get another chance. But I'm just a humble conservationist. It is this informal assembly that needs to be of the same mind - you must find a way forward. I implore you."

The group in unison: "we must find a way forward."

The Elizabeth Swann had flown across forty-five miles of open ocean heading south-west. USS Vermont had traveled thirty miles heading north-east. They had less than one hour left on the Swann to come up with a solution.

Hal got back to outwitting the NORAD intrusions.

Ayatollah Khamenei was next to share his thoughts in Arabic and broken English. "If a farmer has land to grow fifty trees, but claims one hundred trees for his plot when asking investors for loans. That is fraud. Western governments routinely issue more money than their nation can support with produce. No disrespect intended, we are all friends at this table. Agreed Mr Storm?"

"We are all friends while on this vessel Mr Khamenei," agreed John. "Speak freely."

"Thank you all. Okay, so if the farmer commits a fraud by exaggerating the potential of his farm, is that not the same for any government that is constrained by their natural resources.  If we extend that concept out to encompass planet earth as being the plot of land in question, we have similar natural limitations. What are the group's thoughts on making a law to prevent governments magically introducing money that is unsupported and unsupportable, so introducing inflation, and thus financial slavery for their own population, and unfair competition for those overseas - who are not living in Alice's Wonderland. How might such a law be drafted in principle, assuming we accept artificial growth and inflation is a negative?"

Putin and Jinping reached out to shake Khamenei's hand. Well put brother. Joe Biden joined in. 

"I've been struggling against this conundrum for years."

Olaf Schulz was in agreement, quite vocally, as was Narendra Modi.

"We might agree today, but what of the mudslingers tomorrow?"

Hal joined in. "Good point Mr Biden. If I may."

"Feel free Hal."

"Thank you Mr President. The group may consider a 'Failure to Prevent Offence.' This may be modeled on the offence introduced in the UK’s Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act. A specific offence related to introducing unsupported money or engaging in irresponsible fiscal practices."

"Oh yes," chimed in Sir Starmer.

Hal continued. "Hold organizations accountable if they profit from fraudulent actions - such as excessive money creation - committed by their employees or agents."

"We, er you, might define the scope of the offence. For instance, it could apply to government agencies, central banks, or any entity involved in monetary policy. Governments would be bound to disclose the rationale behind money creation. Balanced against resource utilization. Unlike the British politician, Liz Truss, who demanded her slaves row harder during her 44 days as PM."

Keir Starmer laughed out loud, Joe Biden sniggered. Modi and Zadari belly laughed. The laughter subsided as the group waited for more pearls of wisdom. Hal did not disappoint.

"An international body would monitor and approve money creation or devaluation. Such creation must not harm ecosystems, resource availability, or climate stability. Money claw back should follow a moratorium to re-evaluate existing issue, should currency in circulation be deemed unsupportable resource wise."

"Oh boy," said John. "Fat cat bankers will not like that, nor non productive admin officers engineering big pensions based on said inflationary spiral and inequitable taxes."

"Quite John," said Hal. "But we cannot write that into law."

"No, but the suggestion of our Artificial friend, we can." Putin thumped the table in agreement.

"It should be stressed, that there is no shame in devaluation in the levelling up process. China, sorry Mr Jinping, would have to come to terms with that after the Evergrande property bubble, along with the United States' borrowings. Sorry Mr Biden."

"No apology necessary Hal, if we are going to do it, let's do a proper job."

"Okay, said John. If you are in agreement on these and whatever else you decide here. It all depends on dealing with Red Dragon. Is that understood by the group?"

The whole group exploded in unanimity. "Yes Commander Storm."

"Otherwise, we are firing blanks at nothing."

"Yes Commander Storm."

"If we succeed and recover control for your nations, will you all follow through with these principles at United Nations level?"

"Yes Commander Storm."

"Will that include immediate cessation of any hostilities?

"Okay, Commander Storm. Yes."

They toasted again with more Solar Cola.

"Thank you gentlemen. Now please excuse me, we've a planet to save."

John headed for the forward helm, more determined than ever.

...

CHAPTER 12 >>

PROPOSED STORY MAP BY CHAPTER (90-110 pages) - ORDER MAY BE VARIED

PART 1.

CHAPTER 1.    - ISTANBUL, TURKEY, THE BOSPHORUS STRAIT, BYZANTIUM TABLETS, SUNKEN REMAINS NEAR CONSTANTINOPLE, TURKISH MUSEUM: John Storm, on a routine artifact dive in the Bosphorus, Istanbul, stumbles upon a coded message hidden within a smuggled Sumerian tablet captured by Blue Shield. The message reveals a chilling covert alliance (Triad) - Russia, Iran, and North Korea - codenamed "Red Dragon" - are planning a coordinated attack. Their goal: global domination.

CHAPTER 2.    - KIDNAP CHAOS - 'RED DRAGON' - THE CONTROLLING CELL FOR 'OPERATION GRAND SLAM,' WITH 'GOLDEN CAGE,' & 'MIDNIGHT SUN': Phase One: The Kidnapping Chaos. 'Red Dragon,' using advanced sleeper cells and cyberwarfare, orchestrates the abduction of key political figures from the West - the US President, the British Prime Minister - Keir Starmer, the French President - Emmanuel Macron, and the German Chancellor - Olaf Scholz. Cutting off the heads of the corrupt capitalist Dragon.

CHAPTER 3.    - JILL BIRD, BBC ANCHOR - NEWS REPORT, KIDNAP CHAOS - DEMANDS - MARKETS IN TURMOIL: World military are thrown into disarray, communication channels are jammed, and financial markets plummet - It's a Fire Sale. 'Red Dragon' broadcasts a chilling message, threatening to kill the kidnap victims, if their demands are not met. The demands (vast resource concessions) being a feint.

CHAPTER 4.    - THE MASTERMIND - The plan is orchestrated by a shadowy figure deep within the Iranian government, General Reza Shah. Shah believes the West is on the verge of collapse and seeks to exploit their weakness for global domination. He's been secretly stockpiling gold and weapons for years, along with building a network of fallout shelters for the Triad underground elite, about which the West appear oblivious.

CHAPTER 5.   -  OPERATION GRAND SLAM - Intrigued, Storm deciphers the message with the help of a former Russian intelligence agent turned informant, Katya Volkov. With international order on the brink, Hal, recognizing the coded language from the tablet, deciphers the Triad's plan. John inadvertently teams up with a brilliant but jaded ex-KGB agent, Nadia Petrova, who knows the inner workings of the Triad from eavesdropping years before. Nadia sends anonymous regular messages to John. John and Katya discover they reference a sinister plot: "Operation Grand Slam" - The Motive to create global chaos as a prelude to an all out nuclear attack.

"Red Dragon" - North Korea, coordinating joint operations, targeting Iran and North Korea leaders in Operation Grand Slam. "Midnight Sun" - A cell to abduct key USA and European leaders, western politicians for kidnapping - and - Golden Cage: Refers to a joint operation by Russia (Red Dragon) and North Korea (Midnight Sun) targeting key Western politicians for coordinated kidnappings and transits.

CHAPTER 6.    - JOHN RACES TO NAPLES, JUST TOO LATE TO STOP KIDNAPPINGS -  John and Katya race against time to prevent a series of high-profile kidnappings, seemingly chasing tails as though Red Dragon has intel - the US President on route to G7 summit Naples - Joe Biden was already missing, so too the British Prime Minister. The French President, and the German Chancellor were thought to be next. Red Dragon triggers kidnap commands timed to opportunistic venues. Of which G7 is ideal for remaining Europeans. Leaving Xi Jinping, Kim Jong Un and Ali Khamenei.

CHAPTER 7.    - OUT OF TIME: They travel to Tripoli, ending in Bierut, where the trail leading to Ali Khamenei, Jinping and Jong Un, deciphering clues inadvertently left behind by the kidnappers. Each location tests John's deciphering skills and Katya's knowledge of international espionage. But even with Hal they are too late - the trail disappears. The Cells capture their hostages just minutes before John gets to the sites.

PART 2.

CHAPTER 8.    - A MOLE: One of the kidnapped leaders is suspected as being a double agent working for Shah. This throws John and Katya off track, forcing them to question the allegiances of the hostages. Hal fails to identify any incriminating communications. The Triads are very clever.

CHAPTER 9.    - PRISONERS: The chase leads to a secret underground facility in Iran, where the politicians are being held captive. It is seemingly impregnable reinforced concrete, much like a super bank vault, near Char Bahar, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea. It is impregnable, without harming the hostages. This is the Golden Cage, the European cell was named after.

CHAPTER 10.  - CHAR BAHAR: John and Katya must infiltrate the heavily guarded complex and free the hostages before a nuclear strike is launched on major Western cities. It is imperative to restore order from chaos. Hal calculates that a nuclear launch is imminent, where brute force hacking at NORAD and other military bases is detected. The clock is ticking, and John now realizes that the kidnappings are diversionary tactics. But still he pushes on.

CHAPTER 11.  - MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: Having taken out the perimeter guards, John and Katya finally succeed in gaining access to the prisoners the old fashioned way - a seemingly impossible mission - freeing the hostages - and transferring the bewildered heads of state to the Swann by RIB. Then the Swann vanishes into the Arabian Sea for a rendezvous with an ageing USS Vermont, Virginia class nuclear submarine. During transit, the freed captives talk through John freely, Hal interpreting telepathically. The freed prisoners cannot believe he understands so many languages. And his grasp on politics.

CHAPTER 12.  - BBC WORLD NEWS: Jill Bird item exposes Shah's plan to the world, discovering and revealing his identity as leader of Red Dragon, a Cell operating somewhere in the Middle East, and turning the tide against him. Revealed by Katya Volkov to John as she admits to having had an affair with the handsome Iranian General many years previously and was cast aside, left for dead. Adding pressure to an already knife edge plan for the Triads.

CHAPTER 13.  - CYBER CHESS GRAND MASTER: A high-stakes battle ensues involving advanced weaponry and cunning strategy. With launch and abort codes changing by the minute as US, Chinese, and Russian military are running at full pelt to stand still - helpless against cyber attacks. It's Military main frames from three locations versus Hal and John Storm, as the fastest computer CyberCore Genetica™ fends off brute force worms and viruses. It's a standoff without a final solution. Hal and CyberCore Genetica effectively block and counter, but need to locate the Cells that are hosting the attacks.

CHAPTER 14.  - BASE 37 NUCLEAR STRIKE: In cyber defeat and frustrated, Red Dragon attempts to strike fear into their targets with three small devices in Beijing, Moscow and Washington. Two devices are detected and defused. The third detonates at Base 37. This is a last-ditch effort by Shah's loyalists, saying to the world they are not safe, thumbing their noses at the CIA, FSB, MI6, Interpol and other agencies. Meantime, stockpiles of missiles by the superpowers remain a tempting target for other extremists that must be eliminated, with the assistance of John's new 'world-leader' friends.

PART 3.

CHAPTER 15.  - PLAYING WITH FIRE: Hal, John and Katya, disable the launch sequence for the Russian missiles. But cannot trace the source code, meaning transmissions could all begin again. Iranian and Chinese missiles are still a danger. The situation could rebound against Red Dragon; if only communist missiles are deactivated. While US and European missiles could still destroy the antagonists countries. Their plan could backfire. All hard lines are cut to Russian, Chinese and Iranian missiles, then manually shut down. Submarine missiles are systematically deactivated. Finally, US hard lines are cut, and submarine missile systems manually turned off. The world breathes a sigh of relief, Jill Bird reporting.

CHAPTER 16.  - TREBLE AGENT: One of the kidnapped leaders is identified as secretly sympathetic to Shah's cause. His identity becomes known during debriefing, when John (with Hal present telepathically) connects the dots, and he is turned around as a treble agent, used to penetrate further into the Red Dragon Cell, and close that and hunt down, then arrest of General Reza Shah.

CHAPTER 17.  - BLOODHOUNDS: John and Katya work together to track down Shah's remaining Cells, devout followers who fight to the death. John prevails to prevent further chaos. Within and from these Cells, they obtain valuable intelligence, much needed passwords and the like, to disable Golden Cage and Midnight Sun's Chinese and Iranian nukes.

CHAPTER 18.  - ATOMIC GOOD SAMARITAN: Using their new information, they take back control of the launch codes for the Iranian and Chinese missiles. The temporary administrations in China, Iran and North Korea plead with John Storm for his help. Not that he wasn't working double time to save them, but with Hal's help and using the CyberCore Genetica, they finally defuse the situation. Control of their missiles is restored. Then neutralized. All hail to John Storm.

CHAPTER 19.  - KNIGHTS OF THE GARTER: The root cause of Red Dragon is revealed as discontent brewing from 2014, when Tony Blair deceived Parliament with false intelligence, so initiating the invasion of Iraq by way of a coalition with US President George Walker Bush. The Brits knighting their own for such corruption, and intelligence abuses was the last straw. As the seeds of hate were revealed, another Petition succeeds in Blair's KG honour being reviewed with Keir Starmer making sincere public apology to Iraq. With a promise that the British honours system will be examined, such as not to ignite future Red Dragons.

CHAPTER 20.  - CRIME OF PASSION: Katya Volkov has a hidden agenda of her own - revenge over a jilted romance, being used and left for dead. She takes out Reza Shah, a a personal and simmering crime of passion - after he goads her, saying how she was used to obtain information taunting her about Nadia Petrova - before John can stop her the General is dead. Honour satisfied, she collapses from shock, the experience strengthens their partnership, hinting at future adventures; maybe. John making a mental note not to dally with her emotions thus. A final message is delivered anonymously: Job done!

CHAPTER 21.  - NATIONS REUNITED: The world grapples with the fallout of the attack, both literal and geopolitical. A broadcast transmitted all across the globe, from all the kidnap victims speaking as one voice, assures the world that they will now multiply their efforts to work together to resolve their differences. The first step being to dismantle their nuclear stockpiles, and agree never to replenish such weapons of mass destruction. One warning like this being seen as enough. John receives several honours. Including the 'Hero of the Russian Federation' (replacing the Order of Lenin), People's Republic of China Friendship Medal, Purple Heart (for being injured while a temporary US Navy SEAL) and after some debate, the Victoria Cross, in place of the at first suggested George Cross. And finally, the Nobel Peace Prize awarded in Oslo, to a standing ovation at a UN General assembly later that year. Making John the winner of a Guinness Book of Records entry and certificate, for the person with most multi-national decorations from a single mission.

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