Chapter 9 Leah Throws a Wrench Into Recruitment

 

 

SHORT IN HEIGHT, TALL IN COURAGE

Chapter 9

Leah Throws a Wrench Into Recruitment

 

     Mabior and I pitched the idea of enlarging The Team by one more member. Our missions were increasing in complexity and demands. With Diemba's addition, we added light artillery capabilities to our missions. Too, we needed this extra man to give Samuel a much-needed hand with mission and training planning. WCPN had given us permission and funding to bring in enough men to double our size, but we are a lightweight, fast-strike unit. Doubling our size would mean becoming more top-heavy and sluggish in our planning and reaction time. The Team knows what one another will most likely do in combat situations with very little verbal communication through intensive group training.

     At our meeting on adding a member, The Team voted unanimously for adding a member. Amani has a good head for planning. We voted to accept Samuel's request for Amani, the brain, to become his assistant. Uncharacteristically, Amani showed genuine excitement about the opportunity to use his photographic memory and analytical mind in conjunction with Samuel's unpredictable mind. The recruit, after boot camp, would be assigned to Mar for individual tactical training. After training in that area, he would join Dut to form a much-needed intel unit. Once again, we began the laborious process of recruitment.

     We put out the word through the intelligence grapevine and locally through family contacts. The following day we awoke to the compound open area filled with people wanting to join. The prospects ranged from tall to short, from too fat to skinny, from low IQs to high hate issues. We scratched our heads at the two Muslims that wanted to join. They were lovable old characters, and we fed them before turning them down. In general, we turned most people down due to not meeting our first and primary requirement: one must be an extremely devout Christian.

     This daily routine of rejecting candidates went on for the entire week. Everyone was exhausted. I would stand up to stretch, grab some coffee, and see if the lines had shortened.

     We decided, intelligently, to cease local open recruitment. We would check out more reliable leads from other sources.

     Three weeks later, I received a call from Leah in Tel Aviv asking if she could bring a recruit to me for inspection. Being Leah, I said, "Of course."

     A meeting would be arranged the following week. In closing, Leah said something that concerned me, "JJ, promise me that you'll keep an open mind when interviewing this one."

     My thoughts were removed from Leah's cryptic phone conversation by a call from WCPN. Mabior walked in at that moment. The voice on the other end was filled with excitement, "JJ, last night our China team performed its first strike!"

     I turned to Mabior with the same excitement in my voice, "Get The Team in here. The China team pulled off its first strike last night!" At those words, Mabior shot out of the office. It seemed like under a minute before The Team was around me in the lobby. With my phone on speaker, WCPN's contact kept repeating, "One moment, decrypting." Deng led everyone in a short prayer for the safety of the China team.

     After the agonizing pause for decryption, a familiar voice took over at WCPN's end. "Team, this is General Iverson, here is the first and only dispatch so far, 'Attack made on detention center for Religious Counter-Productive-Peoples Remodification, holding thousands of Christians and Muslims. Virus inserted in computer servers for power systems and security systems. When up and running will show this message, 'Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.' Further updates as safe.'"

     The general resumed, "Team, God has brought new brothers and sisters. Keep up the good work, and welcome to the China Team. Remember to lean on God for everything."

     The cheers erupted immediately upon my disconnecting but soon faded away as Samuel got down on his knees. All followed his action. The China Team needed our prayers and God's strength.

     Several days later, Leah called to arrange a visit. I completely forgot to address her previous cryptic call. She would be here on Thursday this week, so it wasn't a big deal. The visit would address our current equipment and manpower needs, according to her. She likes to keep on top of the situation for up-to-date capabilities of The team concerning missions. In a strangely nonchalant manner, she threw in that she was bringing the recruit. 

     Thursday morning rolled around, and I asked Mabior to pick up Leah at the airport. Without lifting his head from paperwork, he said, "Send Samuel."

     That caught me by surprise, "I just thought you might enjoy getting out of the office."

     Mabior looked up at me, "Chief, send Samuel." He locked eyes with me as a devious grin materialized on his face.

     "Oh, I get it. Am I that dense, or am I getting old? I forgot about their flaming romance. I'll phone Samuel." As I went for my phone, Mabior grabbed my hand.

     "Chief, he left an hour ago in flames," his smile persisted the rest of the morning, along with mine. Then, Samuel and Leah returned with a huge surprise.

     The main door squeaked. In walked Leah, Samuel, and I didn't know who. These things seem to happen often with Samuel around. Mabior nudged me, but I just shrugged.

     We greeted Leah, Samuel, and their guest, introduced as Hosseini Mazandarani. I recognized the name as Persian,  but that was the only recognizable thing.

     Leah just blurted it out, "This is a member of the Iranian killer squad who came after us in the office. He has been under intense investigation and interrogation these past few months. His story is that he and his family are Christian. We vetted him, JJ. He was forced into taking on this suicide mission to save his family. We should have his family out of Iran and danger within 48 hours. We at Mossad think he would make an excellent addition to The Team with his military training and his solid Christian beliefs."

     Mabior inducted himself into the conversation, "Why would The Team wish to acquire an animal as a member?" He looked over at Leah, scolding her, "You walk in here selling us on Iranians as God-fearing men. Never will I accept an Iranian as one of my team members," then he spit on the floor as he walked away.

     Samuel, Leah, and Hosseini were taken aback at Mabior's words. Leah snapped at me, "You need to chastise and punish Mabior for such rude words and actions."

     I shot back at Leah, "I'm in command! You don't know these men like I do. Mabior's family was killed by an Al Qaeda group led by an Iranian, who remains free to this day."

     Hosseini's face lit up at my words, "I understand how Mabior feels. I must talk to him. He is killing himself with this hate."

     Putting my hand up in front of Hosseini's face, I ordered him to stop right there. "Hosseini, it will take time for Mabior to accept you, but our Lord is strong within him."

     Samuel put his arm around Hosseini, saying, "I know Mabior. He is a good man. Give him time and space. Your presence has struck a very damaged nerve that God is in the process of healing."

     Looking down at the floor, I was in deep thought about the situation. I said to Leah and Hosseini, "This is something that needs to be addressed to The Team. We will hold a meeting to consider this tonight. That's the best I can do for now. Give me his papers, and Samuel, take Leah and Hosseini to a hotel for the night. We will meet again in the morning at 10:00 am."

     That night, the meeting was an exception to 99% of our meetings. It was brisk, to say the least. But I loved the meeting's change of pace. I knew the men were taking the matter of accepting a new candidate very seriously, as they should. I gave the floor to Mabior first, "I can never accept a snake as a member of The Team." He sat down, folded his arms across his chest, and lowered his head with chin on his chest. I loved Mabior's obstinance because one shouldn't be wishy-washy with their beliefs. We should demand facts and actions before we change our opinions and ideas.

     Everyone stood and spoke with the resulting opinion that we needed more info and facts as a team. God would send that the next day in a most persuasive manner.

     The morning began with the usual layer of heat and humidity covering us like a weighted blanket. I walked to the coffee shack about 9:30. I needed my large morning high-dose coffee. Mabior was always either there or coming up close behind. Arriving at the shack, I signaled the usual to Fred, the owner. Looking around for Mabior, I thought this was strange. Where is he? I gathered my coffee, took a couple of short and scalding sips, then headed for the office to meet with Leah and Hosseini. Up ahead near the compound entrance, I saw a large crowd gathered. My walk turned to a fast trot.

     Working through the crowd, I came upon Mabior, Leah, Samuel, and Hosseini standing around a man lying on the ground, seemingly unconscious. I asked Mabior to fill me in on the details.

     Mabior had a stunned look on his face like he had seen a ghost. All he could manage was, "Chief, this Iranian just saved my life."

     Samuel grabbed me by the arm, telling me, "Chief, this man lying here pulled an AK from under his macawii and attempted to shoot Mabior. Hosseini recognized the man, grabbed Mabior's 357 out of its holster, and placed three shots in the man's chest. It was some fast action, Chief."

     Hosseini interrupted, "Mr. Jefferson, I know this man. He was a member of my unit in Iran. He could only be here for one reason; spread fear and death."

     What could I say to that? I looked around at everyone, then asked, "Is everyone okay? Anyone hit. Any bystanders hit?"

     Samuel responded, "Everyone, including the crowd, is okay, Chief. What a way to start the morning, huh Leah?"

     Leah smiled, then commented, "Told you, JJ. He's solid."

     Mabior turned to Hosseini, then put his hand on his shoulder, saying, "You don't act like any Iranian I've ever been around." That was it. He walked away toward the coffee shack.

     Samuel elbowed Hosseini, "You impressed him."

     Looking at the fading sight of Mabior, Hosseini remarked, "He was a man whom I looked up to long before I met him. The man leading the Al Qaeda unit that killed his family told me about this young man there. Four men tried to subdue him, but he knocked out every one of them. As he ran away, he shouted in Arabic, 'I will return someday with God's wrath as my weapon.' That is why, in Iran, we call The Team 'The Wrath of God.'

     Leah, Samuel, and I stared at Hosseini in stunned silence at his story.

     Staring at the ground, Hosseini muttered, "I will always be Mabior's servant to try to make amends for my Iranian colleague's actions that day."

     That afternoon, The Team voted unanimously to accept Hosseini into training, with Mabior's blessing.

     After the meeting, Mabior walked into the office, sat down, and exhaled sharply. "Chief, I have done something that I will always be ashamed of."

     "You want to talk about it?" I was very concerned. That was the look he had on his face when I first met him.

      With his head hung low, tears hit the floor. He slowly lifted his head to look at me with those tear-filled eyes that were about to infect my eyes, too. "Chief, I let God down the last two days. I truly hated a man and wished for his death. I did this knowing full well that our Lord commands us to love even our enemies. I have committed a terrible sin against my God. I am writing out my resignation letter tonight. The Team is God's special group of soldiers that prefer to give love over hate. He does not deserve to have someone like me as a member of His team."

     At this point, I noticed Hosseini standing in the doorway. He walked to Mabior and kneeled before him, saying, "Mabior, you have done me no harm. You have just confessed before God that your actions were wrong. Ask for His forgiveness, my brother. I forgive you. What would this team be without you? You are a true man of God by the fact you are feeling such great distress over your actions that go against our Lord's commands. Stand up and take back your words about leaving. Your faith is strong. Jesus Christ did not die on that cross for nothing. Ask Him for forgiveness."

     Samuel and Deng rushed into the office in time to join everyone in prayer. The rest of The Team ran into the building and the office to participate in the prayers. We prayed long and hard with Mabior.

     Mabior and I walked into the compound with our coffees in hand the following day. The men were all standing around talking when Mabior yelled, "All right, it's time to grab your gear. Today's our scheduled 20-mile hike with a full pack and weapons. No excuses to get out of it. Everyone participates. Hosseini, you are not in training yet. However, if you want to be a member of this team someday, you'd better get one of the training packs and weapons - and get a move on. As our Chief likes to say, 'we're burning daylight!'"

     The Team moved out with Mabior calling one of the old army cadences  I had taught him:

"Me and Superman got into a fight

I hit him in the head with some Kryptonite

I hit him so hard I busted his brain

And now I'm dating Lois Lane

 

Well, me and Batman, we had one, too

I hit him in the head with my left shoe

Right in the temple with my left heel

And now I'm driving the Batmobile

     It felt good to be back on the road. Even if it meant marching all day. Townspeople lined the road, cheering the nonsense of the cadences. Samuel carried our unit guidon with the cross embroidered on it during all this. However, a duplicate Team followed today; Mabior's Children's Team. The CTeam, as we referred to them, brought up the rear.

     The CTeam is a unit of homeless boys and girls aged ten to 18. The requirements were strenuous and firm. Church attendance, Bible studies, and memorization are mandatory. We planned this long march with them in mind. The CTeam had been a secret for many months before being introduced to the world. These kids are well-mannered and well-trained. Their backpacks and supplies were purchased by Mabior until WCPN found out about them and took over supply.

     We stopped every five miles or so. Before any water or snacks, Everyone formed a circle around Samuel's guidon that was planted into the ground. The Team set an example of Godliness for these children by praying on their knees like real men.

     These kids loved Samuel. He wasn't any taller than most of them. All The Team, including Mr. Brain, Amani, warmed to the children. Hosseini came to me with this comment, "God transforms these tough soldiers into soft, loving, and caring human beings whenever they are around children. Such a sight warms my heart and assures me that I made the right decision."

     Through the Dinka cattle lands and villages, we marched. The people were astounded by the children's respect and reverence for adults. Many times, I heard, "These are surely the children of the rich who have attended private schools." When they were informed that the children were homeless, the comments were all similar, "These children are surely blessed by God, Himself."

     The march was one of the most pleasing marches I have ever been a part of. One's hope for the world's future must undoubtedly be bolstered by witnessing these children.

     Samuel walked in from the airport with Harry Oldman and Lachlan Eddington three weeks later. New recruit training was just two days away. Samuel publicly complimented Lachlan on his sobriety.

     The rest of the day was spent fine-tuning our training schedule for Hosseini. During our lunch, Lachlan related how he had run into Artie and Giff in Tel Aviv. Lachlan was impressed by their new Christian demeanor. Samuel saw that as his chance to reinforce Lachlan, saying, "And you, Lachlan, right in there with them. Sobriety looks great on you, brother." At that, we all had a good chuckle. When God wants you, give it up.

     The rugged training began the following Monday morning. Hosseini performed very well. He taught Harry, Lachlan, and The Team a few insider tips for recognizing Iranian assassin unit members or observers in a crowd and what to expect in responses once they are identified. The top lesson he taught us was that the assassin units come in sixes with one of the six an explosive belt carrier - usually. Do not attack one till you have identified the others. They are lethal when backing up their unit members. Unit members are trained to work stealthily around, beside, and behind you and your team members. Our villager safety cordon had disorganized the assassin team that I was a member of. That was a good tactic on your part, but you had prior intel that we were coming. Another difference with my unit was that we could not find an explosive man. Our particular incursion was organized hastily because our generals were embarrassed by The Team capturing the plutonium in Somalia. Their minds were full of revenge, not intelligence.

     One afternoon, Samuel, Mabior, and I drove to the training grounds to observe Hosseini in action while in martial arts training. Harry informed us that Hosseini was very well trained in the arts of hand-to-hand combat already. They ran through a series of moves and counter-moves for us. We were impressed.

     About this time, Mabior nonchalantly told Lachlan to give us a demonstration of his skills at disarming someone. Mabior plied at Lachlan's ego by saying, "I've heard so much about your skills in the martial arts, Lachlan. Go against Samuel. You're up for that, aren't you, Little Brother?"

     Samuel's eyes lit up like a Christmas tree, answering, "Would love it. I'm always up for learning from the best."

     Lachlan looked Samuel up and down, smirking, "Sammy, I don't want to hurt you, little guy, but I'll go easy on you. Come over here."

     Samuel walked over with excited steps and a severe expression on his face.

     Taking the Scars laying on the training table beside them. Samuel pointed the Scars at Lachlan, and, as he put his finger on the trigger, Lachlan launched at Samuel securing the gun in one smooth motion. Immediately, Samuel lunged back, grabbed the poor man's right forearm, then proceeded to flip Lachlan in the air while securing the Scars rifle. Lachlan landed with a hard thud knocking the air from his lungs. When he managed to catch a breath and open his eyes, Samuel stood looking down at him with the Scars pointed at his nose.

     Keeping the rifle pointed at the bewildered Lachlan's nose, Samuel muttered softly, "Hope I didn't hurt you, Lachlan. I was a little too aggressive."

     Mabior, Harry, and I were rolling with laughter while Hosseini looked at Samuel with a perplexed look. Speaking to nobody in particular, Hosseini said, "I have heard many stories about Mr. Samuel, but I have never seen a man of his size brutalize a man of Lachlan's size and physical prowess. I assumed the stories about him must be inflated, but I now realize why The Team and his opponents have such reverence for him."

     The months of rigorous training ended for Hosseini. Now came the usual period of team assimilation. The period's length depended on the rookie's social skills. Some were digested by The Team quickly, while some, like Amani, Mr. Brain, required more time. In the end, each person slid neatly into the position that served the team best. Hosseini's job came to be as the lead Intelligence Officer. He became one of the most accurate of all the intel officers I had ever been associated with. Fully understanding the importance of his position and the ramifications of being off on minor details complimented his attention to the overall planning portion of missions.

     Just before graduation, Hosseini's family joined him in Yei. This family was a welcome addition to The Team. One of the most touching moments of The Team was when Hosseini and his wife, Haleh, asked Shermake at The Team's annual awards banquet to become their officially adopted son. Shermake was overcome by this invitation. He accepted their kind offer. Haleh told him that they would in no way displace his real family and any of their memories. The purpose of adopting him was to give him a place of refuge. Shermake, who joined Thon to become an ambush specialist, had been thriving since joining The Team, but I and everyone sensed something was missing. Now, he could be whole again in spirit. All the Dinkas on The Team that had lost their families had been adopted by relatives. Family is an integral part of mental health.

     Life had been rolling along smoothly lately. Samuel joined Mabior and me for coffee at Fred's Shack this particular morning. Strange, but all three of us had that uneasy feeling about this smooth road. Samuel's face took on that familiar far-away look as he mused, "We've worked up preliminary plans for many different situations. Maybe we should update our plans for Abubakar Shekau, Boko Haram's loathsome leader."

     Mabior looked at Samuel, expressing his agreement, "Little Brother, when you say these things with that look on your face, I think our Lord is speaking directly to you. As soon as we get to the office, we'll pull all of Shekau's files, then request a full update from Mossad and the SDIU (South Sudanese Army Intel Unit). I'll ask our new Intel Officer, Hosseini, to put his nose to the ground to see if he can smell anything cooking.

     I loved to just sit and listen to these two men talk strategy. They are so dangerous to the opposition. Their grasp of the situation was always quick and straightforward. Once they grasped it, they began spitting out a plan of action. They weren't afraid to make bad decisions. They both learned this from Mark Iverson. Mark, God rest his soul, liked to tell people who were fearful of making a wrong decision, "Good decisions come from experience, and experience comes from bad decisions. So, get with it." I miss him and Chan so much. The day Chan, without hesitation, ran toward that Russian, he was making a wrong decision, but he was not afraid to make a decision when the situation demanded it.