CHAPTER 31
September 2025
Second group at Jabal al Nusayriyah
The three C-130 Hercules landed gently in a small valley about six miles from where the pope was being held. All lights on the plance had been turned off ninety-three miles from the landing point, and the pilots landed using infrared goggles.
Windowless seats and a calm flight kept passengers from knowing exactly when they would land. Only the first impact of the aircrafts’ wheels against the pavement and the irregular bumps on the runway was a clear indication that they had arrived at the point of no return. In a few minutes, the C-130s had stopped on the bumpy valley.
The crew opened the rear door and unlatched the ramp. The first of the aircraft to land was the one carrying the priests, the Noble Guard, their horses and equipment, along with the thirty Gurkas and their commander sent from England.
Three small, electric engine tractors came down the ramp first. Next, in perfect order, the CIA operatives followed, and then the Gurkas. The latter immediately took their places around the aircraft with their repetition carbines, an extra precaution even though Walter had not been able to locate so much as a trace of human life in a six mile radius.
The Noble Guard tried to keep the horses calm. The animals were not used to air flights, and the rubber horseshoes they wore, though crucial in avoiding all possible sound as they trotted through the rocks, felt strange on their feet.
The mission of the Noble Guard was to eliminate the defense line. The second aircraft descended immediately, and just like the first one, it shut off its engines on landing. It carried the rest of the Swiss Guard and the vehicles earmarked for the operation, along with the weapons.
The awaiting tractors hooked their tow cables on the aircraft and moved it immediately to its designated place, clearing the runway for the third aircraft and a repetition of the routine with one variation. The third aircraft was left in its position on the runway so that an immediate takeoff would be possible in an emergency.
Albert and his men had managed to calm down the horses and proceeded to fit them with their saddles. Their lances were in a special holster on the saddles.
There was also a repetition carbine from the aircraft’s arsenal along with a .45 pistol and enough ammunition for both weapons. In a few minutes, the sixty-one men, including Prince Mario, assembled in rows of four, ready to begin their march. In front of them, a squadron of thirty volunteer Gurkas sent by Great Britain stood. Once ready, Commander Perry walked towards Princes Mario and Albert to shake their hands and wish them luck.
Then, he returned to his men and ordered a marching trot. The men obeyed and were out of site within minutes. Dennis Ensor chose to follow them to report the story, and Juan Carlos followed the cavalry, though he did not have a horse.
His mission was to report the events on the battlefield from a secure location. Mario and Albert shook the hands of the two priests and of Cardinal Gallelli and patted Chiquitita, whom had accompanied Fathers Leopold and Fabian, who promised to arrive with the Swiss Guard in a few hours time. “Regiment,” Albert ordered his men who were already in position, “march!” In perfect silence and formation, the men and horses followed the Gurka Regiment. Mario and Albert reached for the communication devices, and Albert asked Walter, “We’re starting our march. Is there anything we should know?” “There’s no activity in the camp sites,” Walter said.
“Your path is clear. Please keep your earphones on at all times. Susan is climbing the mountain, and if everything goes well, you will be on the platform to the cave within the hour.” “Great news,” Albert answered, “by that time we will be next to the valley and ready to attack.” “Perfect. Good luck,” Walter answered. Albert and Mario La Porte adjusted their infrared lenses, and so did the rest of the men in their regiment. They advanced at a quick pace behind the Gurkas. Father Fabian, Leopold and Cardinal Gallelli, also with their lenses, observed the activities.
They watched as the men marched enthusiastically to an uncertain fate, paying particular attention to the Noble Guard. As the men disappeared behind the rocky formations, the priests went towards the aircrafts.
Around the aircrafts, the Swiss Guard was manually pushing the vehicles down the ramp to avoid any sound that would give them away. That done, they fell into formation, ready to receive orders.
Not a second would be lost to start the march and move towards the valley of the kidnappers. “Chiquitita!” Fabian exclaimed. “Where is Chiquitita?” His eyes quickly moved from one place to another. “Leopold, have you seen Chiquitita? Your Eminence? He raised his voice as he asked the members of the Guard, receiving a negative from each. Finally, he took to his microphone, and immediately he received a response. “She’s here, marching in front of the troops,” Mario said, laughing. “I know it’s too late to send her back,” said Fabian.
“Could you please keep a close eye on her?” “You know my men and I will take good care of her,” Mario assured him
