Chosen

By Maynard Rains

Sam Parker is a Delta Force Operator who struggles to reconcile his chosen profession with his religious beliefs. A highly classified special operation takes Sam and his team to Syria on a mission to stop a terrorist attack aimed at plunging the entire Middle East into a major war. After a life-changing spiritual encounter in the Syrian desert, Sam Parker finds himself unexpectedly caught up in the war between God and Satan as he battles a drug cartel and ISIS terrorists to save ordinary citizens from this horrendous nightmare. He learns of an unholy alliance between ISIS operatives and a Mexican drug cartel to infiltrate a large contingent of terrorists into the United States for massive attacks planned for Christianity’s most holy day. Sam Parker grows stronger in his Christian faith and his patriotic belief that America is a gift from God. Sam, with heavenly assistance, must stop the terrorist attack and bring down the cartel. During the process, Sam helps others to understand their roles in the constant battle between good and evil, bringing clarity to some and saving souls in the process. The American way of life hangs in the balance as Sam battles enemies from every direction. Can Sam foil the terrorists’ plot before it’s too late?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Maynard Rains
• Release date: Dec 17, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463935330

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Syrian Desert

Southwest of Deir ez-Zor

Faiza al-Dujali looked at his map using a small handheld flashlight. The red lens highlighted the area where he was now located, about twenty kilometers northwest of Deir ez-Zor, Syria. He was in command of a special detachment of ISIS fighters. His men were busy positioning the vehicles in his convoy in defilade behind small hillocks that were common in the barren scrub-brush-covered countryside. Fully aware of the devastation that could be caused by a Coalition air attack, he had them spread out about twenty meters apart from each other, forming a loose perimeter. Another crew was busy loading the two-and-a-half-ton trucks that had been commandeered from the Iraqi Army and tearing down the camouflage netting that had concealed their location through the long, hot day.

Al-Dujali’s team was an advance unit, designated to secure an area about ten kilometers on the outskirts of Palmyra and prepare the location for the second and third follow-on forces of this operation. His element contained some heavy-duty firepower that had been captured from the Iraqi Army: .50-caliber machine guns mounted on the Humvees, stinger missiles, mortars and other weapons and ammunition that would allow the ground defense of the follow-on elements. They were preparing to move out to their final destination, moving at night to minimize the chance of detection. Thus far, it had been a long and arduous journey.

The main ISIS assault on Deir ez-Zor was scheduled to commence in two days, providing a major distraction that would allow al-Dujali’s elements to move relatively undetected to their primary attack position. The Iraqi infidels had no idea of the importance of the firepower the Americans had left in their possession. Neither did they have a desire to use it against the attacking ISIS hordes. Instead, they chose to desert, throwing down their weapons and attempting to flee the attacking holy warriors of Allah. The cowards retreated with hardly any resistance. Those that surrendered, thinking their Islamic faith would save them, were rounded up and executed, along with any women and children unfortunate enough to be caught up in the sweep.

He had no doubts that the Americans were tracking his movements. With the spy satellites and drones a constant threat, he and his men were making every effort to conceal their movements. Faiza was acutely aware of the threat posed by the UAVs and the fighter jets and gunships of his hated enemy. The al-Qaeda groups he had fought with had suffered severely from American air attacks. Many times, his fighters had been slaughtered from the sky by drones and other attack aircraft that had homed into his positions using the incredibly sophisticated technology the Americans were able to command from the drones and overhead satellites. He had narrowly escaped several attacks from invisible Predator drones and the attached Hellfire missiles. Several of the wounds he had suffered had been caused by shrapnel from one such missile, fired into his position and killing several of his fighters.

He had most recently experienced drone attacks during ISIS operations around Mosul. That was why he was now employing the most effective deterrent the terrorists had yet discovered—human shields. Around and within the perimeter of his emplacement were scattered about thirty women and children, shackled together, recently taken captive in Iraq. Faiza felt confident that even the United States of America would be reluctant to engage targets so protected. He had placed the captives strategically around his encampment, certain this would protect his fighters from attack. The last thing the American public wanted to see was body parts of women and children littering the countryside. The media coverage of an attack like that would be a great propaganda victory for ISIS.

The Coalition was another matter. So far, most of the attention had been directed to the war being waged in Iraq, both against the remnants of the Iraqi Army and the Kurds to the north. The ISIS high command was counting on the fact that much, if not all, of the surveillance apparatus of the Coalition was directed to those areas, coordinating a beleaguered defense of what was left of Iraq. This was the perfect misdirection for the effort al-Dujali was leading. His was to be the sneak attack that would unleash thousands of ISIS fighters to the south and west, capturing Palmyra and wreaking havoc on Damascus, ultimately positioning ISIS in a place to direct attacks against Israel and Jordan.

Faiza al-Dujali was confident in his mission. He also knew that just twenty kilometers behind him, the second element of his command, containing the SCUD missiles and other long-range artillery and rockets, was en route to join them at their final area of operations outside Sab’ Abar, Syria. From there they would be able to launch attacks into Damascus, as well as Israel and Jordan. While the attacks would most likely not be very effective against targets in Israel, ISIS leadership planned to go all out in an attempt to throw the entire region into more war and chaos. This would further disrupt the current situation to the point that ISIS would be able to capitalize on the chaos and capture large swaths of territory. They were hoping Israel would be drawn into a full-scale war that would decimate her armed forces and prove to be the destruction of Jews.

Al-Dujali was firm in his faith, willing to be martyred if necessary to see this plan achieved. He would do anything he was asked to help move the ISIS cause forward. He saw himself as instrumental in the establishment of the Islamic Caliphate, and the spread of his theocracy throughout the world.

If all went according to plan, they should be at their designated attack point within seven days. The follow-on elements with the missile launchers would arrive a day later. Once in position, they would set up the SCUD-B missiles and immediately, without hesitation, launch attacks against Damascus, Israel and Jordan.

Al-Dujali had heard rumors about major attacks being planned against America and Europe. He recalled a recent conversation he’d had with his old friend and fellow commander, Hamzah al-Maroun. They had been together briefly in Raqqa, prior to this mission. Al-Sarraf had mentioned that something big was going to happen, a mission that would strike at the heart of the Americans. He hadn’t elaborated but had intimated that al-Dujali would play a key role. As the countdown began for the attacks in Syria, al-Dujali was beginning to wonder if his friend had a plan to get him out of this situation so he could continue the fight.

Al-Dujali looked to the heavens and whispered, Inshallah.

CHAPTER 1

MacDill Air Force Base

Tampa, Florida

The large Joint Special Operations Command briefing room was filled to capacity. Unit insignia for special operations units from across the services were interspersed with the monitors on three walls around the conference room. The fourth wall, the front of the room, was taken up by a large-screen HDTV and several smaller screens positioned on each side of the main monitor. In addition, a large console was located in front, loaded with computer hardware and various communications equipment. All of this tied in through secure links to the White House Situation Room, the Pentagon, the various national intelligence agencies, and every other major US military command around the world.

Up until this point, those gathered in the room had been quietly engaging in small talk. Assembled towards the front of the room were high-level representatives from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, CIA, NSA, State Department, Homeland Security and several other subordinate commands. They all stood when Major General Shannon Garrett, commander of the Joint Special Operations Command, entered the room, accompanied by Colonel James Red Stanford, commander of the US Army’s Delta Force. The JSOC commander strode to the front of the room, motioning for everyone to sit.

Major General Garrett took a seat and nodded to the deputy director of national intelligence. Let’s get this briefing underway. Please, proceed.

With that, the deputy DNI turned to the assembled civilian and military personnel and began. We have a situation developing in Syria. The CIA has been working closely with assets on the ground in there, as well as in conjunction with NSA satellite and other aerial reconnaissance assets. They’ve also been able to learn a lot about the current situation from many of the refugees streaming out of the region.

He continued, Intelligence analysis indicates what appears to be a massive offensive being planned by ISIS against the city of Deir ez-Zor. Tensions in the region being what they are, the president wants to know what’s going on and how concerned we should be. The Assad government isn’t saying much, but the level of ISIS military-related communications chatter in the region has State and the JCS concerned.

The deputy DNI paused, turning to General Garrett. We can get into more specifics now, so I’ll turn this briefing over to CIA so that he can elaborate.

The CIA deputy director nodded to the general, made some keystrokes on his laptop, and turned his attention to the group. I’m going to be showing some pictures and maps as we go through this part of the briefing. Some of this you may already know; most of it you don’t.

He typed a few more keys on his laptop, bringing up the first overhead. ISIS has made significant progress in the land war and as a result has seized a lot of territory. Much of this success has been in Iraq, specifically in Anbar Province. Using his laser pointer, he directed their attention to a large map of the region. This is the most recent assessment we’ve been able to put together for the current situation in Iraq and Syria. The area shown in yellow indicates the territory currently controlled by ISIS. The map showed a significant part of eastern Syria and central and northern Iraq in yellow.

Large parts of northwestern Iraq and northeastern Syria are claimed by this group. I know that all of us are familiar with these areas. Anbar Province, Fallujah, Ramadi, Tikrit—all places we’ve been. All places where American blood has been spilled.

The CIA deputy director paged down on his laptop and another map appeared, this time of Syria. Again, the yellow areas are ISIS-controlled. This horseshoe-shaped area extends to the east and north of the city of Palmyra and is currently clear. ISIS has secured most of the area of Deir ez-Zor, but Syrian government forces still control a military airfield and some of the surrounding city. While there have been incursions to the southeast, nothing major has occurred to date. The deputy director paused. We think that may have changed.

He paged down again, and now satellite imagery appeared on the screen. "It appears from these pictures, as well as other intelligence we have gathered, that a major assault is about to occur. This satellite imagery confirms that ISIS appears to be massing manpower and equipment for an attack. ISIS is all about controlling territory, and everyone in it. That may be what this is all about. The caveat here is the HUMINT we have been getting from various sources on the ground.

During the initial incursions into Iraq by ISIS, the Iraqi Army made a very poor showing. A lot of weapons systems and military equipment that the US had left for the Iraqis fell into ISIS hands. Weapons like surface-to-air missiles, self-propelled rocket launchers, tanks and other heavy firepower.

The deputy director pointed to the image on the screen. You can see here what appears to be a convoy, heading northwest. It looks like eight vehicles. He then paged down again, showing another image. "On this one, taken three hours later, the convoy is gone.

Next, we have what appears to be another convoy, again heading northwest, of ten additional vehicles, but about thirty kilometers behind the first.

He paused, looking directly at Colonel Stanford. "We need to know where they’re going and what they’re going to do.

We know what the satellite images are showing us, the deputy director continued, paging down yet again to a highly zoomed-in image of convoy number one. "We can’t be sure, but it appears that four of these vehicles are captured Humvees, interspersed with four deuce-and-a-halfs. They’re traveling at night and going to ground during the day. They’re being extremely careful to keep their positions from being detected and effectively camouflaging their locations during the day.

"Nevertheless, we’ve been able to determine that there are around fifty personnel in this particular convoy. We aren’t sure what’s being carried by the deuce-and-a-half trucks, but we believe there are a number of civilians in the various vehicles. At least, that’s the intel we’re getting from our HUMINT on the ground.

What we find more interesting, and disturbing, is in the second convoy. He paused and moved on to another digitally enhanced satellite image.

Everyone in the room was focused on the image. They had seen pictures of ISIS driving these vehicles through the streets of various Iraqi cities as they swept across the country. Now it appeared they were in Syria.

This second convoy looks like it contains two SCUD-B mobile transport launchers, two M270 multiple-launch rocket systems, and two M109A5 self-propelled 155mm howitzers. In addition, there are four deuce-and-a-half or five-ton trucks that we suspect have additional ammo loads and crews for the weapons systems. They’re also traveling at night and camouflaging with netting systems during the day. We also believe that this convoy is carrying civilian noncombatants.

Well, why not just take them out with airstrikes? asked the two-star general representing the Air Force. It’s not the most surgical operation, and there will certainly be collateral damage, if those are really noncombatants. But you have an idea of where they are and how they travel. With all the UAVs in the sky and Coalition airpower, it seems like an easy enough solution.

That would be the case, said CIA, except for this. He brought up another image, this one showing people dressed in local civilian attire outside of the trucks, taking what looked like a sanitary break. As mentioned earlier, we believe that ISIS is using human shields to avoid potential attacks from the air.

You have me here for a reason, Colonel Stanford stated. What is the mission?

The CIA deputy director responded, "DNI, with the support of the Joint Chiefs, has recommended to the president to launch a covert operation to track these elements, determine their mission and stop it if necessary.

"Based on our intel estimates and information collected from sources on the ground, it appears that ISIS may be making a move on Palmyra. There’s not much else that would stand in ISIS’s way along the road to Damascus. Taking Palmyra would put them in SCUD-striking distance of Damascus, and if they moved south, there would be opportunities to launch SCUD attacks into Jordan and Israel. We think that once the attack is complete at Deir ez-Zor, those forces will move west to assault Palmyra, and then eventually move on to attack Damascus.

"With Assad’s forces stretched thin already, it’s doubtful he has the ability to keep the city from falling. We know ISIS recently made a push to capture Baghdad, but were held off by the Iraqis with help from Coalition airpower. The same result can’t be expected at Palmyra or Damascus. The ensuing slaughter of the inhabitants of these cities would make the flight of the refugees to the top of Mount Sinjar look like a Sunday stroll.

It would also mean a major escalation of the war, he continued. And it could draw Israel into the conflict, as well as put Jordan at risk. We have to find a way to stop this incursion and end the escalation before it begins. As you know, Jordan and several other Arab nations—including Iran—are making airstrikes on ISIS targets in both Syria and Iraq. It seems that everyone has a vested interest in seeing ISIS defeated and destroyed. The reasons are strikingly different, depending on the perspective.

At this point, the deputy director of national intelligence took over. The main objective from the White House is to keep this from becoming a potential political and military disaster for everyone, especially the Coalition and the US. The president wants to keep US involvement to a minimum. He doesn’t want to draw any more attention to US foreign policy initiatives in the region. The political ramifications of greatly increased military operations in the region have to be carefully managed.

Stanford looked at General Garrett, thinking about all that had been presented. Sir, after hearing all this, I’m expecting Delta to be tasked for this operation. Are we here to consider recon options only, or are we also looking for some tactical options to take out the potential threat posed by these weapons convoys? Getting a recon element in can be done. They’ll be able to assess the situation on the ground. The elimination of the threat is where I see issues. Any operation that includes combat operations will put noncombatants in jeopardy, especially if their sole purpose is to be used as human shields. Calling in an airstrike will just turn into a propaganda attack on the United States, especially when ISIS starts laying out the blown-apart bodies of civilians. Getting an assault force into the country undetected will be a challenge, but the odds of coming out with all the noncombatants secure are not good.

General Garrett stood up and paced at the front of the room, his eyes going between the map on the screen and the men sitting in the room. He crossed his arms. The first step is to insert a small team into the operational area. This team needs to be prepared to take whatever actions are necessary to eliminate these targets. The presence of civilian shields poses a significant problem. Consideration has to be given to minimizing civilian casualties. Given the success of the mission, the next step is the evacuation of our team and survivors.

Turning to Colonel Stanford, he said, Consider this your warning order. I need a highly skilled team to prepare for a recon mission to Syria and to be prepared to take direct action against this enemy force if it should be required.

Just a couple of quick questions, sir, if I may? replied Stanford. How much time do we have until commencing operations?

Less than two weeks, came the reply from DNI.

How much latitude do I have?

Whatever it takes, replied General Garrett.

Well, then, I better get moving, said Stanford.

General Garrett turned to the group. If there are no further questions or comments, we have our mission. Hearing nothing from those in the room, he concluded, Alright, people, we have work to do. This briefing is adjourned. With that, those in attendance gathered up their materials and filed out of the room.

Red, hold up, said the general, motioning for Colonel Stanford to wait. I’d like to speak to you, he added, signaling the colonel that this was a private matter. Stanford approached the general. I want your best team on this. No mistakes. Failure is not an option. Use whatever resources you need. Keep me updated. I don’t like surprises.

Yes, sir! replied Stanford, snapping off a quick salute and then turning to head for the door.

CHAPTER 2

Doheny Beach

Dana Point, California

Kyle Wilson sat on a cement bench close to the pedestrian walking path and picnic areas, just feet from the brown sand of Doheny Beach. Behind him, people of all ages walked back and forth along the walkway, taking advantage of the warm weather and late-afternoon sunshine. Smoke rose from several of the many fire pits and barbeque grills located throughout the picnic area.

Kyle gazed over the people lying on their beach towels or sitting on beach chairs, past the dozens of colorful umbrellas that seemed to stretch the entire length of the massive beach, towards the ocean. Doheny Beach, known for its relatively gentle waves, was a great place for beginning as well as experienced surfers. Today there were close to a hundred surfers taking turns in the water, waiting to catch the perfect wave. He saw all this with his eyes and heard the talk and laughter around him, but his mind was elsewhere. Kyle was thinking about why he was here, and whether he was about to do something he would come to regret.

He was the product of an upper-middle-class family, his father a corporate attorney and his mother a physician’s assistant. Together, the two of them made enough money to maintain a decent standard of living in the high-cost area of Orange County and provide for their three children. The family attended a local Orthodox church fairly regularly, but he wasn’t actively involved. He was trying to get good enough grades to keep his parents happy and get accepted to a University of California school after graduation. Until recently, he had been an average student and wrestled on the school team. It was his senior year, and he had vowed to make it memorable.

He had succeeded, but not in a very good way. It had started with alcohol, progressed to pot and cocaine, and ended up with him addicted to heroin. His slide had been swift and destructive.

The loud smack of a volleyball landing on the walking path brought him back to reality. A little help, man! came the request from one of the teenagers playing volleyball on the sand. Kyle got up and grabbed the ball, throwing it back to the players. He again took his seat on the concrete bench, and his thoughts turned to the present.

His life had degenerated into one of chaos, doing whatever he could to get his next heroin fix. His high school career had all but collapsed. He was barely squeaking by with a D average, which was good since he hardly went anymore. At this rate, he would be lucky to graduate. All the high hopes of his parents, the pride they had felt for their son, had been dashed on the rocks of heroin. He had tried to keep it a secret, but his physical appearance had been a dead giveaway. He’d lost weight, wouldn’t eat, and had stolen almost all the money that was lying around the house. He had even pawned some of the valuable antiques his parents had accumulated—anything for some money to get his next fix.

They had tried hospitalization, methadone, a twelve-step program and rehab—anything that would give him a fighting chance to kick his habit. None of it could replace the drug. It had ruined his life, but he couldn’t give it up.

He was here today to meet his connection. He got up from the bench and started walking towards the trees that lined the parking lot, separating it from the public beach area. As he walked through the opening in the trees, he hardly noticed anything, intent on finding the person who would sell him his next dose.

Kyle heard a female voice coming from the parking lot ahead, calling his name. Kyle! How are you doing? I haven’t seen you around for a long time.

He glanced around quickly, wondering who was calling out to him. He looked up and saw a girl he recognized from school, along with two of her friends.

Hi, he responded, a little nervous about having been noticed. What are you guys up to?

We’re headed to a beach party, she responded. A bunch of friends from my church are getting together to have a little fun and watch the sunset. Would you care to join us? she asked nonchalantly.

Thanks for the offer, but I’m actually supposed to meet someone here in a little bit. Maybe I’ll wander down a little later.

Okay, she said in reply. You look like you could use a friend. We’re going to have some food later, make some s’mores and just hang out. Come on over if you can. We’re right in front of the main lifeguard tower.

Kyle waved to the girls as they passed and continued searching the parking lot for his contact. He spotted him not more than twenty yards away, heading in his direction. He was dressed in shorts and a T-shirt, with a large backpack slung over his shoulder. He had a full beard and wore his hair long. He looked like any other thirty-something that had nothing better to do then spend the day hanging out at the beach. Nothing remarkable, and nothing that would draw attention. The man Kyle was meeting made his way to an empty picnic table in the grassy area of the beach, sat down and waited for Kyle.

How’s it going, man? Kyle said to the seated man as he approached the table. Do you have what I need?

That depends. Do you have what I need?

Yes. Kyle pulled a wad of bills from his pocket. Count it out. It’s all there, he said, handing the money to the man. Kyle didn’t really care about the man or want to know anything about him. He just knew that this was his connection for the heroin his body craved. The man quickly counted out the money and without a word handed Kyle two large packets of white powder, which Kyle promptly pocketed. The man nodded to Kyle, put the money in his backpack and walked away towards the harbor, steering out of the way of passersby.

Hurriedly, Kyle walked to the far corner of the parking lot, where he had parked his car, actually his father’s car. He had been fortunate enough to find the keys and sneak out of the house, stealing the car for a brief time, hoping to be home before anyone noticed it was missing. Fat chance, Kyle thought. He was sure his father would know and would be furious.

Kyle unlocked the car and dropped into the backseat. He quickly pulled out his paraphernalia and began to melt the magic powder. Once it was ready, he filled the syringe he had been using, finally found a vein that wasn’t collapsed, and injected the potent drug into his system.

He leaned back, waiting for the desired effect. It was soon upon him. This is really strong stuff! he thought before he felt a crashing pain in his chest and started gasping for breath. He felt like his heart was going to explode and started shaking uncontrollably. His whole body became tense as he struggled to find the door handle. Within seconds, he was slumped over in the backseat, his head smashed against the window, drool running down his face.

It wasn’t until about three in the morning that the park rangers found him. They approached the car from the side, shining their lights inside the vehicle. The officer had called in the plates and found that the car had been reported stolen. He could see something in the backseat, and as he got closer, he saw the body. It wasn’t until several hours later that the medical examiner made the pronouncement.

Kyle Wilson was dead from an apparent heroin overdose, at the ripe old age of seventeen.

CHAPTER 3

Delta Force Training Area

Fort Bragg, North Carolina

The quiet predawn silence was suddenly ripped by the explosions of flash-bang grenades going off almost simultaneously. In the aftermath of the explosions, controlled suppressed gunfire could be heard from multiple M4s inside the compound. Within a few minutes, Master Sergeant Sam Parker and the rest of his team exfiltrated the building, providing covering fire for each other as they quickly made their way to the designated rally point.

Time! yelled the NCOIC for the close-quarters training facility. Let’s see how you guys did. With that, Parker’s team assembled around the television monitors to review their latest training session.

Not bad, stated the NCOIC as he began his critique of the training exercise, making suggestions and recommendations and listening to feedback from the team members.

Alright, men, said Sam, addressing his team. Let’s do it again. Thanks to the good sergeant here—he nodded to the range NCOIC—we know where the bugs are that need to be worked out. Load up!

The three men he was talking to, already dripping with sweat, used the next twenty minutes to rehydrate and replenish their ammo loads. His team was down two operators. Both had suffered wounds in combat during their last tour in Afghanistan. They were running these drills short-handed, expecting to be backfilled any day with new, hopefully experienced men.

When they were all ready, Sam’s team took their positions. Sergeant Tony Norman climbed up a two-story platform and prepared his sniper’s position to provide over watch cover for the team on the ground. Sergeants Mike Stark and Andy Brown crouched in positions behind Sam, ready to rush and breach the building entrance to their front. Pop-up targets representing armed terrorists were raised in various positions around and on top of the building entrance.

Over watch, Sam said into his headset. Go!

With that, a succession of rounds from Norman’s silenced sniper rifle whistled through the air, finding the first two targets on the roof, and then, left to right, the three targets on the ground.

Satisfied that the guards had been successfully eliminated, Sam led his assault team forward. Reaching the door, Stark set the breaching charges in place, while Sam and Brown administered shots to the heads and chests of the downed guards just to make sure. The team spread out along the wall of the building, taking their positions. Using his fingers, Sam began a countdown. As he clenched his fist at zero, Stark pushed the plunger.

The explosion shattered the door, creating an opening through which the team rushed, one behind the other, weapons blazing. As pop-up targets appeared, one member of the team or another fired point-blank to take them out. Coming to a second room, Brown and Stark tossed flash-bang grenades through the door. Following the explosions, the three men rushed into the room, firing at any visible targets. They quickly moved to the third room, which was the objective. This