Invasion Read Online Free Page A

spy satellites over Europe have still not been replaced after the remote detonation of the Chinese communications satellite ten weeks ago.’
    ‘Why not?’ queried the Holy One.
    ‘The nature of the explosion and the loss of a Keyhole bird has given Washington pause for thought,’ replied Mousa. ‘They have yet to re-task another spacecraft. Clearly, they suspect foul play but their diplomatic efforts are focussed in Beijing. Again, our military build-up can continue unhindered.’
    ‘Good. And our French brothers?’
    ‘The nuclear codes will be secured within the first hour of the attack. Military Imams and senior Muslim officers will appeal directly to the French forces, over a third of whom are Brothers and Sisters of the faith. Their loyalty, like all Muslims, will be to their faith first. With the President assassinated and a Muslim-heavy administration waiting in the wings, France will fall quickly.’
    ‘Excellent,’ breathed Khathami. ‘Come, we must return to the city.’ He rose and headed across the marquee. Mousa followed closely behind, reaching for his personal radio and quietly ordering the Blackhawk to fire up its engines. As they walked back through the trees, the Cleric spoke softly.
    ‘What does your heart tell you, Faris? About the success of the operation? You may speak freely.’
    Mousa considered the question. It wasn’t often the Holy One used his first name, and normally only when his counsel was sought on matters of a delicate nature. He knew his opinion was valued by the man before him and he weighed his words carefully.
    ‘We simply must succeed,’ he began. ‘Despite their expulsion from our lands and the oil embargoes against them, somehow the Americans continue to advance technologically. Their economy survives and shows signs of strengthening. There are rumours from our people in Washington.’
    ‘What rumours?’
    Mousa shrugged. ‘Rumours of a new energy source. The details are sketchy, but our mole reports a sense of some excitement amongst Defence Department officials.’
    ‘We cannot concern ourselves with rumours, Faris. Do the Americans pose a threat to the operation?’
    Mousa shook his head. ‘No, not yet. It’s possible they may come to Europe’s aid in some way, but the speed of our operations will leave them little time in which to counter our forces. That may change in the future, and for that we must be prepared. Europe has to be conquered quickly for us to consolidate our positions.’
    ‘And the Chinese?’
    ‘Co-operative, because they need our oil,’ Mousa sneered. ‘But they have no love for westerners, or anyone for that matter. Yes, they destroyed the spy satellite for us and they will be interested bystanders as the operation unfolds, but they are untrustworthy, Godless pigs. They will study our tactics, probe our battle plans for weaknesses. There will be trouble in the future.’
    ‘I agree,’ nodded the Cleric, ‘but for now they remain allies. And Europe itself?’
    ‘The economic depression has crippled their military forces, as predicted. Islam is strong everywhere, particularly in northern Europe, and our people cry out for justice. Yes, in my heart I believe we will succeed. But we must strike hard and fast.’
    In the shadows of the old fort, moonlight glinted off the Cleric’s glasses, the brown eyes behind burning brightly. ‘It will be so, Faris. In my meditations I have seen the future of Europe, and the flag of Islam flies above its capitals. The eleventh day of June will indeed be a day of liberation.’
    Beyond the fort the helicopter waited, its rotors lazily chopping the night air. Khathami stopped short and turned to face a puzzled Mousa.
    ‘Your Eminence? Is something the matter?’
    ‘I’ve decided to relieve you of your duties, General Mousa.’
    Mousa’s blood ran cold and his eyes instinctively darted to the bodyguards, their weapons held tightly to their chests. His mind raced back over the previous weeks with the