Cutt 7: 7 of 7

Introduction

The exploits of this almost all women Afghan team continue. Book 7 sees the platoon involved on some difficult and knife edge missions. The Afghan female team are all young – the oldest 20, the youngest just 13; saved from a life as sex slaves; their exploits in combat have won them international praise. Their focus is to tackle Terrorists, Drug suppliers, arms suppliers and human traffickers mainly in Afghanistan. In this book events seem to be working against the platoon. They realise their greatest strength is - each other. The commander comes to grips with the reality that their success and more importantly their future must be in their own hands.

Can be read as a stand - alone book

Reviews

A genius storyline this is well worth a read.

Once you pick it up, you won’t be able to put it down! 

Gripping and involving series of books - highly recommend.

I suspect most of the content is true as I have checked out lots of the places mentioned.

It has all the ingredients for a great movie.

I find this authors writing very addictive. Often reading until the early hours of the morning. It's a riveting story although I am now sure most of it is true. I found the use of maps and referencing very helpful – and the ending....... Wow.

Very close to what's happening, a very engaging book.

A very moving story

The Author

Dr Tony Miller is an International Psychologist and has successfully written to date 27 books, some published in Chinese. The series My love affair with Olga has achieved a worldwide readership and comprises of 5 books.

Cutt7, this latest book in the Cutt series is now available and is likely to become a film. He can be contacted by email at tony@tony-miller.com and for business www.tony-miller.com

Front cover designed by Ph2o Photography Chelmsford,

Mathew Champney.

Front cover Some of the team  picture. 

Who’s who – some of the main characters

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General Tom Roberts always referred to as Commander age 20, officially no identity – but British Army.

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Selected to work behind enemy lines due to exceptional language and survival skills

Always referred to as the Commander, he inherited his father’s nickname.

Ranked world’s number one with the use of twin swords and the leader of a Japanese sword group

Specialist in silent killing

Pets, two tigers

The leader of a behind the lines platoon

In love with Murphy – they are lovers. Also very fond of Begum.

Fearless in battle

Physically big and very strong.

Expert knife thrower

Fluent in most languages written and spoken

Photo restricted due to security

Lieutenant Kate Murphy age 26; Nationality English. Officially no identity – but British Army

Selected but actually volunteered to work with the Commander.

Kate Murphy always referred to as Murphy – is the leader of the Platoon.

Specialist in unarmed combat

Fiercely competitive and always pushing the limits

Murphy had fallen in love with the Commander and they are lovers

Murphy had forged the team into a truly remarkable fighting unit

Physically curvy and attractive - very strong.

Speaks fluent Afghan, Russian and some Japanese

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Begum – Nationality Afghan.

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Rank  2nd Lieutenant. 20 years old, the leader of the Afghan team, tall strong and never gives up. Loved by the Afghan team.

100% loyal to the Commander, she has been damaged by the years of sexual abuse. She would do anything to be with the Commander.

Is in love with the Commander

Natural athlete amazing physique.

A superb leader seems to get things done through others with great ease.

Great in combat has no fear of anything.

She has a communication skill with the other Afghans that is beyond words.

Can speak and write excellent English, Russian and some Japanese.

Himeko  age 26 - Japanese

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–  Next in command to Begum a former commando in Japanese army – expert swordswoman and a volunteer.

Seen by the Afghans as an Afghan, not as Japanese

Small build but great stamina

Speaks, Japanese, fluent English, Afghan and some Russian

Outstanding with the sword, the only woman ever to hold the title Master.

Expert Knife thrower

Very quiet gets on well with every- one and totally reliable

Is seen and would be accepted as the natural replacement to Begum if anything happened to her.

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Tela age 17 – Nationality Afghan –

Next in line to Himeko. Very feisty and can be impetuous.

Speaks Afghan, some Russian, English and some Japanese.

Very chatty which often gets her into trouble with Begum

Expert with all firearms but exceptional using Rocket Propelled grenades.

Has an outstanding ability to spot land mines and booby traps

Seen as having no fear, despite her tender years

Demands respect, particularly for the Commander

Begum sees a lot of potential in her.

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Anu – the newest member of the platoon. Nationality Mongolian

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Quiet and very dangerous. A former bounty hunter in Mongolia and China.

An expert with Mongolian sword also an outstanding archer.

Speaks Mongolian, Russian, Chinese and English

Expert tracker

Has a great affinity with animals, proficient in horse riding and has three wolves as pets.

Former Bounty Hunter, often used by the Chinese Police and Army.

The rider of Mongolia’s most famous horse - Arvaikheer.

Chapter 1 – Skulduggery in Sangin

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Our flight from Afghanistan to England has so far been uneventful. We were flying to our home in England for a well - earned rest. This was an important flight as we were trying our new fuelling system. We were carrying enough fuel to enable us to be completely independent of others. This was in case we ever needed to leave Afghanistan either in a hurry or un noticed. Our route would take us via southern Russian and we had a planned landing at Volgograd which was in the Southwest of Russia. The primary purpose was for our helicopter to refuel the V22 Osprey plane. According to our calculations one refuel would be enough. We landed in a tranquil wooded area east of Volgograd. Connecting the fuel bowser in the helicopter to the plane was an easy task, as was the refuelling. Within an hour, both our helicopter and plane were airborne and flying onwards towards our top-secret base in Dorset. The mobile fuel bowser, which was on board the helicopter automatically refuelled the helicopter as needed and it looks as if we would arrive with fuel to spare.

Murphy, the love of my life and I had been chatting away for hours. I think we were both making mental lists of jobs to be done as soon as we were back at our Dorset base. The issue that irked me a lot was the way we had been hoodwinked into clearing the minefield at Sangin. Just so that some politician could make a fortune developing it, now it was safe. I would take this up in the first instance with Ralph Smith of Mi6 as soon as we landed.

Our flight plan would take us to the Army base at Middle Wapping. In reality, we would fly very low along the Channel and then overland to our base – avoiding any radar detection. Murphy and I made the most of our time together, every moment being precious.

As we approached our underground home in Dorset, the weather was not good, and heavy rain strong winds. Murphy said, It's so good to be home; it's so nice to be able to relax.

I could not agree more. Once landed, both the plane and helicopter were soon stored below ground. Despite the rain, the entire platoon ended up in the pool for a wash and a swim.

After 30 minutes or so, we started to leave – the need to eat was rather pressing.

Begum had lingered in the pool, and we were alone. Begum came over, without any ado, gave me a long and very passionate kiss. When she finished, she said, thank you so much, Commander, thank you for everything. We have our home here, and now we have complete freedom to get here and leave without anyone's help – or knowledge. The rest of the team are all so happy; I am sure we will all have sore throats tomorrow from all the singing on the way here.

I smiled and replied, It’s important to me too. The more control we have of our own destiny, the safer we all are. I paused then said, Come on – let's join the rest for something to eat.

We left the pool together; I could not help but think how lucky we all were to have such a happy and harmonious platoon.

Once underground, the two resident robots had fixed up a super meal, and we tucked in. Indeed everyone was so happy, the air filled with non - stop chatter and laughter.

After dinner, there was singing, and the sound of beautiful voices filled our underground home.

It was just 8 pm when we got ready to sleep, and a line had formed; first in line was Murphy; she kissed my hand and said, Thank you.

Begum followed, then Himeko, who said, I must be the luckiest and most happy person in the world. I'm so glad to be with you and to fight for you – always.

Tela was last in line; she kissed my hand, tears running down her cheeks, she had great difficulty speaking, and said very slowly, thank you for making all our dreams come true – always

I laid down to sleep; I reflected on what a massively important thing it was for everyone to be able to be free. Particularly to be able to be in full control of going to and getting out of Afghanistan if needed. It had always been a concern of mine. If ever our Afghan hideaway was discovered, we would be hunted down mercilessly. That applied to several different groups – not just the insurgents.

The following day, I contacted Ralph Smith at Mi6. Surprisingly he was quick to answer the phone – strange as it was just 6 am.

We exchanged greetings; then, I got on with it. I said, I need a meeting – I'm not sure who with, but it's to do with the minefield at Sangin and the skulduggery around asking the Irish Guards to clear it urgently. A politician now owns the land, and it has been cleared so he can develop it. I want you to get the right people in the room so we can discuss what's going on – also to prevent the next inevitable step before it happens.

There was a long pause. Ralph then said, I will arrange a meeting, probably tomorrow at the Academy.

I replied, The sooner, the better.

Ralph then said, I have a copy of the unedited Bell Boeing film of the destruction of the minefield – it's spectacular, to say the least.

With that, our conversation ended.

I went into the Toy Department, what was new was a mobile missile launcher, a present from Russia, attached was a label Use with care commander I could not help but laugh, this must-have come from Sergei – it also had 12 spare missiles with it. What a gift! Homa was so pleased; she could see the potential in our working lives in Afghanistan. It would, of course, be her responsibility to use.

I spoke to Murphy and Begum about the Sangin Minefield meeting and that we might go to the Academy as early as tomorrow. There was no concealing Begums anger; she rightly believed the Irish Guards would have all perished there If we had not intervened. She was, of course, correct.

At dinner, I mentioned we might go to the Academy tomorrow and asked, Who would like to come?

All hands were in the air, so it would be a platoon outing.

After dinner, I sat down with Cher, and we put together a small PowerPoint presentation with pictures of the site and surroundings before and after the clearing of the minefield.

I said to Cher, make sure everything is videoed; I want the people who attend to be given a copy; so there is no misunderstanding.

Cher replied, Yes, Commander, perfectly clear.

Once we had finished, I went and joined the others, they were outside, and most were asleep. Murphy and I slipped away for a night of lust and love – I’m not sure in what order.

The next day we had a message from Ralph Smith – a meeting had been arranged at 3 pm at the Academy, and several people were to be in attendance – including a junior minister who I had met before.

I made a phone call to get our driver Peter Jay to collect us and take us to and from the Academy. I then informed the others when they arrived back from a run. It was a stampede to do hair washing and to tidy themselves up.

It was soon time; Peter Jay arrived, the team got into the back of the lorry, I lent in the cab and said: Good to see you, Mr Jay – straight to the academy please.

Yes, Commander, he replied and added, Nice to see you back in England, sir."

I went to the rear of the lorry and climbed in to join the others.

There was no singing; I suspect Begum's prediction was accurate -they all had sore throats.

I explained to the platoon, I am going to give a presentation about Sangin and the events that unfolded. If you wish, just chip in at any time, particularly if you think I have missed something important out.

Everyone nodded.

When we arrived at the Academy, our good friend, the Commandant, greeted us. He kissed my hand, as did Ralph Smith Mi6.

Great to see you again, exclaimed the Commandant – the Officer Cadets are all hoping they can meet you – perhaps at dinner tonight? then added, Of course commander you are most welcome to stay overnight.

Before I could reply, Ralph Smith added, This meeting seems to have drawn a lot of attention; we have eight people attending – the most important the Junior minister who you have met before and surprisingly Lieutenant General William Kingston. Just so you're aware, he is junior in rank to you. I’m telling you this as he is known as being somewhat difficult.

We filed in and had some lunch. Kate Murphy and the Commandant were chatting away, catching up on all that had gone on since our last visit.

I was sitting next to Ralph Smith Mi6, also present was Harry Winston Mi5. Ralph Smith; was going on at length about how spectacular the Sangin Minefield film was – essential viewing after our meeting. He had the pre-edited version.

As we finished lunch, Cher slipped off to set up the presentation in the main hall. Ralph Smith stayed behind as he would welcome and show everyone in.

The platoon took up the seats nearest the stage, and I did a quick check with Cher – we were ready for our presentation.

Everyone started to arrive, endless saluting took place, coffee was served, and much kissing of my hand, started by the Junior minister and Lieutenant General William Kingston.

We started on time; I stood on the stage and commenced, "welcome everyone, I would like to go through the sequence of events surrounding the minefield and its destruction.

All I am about to tell you is a fact, and in sequence, so you can fully understand the significance of the minefield at Sangin.

The Sangin minefield  was the largest in the world."

I was displaying a map of the area with the minefield highlighted in red.

I continued, As you can see, it provides complete shelter for Sangin from the south, providing a bottleneck which has caused many military issues for us and our allies over the years. The minefield stretches 10Km west to east and 5 km north to south. It consisted of several types of mine. Tela, can you explain?

Lieutenant General William Kingston said, I’m sure we all know what a minefield is, commander; I don't think an explanation is necessary.

I replied, –please be patient.

Kingston let out a rather loud sigh and crossed his arms as if in disapproval.

Tela stood, there are single mines, double and even triple mines, also aerial mines. there is a mine every 21 metres.

Tela sat; I continued, "If that's not enough, Sangin is probably the most dangerous place on earth; certainly, its where the hardcore of insurgents are.

The command was given that the Irish Guards were to clear the minefield with all haste. I did not know that this command had been issued. What experience did the Irish Guards have of mine-clearing -none.

Second Lieutenant Begum – what in your opinion would have happened if the Guards had tried to do this urgent job?"

Begum stood, paused and said in a very controlled voice, They would have all been shot by snipers in the first week Begum paused then continued , It took about two years for the insurgents to lay this complex and dangerous minefield. It is folly to think it can be cleared quickly by conventional means.

Begum sat.

I continued, an alternative strategy was to use Bell Boeing Osprey planes to destroy the minefield using computer-controlled canons.

I paused

"What is of significant interest here is the sequence of events.

* A minister in the Afghan Government was given assurance from someone in the U.K. that the minefield would be cleared quickly by British troops already in the area. The Irish Guards and perhaps the Lifeguards.

* The land was owned by one man, at precisely the same time an assurance was given that the minefield was to be cleared; the owner of the land was persuaded that the land was worthless and was brought for a pittance by an Afghan Politician.

*  A  building contractor was appointed by the Politician to develop the land and build a new settlement. The builder happens to be the Politician's brother.

* The Irish guards, who neither have the equipment of the specialist skills, are ordered to clear the minefield with haste.

The big question is who approved the clearing of the minefield and why?

Is someone to gain financially from this minefield being destroyed?

These are questions we must explore."

I was interrupted by Lieutenant General William Kingstone, this is absurd. Are you honestly saying someone is accepting bribes?

The room went hushed Anu was standing. She had her bow drawn, Tela & Begum both had their swords out of their sheaths, and Himeko had her knives in her hand. Himeko stood facing the Lieutenant-general and said quietly, I don't like your tone or the notion you have made that the Commander does not know what he is talking about. I suggest you retract that statement and modify your language.

You could have heard a pin drop; Ralph Smith had his head in his hands. He knew what might follow. The Jr. Minister looked very pale.

I said in Afghan, very quietly, bow down Anu, Himeko – sit down.

Neither moved.

I repeated in Afghan very quietly, Bow down Anu, Himeko, please sit down – now.

After what seemed an age, Anu lowered her bow; the Lieutenant General had noticed the arrow had been pointing straight at him.

Himeko slowly sat.

The Lieutenant-General said, Sorry if my remarks offended – I should rephrase what I said; I was just very surprised.

I continued, well, let's just see what happens next the next slide showed the cleared minefield.

I resumed, This is what the area looks like now. The slide was an aerial photo of the site. It was covered with explosion holes some 10 metres deep.

I continued, I suspect someone in the U.K. will get a call from the Afghan Government requesting that the British Army reinstate the ground to its previous condition as it's a place of natural beauty.

I paused, its not my area, but if the press got hold of this story, I wonder what they would make of it. Also, I suspect Her Majesty would not be pleased if she knew that her Irish Guards had been put in such a terminal perilous position.

I paused, then added, I hope that you in this room can sort it out and sort it out quickly. If there are any questions or clarifications I, or my platoon, would be pleased to answer them.

Messrs Smith Mi6 and Winston took over and quickly decided who needed to do what.

The meeting showed no signs of drawing to a close; I called everyone to order and said, I suggest we all continue and have dinner here at the academy.

Everyone agreed; I slipped out to talk with the Commandant. He was in his office, and it was clear he was not having a good day.

Yes, Commander: I suppose they all want dinner.

Exactly right, I replied.

The Commandant said, also, some of your friends want to meet up with you – they will be here soon.  Major Remington of the Grenadier Guards & Major Love, Blues and Royals. Also, an American who is on vacation in London, Major Ray Hanks.

I was delighted and could not conceal my glee great; how did they know I was here? I asked.

The Commandant replied, the word on the wind is that you're here; It seems everyone is tuned in to where you are.

I laughed, then said, we have the film of the Sangin mine filed operation. It’s an unedited version, and I would suggest the officer cadets might like to see it. After dinner, it would be much better than sitting through one of my talks.

The Commandant smiled – that's a great idea; I suspect all the staff here will want to watch as well.

I replied, why not.

With that, I left and went back to the main hall, where there was a hubbub of discussion taking place still.

I got everyone’s attention then said, dinner is at 8; if you can stay after, I’m going to show the officer cadets, and yourself’s the unedited video of Sangin minefield.

I gathered from the nodding that was a big YES.

Time passed, and we went into the dining room; it was packed; there to greet us was major Love, of the Blues and Royles, major Remington of the Grenadier Guards and major Ray Hanks, US Armey in Afghanistan. I was so happy, my dearest friends. It was non stop chatter, about everything and nothing – our normal topic. After the meal, The Commandant stood and said, Officer cadets and Instructors, you are expecting a talk from the Commander; it has been replaced by a film, the unedited video of the clearing of the Sangin Minefield, an operation that the Commander's team were recently involved in. Please file through in an orderly manner to the main hall.

The dining room was emptied in a few minutes, catering staff and auxiliary staff all joined.

Once everyone was seated, I said, "The Sangin minefield was the largest in the world. It covered an area of 5km by 10km with a mine every 21 metres. It was our job to destroy it.