The Heist by Mehwar Anjum

FOR MALHAR KABIR, WHOSE MEMORIES WILL LAST FOREVER AMONGST US

Acknowledgements First and Foremost, I would like to thank Allah the Almighty and Omnipotent, who granted me the power to write this book. Secondly, I would like to thank, my parents who helped me throughout the time, I was writing the book. Next, I also extend my gratitude to my siblings; Alwan who constantly gave me suggestions about the book and Laveeza, who helped in its design. Here I would also like to mention; Malaik Kabir, for his unconditional support in the design and other technological steps. I would also like to thank my English teachers; namely Sir Kashif and Mam Sonia. Without their teaching, I wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have been able to write this.

Contents                    

PROLOGUE ALI BABA CHAPTER I CHAPTER II CHAPTER III CHAPTER IV CHAPTER V CHAPTER VI CHAPTER VII CHAPTER VIII CHAPTER IX CHAPTER X CHAPTER XI CHAPTER XII CHAPTER XIII CHAPTER XIV CHAPTER I CHAPTER II CHAPTER III CHAPTER IV

               

CHAPTER V CHAPTER VI CHAPTER VII CHAPTER VIII CHAPTER IX CHAPTER X CHAPTER I CHAPTER II CHAPTER III CHAPTER IV CHAPTER V CHAPTER VI CHAPTER VII CHAPTER VIII EAGLE EPILOGUE

PROLOGUE: BAGHDAD GOLDEN AGE Baghdad, as we know it today had a different face during certain periods of history. Today, the battlefields of Baghdad and its surroundings may depict a society totally unable to live in harmony, let alone be innovative and creative for the advancement of anything constructive. However, a little glimpse of its history reveals that on the contrary, Baghdad was one of the cities that not only was the cradle of civilization but also contributed to human advancement, the likes of which were unparalleled in history and the signs of which are very visible even until today in all societies and cultures of the world.

House of Wisdom: Also called “Bait-ul-Hikma”, this was one of the very famous libraries and research centers in 8th, 9th and 10th centuries during the times of the Abbasid Rulers. This site was considered by many as the primary intellectual centers of the entire world where scholars from many countries and origins (Christians, Muslims, Jews and others) would meet to research, innovate, create and thus contributed to the advancement of many disciplines including astronomy, physics, medicine, mathematics and other sciences. Foundation of Algebra: Muhammad ibn Musa alKhwarizmi worked in the house of wisdom in Baghdad during the 9th century and authored his famous book “Al-Kitab Al-mukhtasar fi hisab al-jabr Wal-muqabala”. The words al-jabr in the title of the book led to the advent of Algebra as we know it today. The book’s title is translated as “The Compendious Book on Calculation by Completion and Balancing”. He also contributed enormously to the areas of mathematics, astronomy, astrology, geography, cartography, trigonometry, and provided a systematic and logical approach to solving linear and quadratic equations. Advancement of medicine: Abu Bakr Muhammad ibn Zakariya al-Razi was a well-known Persian

researcher, scholar and scientist who had his lab in Baghdad during the 9th century. He is credited with the discovery of “sulfuric acid”, ethanol and its refinement and use in medicine. His works contributed enormously to advance the field of chemistry and medicine as we know it today. He also contributed to the fields of medicine, chemical engineering, and philosophy and authored well over 184 books and articles. Heart of the Islamic Golden Age: Baghdad was the center for all during the period termed as the Islamic Golden Age. This period lasted from 7th century AD to 13th century AD. It was during this period when scientists contributed enormously to various disciplines and also translated the works of many (including those of Aristotle and others) in various languages. Largest Libraries in the world: During the Islamic Golden Era, Baghdad’s libraries were known to have more than 400, 000 books – more than the books found in some of the libraries today. Urban Sophistication: Babylon, near Baghdad was not only the greatest civilizations around 600 BC but

also led the world in advanced urban development and construction. Historians refer to Babylon as a city of many gates with each gate crafted with splendid architectural elegance. The hanging gardens of Babylon according to some historical accounts, are considered one of the wonders of the world. Historians also write about the cities of the area that had very straight streets, multi-story buildings and a well-developed economic system. The areas in and around Babylon though had little rainfall but had abundant crops attributed to a very sophisticated irrigation system.

ALI BABA When Hulagu Khan attacked Baghdad, many people were killed among those dead laying in the outskirts of the city was a strong and well-built man. He had dark brown hair and a dark skin color. His eyes were dark brown and his face as oval as an egg. He was wearing a black thobe: the traditional dress that covered the body from head till ankle. He was Ali Baba, the most famous person of that time after the caliph, Al-Mustasim. Ali Baba had more than 100 people under his command. All ready to sacrifice their lives for him. He had more than thousand coins which made him one of the richest person in the Empire. His palace was unique, exceptional and no other palace was a match for it. Though he had no family Ali Baba was happy. Ali Baba was a thief. A thief who was no match for the authorities. A thief who had bandits under his command in the whole of Empire. He himself wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t engaged in any theft but was the mastermind of all. His specialty was stealing artifacts and books. And did he read them? NO, he smuggled them. He and his people were a big black spot on the pure white cloth called the Abbasid Caliphate.

Ali Baba as a child was not brought up properly. He lived on the streets till the age of 18, begging but then he found an alternative to it: Stealing. In no time he became a thief, his expertise in robberies made him the master of all other thieves. He wanted to be the role model for other thieves. Baghdad at that time was prospering and excelling. The Islamic society was at its peak. A lot of development was done in Science and literature. Many excellent libraries were constructed. While people like Ibn-eSina, Al-Razi, Jabir Bin Hayyan were studying and books like “Arabian Nights” were being written, this man was looting and plundering, enjoying what others had got from hard work. Living in his palace of slums where people had to obey him. Often people would tell him: “O Ali Baba, Fear Allah, the caliph might not be able to catch you but Allah is always watching you. The Quran says in Surah Maida: [As for] the thief, the male and the female, amputate their hands in recompense for what they committed as a deterrent [punishment] from Allah. And Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise.”

He would reply arrogantly “I will handle it but let me enjoy this life.” “O Ali Baba, again the Quran says: But if the thief repents after his crime, and amends his conduct, Allah turneth to him in forgiveness; for Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful. So you should ask for forgiveness…” Then he would become furious. “Who are you to tell me to leave my work? AlMahmood slay him.” “But…”Al Mahmood would say. “Should I tell Al-Kasim to slay both of you?” “Sorry Sir.” Such was the attitude of Ali Baba, arrogant and proud, unaware that his actions in this world could cause him great harm in Hereafter. Whenever people would suddenly espy a dust cloud rising high in air moving rapidly towards them, and when they closely considered it, they would descry a troop of horsemen riding and about to reach them. The horsemen: young, active, carrying weapons and doughty riders. At this sight they would be sore

alarmed, and fearing lest perchance they were a band of bandits led by Ali Baba who would slay them and loot their belongings. Frightened, they would begin to run. Many a times, the authorities would trace him down but that didn’t matter, Ali Baba would change his residence. Bounty of 500 coins was promised to anyone who would tell about Ali Baba’s whereabouts. Though everybody knew where he was nobody ever dared to tell the authorities. Ali Baba would usually say to his bandit family: “O my followers, This Tigris River also acknowledges my success. It flows fast when I smuggle rich things. It will become dark when I die.” By chance, this had become true. Ali Baba would sometimes go to the weekly “bazaar” in disguise of an oil merchant. He told the people he did this to be aware of the public opinion about him. In the bazaar he would talk about the law and order of the caliphate. By default, the conversation would end by everyone saying: “It’s impossible to catch Ali Baba.”

Ali Baba would then return, happy to see the positive results of his investigation. At his back the other bandits would talk about the cruelty of their boss and their need to work for him. “I hate that person.” “Me too.” “I want to leave this job.” “No, my brother, he would kill you, he would trace you.” “So what?” “You would die.” “It’s better to die in the name of Allah than to live by killing others.” Many people were killed this way. Ali Baba would call himself “Shaitan Al-Arz”: The Demon on earth. But what had he done that he bore such a heinous title and was such melancholic. Lets see:

Chapter:1 THE PERFECT HEIST “I am done with it.” Fareed exclaimed “What do you mean?” the confused Vice Counsellor, Babur asked. “I am leaving…” “What you are deserting the ‘Azeem Arba’ (The Mighty Four) group of ours?” Saleem was stunned. Amidst this all, there was the mastermind sitting, listening carefully, and thinking if Fareed left he might spill the secrets, and then who would help us in buying stuff. So either we convince him to stay here or…..execute him. “Why are you so quite Ali Baba? Speak up!” Babur spoke in an authoritative tone. “Fareed why are you leaving us?” Ali Baba finally spoke in a hoarse manner.

“I am bored with these small smuggling and looting, the money is coming slow.” “Well Ali Baba I agree with Fareed here.” Babur spoke carefully and tactfully. “To be honest, I too agree. I have to spend a lot of money on exporting stuff and what I get is almost nothing.” Saleem also agreed. “Jump to the conclusion.” Ali Baba read their minds “Let’s hunt for something big.” They said in a chorus. “Big? Like what?” Ali Baba had deduced right. “Some gold artifact perhaps….” Babur gave a suggestion. This meeting was being held in the Vice Counsellor’s rest room. Four evil geniuses of that time had gathered for tea but what they were reaching to was perhaps the biggest crime in the history of Baghdad. Babur was a healthy and fit person, sharp wit and quick to answer, his these abilities had helped him to be made the Vice Counsellor of the Caliph; a noble position but he wanted more and then he allied with Ali Baba in return of Ali Baba’s protection and invincibility.

Saleem was a fat and short heighted man with a big beard. He was the in charge to control all the exports and imports of country and that’s how he came to know about Ali Baba and joined him. Fareed was the notorious of them all. Huge in physique but small with brain, he always created a mess in their perfect plans. He controlled the market of Baghdad and he supplied things to Ali Baba and his thieves. Ali Baba has aready been introduced to the readers. “Babur, I can’t shoot at something without knowing if it even exists. Let’s be particular.” Ali Baba said “I’ve heard about a beautiful crown coming from Turkey here. It will reach in a month’s time. The Caliph has ordered it and people say it’s worth thousands of gold coins.” Saleem expressed his opinion “That is what I wanted.” Ali Baba “So what do you say Ali Baba, would your men be able to loot it and get it?” Fareed asked “You see it’s not as easy as that, it’s like messing with the Caliph himself, it will cause a lot of unrest

and turmoil. I need some time to think.” Ali Baba answered. “Ok so friends until this man thinks why we don’t enjoy the special tea, my chef can make.” Babur told them All of them departed except Ali Baba. He was watching the sand dunes in the distance. Suddenly there was a gleam of light and then nothing. Whatever….he needed to focus….. He needed a complex plan for this task to be completed. If he got caught this time, which can’t surely happen, he would be given a death sentence for sure and even if he didn’t get caught all fingers would be pointing towards him not Babur, not Saleem nor Fareed. For so many years they had used him to complete their illegal crimes but in return they had given him invincibility. ‘Let’s just leave it for a moment and join the others.’ Ali Baba thought. As he entered the dim lit room, a thought struck him and just like his other perfect plans it came to him it was just different in one way that it was even more perfect.

“Saleem, when is it arriving?” “You mean the ship carrying the crown?” “Yes…” “In a month’s time.” “That’s good.” “So have you given it a thought Ali Baba?” Fareed inquired. “I am good to go.” The five words echoed throughout the Vice Counsellors home until Babur chuckled “Seems like we are in for a big catch this time.” “Yup” Saleem too rejoiced “But how are we going to do it?” suddenly Fareed thought this and a grim look came over his face. “Easy, as it arrives at the border, Ali Baba’s men dressed as the Caliph’s soldier take it and bring it to our secret hideout.” Babur said “No, this will be easy traceable and we will need proper documents.” Saleem replied. “I say we loot the caravan of Caliph’s crown after its arrival before it has reached the caliph and kill

everyone to eliminate all doubts and then when the matter would be at rest Saleem can go to some other country to sell the crown on the Caliph’s behalf.” Fareed suggested. “It’s not that easy to go to a jeweler and say ‘hey what would you take for this crown?’” Saleem intervened “Or when the Caliph has taken it we can sneak into the palace and get it.” Saleem continued “Not as easy as it seems.” Babur confirmed Yet again the others were busy in some non-sense talk though Ali Baba had thought about the plan and in his mind the plan had started to execute. “Silence friends….” Ali Baba interrupted. “Oops seems like we forgot that the mastermind is here.” Saleem taunted. “Heheheheheh” Fareed gave a fake laugh. Ali Baba ignored them and continued: “All of you are talking about how we should loot the crown after it has entered Baghdad but I say how about if we loot it even before it has arrived in Baghdad.”

Silence followed as Ali Baba had expected “We capture the ship without someone knowing, everyone still thinking that the caliph will get the throne and it’s on the way but on its way, the throne simply disappears. Actually it would be deported to Fareed’s house from where he would send it to Babur and finally it will be sent to our Cave. Silence…. “Who will allow them to pass and carry it without informing the authorities?” Saleem asked “That’s where you come in.” “But…if you get caught…..” Babur said “Excuse me…kindly let me rephrase it ‘if we get caught’….proceed now.” Ali Baba cynically interrupted. “You are clever aren’t you Ali Baba? Pulling us into it so if WE get caught only you would not be in trouble.” Fareed exclaimed “Partially true….” Ali Baba said. “And what do you mean by partially true?” Saleem asked

“WE WOULD NEVER BE GET CAUGHT.” Ali Baba exclaimed and the party soon departed thus having decided the plan for the big HEIST.

Chapter: 2 AL-KURSI: THE CURSED SHIP It was a hot evening when Sawood Bin Yousaf was praying to His Lord for some money or work by which he could get some money for the welfare of his sick mother when a messenger from the Provincial Minister House of Turkey told him that he was the captain of the ship which was to deliver the Caliph’s new throne to Baghdad through River Tigris. It was a golden chance and chances like these didn’t come too often and he accepted it. He was glad and thanked Allah Almighty for granting him such a good fate……perhaps. On the big day, he was escorting the other resources like eatables and tools on board. By observing him anybody could tell that he was very calm but his heart was beating like crazy. Finally he had got the chance and such a big chance.

Al- Kursi, the majestic ship had two masts, each huge and making it more grand and royal. The crew all was in a jolly mood, it was a short journey and there was little danger of pirates while the reward was huge. Captain Sawood was in his cabin, pondering over his luck, now and then he would come on the board to see if they were heading the right way and then he would return contented. Being a devoted, pious believer Captain Sawood made all his crew offer the five prayers on board and no one had any objections. It was the 2nd day when Captain Sawood smelled something fishy among the crew. During the lunch time, one of the crew member, Ibn Fahad was whispering something to other members in a very suspicious manner. Ibn Fahad as known by others belonged to a stripped family and enlisted himself as a sailor for the Caliphâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ships He still had problems coping up with the expenditures. He was one of the steward of Al-Kursi and nobody had

shown any remonstrance to his services for the ship until now. The captain had sensed trouble and he went to Ibn Fahad after the lunch and naively started the conversation: “Is there something wrong?” “What wrong Captain?” “I mean some mutual problem with me or some other superintendent.” “Nay, I not like others. I am as happy as a clown.” Captain Sawood gave one last long skeptical glare to him and let the matter rest. After all what could this one meek and feeble steward do? He thought and thanked God yet again for not making him a cranky and crazy man like Ibn Fahad. At night when the captain had retired to his room, Ibn Fahad went in the dormitory where the other sea farers lived. His eyes were glowing, full of enthusiasm as if he was on a big objective. His one step towards the door had seemed difficult before but now it seemed a soothing walk towards the Eternity. Knock Knock

“What do you want at this time of night?” the dull voice from inside asked. “Ibn Daud, it’s me Ibn Fahad the steward, you told me to meet you at night.” “Oh…come in please.” And he continued “I’m sorry I was just tired after the cumbersome day.” “Yeah….” and he shrugged. “So what was so urgent about which you wanted to talk about.” “Look Ibn Daud, it may seem ambiguous but I want to tell you that I no longer trust Captain Sawood.” “What the devil are you talking about?” “You see Ibn Daud, he has never before this got such a big chance to escort something so grand.” “Quite true but it still doesn’t make sense.” “I fear that he may steer the ship into some hostile territory.” “I doubt you there because there is no water body on which we can travel else Tigris.” “Try to understand Ibn Daud, he might call his fellow traitors to help him hijack this ship and then they may transport the luggage to their desired position.”

“I am getting close to what you are saying but what’s the proof?” “Just watch it tomorrow. See him acting suspiciously.” “Ok. Now can I get a good night’s sleep, a fat man like me really needs heap of sleep.” Ibn Daud drowsily exclaimed. “Hahaha, good night fat man.” And Ibn-Fahad moved on forward with purpose and ambition, to other rooms and repeating the same story again and creating a future problem.

Chapter: 3 THE CAPTAIN IS INFORMED…… “Captain…..” “Ibn Fahad what has overtaken you that you didn’t even seek permission before entering?” the infuriated captain said. “Sir, nobody no longer trusts you….” “What the devil are you talking about?” “Believe me sir, they are planning a coup against you and it is headed by the chief chef Ibn Daud.” “Shut up!” “You’ll regret it sir when they will throw you into the mighty Tigris.” “But why don’t they trust me?” “They believe you will loot the ship yourself….” “My God…..”

“Captain, we need to do something quick because yesterday they asked me to join them but I clearly refused.” Ibn Fahad was expecting some answer but none came so he continued. “From their intentions sir, I could deduce that they themselves basically want to loot the crown.” Still silence, Sawood Bin Yousaf was thinking hard and he soon spoke. “Ibn Fahad, cool down we will reach Baghdad in two days’ time and if we increase our speed, it is possible that tomorrow evening we might be having a scrumptious Arabian Dinner.” The Captain had yet again testified his quality of humbleness by not getting under control of his emotions. “The coup will happen today, sir.” The limit was reached…… “Then we have to do something quick, I wouldn’t be able to bear the guilt of loss of the caliph’s crown.” The tensed Captain said. “May I suggest something sir?”

“Yes?” “We can bury the crown here today right now, and when others ask what we did, we tell them that we were performing a sacred tradition of our family. Then even if they throw you out, you may recover it and take it to the caliph.” “YOU ARE A GENIUS IBN FAHAD….” No doubt there you fool, Ibn Fahad thought “I wonder why you are not the head steward.” The captain continued. “But sir…..” Knock Knock The fat cook came in. On the sight of Ibn Fahad, he stared at him in amazement. Last night this man was telling me that he didn’t trust the captain and now he’s having a private chat…..whacky, Ibn Daud thought. Oh my….the chef’s stares clearly indicate that he will make a barbecue of Ibn Fahad for betraying him….poor child, The captain thought. “Sir…” the chef said putting aside his thoughts.

“Yes?” “Ummm…” What had he come here for? The chef thought. “Speak up you big galoot.” The Captain barked. “Sorry sir, I just kind of forgot.” The clumsy chef lowered his head in shame. I must say that he is a great actor, showing as if he is ashamed and after a couple of hours he will be laughing his belly off on his victory over me, the Captain thought. “Okay go.” My mom always told me to eat almonds for a good memory but I never listened to her…..oof…..there are many decisions which you regret later, the innocent chef thought.

Chapter: 4 THE ACT OF INFAMY Courage and determination was what Sawood Bin Yousaf needed to perform this act of valor where he was accompanied by one and opposed by many. Ibn Fahad and the Captain soon started to implement on their plan. “Ibn Fahad, so now I need you to get an old rusty trunk from the basement.” “Okay Captain.” In no time Ibn Fahad brought an old brown rusty trunk. “Now Ibn Fahad for the climax. Go and secretly bring the crown here in the cabin.” “Me Sir? No Sir I can’t handle this much.” “But you were the one who came up with the plan.” “However Sir you are the protagonist here not me!”

“Quite right that…” the Captain expressed his consent. “So I am going to get it.” The captain finally came to this decision. “And I will sir make sure Sir that nobody sees you while you do it.” The captain nodded. Both of them came out of the cabin, the sun was piercing and Sawood Bin Yousaf thought the atmosphere a bit uncomfortable. Without another word, Sawood Bin Yousaf moved towards the door which contained the crown of the Caliph. Ibn Fahad stood at his guard and much to his disappointment there were very few people on the board and even those were busy in their chores but then: “Hey pal what were you doing in the Captain’s cabin today?” Ibn Daud asked the question which he had been longing to ask from the start of the day. “I think he’s got smell of what I’m doing.” Ibn Fahad replied as coolly as possible. “And what are you up to now?” the chef inquired

“I want to see what he is doing in there. Any way what purpose does this room serve?” Ibn Fahad asked innocently “O Lord….this is the room which has the crown of the Caliph.” “Don’t tell me that…”Ibn Fahad deliberately acted as if he was startled. “That he is trying to steal the crown now.” Ibn Daud completed the sentence for his small yet hero comrade. “Ibn Daud you must hurry and call everyone so everyone may see this.” “But how am I going to tell them the whole long story?” Ibn Daud asked. “Don’t worry about that just call the whole crew here.” Ibn Fahad said in an urgent tone “Okay Sir…..” Ibn Daud replied As Ibn Daud ran to call others one thought troubled him. Why had he called Ibn Fahad ‘Sir’? Perhaps he had been just overcome by emotions….yes that will settle it.

Chapter: 5 CHANGE IN ADMINISTRATION “Hey Captain!” the infuriated chef asked. The Captain when saw all the crowd waiting for him outside was astounded Poor Ibn Fahad they might have captured him…. Indeed he was wrong as he soon saw Ibn Fahad in front with a devilish smile. “Oy! Captain….what am I asking? Are you deaf or has this would-be money made you lose all your senses.” Ibn Daud barked. Then the truth transpired on the Captain. It was all but a trap set up by Ibn Fahad in which he had trodden into and now there was no going back. Ibn Fahad couldn’t be the mastermind of it, certainly it is someone else. “Look guys we need to figure it out.” The Captain replied maintaining his calmness.

“No time for figuring out stuff, you foul beast how can you betray your country and your religion?” Ibn Daud spoke reaching the peak of his rage. “Believe me…..” Sawood Bin Yousaf started “Shut up this folly this instant, you liar.” Ibn Fahad interrupted with enormous anger. “You ought to shut up, you scoundrel.” The Captain getting under control of his emotions spoke “Hey Captain indeed Ibn Fahad had warned rightly about you.” Someone from the crew spoke. “Yes” Someone acknowledged it. Soon there was a chorus of voices, each babbling something else, some saying to kill the captain, some asking what the matter was, some discussing what to do now. The Captain still startled to make a move was frozen in his position. “Oy people what are you watching throw this organic waste which we used to call Captain in a cellar and let him die of starvation if it be.” Ibn Daud exclaimed in an authoritative tone. Now when the Captain under arrest, the crown at its place, Ibn Fahad launched phase-II of his mission.

When everyone had retrieved to their original positions, Ibn Fahad went to Ibn Daud. “Ibn Daud…” He started off “Yes my dear fellow.” Ibn Daud replied “You see the Captain is gone and the position is vacant there must be someone who should fill the place.” Ibn Fahad tactfully and carefully spoke these words not wanting to arouse suspicion. “Why, yes it is quite clear that………”and here Ibn Daud stopped in his tracks That was why I called Ibn Fahad ‘sir’ earlier in the day because somewhere in my conscious I knew that he was going to be the future captain. Ibn Daud thought.

Chapter: 6 FINISHING TOUCH Standing at the place being at the highest rank where once he was at the lowest rank, Ibn Fahad or The New Captain seemed delighted. Now just one thing was needed to make sure that all goes well and he gets his money from the one who had hired him for this work, the one who had programmed the whole scene, Ibn Fahad was only the executioner. The one who was more commonly known as Shaitan-Al-Arz or informally Ali Baba. Now he only had to exchange the lock of the trunk with the one Ali Baba had given him; one with a demon encrypted on it. Ibn Fahad didn’t have the keys to that lock, it was Ali Baba who held them. He just needed to give the trunk to a senior foreign official who would then transport it to Ali Baba’s hideout. Probably the officer was corrupt, how bad to eat out of the earnings of your state thought Ibn Fahad. Anyway he didn’t care about it.

Soon the sun set and Ibn Fahad without any one getting the smell of it exchanged the locks. However later he regretted it perhaps he could get the throne for himself but it was very difficult to devise a plan in so less time. Moreover it would be difficult to hide from Ali Baba’s network of men throughout the Empire. Next day everything went as usual, on the The New Captain’s command the speed was increased and before sunset the lands of Baghdad were visible. By night they had reached the port of Baghdad. Here Ibn Fahad’s work finished. He would get his payment somehow this was confirmed by Ali Baba. All the other crew relieved to end the journey, didn’t waste a minute to get out. However there was one man, surviving on the remains of bread left by someone who had been there before. Hard, rotten and tasteless still they provided enough to keep him alive. However when Al-Kursi anchored he knew it was his time to prove that he was no ordinary man.

Chapter: 7 SALEEM’S PART IN THE PLAN BUT…… From the start Saleem had not liked the plan why had Ali Baba pushed them into the plan. He was a clever fellow indeed. When Saleem had sighted, the two majestic masts of Al-Kursi he was pleased to see the progress as well as nervous as now his turn had started. Nevertheless he just had to pimp one here and another there and then Bingo! His work was done, but these small actions could lead to treason later. Still that was out of the equation because Ali Baba had never been caught. As Al-Kursi anchored on the port, Saleem instantly ordered all near citizens to go away for security purposes and he ordered his servants and other laborers to get away and unload other material. Finally he ordered the best among his men to bring

the throne under the supervision of the Security In charge of the port. “Mr. Saleem, here you go the precious throne of our caliph.” The in charge addressed to his senior who was busy in some thoughts. “Oh, yeah thank you.” Saleem replied. “Don’t thank me, thank Sawood, the captain of the ship.” With this the security in charge showed a man, dark in complexion but had big gloomy eyes and how couldSaleem forget those eyes. He was the man of Ali Baba hired to become Sawood and exchange the lock. Seems like it’s all going as planned. Saleem thought. “Nice to meet you Mr. Sawood.” “Yes sir, it’s an opportunity to meet a man like you.” Ibn Fahad replied. From where the hell does Ali Baba get actors like these? Saleem thought. “May I seek your leave, sir as I’ve got work to do?” Ibn Fahad said while moving on. “Surely.” Salim replied and Ibn Fahad moved on.

“Now Qasim, if you only give me a short respite so I can make sure that the throne is here.” “Very well sir but it would be better to do such a precarious work under a shelter.” The security in charge recommended and moved on. Saleem carefully moved the trunk to his retiring room. He then carefully took out the key which Ali Baba had given him and put it into the demon encrypted lock. He turned the key Click The lock opened and as Saleem opened the trunk, he saw a gleaming, gold made crown on a red cushion. Saleem couldn’t simply stop staring at it. Then a malice aforethought came to him. What if I take the crown in my possession? Surely I can get the most of it. But there was a lot of risk in it, I would have to then tackle with 3 men. If only one thing would happen. If only I could tell to Fareed and Babur what I am thinking, surely they won’t deny a booty like that. Yes, this might be it, this way one portion of the loot will be saved and we might even save ourselves from getting into any trouble by accusing Ali Baba of this crime.

Saleem couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t suppress his feelings for long and he soon hid the crown at a safe place and set to write a letter to Fareed and Babur telling them about his intentions. Each letter was handed to a messenger, who had to deliver it without opening it or handing it to somebody. Saleem expected to see the two men early in the morning and he wanted to get a good nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sleep before such a big day thus he went to sleep but that night a peculiar incident happened: Ali Baba was killedâ&#x20AC;Ś..

Chapter: 8 A TWIST IN THE PLAN Unaware of the fact that Ali Baba had been killed, Saleem woke up jolly next day, expecting to see Babar and Fareed he moved to the visiting room but there was no one there. Perhaps they are late was what Saleem thought but then Knock Knock “Come in whoever you may be.” Saleem carelessly spoke. As Saleem turned to see who was coming now, he was surprised to see two figures in a black veil. As they revealed their veil, Saleem was stunned to see no one else but his very own Fareed and Babur. “Now what might have caused this?” Saleem inquired feeling something wrong. “Don’t tell me you don’t know. “Babur exclaimed.

“What do you mean?” Saleem asked. “Ali Baba is dead.” Fareed replied coldly A state of terror cropped up in Saleem’s mind. That scoundrel died on purpose just to make us die as well. He already knew that we were going to do something wrong. Still controlling his emotions Saleem said: “How did the life of that mastermind came to an end?” Saleem solemnly asked. “He was strolling in a veil late night yesterday for some unknown purpose when he was killed by a stone thrown by somebody.” Babur answered “Who was that somebody?” Saleem poked him for another answer “The real captain of Al-Kursi.” Babur said creating a serious tone “Whoa!” Saleem expressed his surprise “Babur, I was wondering how the people knew it was Ali Baba who was killed.” Fareed innocently asked. “Well the appearance fitted exactly what many eye witnesses had given.” Babur replied “So what do we do now?” Saleem said

“What do you mean? Ali Baba’s men are on our hunt and….” Fareed wailed “Cut that short, why are they doing that?” Saleem asked “They think we are not going to give them the throne, which Ali Baba had promised them.” Babur replied. “Which to be honest we are doing.” Fareed intervened. “Shut up Fareed!” Saleem blurted “Well what if we tell the caliph that we are being wrongly followed, we don’t have throne and we don’t know who has it then?” “How is he going to believe that?” Babur cynically asked “Yeah what’s the proof of that?” Fareed teased Saleem “Sawood Bin Yousaf” was Saleems short answer.

Chapter: 9 THE CAPTAIN STRIKES Due to his extraordinary act of valor, Sawood Bin Yousaf was taken in as a hero. Nobody had ever seen Ali Baba but he had somehow managed to kill him. After a good breakfast and a dressing up, Sawood Bin Yousaf was now going to meet the caliph to receive the medal of courage. “Hail our hero, Sawood Bin Yousaf.” The sentence was spoken by each individual present outside Sawood’s shelter. Before Sawood left to meet the Caliph, his attendant told him that three noble men wanted to meet him. Sawood irrelevant of the knowledge who these men were called them in. The three men came in and feeling their presence Sawood yet again felt a bit uncomfortable.

“Assalam-o-Alaikum” the three men greeted in chorus “Walaik-um-Asalam” Sawood replied “Dear brother, you may not know us now but once we introduce ourselves you may recognize us.” “Please the introduce yourself.” “I am Saleem, I control the trade of Baghdad.” “I am Fareed, I control the market of Baghdad.” “I am Babur, the Vice Counsellor to the caliph.” “My, my I am delighted to see three such great men under one roof.” Sawood expressed his feelings “Well man, you should have said 4, include yourself into it” Babur remarked trying to flatter Sawood “Well Sawood, how were you able to kill him?” Saleem inquired. “Huh, well when I came out of the ship, I was too weak to even move but I dragged myself to a hotel, ate to my heart’s content from the little money I had in my pocket and then I sat thinking of the fate that had befallen on me.” “The fate you mean that your ship was hijacked cleverly.”

Saleem intervened. “Very cleverly indeed but then I thought who might have done this because Ibn Fahad was acting on the stage but there was someone behind the scenes and well then the name came to my mind in a flash it could be the worst of them: Shaitan Al Arz. I left the hotel determined to kill the man, on the way I saw a veiled figure. By his movements I could easily deduce he was a man disguised in woman clothes and seeing only a stone nearby, I threw that on him with my full force. It hit him on the head. I thought he would be a common burglar or a man of Shaitan but it later turned out that it was the Shaitan himself.” “Clearly a true courageous act.” Fareed appreciated “By the way Mr. Saleem, how come did you know about my fate?” Sawood asked “Well that’s why we are here.” Babur answered before Saleem could answer. “Please let me narrate my account here.” Saleem took permission “Go on.” Sawood replied with haste yet respect. “You see when Al-Kursi anchored on the port, one of the crew members pointed out to me that there was ‘an organic waste’ in the cellar. Unable to identify

what he meant, I ignored him. Soon I ordered the trunk to be brought and well the trunk was empty. The throne was not there.” “Where is it now?” Sawood asked in utmost anxiety. “I am coming to that. Well I immediately wrote to Babur and Fareed to tell them about the incident. Early this morning I saw them coming to me in veils. Well they told me that the men of Ali Baba are hunting for us while Ali Baba dead.” “Why are his men hunting for you?” Sawood again asked “They think we have got the throne.” Babur replied “Which we haven’t.” Fareed added. “Gentlemen! I know who has the crown, it is Ibn Fahad, the men who trapped me, and he was acting on his own, without taking orders from someone.” Sawood proudly contributed. “That is highly possible.” Saleem remarked. “But why did you tell me that?” Sawood asked “We want you to go to the caliph.” Babur answered “Luckily I am already going there…” Sawood said “No not to receive the medal.” Saleem cut him short

“Then for what?” Sawood curiously asked “To be as the proof that it is not us, not Ali Baba, not his men not anyone else but a clever traitor who has got the Caliph’s crown.” Fareed exclaimed.

Chapter: 10 THE CALIPH IS INFORMED “Al Khalifa -Musta'sim-Billah Abu-Ahmad Abdullah bin al-Mustansir-Billah presents the medal of valor to Sawood Bin Yousaf for his extraordinary courage and actions.” The courtier announced As the announcement finished, the caliph himself stepped down to present a gold medal to the Sawood. The caliph was laced in gold jewelries and was surrounded by luxuries and comforts. Sawood who had never expected such a moment in his life took the medal with utmost humbleness. It was the greatest moment of his life and he could perceive himself floating on the ground, he couldn’t feel his foot, his body had gone dumb due to the immense delight and nervous anxiety. Soon the court was dismissed and the caliph retired to his private room. Before long his servant came:

“The Vice Counsellor, his two fellows and Sawood wish to see you Al Khalifa.” “Bring them in.” The caliph formally answered “Assalam-o-Alaikum Al Khalifa.” The group greeted from a distance “Walaik um Salam, what has brought you here my fellows?” The caliph answered. “Your throne.” Babur answered in two words. “What do you mean?” and a serious expression came on the caliph’s face “It’s gone.” Babur exclaimed with his head bowed down. “Who in the world dares to do it? It certainly is the Shaitan but now he’s gone, so where is it?” The caliph stood up full of anger “This is the problem, Ali Baba wanted to get it but never got it. It is someone else” Babur exclaimed Babur wanted Ibn Fahad not to get caught because this way the chain of people might be traced to them. “Oh Khalifa, it is a clever traitor Ibn Fahad who tricked me and the whole crew on the ship and took the crown.” Sawood spoke

The caliph now faced Sawood. “And well ever since I’ve been taking you as a brave man and yet you were tricked by a common man and you let him away. Where is he now?” The caliph asked “In this city.” Babur exclaimed “How do you know that?” the caliph curious to get the answer asked. “My friend, Saleem is at the port (he points towards Saleem) he says he has not seen him leave the city.” Babur answered “Is it true Saleem?” The Caliph inquired “Yes.” Saleem spoke. “Very well then he will not be able to escape from the pursuit of my soldiers.” The caliph remarked and carried on “Yassin…” the caliph ordered “Yes Ya Khalifa.” The weak servant came in “Order Al-Abdullah to send his troops throughout the city to find a man which befits the description of Sawood. Make sure that every house, every slum is

checked and…..” but before the caliph could finish his messenger burst in and blurted: “Ya Khalifa, Ya Khalifa outside the city….” He spoke in haste. “Zip up, I am busy in an important work.” “It is urgent” he spoke “Whatsoever it is tell me about it 1 week later.” The caliph said. “But then it would be too late.” The messenger “Let it be late even if it destroys the city it is not urgent as this and now Yassin go and deliver my orders to Abdullah.”

Chapter: 11 IBN FAHAD IS CAUGHT From the instant Abdullah received the orders, a complete search was ordered throughout the city. Soldiers were given special training for this task and they were then given a sector of Baghdad to search for. Each sector’s search party was led by a senior official appointed by the Chief General Abdullah and the senior officials were also monitored by him. It was a flawless and an extremely careful system of management. Now Sawood Bin Yousaf’s image was quite promoted in the eyes of the public. He had not only eliminated the biggest and greatest criminal but was now also of great assistance for the retrieval of Caliph’s new throne. The three influential figures were now also praised in the public for their honesty and loyalty to the empire

and the caliph. However they themselves were not okay with what was happening. They dreaded the fact that Ibn Fahad knew that Saleem was a corrupt official and he might drag Saleem into the pit before falling himself. On the contrary in this case Babur and Fareed would not bear any harm and will still be able to get the throne and probably help their third friend. What would happen exactly when Ibn Fahad would be brought to court was still a mystery. They just wanted Ibn Fahad not to get caught so they could maintain their prestige as well as the looted throne. They simply now regretted the moment they had gone to Sawood. They had not planned it well, this they knew and they were also well aware that the end might be catastrophic. As for Ibn Fahad, he was quite puzzled of what was happening, nobody had ever told him about this part of the plan and he had decided to reveal all the plan if he ever got caught. When he had heard about the mass search operation, he had disguised himself as a poor beggar and enlisted himself as a sailor to any leaving ship with a different name so he could flee. However this had borne no fruit as departure of

ships was scrutinized by the naval officers and this was the safest way to leave the city. The search operation had been unsuccessful up to now but it was done efficiently and it was impossible for the victim to relieve himself. Soon Ibn Fahad’s name and his rough sketch was posted on every street of Baghdad with a big bounty and a medal promised. Now Ibn Fahad had to go total underground, for this he became a servant at a house. Thanks to the fact that he had nothing with which he could cut his moustache, his appearance was changed. Still he could never get past the bounds of law and one day he was caught. He was outside on the path outside his master’s house when a group of soldiers came to his master with a photo of Ibn Fahad. This had now become quite normal and Ibn Fahad sat there looking and thanking Allah how He was saving him from the soldiers. Then suddenly something awkward happened the soldiers came to Ibn Fahad to ask if he had seen the man. Ibn Fahad petrified by this unexpected and terrible encounter couldn’t answer but before he could answer one of the soldiers in the

group exclaimed;”Wait a second, this guy looks the same as Ibn Fahad.” As quick as lightning the reality transpired on the soldiers and they fell upon Ibn Fahad like hungry cougars felling on a deer. Ibn Fahad who was still dazed was taken aback by this surprise attack and couldn’t defend himself. He was arrested, and under heavy security was taken to the Palace where he would be tried for the theft of the caliph’s throne.

Chapter: 12 THE TRIAL AND RESULTS The court was set. In the center was the majestic yet angry caliph. On the right were his courtiers and on the left were the witnesses and people related to the case. On the call of the caliph, Ibn Fahad was brought in the court, he was dressed in rags but still he moved confidently as if he had some motives which he wanted to complete from this venture. “Obaid Bin Fahad, you have been convicted for the theft of the caliph’s throne. Here your punishment would be announced for the horrendous crime which you did.” One of the courtiers exclaimed loudly. “Indeed, I carried out this act of shame “ Ibn Fahad replied regretfully but suddenly changing his tone he fell to his knees and continued:

“But if oh my caliph! If you would be just you would listen to my wail.” This was an unexpected reply and there were soon murmurs and whispers throughout the court everyone wondering how this case would end regardless of the fact that the caliph was present. There were three people to whom this sentence was most poking. They had to do something or else their fate….. “What might be the wail of a sly snake who has bitten many and is now going to be punished for his acts?” The caliph asked. “If you allow Al-Khalifa I may tell you about a fact which might be of utmost importance to you and which might open your eyes and reveal to you the true identity of some of your loyalist.” Ibn Fahad took permission. Now there was complete disorder each thinking of the crimes they had done and worrying if there secrets were to be unveiled. Some thinking about the bribe they had accepted something about the small portion they take from the empire’s goods and some about their jobbery. However the loyalists in the mind of Ibn Fahad themselves knew that it was

them the criminal was talking about. They had to stop him, it was now or never. “Shut this delusion, this instant.” The Vice Councilor spoke and almost everyone in the court criticized him of speaking in a matter in which he was not told to. “Babur let me hear his piece of information.” The caliph took his decision. “Al-Khalifa, I have some important…” The messenger burst while entering the court on a sullen horse. “What is the problem with you?” the caliph spoke “There is a whole great big ar...” The messenger spoke “Let the matter be at rest, until I am over with this case.” The caliph took his decision and facing to Ibn Fahad told him to continue. “But…”the messenger still spoke “Go and don’t come up in this court for one week’s time.” The caliph gave a final decision and the messenger left. “Yes now Ibn Fahad, what were you saying?” The caliph faced Ibn Fahad.

“Thank you Al Khalifa” Ibn Fahad gratefully said and with a sudden twist of tone carried on: “I was just the executioner of the plan, the mastermind has well….died and May his soul rest in…..” before he could finish the courtiers filled it with ‘hell’. Irritated by the sudden interruption Ibn Fahad carried on; “You all courtiers might be gentler than me but he was a man and we can’t decide his Fate, its Allah alone who can do that but never mind lets carry on forward. I was told by Ali Baba that a senior official at the port would take charge of the trunk and after that my scene was over. I did as I was instructed and gave the trunk to that official.” “Who might that official be? His name?” The caliph inquired “You might not believe it but it was this man” and Ibn Fahad pointed out to Saleem who was already facing down knowing about his fate. There was a rush of whispers throughout the caliph each scolding Saleem of the unwise act. The caliph gazed at his senior port official unable to believe it. “Why may I believe you?” the caliph asked.

“Al-Khalifa ask this man himself if he has your throne or not.” Ibn Fahad venomously remarked This was enough to trigger unrest among audience and the caliph now gazed towards him as if he was a cannibal who was going to devour Saleem alive. “Is it true, Saleem?” The caliph asked. A state of confusion, overtook Saleem, if he told the truth he would face the punishment; instant but painful, if he lied he would get safe but would have to tell lies throughout the life and live with the guilt; continuous but could tackle the punishment. What should he do? This thought was bumping in his mind again and again and he finally came to a decision he had not been able to adorn his Worldly life but with a truth he might be able to rectify his Hereafter. “Yes, I did.” Saleem spoke. The soldiers stood up waiting for the order to kill the hypocrite. “Remarkable confidence and good to see that you told the truth.” The caliph praised in a non-praising tone. “However I would like to mention that the two men beside me here; Babur and Fareed were equally

participating in the plan but their turn never came.” Saleem spoke as plainly as he could. “Liar” Babur exclaimed “He is trying to trap us” Babur shouted and he took Saleem from his neck and tried to kill him by constricting his neck. Soldiers soon ran to free the two but before the matter could become better it worsened: “Yes we did commit the crime and not only this many before like the theft of the architectures from the museum. Everybody thought it was Ali Baba but we were equally participating.” Fareed said. What? This Fareed always pushes us into pits, how can I get save now I am trapped and trapped from all sides. This Sawood Bin Yousaf, he caused all this and after this he would be a hero if only…… Babur thought. “Ya Khalifa this Sawood Bin Yousaf is also our partner.” Babur spoke before the caliph could think about the previous thing. “What?” Sawood Bin Yousaf roared who was already fancying about the rewards he would get after the caliph gets his crown back.

Ibn Fahad was watching all this intently, pleased to see the chaos he had created in the four once great men. “He is lying Ya Khalifa, I have come from Turkey, and I have come to Baghdad for the first time.” Sawood stated a fact which he himself had quite forgotten. The last hook had fallen Babur thought. “Let there be silence.” The caliph burst out to calm the audience which had expected to see some official hearing but was witnessing a true drama. “I, Caliph Al-Mustasim, declare Saleem Bin Ali, Babur Bin Saad, Fareed Bin Musab and Obaid Bin Fahad as the thieves of the Caliph’s crown. Their hands be cut and their personalities be made an example for all coming generations as ruthless and thieves. However before you leave, you are compelled to give the whereabouts of the throne.” The Caliph gave his decision and moved to his private room after an exhausting session. Though Saleem told the exact location of the throne it was never restored and was considered to be somewhere near that. It was never found and the caliph made no further search as he was already

over with the case. The criminalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hands were cut, their jobs taken, their property taken by government and they were made a living example of evilness and were considered agents of devil on earth. However the devil himself was lurking out of laws bounds and its imagination.

Chapter 13 THE DEVILâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GAME He rotated the throne in his hand. Observing its majestic glamour. Beautiful thought Ali Baba. The perfectly imperfect plan that was what had took place. It was his most imperfect yet the most perfect plan. He sat there thinking of the plan. It was indeed clever to pull the three fools in. Then giving Saleem the key was a bit problematic but otherwise Saleem would have never thought of taking the crown for himself. Yet the biggest nail in the board was when his death had been announced. Ali Baba was sleeping when one of his men had come to make sure that Ali Baba was well. It was some poor little man who was so feeble that the miser creature had been killed by just a stone on his head. Poor man. Still he resembled to Ali Baba and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why all had gone perfectly wrong. Everybody thought that Ali Baba was dead

but he was alive. Then he had planned to retrieve the throne. It was simple. He knew about Salim’s office. Just a tad work of his lock picker and he was in the office. Under the Turkish mat which they had stolen from a famous carpet dealer was a concealed opening. The opening was just enough for the trunk to be there and indeed the trunk was there. His men had easily carried it to Ali Baba’s abode while the whole army was busy searching for Ibn Fahad. For the future, he had thought. He would give up this. He had already started the construction of a mosque in Turkey and there he would emerge as an Imam. He would rightfully earn that title. Then he would neutralize his sins with the virtues he would do. He had enjoyed this World and now he was trying to beautify his Afterlife. He would offer Tauba and would literally turn into an Imam. As for the looted wealth he would distribute it among the poor’s, this would be his first act of kindness. Still for all of this he needed to be a bit careful a bit that was it. However Allah had decided something else. Ali Baba was not to turn into an Imam. He was to be

destroyed by the Hulagu Khan. Ali Baba had to pay for his sins.

Chapter:14 The end of the city It was the year 1258 when Mongols arrived in Baghdad. Their army, estimated at over 150,000 soldiers, stood before the city that was just a shadow of the great capital of the Muslim world of the 800s. On February 13th, 1258, the Mongols lead by Hulagu Khan, the grandson of Genghis Khan, entered the city of the caliphs. A full week of pillage and destruction commenced. The Mongols showed no exception, destroying mosques, hospitals, libraries, and palaces. The books from Baghdadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s libraries were thrown into the Tigris River in such quantities that the river ran black with the ink from the books. The world will never truly know the extent of what knowledge was lost forever when those books were thrown into the river or burned. More important than the books, however, was the loss of life. It is estimated that between 200,000 and 1,000,000 people were butchered in that one week of destruction. Baghdad was left completely depopulated and uninhabitable.

756 YEARS LATER 10,872km AWAY

Chapter:1 MEETING WITH THE PRESIDENT He was nervous extremely nervous to meet the president. His body was calm but not his mind. Amidst a couple of serious looking men he was being led to the Office of the president. Despite the nervousness he couldn’t stop himself from observing the White House. Grand he thought. As they approached near a door the two men parted sideways and gestured him to move into the room. Astonished by the very fact that the president was awaiting him, Alton Alexavier failed to move. One of the man gestured again after which Alton returned to reality. He stepped forward knocked at the door and there was a swift response from a heavy voice: ‘Come In’ He stepped into the room where the mind that ran the state worked. He didn’t want to show his stupefaction and thus looked at the figure who had

called him. He was the same in reality as he was on TV. “As I presume you are the Head Of CIA, Alton Alexavier.” Mr. President spoke first Ashamed not to have greeted first Alton sheepishly replied in approval. Alton Alexavier had the story of rags and riches. He had been born poor and brought up poor until the day he had been transferred to CIA from Army, where he quickly climbed ranks just because of his extraordinary cajolery. There was nothing luminary in his personality but none could deny his authority. “Mr. Alton I would like you to tell me about the NEST of yours.” Mr. President spoke with clarity and authority. “Oh the NEST Wing, surely Sir.” Alton answered. “So brief me about the members…” Mr. President spoke “Sir there are ten members in the NEST. Their civilian names have been kept secret but if you desire so I can…..” “No, carry on please”

“So there are ten members and their code names are: 1. Eagle 2. Hawk 3. Kite 4. Woodpecker 5. Kingfisher 6. Duck 7. Chicken 8. Owl 9. Parrot 10. Vulture” “Impressive” clearly Mr. President was impressed as he remarked this. “These all sir have different abilities and responsibilities. Eagle is the head of the NEST, he is a experienced well-built man. He operates from distance but sometimes on special case can operate on field. Hawk and Kite are both action men. They operate specifically on field with weapons and if required then without weapons. They can get you any job done by force. Woodpecker is the sentry

gunner of the NEST. Usually he is deployed for open field activities but he can be the same with pistol as he would be with a SMG. He is muscular which helps him with motility of the sentry gun in defense positions. The Kingfisher also acts from distance. He is the sniper and can snipe from long range without the target having any idea. He is great for stealth missions where one has to operate from distance. The Duck is the only female member of the NEST. She works where water flows. She can blast a whole submarine with mines and can swim faster than many Olympic athletes. The Chicken is the fat man in the group. His huge weight doesn’t allow him to operate on field like due to its weight the chicken can’t fly. He has his own advantages. He is the brain whiz. He can hack into any computer, and can be of real use in this technological era. The Owl works on field only in night. Then he can take on a platoon with one hand. At day time The Owl turns into a cryptographer solving codes and deciphering them not only in bounds for NEST but for other CIA’s wings as well. The Parrot’s loquacity earns him his title. He can negotiate with anyone and can give you huge profits while the other gets nothing. It has been many a times when many field agents had been imprisoned by criminal masterminds but then they

would fell for Parrot, who would talk and busy them with his talk just to but time for his mates. Last but not the least Vulture finishes off these things, he can hush up any incident let it be a bomb blast in Times Square. So Sir this is the NEST.” The president who had been listening with utmost attention and excitement and was pondering over the fact if really such an institution existed now remarked: “I am impressed by this NEST of yours. I admit there has been some exaggeration” he looked at Alton cynically and continued: “but I have already heard much about its extraordinary achievements. However one cannot form a true judgment until you one has tested them themselves.” Alton suddenly knew the purpose of this call. A mission from the president for the NEST. How happy Eagle would be? “The matter I want this NEST to handle is of utmost importance and caution. One wrong move and our foreign image is destroyed. I want you to read this file.” And he handed over a file to Alton.

“However before you leave I want you to tell me about the civilian life of these people.” The President had been longing to ask this question from the start. “Ah! Quite simple sir. All of them lived quite a normal life. They all were observed by surveillance cameras 24/7. They all were selected to be the members of NEST. This happened as one day an ‘accident’ transpired with each of them. Some were engaged in a car accident some in fire accident. Some in food poisoning. To sum up consequently all of them were taken to hospital where doctors had to operate them. These operations were successfully done by CIA’s hired doctors. Though the patient was fine but his family was told he had died. Another dead body was handed over to the family with the same physique and features etc. After the recovery all of them were given special training and thus they became the NEST.” “Gruesome as it is but no problem. However I would like to ask if these people miss their family.” “On festive occasions like Christmas etc.” “Okay one last question before you leave Mr. Alton, what are the origins of these people?”

“Well 4 of them are either British or American, Vulture and Woodpecker are Spanish. Owl is French. Duck is from Russia. Parrot is from South America and King Fisher is Italian. And for your further information sir they were given special linguistics course to learn each other’s language, now they all are well aware of each other’s language, culture and country etc. As for the favoritism for their homeland, I ensure you that none cares more for their homeland than they care for the job they have.” “I must appreciate your choice Mr. Alton. Now I want you to read the file. Debrief about this to the NEST and send them to do this mission.” With these words Mr. President opened another file thus politely gesturing Alton to leave. As he left the White Palace and started his journey towards the headquarters of his Agency, he felt proud and looked forward to the day.

Chapter:2 THE NEST “Hey Chicken, come out of your den.” “I am working on a special project. It needs to be completed by today.” The man who was known as Hawk amongst his colleagues pounded on the door until it was on the verge of breaking. “What’s the problem Hawk?” a fat man came out of the door, he had dimples on his face and had curly ginger hair, he was Chicken. “Actually we have just planned a prank me and Kite are going to play on the wise Owl, wanna join us….naah you ought to join us because we need your hacking skills.” Hawk spoke with utmost quickness and eagerness. Kite, who was though smaller in height than the Hawk but bigger in brains was usually the mastermind of pranks. His intellect was limited to pranks. He now said:

“Please Chicken don’t refuse, you ought to help us this time.” “OK. Tell me whats the plan is.” Chicken spoke trying to appear interested. Kite continued: “So Owl is gonna receive an unknown email from an unknown id asking him to break an extremely complicated code…” “Hold it, what would be that code?” Chicken intervened “Actually those would be the first 20 letters, words, or symbols that would come in Hawks mind.” “Actually I’ve already started.” Hawk proudly announced Kite carried on forward: “So Owl sets on to decipher the code…” “Why would Owl be convinced to solve the code?” Chicken again couldn’t suppress himself “Well the email would state that if he doesn’t Alton Alexavier would be assassinated on his way from the White House to CIA.”

“Hey, has Alton gone to White House…nobody told me!” Chicken burst again. “Actually we heard it from Eagle and you were in your self-imposed occultation.” Hawk replied Some distance away, two well-built men were sitting, one of them could be well said to be a Heavy Weight Champion and other was thinner, his face was full of scars, he wore a beret, he was Kingfisher. The muscular one had a punk hairstyle which never went unnoticed, he was the Woodpecker. Both of them were polishing and cleaning their tools of use, their weapons. They used to do this daily. “Heard about Alton going to White House eh?” Kingfisher spoke in a low voiced tone. He didn’t speak like this deliberately, hoarse work and stealth missions had made this style his permanent style. “Hell, I don’t give a shot to what is the mission, give me a weapon and give me the target and if you don’t see him being blown to smithereens bombard me with an atom bomb.” Woodpecker spoke in a rough manner.

“Calm down brother, I was just thinking why Alton was called there.” Kingpecker spoke in an assuring tone. “Whatever, I reckon it’s none of our business what happens to CIA or what missions does CIA get. “ Woodpecker again replied briskly “Hmmm” was Kingfishers only reply. In the very east of the building, Parrot and Duck were sitting in the café of the building. Parrot was lean and tall. He wore glasses and had large green eyes and black hair, which were always combed too perfectly. Duck was the same physique a swimmer should be. She rarely took part in activities in which other NEST members did. She was arrogant as she knew it very well that no one could perform in the field in which she performed with such expertise. “Duck, why don’t you interact with all of us?” Parrot asked “You speak too much Parrot.” Duck replied wanting to finish the topic “No! I mean you are too full of yourself.” Parrot replied sarcastically.

“And you are too full of witty talk, blabbering nonsense and all paradoxical statements.” Duck replied while trying to be smart. “Guess what! You are not a good company, will see you on field till then so long.” Parrot said and continued towards the door expecting no answer. Some blocks away in a room, two senior men were seated. Both looked quite old when seen at a first glance, they were frail, weak and old. Still they were active enough to participate in many on-field missions. One of them who has bald was hunched. His shoulders seemed to be above his head like a vulture and that earned him his name; Vulture. The other had brown hair, he had big eyes very big indeed. His eyeballs were blue, the kind who could penetrate through anything. Vulture was typing an email while Owl was trying to solve a code. There was no code in the world which could not be deciphered by Owl. Though it was many times he would take weeks to solve a code, sometimes he would use his computer but somehow he was almost always successful.

Right now he was bent on a strip of paper just sent to him from the Crypto department of the CIA. It looked like this: (5-10-2-14-16-15-5) (10-15) (2-21-21-10-4) (15-16) (20-6-4-22-19-10-21-26) (21-16-15-10-8-9-21) They were just sent now and it was a common type of code as Owl thought. It was intercepted from an email sent from a criminal organization in Japan; Raw Heart to a gang in Washington; Eternal Pain. This type of code was simple. Hyphens represented spaces, each number an alphabet and a word was enclosed in bracket. It was one of the oldest type of code used in Caesar’s time as some historian’s state. Each number was to be replaced by the alphabet with the corresponding number denoting it. Like 1 for A, 2 for B….easy enough thought Owl. In no time he had replaced the alphabets: It became: (E-J-B-N-P-O-E) (J-O)

(B-U-U-J-D) (O-P) (T-F-D-V-S-J-U-Z) (U-P-O-J-H-I-U) So it meant there was a puzzle in puzzle. Now there were possibilities; either there was a constant after which each alphabet had to be replaced by the alphabet constant times before or after it. It would take time thought Owl. The second probability was to replace each alphabet by the number preceding it or succeeding it. Another probability was to form a word with the letters given. He opted the last probability but out of the first set of letters he couldn’t find a convincing word. The ones he found were: (E-J-B-N-P-O-E) -BONE -JONE -NOPE -OPEN Thus none convincing. Then he tried to replace them with the letter succeeding them. (E-J-B-N-P-O-E)-----------------(F-K-C-O-Q-P-F) Perhaps he needed to unjumble them but even before trying he knew that this couldn’t be. Evidently he couldn’t form a proper word.

Eh bien Owl thought. He then replaced the alphabets with the preceding letters. (E-J-B-N-P-O-E)-----------------(D-I-A-M-O-N-D) Voila thought Owl and chuckled on his success. He hurriedly solved the code and wrote down the deciphered message on a sheet of paper: DIAMOND IN ATTIC NO SECURITY TODAY Owl always thought if Crypto has lost its cryptographers or what that they handled so easy codes to him. Perhaps they were engaged on difficult tasks. He turned around the seat and stood up to send the message to the Head of Crypto but before he could move the watch on his wrist blinked red. He had been called in the meeting room. Private meeting? Thought Owl and to give his questions answer Vulture rose up and headed out of the room.

Chapter:3 DEBRIEFING The ten members of the NEST were seated with their head; Alton Alexavier. On his right was sitting the commander of the NEST, Eagle. He was Elegant, Active, Genius, Leader, Eloquent, simply EAGLE. He had short black hair and a well-built body. He wasn’t too fat nor too weak. He was not short and not tall. “Members of NEST, I have got a special mission for you.” Alton Alexavier started and continued “A very special indeed; a mission from the president of the country” Alton exclaimed with joy Somebody muttered that they didn’t care who gave them mission. Still Alton continued. “The mission is a stealth mission. If it goes wrong, it might be that America’s foreign image would be well destroyed. Recent happenings in Iraq and our presidents meeting with Iraq has led our president to

believe that there is something going on in there which Iraq doesn’t want the world to know. Perhaps a weapon of some sort. Many of CIA’s other wing’s report support this fact. This development’s heart is near the River Tigris, a factory said to be a mechanical complex. Many of Iraq’s qualified scholars, technicians and mechanics work there. Though it is a common factory but the question is why so qualified scholars are needed there. The president wants you to infiltrate into this factory, collect all kinds of data about the weapon or whatever and bring it back here intact.” “Hold it!” Chicken intervened and continued “How do we bring it back here? I mean if it’s something like a nuclear missile or a large torpedo of some sort or perhaps a whole submarine.” “Good question. First you are not required to bring the object here, you may destroy it or disarm it thus make it useless in some way. However you need to bring back the data or the blueprints sort of documents so our own technicians may have a good look at it and try to make something like that for our country. Any other questions?” Hawk rose his hand.

“How do we go in Iraq because you see Iraqis as I presume would already be suspicious of us and would immediately be seeing to why more of us are coming to Iraq? They may do anything. You know.” “Actually I have a bit of idea for that, you are going to go there to study the history of Iraq. You all are students, have a visa and are studying on it. Luckily you all are of approximately the same age.” “Except me and Owl.” Vulture spoke “You would be the teachers.” Alton spoke “OK” Vulture understood. “Oh and yes Duck wouldn’t be going as there are no big water bodies in Iraq.” Alton again spoke “NO! You spoke about that Tiger River.” Duck suddenly burst. “Oh yes River Tigris, indeed, you can go then I guess…so any more questions?” Alton spoke after some thought. “How do we infiltrate?” Kite asked “That’s Eagles work.” Alton answered. “So now I would tell you your mission briefly; you infiltrate in the factory, see what’s going on. If

everything is okay, signal us and we will bail you out. If anything is fishy then you need to bring as much information as possible of the weapon or whatever being manufactured there. A prototype would be appreciated and the weapon itself can surely earn you high prestige in front of president. This mission must be done secretly and by that I mean Iraqis should have no evidence against USA. You can do whatever you want just make sure there is no big fuss and any evidence of USâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s involvement. Got it? Now please excuse me.â&#x20AC;? With this the meeting ended and all the members started preparing for the mission they were going to take on after a month.

Chapter:4 GETTING READY From that moment onwards all of them started preparing for the big day. Special linguists were called to teach the NEST Arabic, so the locales might believe that they already have some idea of Arabic and are here to study it and Iraq’s history. The NEST was also taught Iraq’s history as well as Muslim history in case, somehow there knowledge was tested. Their fake visas, id cards, pictures and all of this was also being prepared. 4 rooms were booked in a 4 star hotel. All of this fake. They were putting swimming gear, pistols for each and a machine gun for Woodpecker One day Alton called all of them to the practice room. Mr. Brendan was there. He was the Head of Technological Wing of CIA. He was responsible to give gadgets to the agents. “Hello members of NEST.” Brendan spoke. “It may well be noted that this is a critical mission and for this I have made some gadgets for all of you. I hope they come in handy.”

He took out a pen with three different inks and gave it to Vulture. “This is a Pen, as you know but this one has three different kinds of ink. Pressing the blue ink button would send a distress call directly to us here. Pressing the green ink button would send a simple signal to Chickens laptop. The red button however must be used when needed only as it will cause an explosion in the next 10 seconds pushed. The explosion wouldn’t be big or noisy but it can cause harm to many doors. If you want to write with this pen then first twist the head and then write.” Then he took out a tin, which looked like that of juice. “This is for Hawk. As you know Iraq is a hot country and you need cold juice to refresh you up. This tin has an internal cooling system and it always stays cool. This juice is literally stunning, you will be stunned once you drink it your nervous system would be jammed…literally! It is basically a mixture of oleander leaves extract and other additives etcetera but on the cover it shows it to be pomegranate juice. However you should be aware that it must not be drunk at any cost by any of you.” He then took out a iPod and gave it to Kite. “This iPod plays music and by pressing the play button thrice, it starts recording. By pressing the stop button thrice, a mini knife comes out of the socket

from where it needs to be charged. The knife can be used to cut ropes or such things.” Next he took out a backpack. “This is for the weapons lover of the NEST, Woodpecker, you can stuff anything into this let it be a pistol, smg or a minigun. The backpack will let you take weapons across any kind of metal detector or something like that. Secondly there is a hidden compartment in it, which requires Woodpeckers fingerprints on the strap to unlock it. Otherwise you cannot open it with a bulldozer or a TNT. It might although get destroyed by them but not opened.” Then he held up a blue water bottle on which Barcelona’s emblem was engraved and an eye sight glasses “This bottle is again quite normal to carry in the hot weather of Iraq but it also has a special feature. There are two compartments in it. By twisting the bottle cap, one can drink water. However if at the same time one is wearing these glasses. Then the glasses would turn into a sniper scope and by pressing the trigger inside the water compartment of the bottle, a thin bullet would be released from the end of the bottle. Thus it is a sniper rifle and belongs to Kingfisher.” Then Brendan took out with much difficulty an encyclopedia; a huge one. Its covers were very thick

“Who would not expect students to carry a Britannica’s encyclopedia? This encyclopedia is a real encyclopedia but Chicken’s fingerprints on the Britannica’s sign on the end cover would uncover a secret section in the cover. Inside it would be a mini laptop that can perform all actions that a normal laptop can. Vulture’s pen would send a signal to this computer.” Then he took out a leather suit which looked like a biker’s suit. “This is for Duck. This is a swimming suit with internal heating system if Duck has to stay in water for long time. This suit also has a mask and the mask has an internal breathing system which can last up to 24 hours. The best thing perhaps of this suit is that it automatically synchronizes its color according to the water’s color.” The he took out a comb out of his briefcase. “Parrot your hair is brushed too well always, so this belongs to you. However let me warn you that if you comb your hair by this you may cut your head in half. The ends of the comb are sharp blades. It’s like a boomerang and has sharp blades. I hope you will practice it before going.” Then he took out something that alarmed them all; a pistol.

“I am mad, huh? To give you this gun right. You will be caught in the first place and NEST would be gone. So why shouldn’t I finish it myself.” He pointed the gun towards Eagle who still couldn’t understand what was happening. Everybody froze, everyone was too stunned to make a move but Kite was the first to speak. “You’ll regret this Brendan.” And Kite took out a pistol from his pocket. “Calm down boy! I was just joking.” Brendan spoke and continued though Kite remained still: “This gun is a peek-a-boo gun. On using it…” He then moved towards the door of the room pointed it towards a target and shot. Instead of a real bullet whizzing came a pop up banner illustrated with a joker saying: Fooled You! “So you see you can show it to anyone you want.” Brendan spoke now everyone was relaxed and Kite had returned back, Eagle was smiling, he had been fooled. “Still nobody among you noticed that I didn’t reload the gun. If I reload the gun the picture would be entirely different. A large amount of sleeping gas would be injected in the atmosphere. It will remain for a short time but once inhaled, it will cause tears and then sleep in 5 minutes. I think this weapon ought to be given to Eagle.”

Then he took out a fancy pair of glasses. “Original Glasses, fancy enough but they also provide night vision and can give X-ray view if the right glass is touched slightly. This is excellent choice for attack at night and belongs to Owl.” Then Brendan continued “So I hope you are satisfied and I hope you once again come glorious. Thank You.” With this Brendan went. All others retired to their rooms too. In the next few days some final preparations were done and then the big day came.

Chapter:5 IRAQ AND THE PLAN It was the 1st of September 2014, when on the Heathrow Airport ten people going on board a flight to Iraq. They were just a few people on board, some for business purposes, some were technicians but these were students; common students of course, going to study the history of Iraq. They were two teachers with them, as they were older than others. All of them were meeting another senior man, observers might have called them the principal; they weren’t totally wrong. This was what the onlookers might have guessed but it was wrong. They were a group of agents being sent on a top secret mission. There journey was comfortable. There disguises and cover obliged them to spend most of their time on gadgets playing games; or either talking nonsense. Still they reached Iraq at evening. “Welcome to Iraq, Ladies and Mentalmen.” Hawk announced as the NEST stepped off from the airport after taking their precious luggage.

“Mind your tongue Henry.” Snapped Vulture. “Yeah you fool, there’s only one girl that’s Dorothy, so you need not say ladies.” Kite spoke tauntingly “You do not need to interfere Ken. Mind your business and let us find a cab so we can reach on our hotel and rejuvenate after the journey.” Vulture spoke with authority. The group hired three cabs and the procession reached the hotel after sometime. On the way they did not notice Iraq much, Alton had always told them to focus on the goal and not observe unnecessary details of the picture. The hotel where rooms were already booked was a three star hotel in Baghdad. It was near the outskirts. The hotel was only locally known and wasn’t really the best hotel in the city but it made the ideal as it was near the outskirts and had fairly good living conditions. The NEST though had endured a journey but their profession never allowed them to take rest. The first thing that was done by the members was to insert a mosquito repellent in each room. They did not want their plan to fail because one of them was suffering from Malaria or something neither did they want the authorities to hear them or see them. The mosquito repellent basically worked on electricity and not only did it repel mosquitos but it also jammed any kind of camera or audio recorder, which could have been

used to spy on them. It was again a gadget given to them by Brendan at the last moment when they were leaving the CIA Headquarters. Eagle immediately called of them to his room. “Members of NEST, here we have a serious mission on hand but before we take any action. I need you to study the place before we go there once. For this purpose tomorrow me, Chicken, Hawk and Owl are going there, while I want the rest of you to go into the city and know as much as possible covertly about this factory. We will meet tomorrow again here in the same room and if possible I would debrief you with the plan which we would execute the day after tomorrow. You can have a good night’s sleep till then. Thank you.” This was Eagle style; clear, bold, confident and authoritative. He never asked if anyone had questions. Nevertheless the members of NEST retreated and had a good night’s sleep. The next day was an important day. While one party got ready to observe the factory other got ready to go into the market. The Observation Party was led by Eagle and the Inquiry Party was led by Kingfisher. The Inquiry Party left first and the Observation Party left late and they were on foot.

They walked the whole distance which took them couple of hours but it was necessary to do this or the transporters might get suspicious. Finally, they could espy a large building like a resort except it was gloomy and had no signs or pools or gardens. Instead this building had a complex security system. From even a considerable distance, Eagle could clearly see armed men inside the building Surely they werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t here to protect pig iron, he thought. Keeping a distance and using their binoculars, the group examined the security system. First there was a guard, unarmed who lifted the barrier for the vehicles but there was a place for individuals who wanted to cross. Then there was an outpost with more barriers, this time one armed the other unarmed. The unarmed one would inquire about the load of the vehicle or the purpose of the man and the armed one would make sure it was true. Next there was another outpost with only one man, he approved the vehicles entry digitally. Then automatically a gate would open where two armed guards would be standing at a side. This was the entrance. Then there was a large area which served as a parking lot. This place was constantly patrolled by armed guards. In the middle of it was the building with no particular loophole for a burglar and having only one door. This was the front view and perhaps

anyone would have left after that but Eagle wasn’t anyone he took a long turn around the building and went to its back side. There where nobody could have thought he saw a loophole “Guys this is not a loophole this is a black hole in this building.” Eagle remarked in a light mood. In front of him was the back of the building, bare of any security. There were heaps of garbage there at the back and the only other hindrance was the River Tigris. “Looks like the Eagle’s got its worm.” Owl cynically spoke and Hawk too contributed: “Yeah, the early bird gets the worm.” And they laughed despite they had not even started their mission. “Chicken, before we do anything else I want you to hack into the last outpost’s guard computer and see if there is a list of items which are going to come tomorrow.” Eagle commanded now seriously. “Okay Sir.” Chicken said and quickly brought out a mini laptop from his bag. He started typing like crazy and immediately got the results. Yes, sir there is a long list of items that are bound to come tomorrow.” “Read them.” Eagle again ordered. “So here it goes: -Mateen Iron rods -Ladun Wires -Afzal Board

-Lazeez Hilal Aseer Whoa looks like there is a café inside…” “Hold it chicken, Aseer means juice that means the building is bringing juice tomorrow in a truck. Right?” Eagle inquired Chicken glanced at the screen and replied: “Yes.” “Very well then, now we can unpack our sandwiches and wait for the last vehicle to enter the complex. They waited there the whole day for the last vehicle to enter at 6:00pm the barriers were locked tightly and the last truck entered. The Party reached the hotel tired but successful, at night. After the dinner, everyone again met in Eagles room. “So what have you got Inquiry Party to tell us?” Eagles asked facing Kingfisher. “Actually nothing, Eagle, whenever, firstly the gossip never went beyond the prices, the market and the West. The biggest problem was most of them were not ever aware of a building in the outskirts. They didn’t care an inkling for the building while our president could trade his life to know about the building.” Kingfisher answered in a tone which a student uses while telling the teacher why he didn’t do the homework.

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“Never mind, our group has seen a lot.” Eagle smirked “And I have devised a plan which will be executed the day after tomorrow. Tomorrow we all can take a rest to perform our best on the D-Day. The plan is this…” And then Eagle spoke continuously telling everyone about their plan. At Midnight everyone retreated to their rooms after a general vote for the approval of plan. Everything was set, the players were on position, the referees ready, the managers biting their nails; all waiting for the whistle to blow. And then it blew.

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Chapter:6 INFILTRATION It was 5:55pm when a truck full of Tasty Juice (Laziz Hilal Aseer) requesting entry into the complex. The guard who was already tired, simply opened the door without conversation and closed the barrier as it was already almost end time. The truck driver was a man in a cowboy hat, he looked old and along him was another man who had a lot of scars on his face and he was wearing glasses. He was also reading a pretty thick book. They reached the second outpost. “So guys what do you have in the truck?” the unarmed guard asked. Crazy man, seems like he is learning English. Thought the unarmed guard when he saw Kingfisher reading the thick book. “Eh? It’s just juice to fill your tummy.” Owl replied who was driving the car.

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“No pal, we never get the good stuff, it’s the higher staff who enjoy free lunch.” The armed guard replied and chuckled. “Whoa…that’s injustice but I guess I can do something for you then. Why don’t you carry on your proceedings and then in the end I can give you a cool tin of pomegranate juice.” Owl said tactfully “I would love it.” The armed guard replied and stood up to go to the rear of the truck. In NEST’s language such situations were called Simultaneous Assault Situation. What it was…. As the guard stood up, Kingfisher put his book on the shelf and took out the water bottle to drink some water. The guard went past Owl and then Owl pressed the loud horn. The horn was loud enough to suppress a bomb’s noise but what they wanted to suppress was the noise of the bullet that was unleashed from the bottle and into the chest of unarmed guard who died instantly, but still sat as if he was on duty as he was supported by the back of chair. “Oiy! Why the loud horn?” the armed guard asked unaware that his comrade had been shot.

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“I just thought you can taste it before you drink it.” Owl asked while handing a juice tin to the guard. Kingfisher was already the closing the cap of bottle. “Thanks man, I’d rather consume this then taste this icy cool juice.” He spoke while going inside the building where his dead comrade was sitting. As the guard took the last sip of his life, he noticed that his comrade’s shirt was spilled with ketchup and he thought that how the juice was so cool in such a worn out truck. But it was too late. As soon as he took a sip, his whole nervous system paralyzed, and the guard was paralyzed inside the room where he should have been in this part of his duty. Owl sighed a breath of relief. “Neat work right Wise Owl?” Kingfisher broke the silence. “Too neat.” Owl replied and flashed his germ eaten old teeth. The truck moved on to the next check post. “What do you bring here?” this guard was stern.

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“Tasty Juice.” Owl replied “Batch No?” He spoke in a robotic, monotonous tone. “Wait a sec…” Owl said and fumbled while taking out things from his pocket. “What are you searching for? I am going to call security.” The guard was now alarmed, afraid that Owl was going to take out a pistol “Easy Bro, I am taking out the slip of paper on which I wrote the technicalities.” With this Owl finally took out the piece of paper and handed it to the guard. “Why do you write it on a piece of paper?” he inquired “An Old man like me can’t remember such stuff, eh?” Owl replied again flashing his teeth. The guard was now satisfied. He read the paper, entered the numbers into the computer and the gate automatically opened. The truck drove straight, another guard was guiding them where to park the truck. The NEST had entered the building.

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Chapter:7 INVESTIGATION It was 6:10pm when the NEST entered the Qawi AlSalab Muamal (Powerful Steel Mill). Perfect timing Eagle thought while sitting in the back of truck with others. Suddenly throughout the building there was a sound like a Woodpecker was pecking the wood. It was generated from the back side. But before anybody could form a view, the alarms went off. There had been an attack on the back of building. A sentry gunner was destroying everything to smithereens that came in the field of his fire. Suddenly all the guards were running towards the back of building. In this chaos, Owl hurriedly stepped out of the truck opened the latch of back of truck and the NEST came out but everyone was not there. Those members of the NEST hid themselves behind the other cargo present in the field. While the NEST was still settling, the truckâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s engine ignited and it sped

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away past everyone without question. Nobody noticed in the chaos that the driver was changed, now it was a young fat person, with ginger hair. The truck safely went out of the bounds of the building. At the same time, the guards were now nearing the back, when suddenly there were sniper shots on cameras and each one of them went off. The operators from the technical room barked loudly in the Head of Guards, microphone which made him double his speed. Woodpecker had caused enough damage, he had pecked enough, now it was time to fly away, or as in this case, dive away. Woodpecker jumped into the Tigris River at exactly the moment the guards came at the back. They scanned the whole place but there was no sign of anyone. No gun, no vehicle, no man running, nothing. The source of fire had simply vanished into thin air. Though flummoxed by the situation the Head of Guards still deployed guards to many directions at the back of building. Woodpecker was feeling pathetic as was Duck. How can this dumb head use my gadget? Thought Duck

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Woodpecker was wearing the swimsuit which Brendan had given to Duck. It fitted him as the suit was flexible and elastic in nature. The special property of suit to blend with the color of water had saved him and Duck from the eyes of guards. One part of their mission was done but still there was much to do. Meanwhile, the other members of NEST scurried away stealthily to the entrance of the building. Somebody had left the main door ajar in hurry. Eagle was leading the group, they entered the building. It was lit with bright white lights and was not furnished at all. The biggest surprise for NEST was that there were no cameras or anything of such sort. There was not anything that could have let the NEST believe that it was a hidden camera. They were moving ahead cautiously when they reached a point from where two paths originated. “Parrot, Vulture, Owl….you go left, Hawk, Kite will come with me to the right. If you find something useful Vulture give a signal to Chicken and he will covertly give a signal to us through the lighting system of the building.” The NEST was now divided.

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Duck and Woodpecker had to wait there and Chicken and Kingfisher had already gone far from building but they were still in the truck. Hawk was already getting bored when suddenly their group heard the conversation of two guards not too far away. “What was this non sense about?” one asked “I got no idea. Whatever it was, it was stupid.” The other replied. “Yeah but I am still intrigued that how did the cameras break and bullets stuck in the buildings plaster.” The first one answered. The conversation finished but the guards stayed there. Eagle knew they had to take them out to go ahead. He thought of all the possibilities and finally came to a conclusion. He asked Hawk and Kite to stay behind and tiptoed ahead. When he was near the path where the guards were standing, he emptied his lullaby gun. If it had effect or not. He couldn’t guess as the guards were asleep, so he took the risk and peeped after waiting for a minute or so. The guards were well asleep and their backs were supported by walls. Just as Eagle was observing them Vulture, Parrot and Owl also came ahead.

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“Hey, you should have made sure that no one is here, rather than just strolling in.” Eagle scolded them but in a low tone. “Dear Sir, I saw you come here using my glasses.” Owl humbly stated. Eagle blushed but then commanded: “Never mind lets go on forward together.” And he assumed charge and continued forward. He was surprised to see so little number of guards. From the time they had entered the building, they had seen many doors but they were unimportant rooms for them. However now they reached a door which looked the gateway to an important part of building. Loud noises were coming out of the building. “Kite put your iPod near the knob of door so we can hear clearly.” Eagle whispered Kite without a word followed the order and they all bent to hear what was going on. They heard a heavy voice inside: “……shame on you Al-Malik, I thought you were experienced but you I was wrong.” “Sorry sir”

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“What do you mean? I mean I am sure it was America’s man doing it. I thought he was one we were 100s we could catch him and prove to the world that what US is. Alas! But you were stupid to not have caught him in the first place. Tell me why the heck you first joined all the guard divisions and then marched there. Couldn’t you have just gone there with one division?” “Actually I thought sir, an army had attacked on us.” “Oh shut up now, and go fetch Dr. Hussain-AlMubarak, he is in his lab.” “Yes sir.” “One can’t even have a glass of water here comfortably. Kamal, go and fetch a glass of water for me from the canteen.” “Yes sir.” This ‘yes sir’ was far louder than any other voice and before anybody among them could react, the door knob turned, the door opened which sent Kite somersaulting behind. Kamal came face to face with Eagle, who knew that he had been damned couldn’t react whereas poor Kamal yelled to his full voice: “Burglar!”

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The whole guard platoon which was inside the room came rushing out and before any of them could run, they had been pinned down by the guards. A man wearing a military suit with various color badges on his pocket came out. He was also wearing a beret. He had a mustache and a short beard. Life courses in his life had made his face look strict and rigid. Without even hearing him, Eagle could tell that the heavy voice belonged to him and he was the boss here.

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Chapter:8 TRAPPED They were all tied up in front of the guard platoon, their boss and a skinny, little man who resembled to a goblin and wore glasses which the boss was calling as Dr. Hussain. “Gentlemen, I am Zahir-Al-Shaukat. The head of this building and much more which I do not want to disclose yet. As I know you are agents of CIA, the so called famous NEST. Members of NEST, I want to know from you why you infiltrated my private property. It is against the so called democracy which you Americans have indoctrinated.” “We are here to investigate what you are doing.” Eagle spoke, his voice showed no sign of terror. “Uh-ah, then I guess you would have brought the fancy gadgets as well, which help you right. Al-Malik search all of them and take out everything single thing they own. Every single thing.” Al- Malik started searching starting from Eagle. Vulture took this opportunity and sent a signal to

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Chicken through his pen. He then carefully timed AlMalik’s approach towards him and activated the time bomb in his pen. Al- Malik searched him and took out the pen but as he took it out, he stopped abruptly. Suddenly he threw the pen in air and it blasted into pieces. “Impressive, old man I never expected this from a man of your age. However I request you to try not to do such buffoonery or you might get a tribute from the guns of all the guards present here. Okay? Now where was I? Yeah, I am literally impressed dear NEST by how you entered into the building. I still don’t know what you did to my guards and how you came into the parking lot but I know one thing that the firing was a decoy to cause chaos, which would result in your favor. Another thing I would like to mention here is that I am well acquainted from the fact that there are ten members in nest not six, so tell me …yes you who talks so much… where are the other four?” “Two are in the Tigris from the morning and the other two are waiting for a signal after which we would escape from Iraq this night, if we had succeeded.” Eagle clearly answered.

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Though Eagle had not lied but the General was not convinced. “Stop telling lies my son. I know you are telling lie.” This was the oldest technique of deceit. Tell him the truth easily and he won’t believe. “I am telling truth.” Eagle spoke “As you wish, you know this is Dr.Hussain, he is a scientist basically physicist but he has always wished to dissect a human; a living human. If you keep insisting my dear, you might turn out to be that lucky human. So tell the truth.” The General was getting infuriated “Don’t Eagle.” Kite said “Ah, I though all of you are Dumb and thanks for telling me his name. So Eagle tell the truth.” The General cynically said. “Sorry guys” Eagle said with his head bowed low and continued. “They are probably in the hotel where we were staying planning our escape and an ambush with which we would escape from this place and the country.” Eagle spoke with intense emotions.

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“Thank you dear friend. Al-Malik send all the soldiers back to position and dispatch some soldiers to the hotel where they were staying. Check the name from the registry in City Officer.” Then he turned towards the NEST and spoke: ”Now as I know your motive clearly let me tell you my motive for it would not matter now if you know or not.” The General’s eyes gleamed with a devilish look. “US is right, this is no common factory, plant, complex mill etcetera, it is a unit to invent a thing which would change the history. Dr. Hussain the head scientist here and his team spent day and night trying to invent that thing. The country spent huge money on it, but the government soon lost interest, thinking it was impossible but I carried on forward, it was all going on secretly but somehow you Americans got the scent. Dear NEST, the object which the genius Dr. Hussain has made is none other than a time machine.” “What the hell?” the NEST spoke in chorus “Exactly, it is only a block which I don’t know how Dr. Hussain has made. This time machine is one way and can only be used once, and the most important specification is it only takes the person to one time in history.”

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“Which time?” Kite asked “The time when Baghdad was on the culmination of excellence but suddenly Hulagu Khan came and attacked the city and destroyed it completely.” “So why do you want to go there?” Eagle queried. “Simple you fool, right now the machine would only teleport persons to a specific time but in some months, Dr. Hussain’s modifications will allow us to teleport objects as well which are present in the diameter of 1 km of the block. This way we can teleport huge quantity of soldiers and weapons to that time. Then we can somehow persuade the people of that time to believe that Hulagu Khan is going to attack. We will have a prepared army when Hulagu Khan comes. The war will start and we will win. As a result, Baghdad would not be destroyed, it would remain the super power of the world forever. The West would never get a chance to stand up against Baghdad and Baghdad would then be what America is today. Simply we wish to change the history, and we are almost half done.” “Guess what General, when I retire I would use this plot in my fiction novel?” Hawk commented.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Enough, you chatterboxes, let me handle you now. Kamal bring a guard and a camera, let us show the real face of US to the world.â&#x20AC;?

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Chapter:9 LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! The camera flicked on and the camera men turned the camera towards the General who had pimped himself before the Big Show. He now spoke in the camera: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ladies and Gentlemen, I am Zahir-Al-Shawkat, the Chief of Jihaz Al-Mukhabarat Al-Amma; the Iraqi General Directorate of Intelligence. I was born in this country and have lived every second of my life for the sake of the country. However in my professional as well as personal life, I have loathed one country; America. This country has always robbed Iraq of its progress and development. In the name of peace, US deployed its forces in Iraq which was there way to try to control us but they cannot suppress us. I own besides other properties, this steel mill. It is registered and authorized and it is legally producing various products. However, American Government have always hated me because I did not pretend to

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be a ‘good guy’. For this purpose, CIA sent its most successful wing; NEST to eliminate me by infiltrating into this factory.” The General then took a break then continued: “However people, always these Americans have been involved in such activities and executions but they always get away with it. The reason is very simple; nobody ever got evidence against them…but today I will change history…I will show you the members of NEST which are tied to the wall now…they are the proof of Americans devilish diplomacy. Now the world will know the true face of America.” The general then moved and stood in front of the tethered members of NEST and proclaimed: “This is the NEST, and USA better itself take off its mask or we would have to do it force.” The general spoke and the camera was switched off. “Now I have everything on record and I have the evidence against you as well, this time you can’t escape easily.” The general was now addressing the NEST he then turned towards a man who was standing near a computer and barked:

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“Amir, upload this video on the internet now, let the world see it.” The man swiftly took the camera, connected it to a cable and started typing on the computer. It was Parrot who spoke on: “General, why do you want to upload the video when you have the time machine.” “Shut up, Elvis Presley.” The General spoke while looking at some papers. “No seriously General, why take tension when this way or that you can make Baghdad good and US bad.” Parrot spoke sounding like a child. “As you insist, so let me tell you that I want firstly to destroy America in this time but if it is not possible, then we will alter the past.” The general said in a proud tone. “Sir the video is one click away from upload.” The man on computer uttered. “Then let me click.” And the general uploaded the video. It wasn’t uploaded at one place, it was uploaded on thousands of servers and social networking sites.

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At the same time, somebody uploaded a video of Chicken Little dancing.

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CHAPTER:10 SOMETHING IS WRONG “Sir, there is something wrong.” The technician who was operating the computer spoke. “What do you mean?” the general was confounded “Instead of the real video, a video of dancing animated little chicken has been uploaded everywhere.” His voice was trembling. Chicken, thought Eagle. Vulture’s signal had been received by Chicken on his encyclopedia turn laptop. King fisher had drove the truck near the rear of building and turned the head lights on and off continuously ten times. It was a signal, to Duck and Woodpecker. Meanwhile Chicken had hacked into every system in the complex by injecting a virus into the computer of the third guards outpost which was connected to

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another computer and the chain had lead him to hack every system. Duck and Wood pecker had when received the signal, they started swimming forward. They had to swim until they reached the pipe from where the industry’s waste was dumped into the river. They when reached there, they entered the pipe. There was little resistance as the production in the industry had slowed down in the night. They swam and reached a place from where the waste’s amount considerably decreased. Thank God, thought Duck. She had been bored staying static in the river waiting for the signal but now she was ready for action. They soon saw a man hole. She and Woodpecker entered through it into one of the washrooms of the building. “You, Eagle, I am sure you lied, your people have done this, I am sure.” The general accused Eagle who was very calm now. But before there could be further conversation, the power system of the complex started to fluctuate and finally went down. The emergency power turned on but it was not much effective.

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“Damn you Americans, I am going to roast all of you in the furnace, just let me get the powers back.” He stomped out of the room leaving three guards for security. Now again the whole crew in the building was focusing on bringing the power back. This was the ideal situation for Woodpecker and Duck. The alarms couldn’t be sound and Chicken could easily hold off the power until the next day. Woodpecker stormed every corridor and checked every door. He didn’t care if he made noise. He had to rescue his comrades by hook or by crook. Many guards came in his way but they were all rushing and nobody noticed in the darkness that he was not wearing the guard suit and there was a female behind him. Finally Woodpecker came into a room where he saw six men tied to the wall and three more men patrolling the whole place. This time he planned to do it with stealth but how? He looked inside the room, there was a computer, the guards, the table with gadgets, yes that may be it. “Duck can you aim properly.” He asked hurriedly

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“Actually not much.” Duck replied sheepishly Huh seems like I’ll have to make do with myself, Woodpecker thought. But before any action he needed a distraction and finally he had the idea. He took out his glow in the dark watch and showed it inside the room. Parrot instantly saw it and recognized. He understood the tactic. “Hey guards, I was wondering if I tell you that one of our friend just gave me a signal and right now he is standing near the window on the extreme left.” Parrot said. He is telling the truth, they had deceived the general in the same way, he asked two of his fellows to check it out. “Run Woodie.” Parrot shouted just as the guards neared the window. Woodpecker received the sign rolled into the room and landed beneath the table upon which all the ingenious gadgets were placed. He put his hand and searched for Parrots comb but took whichever gadget he found in his pocket when he found the comb, he stopped searching anymore.

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It was now or never, Wood pecker knew, he took out his automatic reload pistol in one hand and the comb in the other. “Here you go.” Woodpecker proclaimed and threw a comb towards the guard who was standing in front of the NEST. It hit him straight in the neck. Then he opened fire on the other two guards who were taken by surprise and failed to retaliate. Soon they were all dead. “Duck it’s all clear.” “Well done NEST. I thought it was over.” Eagle appreciated but then said: “However we don’t have time to waste, we need to hurry, come on Woodpecker and Duck, take the Ipod and use the knife to free us.” After one minute the NEST was free and already moving in the darkness of the night and the building towards the room from where initially Mr. Hussain had come. They entered the room and saw that it was very large but the only thing that captured their attention was a stand in the middle of room enclosed in a case. The Time Machine

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They ran towards it. Eagle tried to lift the case but it didn’t budge. He then noticed a small number pad there, what for? Eagle thought but his thoughts were interrupted by a hissing sound from the corners of the room. Eagle immediately turned towards the right corner and even in the dark he could easily figure out what he saw. Yellow skin, slender body, long tail and black spots…. A cheetah, a Iranian Cheetah, known to be almost extinct but here as he swerved around he saw 4 of them. “NEST, there are four cheetahs here be careful, we need to take them out before proceeding, they are fast remember.” Eagle quietly whispered. The NEST formed a circle around itself waiting for an attack and it came suddenly. One of the cheetahs suddenly leapt on Kite, who in an instant pushed him away, then the fierce fight broke out. All the cheetahs simultaneously leapt on whomsoever they were near and the NEST tried to fend them off. When it didn’t work they started attacking in defence. Only two of them had weapons; Duck and Wood pecker and they started firing on the cheetahs; though reluctant to extinct

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them, they still had to do it for their own welfare. The bullets whenever missed a cheetah would make him more furious. Soon either the cheetahs had bled to death or they had died or so the NEST thought because just as they were moving towards the case again, a cheetah from nowhere attacked on Hawks hand. His hand was gashed from his arm and he was a few tendons short of becoming an amputee when Woodpecker pumped the cheetah’s chest full of bullets. Soon everyone was attending to Hawl. His hand was immediately covered with a patch of cloth tore from Kite’s shirt to prevent excessive blood flow. Hawk then became unconscious due to the blood he had lost. At the same time, somebody came into the room, they were two men, one was fat. NEST first thought it was some guard or the General but it was none other than Kingfisher and Chicken. “Hey how did you two get here?” Parrot asked. “Well as soon as the power supply was off, me and chicken thought it better to come on field. Its Chickens first time on field.” Kingfisher replied. “Thanks for coming and impressive work Chicken but right now we have other affairs at hand. Lift

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Hawk, Woodpecker. He will be okay, we first need to escape from this building with the machine.” Eagle commanded and Woodpecker obeyed. “But how?” Vulture asked. “I know there is some sort of hint for it and it might be concealed on the case, there is only one problem, we need my glasses which are in the previous room.” “Take this.” Woodpecker handed him a pair of glasses which he had unwillingly took from the table. “Thanks” Owl replied and looked on the case, where he saw a statement: Hulagu Khan attacked Baghdad What could it be? The number of his army or what? Or perhaps it is the date he attacked, really could it be so easy, Owl thought. “Guys, it says ‘Hulagu Khan attacked Baghdad’.” Owl told them. “What? Could it be so easy?” Many of the members proclaimed. “Easy, members of NEST, we need to think, my personal opinion is that it asks for the date when Hulagu Khan attacked but unfortunately I have

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forgotten it though I read it. Does anybody remember it?” Eagle said “Actually, I do.” Vulture remarked and carried on: “I guess, I am not sure, I think it was February 2nd of which year, let me see….” “oh it was 1258.” Duck added. Without further procrastination, Eagle typed 2-131258 in the screen. The case suddenly came into life. There was a deadening screech, a blinding flash and the NEST disappeared…

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1258 AD

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Chapter:1 WHERE ARE WE? As Eagle regained consciousness, he saw himself staning not in a laboratory but in sand dunes, and the atmosphere was considerably hotter. Where am I? Eagle thought Then he saw other members of NEST very close to him. As each of them revived and took in their situation all asked one question: “Where are we?” The answer to it had never dawned on anyone among them yet. The password they had entered was not for opening the case, but it was to activate the time machine. To take the time machine one had to simply lift the stand on which the case was present. This way however the time machine would not have worked somewhere else because the time machine was situated there since it was powered by an underground nuclear reactor only when it was present at that particular location. “I think I know where we are.” Eagle solemnly spoke

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And then the reality flashed on all of them. They had activated the time machine. They were trapped in history. Just some months away from one of the biggest destruction, world had witnessed, the destruction of Baghdad. They were in Baghdad in 1258. “So that may just about be that. Trapped in Baghdad. I never expected this to happen to me.” King fisher spoke. All of them nodded. “So what do we do now?” Woodpecker asked innocently. “Good question,” Eagle was dreading the question but it had to be pondered upon so he continued: “We are in Baghdad there’s no going back, some months and all of us will be slaughtered alive. I want all of you to give me suggestions starting from Hawk…by the way I hope you feel better.” Hawk had now regained consciousness and he was perplexed by the situation. “I say, we explain to the people here that we are foreigners so they need to accommodate us then we

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enjoy the life as much as we can, fight out our soul in the battle and die a martyr.” “Anybody who supports Hawk in this matter?” Kite and Parrot showed their support. “Okay now I want you, Woodpecker to tell me your suggestion.” Woodpecker though had a tiny brain but he jingled it so much that thoughts automatically came out like music notes from a guitar. “Easy, today we somehow buy rations and tomorrow we set off from Baghdad seeking the Mongol Army, then we join them, fight for them and live our life like victors.” “Who agrees with him?” Duck, Vulture and Owl raised their hands in assent “Actually I have a slightly different proposition, I say we leave off from Baghdad today or tomorrow and then we seek some other country, settle there and die there. This way we will be save from Mongol brutalities.” Kingfisher spoke. “I agree with Kingfisher.” Chicken spoke.

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“I think that Kingfisher’s suggestion is also pretty reasonable because the Mongols might turn us down so it is a risk.” Duck added. “We have to take the risk because if we don’t do this, we might still die as well.” Woodpecker spoke backing his argument. “Silence members of the NEST, let me put forward my point of view in this regards.” Everybody became silent. “In our world, we were undefeatable, uncatchable and invincible. However what advantage did we have due to these abilities? Nothing, I am afraid. We were not famous, only a small fraction of the people of world even knew about our existence. We did Alton’s task, he would do nothing but tell us the mission. We would put our life on risk just for nothing. If we were successful, we would get nothing and if we would fail at least we would have got salvation from the cumbersome tasks. As for Alton, his pay would increase, the president would appreciate him and he would become famous more and more just because of our actions…but now we have a chance to become famous…to become heroes…in this time…in this world.”

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Everybody was now listening with utmost eagerness. “Today, we make sure that the whole of Baghdad knows that a group of people dressed in weird clothes have come here. Then tomorrow we commence Operation Prediction. We would indoctrinate the idea of a terrible attack going to happen on Baghdad that would ruin it for centuries to come. For this we have to make sure that the people believe in our talk. They should be so much afraid that by this week the prediction should be the topic of every gossip in the café, the argument between two scholars and most of all the discussion in the palace. Then the caliph gets to know of our prediction, our strange attire. He would probably call us and then we make him believe in it. We ask him to send a messenger to Mongols to verify and we also request him to double the army, the weapons the defense everything. If he believes us, then Ladies and Gentlemen, I am sure Baghdad would be safe from Mongols and we heroes, if he doesn’t well then the end is inevitable.” Woodpecker first started clapping then all of them joined in. They were all clapping and applauding for it was the perfect suggestion.

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“However,” Eagle spoke after having again quietened everyone: “first we need to find an abode, perhaps that house there,” he pointed to a house pretty far.

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Chapter:2 HOST AND THE GUESTS He was watching the sand dunes in the distance. Suddenly there was a gleam of light and then nothing. Whatever….he needed to focus….. He needed a complex plan for this task to be completed. After all, it would be difficult to get the Caliph’s throne.If he got caught this time, which can’t surely happen, he would be given a death sentence for sure and even if he didn’t get caught all fingers would be pointing towards him not Babur, not Saleem nor Fareed. For so many years they had used him to complete their illegal crimes but in return they had given him invincibility. Suddenly there was a knock on door. Ali Baba ignored it and then stood up to join the others but then Baburs manservant came and informed hastily: “Oh sir, there are wizards and witch out there, they are wearing very weird clothes and are having

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extremely bright faces, I think they are perhaps…angels.” “What’s this now Nazir?” Babur came storming in. “Your manservant is making a fuss about some strangers who are wearing strange clothes and have a strange complexion. He is lying.” “No sir, Believe me. If you don’t come and witness those beings yourself.” With this Nazir gestured politely towards the door. “Very well then…” Babur started to move towards the door accompanied by Ali Baba. Babur wanted to finish this matter quickly and he gait exhibited it. The manservant opened the door with trembling hands and there they saw a whole group of whacky people, with extra bright complexion and with even stranger clothes. Ali Baba thought that more than angels those people looked like gypsies. “Eh? Assalam-o-Alaikum…” Babur said while hiding his amazement. “Wasallam…can we rest at you place for a while?” Eagle spoke as though if Babur and he had been best friends forever.

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“Give me a minute.” Babur replied and immediately shut the door. “Hell…..” Eagle muttered and turned towards others discussing and planning their next move. Meanwhile, inside the house, the strangers had caused a commotion, now instead of discussing a heist, Saleem, Babur, Fareed and Ali Baba were discussing about them. “What do we do with them?” Babur broke the silence. “What do they ask for?” Fareed asked. “Shelter for tonight.” Babur replied “By the way, how the hell they got to know about this place, Babur.” Saleem asked. “I don’t care, they might be gypsies or nomads of sort or something, may be just they are travelers. They won’t know a thing if we just act normal.” Babur relieved Saleem from his problem. “I say, we let them in.” Ali Baba intervened. “Very well…” Babur uttered as if he was giving a sermon.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Today we have guests, Nazir ready the guest room, increase the food, today we have guests to attend.â&#x20AC;?

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Chapter:3 OPERATION PREDICTION The visitors were bound to leave today morning so what has taken them so long to get out, Babur thought as he entered the living room. Saleem and Fareed had gone back to their homes but Ali Baba had stayed. Now he was sitting with some of the guests. “Assalam-o-Alaikum…” Babur greeted everyone but there was no reply as the guests were talking amongst themselves in whispers and Ali Baba was deep in thoughts. “So Ali Baba, what’s going on in your mind?” and then he continued but this time in a low tone: “and why are they still here?” “Sit my friend.” Ali Baba spoke in normal pitch, smiled and then continued:

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“Babur, these strangers here are no fools, or nomads or whatever we thought of them yesterday. They are greater than us in knowledge. They have told me what no astrologer in the Palace could have thought, on which no scholar would have pondered upon. They have informed me about the future.” Babur chuckled. Hell, I thought Ali Baba was wise and sensible but he got impressed by this folly, utter nonsense, sheer buffoonery, “and what makes you believe that it is the future?” Upon this Ali Baba’s faced became grim, he stood up without a word and went out of the room, then he signaled Babur to come to him. He then spoke with utmost secrecy. “They say Baghdad will be destroyed.” This was enough…Babur burst into laughter and started yelling amidst the laughs: “Baghdad….destroyed….fancy story….I will throw a feast if it comes true.” Ali Baba ignored him and continued: “The reason for it will be a heist; a heist of the caliph’s throne.”

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Now it was time for Ali Baba to laugh as he saw the transformation of emotions on Babur’s face, laughter changed to worry and then to fury: “It was all your plan, you damn traitor.” “Luckily they don’t know who am I, or you.” Ali Baba still spoke in the same monotonous way, ignoring Babur’s allegations despite he knew that in any crucial time, they are going to desert him. Now Babur was relieved. “Whoa, I thought I was finished” I again, not we, Ali Baba thought but broke the series and said while moving towards the door: “we will discuss the strategy afterwards now, right now we need to breakfast.” As he entered the congested room, a thought struck him and just like his other perfect plans it came to him it was just different in one way that it was least perfect.

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Chapter:4 PECULIAR INCIDENT Eagle was happy, he had not expected them to believe so quickly but somehow they had believed. It was good, now they could move on forward to the city and propagate the idea. One day, they would observe the city, then they would divide the city into sectors and each person would be given a sector for propagation. Pretty easy, Eagle thought the next day while waking up. “Parrot, bro, wake up…” Eagle tried to wake up Parrot who was deep in sleep. “Wake up!” Eagle yelled in his ear “Oiy! Who dares.........oh……sorry….so what do you want me to do?” Parrot innocently asked. “Flattery, I have some speculation that our host is not a common man, he is rich, perhaps he is a

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minister. So I want you to flatter him, so that he can convey our prediction to the caliph or to the other higher officials. Talk with him such that he may never forget us and yes…do mention that today evening we are going to leave and thank him for that too.” “Aye, Aye Captain” Parrot blurted trying to show his interest. Meanwhile, some rooms away Babur woke up by Eagle’s shout When are they going to leave? Their presence makes me feel uncomfortable, Babur thought and started to get ready for the day. As Babur came out of his room, his manservant bumped into him. “Whoa…Nazir, do you have eyes or what? Can’t you see?” His manservants face had mixed emotions fear and embarrassment. He was trembling Babur noticed “Sorry, sir” He was stammering, he was afraid of something, Babur concluded and was going to step ahead when Nazir spoke up:

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“Sir…today early morning a peculiar incident transpired….” “What?” Babur barked hastily “Ali Baba left our house….” “Fool, what’s so ‘peculiar’ in it.” Babur interrupted but Nazir continued to speak: “And then sir….he….actually…really…” “Speak up!” Babur yelled. “He gave himself up to the caliph.” Babur thought that the ground had slipped from his feet and the earth had been torn apart giving him place for burial, for rest. His life had been ruined, as well as Saleem’s and Fareed’s. Why did Ali Baba do this? For our demise…perhaps…for his revenge…probable…for some other purpose…indeed, Babur thought. He didn’t know what to do but his mind gave him some involuntary commands and his muscles obeyed as a sentenced prisoner obeys the guards; humbly and faithfully. Babur sat on the bed in his room, crying and weeping, his hand was in entangled in his beard

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which he wanted to rip off. Why had he allied with Ali Baba? Why, after all, couldn’t he be an honest officer? A hero in reality and not a hypocrite. Alas! Now all was lost, everything was lost; his wealth, his family, his pride, his honor and all due to…Ali Baba Babur cried the day out, he didn’t know that the causes of his demise were his honorable guests, who left without notification.

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Chapter:5 THE LAW MEETS THE DEVIL As Ali Baba sat in the place, which he had many times dreamed to be his own, he thought about his chances; 50-50, do or die, now or never. He was surrounded by the best guards in the whole empire and all of them were armed and he was alone unarmed and untrained. The guards had been ordered to simply do their duty that was to make sure Ali Baba doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t escape, even if he tries, he should be killed. Early in the morning, he had simply went to the Caliphâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Palace in a veil, killed a guard and upon inquiry gave his identity which was confirmed by other eye witnesses. Anyway he was going to be killed sooner or later, they were just keeping him alive for the sole reason that the caliph once wanted to meet him.

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By now almost whole city was aware of the incident that had happened earlier that morning. One of the courtiers suddenly started to announce the arrival of caliph. As Ali Baba looked towards the Caliph, he was engulfed by jealousy. Even after a life time of loot and plundering, Ali Baba wouldn’t have got what the Caliph had. When the Caliph walked, his steps were full of dignity, his every movement showed royalty. His ministers showed respect and loyalty. Ali Baba could have never got it unless….. “Oh devil, how do you feel?” the Caliph asked mockingly. Ali Baba had already made up his mind to not say anything until…. “Ashamed or guilty or perhaps sorry!” The Caliph continued: “Never mind, look Ali Baba you were the only criminal which everyone thought that no one could catch, you are ingenious and your this trait has bought you these last minutes of your life. So I want you to speak up anything like why did you surrendered, otherwise you may as well die.

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Ali Baba cleared his throat for now was his time to tell the truth; the first virtue he would do: “O Mighty Caliph!” his eyes sparkled,” I was the greatest mastermind of crime, not a criminal. I wanted to be the ruler, the authority among all, even if for it I had to cross the limits. In the start of my criminal career I was alone and I was alone until…three men met me. They wanted to join me. They were of high stature. They demanded share in my loots and in return gave me invincibility and other assistance. However, they were clever but I am afraid not more than me, in times of desperation, they would separate me from themselves. Simply they would plan to accuse me whenever they got caught. I have come here for two noble causes.” he pressed on the word ‘noble’ “My first wish Ya Khalifa is to let you know that these three people were involved in my crimes. After this then it is your responsibility to do whatever you want to do with them. I put no pressure. I just want you to realize that I won’t speak lie when I have myself stepped into death. The second cause my superior alter ego, is to let you know about a terrible incident that is going to destroy Baghdad and all of its inhabitants for years to come.” On these words, the

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Caliph’s eyes opened wide in terror and the courtiers all started to murmur. “What are you talking about?” The Caliph spat the words. “Two days ago we were planning a big heist, we were planning the heist of your crown when ten strangers came at one of my false friend’s house. They just demanded shelter for the night. We allowed them though they were wearing weird clothes and had extra bright complexion but still they didn’t know who we were. The next morning, one of them, who seemed like the leader prophesized, he predicted that Baghdad will be destroyed, burnt and its peoples engulfed by none other than the Mongol leader Hulagu Khan.” He paused and waited for the Caliph to absorb what he had said. Then the Caliph spoke: “Why did you believe them?” Ali Baba expected this question; couldn’t they just take the word of a gentleman. “They said that the reason the caliphate wasn’t able to cope up with this mission is that the Caliph was busy in some sort of case on his missing crown.”

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‘Impossible’ was the word that was spoken by each lip in the court. “Maybe they just overheard you? Like sneaking you know…” The Caliph tried to reassure himself. “Impossible and if you still don’t believe me, call them, today right now, they will be entering Baghdad any moment. They must not know who am I, or why they are called here.” “Maybe they are your men.” The Caliph was still uneasy “Believe me.” Ali Baba looked hard in the Caliph’s eyes and for the first time the Caliph had respect for Ali Baba.

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Chapter:6 EAGLE MEETS THE CALIPH Eagle was just entering the city’s gates, when he saw a whole army of soldiers marching towards him. What the hell? He thought but before he could settle his thoughts they caught them, all of them, threw them in a wagon, which hurried on in full speed. They were all captured and being taken somewhere. “Calm down NEST”, he spoke in English,” Though I know something is wrong, as our host crying in the morning and then this raid on us.” “Eagle, I don’t have a good feeling about what is happening, what has happened, and what is going to happen.” Kingfisher commented “I personally think that we never should have activated the machine.” Hawk added. “Zip your mouths, what has happened is past, and we need to look forward. We need to change…” The

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wagon suddenly came to a halt before Eagle could pronounce the word ‘history’. They were all pushed into a grand building, which the members of NEST couldn’t stop admiring. “It’s the Palace.” Parrot now spoke in Arabic “Exactly” Kite asserted. “Seems like our host has already told the caliph but I still don’t understand why he was crying in the morning.” Just as to their answers they saw in front of them a majestic figure on a throne surrounded by ministers with uncomfortable expressions, but what was of even more speculation was that in front of the Caliph was sitting their ‘co-host’ (as they had called him up to now) tied in chains surrounded by guards as if he was a prisoner….. “Assalam-o-Alaikum” it was Eagle who greeted the Caliph. “Walaikum Assalam, my fellows….let’s get to the topic, what did you predict? No ifs and buts and no questions just answer me!” The Caliph was tensed. “Okay, Baghdad will be destroyed completely, every citizen will be burnt, everything will be gone and

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forever Baghdad would not reach the point what it is now. Though Hulagu Khan would be superior in the war in arms and men but another important reason why Baghdad fell would be that the caliph would be trying to solve the case of his missing crown.” Again there were murmurs in the court. “Do you know who that man is?” The Caliph asked pointing towards Ali Baba and simultaneously trying to conceal his worry. “Actually he and his friend gave us shelter when we… came here.” Eagle answered. “From where?” the Caliph asked the question rapidly Eagle was dreading this question. “From faraway, we were tired, we mistakenly came here, and we didn’t want to come here.” Parrot answered defending his commander. It was partially true. “What are your relationships? Like what are you all to each other and why is that women not in a veil?” “We are all friends and we work together, where we live, no women wears a veil.”

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“Preposterous, it means that you come from far away…”The Caliph was stroking his beard but then said: “Do you know what? This man is Ali Baba, the criminal mastermind, who was planning the heist of my crown.” And then suddenly reality dawned on Eagle; how Ali Baba’s face had grimed upon hearing about the reason for destruction, their host’s reaction when Ali Baba had told them the prediction and his transformation when Ali Baba talked with him in private. Still there were three unanswered questions: Why was Ali Baba here? Why was his friend crying in the morning? And what is the Caliph going to do about the prediction? “Still I am not convinced.” The Caliph reasserted his stance “Then send a messenger.” Eagle confidently spoke And as to his answer a messenger came hurrying into the court without any permission. “Ya Khalifa…Ya Khalifa…Hulagu Khan is marching with his army to attack on us.”

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“Impossible” was the only word that the Caliph could utter.

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Chapter:7 RESOLUTION After what seemed like an Eternity, the Caliph spoke: “I have made my decision. Ali Baba you have been pardoned for the time being. Rather your honesty is appreciated and for this indeed you will receive an award if we survive this attack. About you ten, I don’t know how to thank you, you all will be heroes once we win. And yes Ali Baba do tell me the name of those three rats?” “Saleem, Babur and Fareed.” Ali Baba spoke in a monotonous tone with no hesitation. The words required no introduction to the Caliph and he already knew the people and their powers very well. He was dumbfounded but he resolved to punish them after the war. Till now they will be unmasked in front of the people. Yassen…” the caliph called his weak Negro servant.

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“Yes sir.” “Call Abdullah, the commander of the army.” “I am already here, Ya Khalifa.” Abdullah replied. “I want you to arrest Saleem, Babur and Fareed, put them in prison, then I want you to urgently send a message to all governors to bring their armies to defend Baghdad. Then I want you to ready the men and the defenses we will fight from within the city.” Then he turned towards the NEST and Ali Baba again: “Go, all of you and be ready for the battle and then glory if it be Allah wills.” The NEST left the city and went to a good hotel and they were immediately taken in “So what do all of you say now?” Eagle happily asked. “I am already looking forward to the Arabian Delights.” Hawk replied “I am now happy on coming here.” Kite answered “I am going to fight and be a victor and a general then, that Abdullah is not worthy of being the general of such a great empire.” Woodpecker

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“Forgive me NEST, but I am still feeling uneasy.” Kingfisher sheepishly replied. “You are too pessimistic Kingfisher.” Eagle commented and then said: “Never mind, so what do you say Chicken?” “I am a bit skeptical about my future without computer and technology, you know.” “Perhaps you can change the history of computer.” Eagle smiled and answered. “Oh yeah.” Chicken happily jumped and exclaimed “I am also okay with what is happening.” Duck answered. “I am going to enlist myself for the study of Arabic language.” Parrot remarked. “I am going to retire and live a peaceful life near the Tigris.” Vulture said with a sigh of relief. “I am going to get a job in some library or university.” Owl answered with a hidden joy. “Good.” Eagle concluded Thus the NEST was rejoicing meanwhile Ali Baba was also happy he was helping the army to catch

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Saleem, Babur and Fareed. He was taking revenge, he always wanted to do this.

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Chapter:8 WAR Before Hulagu Khan attacked, he gave a proposition to the Caliph to agree to pay tribute to Mongols and to be a dominion in Mongol territory. The Caliph refused. He already had summoned army from whole empire. They were all busy in the defense of city. Moreover the Caliph was of ultimate power, if he fell, Muslims would be ruined. Thus this led Hulagu Khan to lay siege to Baghdad. The siege lasted for many days. The fighting was fierce. Mongol army constantly pushed and attacked, they were persistent, meanwhile the defense was also good and it kept the Mongols back but not for long……..Mongols entered the city and a full week of destruction commenced. The Mongols showed no exception, destroying mosques, hospitals, libraries, and palaces. The books from Baghdad’s libraries were thrown into the Tigris River in such quantities that the river ran black with the ink from the books. The world will never truly know the extent of what knowledge was lost forever when those books were thrown into the river or burned. More important than the books, however, was the loss of life. It is

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estimated that between 200,000 and 1,000,000 people were butchered in that one week of destruction. Baghdad was left completely depopulated and uninhabitable.

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EAGLE Among the dead lying in one of the best buildings of city was Edward Paul. He was born in a good family and his early life was teeming with experiences from the countryside. He had black hair and he was handsome. He was also good in studies from an early age and was regarded as an excellent student in the studies. However due to some reason he couldn’t get good marks in his O ’Levels and then A ‘Levels. His family left him saying that he was a pampered child. He somehow got a job as a worker in a car garage and he had a reasonable salary, which allowed him to survive. One day when he was on duty trying to repair a car, its engine burst into flames, causing him to be burnt. He was immediately taken to the hospital by his colleagues but the doctors pronounced him dead and handed them the dead body which was burnt. In reality he was alive. He was given facial surgery and other surgeries and in some months he totally recovered. Then he was told about his enlistment in the CIA’s special wing THE NEST. He had agreed

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immediately. During the practice tests he showed immense courage and he was made the Commander of the Wing. After this he started living his life in solitude but during the missions he would come out and would perform as anyone would have. When in one of the missions he was accidentally but permanently trapped in Baghdad in 1258, he made a mistake. He made up his mind to change the history, save Baghdad and become a hero or perhaps the Caliph. Kingfisher usually told him: “I don’t feel good about this” OR “I am not liking what is happening.” But Eagle would ignore him saying that he was being pessimist. Eagle thought he could change the course of history and become a hero but he was terribly wrong, no one can change history. It is intact and impossible to alter. Eagle neglected this fact and played the price. He didn’t know that:

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HISTORY CAN NEVER BE CHANGED

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Epilogue: The mission had been more or less successful. The president was pleased and Alton was given a special medal for the accomplishment in the mission. One day there had been some kind of accident in the factory and the next day, the sacking of Iraqâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Commander in Chief, who was coincidentally, the head of the factory. Pure coincidence; Alton had thought when he read the news. The same day Iraqi President announced a visit to America in the coming month, which was welcomed by the President of US. In the next month, the factory was closed and the building was demolished, which led Alton to conclude that the mission was successful. He had won yet again. He had completed the Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission. However, there was one thing that worried the Head of CIA, the NEST had not given a signal to bail them out. Perhaps they had been killed in action, Alton had thought and after this he had never again given it another thought. After all who cares for ten dumb people who agree to anything? Alton had thought.

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HISTORY AND A MYSTERY Baghdad; a clean white shirt has a stain on it. A criminal mastermind accompanied by three officials, plan a heist, everything is going right but a series of events cause destructionâ&#x20AC;Ś.of everything. Baghdad, at culmination of excellence at that time is now trying to survive. Iraq is trying to develop something covertly and USA is suspicious about it. CIA sends their best wing; NEST to infiltrate and investigate but what they see changes their lifeâ&#x20AC;Ś.forever.

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