KC Frantzen - May the K9 Spy 03 - May Leads the Way: Trouble Near Tofino (10 page)

Chapter 22

N
ot far to the north, slender black rods break through the surface, then I spy a dark turret, like a tank.

Frantically, I study the horizon. Nothing but small choppy waves, nowhere to paddle for safety.
Sigh.
Captured again. Tradecraft 101 – “Focus first on the mission.”

And I failed to do so.

As we approach the vessel, a hatch flips open towards the sky. Several humans step out wearing caps with USS Tennessee embroidery. I’m
from
Tennessee.

The man with the most senior uniform says, “What in creation, Nolly found a dog out here?”

Another man leans towards us and nods. “Eye eye, Commander.”

English. Definitely. But is he saying “eye eye” because he can see me? Sounds like he means to say “yes yes.” Wait! That’s “aye aye,” Navy talk for HUA.

Commander says, “So it appears. Seems the chatter was true. The pod dispatched those Okhotsk dolphins in a hurry. But where does a dog come in?”

The junior officer says, “Shall we bring it aboard, Sir?”

Why would I need a board, unless it floats? I want someone to hold me, then I want some water and food, then I
must
let the K9 Spy Service know about Rukan and his plans. Okay, maybe not in that order.

Wait… This is the USS Tennessee, the vessel Rukan is after!

I bark, “You’re in danger!”

The Commander looks at me, then signals a human wearing a dark slippery-looking suit. Instead of regular hands and toes, they’re webbed like a duck’s.

He swims to us and says, “It’s okay, little one. Nolly girl, who have we here?”

My dolphin
clicks
what sounds like a greeting.

Placing a webbed glove on the dolphin for support, the man passes a device over my back –
beeeeeep
– and gives me a look.

The microchip. I bark again. “I told you. You’re in danger!”

The swimmer climbs onto the black vessel, and after a quick chat, disappears.

He left. Makes sense. I shouldn’t jeopardize them because of this blasted microchip. But what am I going to do? I can’t see shore. Maybe I can swim until I find another float.

I see movement and hear a splash. The same man swims over to show me something that resembles what Mom wears around her waist when she exercises.

“I’m going to put this on you, okay?”

Wonder what it does? Before I can ask, he lifts my front paws and wraps it around my body. It goes around two and a half times, then he attaches the Velcro together.

I grimace as it tugs my fur but make no sound.

He gives me a pat, a thumbs up, then swims for the submarine. The hatch closes.
Whooooop whooooop whooooop.

As the vessel submerges, my dolphin rushes toward a small doorway near the hatch. I manage to hang on as she swims right in. The door
whumpfs
shut and latches behind us. As a light comes on, I see we’re in a small pool.

Immediately the world tilts and I feel we’re moving swiftly downwards. Very odd, but Nolly doesn’t seem to mind. Speaking of…

I woof, “So your name is Nolly? Thank you for rescuing me. But I’ve put you in danger.”

“Clickkkitttyyy click click cliiickk click.”

She seems to understand, but I don’t follow her at all. Maybe I’ll get yes and no, or thanks, but I don’t think my voice will ever fluently make those sounds.

We float alongside metal grating and Nolly says, “Clickclick. Clickclickkity clickkkkkkk.”

This is sooo frustrating. I stamp my paw. (Oops. Hope it didn’t hurt Nolly.)

She repeats. “Clickclick. Clickclickkity clickkkkkkk.”

Hey, maybe she wants me to get off. “Nolly, should I disembark?”

“Clickkkk?”

“Do you want me off?”

“Clickity
click
.”

Wonder of wonders, that sounded like “yes.” Just as I jump onto the grate, another doorway opens and
thwop
, a fish lands in the pool.

Nolly gobbles the fish, head first, with a happy, watery “Clllickittty clllickky cllickkk.”

A pleasant man’s voice says, “You’re welcome.” The swimmer, now dressed in blue coveralls, tosses more fish to Nolly, then turns to me. “Is your name May?”

Gulp.
I bark in the affirmative.

“Thought so. It came through MAT channels that a K9 Service Agent matching your description was reported missing.”

I know what MAT means – Military Animal Teams. I should salute!

He smiles and returns it. “How did you end up floating on a buoy in the Pacific?”

Since he’s expecting an answer, he must speak K9 critter too.
Sir, you’re in danger. I need to contact HQ… over a secure line please.

“The wrap I placed around you will keep the microchip from signaling if that’s what you’re concerned about.”

Wshew
.

He leans over as Nolly offers him her “leg” shaped like a paddle. He gives her a scratching. “There’s my good girl. Now your beak.”

Beak? She’s not a bird.

Nolly thrusts her snout towards him and he scratches all around.

He grins then says to me, “Come.”

Yes Sir.
I trot over and give Nolly a little kiss on both sides of her… beak.
Thank you ever so much for your help. I’ll bring fish when I can.

More happy clicks. A little splash.

What a thoughtful creature. She made sure not to get water on me or her handler this time. Though there are bad individuals in every species, overall, I quite like dolphins.

I follow Nolly’s Handler through the doorway, after hopping over a short metal barrier. Mmmm. I sniff a whiff of pizza, along with diesel fuel and a variety of humans.

“Stand by.” After shutting the door by turning a wheel, he explains. “That’s our Drydeck Shelter, used for special services. We don’t take Nolly on patrol of course, but around port, highly-trained dolphins and sea lions are part of our team. They do a wonderful job and work for fish. My girl’s favorite is hake, a delicacy in these waters. Dolphins use their teeth to grab a meal, then swallow head first so the spines don’t catch in their throats.”

Raw food. Yuk. To survive, I negotiated feathers, fur and bones in Paris. Rather have pizza.

I make my eyes very very round and yip, “Nolly did seem to enjoy the
food
. I noticed she didn’t chew her
food
.” Maybe that will give him an idea.

We start down a narrow hallway. When he climbs some metal stairs nearly like a ladder, I follow, putting my training to use. Not easy wrapped in this Velcro contraption. On the next level I fully understand the term “ship shape.” I sense everything has its place, though one thing I don’t understand… We’re walking on boxes of canned goods. Doesn’t a top-notch craft like this have a pantry?

Responding to my look, Nolly’s Handler explains. “Nuclear subs, ‘boomers,’ are out for months on deterrent patrol, so we store extra rations in the corridors until consumed. 128 submariners, four meals a day. That’s a lot of food. Cookie does a great job. We’re currently ranked first for best meals at sea.”

Sir, I’ll be pleased to give an honest review.

As we pass a secured doorway, I read the sign: “What you say in here, do in here, see in here, hear in here, stays in here.” Like the K9 Spy Service. Speaking of, I still must contact HQ.

Smiling faces greet me, I salute them all. Each man is dressed the same. Their scents are distinctive, so I easily differentiate, but how do humans?

My guide leads me to a door marked “Pharmacy” and I let Nolly’s Handler lift me onto a table.

A nice man says, “Let’s take a quick look. A microchip is triggering our reader. Agent May, you’re emitting a signal that one of our vigilant Operations guys questioned. But this one is different. So we sent Nolly to check.”

Pharmacy Man removes the wrap, then passes the device over my back again.
Beeeeeep.

I break away and start barking. “I’ve led an enemy submarine to the USS Tennessee! I must contact HQ immediately.”

Pharmacy Man says, “Not to worry, little lady,” as he re-wraps me. “This muffles the signal. If you don’t mind a quick surgery with local anesthetic, we’ll destroy the chip. You can even do the honors.”

I begin to howl. “No, no, I must talk to your commanding officer right this instant!”

Both men look at each other, then at me.

This should be classified but I don’t know if the Commander speaks critter. These men seem to. Hastily I share a communication summary between Rukan and the enemy submarine about the NAST cloaking system and their scheme to capture the USS Tennessee.

Nolly’s Handler says, “You’re right. Inform the Skipper ASAP.”

Once he’s on the radio I bark, “I’ve endangered your boomer and your lives. Put me back out to sea!”

The Commander says, “Nonsense. This gives us an advantage. Bring Agent May to me.”

Chapter 23

N
olly’s Handler scoops me off my paws and we dash to the Skipper’s office. “Permission to enter, Sir.”

“Come.”

I salute. The Commander seems very stern, though a quick assessment of the small office/bedroom shows a few photos of his family, including a Schnauzer and a Golden.

He nods to Nolly’s Handler. “That is all Lieutenant.”

“Sir.”

After the door closes, the Commander looks me over and returns my salute.
Gulp.

He swivels in the chair and pushes a button on the console. “Agent May, we are in contact with the K9 Spy Service.” In an instant, General Jim, Miss Sandy and Agent Michael each greet me onscreen.

I try not to think about my status as a new agent.

The Skipper issues an order. “Debrief us. Emphasis on
brief
.”

“Yes Sir.” I look away to organize my thoughts, then do my best presenting the bare facts since my capture. When I mention the enemy dolphins, the Commander raises a hand for silence.

“We sent Nolly and her team to check, but had not ascertained how the Sea of Okhotsk dolphins arrived in these waters and who their handlers were. Now that you’ve alerted us, Operations will look for further sonar anomalies. Continue.”

Then General Jim speaks. “This will not be repeated. The Major, Agent X-Ray as you know him, was arrested along with the Kitsap Trident protestors. All were released earlier this morning. He will be deported shortly as his cover is still intact.”

I woof, “I knew it. He’s one of ours!”

“Perhaps he will remain a valuable asset. He was greatly concerned about the NAST technology being ill-used so he made contact. There is much we don’t know about enemy capabilities in this area. The Major has agreed to return home to assist us with intelligence, at great risk to himself and his family.”

Agent Michael coughs for attention. “We lost Rukan’s aircraft after Resolute Mountain. We knew Overlord wanted the plans, so once they are acted upon we will track the location. The Major gave us a general heading once Rukan lifted off from Kitsap, but it’s all we knew until moments ago. Mullet, to clarify. You’re saying the plane
and
the base are in British Columbia, somewhere near Tofino?”

“Yes Sir, the base is, but I don’t think Overlord is there. The plane – I can’t be sure since last night. If I could sneak on shore, I could follow Rukan’s trail.”

“I’ll deploy a team ASAP and meet you on the southwestern-most beach on Vargas Island. Good work, Mullet.”

“Thank you. Except…”

“Go on.”

I look at each of them. “I’ve put others at risk. Rukan microchipped me. I led the enemy to the USS Tennessee.” I hang my head. “Also, I didn’t set my drone correctly. It followed me instead of Rukan. Then a seabird tried to eat it but spit it out. It’s lost.”

Agent Michael tries to smother a smile. “Mullet, we’ll put a good plan into action. You’ll see. For a new agent on an advanced mission, you’re doing okay.”

I mutter, “Sure doesn’t seem like it.”

General Jim issues an order. “Proceed to Vargas Island, Agent Michael. I’ll keep you advised.”

“Roger that, Sir. Agent Michael, out.”

I listen as they discuss options. When Miss Sandy mentions the microchip again, it gives me an idea. I woof, “Excuse me. The enemy submarine surely knows the three dolphins are terminated.”

Miss Sandy says, “Justice was swift and certain.”

“And it’s coming for Rukan. Can we use these events as the basis of a plan? Maybe give the microchip to Nolly and her team…”

The Commander nods. “Excellent seed of an idea, Agent May. They want to capture our boat intact. With good timing, we could deploy our own deflecting silencer technology and disappear. What say you all?”

After more discussion, it’s decided. The Commander alerts Nolly’s Handler to whisk me to the Pharmacy.

Surgery. Yuk. But better than a despicable chip in my body.

Pharmacy Man uses magnetic imaging to pinpoint the chip. “Hmm. Look at this.” He motions Nolly’s Handler closer.

“Very strange. There are several chambers.”

“Alert the Skipper to completely seal off the Pharmacy. Please bring breathing apparatus for each of us.”

When we’re alone, Pharmacy Man explains. “It appears you have a type of multi-purpose microchip. I’ve read about them, but never seen one in person. Not only does it emit a tracking signal, but also contains a deadly module. I suspect sarin.”

I show the whites of my eyes. “A weapon of mass destruction?”

Putting on full surgical gear, he looks grave. “Affirmative. One tiny drop on the skin will kill. In gas form, it would swiftly permeate the boat. The crew would die, leaving the Tennessee vulnerable to capture. That must not happen. So we’ll take every precaution. If the worst happens and the device deploys, we’ll have a chance with our contained breathing units until it’s neutralized. If not, the Pharmacy will remain inaccessible.”

“Which means, we won’t make it.”

He nods, in the affirmative.

I look away.
Sigh.
I’ve brought so much danger here… I was bait again, but for the wrong side. Creator, please protect the crew and keep Pharmacy Man’s hands stable.

In a very few minutes, everything is ready, including a makeshift breathing apparatus for me. Nolly’s Handler places a Falcon NDIR toxic gas analyzer on the table, then several cotton pads inside a glass vial to lessen the chance of breakage. He helps us put on our protective gear, including several surgical drapes for me, and starts our breathing equipment. He offers a quick salute, exits, then I hear the door seal from outside. I feel the pressure in the room drop slightly.

This is it. Again.

The Commander activates the comm unit. “We’ve monitored enemy chatter. Confirmation on sarin. Advise when you’re successful.”

Pharmacy Man says, “Aye aye. Atropine prepared in case of emergency.”

I whimper, “Commander, I apologize for bringing such danger.”

The Skipper says, “Relax Agent May. We will use this latest development to our advantage. I have every confidence.”

“Aye aye.”

After the comm clicks off, Pharmacy Man says, “Injecting local anesthetic. Lie very
very
still.”

I work to keep my breathing shallow and not flinch as I hear and feel pressure from the instruments. Thankfully, no pain.

After almost forever, Pharmacy Man declares, “It’s removed. Placing into the vial.”

Wish I could see, but the drape is in the way.

“Sealed.”

I start to wiggle my whole self but he commands, “STOP! Hold position while I secure this vial in another container and lock it down.”

Sounds like he’s opening a jar, then a compartment of some kind. “Now for the sutures. Just a few moments more.”

Soon he discards the drape and gives me a smile. “Let’s make sure we’re in the clear.” He moves the meter around the room. After a gloved thumbs up, he activates the comm.

“Skipper, microchip contained. Repeat, immediate danger is contained.”

I manage one and a half barks before Pharmacy Man clamps my mouth closed.

“Shh. Sound carries underwater.”

Oh. That’s why the crew isn’t cheering. When he lets go I whisper, “Aye aye,” then Snoopy dance in my mind.

The Skipper sounds pleased. “Excellent news. Agent May, to my office.”

Since the anesthetic was only a local, I’m able to walk on my own to see the Commander. Along the way, the crew members give me a thumbs up. It makes me prance a little. But I wish I had thumbs. They’re so useful.

When I arrive, the Commander and I discuss plans with General Jim and Miss Sandy, joining in by secure comm.

First, Operation Fish & Chip. A team will distract the enemy submarine so the USS Tennessee can disappear. Second, Operation Trouble Near Tofino. Since Vargas Island is foreign soil, a US State Department representative will make confidential contact with Canadian and Ahousaht First Nation officials, then if approved, Nolly will let me out before dawn.

I’ll track Rukan’s trail from the pond, without being discovered of course. By then Agent Michael and team should be on the beach, posing as kayakers. I’ll return to inform them of Rukan’s location. We’ll join forces then capture Rukan and bring him to justice. At least that’s the plan.

Maybe we’ll even snag a lead on Overlord.