NERVES OF STEEL

CHAPTER 53- THE ARAB STRATEGY

The very next morning, the four had gotten ready to their decent further into the county to the palace of the Sultan. They all settled into the C-130 chopper that boldly had the Russian flag imprinted on the side.

Russo made sure to have a few words with the soldiers in preparation for a back up team when things got nasty. So basically, they trailed behind them every time they arrived a place but just far enough to be kept out of sight.

On arriving the opulent grandeur of Sultan Al-Mansoor's palace, one could see from a mile away that it was unmatched with any other building. Carved wooden doors plated with gold and adorned with religious verses, opened to reveal a vast marble courtyard filled with perfumed gardens and bubbling fountains.

The fragrance of frankincense hung in the air and soft traditional music from and out played faintly in the background. The moment the General and his team entered the reception hall, the Sultan's aides had already formed a ceremonial line, bowing deeply. Sultan Al- Mansoor, clad in flowing gold robes with crimson turban, rose from his ornate throne. A broad, genuine smile lit his face as he opened his arms in a welcoming gesture.

"Ahlan wa sahlan bikum fi qasri" (Welcome to my palace.) He said, warmly.
Russo, standing tall in his military uniform, bowed slightly and so did the others behind him. "Jalālatuka, naḥnu mamnūnūn likaram ḍiyāfatik wa waqtik." (Your Majesty, we're grateful for your hospitality and your time.)
"Please, have a seat."

The Sultan gestured for them to sit on the plush cushions around a low table set with silver trays of dates, nuts and cardamom coffee.

"It is not often we receive military allies from Russia. Tell me, General Fedorcenko, what assistance do you seek from Oman?"
"My Sultan....." Russo began. ".....it is no longer news of how long the terrorist croup Al-Jihad poses a threat to your country and now they are a threat to mine also."
"Hal' ant jidd?"(Are you serious?) The Sultan asked, surprised.
"Yes." Russo nodded, firmly. "However, I've put together a plan with my team."
"Go on..."
"We're here in the guise of a peace treaty. To infiltrate and eliminate them. However, we require subterfuge. My undercover agent, Clarice Basil, will act as an Omani envoy. A fake representative from your palace."
"Hmm. What do you need me to do?"
"As it stands now, she will require your letter of representation to gain their trust. Without it, this mission is impossible."
The Sultan stroked his beard thoughtfully. "The risk is immerse."
"Aʿlam, lākinnahu yastaḥiq dhālik, yā Sulṭānī." (I know but it's worth it my Sultan.) Russo said.
"Hadha laisa 'amran basitan." (This is not a simple matter.)
"I believe together we can end their terror for good. Hal tatafaqq ma'ana? (Do you agree with us?)"

The Sultan looked at Clarice, then sighed heavily. He called an aide, whispered some words in Arabic and in a few minutes he was back with a prepared parchment with his official seal. Sultan took it from his aide and stretched it out to Clarice.

"Lidharuriat alharb" (For the necessities of war.) This will grant her temporary representation. Use it wisely. Inna Allah ma'akum." (May God be with you.)
"Thank you so much, your Majesty." Clarice said as she accepted letter. Russo stood as extended his hand. "My Sultan, your support means everything. We won't fail."
The Sultan clasped his hand firmly. "Do not make me regret this trust. Luck be with you, General Fedorcenko."
"Thank you." He gave a curt nod.
"If everything goes well, I look forward to receiving you four back here for the celebration feast in your honor." The Sultan grinned.
"We wouldn't miss it, your Majesty." Russo said, returning his smile.

With one final bow, Russo along with his team left the premises of the palace at once. Getting ready to take the Chopper, piloted by Russo himself out to the Omani desert which was the final destination for the mission. Sitting on the pilots seat with the intercom headset well over his head. Felix sat beside him and the other two were back inside. As the sound of the chopper's engine started rumbling, he adjusted his gloves. Each of them had a small communication device hidden inside their ear lobes.