Calypso's Mast

Epilogue

Hatfield leaned over Maddock's shoulder and studied the satellite photograph.

"Is that a help sign?" he asked and pointed to a section of beach.

"It looks like it, doesn't it? Let's take a closer look." Maddock zoomed in and then sat back in his chair. "That's definitely a help sign."

He picked up the phone and dialled a number.

"Hi Moira. It's Arthur. You remember that submarine in North Queensland? There is ... or was, somebody else up there. They were in some sort of trouble because they made a help sign on the beach that is visible from the satellite. Do you want to take a look? ... Ok. See you soon."

He turned to Hatfield. "She's coming over."

Hatfield nodded. Maddock continued. "So tell me about this little chicky-babe you met up there."

"There's not much to tell," said Hatfield. "I met her in Weipa, at a bar. After that, she came to Lockhart and helped us out as a casual, in the search for the submarine."

"Two submarines," said Maddock. "Let's be clear. I thought we were onto something big when we found the one submarine off the continental shelf. After the Navy went and blew it up and we spotted the second one near the shore, ...well... that's when all my Christmas' came at once."

"I guess it validates your job," said Hatfield, grinning.

"Oh yes. Thank you very much. The forensics people say that the submarines were really interesting. They were single operator vehicles."

"How does that work?" said Hatfield. "I thought submarines took a whole crew to operate."

"Let's face it, those days are nearly gone," said Maddock. "We live in the drone age now. Operating these vessels with one person and sophisticated electronics is only one step away from making underwater drones. These two submarines were very advanced, technologically."

"Who built them?"

"The Columbian drug cartel, apparently. They were paying retired western world engineers handsome sums of money to create the technology to stay ahead of law enforcement. They had some very clever people on the job."

"All of that for some drugs?"

"It wasn't just 'some drugs'. The forensic guys say that they believe the subs would have cost about a billion dollars each to build and each vessel had about two billion dollars in drugs on board. Intelligence are saying that they had already done two trips – one to the U.S. and one to the Mediterranean and this one was their third trip. The trip to the U.S. got them their money back for construction and they still made a profit. The Mediterranean trip was pure profit. The destruction of them here, has put them back, almost to square one. They're not going to be happy." Maddock flicked up another picture.

"No doubt about it. Drugs are a very lucrative business," said Hatfield.

"So, is this girl here with you now?" asked Maddock.

"Yes she came down. She's going back to Ireland in a month, but plans to come straight back once her visa is re-approved."

Maddock whistled quietly. "Is it that serious? What's her name?"

"Well," said Hatfield with a smirk. "Her name is Amy and let's just say that the relationship is progressing steadily."

Shields knocked on the door and entered. "Good morning, gentlemen. What have you found?" She came around and stood behind Maddock, where she could see the screen as well.