Towerguys World Tour

[ardypilot]

Another great post- looking forward to your next update Craig.

[Alex]

Great post towerguy, its really written in a thriller sort of style; with appropriate cliffhanger.

Alex

[towerguy]

It was with a distinct feeling of unease that I made my way to the airport this morning. Every taxi was following me, every street vendor watched me as I went by. Did I feel paranoid? You bet!
The Met briefing for today looked okay. There had been mention of possible low cloud around 500ft and a broken layer at 1500ft but that seemed to have burnt off early and apart from a few possible heat build-ups later in the day it looked like a good one. The wind was pretty much as forecast with a light 7kt north easterly and the cloud just a few scattered puffs of light Cumulus at about 3000ft agl.
Todays leg would take me from Wilson out to the north then VFR up to Lake Turkana for a brief stopover "“ maybe a day "“ and then on to Addis Ababa in Ethiopia. Originally I had planned via Mogadishu but Steve had asked me to meet in Addis and had given me an address to find when I got there, so "“ Addis Ababa it would be.
Taxiing out in TGY I relaxed into my routines of checks and procedures; the familiar sounds and smells of the Baron soothing and reassuring.
Picking up my IFR clearance and programming the GPS I awaited my turn at the holding point, buffeted slightly by the prop wash of the two caravans ahead of me and sniffing the scent of avtur. Behind me there was a brief roaring as someone cleared a sticky mag. Eventually my turn arrived and I climbed away leaving the tourist flights and trainers to their busy schedules.




High flyer overtakes me

There was a bit of chop as I passed through a couple of clouds but having been cleared by ATC direct on track and straight up to FL160 I was soon cruising in smooth air and enjoying the views.



Passing Mt Kenya I again passed into the northern hemisphere. The landscape of northern Kenya gets more barren and desert-like the further north you go. Vast areas of sandy and rocky terrain broken up by sharp edged ridges rising up to volcanic cones and craters. It looks more like the surface of the moon. As the day heats up so too does the turbulence, even reaching up to this level.



Gradually Lake Turkana (or Lake Rudolf if you prefer) slid into view. Also known as the "Jade Sea', it is filled with algae particles moving with the wind and currents, the surface colours change from blue to grey to a fabulous jade.



It makes a striking contrast to the surrounding barren rocky volcanoes and lava beds. Further setting it off is the surrounding fringe of pink from the enormous flocks of Flamingo feeding in the rich waters.
It is around this area that some of the oldest known fossils of human ancestors have been found.





I had planned a short stay at Lodwar, not far from the lake, but while refuelling I got talking with one of the local operators. He advised that there was a bit of trouble going on with rebels in the area and that the danger level for tourists had gone up markedly over the last 48hrs or so. He was even sending his own family down to Nairobi for a few weeks just to be on the safe side. If I didn't have a really pressing need to stay then he'd recommend coming back another time. If the local operator thinks that, then who am I to argue.
After a bit of lunch and a comfort stop I replanned and set forth again.
Levelling at 1500ft agl I cruised north just west of the lake shore.



Home to 22000 crocodiles I didn't want ditching to be even a remote option and it helped to keep away from the birds anyway.
Further north still I climbed to get better radio coverage. Time to get clearance into Ethiopian airspace. Below me the fertile valley of the Northern Rift Lakes passed slowly under the wing.



The colours of the seven lakes varying markedly from blue to green to brown and grey.



While the vegetation increased below there appeared to be huge areas of cutting being done. I had read about the deforestation problems here but it's not until you see it from the air that you get a real appreciation of the extent. Something in the order of 1400km² per year!



The government and aid agencies are fighting back but it would seem that there is still a way to go.
Despite the airconditioning I was feeling tired hot and scratchy. Pulling out the printed checklists I double checked everything on the approach into Bole International at Addis Ababa. It's been a few weeks since I spent any real time in TGY so it's better safe than sorry.
Sliding across the many eucalyptus trees and past the new Medhana Alem Cathedral I touched down and taxied in to the GA park.



Cracking the door open I was nearly overcome by the kero fumes from an old DC8 starting further along the line and the exhaust of it's associated GPU, all borne by a wind direct from an open oven. I had thought it might be a little cooler, after all the airport elevation is 2300M or nearly 7000ft.
Customs and Immigration cleared, I joined the masses fighting, literally in some cases, for places on the mini buses or "blue donkeys' as they are locally known.
The bus dropped me 200m past the motel Steve had recommended. Squeezing my way out I thanked goodness I didn't have any more than a backpack and a flight bag. Walking back I could see why Steve liked this place. It put me in mind of some of the cities in rural NSW we had worked in. Even the smells were similar "“ probably all the eucalyptus trees. As for the heat and the flies, well we won't go there. Normally it's a lot cooler but I seem to have struck some unseasonally hot temperatures.
Banging open the old flyscreen door I went into the office, glad of the shade. The rusty old wood and rattan ceiling fan circling lazily above did nothing more than stir the heat and give the flies a ride. Hardly big enough to qualify as a shoe box the office held a desk and 3 dark skinned locals, beers in hand, crowded around a 37"Â￾ plasma TV cheering on a football match. I wasn't sure which side they supported as they cheered no matter which side had the ball.
In a feat of remarkable dexterity one of the group managed to check me in, point out the way to my room, get the key, find and hand over an envelope that had apparently been left for me, and all without once taking his eyes off the game.
Letting myself in I glanced around the room. 1 single bed "“ unmade, a minibar fridge "“open and unplugged, 1 bedside chair "“ asymmetric legs, and on the wall a shiny new 37"Â￾ plasma TV. Checking the bathroom I found the water in the toilet worked and the shower was within human limits, so all up not too bad really.
First things first, I stepped fully clothed into a cold shower, then plugged in the fridge, slid my bags under the bed and walked back to reception.
"Do you speak English?"Â￾ I asked. I hadn't heard anything apart from a few grunts and some cheering the whole time.
"Oui!"Â￾ was the reply. Okay I thought.
"Beer?"Â￾ I asked shrugging my shoulders in the universal language meaning "“ "I'm a newbie here so where do I go?'.
After a bit of finger counting and waving I walked away with a dozen stubbies of some unknown brand. Judging by the smile on the managers face I'd just paid the incredibly cheap price of 4 times the going rate. Oh well still a bargain.
Back in my room I settled down on the hammock masquerading as a bed, popped the top off a beer, flipped on the football and opened the envelope from Steve.

Things have gone better than expected this end. Got a good price but had to use some to grease the wheels. I've sent it through to the places you listed. I cannot get to Addis to meet you due to a small complication but have made arrangements to meet in Djibouti. Ask Dominic he will tell you where and when.
Regards Steve.

It was getting on towards dark now and I wasn't going to go wandering about so dinner was a couple of nut bars from the flight bag washed down by the beers while I thought over Steves note and watched the red and blue striped team beat the yellow shirted team 4-1. yay "“ I think?
The fact that he'd got a good price was excellent and I'd fully expected him to have expenses so that was no worry. A small complication? Well knowing Steve I just hoped she was worth it and that the husband wasn't too fast a runner.
Djibouti? Another unplanned stopover but at least it's on the way "“ but who the hell is Dominic?





These legs - Wilson to Lodwar 364.0nm 2.3 hrs
Lodwar to Addis Ababa 415.6nm 2.9 hrs

Totals 17056.7nm 120.2 hrs

[towerguy]

final editing done on post above
cheers

[G-HEVN]

Another good leg.

Very verdant pics too. The one thing I think I miss most in FSX is... green!

[towerguy]

Yeah - after the rains it all looks green for a while but give it another month and FSX will probably be closer to the mark again.

[Kelburn]

you have really gone far on this trip aye?

Great shots!

[towerguy]

While checking out this morning I asked our ever-smiling friend behind the desk if he could organize a taxi to the airport for me.
"No no I have pickup there, you will come with me.' no argument just a plain statement of what was going to happen.
"Okay thanks "“ when are you leaving?'
"Soon'
Ah that good old standard African time again "“ now. soon, later, much later and all "“maybe.
"Okay I'll wait outside, cheers'
About 45 minutes later a hard worked Toyota town ace van pulled up. Putting my bags in the back we headed off like a rusty grey scud missile.
At the airport drop off point I thanked my host and part time kamikaze pilot and started to get out.
"Wait please' he said " I forget last night to give you this' he handed over a business card, "The Jazz Club'. " The number is on the back. Just call, tell them you are an associate of Mr. Steve's and they will answer your questions'
Handing over a large thick manila envelope he continued " please pass these on to Mr. Steve tell him I will try to get more'
"This isn't contraband of some sort is it?' I asked.
"No no, just business documents and photos. They arrive at the hotel and Mr. Steve picks them up on his way through but if you are going to see him soon then it is important that he gets them'
"Oh he passes through often does he?' My interest was picking up now.
"Oui about once a month "“ and pays good French francs too!'
"Really, well yes I will see that he gets them "“ bon chance'
Retrieving my bags I left him forcing his way into the traffic amidst a cacophony of blaring horns and waving arms.
The next challenge was getting past some overzealous security. With much pointing and showing of pilot licenses and even maps and charts I finally made my way out to TGY. Today was much cooler at only 15 degrees C and a slight breeze, quite pleasant actually. Although only passing through this time I think I'd like to return at some stage as there is so much interesting history to see here. Planning, filing and filling out countless other pointless forms pushed departure time back to after midday, but it's only a shortish run up to Djibouti so I wasn't in too much of a hurry.



Post start checks completed and GPS programmed I taxied out in turn to await departure.
TGY lifted off quickly due to the lighter fuel load and climbed well up to cruise. I'm told the fuel is cheaper further north and I still had sufficient for this leg.



Climbing to the southeast the ranges around Addis Ababa slowly dropped away and spread out into the distance. The clear air this morning allowed the smallest details to be made out even at distance. As I turned north the ground dropped away and spread out into the Great Rift Valley.



Further north again the haze began and spread across the horizon to the northwest. Southern Djibouti is mainly stony barren desert receiving very little in the way of annual rainfall. Subsistence goat and camel herders are about all that exist here. Vast saltpans and desert reflected the sun back almost painfully. Had I been so inclined I could have descended here over the Danakil depression, one of the lowest points on the earth's surface, and got negative altimeter readout.



The airwaves here are not like the empty desert below however. R/T traffic was heavy and care was needed as I approached Djibouti city. The Americans have the airbase leased out and it is the headquarters for operation "enduring freedom'. Needless to say there are TFR's and "no fly' zones all over the place. All manner of military hardware could be heard and seen and contrails overhead crisscrossed the sky.
Slowly the silver grey sheen of the Gulf of Tadjoura slid into sight.



By now I was being worked into the traffic flow for rwy09 at Ambouli international. Getting all the checks out of the way I concentrated on the almost nonstop ATC chatter and kept my head swiveling looking for traffic.




The afternoon heat had built up the turbulence and it wasn't helped by the heavily loaded C17 on final ahead. Keeping a wary eye on him I stayed high on the approach and landed in long to avoid any nasty wake turbulence surprises.



From the few glimpses I managed to snatch on final Djibouti doesn't seem like the most scenic place on earth. It appeared to mostly be low houses around the base of a peninsula with a busy port and a big mosque complex in the western side of the city. The port looked pretty busy though with shipping spread out for miles. All the imports and exports for Ethiopia also come through this port as well.



Once TGY was safely secured and all customs cleared I made my way out through what passed for a terminal.



As I stopped to search for a taxi two large Africans dressed in the local loose fitting sarong type arrangement flanked me from behind.
"You came in the light plane' asked or rather, stated the one on my right. Although he was my height he had a good 20kg on me and none of it was fat.
"Yes that's right, why is there a problem?' my mouth went dry and the butterflies in my gut were the size of fruit bats.
"No problem, you are to come with us.'
Pulling my arm free I said " not likely mate I'm not going anywhere until you tell me what this is all about'
If this was some sort of snatch attempt then I wasn't going to go down without a fight. At least there were plenty of people in the terminal including a large number of marines and other service personnel so back up shouldn't be a problem.
"No problems, Dominic says you are to come with us, we take you to him.'
I breathed an almighty sigh of relief, that changed things a bit. " Well if Dominic says so then lead on'
We all squeezed into their battered Renault for the short trip into town. I had grown nearly accustomed to the African driving style now. We hurtled along swerving around other vehicles, loaded donkeys and groups of people all heading in different directions and all over the road. The wide dusty main streets with their white washed mud brick or plaster shops flashed by. Brightly coloured advertising hoardings, rugs and fruit stands interspersed with faded walls and rusting vehicles lined the streets. I could tell we were approaching the more affluent European quarter, as the streets were better kempt, the gardens more elaborate and the walls higher. Passing the U.S. Embassy on the avenue Mareschal Joffre we pulled up round the corner on the avenue Mareschal Foch. As you can tell from the street names Djibouti used to be the French colony of French Somaliland until independence in 1977.
Unwinding myself from the car I gave thanks that I had again cheated death and survived another African road trip.
A row of palms leaning out over the top of a high white washed stone wall provided welcome shade but I could still feel the heat radiating up from the ground. Set into the wall was a large set of black wooden doors with heavy cast iron bands and studs surrounded by ornately worked iron lattice. Large silver letters set into the wall along side proclaimed "The Jazz Club'.
Opening the door my driver motioned me through before shutting it behind me. I could just hear the car start and leave. It was much cooler in here. I was amongst thick tropical plants and a tiled path lead ahead into a patio area. Off to the left was a bar and restaurant, the full front open glass doors leading out onto the patio, which fell away in several levels toward a low stone wall overlooking the sea. Lush foliage and palm gardens curved in and out through each level closing each table off from it's immediate neighbors but still retained a view back toward a small elevated stage set with piano and drums. Small groups of business types talked quietly while a young Arab waiter flitted between.
As I headed into the bar a voice behind me made me turn.
"Pardon monsieur, may I be of assistance?' emerging from a desk behind the door was a well-dressed European. Swarthy complexioned with salt and pepper hair and a typical Gallic moustache that an imperial guardsman would be proud of, he approached holding out his hand.
"Yes "“ my name is Craig and I believe Dominic is expecting me?'
His grey eyes widened and his face split into a wide smile "ah yes of course, of course, I am Dominic Jalbert and welcome to my humble establishment. These are your bags? Achmed! Achmed! Take these bags to suite 3 now!' Clapping his hands and shoving the poor waiter Achmed into action he had me stripped of my bags and headed for a table before I could say another word. Calling back over his shoulder he shouted "Raoul! Raoul! Champagne and glasses for the lower deck.' "Please come this way Mr. Craig, Steven has been delayed but will join us later and asks that you wait here for him.' He led me to a well-shaded table by the sea wall with a magnificent view over the bay.



" You will rest and dine while you wait no? Good good!'
I felt overwhelmed; he never stopped long enough for me to argue so why bother?
"You are an "“ associate - of Stevens?'
"In a manner of speaking, I guess you could say that' it was easier to just go along rather than explain.
"Excellent! Stevens "associates' are always most welcome'
Seating me at a marble topped table with four chairs he deftly opened the just arrived bottle and poured. Surrounded on two sides by the gardens I could see back up to the stage and also out over the wall. Below, a short flight of steps cut into the stone led down to the dark sandy beach. From the rocks a wooden jetty ran out into deeper water. Further out a procession of shipping of all sizes and nationalities slowly cruised to and from the port further around the point to the west. Out further again, I could just make out the sail of a large yacht slowly heading in.
"I would recommend a platter of the sweetmeats, pastries and cheeses. Just tell Achmed here anything you wish and he will make it so "“ just as if I had given the order myself'
Achmed, just back from dropping my bags nodded vigorously behind. With 50% unemployment I guess people will put up with a lot to keep a job.
"Thank you Dominic, that sounds great.'
With another clapping of hands Achmed was sent running while Dominic excused himself to attend to other guests arriving.
Sitting in the shade with the cooling sea breeze straight off the water I passed the time watching the shipping and the non stop procession of military aircraft joining from the north.
As happens in these places sunset was suddenly upon me. One moment it was bright afternoon and next the sky was quickly deepening in colour while nature put on a superb light show as the sun sank toward the warehouses to the west.
Without me really registering it, the yacht I had been watching earlier had arrived and slid slowly up to the jetty, helmed expertly by a petite but very lovely looking brunette wearing cutoff jeans and a windcheater over a well filled out t-shirt. I didn't take any notice of her companion until he'd finished securing the lines and turned to wave. Typical "“ delayed ha! Just look for the best looking woman in the place and there will be Steve.
Going below he emerged a few minutes later in slacks and a light jersey while his "friend' was in a white strapless number that did little to dispel the notion that the tan was both real and "all over'!
Dominic greeted them on the beach like they were long lost friends and brought them up to my table. Drinks magically appeared as Steve made the introductions.
"Craig this is Michelle Jalbert', seeing the look of recognition in my eyes he continued "yes that's right the same as Dominic, his niece actually.'
"A great pleasure to meet you Michelle"Â￾
"Ah so this is the friend I have heard so much about?' she said smiling.
"And I deny just about all of it'
Steve laughed " don't listen to him Michelle, if it hadn't been for Craig I would be still buried somewhere rather unpleasant I'm sure'.
The rest of the evening passed very pleasantly with much laughter and talk. Michelle told us hilarious tales of her work as a stewardess with Air France and Steve told of trying to teach uncoordinated old ladies how to windsurf. I chipped in with a few tales from my trip so far. Dominic slipped in and out between courses, keeping guests entertained and the staff on their toes. Some time during the evening a 5-piece band had stated playing away in the background while the murmur of voices from unseen tables mixed with the occasional shrieking of parrots in the trees overhead.
During a break Michelle wandered off to find friends among the dinners.
"You two seem to be a close unit' I said to Steve.
"Yes' he said watching her move between tables "she's rather a special girl that one, maybe even "the"Â￾ special one'.
After I'd picked my jaw up off the floor and checked my ears were functioning correctly I thought Wow! I'd never heard Steve go that far about a woman before.
"Really?'
"Yeah, but it could get a bit tricky though'
"How so?'
" A small matter of a very rich but very jealous boyfriend "“ but the biggest factor really is that she is related to Dominic'.
I didn't understand. "Again "“ how so?'
He rubbed his chin and let out a heavy sigh " Ah don't worry about it, it's just really complicated. Anyway, more important is that we have a meeting here for lunch tomorrow. I have someone coming so we can sign all the outstanding paperwork for our little "enterprise'.
"Okay"Â￾ I said " just let me know if you need an ear for the other matter'
"Yeah thanks mates I'll keep that in mind'
"Well' I said 'I've had just about all the excitement I can take for a day so I'll leave you young ones to carry on if you don't mind. I'll see you tomorrow'.
As I passed the restaurant doors I glanced in and stopped. At the far end of the bar a familiar figure was slipping quickly out the side entrance. I didn't get a good view but I was sure that it had been Mike. By the time I got through the bar and out the door he'd gone. Back inside I called over the bartender.
"The person that was just here, can you describe him for me?'
"Oui, an American, about your height but much stronger, short hair, didn't say anything to anyone and just sat on the one bourbon. Then leaves and no tip!' This last was spat out with a dismissive wave of the hand.
Leaving a tip on the counter I thanked him and headed to bed. I now had plenty more to think about.



This leg 305.6nm 2.1 hrs
Total 17362.3nm 122.3hrs

[kiwibarguy]

Awesome leg Towerguy!

Do you have a traffic add-on or is it default? Whatever it is, it looks cool!

You are doing really well and i like the route you are taking. Keep it up, we are all watching!

[towerguy]

traffic addons are MyTrafficX as well as WoAI and some PAI all mixed together

[towerguy]

The raucous screech of parrots in the tree outside my room woke me early. A dry mouth and the faint rumblings of a headache reminded me of just how much I had enjoyed last night. Before bed I had phoned London and checked in with Julie. She was enjoying her visit and all was well.
Showering and dressing I made my way downstairs and outside. No one else was in sight but a table had been set inside the restaurant with a breakfast buffet. Helping myself to coffee, croissants and orange juice I wandered down to one of the tables overlooking the gulf. But for the birds and the occasional flight to or from the airport, the only other sounds were the lapping of waves on the beach and some early traffic over at the port. The morning chill had already left the air and the building warmth gave promise of a hot day ahead. I wouldn't have been surprised if it developed into thunderstorms later; the air just had that feel to it.
At the jetty, Michelle's yacht, the "la belle petite', rocked gently in the waves created by the shipping passing up and down the channel.
As I finished my second coffee, the lone jogger I'd been watching along the beach drew close enough for me to recognise as Steve. He was certainly in much better shape than me. Due to stuffed knees from a motorcycling accident in Oz I couldn't run more than a few hundred yards before the pain would bring me to a staggering walk. Anyway I think it was Chuck Yeager or one of those guys that said "pilots take no great pleasure from walking, they prefer to fly!"Â￾ Amen to that I say.
Seeing me Steve headed up and dropped into a seat.
"You having this orange juice?' he asked, already knocking it back.
"No go ahead'
"Cheers, geez that gets harder every year doesn't it?'
"You must be getting over the hill old man' I teased.
"Ha' he retorted "I didn't see you out there'.
"Hey! I've already done my morning exercise I'll have you know.'
He looked at me sceptically.
"Yeah! I've walked all the way to the coffee machine and back "“ twice!'
That made him laugh.
"And it's uphill' I said, pointing back up the stairs.
"Well' he said "I'm off for a shower while you do your warm down exercises.'
I laughed back and said "That's right "“ coffee cup lifts "“ low weight and high reps!'
"Ha' he said and rolled his eyes. "I'll see you around midday "“ I have some errands to run and someone to pick up.' Grabbing up his towel and one of my croissants he headed back to the yacht. "Don't go burning yourself out too quickly!' he called back. I just waved and headed back to the coffee machine.
After breakfast I decided to walk into town, and spent a few hours wandering markets and sampling the wares of fruit vendors and a local coffee house. I had one cup that you could have stood the spoon up on it's own in and then watched it dissolve. While haggling with a shopkeeper over the price of a bag for Julie, I spied Steve sitting in a café across the road. About to wave and cross over I hesitated as two casually dressed European men sat down at his table and handshakes were exchanged all round. Thinking I'd wait till he'd finished his meeting I hung around the stalls on the fringe of the market and watched.
After some discussion Steve handed over a manila folder "“ "I must remember to give him the other one' I thought "“ and received an envelope which, by the way he flicked it open and thumbed the contents, must have contained cash. Leaving the café the other two got into a nearby car and drove off toward the airport. It was as they passed that I noticed the British Diplomatic plates.
It was one of those gut wrenching moments. You know the type, when the whole world seems to lurch but no one around you seems to have noticed anything. I was now really confused. Was this something totally unrelated or are there now several possible governments getting tied up in this? Is Steve working for them? Against or with me? I was on the point of bowling across and just confronting him when he got up, hailed a cab, and left. I hung back behind a stall selling hand made bags that smelled of camel. Once he'd gone, I walked back to Dominic's and, pulling up a stool at the bar, ordered a beer.
An hour and two beers later Steve arrived. With him was our lunch guest. A short balding European obviously not used to quite so much heat. His white two piece suit strained valiantly to constrain the enormous bulk that overflowed both collar and belt. A constantly moving handkerchief wiped sweat from his face and neck. Tucking his briefcase under one arm, he stuffed the handkerchief into a pocket and held out his hand as Steve made the introductions. His handshake was like squeezing the life out of a marshmallow; one of those soft limp wrested apologies of a handshake. God I hate those "“ if you are going to shake hands then do it like a man or don't do it at all!
Ordering food and drinks we sat at a table well back in the shade away from the blast furnace heat now radiating in from the patio.
"Eric Clausen, a rather unusual name for a Portuguese isn't it' I asked.
"Si, my grandfather's name I inherited.'
Seeing my look he continued "He was a German flyer during the civil war in Spain. Shot down and badly injured he was brought into my grandmother's village in the mountains. He was nearly dead and they did not think that he would live but my grandmother, she is a stubborn one, she nursed him back.'
"And I suppose he married her and lived happily ever after?'
"Not quite' he smiled "Once he was strong enough he made his way back to his unit again and disappeared back to Germany. She did not hear from him and the family presumed that he was not as in love with the simple peasant girl as she had thought. About eight months later my mother was born. My grandmother was sent in shame to stay with an aunt in Oporto. As the war went on and the casualty count grew my grandmother just assumed he had been lost.'
"I'm sorry Eric, a sad story. Did you ever find out what happened to him?' I was really getting interested in his tale by now.
"Oh Si, about a year after the war he turned up in the village seeking my Grandmother. He had been back flying again but managed to get his bomber shot down, yet again, over England. This time he managed to land but was captured and sent to prison camp in the far north of Canada. He had tried to write but nothing ever got through. Once he was repatriated he made his way back to Portugal. Eventually he was reunited with my Grandmamma and "then' they married and raised the family.'
"A happy ending for them then, and most fortunate for you too' I remarked.
Smiling he added "Oh yes, after the war he helped develop the national airlines and ran his own small airline for some time. When I showed aptitude for figures he paid for me to study accounting in England. I owe him much.'
"Well Eric that was fascinating, there could be a good book in it someday. But let's see how well that aptitude for figures has developed shall we?'
He handed over a folder enclosing about a dozen pages. "If you would care to read these over while we eat and then you and Steven can sign, you can see I have marked where. If you have any questions please just ask.'
Eric and Steve ate and chatted quietly while I tried to make sense of the complicated legalese the agreement was written in. much of it was as I had specified and was set up according to instructions. The money would move through the Caymans and also, it appeared, a bank in Lebanon. I was pretty happy with it but put the papers back into the folder and slid it back without signing. Seeing this Eric and Steve looked at each other, put down their forks and waited expectantly.
"There is a problem?' asked Eric.
Smiling reassuringly at Eric I said "No but I would like to talk to Steve about another small matter before we continue if you don't mind?'
"No No please I am in no hurry.' he replied.
"Very well' turning to Steve I motioned for him to follow me.
Seated at the bar Steve looked at me puzzled.
"Is there a problem?'
Taking a sip of my beer I turned to him "I don't know Steve how about you tell me. There are a couple of things I'd like to clear up before we continue down this track.'
"Sure, fire away' he said.
"Okay then, first off what connection does the British Government have to all this?'
That set him back on his barstool. I will give him credit though "“ at least he didn't try to bullshit me outright. At least I didn't think so.
"What exactly do you know?' he asked.
"I think that they "may' be involved in this but that you are "definitely' involved with them in some way. How or why I don't know.'
"Okay"¦' he began, but I cut him off "I know it's been twenty odd years with only emails and the occasional letter. I know that I'd have no right to pry into your affairs normally but right now things are not what I'd call normal, are they?'
"Okay okay' said Steve "keep your voice down'. I hadn't realised I'd raised it but several people had looked around. Turning back to the bar and taking a swig of my beer I continued quietly "Sorry, but what's the go here Steve?'
Standing and picking up his drink Steve nodded toward Raoul who'd just returned to the bar. Putting his finger to his lips he said "come outside, let's get some fresh air'. Turning to Eric he said "We're just going outside for a moment, will you be alright here?'
Eric, his mouth still full of pate and cheese, waved a greasy hand in reply.
Seated again at our regular table Steve took another swig and looked down at the yacht. Without looking back he began to talk.
"You remember when Pat first got me out of Oz?'
"Yeah'
"Well he had me with a mate of his working our passage on a fishing trawler up to Bali. From there he had another mate who needed a hand to deliver a yacht up to the west coast of Malaysia. When we got there he got me a job working on a tourist dive boat off one of the islands near Phuket. It was a bloody good job too, cheap living, nice boat and reasonable money "“ and lots of lovely ladies too!'
I laughed "I'll bet!"Â￾
"Yeah well' he laughed "about two years into it and I'd saved enough to get my own boat. I'd just started to build up a good business. One day we were out sailing and one of the punters comes up to me and says - "ya don't remember me do ya stevie lad?' I'd thought his face looked sort of familiar but couldn't place it anywhere so I told him "No sorry mate.' Anyway he says "Do the words "you're nicked sonny"Â￾ ring a bell?'
"Oh s**t you're joking' I laughed so hard I nearly lost my beer!
"Go ahead and laugh "“ funny ha ha "“ NOT!' he said. That only made me laugh even harder. Wiping my face I apologised "Sorry carry on.'
"Yeah well' said Steve "did it ring any bells? Christ it set off entire alarm systems. He was one of the local Bobbies that used to chase me around the old neighbourhood at home. I just hadn't recognised him out of uniform. Well it turns out he wasn't with the coppers anymore. Moved on up he had, as he put it eh. He gave me a choice. I could go back home with him and have a "chat' with some people or I could stay there "“ in some dirty little Malaysian prison on whatever charges they decided to invent. Oh and dear old Mum and Dad would find life getting a little difficult as well.'
"Bastards' I remarked.
'Yeah, not wrong there' he said. "What could I do? I went back and had my "little chat'. Next thing I'm sitting a whole battery of tests and talking to geeks in white coats getting poked and prodded in sorts of places. Before I know it I'm on a plane for the Maldives where they've got my boat and I'm told "go fishing!'
"Nice work if you can get it' I said.
"Not wrong there either. A couple of months later just as I was thinking it was nothing more than a good joke this bloke walks up out of nowhere and hands me these envelopes. "Take this one to the address listed in the other envelope'. One of them was full of cash and had a slip of paper with an address in London printed on it. "Oh and don't go opening the other one will you, there's a good chap.' Then he just walks off. So I did as he said and have been doing so ever since. I'm just a glorified bloody postman pat. So you see that's all there is to it. I'm not James bloody Bond if that's what you thought. I run the post and in return they pay cash and leave my parents alone.'
"Okay fair enough mate' I said "sorry I got uptight okay?' There wasn't any way to corroborate any of it so if I wanted to keep him as a mate then I'd just have to accept it and move on.
"What about Michelle?' I asked.
He leaned forward and tapped his forefinger on the table. "She is exactly what she seems. She is the first really decent thing that has happened to me. She's not involved in any of it and that's just the way I bloody well want it kept!'
From the look on his face and in his eyes I believed him too! "Okay, I'm glad for the two of you. Now what about Dominic?'
Steve sat back with his hands behind his head and blew out a large breath, looked up and laughed. "Now that, my friend, is the 64 thousand pound question! Christ where would you start?'
"You've got him listed as one of the signatories on our little agreement so how about you tell me' I said.
Looking around to see we were still alone Steve continued. "Dad and Dominic went to school together, thick as thieves apparently. I know that much. I remember him visiting dad when I was a kid so he's a lot older than he appears. Dominic is what you call a "fixer', a middle man. If you've got a boat load of guns to sell and need a buyer, or if you have a sweat shop in the east end and need some cheap labour no questions asked, then you call Dominic.'
"So he's a major crook then?'
"No No far from it. Dominic never gets involved. He's absolutely fastidious that way. He never gets his hands dirty and stays well on side with the law. No, Dominic sets up the dealers in the deals. You want your guns moved; he will put you in contact with a buyer and then put both of you in touch with a shipping agent and even a bank if you need it. He then leaves you all to get on with your business. Each party drops a small percentage Dominic's way at the end. Every one is happy and Dominic just keeps getting richer. Remember Djibouti is at the crossroads of Asia and Europe, Africa and the Middle East and beyond. Things have been coming through and past here for centuries.
"I see' I said, understanding finally dawning.' Hence the reason for the meeting here'.
"Right. Also it gave me the chance to see Michelle "“ the chance to mix business with pleasure so to speak. That and it's one of my safe havens. Somewhere to relax and just be me. Dominic has eyes and ears in all sorts of places and he sort of sees me as the son he never had.'
"Or the son-in-law or nephew if I don't miss my guess'. I added.
"Yeah that too, but you know, I don't mind "“ I'd be more than happy for that.'
"But the problem?' I prompted.
"Dominic's brother "“ Michelle's father. He has this rich spoilt playboy type all picked out for her. Family money, power, respectability, you know, all the trappings. We have to find a way to disappear and become nobodys. At least for as long as it takes for Dominic to try and calm things down.'
He waved, turning I saw that Michelle had come up on deck.
"While I think of it, I have another set of papers for you from Addis Ababa.'
"Damn' he muttered "okay I'll have to drop off those soon too.'
"Never mind, come on lets go sign these papers and then we can start working on this problem for you.'
By the time we got back to the table Eric had managed to finish everything and was sitting back contentedly nursing a large brandy. Under his expert eye we both signed and initialled pages and then called Dominic through to sign his name.
"I like this' said Dominic "using this fellows own money against him. It has a poetic justice to it and it feels right. I offer a toast' he said raising his glass "to our success and the betterment of Africa!'
"The betterment of Africa' we all chorused and drank.

[Naki]

Towerguy - still enjoying your story - you said to post any news on a possible FSX Dreamfleet Baron - well here is some news from the Dreamfleet web site - not much I know but something.

[towerguy]

thanks Naki
cheers

[towerguy]

The betterment of bloody Africa my arse! The betterment of my skull was what I wanted right now thank you very much. We'd celebrated till dinner, then during dinner and of course that led to after dinner drinks. We poured Eric into a cab for the airport with promises of keeping in close touch. Dominic sent along one of his minders to ensure he got on the correct flight. Then of course we had to sit outside to enjoy another stunning sunset while enjoying some light jazz played in the background "“ and a few drinks. Michelle had joined us for dinner and we talked on and on solving all the worlds' problems. So easy it all seemed.
Sometime in the wee small hours we finally wrapped things up. Michelle half carried, half led Steve back to the yacht. I watched, laughing uproariously when he missed the step onto the jetty and ended up crawling on all fours along the jetty howling at the moon the whole way. Not that I was much better. My legs had gone asymmetric and my left foot had retreating blade stall; having no rudder I couldn't compensate for the yaw. I must have stalled out because the room had gone into a spin. End of the story is I crashed burned and died horribly "“ not a pretty sight! Ah the life of a journeyman pilot.
That's how I came to be sitting next morning at a well shaded table in the gardens, hat well down and sunglasses firmly in place and a bottle of alka seltzer open on the table beside me.
We had planned on heading up to Aden about midday but I'd put it off until late this afternoon. There was no way that my head was fit to fly and after what we'd put away last night I think I'd still blow the crystals clean out of the bag.
"Christ how do you do that?' said Steve from behind me. Judging from the green tinge around his face he definitely wasn't going anywhere fast this morning. Not that there was much left of the morning anyway.
"Just the smell is enough to put me off'.
I was half way through my usual hangover cure-all of a big fried breakfast. Eggs, sausages, hash browns, onions, fried tomatoes and plenty of toast. All washed down with copious quantities of hot tea. The heat was already starting to sweat out a good amount too.
Steve flopped down looking decidedly shaky. Then got up and ran for the wall. 'Mental note to self' I thought 'don't use that path this morning.'
Once he was seated again I just grinned at him and slowly put away another mouthful. Blowing out a deep breath he said "so are we still on for Aden today?'
"Yeah but I thought we'd leave it till later in the afternoon. Maybe get there just on sunset. It'll be a bit cooler and it'll give us both a bit of time to recover!'
"Good idea' he said looking more than a little relieved.
After a good feed I felt a bit better so left Steve and Michelle to sort out their things. They were leaving the yacht here for now and picking it up later. Michelle had to head back for another duty cycle and would catch a connecting flight from Aden through Rome and back to Marseille. Steve said he had another meeting and had to drop off the envelope I had given him, so would come as far as Aden to see Michelle off before heading out; he didn't say where and I didn't press.
I headed out to the airport for weather and notams and to file a plan at the briefing office. While I was giving TGY a once over the refueller wandered by.
"Did your American friend catch up to you?' he called.
"Sorry what was that?' I said.
He grinned a sea of white teeth in an ebony face. "Your American friend, he was here day before yesterday. He said he was supposed to meet you but was late, said he would catch up to you at the hotel.'
"Ah yes, a big man about my height but really solid, short hair?' I asked. It had to be mike but I thought I'd better check.
"Yes sir that's the one.'
"Yes thanks, he definitely caught up to me.' So that confirmed what I'd thought, it was Mike in the bar the other night. The refueller went off happy that he'd done his job and I paid even more attention to TGY to ensure no one had done a good job on me.
Back at the Jazz club we made our final farewells to Dominic, promising to return. Steve let his "other' employers pick up the tab. I guess it's one of the perks and Dominic was sure to make the most out of it.
The drive out to the airport was refreshing "“ Steve drove. It really felt almost boring.
Bags safely stowed I took them on the walk around. I showed Steve where the diamonds had been hidden. "They did a nice job, it would have been easy to have missed them there' was his opinion.
Even though I'd had a cover on her, TGY was like an oven inside. I told them to make sure they didn't put bare skin on the seats or sills or they'd get a nasty burn. It was a relief to get the engines turning and get some air moving.



At the hold we had to wait while two C130's departed. Levelling at 250 feet they slipped off along the coast bound for mischief no doubt.


Leaving Africa

Once we got airborne we were straight over to control for vectors. It's only a shot leg across to Aden; 141nm or about 45mins worth but ATC managed to nearly double it. Being a small private GA flight we were priority last. With all the military traffic around and the TFR's in place, they say where you can go, and you go where they say, when they say or else!
Approaching the coast we were held again to make way for an ATR inbound from the west. It gave us a bit of time to look at the shipping passing below. To the north there was a narrow strip of dry pastures but beyond that the afternoon haze and the falling darkness hid the rest.



The sun had set in a fiery display before the light faded into pastels and then suddenly into darkness.





We got permission to taxi over next to Michelle's onward flight and had her processed and away in good time. Steve was pretty quiet as we walked out to the taxis. "Look Craig I'm going to head straight out so I won't be coming to the hotel after all.'
"Oh okay, look Steve' I said "thanks for everything you've done so far. I really couldn't have got this thing off the ground without you.'
Shrugging he said "don't say anymore. We've still got heaps more to do yet and besides, if you are serious about that offer of helping Michelle and I then we'll be seeing you in the not too distant future.'
"Hey, I said it and I meant it.' Shaking hands I added "lets just not make it another twenty odd years this time okay.'
"Sure mate " he said smiling.
Getting into his taxi he turned and waved before leaning forward to give the driver directions. After being briefly distracted by another driver touting for a fare, I turned back, but all I could see was the back of his head as his taxi disappeared into the traffic. I didn't know it then but that would be the last time that I would ever see my friend. It was the last time anyone ever saw or heard of Steve again.





This leg 141nm 1.5 hrs
Totals 17503.3nm 123.8 hrs

[ardypilot]

QUOTE

"Ah yes, a big man about my height but really solid, short hair?' I asked. It had to be mike but I thought I'd better check.
"Yes sir that's the one.'
"Yes thanks, he definitely caught up to me.' So that confirmed what I'd thought, it was Mike in the bar the other night. The refueller went off happy that he'd done his job and I paid even more attention to TGY to ensure no one had done a good job on me.[/quote]
Who's Mike again?

QUOTE

I didn't know it then but that would be the last time that I would ever see my friend. It was the last time anyone ever saw or heard of Steve again.[/quote]
That's a pity, I was starting to like him. One of my favourite characters even!

ardypilot

NZFF Pro

 

Joined: Wed Apr 26, 2006 10:01 am

Posts: 6802

Location: Auckland

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[towerguy]

mike- read crash in nigeria

steve- yes was fun but sometimes the stories just take over and head their own direction, his demise was not the original direction I had in mind for him.

[towerguy]

Aden is a natural port formed by the crater of a volcano. Being at the crossroads of the Middle East, between Africa and Asia it is always a hive of activity. Despite the heat the markets teemed with people of all ethnicities and dozens of languages floated on the air. A constant stream of ships crawled to and from the port and the nearby refinery at Little Aden. The local bars were full of their sailors soaking up as much liberty as possible before heading out for other ports scattered around the globe.
I spent two days at a hotel just outside the city. Located on its own peninsular with it s own private beach it was an air-conditioned oasis of luxury.
Having taken in my fill of the local sights and delights I organised a wake up call for 4am. I wanted an early start to avoid the worst of the heat over the desert later
Thunder rumbled in the distance as I pre-flighted TGY in the predawn light.



Although the winds were only about 8 kts the air was heavy with sand and dust. Visibility was down to 5km or less at times and there was a heavy overcast scudding by not far above. The forecast over the desert was for cloud gradually clearing further north and east then the winds swinging more westerly.
As I got airborne the only clue that the sun was coming up was a gradual lightening of the dust.



In IMC for most of the climb to FL130 I bounced my way through moderate turbulence, catching only an occasional glimpse of the coast and desert below.



Once level and all checks completed I cruised north to the Saudi border before turning northeast to cross the "Rub-al-Khali' or "empty quarter'. It's the largest sand desert in the world. At 650,000km² it's larger than Belgium, France and the Netherlands combined and a large part of it floats on oil. The temperature reaches 55 degrees C during the day but plummets to below freezing at night and some of the dunes are over a thousand feet high.



Although the scenery is reputedly spectacular, I wasn't destined to see it in its morning glory. The lower layer of cloud lasted until nearly half way across.



The desert below may be the emptiest on earth but the airwaves above certainly were not. I spent ages listening to the reports and chat of the heavies plying their routes high above me. I also went through 2 bottles of water and half a bottle of sunscreen. Even at that altitude the reflected light and heat from below seared the eyes and thermals juddered the aircraft.


FS9

FSX

It was a relief as I approached Abu Dhabi and sighted the gulf. Not for long though! Now I was threading into the traffic flow and was gradually stepped down until it was my turn to join the ILS for 12R at Dubai International.







A squeak of the tyres and I was down and taxying for the GA park.



Looking around as I taxied, I was in no doubt as to whom the home player was here. Everywhere I looked there were the green, black and red on white tails of Emirates aircraft.



The young woman on the desk at the FBO was worth her weight in gold. I was greeted, processed through customs and put into a taxi bound for my hotel without a hiccup and in near record time. Most impressive.



This leg 966.8nm 6.2 hrs
Totals 18470.1nm 130.0 hrs

[G-HEVN]

Interesting the comparison shot for desert textures. Is that default FS9? It looks almost VOZ-red....

[ardypilot]

QUOTE

Is that default FS9? It looks almost VOZ-red....[/quote]
In the 5th to last shot it looks as though there are the Northern Terratory red roads in the CBD! Why did you swap simulators en route TG?

[towerguy]

I was looking at comparisons on this leg. The default FS9 was too green so I switched in the VOZ textures, as you picked up on. To get another comparison I also flew the leg in FSX just to see the difference. The desert features in FSX looked a better colour but there are just so many better addons scenery wise in FS9 and I get better performance. As the pictures are just there to supplement the story I figured it didn't matter which I used so long as they were reasonably relevant.

The next leg is half written for those still struggling through. Just need to find a bit of time between work and xmas/family etc.
I promise the next episode should move the story along a bit for those falling asleep.

cheers and merry xmas to you all
Towerguy