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“I think we all believed they were all dead,” said Bonds. “Their grandfathers were legends in the Special Forces communities. SEALs, Rangers, MARSOC, Delta, Green Berets, and others were FBI, CIA, or other agency.
“They have been the darlings of the security community for decades. Presidents called on them to do all the dirty work that no one else would do.”
“I am aware,” frowned Aamani. “Men, such as I, have been trying to kill them for as long as we’ve been aware of them. Do they still work with your presidents?”
“Some. As you know, they’ve been known to take down a few presidents. That endears them to the next man who moves into the office, but not necessarily to those waiting to take the office. The fear is that they could be next on their list.
“What you need to be more concerned about is the foreign governments that enjoy their services. There are not many who would rid the world of them.”
“Perhaps not. But I feel certain there are men and women of opportunity who would gladly rid themselves of their interference. How have they gained such advantage?”
“It’s not just the muscle they have, the skilled warriors, it’s the brain power. The brightest, smartest, most intelligent men and women in the world work for them.”
“Where?”
“I’m sorry, what?” asked Bonds.
“Where? Where do these brainy people work?” asked Aamari. “They must live and work somewhere. Where is it that they live and work?”
“No one knows. Literally. Anyone I’ve ever talked to has no clue where their physical address is located.”
“So, these men, these women brainiac people live and work in a location no one has ever seen or been to, in spite of what they provide to your country?” asked Aamari.
“That about sums it up.”
“Your government is stupid. I would demand to inspect their facility and see what I’m paying for.” Bonds stared at him.
“That may be, Khalil, but if they were the only ones capable of providing what you desired, the only ones capable of fulfilling the needs to make you the most powerful nation on earth, you would give them great leeway.”
Khalil nodded, staring up the mountain, then back down again.
“Perhaps. Or perhaps I would kill them all and start over.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
The United Arab Emirates, and especially Dubai, had progressed further than any country in history in such a short period of time. Or at least you would think so if you’d ever been there.
The truth of it was, Dubai was now the most populated cityin theUAE. Located on the south-eastern coast of thePersian Gulf, there were more than four million people in Dubai, many, roughly ninety percent, areexpatriates.
Founded in the early 18th century as apearlingand fishing settlement, Dubai became a regional trade hub in the 20th century after declaring itself afree port. Although oil revenue helped accelerate Dubai's development, they began to diversify later in the 1900s. Now, less than one percent of oil revenues contributed to the GDP of Dubai.
With a cosmopolitan view that rivaled New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles, Dubai now boasted one of the world's densest skylines,including theworld's tallest building, theBurj Khalifa. With luxury homes, condos, and apartments, the city was a mecca for the young, rich, and willing to spend.
But it wasn’t the only reason Dubai had literally exploded in the last twenty years.
Dubai was safe.
The city is heavily monitored with extensive CCTV around the city, laws that are strictly enforced, and has a low tolerance for a lack of adherence to the laws. It is considered one of the safest cities in all of Europe and Asia.
Where most Americans and Europeans got into trouble was with displays of public drunkenness and behavior, as well as drinking in public, which is forbidden.
For the VG team, they had no desire to become stuck in Dubai, but then again, not everyone knows a Sheik.
In fact, he was the son of the ruler of Dubai. The family had ruled the area since the early 1800s.
“Omar, it’s good of you to welcome us,” smiled Luke. The man walked toward him with open arms, laughing as he hugged the big man, slapping his back.
“Luke! We are happy to have you as our guests.”
