what's in hercules

FRIDAY, 30 MARCH 2007

2007-04-03T12:57:00.000+08:00

ENTRY 39: D.H. SIGNING OFF...

As soon as MINIs stopped in hangar, everyone crowd around it. I did not even have time to take closer look. I was taken away for questioning. I think the game is up.

Dosvi`daniya for the last time.

Dmitri Hmiroslav

FRIDAY, 30 MARCH 2007

2007-04-03T12:46:00.000+08:00

ENTRY 38: NEW MINI COOPER S.

Look at cheeky face, broad shoulders and sleek lines. My heart is racing when I hear mighty engine roar. Under hood is turbocharged engine with direct-injection technology. In car there is sports button for more power on demand. It can go from 0 - 100km/h in 7.1 seconds. Almost like Russian rocket!

Now the conversation I hear on plane makes sense. Why didn’t I realise sooner?

But this is just a hint of what’s inside new MINI, I overhear that there is more priceless information at WWW.MINI-MALAYSIA.COM

I must investigate.

FRIDAY, 30 MARCH 2007

2007-04-03T11:52:00.000+08:00

ENTRY 37: LAST OBSTACLE

I did not know I had associate here. Like me, she must be seeker of truth. Miklov told me she was the last obstacle between guards and secret cargo. They call her the ‘Grinder Girl’.

FRIDAY, 30 MARCH 2007

2007-04-03T11:47:00.000+08:00

ENTRY 36: SECRET CARGO IS THE NEW MINI!

After so many hours of flying, travelling from ends of earth to this country, I finally learn contents of secret crate!

It is the new MINI!!!

But it is strange. The MINI was flown from Russia. Why not UK? Think it is decoy. Haha. Did not work on me. I still found out what was contents of crate. But I did not want to tell anyone yet because there were many gaps in journey I was still trying to understand.

Only one thing I did not know until the last moment. The Super told us that as soon as we land at Subang Airport, we need to evacuate the plane. He did not tell us why.

When pilot make announcement that we are free to unstrap buckle and get up from seat, I ran to cargo hold. But when I got there, secret crate was pried open! By who? The guards?

Next thing I know, the cargo door fell open with bang. And I saw the MINI zooming out! Many, many people were waiting in hangar just watching the MINI come off the Hercules. There were big, bright lights then suddenly another MINI joined from tarmac.

Both MINIs then zoom in to hangar and I see it is the big, burly guard and the tall, skinny one driving it. The cheering was so loud it nearly brought down roof.

So I was right after all. Secret cargo was a vehicle and it is worth many, many Rouble da!

FRIDAY, 23RD MARCH 2007

2007-03-23T07:32:00.000+08:00

ENTRY 35: WE ARE APPROACHING SUBANG!

What will happen when we land? I think I could still make get away with cargo. I know TOO much not to do anything.

Must go, we are landing soon. I have to act NOW.

THURSDAY, 22ND MARCH 2007

2007-03-23T07:19:00.000+08:00

ENTRY 34: BACK ON THE PLANE.

Why are we wasting so much time? Will we be going to Malaysia as planned? This journey has gone on long enough. And I am beginning to be sick of it.

When we finally arrived near airport, I saw the Hercules parked in same place. As soon as we get on plane, everything looks the same. But could cargo deck be holding one less cargo? HAS secret cargo been removed?

I did not have time to check. Orders were booming over in-flight intercom. Everyone is to get to stations. In just few minutes, Trang is just little speck on ground.

WEDNESDAY, 21ST MARCH 2007

2007-03-23T07:16:00.000+08:00

ENTRY 33: WE WERE SHAKEN FROM BEDS.

It was still dark. When I opened my eyes, I saw the Super’s face. He put a finger to his lips. He threw my clothes and bag on the bed and told me to get ready. I saw Miklov was already waiting by the door of the hut.

I don’t understand. We just got here. Where are we going in the middle of the night? Who are we running from?

The Super he signal to us to keep quiet. Outside, there were already trucks waiting. The camp was deserted. Once again, we were all bundled into back. Are we heading back to the plane?

Just as we were leaving I heard the driver say to one of the flight engineers who was sitting upfront. Something about a riot… and that they are getting closer.

Great. More chaos.

TUESDAY, 20TH MARCH 2007

2007-03-20T03:25:00.000+08:00

ENTRY 32: GAS LEAK???

It is chaos. When we woke up this morning, there were strange men in fatigues. They were very tanned and have slits for eyes. They come empty-handed but they surround us like bees swarming around a hive.

The Super he shouts a lot. He tell us that there is gas leak and we must all leave the plane for our safety. Leave the plane? Gas leak? I did not smell anything. Except maybe a smelly rat.

The men they order us to get into trucks. Where we are going I have no idea. For 2 hours, we were bumping around in the back like popcorn in machine. But from the direction of the sun, we are going further South.

When we arrived at unknown location, I see many locals. The men dress in colourful cloths and walk around shirtless. The women have their babies in slings on their back.

Miklov says this is village, like in picture postcards. But I think it is underground camp to keep us away from plane, while someone ‘removes’ the secret cargo on the Hercules.

Now I will never find out the truth.

MONDAY, 19TH MARCH 2007

2007-03-20T02:50:00.000+08:00

ENTRY 31: WHY I HAVE NOT BEEN IN CONTACT.

Past two days have been torture. Since that night, I have been very nervous. They did not discover my hiding place. But still, I need to be more careful now. That’s why I am being very quiet so they do not suspect me. Or do they already?

I now know we are in one of southern provinces in Thailand. The airport we landed is in Trang. Som the trishaw man he call it Muang Thap Thiang. He come and speak to me sometimes. He is always hanging around here and calling “Beeeeer. Plenty beer. You like girrrls?”

Som tells me that long time ago, Trang was important sea port. In old days, ships always arrived in the morning. Som laugh and say that is how town got its name – Trang.

Me, I am more interested in fact that ‘Trang’ also means ‘dawn’ in Malay. Could this be coincidence? Is there connection between this place and where we are going?

FRIDAY, 16TH MARCH 2007

2007-03-16T11:39:00.000+08:00

ENTRY 30: MIDNIGHT VISITOR.

Someone came in middle of night. We were all asleep in bunk bed. At first I thought it was one of guards. But he did not sound Russian. Who is he? Why is he here?

I creep up to above cargo deck area. It was very dark. What is going on? Before I put one step on stairs, I hear someone coming. I rush and hide behind the cockpit door. At first I could not hear what was said. Then suddenly, there was big crash. It sounded like fight.

I tried to peep around door. But all I could see was shadows. I recognise one of them to be the guards. The big fat one who wheezes when he talks. The other two men I do not know. And I dare not show myself too much otherwise I will be found out.

Finally, I could hear very angry voices. Someone said, “…cargo is not supposed to be here. You fool you…” But suddenly, I hear the guard he say ‘Shh! Ya dumal shot ya uslishal koy-shto.’ (I thought I heard someone.)

I prayed very hard to God it wasn’t me.

THURSDAY, 15TH MARCH 2007

2007-03-15T21:07:00.000+08:00

ENTRY 29: WHERE ARE WE?

We landed in darkness of night. I am thinking it is to avoid detection. From who? Does anyone know we are here? Are we hiding from someone?

This place look very remote. There is only one runway strip, with grass growing in cracks on road. I have strong feeling this place is near the sea because I can hear waves in distance.

The Super he is not very happy. But we do not dare to ask any questions. When he look at us, he pull his teeth back and snarls like angry pit bull dog.

The airport is very quiet. I am thinking it is not even open to foreign carriers. There are many locals hanging around here. They come and go on small motorbikes with something that look like colourful hut on the back.

When I go up to them, they speak in very soft, sing-song voice. They ask me, “You Engrish man. You want drink? You like girl? Go-go bar?”

Huh. We are not allowed to leave airport area.

TUESDAY, 13TH MARCH 2007

2007-03-13T23:34:00.000+08:00

ENTRY 28: EMERGENCY LANDING!

We had to make precautionary landing. The plane still had full power so it must be some other crisis that forced us to make unscheduled stop.

All the crew looks surprised. I don’t think anyone knew about this. Not even the Super. I tried to listen in on conversation between him and pilot. But the guards they are careful to keep us away from cockpit.

I don’t think it has to do with aircraft. Last time I checked, everything is blinking with green light. Especially after the AAR (air-to-air refuelling). No system or power failure, structural damage or onboard fire at any part of the Hercules.

I am thinking it has something to do with crisis outside plane. Wind is turbulent but so far, not dangerous to fly. There is no seriously ill passenger. All of us are fine. Miklov he has smelly feet but that’s about it.

MAYBE it is security threat! Or some country’s air traffic control radio in to pilot to forbid us from flying in their airspace! It is possible, but why???

MONDAY, 12TH MARCH 2007

2007-03-12T12:29:00.000+08:00

ENTRY 27: HOW TO ESCAPE?

I have been thinking hard. Maybe I can turn this situation around. Is there any way I can escape with cargo? There must be a way. Maybe the others will help me. What about Miklov? I can split 70/30. I am in generous mood.

I know what is in the cargo and I will blow their cover if they don’t pay me. Or I can put it on black market and make plenty big money from it. Then I can go back to Russia and ask Anoushka to marry me.

SUNDAY, 11TH MARCH 2007

2007-03-12T12:21:00.000+08:00

ENTRY 26: REFUELLING DRAMA.

On the dot at 22:00 hours, we refuelled in mid-air.

It was major operation. For one hour, everyone is chaos. The 2nd Flight Officer he had to liaise with the boom operator on the tanker aircraft. Manoeuvring into contact position take many tries. The plane was bumping around because of turbulence. It felt like I was being thrown around in washing machine.

As far as I know, air-to-air refuelling does not happen on regular civilian in-flight operations. Could it be because this plane is the C-130 Hercules? Who is authorising the refuelling? Why do we need to refuel? How far more are we going?

SATURDAY, 10TH MARCH 2007

2007-03-12T12:14:00.000+08:00

ENTRY 25: THEY FOOLED ME.

I fell for their trap. They made me think that we are flying straight to Subang but we have landed in Myanmar. This little, deserted place called Bago. No one else looks surprised. I feel so stupid.

At least we spent only a few hours in Bago. It was too hot for everybody. And the food… give me Okroshka cold soup any time.

All I know is we are circling, circling around the Pacific region. Are we going to cross the seas into the next continent?

FRIDAY, 9TH MARCH 2007

2007-03-12T12:11:00.000+08:00

ENTRY 24: WE ARE GOING TO MALAYSIA!

In our winter gear, I hope it will not be long.

You know how I discover destination? I woke up in middle of night because of rumbling stomach from drinking too many sodas.

When I creep up from bunk bed, I noticed the main control room is very quiet. When I go nearer, I hear the Super’s voice downstairs in lower cargo deck area. He is playing the card game with the guards.

Quickly, I look through flight deck library. There were many files but I finally found the right one. It points the flight path to old airport in Malaysia called Subang. It is marked clearly on map with big ‘X’. I am thinking this is final destination.

Wonder if anyone else knows?

THURSDAY, 8TH MARCH 2007

2007-03-09T14:18:00.000+08:00

ENTRY 23: THIS IS FRUSTRATING!

Still no one is telling me where we are going. I am fed up that this is not usual job. But we are flying further away. I am sick of all these stops where nothing is happening. I am beginning to think it is wild goose chase across the continent. Or maybe someone is chasing us?

THURSDAY, 8TH MARCH 2007

2007-03-09T14:15:00.000+08:00

ENTRY 22: A TWIST IN PLOT?

Numbers on crate keep appearing in my dream. Miklov say I even speak in my sleep. That is dangerous. No one must know I have suspected anything.

Maybe I am wrong all this time. It says ‘vehicle’ on box. But maybe it is to cover the tracks. To bluff who? If it is so top secret, they would not say what is in box, right?

Who ever is behind this is trying to confuse everyone. The master mind is not stupid. He is sure to safe guard himself in case someone stumble upon box. Could be he purposely disguise box to make it look like harmless shipment.

But if I am correct in suspecting cargo is vehicle, what does code mean?

056MLYSBG230307

Some of this characters also appear on black tag. Maybe it is clue to destination of cargo. I MUST go back there and get it!

WEDNESDAY, 7TH MARCH 2007

2007-03-09T14:08:00.000+08:00

ENTRY 21: THE CODE...

GOOD NEWS: We are getting ready to move again.
BAD NEWS: I am still trying to crack code.

WEDNESDAY, 7TH MARCH 2007

2007-03-09T14:05:00.000+08:00

ENTRY 20: I AM EVEN MORE CONFUSED NOW.

Just as I was beginning to give up hope, I know what is in the hidden crate. But why would any one go to so much trouble to courier one vehicle in a C-130 Hercules? And with such tight security and in top secret manner?

A C-130 Hercules cargo hold is up to 2 football field in length and can carry a tank with room to spare!

May be the car is holding something everybody wants. But what? Is the vehicle a shell or has special machinery that can do special stuff?

I thought once I knew, everything would be clear to me but now I am even more confused!

TUESDAY, 6TH MARCH 2007

2007-03-06T18:48:00.000+08:00

ENTRY 19: I KNOW WHAT CARGO IS!

And I shot it on video! Remember plan I had in head? I purposely left my tool kit in cargo hold so I could come back. At first, the Super forbid me to go down there. He said it can wait.

But I told him I don’t want to be responsible if other crew member mess with tools and start loosening screws of plane.

When I enter lower cargo deck area, I manage to avoid guards. I hide behind the big, big crates. It is not so hard. I sneak around but twice I had the close shave.

TUESDAY, 6TH MARCH 2007

2007-03-06T18:44:00.000+08:00

ENTRY 18: I AM FED UP.

Are we waiting for someone to collect the cargo? I hope so. I do not want to be here any more. I am so frustrated not knowing what is happening. If only I could leave now. I do not care about the money any more. I want this job to be over.

MONDAY, 5TH MARCH 2007

2007-03-05T20:52:00.000+08:00

ENTRY 17: FOUND CARGO BUT WHAT?

Air drop supplies? Automobile? Contraband? It can be anything. If only I can get near cargo. But how do I avoid guards? It is 24-hour supervision down there in cargo hold. Security almost like fort.

If I am right in guessing that the crate I saw is secret cargo, then it is not so big. I cannot think why we use a C-130 Hercules for this job. Maybe because this plane is big enough to hide crate. After all, there is many other cargo on board. This flight is perfect disguise to smuggle something to secret location.

I need to get near that cargo. I am beginning to see plan in my head.

MONDAY, 5TH MARCH 2007

2007-03-05T20:48:00.000+08:00

ENTRY 16: I THINK I KNOW WHERE CARGO IS!

This afternoon the Super ask me to fix something in cargo hold. It is very dark in there. I saw 2 of the guards. The other 2 is maybe taking break. I was watching these 2 very closely. They seem to be walking around and checking one particular crate.

I hear the tall one he say in Russian “Udostovertesye, chto eto zaperto dolzhnim obrazom!” (Make sure it’s locked properly.)

Always they shine the flashlight to make sure no one is snooping. When they saw me, they shout very loud but then they saw the Super is with me, immediately they relax.

One of them laugh and say in very sneaky, smelly voice like rat: “Mir slydyem mnoga diniga ot ztogo, aa.” (We should be making good money from this, ha.”)

I knew it! I am right in suspecting cargo is the jackpot.

SUNDAY, 4TH MARCH 2007

2007-03-04T20:45:00.000+08:00

ENTRY 15: WHAT I KNOW SO FAR…

Can not sleep. I will review the situation with rational.

FACT: This is top secret mission.
CONCLUSION: Very important cargo for very important person.

FACT: Tight security.
CONCLUSION: Valuable cargo. Very expensive cargo.

FACT: Operation on Need To Know basis.
CONCLUSION: No leaking of plan to anyone.

FACT: Many delays.
CONCLUSION: No security clearance. To throw KGB/police off-course.

FACT: C-130 Hercules plane.
CONCLUSION: Covert operation. Carrying big cargo.

FACT: Take-off: Murmansk. Land: Samarkand.
CONCLUSION: Link to Eastern European countries?

FACT: Off limits to cargo hold or flight routes.
CONCLUSION: Precaution against theft, damage and leaking of plan.

FACT: Confidentiality Agreement.
CONCLUSION: Cautious employer.

FACT: No one is talking about job or operation.
CONCLUSION: Cautious employees. Fear? Blackmailed?

FACT: Cargo may be contraband or hijacked goods.
CONCLUSION: Illegal. Trouble.

FACT: KGB? FBI? Russkaya Mafiya?
CONCLUSION: Who is behind this?

Why is no one else curious about cargo? Do they all know and I am only one who do not know? How come no one is talking?