Black Gold

damages.

1

Sixteen years earlier

Tel Aviv

Israel

Lat = 31 degrees, 16.6 minutes North

Long = 34 degrees, 58.3 minutes East

Saturday October 6th 1973

Zero-eight zero five hours

The Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur is celebrated on this day, as the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, both religiously observant Jews and most of the secular majority fast and abstains from any use of fire, electricity, engines, communications, etc, and all road traffic ceases.

Many soldiers also had gone home from their military facilities for the holiday; this creates the problem for the country becoming more vulnerable with much of its military personnel on leave.

Upon learning of an impending attack from Egyptian and Syrian forces, combined with the large number of other warnings, a high-level meeting was taking place in the capital, between the Prime Minister Golda Meir, Moshe Dayan the Israeli military leader and General David Elazar.

Elazar presented his argument in favour of a pre-emptive attack against Syrian airfields at noon, Syrian missiles at 3:00 p.m., and Syrian ground forces at 5:00 p.m.

When the presentations were done, the Prime Minister hemmed uncertainly for a few moments but then came to a clear decision. There would be no pre-emptive strike.

She was aware that Israel might need American assistance soon and it was imperative that it would not be blamed for starting the war.

However a compromise was made, orders went out for a partial call-up of the Israeli reserves.

Several hours later this same day, Egypt and Syria carried out surprise attacks on Israeli occupied lands in Sinai and the Golan Heights, starting the fourth Arab-Israeli War.

With a massive and successful Egyptian crossing of the Suez Canal during the first three days, after which they dug in, settling into a stalemate.

The Syrians coordinated their attack on the Golan Heights to coincide with the Egyptian offensive and initially made threatening gains against the greatly outnumbered Israelis.

Within a week, Israel recovered and launched a four-day Counter-offensive, driving deep into Syria.

At the conclusion of hostilities, on Thursday the 25th October 1973, nineteen days after the surprise attack the Israeli forces were 25 miles from Damascus and 63 miles from Cairo.

OPEC Headquarters

Upper Danube Street 93, Vienna. Austria.

Lat = 48 degrees, 12.8 minutes North

Long = 16 degrees, 22.6 minutes East

Tuesday 16th October 1973

Eleven twenty hours

Local time.

The Secretary General of OPEC was heading the emergency meeting of OPEC, following the recent events in Israel.

OPEC. Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries was founded to unify and coordinate members’ petroleum policies. It is an intergovernmental organization of twelve developing countries made up of Algeria, Angola, Ecuador, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Venezuela.

Their objectives are to co-ordinate and unify petroleum policies among Member Countries, in order to secure fair and stable prices for petroleum producers; an efficient, economic and regular supply of petroleum to consuming nations; and a fair return on capital to those investing in the industry.

OPEC has maintained its headquarters in Vienna since 1965, and hosts regular meetings among the oil ministers of its Member Countries.

After a few hours of debate, they had decided to raise the posted price of oil by 70 percent, to $5.11 a barrel.

The following day, oil ministers agreed to an embargo, a cut in production by five percent from September’s output.

This was seen as a punishment against the United States, the United Kingdom and several Western nations for supporting Israel in a war against Egypt and Syria. This resulted in severe gasoline shortages and a recession in Western nations, especially in Great Britain, Europe, Canada, and the United States.

European Commission

Berlaymont building.

200 Rue de la Loi,

Brussels.

Lat = 50 degrees, 50.5 minutes North

Long = 4 degrees, 22.8 minutes East

Tuesday 6th November 1973.

Thirteen thirty-six hours

Local time

The nine foreign ministers of the European Economic Community (EEC) that includes Great Britain, had been unable to achieve a common policy during the first month of the Yom Kippur War, and today issued an unambiguously Pro-Arab statement listing what they regarded as essential requirements for Middle East peace.

These included the termination of Israel’s 1967 occupation of Arab territory and recognition of the legitimate rights of the Palestinians along with condemnation of Israel’s acquiring of territory by force.

As a result, OPEC duly lifted its embargo from all members of the EEC.

London 10 Downing Street

Lat = 51 degrees, 30.2 minutes North

Long = 0 degrees, 7.7 minutes West

Wednesday 5th December 1973

Twelve fifty four hours GMT

Due to the initial embargo of oil and the subsequent oil price increases The British Government of the time were now having to face the reality of how to conserve energy supplies.

They came up with a number of initiatives, which included a working three-day week, banning flights on Sundays and a temporary maximum national speed limit of 50 mph (80 km/h) for all roads, including motorways, and was introduced on the 8th December.

Jaguar car manufacturers

Browns lane Allesley

Coventry

UK

Lat = 52 degrees, 26.0 minutes North

Long = 1 degrees, 33.7 minutes West

Monday 7th January 1974

Zero seven fifty hours GMT

Len Saunders had just left his home at 165 Browns lane, taking the short walk to his place of work, at the Jaguar works, it was five minutes to eight as he walked past the security gate, when a voice called him; Len come here. Len turned around to locate the voice and noticed Taffy Jones the security man, who was beckoning him over to him.

Len did an about turn and walked over, what’s up taffy?

You have some visitors from the government, arrived less than half an hour ago, the MD said to meet him in his office when you arrived.

Christ what’s up now? Len exclaimed.

Taffy gave him a wink and said, You ain’t been caught taking stuff home have you Len?

Len smiled back at taffy, recognising the humour in his quip, see your later Taffy.

With that, Len walked away, towards the main building, his mind trying to fathom out what this was all about.

Managing Directors office

Jaguar car manufacturers

Browns lane Allesley

Coventry

UK

Lat = 52 degrees, 26.0 minutes North

Long = 1 degrees, 33.7 minutes West

Monday 7th January 1974 (Same day).

Zero-eight hundred hours GMT.

Keith Massey was entertaining the two government officials when his phone rang, thank you Jenny.

Gentlemen; Mr Saunders is on his way up.

A few minutes later a knock came on the door, and in stepped Len Saunders, at the age of thirty-five he stood tall at six-feet three inches in a gangly body frame, black hair that was already showing signs of grey at the sides.

Len was married to his wife Rosie and had a nine-year-old son named Robin.

Keith Massey beckoned Len over, come have a seat and help yourself to a tea or coffee Len."

Len walked over to the nearby table, poured a tea, and sat down at the only available chair at the side of the MD’s desk.

What’s this all about sir?

All in good time Len; let me introduce you to our guests; on the left is John Stephenson accompanied by Roger Masterson, both work for the UK’s energy commission.

Both Stephenson and Masterson nodded an acknowledgement to Len.

Len took a sip of his coffee and his quick mind was in deep thought as to why these two men were here, and wanting to see him.

His thoughts were interrupted by Keith Massey, Len; before I let these gentlemen explain the purpose of their visit, I feel it would be of benefit for you to give them a quick outline of your history and work with us here at Jaguar.

Len replaced his cup on the table, certainly sir. He looked over at the two men and then spoke, I have been with Jaguar since leaving school in 1955, after my five year apprenticeship I moved into and began specialising in fuel systems for the Jaguar engines, and I am currently working in the Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) workshops here at Browns Lane.

Len picked up his drink and took a mouthful.

Thank you Len, replied Massey.

There was a few moments pause before John Stephenson spoke.

Mr Saunders; like many people in the country you are profoundly aware of the issues we have with energy, especially as so much relies on oil from overseas, the price has escalated to outrageous prices and we have advised the government that this is only the beginning and that prices will continue to rise. We like many other countries, are now at the mercy of OPEC, Stephenson paused.

I don’t see how I can help you gentlemen, replied Len.

Roger Masterson intervened, Len, may I call you Len?

Len nodded.

We have read your files and you have just been modest with your credentials, we consider you the best we have in the area of fuel systems and propulsion systems, what do you know about anti-gravitational propulsion systems Len?

Len finished his tea, stood up, and walked over to the window that looked out across the companies’ car park. He could see the black Daimler car that Stephenson and Masterson had arrived in and their chauffeur standing by it having a cigarette.

He turned back looking at the two government men, I am not sure where we are going with this conversation gentlemen.

Masterson replied, Come on Len; a man of your knowledge surely understands the question.

Len replied, What are we talking here? The Nazi bell project, operations paperclip and High jump at the end of WW11, the Coandă effect and numerous other clandestine or other dubious research projects in the field of anti-gravitational propulsion systems, none of which by the way have ever seen the light of day.

Keith Massey intervened and looked over at Stephenson and Masterson, gentlemen; I am not sure where this is going either, I was under the impression this meeting was related to a project the government had for the company, that is the only reason I agreed to this meeting.

Masterson picked his briefcase up and opened it removing a A4 size red folder, he looked at Stephenson whom nodded, okay; what we are about to discuss goes well above the top secret level and we will both deny this conversation ever took place, if it surfaces outside these walls; do I make myself clear gentlemen?

Both Massey and Len looked at each other and nodded, and then Massey replied, okay let’s see what this is all about.

Stephenson spoke first, Len; you mentioned operation paperclip; to enlighten you both on this, it was the code name under which the US intelligence and military services extricated scientists from Germany, during and after the final stages of World War II.

Of particular interest were scientists specialising in aerodynamics and rocketry such as those involved in the V-1 and V-2 projects, are you still with me gentlemen?" Both Massey and Len nodded.

Masterson took up the dialogue, Len you mentioned the Nazi bell project, this was allegedly carried out towards the end of the war; an experiment carried out by Third Reich scientists working for the SS in a German facility known as The Giant. It is believed that they had developed a test rig for experiments in anti-gravity propulsion, this has always believed to be a myth until a month ago.

Len was now sitting forward on his chair; he could feel an excitement building up within him.

Masterson was now holding a bundle of papers that looked very old and fragile, this gentlemen; could be our ticket to a revolutionary new propulsion system, it was written by a Professor Hans’ Kanmler; we have verified he was one of the scientists taken by operation Paperclip to the USA, he died two months ago.

Masterson paused and Stephenson took up the story, Hans’ Kanmler had only one living relative, here in the UK; somehow he managed to get these documents out of the USA God knows how. The relative who is now a serving British police officer brought them to our attention; that now brings you up to date gentlemen, any questions? May I see them? Replied Len.

Masterson stood up and handed the files to Len, we would appreciate your initial thoughts on the contents Len.

Keith Massey spoke, I think this would be a good time for a fresh pot of tea gentlemen, he picked the phone up and spoke to Jenny, Jenny; organise fresh pots of tea and coffee with some biscuits please?

Len had noticed the file was titled Project EMF (Electro Magnetic Force) and he was now busy scanning through the pages, his quick mind absorbing the information along with the crude hand drawings.

Five minutes later a knock on the door was followed by a girl pushing a hostess trolley, she laid the contents out on to the spare table and removed the empty pot and cups, and left the room.

Keith Massey stood up and beckoned Stephenson and Masterson over to the table, Help yourselves gentlemen.

All three poured their drinks and took some biscuits; Len was still sitting absorbed in the files and might as well have been on another planet.

Massey and the two government men sat back down sipping their teas, leaving Len to finish.

Twenty minutes later Len placed the file on Massey’s desk, stood up and made himself a cup of coffee.

Stephenson spoke, So what do you think Len?

Len returned to his chair and sat down, it would make an excellent starting point, however; there are some flaws in the equations and the design.

Can it be done; Len? Replied Masterson.

This research is around forty years old, since then a lot of advances have been made in materials and designs it is just possible that the concept could be conceived.

Masterson looked at Stephenson whom gave him a nod, Len would you be interested in having a crack at it?

Len quickly looked at Keith Massey whom replied to Masterson, how is this going to work, I am not prepared to lose one of my top technicians, on some government project that could prove fruitless.

Masterson replied, That’s alright; Len will continue to work here under the roof at Jaguar, we would like him to commit two days per week to the project, Massey was about to speak but Masterson raised his hand at him. Bear with me one moment; we are prepared to fund all necessary equipment and services to this project. We will also pay Len’s salary which we will increase by three thousand per annum, and we will ensure that Jaguar receives a sizable donation towards any future projects, any questions?

The board of directors will need to be appraised of this, replied Massey.

Leave that with us, replied Stephenson.

What about this document? Len commented.

"Once we have you up and running and you have both signed the Official Secrets Act, you will have the document, I think that concludes our discussion gentlemen, we will be back in touch within a week, replied Masterson.

All four men shook hands and Stephenson and Masterson left the office.

Massey turned to Len, could this all possible work Len?

It’s possible and certainly worth a crack at it, replied Len.

Pendeford light business park

Wolverhampton UK

7 years later.

Lat = 52 degrees, 37.7 minutes North

Long = 2 degrees, 9.0 minutes West

Friday 27th March 1981

Fifteen twenty hours BST

Pendeford light business park had original started life in 1938 as Pendeford airfield; it had hangars, a control tower and grass runways. The field had been managed by the Midland Aero Club.

At the beginning of the Second World War, the airfield had been requisitioned by the Air Ministry and it remained as a training station for pilots for the duration of hostilities.

The airport closed on the 31st December 1980, and quickly developed into a small industrial business park, mainly operated by one and two men businesses.

Len Saunders was sitting in his rented unit gazing at a triangular shaped object measuring eighteen inches on each of the three sides and three inches in depth, it was hovering silently two-feet above his work bench, he had finally solved the issue of anti-gravitational propulsion.

However, this had been at a tremendous cost to him; after the initial meeting with Stephenson and Masterson everything had gone to plan.

The funding and equipment had arrived and for two days a week he had devoted his time to the project; this then started eating into his weekends, to the point that he was rarely at home.

His wife Rosie gave him the ultimatum three years ago; make more time for his family or she would leave him.

That is exactly what happened; his wife took their son Robin back to her parents’ home in Birmingham.

Keith Massey died a year later and the government pulled out of the project two years ago, but for some unknown reason never asked for the research papers back.

Following Massey’s death a new Managing Director was appointed at Jaguar and came in with the prime purpose of creating a leaner and more profitable company, as a result, Len had been made redundant, the redundancy package was a good one and he quickly found a job with Lucas aerospace in Wolverhampton.

He found a house in the Oxley area of Wolverhampton and gave the house in Browns lane to his ex-wife Rosie. He secured a small unit on Pendeford Business Park; he was not going to be beaten and vowed to continue developing an Anti-gravitational propulsion system, in his spare time.

Although the research documents he had given had much of the research done, the fundamental final stage of anti-Gravitational propulsion had not been completely resolved.

Yes; the German scientists had managed to create an anti-gravitational system; however, it could only be sustained for a few minutes at a time.

This had been the hurdle that Len had been battling for the past eight years; and why the government had pulled the plug, they had lost faith in the project and Len.

The triangular shape had been hovering for thirty minutes and showed no signs of faltering, it appeared to be surrounded by hot air, caused by a slight distortion of the light, when viewed in the dark the craft glowed.

What Len had eventually discovered was the creation of the hull; using a slightly flexible super conductive room temperature ceramic hull, producing a hardness and strength of armour with excellent electrical insulation. Within the hull, he ionized the air in the machine and this created lift.

Along with the vortex chamber within the craft; the high speed vortex, produced an electric current called the diamagnetic effect, using a Samarium-cobalt magnet; they are generally the second-strongest type of magnet made, less strong than neodymium magnets, having been developed in the early 1970’s, but they have higher temperature ratings.

Together with the ceramic hull, they produced a charged separation effect; causing the craft to lift into the air with tremendous power, requiring no electricity, batteries, or fossil fuels.

Len had also developed an air intake to draw in air, that could then be directed through a simple flexible piping system to be past out of the craft at pressure through a series of nozzles to create propulsion, in forward, lateral and reverse direction.

Len looked at his watch, three-twenty in the afternoon; he looked around his office table and found the card he was looking for; with the name of John Stephenson.

Len picked up the phone and called the Whitehall number, it rang several times and when answered the voice replied, Energy commission.

May I speak with John Stephenson, replied Len.

The voice on the other end replied, Mr Stephenson no longer works here sir, is there anyone else who can help you?

Len racked his brains for a few seconds, Roger Masterson is he still there?

Yes sir, may I ask who is calling?

Tell him it’s Len Saunders.

One moment Mr Saunders, I’ll put you through.

Several seconds later a voice spoke, hello Len; it’s been a while, how can I help you?

I have completed the project, replied Len.

Masterson was quite for a few moments before replying, Are you referring to your work we commissioned with Jaguar and yourself?

That’s correct, replied Len.

But we pulled the plug on that, what; about two years ago?

You did; but I did not and no one ever asked for the research papers back, responded Len’.

Masterson was quite for several seconds, listen Len this is not a secure line, we need to meet.

You can come to my workshop and see for yourself.

Give me the address?

Len recited the address of his workshop on Pendeford.

How is tomorrow morning; say eleven o’clock?

I’ll be waiting for you, replied Len.

Len terminated the call, the triangular shaped craft was still hovering, Len looked at his watch, and made a note on his research paper, experiment number nine hundred and fifty-four, 27th March 1981, craft sustained hovering for forty-six minutes.

Twenty minutes later, he had packed all his work away, the research papers were placed in a Chubb fire proof manufactured safe, which he had acquired from a friend at a discounted price, from the Chubb factory several miles down the road.

He set the alarm and locked the premises up, and placed the triangular craft in the boot of his Jaguar motor car before driving home.

Energy Commissions

55 Whitehall

London

SW1A 2EY

Lat = 51 degrees, 30.4 minutes North

Long = 0 degrees, 7.6 minutes West

Friday 27th March 1981 (Same day).

Fifteen twenty eight hours BST

As soon as his call with Len Saunders had concluded, Roger Masterson had dialled an overseas number in Brussels.

The call was answered with a man’s voice, yes.

It’s me Masterson.

Hello Roger, it must be important for you to contact me, I was just about to leave for the weekend, what have you to report?

The voice was well cultured had a good pronunciation of the English language, but it was tainted with a slight foreign tang.

Do you remember the project I spoke to about eighteen months ago, that we ran with Jaguar motor cars?

Yes; and you stated it was abandoned; correct?

That’s correct; however I have just received a phone call from the man we had on the project, he has apparently successfully created an anti-gravitational propulsion system.

How can this be so Roger?

"All I can think of, is he carried on with the research after we pulled