Inhalt

Cover

Title Page

Randy Ivy Jones

Treasure of the Sahara

A JB McGregor Novel - Book 1

The Billionaire Series

Randy Jones Publishing

Copyright

www.randyivyjones.com

This is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people, or real locales are used ficticiously. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

First eBook edition: October 2018

Table of Contents

Cover
Title Page
Dedication
Characters
Introduction
Book Notes
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Also by...
About me...

Dedication

Dedication

This is for you Babe...

Thanks for always being there -- not only for me, but also for our three kids and the grandkids. You are a great Wife, Mom and Memebear to all of us.

~ Randy

Characters

Main Characters

JB McGregor

Self-made Multi-Billionaire

Jeri Richards

JB's Personal Assistant

(Business and Personal Affairs Manager)

Sam Peters

JB's Personal Assistant

(Business Partner)

Charlie Davidson

JB's Chief Pilot

(Helicopter and Jet)

John O'Connor

JB's Pilot

(Helicopter and Jet)

Scott Johnson

JB's Yacht Captain

Carla Young

JB's Chief of Housekeeping

(Wife of Joe Young)

Joe Young

JB's Chief Groundskeeper

(Husband of Carla Young)

Jimmie Donovan

JB's Head of Vehicle Maintenance, Limo Driver and Primary Bodyguard

Toby Matthews

JB's Mr. Fixit

(Household and Grounds)

Bob Travant

JB's Head Chef

(House, Yacht and Jet)

Supporting Characters

David Wade

3rd Generation Wade Searching for DC-3 Aircraft

Jessica Wade

4th Generation Wade Searching for DC-3 Aircraft

Peter Caraway

Senior partner of JB's US legal team, Caraway and Caraway Law Firm

Sara Brothers

Part of JB's US legal team, Caraway and Caraway Law Firm

Samantha Smithers

Part of JB's US legal team, Caraway and Caraway Law Firm

Tony Caruthers

Part of JB's US legal team, Caraway and Caraway Law Firm

Eddie Baker

Vietnam buddy of David Wade, resident of Algeria

Youssef Ayadi

Eddie Baker's business partner

Mustafa Mokrani

Mustafa Mokrani, the manager of airport services at Algiers International Airport

Khalil Hamidou

Eddie's arms and special equipment supplier

Djamel Loucif

Part of the Rachedi law firm in Algiers

Hamza Ouraghi

Part of the Rachedi law firm in Algiers

Brahim Kerchouche

Helicopter Pilot for the Rachedi law firm in Algiers

Abdelaziz Korichi

Algerian Department of Intelligence

Hakim Lahlali

Algerian Department of Intelligence

Walid Mabrouki

Algerian Department of Intelligence

Tayeb Ramdani

Algerian Department of Intelligence

Steve Lash

Leader of a caravan of vehicles following JB's team throughout the Sahara Desert

Oussama Saboundji

General Manager of Aeroport de Tamanrasset

Fouad Benredjem

Tamanrasset City Manager

Introduction

Introduction

A Class Act ...

JB became a self-made Billionaire by selling the huge Internet company he started 10 years earlier. He sold his company to the largest Internet search engine company in the world in exchange for $18.8 billion. The initial investment JB made to create his company was less than $7,000, so selling the company was a no brainer. After selling the company, JB increased his wealth to over 48 billion through some incredibly wise investments.

JB's current business is in investments. He buys and sells big time real estate. He also invests in young entrepreneurs and new startup companies. One of the larger business ventures that JB owns is McGregor Space Systems. The company was formed about 1999 and was the first company JB acquired after becoming a billionaire. JB immediately revived the floundering company through lucrative contracts for NASA in their new commercialization program.

He is JB McGregor of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Specifically, Papaya Island, also known locally as McGregor Island, located in a small cluster of islands just to the north of St. Thomas and St. John. JB also has a cottage in Key West Florida, a multi-million-dollar mansion on the waterway in Fort Lauderdale off of Bayview Drive, and a huge ocean-front mansion just outside Honomu, Hawaii. JB will be giving the cottage in Key West Florida to a former employee as a retirement gift as soon as the cottage remodeling job is complete. JB is recognized in the media as one who helps and shares his wealth without hesitation.

Most of JB's staff travel with him everywhere he goes. They are all paid very well and have excellent benefits. His employees are also extremely loyal to him. JB has provided each staff member with superb medical insurance along with an outstanding 401k plan. The age of most staff members is about 33 years old, the same age as JB. On Papaya Island, they all live in the bungalow's JB designed and built, which are nestled in the dense vegetation just out of sight of the main house on the island. When JB is in Hawaii, they have a similar setup. When in Fort Lauderdale, JB's staff members usually stay on the yacht where they each have their own cabin. JB and his staff maintain offices in the Papaya mansion, the Honomu mansion, and on his yacht.

Since selling his company, JB has had several thrilling adventures. The adventures magically come his way, thanks to Sam Peters, his business partner. Sometimes the adventures come from one of the entrepreneurs JB has invested in. Most of these adventures have paid off very well. Plus, the adventures are usually fun and exciting...

JB McGregor is asked by two of his employees to help, David Wade, a man they had met at a yacht convention in Florida. David wants to find multi-million-dollar valuables that had been confiscated by dictators in Italy, Germany, and various other countries from families during between 1933 and 1945 World War II. David wants to return the valuables to the rightful owners or descendants. David Wade's father and his grandfather performed years of research and are almost certain that the valuables were being transported on a DC-3 airplane that crashed in the Sahara desert in 1953 while traveling from Johannesburg South Africa to the United States.

An expedition to the Sahara desert is formed by JB, David Wade, and several of JB's employees to try and find the DC-3 airplane. The airplane crash is assumed to be in the vicinity of the Ahaggar Mountains (also known as Hoggar Mountains) near Tamanrasset, Algeria. The last radio transmission of the DC-3 was with the Tamanrasset airport.

Unfortunately, a team of known criminals somehow got wind of the treasure and follow JB's expedition throughout the desert.

Treasure of the Sahara

Randy Ivy Jones (2018)

Book Notes

Book Notes

Coordinates

Curious about the various GPS coordinate locations found throughout The Multi-Million Dollar Treasure? You can track the paths of travel JB and the crew took by either clicking on the geographical coordinates found throughout the book or by copying the set of coordinates into your favorite map application. For best results, use the aerial (satellite view). Some map applications can also display in 3D which allows you to view the topography of an area. Some of the locations below have wonderful topography...

Our Hangars at Algiers International Airport Houari Boumediene, Dar El Beida, Algiers, Algeria...

36°42'08.7"N 3°13'15.2"E

alternate form 36.702403, 3.220889

Our 1st Campsite on the North Side of Ghardaia near the old bus station...

32°32'31.6"N 3°40'28.5"E

alternate form 32.542116, 3.674586

Our 2nd Campsite on the South Side of In Salah...

27°10'38.4"N 2°29'52.1"E

alternate form 27.177321, 2.497793

Our 3rd Campsite on the North Side of the Trans-Sahara Highway at Tamanrasset...

22°50'10.5"N 5°22'03.1"E

alternate form 22.836254, 5.367515

Aguemar Airport (TMR) just outside of Tamanrasset...

22°48'40.2"N 5°27'03.0"E

alternate form 22.811170, 5.450830

1st Search Area... Last Known Coordinates...

(35 miles from camp, 35-mile radius search)...

23°14'56.0"N 5°43'05.8"E

alternate form 23.248889, 5.718278

2nd Search Area Coordinates...

(85 miles east from Last Known Coordinates, 50-mile radius search)

23°14'56.0"N 7°03'13.3"E

alternate form 23.248889, 7.053704

3rd Search Area Outer Perimeter Coordinates...

(135 miles east from Last Known Coordinates)

23°14'56.0"N 7°51'14.5"E

alternate form 23.248889, 7.854014

Suspected Crash Area Coordinates...

23°15'45.6"N 7°44'17.3"E

alternate form 23.262671, 7.738134

Temporary Cargo Storage Site...

23°16'12.0"N 7°44'13.3"E

alternate form 23.270003, 7.737020

Half-way between In Ekker and Tit in the Amguel commune area...

(this is where the Trans-Sahara Highway and road to Bordj El Haouas meet)

23°37'32.9"N 5°09'18.8"E

alternate form 23.625808, 5.155212

Bordj El Haouas, Algeria...

24°52'46.5"N 8°26'29.0"E

alternate form 24.879594, 8.441385

Turn off Coordinates for off-roading on the way to Bordj El Haouas, Algeria from Tamanrasset...

24°24'45.1"N 8°10'34.0"E

alternate form 24.412526, 8.176103

Hideout of Other Caravan Camp...

23°48'57.0"N 8°13'17.6"E

alternate form 23.815831, 8.221558

Location where we learned of the hideout the Other Caravan established...

23°22'34.2"N 8°02'01.7"E

alternate form 23.376172, 8.033797

Our 4th Campsite Location near the Location where we learned of the hideout the Other Caravan established...

23°26'09.4"N 8°02'31.5"E

alternate form 23.435942, 8.042083

Cargo Hideout #1...

23°26'11.3"N 8°03'16.3"E

alternate form 23.436479, 8.054515

Cargo Hideout #2...

23°26'23.7"N 8°03'46.6"E

alternate form 23.439918, 8.062944

Cargo Hideout #3...

23°25'57.0"N 8°03'35.7"E

alternate form 23.432494, 8.059908

Actual Hideout for Cargo...

23°16'42.8"N 8°16'24.7"E

alternate form 23.278561, 8.273531

80 miles due east of Other Caravan Camp...

23°51'07.6"N 9°29'21.2"E

alternate form 23.852114, 9.489213

Joined Road 15 miles due West of Djanet...

24°31'42.5"N 9°14'58.0"E

alternate form 24.528465, 9.249431

Where the caravan left the road between the Trans-Sahara Highway and Bordj El Haouas to go camp behind a large hill on way to Trans-Sahara Highway

24°37'31.7"N 7°02'27.1"E

alternate form 24.625472, 7.040861

Our 5th Campsite out of view from road behind a large hill on way to Trans-Sahara Highway

24°31'39.7"N 7°06'42.3"E

alternate form 24.527697, 7.111757

In Salah Airport just outside of In Salah...

27°17'26.8"N 2°30'18.9"E

alternate form 27.290788, 2.505247

Noumerat - Moufdi Zakaria Airport just outside of Ghardaia...

32°25'40.8"N 3°48'02.2"E

alternate form 32.428004, 3.800607

Biskra Airport just outside of Biskra...

34°48'34.8"N 5°43'55.0"E

alternate form 34.809670, 5.731956

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Jeri Richards, my business and personal affairs manager, looked up as I walked into the office and said brightly, "Good morning, Mr. McGregor."

"Morning," I said curtly, and slammed the door of my own office behind me. Once inside I felt a bit ashamed. It is a bad boss who expends his temper on the staff and Jeri did not deserve it. I snapped down the intercom switch, "Will you come in, Jeri?"

She entered armed with her most needed weapon -- a dictation recorder and notepad. I said, "Sorry about that; I'm not feeling too well this morning."

Her lips twitched in a faint smile. "Having a bad day already?"

"Something like that," I agreed. "What's in store this morning?"

"Charlie Davidson wants to meet with you this sometime today to select the new paint schemes for both choppers and both jets. He also wants to set painting dates for each aircraft."

"Anything else?"

"Sam Peters called a few minutes ago. He wants to meet with you this morning."

I grinned, "Is it anything important?"

"All he would tell me is... it is very important, it is very lucrative financially and that time is running out," the expression on Jeri's face told me that she thought my bad mood this morning was getting the better of me. "He said he'd be here in 10 minutes," she said dryly.

"Anything else?"

Wordlessly she pointed to my overflowing in-tray. I looked at the in-tray distastefully and said, "You're a slave-driver. When Sam gets here, I'll be in Charlie's office."

Sam was always producing these hare brain ideas. I wonder what he has that is so important. I stepped into Charlie's office and said, "Morning Charlie."

"Good morning, JB."

I said, "Sam will be here shortly and I'd like the three of us to decide on the paint scheme." I noticed Charlie had about eight easels setup in his office. They must be for displaying the different paint schemes. "On second thought, let's also get Jeri's opinion on the paint scheme too."

"Sounds great! We also need to produce dates for each aircraft to be painted." Charlie pressed his intercom button and said, "Jeri, JB just mentioned he would like you in my office too!"

"We will both be there momentarily Charlie. Sam is standing in front of me now, with coffee and donuts for all," Jeri said.

* * *

By the time everyone assembled in Charlie's office, he had paint scheme examples mounted on each of the easels. Charlie then said, "These are only example paint schemes. Each of the paint schemes can have any color combination or stenciling pattern you can imagine. There is also another option we have. That would-be vinyl wraps. They can do anything with vinyl wraps because the wrapping film has the text, images, and color printed on instead of paint. The aircraft wraps can be any pattern you can imagine or have any image or photo applied. Most vinyl wraps I have seen look 3-dimensional. One nice thing about aircraft wraps, they weigh a lot less than paint, so there is a significant savings on fuel cost. Wraps can also be applied much faster than sanding and preparing. I also have a web site where you can customize your own design theme for paint or for wraps. For the paint, you just point and click, for wraps, you can upload images to try out or mess around with the preloaded designs and patterns."

I said, "I think we should go with something simple. Something that fits well with all our aircraft. We each should consider the low fuel cost option. Lower fuel cost means less emission. We all need to address issues with our carbon footprint. We need to decrease that footprint. Before we choose, why don't we all look at the options? Charlie can send us all the web site URL. After we all agree on something, we can then set dates for the work to be done on each aircraft. We might even want to consider something for the yacht, motorboats, jet skis, and the pontoon boats."

Charlie said, "Well JB, that's about all I have to show. I will shortly send each of you the web site."

Jeri spoke up saying, "For the aircraft, I think we should have a solid color, maybe even black or maybe have a carbon fiber look, and on each side of the fuselage a large crest or shield with the letters JB written on it. The shield could have a wooden 3D look that appears like weathered wooden slats. With rusty nail holes in the slats. The tail of each aircraft could have the same shield, but smaller in scale. For the jet skis, speed boats, and pontoon boat, they could be completely wrapped in the 3D looking wood and have JB written on each side. The yacht should remain the way it is, but simply add a shield to each side."

"Wow Jeri, it's almost as if you've done extensive research on vinyl wraps. I really like your ideas," said Sam.

"Me too!" I said. "Great ideas!"

"I make a motion that we go with Jeri's idea and simply fine tune it. Charlie can then get our request to the company to print the film and when they can apply it. I suppose they will need to take measurements," said Sam.

Charlie said, "OK Folks, that's a wrap!"

Sam leaned over to me and asked, "Can we meet now in your office? I have got some remarkably interesting things to discuss. We might want Jeri to be in on this too!"

I said, "Sure, not a problem."

* * *

The three of us were seated in my office near the southern bay window. The bay window overlooks the bay area between St. Thomas and St. John islands. Scott Johnson, the captain of my yacht, walked in. All of us greeted Scott and welcomed him back to the island. I knew Scott and Sam were both itching to tell us their story, so I said, "OK Sam, tell us what you've got."

"Scott and I met an interesting guy by the name of David Wade while attending the yachting and Boating convention in West Palm Beach. The three of us teamed up each day during the convention and had dinner and drinks at the hotel each evening. Our first evening at the hotel, David told us a remarkably interesting story that began sometime during World War II. Legend has it that the Nazi officials, along with Benito Mussolini's officials, hid tons of confiscated gold and diamonds in the mountains of Northern Italy. The Nazi's allegedly also hid an entire train load of gold inside a mountain in Poland. There was also the Amber Room, which was a chamber decorated in amber panels that were backed with gold leaf and mirrors. The chamber was in the Catherine Palace of Tsarskoye Selo near Saint Petersburg. The Amber Room was looted during World War II by the Army Group North of Nazi Germany and brought to Konigsberg for reconstruction and display. The dismantled wall panels and furniture never reached its destination in Konigsberg. The current whereabouts of the dismantled pieces of the Amber Room remain a mystery to this day."

Sam continued, "David said his grandfather first learned of these lost treasures in the early 50's and began some extensive research. David's father also became involved with research after he graduated from college. About 1975, out of all the lost treasures they researched, they chose to find the crash site of a DC-3 airplane. In 1953, the plane was hauling a load of gold and other precious metals from the Witwatersrand Basin in South Africa to the United States. The cargo was believed to be some of the confiscated treasure hidden during the war. The DC-3's flight plan was to have a fuel stop in the town of Lubumbashi located in the southern end of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). From Lubumbashi, they would head for Kinshasha, located in the northwestern region of the DRC to refuel again. From Kinshasha, they would head to Abuja, Nigeria for more fuel, then on to Agadez, Niger. The last leg of the flight through Africa was to land in Algiers, Algeria. In Algiers, they would transfer the load to a ship and then on the states."

After pausing to clearing his throat and to take a sip of his coffee, Sam said, "The big problem was shortly after flying over Abalessa, Algeria, a huge sandstorm built up. The storm came about so quickly, making it too late to circumvent the storm. They headed towards Tamanrasset because it looked as though the storm was lighter in that direction. They managed to contact the authorities in Tamanrasset and gave them their coordinates. That was the last contact of the aircraft. Authorities searched inside and outside the boundaries of the Parc national culturel de l'Ahaggar, but no trace of the aircraft was found. The search was by air and by ground. That entire region around Tamanrasset, about 212,000 square miles, is extremely rocky and exceedingly difficult to travel by foot or camel and next to impossible by motor vehicle. The DC-3 aircraft could be as close as twenty-five feet away from you but be completely hidden from view by the enormous boulders."

"Isn't the Witwatersrand Basin in South Africa where there are several gold mines and some diamond mines?"

"Yes, however the treasure was hidden in the neighboring mountains close to the Witwatersrand Basin. A few months after the DC-3 crash, a geological exploration team discovered the cave where the treasure had been hidden during the war. The various mining companies in the Witwatersrand Basin declared the treasure did not come from their mines. Other interesting things to note, the DC-3 was owned by the group of people recovering the treasure, but the aircraft registration number filed in the flight plan was a fake. The fuel costs and runway fees at each airport were all paid with cash, so all traceability was eliminated. An insurance claim was never filed, and nobody was ever reported missing. We believe there were only four people involved with renting a truck, then loading the treasure they recovered in the mountain cave, and finally off-loading the treasure into the aircraft. At least one of those four people was the pilot. The aircraft had an auxiliary fuel tank because the first leg from the Witwatersrand Basin to Lubumbashi is about 1400 miles and the range of a DC-3 is a little less than 1500 miles. Likewise, the distance on the last leg from Agadez to Algiers is a little over 1700 miles. If an aircraft is loaded down with very heavy gold, the range diminishes tremendously. Having auxiliary fuel tanks is necessary with the distances between the airports they planned on for fueling. If you are wondering about rust, even though the plane has been sitting in the desert for so long, the plane will be in decent shape, even after 65 years, because of the dry air in the desert."

I said, "Scott, do you have anything to add?"

"No, Sam covered everything very well. If there is a decision to find the plane, I suggest we fly David Wade out here or we can travel to him. David did say that his grandfather had passed away in 1975. David's father could not raise the money to finance an expedition. David's dad passed away about 3 years ago. One of the last things his dad said to David was to try to find the plane. Do something good with the money. David also mentioned he has an army buddy that retreated to Algeria after the Vietnam War. His army buddy might be able to help."

"Sam, why don't you make arrangements for David to come out here? See if he can stay at least for a few days but let him know he is more than welcome to stay if he likes while we decide what to do. We can do some preliminary planning and then make a formal decision on whether to pursue this adventure. Let him know we will cover all his expenses. He can stay in one of the guest quarters. What line of work is David into?"

"He retired three months ago so most likely he will be available. Prior to retirement, he designed luxury yachts for the largest yacht manufacturer in the US. He had a major role in the design of your yacht."

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Several days later, David Wade and his daughter, Jessica, arrived at Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas Island. Charlie Davidson and John O'Connor, JB's Chief Pilot and Co-Pilot for both helicopters, the 747 and the Gulfstream G650ER, met up with David and Jessica to transport them to Papaya Island by way of the jet helicopter. Sam Peters and Scott Johnson also went along, to give David and his daughter a warm welcome. After loading David's luggage into the chopper, they headed straight for Papaya Island which is just a short hop away from the airport.

Charlie gave the guests an aerial view of the entire McGregor compound on the island. He flew from the west end of the island to the east end showing the McGregor mansion, the employee bungalow's, the swimming pools, the putting green, the astronomical observatory, the marina with the yacht and other boats, all the secluded beaches, the hidden solar panel array and windmill farm for electricity, and finally, the helipad and hangers for the helicopters. Charlie also let the guests know that the mansion also contains many forms of entertainment, such as a movie theater, bowling alley, pool tables, ping pong tables, sauna and indoor pool, outdoor pools, indoor gun range, tennis courts, and putting greens.

After setting the chopper down on the helipad, they loaded up a couple of golf carts with the luggage and headed straight for the guest house David and Jessica would use during their stay. They were offered rooms in the main mansion, but both chose the guest house for JB's privacy as well as for their own privacy. After the last piece of luggage was carried inside, Sam said, "JB would like the two of you to join him and the staff for dinner at 5 PM in the main dining room. I will drop by to escort you."

"Well thank you Sam, Jessica and I are anxious to meet with all of you. We will be ready."

"I'll be back about 4:45 to pick you up. JB is excited to meet both of you. The dinner will be very informal, so dress casual. Probably most of JB's staff will also be joining us for dinner tonight."

* * *

Upon entering the mansion, David and Jessica were dazzled with the sheer elegance of the decor. Several staff members and I walked into the foyer for greetings. I said, "Welcome to Papaya Island! I am JB McGregor. I'll introduce you to everyone else in the living room." I was dazzled by the sheer beauty of Jessica. This adventure might have a bonus.

After gathering in the living room, I began introductions, "Everyone, I am pleased to introduce David Wade and his daughter, Jessica. They are both here to discuss some remarkably interesting possibilities that occurred in Africa many years ago. With a little luck, all of us might be able to help David complete some of the dreams that started with his grandfather, then his father and now himself. David and Jessica... going around the living room with introductions, starting with Sam Peters, my personal assistant and business partner, Jeri Richards, also my personal assistant and business manager, Charlie Davidson, my chief pilot, John O'Connor, also my pilot, Scott Johnson, my yacht captain, Carla Young and her husband Joe, my chief of housekeeping and my chief groundskeeper, Jimmie Donovan, vehicle maintenance and driver, Toby Mathews, known as Mr. Fixit, and finally my head chef, Bob Travant. If either of you need anything at all, please do not hesitate to ask me or any of my staff members."

Bob Travant stepped forward and said, "I will now be serving dinner in the main dining room."

* * *

After dinner, we retreated to the patio area by the pool. David asked JB, "Why is the island named Papaya? I have yet to spot a Papaya plant."

I laughed and said, "Actually there are some Papaya plants still on the island, but much of the island's vegetation has overwhelmed the smaller Papaya plants. In the Americas, the Papaya plants thrive mostly in the Caribbean Islands, southern Mexico, Central America, and northern South America. They can also be found in other tropical and subtropical regions of the world. In the states, they can be found in Hawaii, California, Texas, and Florida. Papaya plants grow in three sexes: male, female, hermaphrodite. The male produces only pollen, never fruit. The female will produce small, inedible fruits unless it is pollinated. The hermaphrodite can self-pollinate since its flowers contain both male stamens and female pistil, comprising the stigma, style, and ovary. Almost all commercial papaya orchards contain only hermaphrodites."

Jeri added, "Many of the locals refer to this as McGregor Island however geographically, it will always be known as Papaya Island. Jessica, after our initial meeting tomorrow, we can go on a shopping spree in St. Thomas or St. John. The guys can continue on with the discussions in our absence."

"Oh Jeri! I would absolutely love that!"

I spoke up, "Ladies if you two don't mind, I would like to join you too! I promise I will not get in your way. I think I will enjoy just tagging along. Plus, I do not need to be present for all the planning. Oh... David and Jessica... I forgot to mention this earlier; the two of you will be on my payroll for the duration of this venture. After all, shopping does require money."

David asked JB, "What steps are we going to take in the planning of this venture?"

"Tomorrow we can hopefully establish when, where, and how we are going to go about doing this. I will also get my legal team involved with the planning so we can make sure we stay well within the bounds of US, Algerian, and international laws. We will need to figure out our transportation to and from Algeria, which is whether we should take the yacht or the 747. Also, we will need to acquire the ground transportation we will use to cross the Sahara Desert in Algeria, which could be as many as 5 or 6 vehicles, some Unimog's and Jeeps, plus transport them to Algiers. We will need to get all the necessary travel visas in order. We will need to obtain any vaccinations that may be required or suggested. Possibly arrange for pack animals, such as camels. There are many areas in Algeria where motor vehicles cannot travel because of the terrain. We will need to make arrangements for fuel, water, food, generators for electricity, satellite communication equipment for telephone and computers, and camping supplies. The list may grow exceptionally large, but we want to do this right. We will also need to find out who the treasure might belong to and who has the legal rights to it. Scott told me you have a Vietnam army buddy in Algeria."

"Yes, unfortunately I have not spoken with Eddie in years, but I'm certain I can locate him. He raises camels and goats in the Algiers area. He also has a big place somewhere near Abalessa. He told me once that he is the largest breeder of camels and goats. He sells and leases the animals."

"So, Eddie might be able to supply us with camels."

"Knowing Eddie, he may even offer to be our guide. He knows the area very well. He has lived there ever since we left Vietnam. Plus, Eddie has connections and is well respected. I told him many years ago about the gold and diamond treasure that was lost out there. He knows how much I want to locate the airplane on behalf of my grandfather and father. I'm sure he will help us find the plane."

"That would be great if Eddie can help out, not only with leasing us some camels, but also as a guide. I have never been to Africa, so all of this will be a first for me. I can hardly wait for us to get going on this venture."

David said, "Well get ready for a one-of-a-kind experience. I visited Eddie for about 3 weeks, but that was 30 years ago. On that trip, we traveled through Algeria, Niger, and Nigeria. The terrain and the heat are extremely difficult, and roads were nonexistent. Hopefully, they now have a lot more roads."

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Breakfast was served at 7:30. We then migrated to the media room to begin our planning. Sam elected himself as chairperson of the meeting with Jeri taking notes. Using the media room server, Sam projected a map of Algeria on the left side of the theater screen and another map on the right side of the theater screen which was zoomed in on the region of Algeria that contains Abalessa and the Parc national culturel de l'Ahaggar. That region is where the historical records indicate the DC-3 went down. In between the two maps on the screen was a projection of a document displaying a list of Things to Discuss. The list was broken down as follows...

Brief Legal Team (Who has the legal rights to treasure? Is there a statute of limitations?)
Transportation to Algeria (yacht or 747 or Both?)
Acquire Ground Transportation (Unimog's, Jeeps, or both? How many?)
Transport the Transportation to Algiers (by ship?)
Obtain the necessary Travel Visa's
Obtain any necessary Vaccinations
Arrange for Pack Animals (such as camels)
Fuel, Water, Food, Special Clothing
Generators for Electricity
Satellite Communication Equipment for Telephone and Computers
Camping Supplies (Tents, Stoves, Bedding)
Transportation from Algeria (yacht or 747 or Both?)

Sam began the discussion by saying, "JB has been in contact with our team of lawyers. He has explained our goals and concerns for this venture to our chief lawyer. The law office has three representatives with us here this morning. These

Impressum

Verlag: BookRix GmbH & Co. KG

Tag der Veröffentlichung: 05.06.2020
ISBN: 978-3-7487-4463-4

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