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Bofors twin-barrel 40-millimeter cannon on the stern was capable of delivering a combined rate of six hundred rounds per minute at enemy targets. The Harbi-min-Islam moved at a maximum speed of forty-five miles an hour with a range of three thousand miles when fully fueled. It was not a warship to be trifled with.
    The remainder of this deadly squadron consisted of a half-dozen Swedish Spica- class attack boats well equipped with a mix of antiship and antiaircraft guns, torpedoes, and missiles. These boats, with lengths of 143 feet, could skim across the waves at seventy-five miles an hour.
    The most surprising aspect of the Zauba Squadron was the fact that the perks, specialized training, and pay were not furnished by the Sultanate of Oman. The official naval budget did not indicate these extra expenses. In fact, the national government was unaware of all this power that Commodore Mahamat had at his fingertips. If anyone bothered to investigate the situation, they would find that most Oman officials did not know the Zauba Fast Attack Squadron even existed. This ignorance was shared with the world's intelligence agencies, who blissfully paid no attention at all to what was assumed to be an unremarkable, poorly equipped coastal patrol operation.
    According to Oman's naval organization charts and logistic records, the squadron was operating with some aged surplus British 7bn-class coastal patrol boats doing routine duties looking for miserable smugglers using old wooden dhows. The extra pay received by the officers and sailors, all the additional finances, equipment, and vessels were provided to Mahamat's outfit through the courtesy of Saudi Sheikh Omar Jambarah.
    Another unusual practice followed by Commodore Mahamat was that the vessels of his squadron did not display Oman's national colors. Instead, they openly flew ensigns bearing a white scimitar and crescent moon on a solid scarlet field. This was the flag of the al-Mimkhalif terrorist group that was led by the sheikh, who used his nom de guerre Husan as he directed the far-flung operations of the fanatical band.
    If any naval vessels made serious attempt to thwart al-Mimkhalif's oceangoing activities, they would eventually be drawn into battle with the Zauba Squadron without knowing it was out there to attack them.
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    GULF OF ADEN
    VICINITY OF 13deg NORTH AND 41deg EAST
    13 SEPTEMBER
    1400 HOURS LOCAL
    THE Harbi-min-Islam was hove to less than fifty meters from the Royal Saudi Yacht Sayih , and Commodore Muhammad Mahamat waited while his gig was lowered to the water. After the coxswain and boat hook were situated, Mahamat went nimbly down the netting and took a seat. " Tanruh-- go!"
    he commanded, and the boat hook pushed the craft away from the hull as the coxswain eased the throttle forward.
    During the short minutes it took to reach the yacht, Mahamat surveyed the vessel appreciatively. Although he had seen her many times, he was always impressed with her striking beauty. The Sayih was a specially designed luxury ship thirty meters in length with a short forward deck, a longer stern deck, and a sleek state-of-the-art superstructure. The latest in radar, navigational, and communication equipment was evidenced by the various antennae showing above the bridge. The numerous portholes belowdecks were the cabins where specially invited passengers stayed. Sheikh Omar Jambarah of Saudi Arabia had private quarters that would rival any deluxe hotel suite in the world. All this on an oceangoing vessel.
    This penchant for hedonism displayed by the sheikh confused Commodore Mahamat. Although the sheikh was closely associated with the Saudi royal family, he indulged in many decadent traits of the infidel West. The commodore excused this conduct, assuming that the sheikh was using this misbehavior as a cover. After all, he was the supreme commander of al-Mimkhalif--the Warriors of Fury--and such a lifestyle would confuse outsiders and infidels.
    When the gig reached the