Blue Bird

“This one’s a little different. It comes out of the Vietnam War. You know what happens to military equipment when something like the retreat out of Vietnam takes place.” “Yeah. The retreating army just abandons everything. I understand Vietnam was bad and the Americans barely got the troops out, let alone equipment. The Changjin evacuation in North Korea was a good example. Getting out of Saigon was even worse.” “I don’t think everybody knows how bad it was. The equipment lost is in the millions. Not to mention the people lost,” he said.” “I heard stories of helicopters being dumped off aircraft carriers into the ocean. I can imagine what happened to stuff left in Vietnam.” “This deal has to do with one part of the equipment left behind. There have been rumors about 100,000 M16s still in the crates that were left in Vietnam,” Andre said. “Rumors?” “Even people who never believe in rumors think this is true.” “Andre, a rumor is a rumor. Do these people have any proof?” I asked. “No. But, they believe it.” “The Vietnamese have sold American M161A rifles in Europe and Central America. Even the North Koreans have some now. There’s a lotta M16s out there. What’s different about these?” “Yes, you’re right. There’s thousands floating around. I’ve even bought and sold some. But the difference with these is that the 100,000 are still packed in the original crates. They have the US government property stamp on them. They’re supposed to be the real thing.” “Why would the Vietnamese hold on to these 100,000? There were probably seven or eight million of those made by a couple of different US arms companies. And that’s not counting the clones made in other countries. Why are these special? And the M161A is out of date.” “Well, they’re in the original packing crates, which in itself is unusual. And several entities are interested in them.” “Andre, there will always be people interested in rumors. Rumors bring out the hustlers by the dozens.” “One interested party is the American government.” “What’s their interest in rifles made forty years ago?” “They want them taken out of circulation.” “Why?” I asked. “The reason is not important for us.” He paused and said in an off handed manner, “By the way, the North Koreans also want this particular lot.” “Ah, now we get to the heart of the matter.” “It’s ancient history,” he said. “There was a major war in Korea that the Americans didn’t win. So, feelings run high when it comes to dealing with the North Koreans. You know that better than me,” he said. “Why don’t the Vietnamese just deal directly with the North Koreans? Or why not go directly to the US government? Why go through a middle man?” “Vietnam does not want to approach the US government. It would be difficult to sell equipment left by Americans to Americans. After all, the weapons were sent to Vietnam to kill Vietnamese.” “How do the Vietnamese know the US is interested?” I asked. “More rumors.” “And the North Koreans?” “That I don’t know. But I think Vietnam is looking to make money.” “I can understand that,” I said. “They need the money and they don’t hate the Americans as the North Koreans do. In fact, the Vietnamese don’t really talk too much about the war, even if some Vietnamese are still dying from Agent Orange. It’s also a way to rub it in.” “True. Whatever. Our job is to find them and buy them. The US will be presented with a deal for 100,000 M16s and buy them. It’ll be a surprise.” “Things are back in never never land again. So, what’s the plan, Andre?” “Have to find a contact person. The one who controls the goods or someone who can talk about a deal.” “Do the US know who this is?” “I’m sure they could find out, but this all keeps it on another level. It can never be a G to G thing. It has to be a subtle deal made by brokers like us.” “Andre, this is just part of the stupid game they all play. The US lost that war and still want to make believe it never happened. Buying these rifles is a some kind of game.” “My friend, it’s not ours to reason why. We get paid to do a job. Doesn’t have to make sense. We just do the job.” “Okay. We make a buck and everyone’s happy. You know the North Koreans have plenty of money for this kind of thing. Office 38 and 39 makes tons of dough in all kinds of ways. It’ll be tough to match their offer.” “The Americans are willing,” he said with confidence. “What’s the real reason the Americans want these? Is it just because the North Koreans want them or some other reason? Are they’re gonna sell them to some gun runner who’ll sell them to the Mexican drug cartel.” “That’s too far out, even for them.” “Well not too far out. The Fast and Furious AFT team let US arms flow across the US Mexican border to the drug cartels. That was a US government sanctioned operation. The drug cartel used the guns to kill American border patrol agents, but who’s counting?” “True, but I don’t think that’s what these are for.” “Why not? They’re cheap and no one else wants them,” I said. “My friend, we are only interested in getting paid for a job. We do not provide answers. Anyway, you and I are not in the business of selling them. We only want to broker the purchase.” “Okay. Whatever. So, are they willing to give up front expense money to chase a rumor?” “How much you need?” he asked. “Just the traveling expenses will take twenty-five or thirty thousand. First, we have to establish that this is more than a rumor. Then we have to find a go-between to make contact with a decision maker. The decision maker may demand a piece of the action.” “You have a contact in Vietnam?” “Have someone who might find a go-between. One thing, Andre. I don’t want to deal directly with the Americans. You do that.” “They may want to meet with you.” “Then I’ll pass on this.” “Why?” he asked. “I work for you, not some hot shot American intelligence agency.” “You can get a very healthy part of the profits if you work this directly.” “You can pay me my share, Andre. I trust you’ll do the right thing. One other thing, if he can find the right connection, my man in Nam gets an equal share, plus expenses.” “I’ll tell them that’s how you want to handle it. I don’t think there’ll be a problem. Your man in Vietnam’s share will be in your share and you can pay him.” “Okay.” “I should have an okay on the money in a couple of weeks,” he said. “Tell them that if they have some fancy deal going on, I will walk. I talk only to you, Andre. If they try one of their stupid tricks, I will walk. If I’m going to do this, I’ll do it alone. Make sure they know that.” “You’re such a hard head. Lighten up.” He shook his head and a sighed. “I’ll tell them. They may not like it.” “Then they can find someone else.” “Okay. Let’s not get heated about this,” he put his hands up, palms out. “Sorry. Bear with me Andre.” “This is just a job, my friend. Nothing personal.” “Have they or you decided on a target price?” I asked. “This is a crap shoot. Remember, all M16A1 rifles marked US Property were never released to the public. But, overruns and some Colt and H&R were sold. There are some originals available, but they’re rare. Retail prices stateside for a certified Vietnam M161A, mint condition varies. These are for collectors and some are posted on the Internet for $11,000 to $20,000. Yeah, sounds nutty, but there it is. Cannot imagine what these would go for wholesale. Obviously, selling 100,000 pieces at those prices is impossible. This lot is best suited for some small army who needs weapons immediately. The AK-47s retail price is about $895. In large lots, they might go for $500. We can try to buy this lot of M16s for about $150 to $200.” “Do the Americans have a ceiling?” “Don’t know. Depends on how high the competition will go,” he said. “Andre, I have to operate under the assumption that they really want these rifles.” “I was told they want them very badly