In The National Interest

by J. Harvey Barker

  Chapter 52

  Richard Battley hung up the phone. He looked darkly at the instrument as if it bore responsibility for the distressing intelligence he had received. The marine Sargent Casper had delivered the bad news of what he had seen on Curts` computer and his failure to retrieve it and the USB stick.

  His instincts had been correct. There had been a copy of the intercept of the Malaysian airliner made by the jet jockey. It would definitely cause embarrassment to the United States and it's President. The fact that all on board were probably deceased would not be a defence against the onslaught of media condemnation for the downing of a civilian aircraft by military means. The fact that congress authorised the use of force after the tragedy of 9/11 would make no difference to a world media with short memories. Never Again was a catchphrase of history, and like the Holocaust, forgotten by many. He also had concerns over what may have been obtained from the man Churchill. That was still unknown.

  His asset in the National Security Agency had informed him that the two investigators had gone dark, disabling their phones, and apart from being in Toulouse, France, he had no way of tracing where they were heading. Eventually one or other would use the electronic devices or the internet. He would have to be patient.

  Chapter 53

  The car from the Ministry arrived promptly at 9 AM. It was a large dark blue Citroën DS8. The driver exited and held open the rear door for them. Neither Curt nor Kim were familiar with Toulouse so they sat back in the soft leather and watched the scenery roll past, enjoying the historical architecture of the beauteous city. The vehicle soon entered a secure military base before coming to a halt in front of a large warehouse.

  An armed guard stood to attention at their approach, and opened a small doorway cut into a huge roller door. He checked their credentials and let them pass through.

  The area inside was massive but their gaze focused on a purpose built sterile room sheeted in clear plastic and floodlit from all angles. Within they could make out a few white objects placed on timber frames. Before entering, they donned protective suits, foot ware and gloves.

  It became obvious to their trained eyes the pieces were from an airliner.

  The Security personnel gave the two investigators permission to take pictures and make a written record of everything. The French authorities were being very co-operative.

  Curt led Kim to a large piece of the wreckage.

  “A flaperon?” he suggested.

  “Definitely”, she replied without hesitation. She noted an almost obscured number on the piece. “I would stake my reputation on it being from a Boeing 777,” she added.

  They scoured the parts for signs of stress and fragmentation, when Curt called Kim to examine an intriguing hollow in the trailing edge of the flaperon. “Could this have been caused by a fifty calibre round?” he suggested.

  “It certainly could have,” she replied, snapping some close-up shots of the area.

  Curt addressed a technician wearing a white lab coat. “May we take samples?” he enquired.

  The man appeared not to understand. Kim stepped in and asked the same question in French.He answered her in the negative, explaining they would have to seek permission of the Malaysian government, after all it was their property.

  Frustrated, Kim tried to ascertain if explosive residue or lead fragments had been detected on the parts. The man gave her several bound sheets of paper printed in French, saying, “you will see all our findings in there.” She thanked him courteously and placed the documents in Curts` briefcase.

  The two of them spent three more hours photographing and examining each piece in turn, looking for any clues which could verify their conclusions.

  When they had gathered all the evidence they could, the guards hurried them out to the waiting car and whisked back into the city. Curt suggested lunch, so they had the driver drop them at a cute brazier called Le Bistrot des Calmes, which the chauffeur recommended. The food was excellent and the couple strolled leisurely back to the hotel.

  Chapter 54

  The following morning they decided to investigate the CNTBTO. Wikipedia provided the answers as to the Who, What and Where.

  The Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization was established in 1996 with 170 countries signing on to the United Nations declaration. Several of the original signatories were yet to ratify the resolution, notably the United States and Russia.

  Reading through the information provided on the website they found the telephone contact needed.

  Wishing to avoid reconnecting his cell phone he decided to use the hotels` outside line.

  “Do you speak English?” Curt said when the receptionist answered in German.

  “I can communicate in five languages fluently and several others passably,” she replied jocularly, “how may I help you?”

  Curt introduced himself and which organization they represented. He stated their need to speak with someone who could explain the technical capabilities of the acoustic systems employed for monitoring seismic waves in the ocean.

  She laughed at the other end and said, “I'll put you through to Klaus Meir. He's our lab technician in charge of that area of expertise. He speaks English also,” she concluded.

  He listened to the ringtone for several moments before a male voice answered.

  “Herr Joyner, I am Klaus, the Director of monitoring technologies here at the centre. How may I assist you.” he said.

  Curt imagined for a second he was speaking with Arnold Schwarzenegger. He continued to explain his theory that their Deep Sea observation system may have inadvertently picked up the impact sound of the missing Malaysian flight hitting the ocean.

  There was a lengthy delay before Klaus Meir responded.

  “It is possible Herr Joyner, that you are right in your supposition. You will come here to show how we collect and disseminate our data?” he answered. Curt regarded it more of an order then a suggestion.

  “Sure,” he replied. “Allow us a few days to organise ourselves and I will give you a call when we arrive.”

  “I look forward to making your acquaintance.” He hung up.

  Curt turned to Kim who had been following his side of the conversation, “It appears like we're off to Vienna,” he said. She could not disguise the delighted expression on her face.

  Chapter 55

  The next morning they discussed their venture into Austria. Wishing to avoid the people tracking them they decided to use the hotel booking service. The concierge was most helpful in securing a sleeper cabin on the overnight train to Vienna. It would entail a journey of 17 hours but Kim didn't mind the prospect of having Curt to herself for the long excursion.

  They boarded at seven the following morning and settled themselves in the first class compartment. There was a pull-down double bed forming one wall, a separate ablution facility, and a folding table extending from beneath the picture window.

  “This is very nice and cosy,” remarked Kim.

  Curt agreed while unfolding the worktable between them. He placed the oversized briefcase beside him and removed a yellow legal pad to make notes. Kim let out a sigh as she accepted the fact this was a business trip, rather than sight-seeing.

  Drawing a line down the centre of the page utilizing a plastic ruler, he headed the two columns, Known Facts and Conclusions. Using Kim as a sounding board, he related their knowledge so far. Four hours passed before they summarised that Zaharie Ahmad Shah had for whatever reason, decided to deliberately crash MH370 into the US Base on the island of Diego Garcia. What remained of the wreckage or where it lay was still an unknown. Curt looked at Kim and added to the summation, “A person or persons connected to the United States Government, is attempting to sabotage this investigation”. She concurred with his finding. The scrutiny with which they had covered each document and piece of information had been intense, and Curt stated he needed a drink. They adjourned to the bar.

  Wrapped in their own thoughts the pair watched as the elegant scenery of the
French countryside flashed by. The train skirted its way around the Alps as the sun set, bathing the snow capped peaks in a pink glow.

  Chapter 56

  The locomotive pulled into the ultra modern Wein Hauptbahnhof at precisely 1.30AM. They sleepily made their way to the Kaiserhof Wien Hotel where they checked in and immediately retired for the rest of the night. They awakened around midday with the splendid city of Vienna spread out below the forth floor room. They took coffee on the balcony before going down for brunch in the El fresco dinning area. Curt ordered a full breakfast of grapefruit juice, sausages, bacon and eggs, and toast, requesting his peculiar habit of eating only the whites. Kim preferring the continental style, croissants with butter cheese and ham.

  Returning to the room they decided, once again, to use the house phone to contact the CTBTO. He asked for Klaus Meir and the receptionist immediately transferred him.

  “Gut Morgen,” Curt announced to the other man, trying to at least make an effort to speak the pleasantries in the local lingua franca.

  “Good morning, and welcome to Vienna,” Klaus replied, “ you wish to come and see me? I am unable to see you until two days time, as I will be out of the city. Can you come here Thursday at 9 AM?” he explained.

  Curt said that would be suitable, though he had hoped for a meeting sooner.

  “Well then, I am sure you will be able to find some amusements in our old city. Until that time, have a nice stay,” he concluded the conversation with a chuckle.

  He eyed Kim with a knowing smile and informed her they would have to find “some amusements” for a couple of days. Her face lit up as she mentally planned out the sightseeing itinerary.

  They left the Hotel in the morning sunshine, walking for a while before catching a tramcar at the Ringstrasse. The distinctive red tram travelled past all the main architectural marvels the city had to offer. They alighted from the tramway at the Schonbrunn Palace where they wandered through the well manicured gardens. They sat on the grass as an orchestra played a selection of Strauss waltzes and Polkas, with many onlookers moved to dance. The recital concluded with everyone clapping to the Radetzky March. For the first time since Reunion Island, Curt felt secure from the surveillance of the pursuers.

  Kim was ecstatic after the concert ended. Her partner whistled the catchy marching tune all the way back to the hotel. She decided to do something special to cement their new romance.

  Secluded in the room, Curt announced he was bushed, and suggested a nap.

  “You go right ahead,” she stated innocently, “I want to go down to the lobby and look through some broachers,” and with that she quietly left the room.

  Once at the front desk, she confided her plan to the concierge.

  “But of course Fräulein, I can arrange everything for you.” He said conspiratorially.

  “Can we hire the clothes we need?” she questioned further.

  “Yes, leave it all to me, tickets, costumes, and a pumpkin coach if you wish. I will arrange it all. Please see me in the morning, at say, 9 AM. Is that acceptable?” he smiled fartherly.

  Kim was well pleased with herself, returning to the room and promptly falling asleep beside Curt on the king-sized bed.

  Chapter 58

  The two investigators, having a day free of their detective work, enjoyed a leisurely breakfast, before Kim made her announcement that they were going to a ball.

  True to his word, the concierge had arranged tickets for the Wiener Philharmonikerball held in the Hofburg (Imperial Palace) the next day. His proficiency extended to organizing a shopping trip to the Ringstrasse which specialised in ball costume rental, and the hairdressers.

  By the end of the day they were joyful but tired, and feeling like children on Christmas Eve, retired for a nap before the long night ahead.

  The late afternoon saw them showered and dressed in their evening wear. Curt resplendent in his tuxedo with white tie, and Kim looking like a princess in a vibrant red gown. Together they descended into the lobby and met the approving gaze of the Maître`d, who led them out to the awaiting hotel limousine.

  On entering the palace ballroom they were completely taken aback. No less than five huge chandeliers hung from the artfully painted vaulted ceiling. Their illumination enhanced by the reflection from gilded mirrors on the side walls. Red velvet covered the ornate chairs discreetly placed for ladies to rest between dances.

  Neither Kim nor Curt had any idea of the opulence of nineteenth century Austria.

  They moved into the ballroom proper, finding themselves surrounded by similarly dressed couples turning and flowing across the polished parquet floor, everyone admiring the ceiling and gold embossed vases festooned with flowers.

  Traditionally the evening commenced with a fanfare from the orchestra written by Richard Strauss especially for this ball, followed by the Cotillion. The superbly elegant and wonderfully choreographed polonaise was performed by over one hundred young dancers (the debutants), to the accompaniment of the historic waltz, Winer Blut.

  Once the debutants had been on the floor for a few minutes, the conductor proclaimed the customary invitation “Alles Walzer” (Everyone Waltz).

  A sea of black and white and all the colours of the rainbow descended on the dance floor as the orchestra struck up the Blue Danube Waltz. Curt took Kims` elegant gloved hand and commenced to whirl her through the throng. She looked so graceful he doubted his worthiness to be with her. Possibly it was the ambiance of the palace and the music, but he found himself wholly in love with this woman he had come to know in only a few weeks. They had waltzed and polkered their way `till after midnight when he leaned toward her face and whispered, “Could you marry a man like me?” Half hoping she had not heard him, he beamed when she replied with her impish grin, “Of course I will,” as if it were the only logical answer.

  As the darkness outside the windows lightened to pink, the chandeliers dimmed which declared the conclusion of the evening. The orchestra announced the last waltz and those who could summon up the energy descended onto the dance floor for a slow allemande.

  The first light of day was already upon them when they returned to the hotel. Buoyed by champagne and a joie de vivre the couple bedded down in restful bliss.

  Chapter 57

  Curt awoke close to midday. He was euphoric until he checked the time on the bedside clock. He suddenly remembered he was to call Klaus Meir to arrange a meeting. He slid quietly from the bed and on returning, showered the previous evenings party mode away, and was ready for business.

  He called the CTBTO on the hotel telephone. The receptionist put him through.

  “Good morning Herr Joyner, I hope you have enjoyed our marvellous city,” he gleefully intoned. You will come and visit me this afternoon? He added with the Germanic emphasis, making it sound more of an order then a question.

  “Er... yes, if that is convenient,” Curt stammered.

  “I will see you at 2 o`clock then,” Klaus replied and abruptly disconnected.

  Joyner looked down at the bundle of bedclothes and shouted.

  “Get up sleepyhead. There`s work to be done. We have to meet with Klaus in less than two hours, unless you want me to go alone”

  Kim Doh sat up and became immediately awake.as she pushed the eiderdown away. She sprang from the bed. “Not without me,” she retorted running for the bathroom.

  Klaus met he two crash investigators at the entrance to the building and led them to a lecture theatre with chairs arranged in rows. The engineer invited them to sit as he stood in front of a large projection screen.

  He ran a short movie presentation which explained the overall monitoring system of undersea acoustic equipment, land based observatories and satellite communication.

  At the end of the video Professor Meir illustrated how an auditory signal sent from Perth, Australia could be detected in Barbados, in the Caribbean.

  “That is exactly what we need to locate the missing aircraft,” Curt interrupted.

  “Not s
o fast,” retorted Klaus. “It is also possible for our equipment to discover submarines and heavy shipping. This means the data is of a sensitive nature to a great many of our client states.”

  “We have numerous security elements on the collection banks, and heavily encrypted computer algorithms to keep it safe. Nonetheless permission would have to be put to a signatory of the agreement, and even then there is no guarantee co-operation would be forthcoming regarding a request such as yours.”

  Curt let out a sigh and sat back with a look of dejectedness.

  Klaus continued, “from our previous conversation I understand you are seeking the possibility that our undersea instrumentation may have picked up the acoustic signal from an aircraft crashing into the ocean.

  As you will appreciate, we collect an enormous amount of information. I would require a specific time span and a rough area to be searched to enable me to extract the data you seek.”

  Kim, prepared for the meeting, removed a chart from her voluminous handbag.

  “Here”, she pointed to the map of the Indian Ocean and indicated an area. Between 6 degrees 34 minutes and 13 degrees 34 minutes South Latitude. And 0 degrees 16 minutes South and 86 degrees 32 minutes East Longitude. Moving further down, 30 degrees 30 minutes South and 74 degrees 55 minutes East, she designated. I envisage a timeline between 1:30 AM and 4:30 AM Local Time.

  Klaus raised an eyebrow and said, “Well, that’s quite an area. I will commence running the computer, while you obtain the permission. Might I suggest making the request through the Malaysian Government. They are signatories to the convention and are less likely to object on national security grounds.”