Pulsar

by Ethan Stand

  One of the agents assigned to Zen had a towel and some water ready. As she drank, he said, “You weren’t kidding when you threatened Andy earlier were you?”

  Zen shook her head and said, “Nope. I would have kicked the shit out of him. This is better though, it’s the most fun I’ve had all week.”

  The two combatants did two more rounds before John said, “OK, let’s call that a tie. You’re both getting tired and starting to make mistakes. It’s safe to say that without the safety gear and without the control you both showed at pulling back on the dangerous moves, you’d both be dead.”

  Zen was grinning and said, “Thanks Miriam, I needed that. Regardless of what John said, I know that wasn’t a tie. You held back, and I appreciate it. Thank you. Once I finish the capoeira accreditation, I’ll start on Krav Maga.”

  Miriam returned the smile and said, “You’re right. I held back, but then so did you. I may have the edge at the moment, but I’ve also got at least ten years on you, experience-wise. Either way, that’s the best fight I’ve had since I’ve been here. How long you in town for?”

  Before Zen could answer, John said, “Sorry Miriam, no questions. Don’t scowl at me, I’m not allowed to ask either.”

  After shaking hands, Zen showered and headed back for the hotel.

  8

  That evening Zen spent extra time with Hal, then, when he’d fallen asleep, she sat with her parents and discussed the last few days. They were careful not to speak directly about the pulsar and possible aliens headed in their direction but focussed on their feelings. Before bed, Zen tunnelled through the hotel’s firewalls and then through the additional ones added by ASIO before chatting with Sahara about school and other general things. She reset the timing on the various email she’d prepared and headed to bed.

  The family was slow to get up the next morning and didn’t finish breakfast until almost eight. Phil sent a request to pick up Zen and her parents at ten. Instead of daycare, Phil arranged a nanny for Hal. The nanny arrived at nine, and when Hal was comfortable with her, she took Hal out for a play in the park while the others waited for Phil. When he arrived, Phil said, “BB, Ed, Zen, I’m not sure if I should thank you or not, but I’ve been transferred to a new position. I’m no longer over ASIO cybersecurity but have been given a brand new portfolio. It’s currently under ASIO, but there is no doubt that will change. It has only one task, and that is to plan and facilitate Australia’s response to Zen’s pulsar.

  “As you know, we have alliances with many nations, some military, some economic, some simply as a result of geography or history. After our first discussions, and on Jillian’s advice, the Prime Minister used a never before used protocol which we called Level 8. There are no other levels, and it came from a think-tank which tried to imagine all the scenarios we might be faced with. Scenarios which could feasibly cause the destruction of Australia as a nation. It has options for everything from aliens to zombies. In it were outlined the national and international groups or agencies we should contact to help meet the challenges we were going to face.

  “With Zen’s outline of the dangers we faced, the Prime Minster did some cutting and pasting of different scenarios and increased the people he invited. Our primary military allies are New Zealand and the United States. We also have historical alliances with the United Kingdom, Canada and Singapore. Economically we have ties with all of the above but also China and Japan. There are other countries we could involve, but Mr Morris thought that covered most of the important ones. He later decided to include those permanent members of the UN Security Council not yet invited, which is to say France and Russia.

  “There are reasons to add more and reasons to have less. We know that regardless of what security or secrecy that was agreed upon before the meeting, most of these countries will ignore it. Instead, because of the enormity of what we will be sharing, they will plan their next moves based on their own best interests, as we will. What that means in practice is that after the meeting, our opinions aren’t going to matter to anybody. We are too small and insignificant in the scheme of things. At the moment, the only thing we have to offer is information, Zen’s information. After yesterday, Jillian and I discussed this with the Prime Minister, the Attorney General and the Chief of the Armed Forces. We all agree that despite the almost certain likelihood that we will be marginalised, the danger should still be shared.

  “Now, Zen, your cyber skills are good. Maybe even better than good. We still can’t work out what you did. My old department is also pretty sure you had free access to the internet last night even after we added our most robust firewalls. Having said that, there is always someone better or someone more ruthless. We want the data removed from the cloud, and we want a copy free from your booby-traps. Believe it or not, but every one of these ten countries will kill for that information if it would give them an advantage. I believe that because I know that we would if we thought it was necessary for our survival.

  “They won’t kill you, but they would kill Hal, or Sahara, or any one of hundreds of people you love. Your grandparents in China are about to become hostages, as are your grandparents in Greece. I was going to suggest someone else present the material, but your footprints are all over the place for the last three years, and anyone who has half a brain will know who we got the data and information from. At the meeting, what we want to suggest is the formation of a think-tank, or an international advisory group, that has full access to your data. We know people will find ways to steal that data, but by the time they do, we will be an integral cog in the world’s response.

  “I imagine you are aware that we tried to infiltrate some of the various observatories you regularly used and although we accessed three of them, we found your files were heavily protected and encrypted. I think we could break the encryption eventually, but it wasn’t worth it when you’ve offered it to us anyway. You mentioned a battle of wills if we wouldn’t let you leave. What do you have planned?”

  Zen said nothing until her father said, “Zen, please answer Phil’s question.”

  “Sorry dad, I won’t. This is a prelude to shutting us down and locking us up at least until the meeting. That’s a full week at least. I’m already missing out on sky-time at the crucial period just after the changeover.”

  Phil said, “You aren’t, and you know you aren’t. Our records show you’ve arranged for at least three one-hour sessions even while you have been here.”

  “Yes, but you want to cut all access. I don’t mind coming back for a meeting, but I won’t be locked up. It’s obvious you’ve already trolled through our lives, or you wouldn’t know about Sahara.”

  “Zen, keeping you all safe is in our best interests, and in yours. It isn’t that we are locking you up; it’s more that we are taking the opportunity to provide you with the best security, for your sake and for the nation’s. Sure, it will be intrusive at the beginning, and it will chafe, but it is necessary. So, for example, Hal’s nanny today is an agent and has a team of five agents working with her to keep him safe. We don’t think anyone else knows what’s happening, but that will change as the different countries try and work out why we’ve called the meeting. So, for example, Sahara’s parents are both Syrian refugees, and that’s a security risk we need to take into account. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

  Zen said nothing but BB and Ed both looked at Phil, their eyes hardening. Ed said, “That’s out of line, Phil. Her parents have been through hell to get here. They are good dependable people. What would they do even if they did find out? Do you somehow suppose the aliens are part of a jihadist plot or something? This is a time to put our stupid differences aside and work together as a species without all the stupid divisions we’ve invented to make ourselves feel special.”

  “Ed, I didn’t mean it like that. Look, I’m sorry, but I have orders to find a secure place and sequester you for your own safety. Hal is already on his way to the new facility and will be waiting for you.”

  Before any o
f them could respond, an agent entered the room with three bags. Phil said, “Each of you will get changed into the clothing in the bags. You will do so in the presence of one of the agents. Everything you brought will be transferred to the new facility.”

  BB said, “Don’t do this, Phil. You want, even need, our help. This isn’t the way to get it.”

  It was clear that Phil didn’t like what he was doing, but he went ahead anyway. “I am truly sorry, BB. Your family has been declared an essential national resource, and I have orders to get you to a safe place. It is a secure facility, and you will have everything you need to continue your research.”

  Ed stepped forward and put his hand out for the bag. He said, “I trusted you. This breaks that.”

  One of the male agents stepped after Ed as he turned and walked towards his and BB’s bedroom. Zen stepped forward for her bag and said, “Who’s my keeper, Dr Drone?”

  Phil didn’t say anything but waved to the youngest of two women who had entered the room after the agent with the bags. Zen just threw the bag at her, then turned to walk into her bedroom. Phil didn’t say anything but nodded at the woman and used his head to indicate she should follow Zen. Zen waited until the woman had entered, then closed the door. As she stepped past the woman towards the bed, she slipped an arm around her neck and got her in a chokehold, letting them both fall backwards onto the large bed. Ten seconds later, the woman was unconscious. Zen knew she had about fifteen seconds before the woman stirred. She quickly grabbed a clean t-shirt and made a quick gag, then pulled some cables from her bag. She then dragged the woman into the ensuite and secured her.

  When she was sure the woman was OK and stirring, she tightened the gag and slid the woman into the bathtub. Zen slipped a pillow under the woman’s head before using cables from the television and coffee machine to secure the woman’s legs and arms so she could hardly move. Zen stepped back into the bedroom, closing the door to the ensuite behind her. Grabbing her backpack, she put in the woman’s phone, wallet and the taser. After double-checking the room, she crawled out onto the balcony, making sure not to let the curtains move too much. Altogether it had taken less than ninety seconds. Her room was on the second floor. Zen slid along to the end, which had the most shade from nearby trees then slipping down to the level below she made her way to the ground.

  Zen had already decided on a route and wove through the various trees and bushes, keeping herself low and out of sight. She calculated she had two minutes before they knew she was gone. The Hyatt was in the worst possible place if she wanted to escape detection. It was less than a kilometre as the crow flew from Parliament House and the area was filled with embassies, guards and security cameras. Despite all this, she was confident she could get away as long as she hurried. She quickly ran west across Flynn Drive and then cut the corner in front of the Chinese Embassy. From there she headed into the parklands and moved southwest until she hit Empire Circuit. She was certain her escape had been noticed when she heard a police car turn on its sirens somewhere behind her.

  Keeping to the trees on the side of the road, she ran as fast as she could. It was only eight hundred metres and then she was safe, or so she hoped. As she passed the Spanish Embassy, two police cars with sirens rushed past on the other side of the road heading towards the parklands and the Chinese Embassy. Ignoring them, she kept running. She heard them slow as they slammed on their brakes to turn after her. As she passed the German Embassy, the first car drew level with her, but she swerved left down the side street, and although it swerved in front of her she slid across the bonnet and ran back towards the circuit where the second car was just coming to a stop. Zen used her shoulder to knock a policeman out of the way, then sprinted to the entrance to the Greek Embassy. As she did, she could see more police coming. Pulling her Greek passport out of her pocket, she held it up, waving to the two security guards.

  As she approached, she yelled in Greek that she was being kidnapped and wanted sanctuary. The guards lifted their weapons but allowed her to step onto the property where she stopped in front of them, breathing heavily. One of the policemen stepped close, but the Greek security lifted their weapons higher and waved the man back. The security guard spoke in Greek to Zen and asked, “Why are the police after you?”

  “I escaped when they tried to kidnap my parents and myself. They already have my brother, he is a Greek citizen. My father is Evangelos Drakos, also a citizen. They say they want to protect us, but it is against our will. We have dual Australian and Greek citizenship. My name is Zhenyi Hypatia Drakos.”

  By now, there were about ten police cars, and Zen could see the black SUV’s approaching. She said, “I do not feel safe out here. May I come inside? The people in the black SUV’s are ASIO. My grandfather had a brother in the army. His name is Taxiarchos Adonis Drakos.”

  The two guards waved Zen inside just as Zen saw Phil exit one of the cars. Zen was escorted towards the front of the embassy as Phil stepped forward to speak with the guards.

  9

  Inside the Embassy, Zen was led to a waiting room where she was watched by two guards. Twenty minutes later she was joined by one of the Embassy staff. He said, “I am Counsellor Illias Fotopoulos. I am the head of both the Consular Office and of Political Affairs. I have been talking with a member of the Australian Intelligence community, a Phil Bateman. He is a Director at ASIO, and he says you escaped lawful custody and harmed one of their agents while doing this. He has requested your return. While he was somewhat vague at the reason for your detainment, he makes a good case. Please tell me your side of the story.”

  “May I get my phone from my pocket?”

  The Counsellor nodded. Zen opened her voice recording app. While she’d been waiting, she had used her EarPods and the program she used to edit recordings. She’d prepared several small soundbites of Phil’s conversation earlier that morning. She chose one and pressed play.

  Zen, keeping you all safe is in our best interests, and in yours. It isn’t that we are locking you up; it’s more that we are taking the opportunity to provide you with the best security, for your sake and for the nation’s. … Who’s my keeper, Dr Drone?

  When it had finished, she said, “We were being taken against our will. I disabled their agent and climbed out of the hotel window, then I made my way here.”

  “What is this information they want to keep safe?”

  “Something scientific that I have uncovered. I have no doubt your government is already being approached with the promise of being invited to a symposium. The government plans to share the information, and I suspect the invitation is conditional on you giving me back. They are trying to organise something for next week. I suspect the Ambassador will agree to their request.”

  “Why then would you run if you expect to be handed back?”

  “Time. I’ve some things in play to help them see it is not in their best interests to lock me away. If you have me, they will be more inclined to listen. May I play another part of the conversation?”

  “Be my guest.”

  Zen chose another selection.

  Now, Zen, your cyber skills are good. … Believe it or not, but every one of these ten countries will kill for that information if it would give them an advantage. I believe that because I know that we would if we thought it was necessary for our survival. … as are your grandparents in Greece.

  “Do these ten countries he mentions include Greece?”

  “No.”

  “Ah, then he threatens our citizens in our own country. I do not think the Ambassador will hand you over.”

  “For this information, he will hand me over and put the gun to my grandparents’ heads himself.”

  “How is it that you at sixteen years of age have such knowledge?”

  “My parents are both scientists, and I’ve followed in their footsteps.”

  “Yes. I’ve checked already who your father is. I tried to call him, he is Evangelos Drakos, a scientist in Queensland. His phone has a busy signal.
”

  “He is being held against his will.”

  “What is to stop us getting this information from you ourselves?”

  “Nothing, really. Personally, I’m more than happy for people to know. The only thing holding me back is the fact that my ability to keep a secret is being questioned. If I told you, it would be like shooting myself in the foot and I’m not stupid.”

  “Why is there a taser in your backpack?”

  “I took it off the agent I subdued. I also have her phone and wallet.”

  “Why take these things?”

  “If I hadn’t been able to make it here, I would have used them to escape the police.”

  “Thank you for all the information. Is this room satisfactory while you wait?”

  “Yes. It’s fine.”

  “Good, good. Once I meet with the Ambassador, I will return. I will have something sent in for lunch. If you need anything else, just ask the guards.”

  Zen nodded, then settled back in her chair to wait. While waiting earlier, she’d sent a text message which should have triggered the sending of the email messages earlier than she’d planned.

  At the secure site Phil had set up for the Drakos family, Ed and BB had been reunited with Hal. They’d just sat down to lunch when Phil knocked on the door into the room where they were sitting. Ed and BB both ignored him but he entered anyway. He said, “Zen has found refuge at the Greek Embassy. We’ve asked for her to be released into our care. In the meantime, I just received an email which is apparently from her to the information desk at ASIO with my name in the subject area. It says, ‘Phil, if you are reading this it means you’ve made a mistake. Work out how to fix it, or the messages get longer and will be sent to more people. The next message is in fifteen minutes. Tick Tock.’”