by Uzi Eilam
Nimer was happy to hear the Leader say that he was aware of the request for cooperation and that the topic of the “dirty bomb” device had been presented to him by the general. Nimer was very pleased to hear that Kim Jong-un approved General Lee Hong Jik’s recommendations, with the same limitations he had already heard about from the general. Nimer understood that the dollar-filled briefcase had already been conveyed by the general to the palace, and heaved a sigh of relief when he heard the Leader announce that he was approving the request.
Nimer did not have the time to take in the stipulation requiring him to visit Pyongyang again in his capacity as head of the Iranian development team, and spend a significant span of time in the city. He also did not dwell on the responsibility with which he had been personally tasked with regarding maintenance of the project’s confidentiality. Nimer knew he could trust the general to safely deliver the “suitcase device” to him in Beirut, as had been agreed. Later, a pleasant conversation unfolded regarding the Leader’s athletic hobbies, accompanied by a constant stream of delicacies prepared by the palace kitchen. Watching the Leader cram the refreshments into his mouth without pausing for breath, Nimer understood how the young man had managed to put on so much weight…
General Lee Hong Jik offered Nimer a ride back to the hotel, and summed up the successful meeting with much satisfaction. Nimer thanked the general, praising him for the excellent preliminary work that he had performed to ensure the Leader’s approval.
Chapter 44
Dan had been concerned ever since intelligence regarding Nimer’s meetings in North Korea began to accumulate. The geographical distance and Pyongyang’s cyber-whizzes’ methods of masking their communications made it difficult to decipher the various segments, which sometimes seemed unrelated to each other. Dan told his team that he felt like an archeologist tasked with deciphering the Dead Sea Scrolls.
“Your friend Nimer,” Dan addressed Gideon, who had arrived for his morning visit in the war room, “is becoming North Korea’s special pet.”
“You’re kidding!”
“No, I’m not, Gideon. Let’s assume that his public appearance on the VIP stage at the annual parade was just for show. But my major fear is that Nimer is involved in the most serious, most sensitive topic for the United States and the countries of Europe and, most of all, for us.”
“I don’t understand.” Gideon was willfully oblivious.
“Dad,” Noam intervened, “isn’t it clear to you that the team here had identified an unholy alliance between Iran and North Korea to continue developing nuclear weapons in North Korea? Moreover, Nimer himself, with Kim Jong-un’s approval, has been appointed to lead this entire campaign. It is an extremely serious casus belli. We have to stop the man from inching any further in that direction, even to the slightest degree.”
“We’ll update Nahari immediately,” Gideon agreed.
For a lengthy interval, Nahari listened to Dan’s descriptions of Nimer’s latest exploits in Pyongyang. Dan’s entire team, including Noam and the American Deutsch, were in Nahari’s office. He knew about the heavy-warhead missile’s explosion on the launch pad, revealed in American satellite photos; however, Dan added details on Nimer’s role in analyzing the malfunction. Nimer’s visit to the nuclear test site in the northern region of the country was new to Nahari, and he was particularly interested in his conclusions regarding the possibility that the site may no longer be usable due to the damage sustained by the test array structures, caused by earthquakes, as well as by the explosions themselves. All this, Dan emphasized, was secondary to the most severe finding: the North Korean ruler’s agreement to allow the Iranians to continue developing nuclear warheads on North Korean soil. Based on the material gathered, Dan said, Nimer would be the person heading the nuclear development teams from Iran, or at the very least would be the contact person with the North Korean regime.
“There is no doubt that we have to prevent Nimer from realizing the plan to continue developing Iranian nuclear weapons in North Korea. Nimer is emerging as a central figure in the plan, and we can’t allow it to go any further. I recommend that we ask Dr. Deutsch to share these findings with our American allies…”
“I’ll make sure to update Washington immediately once we are done here,” Deutsch promised.
Gideon was in no hurry to continue. I’ve already presented the plan to Nahari, and we’ve merely put the preparations on hold until final confirmation of the operation in Beirut. Why, then, am I still debating? Is it the risk? Although there certainly is significant risk, we have examined every possible development. Maybe, then, it’s the way that my childhood friend Nimer will be hurt if we target his son, of all things?
Noam was the only one to notice her father’s hesitation. She sought out his eyes and sent him an encouraging look.
“I want to update you on the state of the preparations carried out so far in the operation that we have been calling ‘Northern Dam,’ and ask for your approval of the operation,” Gideon addressed Nahari, overcoming his deliberations.
“Binyamin,” Nahari turned to his assistant, “where are we with the rescue plan? Even with all of your confidence in the operation’s success, we have to consider complications.”
“Our commando force is already in place in a safe house not far from the University of Beirut,” Binyamin replied, “and we’re maintaining ongoing communication with them. A Naval Commando force brought them to shore, and will be on standby to evacuate all forces after the mission is completed or, heaven forbid, if things go off track.”
“There is full communication and coordination between the commanders of the Israeli Naval Commando and the U.S. Navy SEALs force. If necessary, American naval forces will join the rescue,” Dr. Deutsch updated.
“The University of Beirut is expecting the arrival of Canadian scientist Dr. Pierre Depeau for a short series of lectures. Gideon has already memorized the full background of his alter ego Pierre, which starts with a childhood in Quebec. Gideon’s fluency in French increases his authenticity and persuasiveness. The story continues with Pierre’s studies at the University of Windsor in Toronto, where he worked as an instructor after getting his Ph.D.”
“We have booked regular commercial flights from Athens to Beirut for Gideon and two escorts masquerading as Arabs. Gideon will be greeted by the university’s representatives, while his escorts will join the force at the safe house,” Binyamin added.
“One other important detail,” Noam chimed in, “concerns Dr. Depeau’s activism in a Canadian organization assisting refugees…”
“How does that fit in?” Nahari promptly challenged.
“We used the Web to announce the awarding of scholarships for outstanding students among the refugees from Lebanon,” Noam replied confidently. “Dr. Pierre Depeau has been asked to represent the organization and present the scholarships to the students. We made sure that one of the prominent outstanding students is Nimer’s son from the Shatila camp.”
“Monitoring communication traffic during the operation is highly crucial, Gideon,” Nahari stated. “Let’s take a break for a few minutes,” he announced. “A coffee break, if you want.”
Nahari’s eyes followed the people leaving the room, one by one. “Gideon, please stay,” he instructed, as Gideon turned to him with a querying expression.
“You’re taking on responsibility for a complex, dangerous operation, Gideon. Have you thought of everything? You’re not in the commando unit anymore…”
“I debated over this for a while, Nahari, and I’m certain this move needs to happen. I couldn’t honestly recommend someone else to do it. It is my duty, and it’s something I can deal with.”
“Okay, Gideon, but you should know that all of us will only be able to relax once this is over and you are all safely back here.”
***
Nahari buzzed his administrative assistant and asked her to reconvene t
he attendees in his office, and waited until they were all sitting down, still and expectant.
“I authorize this operation, and instruct that you be vigilant regarding all details concerning confidentiality and in addressing the preparations for unexpected developments.” Nahari sounded decisive and unhesitating. “Gideon, based on your impression of the developments in Beirut, you’ll determine when and how any given alternative should be carried out. Let us wish ourselves good luck and a safe return.”
***
Dr, Pierre Depeau’s first lecture was delivered in the university’s main lecture hall. Graduate students filled the hall, along with a large number of academic staff members, who took up places in the front row. The dean of the Faculty of Exact Sciences and Management introduced the visitor. Gideon chose to begin with a lecture on the strategy of innovation, hoping that the topic would be clear and understandable. He was not disappointed and was charmed by the level of attention and by the questions that the dean allowed several students to present.
“That’s a fascinating topic you chose to share with us, Dr. Depeau. Innovation is a rare commodity here in Lebanon. We are too busy with internal wars and external threats, including ones from the direction of Israel, and from the direction of Syria, which has never given up on its desires to annex us. Thank you for turning our attention to more lofty matters.”
“Thank you, professor. I was happy to find your students exhibiting so much interest. I have two more lectures, which will continue the one I gave today. However, in the meantime, I have one more important task…”
“Anything we could help with?”
“It’s possible you can, sir. As you will see, it is not directly related to academia, but it is definitely related to the prospects it offers.”
“You’ve aroused my curiosity, Dr. Depeau. Is it an educational matter?”
“It is. I’m a member of a Canadian aid organization that assists refugees throughout the world. My colleagues in Canada asked me to grant some scholarships to outstanding students from the refugee camps in Lebanon. The first ceremony, for the prominent students from the Sabra and Shatila refugee camps, will take place tomorrow evening. I don’t want to bother the staff at our embassy here; I would be grateful if someone from your staff could accompany me to visit the winners in their homes, to give them the good news about the grant.”
“Ahh!... That’s wonderful. My heartfelt thanks to your organization for thinking of the students from the refugee camps. I’ll ask one of the lecturers to accompany you today. He will also help you overcome the language barrier.”
***
Dan was glued to the screen of his powerful computer, which was assembling the results of the massive amount of information collected. Occasionally, he took the time to examine the optical input of his “wasps” and tracked the course of Gideon’s meetings at the university. He was glad that he had insisted on taking on the installation and maintenance of the array of micro-drones. He knew that his team in Israel, including Noam, was monitoring his activity, and he did not need to take the time to report to them. Dan prepared to keep tabs on Gideon’s series of meetings with the families of the students who had won the Canadian scholarships. It was not hard to track the vehicle with Canadian diplomatic plates on its way from the university to the houses in the Sabra and Shatila refugee camps. An unfamiliar man had come along on the trip, and Dan concluded this was the university lecturer who had been asked to accompany Dr. Depeau, the Canadian lecturer, on his visits to the families of the grant recipients. Dan did not worry about Gideon’s safety; he was well-protected thanks to his cover story, which had worked flawlessly thus far. He also knew that the “chauffeur” of the Canadian Embassy vehicle was one of the warriors who was well familiar with Beirut’s streets, having studied them in preparation for the operation.
The last house among the homes of the grant recipients was that of Jamila and Hassan. Two “wasps” were stationed in its vicinity, one surveying the entrance to the house and the other actually inside it.
“Hello, Miss Jamila, and hello to you, Hassan,” the lecturer said. “We have good news for you. Dr. Depeau has come to us all the way from Canada to grant scholarships to residents of the refugee camps. You, Hassan, have been chosen along with several other students, and the ceremony will take place tomorrow evening. Please accept my congratulations, and thank the government of Canada, and particularly Dr. Pierre Depeau, who has come here to present you with the scholarship.”
The lecturer signaled the young man to shake the Canadian’s hand, and Gideon did his best to conceal his turmoil. The young man’s features strongly resembled the Nimer he remembered from the childhood that they had shared…
“Are you Hassan’s mother?” Gideon asked, overcoming the effect of the young man’s resemblance to his father.
“Oh… no. I’m his aunt.”
“And where are his parents?” Gideon continued his jovial inquiries.
“His mother was murdered in a massacre carried out in the refugee camps by despicable murderers from the Christian phalanges, with the encouragement of the Israeli Army,” Jamila replied with obvious pain. “His father, my brother Nimer, is very busy and often travels all over the world. I take care of the boy and make sure he focuses on his studies. Thank you, sir, for the scholarship, which both helps us financially and supports the entire community of Palestinian refugees.”
“I’m sorry to hear about Hassan’s mother,” Gideon said gently. “I’ll be happy to give you the scholarship,” he continued, resisting the urge to communicate directly with the young man in Arabic.
“He’s a good, talented boy,” Jamila confirmed. “He’s following in his father’s footsteps. It’s such a shame that my brother isn’t here to take part in the ceremony, to see his son and be proud of him.”
“I hope his father finds out about it soon…” Gideon said.
“Nimer promised to come back from his mission soon…” Jamila replied hopefully. “He’ll be very glad to hear about his beloved son’s success.”
The escort smiled, shaking the hands of Jamila and the young man.
Gideon, too, shook Jamila and Hassan’s hands and returned to the car while thinking of the unique combination of memories of the past and the expected events of the near future.
Chapter 45
Dan was focused on tracking the information streaming through the communication channels and the descriptions conveyed by his “wasps” through the IOT network. He was monitoring Gideon’s meetings at the university, and was pleased to see the diplomatic car parked undisturbed. Gideon was eloquently presenting topics related to innovation to the audience of students. He was emphasizing looking ahead to the future, and the audience comprised of students and lecturers was rapt. Dan was highly impressed by the equanimity and calm that Gideon was displaying. It was impossible to discern any tension or restlessness in his behavior. The loud applause clearly proved the success of the lecture. Dan could listen in on Gideon’s exchange with the dean in the staff lounge and heard the man thank Dr. Depeau for his illuminating lecture, as well as for the scholarships he would shortly bestow upon the students from the refugee camps.
Glancing at the “wasp” screen, one of the fighters in the safe house spotted two men with submachine guns sheltering in the shade of a tree next to Nimer’s house. Dan examined the screen and concluded that these were indeed members of Hezbollah’s security force tasked with watching over Nimer’s family members. He sent Gideon a brief message about this, certain that Gideon would take it into account. A tense silence reigned in the safe house, with all eyes focused on the screens. They could see Jamila exiting the house along with Nimer’s son, walking toward the vehicle that would take them to the ceremony.
The inhabitants of the safe house continued to track the car, and after it reached the parking lot near the lecture hall, shifted their attention to the ceremony itself. Before it began, Dan
observed a dignified-looking man in a suit shaking Gideon’s hand. He briefly wondered who the man was, and managed to hear Gideon address him as “Mr. Ambassador.”
“I hope that hardworking ambassador does not cling to him for too long,” Dan muttered. “Let’s hope Gideon can shake him off.”
“I promise to come to the embassy tomorrow after my lecture at the university,” Dan heard Gideon speaking as if responding to his own thoughts.
As the ceremony was taking place and Canada received a slew of enthusiastic compliments, Dan and the warriors with him were busy packing up all of the equipment and prepared to evacuate the safe house.
Once the surveillance equipment was packed up, Dan relayed a message to the evacuation vehicle awaiting his call. Dr. Pierre Depeau was seen leaving the lecture hall with one of his escorts, “a man from the Canadian Embassy,” as well as Jamila and the young student who was proudly holding his scholarship envelope. The car drove off, while Dan kept two micro-drones active in order to escort it.
“Now!” he heard Gideon’s voice, followed by the sound of muffled shouting. Two members of the security team managed to cover Jamila and Hassan’s faces with rags soaked with anesthetic, and the car soon grew quiet. They drove in a direction away from the house, far from the eyes of the Hezbollah operatives watching over it.