Disruption: A River Of Secrets And Betrayal

by J. B. Jamison

  "I didn’t say we never do things directly. We communicate directly with each other all the time. That's the only way we can do our work."

  "But how? Do you have scheduled meetings, or just pick up the phone and call someone when you need something? How does it work?"

  The old man smiled.

  "There are several ways we communicate; it all depends on the circumstances. I mean, I received a message while I was waiting for you to get here this morning."

  "Here? Somebody called you here? Isn't that dangerous?"

  "No, no one called. You're right; that would be far too risky. No, we have more subtle ways of communicating; remember, we've been doing this for a long time, so we've developed a number of options."

  "For example; what happened this morning."

  "OK, take a look at your cup there, what do you see?"

  "My cup? Um, it’s cardboard, got some flowers or something painted on it, with a plastic lid."

  "What else?"

  "Well, it’s got a label stuck on it showing what I ordered, and..."

  "What else is on the label?"

  "The time I ordered, the date, and a bunch of numbers that probably mean something in their accounting system somewhere."

  "Now, look at my cup, at my label; what do you see?”

  "Same thing; your name, date and time, and a bunch of numbers."

  "Anything different about the numbers?"

  "Well, they’re a bit different, but that makes sense, every purchase is recorded differently. And you've got one set of numbers there that's not on mine; must be because you have a card or something?"

  "Or something, yes. That number tells me that I have to make a call later, to discuss a situation we have been, well, monitoring recently."

  "Oh, come on. Are you saying that the coffee company here is part of the group too?"

  "No Ronnie, they have no idea that they are providing us with this channel. Remember, we've been around for a long time, and have been able to influence a lot of things as they have been put in place. In this instance, several months ago, some programmer got a message from someone to add a few lines of code to a new merchandising program, so they added them. They didn't know what they were for and didn’t really care. And now, those few lines of code allow us to use that program to send simple messages to each other."

  "No one figured it out?"

  "Of course not. There were many programmers adding lots of lines. And in this coffee company now, there are so many departments, each with their specific areas of expertise. When they look at those numbers, if they don't know what they're for, they assume some other department does."

  "Ok, how did the program know to give you the numbers with the message, and not me?"

  "Did you use your debit card to buy your drink?"

  "Yeah, you mean you've hacked those too?"

  "My understanding that the term hack means to break into a piece of software and do something to it. That's not how we did it. Like the label, we..."

  "You had the card software written to do it."

  "Exactly. It’s far simpler that way, and invisible."

  "So if I go up and use your card, I might get a message that was intended for you?"

  "No. What else happens when you go up and order something?"

  "I tell them what I want."

  "What else?"

  "Oh, well here they do that thing of asking you your name. It’s a cheesy way to make things feel more personal, but I...wait. You're telling me that's part of it too?"

  "Voice print technology, I think they call it. They're always updating things with these new features, and when we hear of a good one, we add it to our resources."

  "This is crazy."

  "Crazy? Ok, have you ever gotten one of those unsolicited telephone calls; you know, about student loans, or a car warranty or something?"

  "I hate those things. I'm even on a no call list."

  "I don't get those."

  "Why not? I'd love to know your secret."

  "When I say hello, it recognizes my voice and skips all the silly stuff and gives me the message. It’s that simple."

  "You're telling me that those calls are..."

  "It’s a quick and simple way to get word out when we need to."

  "You realize this is starting to sound like some science fiction movie, don't you?"

  "That's the general idea. Too foolish to believe; or to even consider believing."

  They both paused to drink.

  "I guess the main question I've got is why you've not been caught? Especially since you say that you do things all around the world. Do you realize how many agencies and things there are out there looking for things like this?"

  "You mean like ISI in Pakistan, RAW in India, GRU in Russia, MI6 in Britain, or how about MSS in China or ASIS in Australia, you mean that kind of thing?"

  "Ok, yeah."

  "How long have each of those been around Ronnie?"

  "I don't know, probably at least...ah, but not as long as you?"

  "Each of those groups was built, and as they were built, we played our part. We saw to it that certain precautions were taken."

  "To keep you invisible."

  "It’s far easier than you would think. People tend to see things they are looking for, and completely ignore the things they would never expect to see. Even those well-trained people. In fact, in many ways, they are easier to distract."

  "But if..."

  "Ronnie, I am sorry. I will answer all of your questions that I can, but right now I must go. I have to respond to..."

  "The label..."

  "Yes, the label. As I said, we have a situation we are monitoring rather closely; something we set into motion but has, unfortunately, been misdirected by someone who was not appropriately screened. I intended to tell you about it today, but it will have to wait until tomorrow. Please say hello to your family for me."

  "I will grandpa, I will." the young man said as he watched his grandfather wave at the barista and walk out the door.

  Chapter 75

  "Good morning everyone. I wasn't sure I would be back in time for the meeting, but I was able to get away sooner than anticipated. Thank you all for coming in."

  Agent Dasilva was in his chair at the table, surrounded by the full group of leaders from the groups focusing on the Francis B.

  "I need to introduce three new members of our group this morning." Dasilva nodded to three men sitting together, two in khakis and one in a very busy military uniform. "This is Colonel Chambers, and Lieutenant's Massey and Chavez. They are here from D.C. to join in our activities."

  Nods around the table.

  "We will take a few minutes for any updates, and then Colonel Chambers will speak with us about their role and how it impacts what we are doing. Let's begin with Agent Graham who is following the situation upriver and is joining us from Memphis this morning; Agent Graham are you there?"

  "Yes sir, I am." The speaker in the center of the table was crackly, but clear enough.

  "We have all read the reports of the explosion, and Agent Reyes has updated us on your efforts with the boat and devices, is there anything else you need to bring to us here this morning?"

  Well, there is this cyanide kill pill, the Steve guy, the phone call to the boat captain, and the one from Dennis Bowers.

  "No sir, nothing more at this time," Emily said out loud.

  "Ok then, Colonel Reyes, anything more from you that we haven't read in the paperwork?"

  "No sir."

  "Special Agent Ryan, how about you?"

  "No sir, nothing to add," Lennie said.

  "Then let's get right to Colonel Chambers. The meeting is yours, Colonel."

  "Thank you, Agent Dasilva." Chambers stood, brushing his uniform to straighten his colorful collection of medals. "First, I want to congratulate each of you, and your teams, for the work you have done to address this situation so far. I assure you, your efforts will not be forgotten. However, I believe we can all agr
ee that, at this point, the situation is still highly fluid and remains extremely dangerous. Because of that, we have been directed to join in the efforts to bring an end to the situation, using the particular resources we have at hand. Therefore, I need to inform you that I will be assuming command of operations at this time."

  The silence around the table did not hide the frowns on most every face.

  "As I said, your efforts have been admirable but stated quite simply; the Francis B. continues to place the devices under our bridges, putting thousands, if not millions of American citizens at risk."

  Silent frowns.

  "Agent Dasilva was involved in the meetings in Washington and heard the decision that I am announcing now. Based on that decision, I am directing those of you who are involved in activities relating directly to the Francis B. itself, to stand down; pull your people back and allow us to take control."

  The silence was broken by mumbles, and side conversations.

  "Of course, those involved in activities not directly relating to the Francis B. are to continue those activities; those of you securing the canisters, providing security and crowd control. But I say again, any of you engaged in any activity whatsoever that is related directly to the Francis B. are to stand your people down immediately. Is that understood?"

  Seconds pass.

  "May I ask," Colonel Goodwin began, "with all due respect sir, what branch or branches of the military do you represent that is taking charge? I'm not familiar with your uniform, sir."

  "I'm afraid that is classified Colonel. But, I assure you, we are quite prepared to do the things that need to be done in this situation."

  "Can you tell us what you intend to do Colonel Chambers; regarding the boat, I mean?", Lennie asked.

  "Normally that would also be classified. However, because of the speed at which we must act, and the risk to anyone not moving out of the way quickly, I have been cleared to give you basic details of the actions we will be taking. Anything more than a cursory overview will not be possible. Lieutenant Massey and Chavez will give you those details. But first, I must stress again that the information you are about to receive is classified, and if it travels beyond the confines of this room, or this telephone call Agent Graham, the individual responsible will face very serious charges."

  Chambers sat down as one of the two other men stood. "Thank you, Colonel. Our directive is to stop the Francis B. from placing more devices, as quickly as possible, using whatever means necessary. This comes from the highest levels of leadership, based on their concern for the immediate and long-term impacts of this situation. As Colonel Chambers said, exactly who we represent here this morning is classified, but I assure you that we are prepared to take the steps necessary to accomplish the task assigned to us. As to exactly how that will be done, Lieutenant Chavez will give you what details we can."

  He sat as the third man stood.

  "It is our intent to target the Francis B. with a highly focused NEMP, a nuclear, electromagnetic pulse."

  Silence.

  "This will allow us the level of narrow target discrimination that we need, and reduce the risk of significant collateral damage. We believe an NEMP of a proper frequency and strength should neutralize any electronic activity within the area of the boat, and accomplish that quickly enough to avert any possible signaling from the boat."

  "Colonel Chavez," Reyes asked, "am I to understand that you intend to drop a nuclear weapon on this boat?"

  "The nuclear aspects of this weapon are minimal, but yes Commander. We believe the effects of the nuclear action will create the immediacy that is required."

  "Just how do you plan to deliver it?" Reyes asked.

  "That is confidential at this time Commander. However, it is public knowledge that NEMPs have been delivered as payload from aircraft, carried by CHAMP missiles, as well as using drones. Again, the specific method we will use remains classified."

  "When and where do you plan to do this?" Emily asked from the speaker.

  "I remind you that this information remains within this group, but the current plan is to deliver the NEMP to its target as it slows to navigate a bend in the river just north of Tiptonville, Tennessee. Based on current movement of the target, that would establish a delivery time of zero-one-hundred hours tomorrow morning."

  "Tomorrow morning?" Lennie asked, "isn't that a bit quick?"

  "Based on our calculations," Chavez answered, "that location provides the best opportunity for a slow moving target, and Tiptonville is the nearest population center; about seven miles away which should be ample distance from the event. Any collateral damage should be minimized."

  "Collateral damage?" Lennie asked, "Can't you use one of those electromagnetic things that can just take out the electronics without causing other damage?"

  "In this instance, Agent Ryan," Colonel Chambers said as he leaned forward, "we believe it is important to take no chances. This device will include a small nuclear warhead that will maximize the effectiveness of the pulse."

  "What does that mean for the people on the Francis B.?" Emily asked.

  "I understand your concern Agent Graham," Colonel Chambers said, "however, I am afraid that we have no alternative, and that the odds of anyone aboard the Francis B. surviving the event are minimal. Unfortunately, it is the inconvenient and unavoidable outcome of this action."

  "Inconvenient?" Emily said, borrowing her father's captain's voice.

  "Agent Graham!" Dasilva interrupted, "I believe we all share your concern here, but we will need to save further discussion of this for a later time."

  "But..."

  "Later, Agent Graham." Dasilva turned back to Chambers, "Have you considered other options here Colonel? I mean, this seems..."

  "We have examined every possible approach to this situation, Agent Dasilva, I assure you. And I must make one more thing very clear. We are not presenting this information to have a discussion about it here. We are informing you of what is going to happen, and to give you the time to get your people out of the way, is that understood?"

  Silence.

  Emily was pacing the floor of her room in Memphis, cursing Chambers, Massey, Chavez, and Dasilva. And Steve. Just how in the hell was she supposed to give him more time? As she listened to the conversation, she opened a map on her laptop to find this place called Tiptonville, Tennessee. As Chambers had said, just above Tiptonville, the river made a complete turn upon itself, forming a narrow loop that was bound to slow the Francis B. down for a while. Emily rubbed her forehead as she looked at the map; the headache was telling her that something was connecting in her mind. She looked at the map, and the river, and then she saw it. While Tiptonville was just seven miles to the south, if you went north instead, in eight miles you found another little town. Emily stared at the screen as her headache subsided and her clenched jaw slowly turned into a grin.

  "Colonel Chambers," she said, "did you say that this NEMP would be used on the river seven miles north of Tiptonville, Tennessee?"

  "Yes, Agent Graham, that is what I said."

  "Emily," Dasilva began."

  "So," Emily kept rolling, "what you are telling us is that you intend to detonate a small, nuclear device on the river, just eight miles south of New Madrid, Missouri, the location of one of the most active fault lines in the central United States? Do I understand that correctly?"

  Silence.

  More silence as Chambers looked at Massey, who looked at Chavez, who looked at Chambers.

  "Or do I have that wrong?" Emily asked.

  "No, uh, Agent Graham," Chambers said, "that, uh, does appear to be the situation and something that may not have been taken into consideration up to this point." The glare he offered to Massey and Chavez was brutal.

  "Uh," Chambers continued, "I believe you have raised an issue that, uh, merits further study, so we will, uh, delay the implementation of our activities until, uh, that study is, uh, completed. In the meantime," Chambers regained his composure, "I will expect each of yo
u to see that your people continue their efforts to resolve this situation using the resources you have available."

  Chambers rose and marched from the room with Massey and Chavez following a safe distance behind. Everyone around the table was trying to understand what had just happened, but all felt that, whatever it was, it was good.

  Emily was sitting and staring at her laptop, shaking.

  "Agent Graham," Lennie said, "I guess you had better find yourself a car and start up the road toward Carruthersville. The Francis B. should be there around five o'clock or so. You heard the Colonel; go continue your efforts!"

  Chapter 76

  Emily was heading up Route 3 past Millington when the phone rang.

  "Graham."

  "Emily, it’s Carrie Williamson, from Behavioral."

  "Oh, hi Carrie, it’s good to hear from you. What's up? "

  "Well, I'm not sure I should be telling you this...it may be nothing at all."

  "What is it, Carrie?"

  "Well, you know that Agent Dasilva, from Washington?"

  "Dasilva, of course? Is he causing you problems?"

  "No, nothing like that. It’s just that, wasn't he supposed to be in Washington or something?"

  "Yeah, he was. In fact, he just flew back in time for a meeting this morning."

  "Well, that's the thing. My husband and I went downtown last night, you know, down to this little place we like in the Quarter?"

  "Yes."

  "Well, I was sitting there, and I swore I saw Agent Dasilva come in the door."

  "Really?"

  "Yeah, he went up and sat at the bar next to some guy. I made the excuse to go to the little girls’ room so I could get a closer look."

  "And..."

  "It was Dasilva, I'm sure of it. He wasn't in Washington last night at all."

  "Did he see you?"

  "I don't think so. We were sitting in the back where it was dark, and he stayed at the bar for about twenty minutes and then left."

  "Ok. I wonder what is going on here?"

  "I don't know Emily, but I thought you'd want to know."