“Ladies and gentlemen,” he opened, “thank you for coming today. We at Stellar Projects are excited about the new device you see before you. We think that it will be a boon to the medical field and a lifesaver for men, women, and children around the world. As the patent submission suggests, the device is less complex than you might imagine. We have both detailed drawings that we used to develop the prototype as well as a complete set of operating instructions and other technical data. And we are prepared to give it all to you… for a price.
“I see from your expressions that this is where you expected some sort of bidding war. That would be interesting, but not what we want. Instead, we are prepared to give all of you the complete package and only for a small license fee to be paid to Stellar based on the number of units sold.”
“And what would that fee be?” asked a young but experienced BioMed representative with a cynical tone.
“One percent of sales,” Van said simply.
The room was shocked into silence.
“What’s the catch?” said an older gray-haired representative from New Futures Medical.
“No catch,” Van said. “We just want the device to be circulated and used to its maximum. If you are interested, our attorney, Mr. Jacobs, is here with license agreements to sign, and when done he’ll give you all that we have. If there are no questions, I will leave you in the capable hands of Mr. Jacobs. Thank you for coming.”
As Van exited, he was surrounded by representatives offering huge sums for exclusive rights. But he simply continued out the door and away from the frantic mob of people that caused him anguish.
In his car driving back to Chula Vista, he contacted Harry and said, “Well that went well, everyone was shocked. Wait till they see what we do next!”
He had failed, however, to consider what might go wrong with purely philanthropic actions.
In Frankfurt, Eric Borman, CEO of Red Wolf Security, received a call on his private line.
“Eric,” said the caller, “I want you to look into a company called Stellar Projects in San Diego, California. I want to know everything about it and the CEO, Mr. Van Childs. They have a product line that I am interested in.”
“We are on it now, Peter,” Eric said, knowing that when a call came in from this man, it was more than just important. Survival was at stake. If Peter said he was interested in something, it meant more than just casual interest.
After hanging up, Eric immediately called his investigations contractor in San Diego to start surveillance and information gathering on Stellar and Van Childs.
CHAPTER 8
Sitting in his room in Site R, Van asked himself, How can I test the capabilities of this technology and do it in some beneficial way? He needed some help. Almost immediately he thought of his longtime friend and academy classmate, Richard “Dick” Carson, a successful businessman and national security expert. I can’t think of anybody better qualified to help. But what if he says no? Only one way to find out. Van linked to the phone system via his implant and made the call.
“Van,” Dick said, “good to hear from you. What’s up?”
“Quite a lot, actually. Do you have time to talk with me in person? I have some questions that I need to ask, and I’m in need of some advice.”
“Sure. When and where?”
“How about the day after tomorrow at the Hyatt Regency restaurant in Crystal City for lunch?”
“I can do that. Can you tell me anything about your trip now?”
“I’d rather not over the phone, Dick. I’ll see you at lunch and we’ll talk then.”
“OK, I’ll be there.”
The flight to DC in a chartered Gulfstream G4 was better than he’d expected. Private, quiet, and fast. No TSA. No crowds. He made a note to learn how to fly the aircraft if the company would let him and was sure that the learning chair could help him with this.
After landing, Van took a cab to the Hyatt Regency in Crystal City near Reagan National Airport, where he booked two nights just in case. He met Dick for lunch in Cinnabar the next day.
Dick appeared with a smile at the discreet table Van had taken in the rear of the restaurant. A man who had always looked bulky to Van, and probably everyone he met, his old friend was actually quite athletic. He’d played football in school and worked out in the gym every day even now. His hair was still dark but thinning, and his deep brown eyes bespoke a keen awareness. He’d taken Washington by storm after a successful career as a “special projects” officer for the US government.
He was ambitious but also loyal to his friends and employees. Due largely to his experience and global travel, he was more worldly than most. A big-picture thinker, Dick often thought about what was best for the world rather than just his country. That’s not to say he was disloyal to the United States. Far from it. He just saw a larger pattern to global events and had broader concerns than most people. If all of this allowed him to see more business opportunities, that was just icing on the cake.
Van stood up and shook Dick’s hand and then invited him to take a seat and order what he wanted.
“How’s Dee Dee?” Van asked, referring to Dick’s wife.
“She is doing great. You’re lucky she’s visiting her sister this week or you could not have come to town without having dinner. As it is, she’ll probably be pissed that she missed you.”
“And Alex and Elexis, are they still setting the legal world on fire?”
“My children, lawyers, I never would have guessed when they were just kids. Too busy, though, to produce grandchildren, despite Dee Dee’s constant reminders.”
“And you’re still swimming upstream trying to change the world?”
“I guess that’s how you might characterize it. I’d like to just change the way DC. operates, but that would be asking too much.”
“I hear ya, Dick. We might be able to do some of both down the road. Can we keep this discussion just between the two of us?”
Dick looked puzzled but, given their longtime relationship, said, “Of course.”
Gathering his thoughts while clasping his hands on the table in front of him, Van said, “I need some advice. I’ve known you for a long time, all the way back to college. You’ve worked in nearly every branch of government at high levels. You’re smart, well connected, and a good businessman. From what I can tell, the Carson Group is one of the most respected private intelligence companies around, as well as, in limited circles, a well-respected contractor for special operations.
“I have a company called Stellar Projects. The purpose is to develop and help distribute new technology to worthwhile organizations and to take on special projects. By the latter I mean taking on projects similar to those you personally took on many years ago.”
“Where are you going with this, Van?”
In response, Van leaned forward and said, “Like many people, I’m tired of people around the world being pushed around by regional bullies acting under the name of religion. I now have in my possession certain technology and skills that can be used to combat these bullies. Probably in single, one-man actions at first that can assist organizations and governments to defuse issues or eliminate threats. I have not yet fully explored these capabilities and want to test them in some worthwhile way. But I need to know where I can start. I know that I’m being vague, but it has to be that way for now. Depending on how things turn out, I may be able to tell you more if the opportunities grow.”
“Well that’s as clear as mud,” Dick said, leaning back in his chair. “Can you give me some sort of example?”
“That’s difficult, and it’s why I’m here with you now. What if I told you that, with certain technology, I could amass large amounts of high-level intelligence, travel quickly anywhere, have the ability to essentially be invisible when needed, and both defend myself and take forceful action if required?”
“I’d say you’ve been smoking too much of something,” Dick said with a skeptical look while leaning forward in his chair.
> Van smiled and pointed a finger at Dick as if agreeing. “I don’t blame you. The whole idea would have been nuts to me as well just a short time ago. But now, not so much. At the moment, I would like you to take it on faith that I can do the things I mentioned and probably more. What do you think would be a good test… and even proof to you?”
Dick liked a challenge. He was a fighter in many respects and a diplomat in others. But mostly he liked tackling hard projects and winning.
He grinned ruefully and said, “Right now there are hot spots of trouble all over the country and around the world. I just learned yesterday that there is again a threat being posed by the organization al-Shabaab. As you remember, they were responsible for the Westgate Shopping Mall attack in Nairobi. One of their leaders may be in London and could be planning something like the mall attack, perhaps in the UK. The leader goes by several names, but he’s most frequently known as Ali Mohamud Sudani.
“The mall was owned by Israelis, and it’s likely that the Mossad will be involved in searching for him, along with MI5, Special Branch, and other foreign services. If this man can be located and even captured, it would be a great intelligence boon to the West as well as a threat removed.”
“Well, that sounds like a real challenge,” Van said.
Dick laughed and sat up in his chair, looking straight at Van. “I don’t think it’s possible, but you wanted an opportunity to prove yourself and this would certainly do it. I’m skeptical, but if you need something from me, let me know, and the Carson Group can be a cover for you if you like. Can you let me know what your plans will be?”
“I see you still have an eye for business,” commented Van. “I do have one assistant that I’ll have to consult with. So let me get back to you on the plan… if we can share it.”
They continued their meal amid stories from years past, and afterward Van canceled his second night at the Regency and hopped on the flight back to San Diego. Midway, he decided to divert to Arizona, then contacted Harry and asked, “Did you get that whole discussion between Dick and me?”
“Yes I did, Commander,” Harry responded. “I think it is an interesting challenge, and I have already begun collecting information on Sudani, including his associates. I will prepare a summary of his practices and search for patterns as well as typical daily activities in an attempt to narrow down his location. Initially my search tends to agree with Mr. Carson that the attack location will likely be in London.”
“Great!” Van said. “I’m going to take a nap. I’ll see you in a couple of hours.”
“Before you retire, Commander, a word of caution.”
“What’s that, Harry?”
“You are a smart man, and even smarter now that you have experienced the learning chair, Commander. And you have some military experience. However, consider two things. First, you have no real experience in ‘special operations,’ as you call them, or antiterrorist activities. And second, is it wise for you to expose yourself to danger considering how important you are to the use of the knowledge of the Host?”
“It’s just one man, Harry, not an army. I told you I want to do something real now as a test, and this is a great opportunity. Besides, with the technology we have, I’ll have a considerable advantage.” He paused, then finally relented. “You do have a point, however. Can the chair help me improve my abilities to understand armed combat and strategy, including insurgencies and terrorism?”
“Yes, Commander.”
“Then start including that in my learning.”
“Very well, Commander.”
Van realized that if Harry had been human, he might have displayed some sort of resentment or continued resistance. But he isn’t human, Van thought.
Back at Site R, Van was pleased to see how much work had been done to improve the road and that work had started on the nearby cabin. But for now, he still had to hike up the familiar route to the site entrance and go through the large doors. It couldn’t be too soon for him before he had easier access.
Inside the site’s cavernous confines, Van went to his quarters and sat in the one comfortable chair. Harry immediately appeared in his holographic form.
“Well, Harry, what do you have so far?” he asked.
“Welcome back, Commander.” Harry turned to the view screen in front of Van and activated it. “As background, there is a substantial Muslim population in London. The latest census suggests that, of the eight point one seven million people in London, one million are Muslim, mostly young families. Estimates of the size of the militant and/or sympathizer community are not precise but seem to range from as few as ten thousand to as high as twenty-five thousand. Of these numbers, more than two thousand individuals have been identified by MI5 as a threat to security. Additionally, the Home Office estimates that there are at least two hundred terrorist networks in the UK, with the majority centered in London. In any case, these numbers allow a considerable opportunity for one man to hide and operate at the same time. Finding one person is a great challenge in most cases. With our capabilities, however, it’s not as difficult. By analyzing various reports, news videos, satellite images, and other sources of intelligence collection, I have managed to verify Sudani’s presence in London through analysis of cellular phone communications along with a variety of e-mail and texting events that run a fairly simple encryption system. Further, it is likely that he is living and operating in a section of East London called the Borough of Newham. In another thirty minutes I should be able to give you a street address.”
With mouth agape, Van said, “How can you do this so fast while all the other security services are still looking?”
“From a Host perspective, Commander,” Harry said, “I have a very capable information collection and processing system that operates at speeds several orders of magnitude higher than your best twenty-first-century capabilities. I am able to access all Earth’s collection sources and media transmissions, including municipal cameras and cell phones, and quickly correlate them into meaningful and timely information.”
“Does that include the NSA by any chance?” asked Van, not really wanting to hear the answer.
“Of course, Commander,” Harry answered simply.
“What are the chances that the NSA or a like organization could intercept and track those communications?”
“The NSA is a relatively sophisticated and dedicated listening organization, Commander,” replied Harry, “but they do not possess the skills to decipher the Host codes. They may be aware that transmissions are being made, but the random use of landlines, satellite, and other forms of transmission make it unlikely that they would be able to track the signals. I understand your concerns and will monitor their activities to ensure our security.”
Now there’s a switch, Van thought. Us monitoring the NSA! This sounds like “God’s Eye” from the movie Fast and Furious 7. What am I getting myself into?
Thirty minutes later, Harry provided an address as well as imagery confirming Sudani’s presence. Van thought of furnishing this information directly to the various authorities, but rejected the idea when he remembered that (1) he was dealing with a test of his ability to produce, especially to Dick Carson, and (2) if he provided the information and the authorities got there after Sudani departed, his credibility would take a major hit.
I have to do this. More than that, I want to do this. Some people would call his plans reckless. If they knew what would happen if he was injured or killed, they would have called him insane. But he was also stubborn, and he didn’t like standing on the sidelines. Besides, this was a superb way of testing the new technology.
Van decided to go to Level 3 to see what he might take with him and get suggestions from Harry as necessary. There, Harry appeared in his holographic form again and greeted Van as he stepped out of the elevator.
“Greetings, Commander,” Harry said. “Have you finalized your plans for capturing Sudani?”
“At this point,” he explained, “I would like to minimize our f
ace-to-face involvement with the authorities if for no other reason than not giving them the opportunity to investigate us. As you know, Dick and I agreed to secure Sudani in a location known only to us and then let Dick alert the right people as to where he’ll be found. This would prove to Dick that we can do what we suggested. It would also be good for the Carson Group and open the opportunity to do other projects using them as an assist when we want or need to.”
“A reasonable plan, Commander,” noted Harry. “I will find a suitable location to secure Sudani for the authorities. Meanwhile, let me remind you of a few items you might take along. Over here, for example, are mobile microcameras with microphones that can be placed at strategic points to cover Sudani’s residence as well as the local area he is known to travel to or through. We might even be able to land one on Sudani himself for constant tracking. They are self-propelled, stick to any surface, and will appear to be nothing more than discolored spots wherever they land. Once you carry them into the area, I can launch or reposition them as well as monitor all of them at once. I think one hundred or so should be enough, and they’ll fit into your luggage in a large prescription bottle, if you like. I will also be able to transmit their data directly to you via your implant and can, if you like, project the information on a set of tinted glasses like the ones located here on the table.” Harry pointed to a set of ordinary-looking glasses on a nearby table.
“That sounds great,” commented Van, “but I have a few questions. What do we do with the mobile cameras and microphones when we’re done? I don’t think we want that technology appearing just yet. And second, I will need a weapon of some sort. I don’t plan on getting into a firefight, but I might need some protection and something to persuade Sudani to do what I want. And I don’t want to run afoul of the United Kingdom’s ban on firearms. Do you have a suggestion?”
“Good questions, Commander. If you research your new memories and data, you will note that the mobile cameras can either be retrieved or set to self-destruct when desired. As far as weapons are concerned,” he pointed to a small boxlike item about the size of a pack of cigarettes on a nearby table, “this device is the internal element of a stun gun and can establish a variable-diameter stun field that will disable any human for up to ten minutes, depending on your settings. Once within range of the target, you can initiate the field by pressing the round button on the top. It will not affect you and can be used multiple times with a single charge.
Future Discovered: Host Saga Book 1 Page 5