by Uzi Eilam
“Will do,” Gideon promised. After Nahari had signed off, he continued to contemplate the sharp turn that his and Dan’s activity in Singapore had just taken.
* * *
2The Mossad, meaning “The Institution” in Hebrew, is Israel’s national security agency, responsible for covert operations, gathering intelligence, counterterrorism, and protecting Jewish communities abroad.
Chapter 7
The office of the CIA’s deputy director, on the fifth floor of the massive structure housing the intelligence agency’s headquarters, was large and sprawling.
“Welcome to Langley,” the deputy greeted Dr. Deutsch. “We’ve recently established a branch dealing with cyber threats. This topic is now included in the curriculum at our university, and we’re anticipating a new generation of agents equipped with modern tools to fight the wars of the future.”
Deutsch still did not understand how this concerned him. The phone request from the CIA’s deputy director had been brief and had not mentioned the reason for the urgent summons. He had examined the issue from every angle while failing to reach any conclusion. Perhaps this was the preliminary stage in offering him a teaching position at the CIA’s dedicated university? Deutsch didn’t assume anyone at the intelligence agency was attributing much importance to his past experience as a Green Beret. It seemed more likely that they wanted to discuss the current phase of his career, consisting of academic and research activity. Deutsch listened attentively to the deputy director. He quickly realized he was not being invited to join CIA University’s staff as a lecturer, as the conversation was focusing on the threat of cyber attacks in Singapore.
“What does an academic researcher have to do with terrorist threats in Southeast Asia?” Deutsch couldn’t help but ask.
“Our reports indicate you’ve exhibited impressive understanding of the local people and their culture.”
The period he had spent as a company and regiment commander in the Special Forces during the Vietnam War had resurfaced once more. Deutsch, who had already completed his master’s degree in system analysis at the university, had impressed his commanders with his excellent physical fitness. His ambition and hardworking nature had resulted in an appointment to command a company of Green Berets, with whom he’d been sent to Vietnam. When he’d returned from the war, his studies had been funded under the GI Bill, a right extended to every veteran.
After earning his PhD, he had stayed on at Stanford University in California. As he listened to the deputy director, Deutsch recalled two brilliant students from Singapore whom he had advised on their doctoral theses at Stanford: Lieutenant Colonel Tan Ei Lin and Ms. Chang Mei.
“Don’t underestimate the role you played in uncovering the Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s espionage network in Silicon Valley,” the deputy noted, “as well as your role in stopping the Revolutionary Guard’s illegal purchase campaign in Europe.”
“I don’t understand,” Deutsch persisted. “What’s the connection between experience gained in thwarting the Revolutionary Guard’s efforts in California and Paris, and terrorist threats in Singapore? And what could I contribute?”
“The long arm of the Revolutionary Guard has made its way to Southeast Asia as well. You’ll soon hear the analysis and assessments, which should clarify what their intentions are and what the terrorist organizations that the Iranians are supporting in the region are capable of. In addition, the communication from Singapore was signed by retired general Dr. Tan Ei Lin, who heads the Institute of National Security in Singapore. He mentioned your name as someone who might be able to help them. That name should be familiar to you…”
“Tan Ei Lin?” Deutsch was surprised. “He’s the one who brought up my name?”
“The importance we attribute to a request from such an important allied country in Southeast Asia, as well as Singapore’s personal faith in you, all made this choice easier than expected. Our request is a simple one: take some time off from heading the research institute at Stanford in order to serve as the American representative on the task force they’re putting together in Singapore. Our embassy there will assist you. You don’t have to give us your answer immediately. While you’re here, you can listen to the main points in the assessment of the head of our strategic research administration, after which his staff will go deeper with detailed reviews. We will understand and accept any decision you make,” the deputy said.
The team’s overviews described a new source of terrorist activity in Malaysia, as well as a secret facility near Kuala Lumpur used to train Hezbollah and Hamas activists. The reports emphasized the near-simultaneous appointment of a new Iranian ambassador, General Ja’afari, who had until recently served as commander of the Revolutionary Guard. Also highlighted was the close cooperation between the Iranian ambassador and General Razek, head of the Malaysian intelligence service. Data was cited to support the theory that the two did not limit themselves to smuggling suicide teams into selected targets, or using cars armed with explosive charges against these sites, but were also seeking targets to execute a fatal blow against the economy of Singapore, while sabotaging its relations with Israel and the United States. The threat of a cyber attack was broadly conveyed, with a focus on the incident at the container terminal.
“The government in Singapore has decided to contact us and the State of Israel. We’ve found out that Dr. Gideon Ben Ari is in Singapore on a private business trip, and there’s a chance he might join the task force that Singapore is currently assembling. I believe you know him as well, and have known him for quite a while now,” the deputy added with a smile.
Surprised by the possibility that Gideon would join the Singapore task force, Deutsch thought to himself that there were no coincidences in life. If Gideon was joining the team, there was a chance that Dan Avni would be there as well. Deutsch felt his apprehension vanishing, along with his objection to the request from Singapore.
“I suggest you be our guest today,” the CIA’s deputy director said to Deutsch when he sensed that he was now more inclined to accept his offer. “We have a few suites here for special guests, and after you’ve heard our team’s detailed analysis, you can stay and sleep here. Your flight to San Francisco leaves in the morning, and you can rest properly before you take it.”
***
After two days of meetings with the technical crews of the leading companies in Singapore, Dan realized the necessity of building a system to demonstrate IOT technology. He was sitting with Quan Lin in his suite at the Shangri La Hotel in order to summarize their insights following two days of meetings.
“People understood the summaries and sensed the potential of the IOT systems,” Quan Lin began cautiously. “But they need a tangible demonstration. It doesn’t have to be something big and elaborate, so long as they can get an impression of the system’s potential for future applications. How long would it take you to design such a demonstration?”
Dan began to visualize a system that would operate on a small scale. He knew it should include different sensors. It was obvious to him that these sensors should communicate with one another, and, of course, that the system should generate an information package or an operational command.
“The quickest option would be to build this system at our company’s labs in California. It might take a few days. Our company has some subsystems that I built before flying to Singapore, so the process of building the demo will be relatively short,” Dan promised.
That same evening, Dan updated Gideon, consulting him about the technological demonstration. Gideon agreed with Quan Lin’s conclusion and reinforced Dan’s decision, saying this was an essential step in advancing their activity in Singapore. Gideon was capable of accurately assessing the information that Dan gave him about the hardware components constructed in the company labs. He recommended leaving for California immediately and putting together the demo as quickly as possible in the company’s labs.
Chapter 8
Dan was happy to return to his office at New Horizon in Silicon Valley. He didn’t succumb to the jet lag induced by the long flight from Singapore to California and headed straight for the company’s offices.
“Dan, can you speak to Dr. Deutsch now?” the administrative assistant’s voice emerged from the receiver. Dan had asked not to be interrupted by calls or meetings, but there was always room for flexibility.
“This is about the PhD program we discussed recently,” Deutsch said. “I’d be happy to meet you today and discuss the temporary leave I have to take from the program.”
“Ahhh… I’m not sure how my day is looking… You know what, I’ll make it happen! This afternoon, then? At Peet’s?”
“Yes, I’ll see you there at four,” Deutsch agreed.
Peet’s Coffee was relatively empty in the lull between the afternoon and evening rush. The table that Dan and his girlfriend Noam favored was free, and he sat at an angle that allowed him to see anyone coming in. Soon a tall man appeared at the entrance, and Dan recognized Dr. Gerald Deutsch’s long, loping gait, which brought him to the table in four rapid steps.
“I have news for you,” Deutsch began, “concerning your PhD studies with us. The academic committee has confirmed the faculty of advanced communication’s recommendation, which was accompanied by my own recommendation, and you can now get started on your assigned curriculum and on preparing for presenting your PhD thesis. I won’t be here in the next few weeks, so I can’t serve as your advisor immediately, but I understand that you’re not exactly free right now either, are you?”
“Gideon and I have gathered some momentum in our campaign to convince high-tech companies in Singapore to join us in some IOT ventures,” Dan said with no hesitation.
He explained the sequence of events that had led him back to the labs, mentioning his required return date, which was rapidly approaching. Deutsch quickly revealed the context for his question.
“I had some meetings in Langley in which I was also asked to take on a mission, which might actually be related to yours. I’m flying to Singapore, but I can’t say more than that… Thanks for the coffee. I have to get back to the Stanford Research Institute and tie up some loose ends there. I’ll see you in Singapore.”
Dan remained at the table, trying to sort out the new information that had just been revealed to him. He was glad about the opportunity to pursue his PhD studies, but he was afraid his stay in Singapore might put the plan at risk. He knew he couldn’t and didn’t want to abandon Gideon at such a promising point in their business endeavors. Traveling to Singapore would distance him from his girlfriend, and the prospect of parting from Noam, who always supported him in challenging moments, was oppressive. A ping from WhatsApp on his smartphone withdrew him from his contemplation. Noam wrote that the lecture had ended, asking where he was and whether everything was okay. Dan replied that it was and that he was waiting for her at Peet’s.
“Hi, Dandush,” Noam whispered in Dan’s ear as he stood to embrace her. “I missed you. What’s with this crazy sprint you and Dad are on? First to Israel, then to Singapore, and now here…” she continued, her tone becoming more pragmatic.
“Good things are happening, Nono. Thanks to your father’s friends in Singapore, we’re networking with industry leaders there and getting good reactions. We haven’t closed any deals yet, as expected. It doesn’t happen that quickly, definitely not in Singapore, and especially when dealing with future technology.”
“And how’s Dad? I haven’t heard a word from him since I saw him at home in Israel.”
“He’s just fine, and he knows all the right people in Singapore. It’s really unbelievable,” Dan marveled.
“That’s all good and well, but Dad thinks he’s still in the commando, and I don’t want you taking unnecessary risks.”
“Don’t worry, Nono. Singapore is an island of tranquility, and we’re in good hands there…”
Chapter 9
General Tan entered the conference room of the National Security Institute accompanied by his personal assistant. Around the table, tense and expectant, sat the head of the Intelligence Division; Damia Nur, manager of the Technology and Communication Department; Reserve Forces Brigadier-General David Rogel; Dr. Chang Mei, CEO of the Singaporean national industry holding company; Dr. Gerald Deutsch; and Dr. Gideon Ben Ari. Ms. Nur was the one to conduct the round of introductions before the general entered the room.
Gideon was happy to reunite with Dr. Deutsch, who had been his friend since his sabbatical year at the SRI Institute. It’s like meeting friends again while doing reserve duty in the army, Gideon thought. Tan interrupted his thoughts when he greeted the attendees. He ended by introducing Dr. Chang Mei, the CEO of the holding company uniting the various industries in Singapore, and Ms. Damia Nur, who would also serve as task force coordinator.
Gideon examined the dark-skinned scientist with interest, addressing Rogel in a whisper to ask if he knew the lady and whether he could contribute any more details about her. Rogel hesitated briefly before nodding and promising to update him later.
“If I may,” Dr. Deutsch said to Tan, “I wish to assure you that the United States is determined to assist you in overcoming these terrorist threats.”
“Thank you, Dr. Deutsch,” Tan replied, briefly thinking back nostalgically to the carefree, halcyon days of his studies in California. “Dr. Ben Ari, would you like to say a few words?”
“Yes. General Tan, I feel an affinity with Singapore and all of you here. I’ve decided to take some time off from my current activity, related to my commercial ventures in Singapore, and dedicate myself to fighting the terrorist threat that is the reason you’ve assembled us here.” Gideon knew it was important to make it clear to the Singaporeans that he was not permanently abandoning the commercial projects he had initiated with Dan Avni.
“Thank you, Gideon. Now let’s get to the matter at hand. First, the head of the Counter Intelligence Division of the National Security Institute will present a map of current threats. Then we’ll hear from Ms. Damia Nur, who will discuss the technical aspects of these threats.”
Despite his eloquent, firm speech, General Tan was not feeling confident. He had chosen his team wisely and had learned to listen critically as hazy situations were analyzed. His staff appreciated his intelligence, as well as the fact that he gave them extensive freedom to act as they saw fit. They did not know this freedom was a result of the general’s hesitation to claim responsibility, in case of failure. General Tan tried to camouflage this weakness, of which he was aware, by speaking assertively and presenting unflinching questions to his staff members and meeting participants. Dr. Chang Mei was among the few who were aware of Tan’s true nature. She did not share this information with anyone.
“There have been past attempts at terrorist attacks using car bombs. The targets were the American embassy and the Israeli embassy. Fortunately, we managed to thwart the attacks and arrest some of the terrorists involved. Since these incidents occurred, we’ve enhanced inspection and monitoring of foreigners entering Singapore by air, land, and sea. We’ve also established a surveillance network covering a significant portion of communication on the island. We know that Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, is emerging as a center of terrorist activity against Singapore.
“The direction in which terrorist activity is heading is significantly more sophisticated than activating explosive charges in busy locations. We’re apprehensive of a cyber attack, which wouldn’t require smuggling people or weapons into Singapore. We’ve already got some well-established suspicions regarding preparations for a cyber attack in the container terminal. We assess that attacks may involve sabotaging the national electricity infrastructure, paralyzing the MRT subway system, hitting Changi Airport, and harming our banking system—”
“I wouldn’t rush to dismiss the threat of using explosives,�
� Deutsch intervened. “The attack on the Twin Towers indicates that mega-attacks can also be carried out using basic means. Do you know anything about such preparations being carried out in Malaysia? Who’s been recruited to this terrorist campaign? Is it the Quds Force?”
“We don’t know enough.” The head of the Intelligence Division was tentative. “But one of the vulnerable points is the Johor-Singapore Causeway, linking Malaysia with Singapore. Every morning, five thousand workers and students studying in Singapore universities enter via this land causeway. At the end of the day, those same thousands cross the bridge again to return to their homes in Malaysia…”
“It’s possible that your local NSA bureau might be able to contribute some of the information you’re missing. The US government has instructed me to assist you, and that’s what I intend to do,” Deutsch stated. ”I understand, Gideon, that Dan Avni is here in Singapore with you?”
“Dan’s actually in California at the moment, but he’s going to rejoin me in a few days. I think he can be of help precisely in the field of communication and surveillance we were just discussing. He’s acquired experience in communication technology while serving in the Israeli Army’s Intelligence Corps—” Gideon explained.
“I know Dan very well, General Tan, from back when we were both in IDF,” Rogel interjected. “He’s an unparalleled computer genius when it comes to advanced communication techniques. He would be a great addition to the team.”
“Let me add my support for recruiting Dan Avni to the team, General Tan,” Deutsch volunteered. “I’ve seen what he’s capable of in Paris, when we were dealing with stemming the Revolutionary Guard’s illegal purchase attempts in Europe. Dan possesses a combination of technological knowledge, broad experience in the field of communication, and a pleasant, warm personality when it comes to teamwork. We won’t regret it if we invite him to join the task force.”