The two olive drab military Humvees made an uneventful trip to Las Vegas. The front one carried four heavily armored GAF black berets and their very scary looking weapons. The following vehicle was driven by Lisa with Joe alongside of her. They too wore body armor, as did Roberta, Paul and Zack in the back. Paul thought it was total overkill, while Roberta and Zack seemed to think it was pretty neat. However, Paul had no choice. The General’s paper orders specified the armor, as Zack was a highly valued military asset. Paul did wonder if the value had fallen a few notches with the death of the alien. He decided to keep that thought to himself.
The two Humvees pulled into the underground garage below the courthouse. The GAF troops got out and motioned the other vehicle to stay buttoned up. After several minutes of surveillance, the OK sign was given and all proceeded to the elevator. The elevator door was open and one soldier had checked it out for any sign of threat. Again, Paul could not help but think of overkill. They all rode up to the fifth floor where the court room and judge’s chambers were. The armed security guard at the desk near the entrance did a double take as the group approached him. He said something quickly into his P-Com. The lead soldier approached him and handed him the papers. After reading them, he picked up his P-Com and said, “Stand down. All clear here.”
As the group approached the door, the guard said, “No weapons are allowed in the court room.” The four GAF troops stopped and said, “Is there anyone in there beside the Judge?” “No.” “OK, we’ll wait out here.” The guard turned to Joe and Lisa and beckoned them through the metal detector. The alarm beeped shrilly. He put his hand up and said, “No weapons beyond this point.” Joe and Lisa reached slowly into their front breast pocket and showed the guard the badge and ID in the open leather sleeve. The guard recognized the badge as indicating they had the highest level of authorized international security legally allowed, which gave them rule exemption. He nodded and beckoned them through. Paul, Roberta and Lisa followed. Suddenly, the guard finally recognized Paul’s face. He turned and said, “Dr. Laurent, it is an honor to have you here.” Paul turned and smiled a bit, feeling totally embarrassed by the attention. He preferred the stony, unwaveringly, unimpressed faces of the GAF black berets. He mumbled a “Thank you.”
The Judge looked up from his desk in his chamber. “Judge Chase, your 11:30 appointment is here. The secretary looked a little shook up. “Show them in.” When the group entered, the judge observed the body armor and now understood the secretary’s reaction. He was nonplussed. “Have a seat.” The Judge pulled up a folder and leafed through it for several minutes, making little annoying noises every once in a while. Paul wondered how much of that was for show. Finally, the Judge cleared his throat. “Paul Laurent, Roberta Laurent and Zack please approach the bench.” They rose and did as instructed.
“Dr. and Mrs. Laurent, it is my understanding that you wish to adopt Zack as your son in all the legal and emotional sense that such action stands for. Is that so?” Both Paul and Roberta answered in unison. “Yes, we do.” The judge then turned to Zack and said, “Zack, it is my understanding that you consent and would be happy to be their adopted son in all meaning and expectations that such a relationship carries. Is that so?” “Yes, your honor. It would make me very happy.” “In that case, I now approve the adoption as legally binding. There is one more item. Zack, I have paperwork here that would legalize your change of name from Zack Johnson to Zack Johnson Laurent, if that is your wish?” Zack turned to Paul and Roberta and said, “It would be an honor, but only if my new mother and father approve.” Both Paul and Roberta said, “Of course, Zack.” A tear ran down Roberta’s face, as did one on Zack’s cheek. Paul was surprised by the name change, as there had been no form from the lawyer for that change. Still, he liked it and thought more fondly of Attorney Doolittle. The Judge smiled and signed the papers, “Here’s the documents that makes this all legally binding. I wish all of you the best as a new family. God bless.”
Elsewhere across the continent Reverend Jeremiah Cooper sat at his office desk in the new, imposing Church of the Rapture in New York staring at his laptop screen. He was looking intently at the picture of Paul Laurent. Could it be possible, he thought. Jeremiah could see some resemblance to Paul’s predecessor, John Cabrot. Thinking about God’s message that Cabrot wasn’t dead had gotten Jeremiah to wonder if the government had faked Cabrot’s death. If so, where would Cabrot resurface? Why, in his old job thought Jeremiah. Still, Jeremiah couldn’t be completely sure. It could be his imagination that he saw Cabrot in Laurent. He needed some expertise to determine if it was possible, but how? Suddenly, it came to him. He remembered reading about forensic anthropologists who could reconstruct complete faces from skulls recovered from crime scenes and archeological digs. He pressed the intercom button. “Ms. Gates, please come in here. I have an important research task for you.”
Ms. Esther Gates entered with her tablet and took a seat in front of Jeremiah’s desk. “Yes, Reverend Cooper. What do you need?” “Ms. Gates, a high end donor has asked a favor. He has developed an interest in tracing ancestors. He has come across one that had been lost in terms of burial sites, but recently believes he found the grave of his great- great grandfather. He wants to make a positive identification, but asked me for help. I want you to research forensic anthropologists in the New York area and find me the top one. Please keep the search discreet, as we need to respect donor sensitivity. One last thing, drop all other tasks for now, this one has my highest priority.” “OK, Reverend Cooper, I’ll get right on it.” She looked down at her tablet notes as she left the room.
Jeremiah felt very pleased with himself. Ever since the authorities questioned him about Cabrot’s assassin and the relationship to his Church, Jeremiah was somewhat paranoid. While the FBI couldn’t prove he had any connection to the assassin, Jeremiah was convinced they had planted a mole in his operation and likely bugged his office. His security people constantly looked for bugs and vetted all hires. While nothing suspicious ever turned up, Jeremiah had nagging thoughts about the possibility. He was very pleased with creating a fictitious, unnamed donor. That shouldn’t arouse any suspicion.
Later that evening, Ms. Gates sent a coded message to MI at area 51. While not suspicious in itself, Ms. Gates was a very efficient agent. She sent everything on of any consequence. It was logged in by the AI at Area 51. Earlier, the AI had flagged the Cabrot and Laurent photo search on Jeremiah Cooper’s laptop. The AI was programmed to monitor for several key words such as Cabrot and Laurent. The AI examined the images that Cooper had looked at and the subsequent short time later request for a forensic anthropologist. It determined that there was a 90% probability that these two events were connected. A search of phone and emails from and to the church had found no request from an anonymous donor. The AI sent the information packet to General Straub red-flagged as per its programming. MI had reluctantly agreed to the General receiving information after the change of identity. Of course, it also went to Colonel Lanzo.
General Straub was finishing his morning breakfast when his P-Com rang with the melody from “Secret Agent Man.” General Straub immediately accepted the message and read it. It was the first time that this melody code had rung. As General Straub read the message, he frowned. This didn’t look good, but perhaps there was a silver lining. If they could entrap Reverend Cooper and nail him for attempted murder of Paul Cabrot and his two associates, not to mention the body guards, that would be a strategic coup. Such an event would do a lot to discredit the Church of the Rapture and disrupt its influence. The Church was rapidly becoming a major thorn in the side of GAF and World Government. Its members were infiltrating the military and governments, possibly endangering their effectiveness to respond successfully to the next alien invasion. The absurd idiots actually believed that the aliens were angels of God sent to bring on the Rapture. Tyler used his desk intercom. “Sergeant O’Malley, contact Colonel Kyle Lanzo of Military Intelligence and tell him I’m on my way to his offic
e. The matter is code red urgent.”
Colonel Lanzo had already read the report when General Straub showed up at his office. “Yes, General, I agree there is a window of opportunity in this worrisome situation. MI will have to proceed carefully, so as to not alert Cooper or endanger Paul Laurent. We’ll increase surveillance on Cooper and I’ll alert Laurent’s body guards to heighten their awareness.” “That’s good. I don’t want any harm to come to Paul or his family. Keep me updated. Thanks.” General Straub left Colonel Lanzo’s office feeling a bit better, but still worried. So many things could go wrong in this cat and mouse game. Should he tell Paul? Tyler decided on the basis of their friendship that he had to let Paul know.
Paul, Roberta and Zack sat in the living room of their quarters. Joe and Lisa were there also. Paul had told Roberta and Zack about the Cooper situation after Tyler spoke to him. Joe and Lisa were surprised to learn that Paul knew, but they felt that was likely for the better. Joe was currently speaking. “As long as we stay here, we are very safe from Cooper. This base is highly secure and there is no way Cooper or anyone acting on his behalf could get inside.” Lisa butted in at that point. “Of course, you are assuming that no one on the base is sympathetic to Cooper and his church, as such you cannot overrule a potential assassin.”
Paul looked up and said, “It’s all irrelevant. I have STEMEO to run and would like to return to Stamford. There isn’t anything to keep us here now, as Zack is no longer needed to learn anything from the alien. General Straub is reluctant to let us return, but has agreed. He has reserved the right to yank us back whenever he feels necessary, whether for our protection or for Zack’s ability. He is also adding an additional security detail. They will coordinate with you, Joe and Lisa. We’ll stay for a few more days until all the details are worked out, but then we head back to Stamford.” Zack looked around, and then said, “With my ESP I can sense someone with harmful intent.” Paul said, “Yes, Zack, that is true. But you can’t be with me at all times. You have your own life to live. You must receive tutoring and you can’t be at my office or in meetings. Life will go on as normally as possible. Keep alert Zack on those times when we are together. I want us to be as normal a family as possible.”
Back at MI in Area 51, Colonel Lanzo was sitting with Henry Zisterwicz, MI’s best hacker. “Henry, we need real-time surveillance around the clock on Reverend Jeremiah’s Cooper’s communications and movements. Can you do it?” “Yes, we already have his email accounts, computers, and P-Coms bugged. I’ll have to add some more shifts to do around the clock. It’ll cost, as we’ll also need surveillance drones.” “Henry, that’s no problem. This action is a code red operation and will be completely funded. Just let my office know what you need. We are especially interested in a specific trip to a forensic anthropologist. We’ll want that office completely bugged for all computer and vocal activity as well as complete video surveillance. Our agent will supply us with the name that she will recommend to Reverend Cooper.”
“Tricky, but it can be done,” said Henry. “We’ll send an email that will be one that the anthropologist will definitely open based upon our hacking of his or her email system. When opened, it will send a worm into the computer system, rendering its security inoperative while shutting down the system. The worm will be embedded and invisible to any anti-viral program. All the office communication lines will be monitored and outgoing calls both internally and externally requesting IT help will be intercepted by us. One of our IT agents will be sent to repair the system and will install everything we need.” “Good, Henry. How are the family doing?” “Great. Anita and the kids are all doing fine.”
A short time later, MI Agent Esther Gates sent a coded email to Henry. Henry read it and sprang into action. The forensic anthropologist was Dr. Barry Fodor who was employed as a consultant with a small office at the NYPD, but also had a private office in Manhattan. Henry sent the prepared email to Fodor, disguised as an email from his beloved daughter. There was actually no message content, so Fodor would think his daughter had changed her mind about the message, but had inadvertently hit the send button. While there was no reason to think that Cooper would go elsewhere, Henry and Gates would remain vigilant should anything change.
As luck would have it, Dr. Fodor was in his private office when the email arrived. Henry was relieved. Getting an agent there was much easier than dealing with the NYPD. MI could muscle into the NYPD with its powerful, you can’t refuse credentials. Far fewer questions this way, though, thought Henry. Fodor smiled at the incoming email and clicked on it. A look of disappointment crossed his face when it contained no message. He went back to reading his other emails. About 10 minutes later, his system crashed. Fodor spent several minutes trying rebooting and checking wires. Finally he checked his P-Com. The email feature still worked. Damn, he thought. It is my office system. Since he was not at the NYPD, he called out to the IT service under contract to his office. The call was instantly intercepted by one of Henry’s staff. A service visit was arranged. The IT agent in New York City working for MI was ready per the advanced directive and left for the service appointment. He was expected in Fodor’s office in 45 minutes. MI Agent Charles Kee grabbed his tool case and attaché case with what he needed.
Agent Charles Kee pulled into the nearest parking garage to Fodor’s office. He walked briskly pulling the wheeled cases behind him. Up ahead he saw two street toughs lounging near an upscale clothing boutique. He immediately recognized the look. It was that “Wonder what he has in those cases and is it worthwhile mugging him” look. Agent Kee unbuttoned his jacket and casually moved it aside, exposing the shoulder holster with its lethal weapon. He noted that the two men lost all interest and moved on down a side street. As he passed the corner, he glanced down the street, noting that the men were moving away rapidly. A few more blocks and he entered the office building where Dr. Fodor kept his private office.
Agent Kee read the directory and pressed the appropriate button. “Yes, who is it?” “Dr. Fodor, I’m from IT Specialists in response to your need for service.” “Show me some ID, please. Kee pulled out his newly minted fake ID and held it in front of him. “OK, Mr. Ming, come up.” Upon hearing the buzz, Kee opened the door and went to the elevator. He stepped out and a few steps later knocked at the office door. It opened and Dr. Fodor beckoned him in. “What happened to the regular IT guy, Mendez?” “He was busy on another call, so rather than delay our response, they sent me. I assure you I am as good as Mendez. I’ll need to sit at your desk and use your computer for the initial diagnostics. After that, I might have to check the fiber optic system in the ceiling. I’ll have to remove ceiling tiles, probably use your desk to step on. You don’t have to stay here. Give me your P-Com number and I’ll call you when I’m done.” Dr. Fodor handed him his business call and asked “How long do you estimate this will take? I have important clients coming and need my computer equipment working properly.” “No more than 30 minutes, Dr. Fodor.” Dr. Fodor left the office and walked down the hall. He pulled his P-Com out and made a call. MI listened in in case Fodor called the IT firm to verify the identity of Ming. He didn’t.
Agent Kee opened the worm per the command provided by Henry. He typed in the disabling command, “Worm Out.” The computer returned to normal operating status, but the worm kept a back door open for MI taps. Kee looked up at the ceiling. Good, white, he thought. He pulled out the latest technological MI bug, a thin white wafer dubbed the Comm-Wafer that would blend right into the ceiling and not be noticed. It contained a fish eye video camcorder with high sensitivity microphone, a tiny powerful lithium hydride doped battery that could operate for weeks, and it piggybacked its digital imagery on the office Wi Fi system. It also was coated with a specially formulated chameleon pigment. Kee stood on the desk and placed one directly over the desk. For added measure, he put another in the corner over the copy machine. Kee then placed a beige one on the office wall behind Fodor’s desk which gave a good view of visiting clients as they entered an
d when they sat in front of the desk. He checked all of them and was satisfied that their reorganized paint pigments matched the surface perfectly and their thinness made them all nearly invisible to the human eye.
Kee then stepped out into the corridor with a chair. Looking around and satisfied that no one was around, he placed another thin white wafer on the ceiling near the office door. He then went down the hall and found the rest rooms. Good, they were unisexual. Kee often felt funny when he had to bug the women’s rest rooms. Satisfied, Kee went back to the office and sat down. He sent the coded signal via his P-Com to MI in Area 51. A beep followed. Kee waved and said, “Can you hear me, now?” His P-Com flashed a message. “A-1” That meant that MI found all bugs working properly. Kee knew it was overkill, as the bugs always worked. MI was proud of these bugs. They had built-in stealth technology constantly updated, so they were always one step ahead of the latest technology in bug detection. It was possible that Cooper would come with bug detection gear.
He called Dr. Fodor. “I am done now. You can return. I need your signature on my work order.” About five minutes later, Dr. Fodor walked in. “What did you find?” “”You had some corruption in a few critical files in the operating system. The likely cause was some sudden surge in the building’s electrical power. There were no viruses. Try your computer now, please.” Dr. Fodor went to his desk and logged on. Sure enough everything seemed to be in good working order. “How much will it cost?” “Dr. Fodor, since there were no parts needed and my only input was labor, there is no charge. We do that every once in a while for good customers like you. Please sign my work order and I’ll be on my way.” Dr. Fodor signed and said “Thanks for coming and getting the job done so quickly.” “No problem,” said Kee/Ming as he left.
After Ming left, Dr. Fodor picked up his P-Com and called the IT Specialists. The call was immediately intercepted by the MI technician in the street van. “Hello, IT Specialists. How may I help you?” “This is Dr. Fodor. I have a contract with you and want to commend your technician, Mr. Ming. He did a superb job. Everything works fine again. Oh, and a special thanks for the no charge this time. Very nice of you and I do appreciate it.” “No problem, Dr. Fodor. We value your business. Thank you for calling. Good-bye.” The Communication specialist at MI made a note to the system to continue monitoring emails, snail mails and telecommunications in case Dr. Fodor decided to have any further communications regarding the repair.
The Manhattan Incident Page 36