by Uzi Eilam
“Based on all that,” Dan said, “I came to the conclusion that if we had an electro-optic device with an assured energy source, in the form of a small battery, we could develop a listening device that could be planted on anyone wearing the glasses.”
“That’s a brilliant idea!” exclaimed Deutsch, brimming with enthusiasm. “But, tell me, how does this tiny device transmit over long distances? Who is it intended for? And how do we actually get close to the right person?”
“Even in enemy countries,” Gideon said, “we have the ability to install relay devices to receive the transmissions of the ‘listening glasses,’ as we call them, and transfer them to reception stations.” This time, Gideon’s interruption was meant to preclude Dan from going into detail about the technique of using the computer network as a means of transmitting the communication. “The systemic-technological issue is resolved in the manner that Dan described,” Gideon said, locking eyes with Dan. “All that remains is the small issue of getting the right person to wear the glasses.”
“And?!” Deutsch said eagerly, unable to contain himself.
“We learned that only General Jamshidi was given the advanced model of the glasses,” Gideon said.
“And can we confirm that the special system was really given to the right person?”
“We have excellent contacts within the German company,” Gideon said.
“The weak link in our system,” Dan volunteered, “is the transmission relay, which is still not reliable and doesn’t ensure continuous transmission.”
“On this point,” Gideon said, tapping his right index finger on the table, “I believe the knowledge of your NSA personnel could help give our communications channel transatlantic capability.”
“I have no doubt,” said Deutsch with confidence. “And now we have something to discuss during the meeting at the embassy, that is, beyond simply learning about the branch’s activity.”
“Gerald, although I know it’s not necessary, I still need to stress the immense security sensitivity of what we’ve just shared with you,” Gideon said. “Everything that Dan just told you is for your ears only. All the NSA people need to know is our project’s need to extend the range of listening devices located in Iran.”
“Understood,” Deutsch assured them. “I’ll set up your visit for sometime in the next few days.”
With a distinct sense that progress had been made, the three men shook hands, exited the restaurant, and turned left toward Boulevard Saint-Germain, with its heavy midday traffic and its sidewalks teeming with pedestrians.
Chapter 24
The long hours that Dan spent in the communications room were not in vain. Although his powerful laptop held no classified information, he also had an external device for sensitive information and decoding algorithms that functioned as a portable database. The device was kept in a secure safe in the Israeli Defense Ministry Delegation building in Paris, and the delegation’s director of security saw to it that only Dan had access to it. The delegation had provided Dan with a resistant communications channel, and he felt right at home when he connected his computer to the network. After a number of days, during which monitoring the communications to and from the Iranian embassy yielded nothing of significant interest, he identified a number of transmissions regarding a smuggling route from Germany to Portugal via France and Spain.
“Gideon! I think you should get over here right away!” Dan said quickly and excitedly into the phone.
“What happened? What’s so urgent?”
“I think I’ve discovered something important here. I really think you should come over and have a look.”
Gideon trusted Dan’s ability to recognize important information when he saw it, and he knew the young computer whiz had dealt with similar issues and much more complicated ones throughout his military service. He therefore had no doubt that Dan had found something important, and he made his way to the Defense Ministry Delegation building as soon as he could to see what it was all about.
“Good morning!” said Gideon with a smile as he strode up to Dan’s monitoring station escorted by the director of security, who immediately left the two men alone. “You’ve got my attention. What do you have?”
“See for yourself, Gideon. This is a printout of decrypted communication between the Iranian embassy here in Paris and the Guardians’ development division. It’s a channel I’ve been monitoring for a few days now, but now it’s clear that something’s in the works.”
“But what is it, specifically, that caught your eye and that’s so urgent now?”
“Here. Look at the last two pages of the call transcript,” he said to Gideon, placing a few sheets before him. “It’s a practical plan for smuggling systems and materials.”
“Hmmm…I see,” said Gideon in a soft voice, as he continued to scour the printouts of decoded communications. “From Germany and from France itself, via Spain, to Portugal?”
“Yes. The Iranians began to run into problems getting prohibited devices and materials out of Europe after the Germans tightened their supervision. It looks like they’re constructing an alternative land route, and the most convenient place for shipments from Europe actually appears to be Portugal.”
“That’s very interesting,” said Gideon. “Did you know that during World War II Portugal served as a site of broad operational leeway for the clandestine operations of both sides in the fighting?”
“I didn’t know that,” said Dan. “I guess history is repeating itself. But still, in order to reach Portugal, the shipments must cross the border between France and Spain. So far, their communications have enabled me to identify the region where the shipment will be smuggled across the border: the Basque region of the Pyrenees Mountains. I’m currently waiting on information regarding the exact location of the operation.”
“Dan, this is fantastic information! We need to inform Professor Bernard as soon as possible. Finish up what you’re doing so we can go get the ball rolling with him. Can you leave the monitoring system up while you’re gone?”
“Yes. It’s fine. The system keeps running even if I’m not manning it.”
“So bring what you’ve already printed out, and we’ll update Haim on the way. He should also be included in the meeting with Bernard.”
***
“Good morning, gentlemen,” Bernard said, looking up from his computer screen. “What’s the urgent information? When you called, Gideon, you said there was no time to lose and that we needed to act quickly.”
“Dan decrypted a series of messages that we think indicate a new smuggling route for supervised materials. I suggest that Dan explain what he found.”
“All right,” said Professor Bernard. “Dan, go ahead.”
“The Iranians have devised a plan to smuggle supervised devices and substances. From what I’ve seen, the devices include German-manufactured electronic switches. The route begins in Germany and France, and the final destination is Portugal. From what I’ve decrypted so far, they intend to fly the materials directly from Portugal to Iran. I’ve printed out the important parts of the Iranian communications,” he said, placing the printed pages on the desk before Bernard.
“This is urgent,” Bernard said, somewhat surprised. “Do we know which pass in the Pyrenees they plan on using?”
“It looks like it will be in the Basque region,” Dan replied. “I’m hoping that their next transmissions will contain more precise information regarding the mountain pass.”
“In my opinion, Professor Bernard, we can begin working immediately,” Haim interjected. He had said nothing until now, and he had followed the performance of the “rookie star,” as he referred to Dan in his own thoughts, with a resentful scowl that only Gideon noticed.
“What do you mean, General Bar-Oz?”
“On the assumption that we receive precise information regarding the location of the border cros
sing between France and Spain,” he continued confidently, “we can lay ambushes there to prevent the crossing.”
“More than one?” asked Bernard.
“Yes. We must assume that there are a number of possible crossing sites. Experience has taught us how to stop infiltrators by choosing the right ambush locations.”
“Mon général, you are right,” Bernard said. “This is all taking me back to my younger days as a paratroopers’ brigade commander. Indeed, the correct placement of an ambush is of the utmost importance.”
“And how would you proceed at this point, General Bar-Oz, before we know the precise route?” Gideon asked.
“I would select the commanders and soldiers for the mission and begin training, which won’t take long but must be done in conditions that are as close as possible to those on the ground.”
“That sounds like a good plan to me,” Bernard said. “The gendarmerie has a commando unit with experience in preparing for just such missions.”
“Professor Bernard, if I might interject,” Gideon said. “It would probably be a good idea to involve the Americans.”
“What?!” barked Professor Bernard, visibly angered by the suggestion. “Don’t you think our commando units are good enough?!”
“The Americans are our partners on the task force,” Gideon reminded him. “In my opinion, the involvement of countries like Spain and Portugal also requires American cooperation and assistance, and political backing when necessary. I’d be willing to brief Dr. Deutsch and John O’Connor.”
“All right, Gideon,” Bernard conceded. “Those are good points. But you’ll need to do it immediately. In the meantime, we’ll put together a special force from the gendarmerie’s commando unit.”
***
The drive from Bernard’s office to the hotel, where Gideon and Deutsch had agreed to meet, took longer than usual due to the heavy rush hour traffic. Haim talked incessantly, recounting fond memories of past operations and astutely analyzing the mission that lay ahead. Gideon was pleased to see him emanating positivity and cheer for a change. He finally had something that made him feel at home, an area in which he could contribute and even excel. And why shouldn’t he?
“Gerald, John, it’s good to see you!” said Gideon as he, Dan, and Haim joined the two Americans at a table at the far end of the Hotel Saint Jacques lobby.
“It’s nice to see you too. I see our Israeli partners are hard at work again,” Deutsch said. “So, Gideon, you said there’s been an interesting development. Are you ready to fill us in?”
“That’s why we’re here, Gerald. I suggest we begin by telling you what Dan’s work has uncovered.”
“We’re all ears, Dan. Go ahead,” Deutsch said.
“Okay,” Dan began. “But first, I’d like to thank you, Dr. Deutsch, for arranging the visit to the local NSA office and for the special assistance I received from your people in terms of communication channels. They are truly open experts who are not interested in keeping everything to themselves.”
“I’m happy to hear it,” Deutsch replied. “Did it really help you?”
“Yes, it did. Ever since I connected to your communications channel, the speed of information retrieval has been exponentially faster. The most notable lead, which I’ve been following for a few days now, has to do with an Iranian effort to smuggle materials that are prohibited for export without authorization. I’ve seen evidence of the planning of shipments from France to Portugal in order to fly them from there to Iran. The route planned is a ground route via the Pyrenees Mountains in the Basque region, across the border from France into Spain, and from there to Portugal.”
“I suggested to Professor Bernard that we place ambushes at the passes that the smugglers can be expected to use,” said Haim, working his way into the conversation. “We convinced him to allow an American commando force to join the operation.”
“Dan,” said O’Connor, “can I take a look at your documents? Do you already know the location of the border crossings?”
“I still don’t have an exact location.” Dan pushed the file across the table to O’Connor. “As you can see from what I’ve found so far, it’s in the French Basque region, in the Neville Valley. They mentioned the town of Ascain.”
“I’ve already reviewed maps of the region,” Haim said. “We can assemble a force for training and adaptation in Ascain or a village located just up the road, about fifteen minutes to the southeast. During World War II, this region was a sphere of operation of the Maquis, which smuggled people from France into Spain.”
“Really?” Deutsch said, surprised. “Where did you learn this interesting information?”
“Actually, I’ve read a great deal about the Maquis, the French underground, during World War II. The French were able to overpower the Austrian army units that the Germans had positioned along the mountainous border between France and Spain. The region contains a number of mountain passes that are still used by hikers looking for a challenge.”
“I suggest,” said Gideon in an effort to reach an operative conclusion, “that Haim join the coordinating team that will be led by Professor Bernard. John, would you be willing to join the team as well?” Haim nodded with discernable pleasure.
“What exactly is required of the team?” O’Connor asked.
“We’ll have two forces, John,” Gideon explained, “and we’ll need to meld them into a combined force capable of preparing itself for the operation. The team is not meant to replace the commanders of the SEAL units or the gendarmerie commandos. Its purpose will be to assist them in preparations and coordination.”
“It’s the right way to go,” Deutsch said. “John, I think you should join the coordinating team.”
“Okay, people,” Gideon concluded, “we have a clear plan of action. If it’s okay with you, I’ll update Bernard and ask him to lead the coordinating team. I don’t think it will be difficult to convince him of the logic of coordinated action by a gendarmerie force and an American SEAL force.”
“If we can spare two or three days, it would be worthwhile to train both forces together, in an area with conditions similar to those of the Pyrenean passes,” suggested Haim. “What about the Val Thorens ski area? It’s located in the Three Valleys region of the French Alps.”
“That’s an excellent idea,” Gideon agreed. “John? Gerald? What do you say?”
“I’m not familiar with the site,” said John. “But if you and Haim say it’s necessary, I’ll sign off on it. But it will have to happen immediately.”
***
The two combat teams had already assembled at one of the large hotels in Val Thorens under a cover story of a binational meeting of karate clubs. All the fighters had an excellent command of the martial art, and the hotel placed the sports hall in the basement at their disposal.
The commander of the gendarmerie force, who had arrived from Paris with Professor Bernard, was addressing his men. “We spent all day yesterday training to ski from concealed positions to the locations of the ambushes, and we repeated the process in the dark. Based on the exercises, we reached some important conclusions regarding coordination between the teams in the event we need to provide assistance to one another.”
“The results were impressive,” Haim said proudly. “After their karate training tomorrow, they’ll still have half a day to get it perfect. And then they’ll leave immediately to take up their positions near the passes.”
“Do you think I could join them tomorrow and see the training up close?” Dan asked with infectious enthusiasm. “I haven’t skied for a while, but I’m in pretty good shape. What do you say, Gideon?”
Gideon smiled. “I wouldn’t mind a short ski break. That is, if Haim coordinates it with the men and Bernard has no objection.”
After mulling over the request for a few moments, the professor gave his approval. “Go ahead, have some fun. Perhaps Deuts
ch and O’Connor would also be interested.”
“Why not?” said the two Americans, enthusiastically smiling.
“But don’t get too wild out there,” warned Deutsch, “and stay with the group. The snow is deep and dangerous off the marked trails.”
The first two hours of the morning were pleasant enough. The sun rose and visibility was excellent. The next step was skiing from the peak of Cime de Caron, at an altitude of 3,200 meters, down a steep trail with black markings. A cloud descended on the mountain, blocking out much of the sunlight, and Gideon and Dan had to work harder to control their speed on the way down due to poor visibility.
Suddenly, out of nowhere, two snowboarders burst onto the trail, dangerously close to Dan and Gideon. After a few seconds, during which the Israelis tried in vain to move out of their way, the snowboarders pushed Dan, and then Gideon, off the trail. Ensnared by the deep snow, the two found themselves using all the strength they could muster to stop their wild descent. They finally came to a halt perilously close to the edge of a cliff and were unable to climb back up and extricate themselves from the harrowing situation. It had been impossible to see other members of the team through the thick fog that covered the descent. Haim had completely vanished, and the soldiers continued on, Gideon thought. Two minutes passed, and he saw Deutsch’s small figure high above them, far up the slope.
“Don’t move!” Deutsch shouted. “Stay where you are! The slightest movement could send you off the cliff!”
“We’re not going anywhere!” Gideon called back. “In any case, I’m pretty sure that only a helicopter can get us out of this one!”
“I’m on it. I already called the Val Thorens ski patrol. Just pack the snow in around you and wait for the cavalry to arrive!” Deutsch instructed.
“I wouldn’t bet on a helicopter with this visibility,” Dan said.
“All we can do is let Deutsch deal with it and hope for the best,” replied Gideon.
The rescue operation took more than an hour and was completed only after the strong winds at the peak of the mountain chased off the cloud cover and allowed a helicopter, manned by an experienced pilot, to extract Gideon and Dan, one after another. The tracks made by the snowboarders were clearly visible in the deep snow, but the snowboarders were already long gone.
