Chasm Waxing: A Startup, Cyber-Thriller

by B. Michaels

  “I’ll use my Israeli real estate connections to see what I can do about purchasing a property as close to the geo-marker as possible. I’ll use a bunch of shell companies and off-shore accounts to hide the transaction from the FBI and NSA. I must appear to be an Arab buyer. I also have some associates in the Israeli building industry. I’ll find someone that will cooperate with our pretense of remodeling. I’m not going to mention the Ark to anyone. But they’ll need to know that secrecy is paramount.

  “I thought about a couple of things during lunch. One is getting you guys out of the country. The other concerns the dig. I have a client in Mexico City that I think will be very useful. He owes me some favors. He’s a Jew by the way. I’m not sure if you’re aware, but Mexico City has a thriving Jewish community.

  “My client’s name is Juan Elias. Or at least, that’s what he tells me. But everyone calls him, ‘El Jefe.’ El Jefe owns a construction company. He digs very elaborate underground tunnels complete with ventilation, power, and transport systems—via minecarts. He has a number of architects and mining engineers on staff. If adequately rewarded, I think he’d allow us to borrow some of his team. His tunnels run right under the US border; from Matamoros, Mexico to Brownsville, Texas. If they’ve remained hidden, they might be a viable way for you to sneak out of the country.”

  “I don’t understand,” said Josh, dumbfounded. “Why is someone in the Mexican construction industry digging elaborate tunnels under the border?”

  Becca sighed. “Geez Josh, for someone so smart, sometimes you make me wonder. Mr. Adler, I don’t know what your client in Mexico City does but, TextWorld, display images of Joaquin Guzman drug tunnels.” The A-HoloGlasses showed numerous pictures of tunnels that the Mexican drug lord used to smuggle drugs into the US. Becca swiped through the photos.

  “Oh, now I understand,” said Josh. “I can’t help it, Becca. I wasn’t on a first-name basis with the FBI before I hit puberty.” Josh winked at her. Some of the tunnels were as much as 100 feet deep. Ingenious mechanisms were used to conceal the entrances. Guzman himself used a tunnel to escape a maximum security prison. Other images displayed tools they’d need to acquire: shovels, picks, generators, electrical wire, emergency oxygen tanks, a ventilation system, and minecarts.

  “What are the minecarts for?” asked Josh.

  Jared replied, “I think he used them to quickly transport items through the tunnel. They’d be terrific for us to help expedite dirt removal and move the Ark—when you find it. I made some calls during lunch. I think the best way for you to get into Israel is to travel from Mexico City to Amman, Jordan. Then you can cross the border, just north of the Red Sea. That’s the location of the Rabin crossing point—in the port city of Eilat. My contact said it’s one of the more lightly traveled border crossings.

  “I’m stuck on an archeologist. I do know some academics at Hebrew University, but I don’t trust them with such a sensitive issue. Kishore, I know you’ve got some interest in archeology. What do you think?”

  “Yeah,” replied Kishore, “I took a course in Indian archeology at Berkley. We went on a dig at the Lothal site. Lothal was a Harappan port town in India, about 4000 years ago. I also try to stay current on the subject.

  “I have a couple of thoughts. First, some sophisticated archeological drones have hit the market. They can help with excavation and exploration. They’re expensive, but they’d be a lot faster than digging with picks, shovels, and air hammers. You want to find the Ark and get out of Jerusalem—ASAP. Also, depending upon how close the property is to the Ark, I think you’ll want to start the tunnel at least four stories down, if not more. Otherwise, nearby residents will hear your equipment.

  “The Hebrews would’ve had to dig tunnels to hide the Ark. Hopefully, you can connect with their ancient tunnel systems and follow them to the Ark. Sonar systems can be added to the robots to help locate those old tunnels.”

  “I think the robots are a great idea, if we can afford them,” said Becca.

  Jared laughed. “Well, Josh just made $5M this morning. And that was after only two hours. I think we can work something out.”

  “Great!” replied Becca. “I’ve been thinking about the archeologist. I was talking to my dad earlier this morning on encrypted chat. He told me that one of his church members was a Professor of Archaeology at the University of Memphis. He said the professor was very knowledgeable about biblical archeology.

  “I think, while we’re taking the time to implement this plan, we should go to Memphis. We can visit with my dad and meet the professor. We can see in person if the Professor will be willing to work within our constraints and lead the excavation. We can also use the trip to advance our pattern of life operation.”

  “That sounds like a good idea,” said Jared. “While you are doing that, I’ll work on acquiring real-estate close to the geo-marker. The whole plan is contingent upon us securing a property—no property; no excavation. And, I’m going to get you guys some passports.”

  Chapter 24 – Disinformation

  11:05 p.m. (EDT), Thursday, October 29, 2020 – Blacksburg, VA

  Top of the Stairs, 217 College Ave

  “Top of the Stairs” was Becca’s favorite college bar. It was just outside of Virginia Tech University. “Y’all, we have huge news. Josh and I are engaged!” She held out her hand to display a three-karat, emerald cut, diamond ring.”

  Becca’s friends gasped, followed by a raucous cheer. “Congratulations! Let’s toast.”

  The three coeds, Josh, and Becca all clanked their shot glasses and downed the Don Julio ’42 tequila.

  “Wow,” said Josh. “I usually hate tequila, but that was smooth. Maybe it has something to do with the price of the shots?” He laughed. “If you’ll excuse me, we’ve been driving all day, and I need to make a pit stop.”

  “He’s hot,” said Natalia. “Cute dimples. But as your best friend, I’m a little hurt I didn’t meet him sooner.”

  “I’m sorry. It’s just all moved so fast, and we’ve both been slammed at work. But you are the first to know.”

  “Oh, alright,” Natalia replied. “How could I stay mad on such an important night? When’s the date?”

  “We don’t know yet. We’re going to take it slow, but I think sometime next summer.”

  “Can I wear the ring?” asked Natalia. “It’s absolutely stunning.” Becca knew the younger Natalia from high school in Texas. From periodic trips to Blacksburg, Becca got acquainted with Natalia’s roommates. The youth of her friends allowed Becca to live life vicariously through their simpler perspective. The work world was so different from college life.

  Once Josh returned, Becca said, “So in celebration, right after Christmas, we’re taking a road trip across the country in a new A-Car. Josh just placed our order with Nucleus. We’re going to start in Connecticut, and drive clear across the country. We’ll stop to see my dad in Memphis, hit the Grand Canyon, Vegas, and then finally end up in L.A. Then we’ll drive up the West Coast.”

  The group toasted again. “To road trips!”

  After a few more hours of fun, Becca and Josh left. Becca promised Natalia that she’d keep in touch with more details.

  *

  Becca directed the rental car’s navigation system to drive to the SuperNight Motel, just off I-81. She turned the radio all the way up. The music would drown out the NSA’s prying ears. They could be listening through the car’s speech recognition system or either one of their cell phones. Becca did nothing to hide the purchase of the rental car.

  With the rental car in autonomous mode, Josh whispered into Becca’s ear, “Why do you want to go to a SuperNight Motel? We could stay at a nicer place, especially on such a special evening?”

  Becca chuckled. “We need to stay at a SuperNight to establish a pattern,” she whispered back.

  After checking in at the lobby, Josh parked the car in front of the
SuperNight motel room. They were careful to leave all electronic devices, including mobile phones, in the car. Josh stored the luggage in the hall closet. He looked back at Becca. “Do you want me to carry you over the threshold?”

  Becca giggled. Once inside the motel room, Becca closed the blinds and stuffed towels against the bottom of the front door. “Do you think they believed it?” she whispered.

  “I hope so.” He glanced at the motel room’s two twin beds. “What’s this, I thought this was going to be a super night?”

  “Stop,” replied Becca, “we’re not married yet. I’ve made mistakes in the past. This time around, I want to do it right.”

  “Do you think that Natalia is going to take the bait?” said Josh, softly.

  “She already took a picture of the ring and posted our engagement to Facebook, Instagram, and her Snapchat Story. She’s my best friend and a total gossip. You can bet that the NSA or FBI is tracking our location—every minute, of every hour—through our phones.”

  Becca didn’t know the identity of the lead organization, although she suspected the NSA. Technically, the FBI should’ve been in charge of US citizens deemed to be terrorists. But the General didn’t play by rules. He could always hide behind the veil of national security.

  Becca continued, “Once we gathered at the bar, whoever was listening, moved to determine who we were meeting. They looked at the geo-locations of everyone’s Internet-connected devices. Phones, watches, tablets—you name it. They built a list of all the bar’s patrons. Then, they started sifting through that list to discover our known and unknown associates.

  “Natalia is in my contact list. I talk to her all the time. So they probably knew who she was instantaneously. Now, they’ll put her and her roommates under surveillance. She’ll forgive me once she finds out why I did it. I’m sure they’ll mention that we’re taking a road trip. We’re just implementing the first phase of the plan. Memphis is where we start phase two.”

  “There’s only one item on my plan for tonight. I hope they hear this.” Josh kissed Becca’s neck. Becca melted into Josh’s arms.

  *

  After driving all day, Becca and Josh pulled up to Elisha Robert’s house in Memphis.

  A nerve-racking aspect of the journey was making sure that neither one said anything suspicious. When they needed to speak about any of the issues regarding the Ark, the escape to Mexico, or the dig; they did it the old fashioned way. They wrote letters to one another.

  The couple was constantly looking over their shoulders to spot pursuers. If any were present, they didn’t see them. It’s possible that satellites or aerial drones were tracking them, but Becca doubted it. “Are you ready?”

  “Absolutely,” replied Josh.

  Becca wrote a note. ‘I hope Dad followed my instructions.’ The two got out of the car and rang the doorbell.

  “Hi, Dad. I’d like you to finally meet Josh Adler, in the flesh.”

  Josh and Elisha greeted one another with a handshake and then a hug. The couple followed Elisha into the kitchen. Becca gathered everyone’s phone and turned them off. She found a gallon-sized, Ziploc bag. Becca sealed the phones. Then the hacker wrapped the Ziploc bag with aluminum foil and placed it in the freezer.

  She whispered to her dad, “Did you make the safe room?”

  After nodding affirmatively, Elisha led them to the basement. As they descended the basement stairs, Elisha locked the door behind him.

  “Dad, you’re sure there are no electronics down here?”

  “Yes. I’m positive,” replied Elisa, no longer whispering. “They can’t hear a thing down here. The only electric thing in this cellar is that light bulb. How are you guys holding up?”

  “Your daughter is amazing,” said Josh. “I wouldn’t be able to do this without her. Her knowledge of hacking, programming, and the capabilities of the NSA are allowing us to go forward. She’s an operational security goddess.”

  Becca rolled her eyes. “Oh, Josh. You have such a way with words. Why don’t you just call me, ‘Dorcas the Magnificent.’”

  Josh laughed. “Dorcas, I like that. I was going to say, ‘She-Geek,’ but Dorcas is better.”

  Becca ignored him. “Dad, I’m energized right now. I’m especially appreciative of Jared and you. I was depressed when I quit Gamification Systems. Even though it’s been stressful, Josh and I are in the midst of a real adventure. During all of the adversity, some stuff you’ve said in the past has come back to me.”

  “That makes me happy. I’m proud of you both. You’ve been called to do an extraordinary thing. I’ve been praying and fasting about this. I’ve given my concerns about your safety to the Lord. He’s given me peace about your situation. I believe that this is of Him, and He’s going to protect y’all.” Elisha’s voice quivered.

  “Thank you, Daddy.”

  After an emotional interlude, Becca continued. “I don’t want to ruin the moment, but we’re in the process of creating a plan to confuse the NSA analysts. And one of those fibs is that Josh and I just got engaged.”

  Elisha laughed. “Well, congratulations Josh!”

  “Thanks! If they think we’re getting married, maybe it’ll take some of the heat off us. So, if you could send some emails and post the news to your social media accounts, that would be helpful.”

  Elisha nodded.

  “Dad, I didn’t write this in any of our encrypted chats, but we wanted to ask you about the Ark. Josh’s AI predicts that the Ark is located on a crescent-shaped ridge, known as the Acra or the City of David. Does that mean anything to you?

  “How far from the Temple Mount is the Ark?”

  Josh pulled out a printed A-Map from his pocket. He showed Elisha the geo-marker. “It’s about one-third of a mile south of the Temple Mount, by the Gihon Spring.”

  Elisha reviewed the map. While he was not an archeologist, he had researched the Temple Mount quite extensively. The area played a prominent role in Bible prophecy regarding the End Times. “Right now, Jerusalem and the Temple Mount are a fundamental source of consternation for both Jews and Muslims. Muslims want Jerusalem, which they call Al-Quds, to be the capital of Palestine.

  “This is a non-starter for almost all the Israelis. Then, there is the Temple Mount itself. Muslims call the Temple Mount, the Noble Sanctuary. In Arabic, it’s called the Haram al-Sharif. The golden Dome of the Rock sits on the site, as does the al-Aqsa Mosque. It’s the third most holy site in Islam—after Mecca and Medina, in Saudi Arabia.

  “Jews claim that the Temple Mount was the site of the first and second Temples. Babylonians destroyed the first. Rome obliterated the second Temple, in 70 AD, nearly 500 years later. The Jews were rioting in the Temple complex. Roman troops quelled the unrest. A military base, overlooking the Temple Mount, housed the Roman soldiers. The base was called, ‘Fortress Antonia.’ When the riots got out of hand, General Vespasian ordered the destruction of the Temple. Vespasian later became the ninth Emperor of Rome.

  “Prophesying about that moment nearly 40 years earlier, Jesus looked at the second Temple and said, ‘Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.’ Most every Jew and Christian believes that the current Temple Mount was the site of the first and second Temples. Many Muslims deny this claim. The Jerusalem Islamic Waqf administers the site. They forbid any excavation.

  “The reason this impacts the Ark is that a fair number of people believe that the Ark was hidden in tunnels or caves under the Temple, before the Babylonians destroyed it. Archeologists can’t test this theory because the Waqf won’t allow exploration under the Noble Sanctuary.

  “So…here’s the first thing that races across my mind in response to your map: the location of your geo-marker might indicate that the Temple was located, not on the Temple Mount, but in the old City of David. If that were the case, it would mean that the Jews could rebuild their Temple without destroying t
he Muslim Noble Sanctuary.

  “I do believe I’ve read about a theory to that effect, but I’d defer to Professor McMillan. From what I remember about the theory, Gihon Spring was indispensable. To this day, it’s the only natural freshwater supply for the city of Jerusalem. In fact, the Gihon Spring was the reason the Jebusites first established the city in that location.”

  “Why was the Gihon Spring so important for the Temple?” asked Becca.

  “Because it was critical to keep the Temple platform hygienically clean. There were numerous animal sacrifices at the Temple every day. Three times a year, Jews were supposed to come to Jerusalem. Josephus writes, on one Passover, there were close to 300,000 animal sacrifices. You can imagine how much blood needed to be removed to keep the place sanitary.

  “Also, there’s another fascinating aspect about the location of your geo-marker. David’s men used the Gihon Spring water system to climb into Jerusalem and take the city from the Jebusites. That story is depicted in the book of 2 Samuel of the Hebrew Bible.

  “In any case, your geo-marker is precisely positioned in a location steeped in thousands of years of history. I’m sure Professor McMillan will be able to tell you more.” Professor Harold McMillan was head of the Classical Archaeology Department at the University of Memphis. He attended Elisa’s church and taught a men’s Sunday school class. Elisha had told Becca that McMillan was one of his best friends at the church.

  “I talked to him at the Wednesday night prayer service. I scheduled a meeting for you tomorrow. I told him the issue was very sensitive and to ditch all electronics.”

  *

  Becca and Josh took a cab from Elisha’s house to downtown Memphis. Aside from their work done in the server room of Adler Capital, this was the first time that they wanted to be invisible to the NSA. Becca used one of her numerous prepaid cell phones—a burner phone—to place the call to order the taxi. It was difficult to Uber anonymously.