Chasm Waxing: A Startup, Cyber-Thriller

by B. Michaels

  “In addition, I will be releasing details from a TOP SECRET project, recently started by the NSA and CIA, to step up cyber-monitoring and foreign spy infiltration of our country. This espionage program began after we thwarted the CIA’s illegal incursion into our nation. The Americans have crossed my red line. Consequences are forthcoming.”

  The once buzzing SWARM Op Center was now deadly silent. Rahmati’s words hung in the air like a thick fog.

  “Dammit!” yelled the General. “We can’t keep one single secret. Do we have to return to typewriters? Think of this guy’s bravado—he’s threatening the world’s only superpower and Saudi Arabia—at the same time.

  “There’s a significant Shia population in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. In Saudi Arabia, they’re concentrated near the major Saudi oil fields. Although Bahrain is an independent country, it’s really just an extension of Saudi Arabia. It’s critical to the US, because we use our base there to project power in the Middle East. He’s declaring war on Saudi Arabia, and telling them he’s coming for their oil. And we’re going to be stuck in the middle of a Saudi civil war, defending an unpopular monarchy.”

  “What do you think he intends to do about our hacking?” asked Becca.

  The General replied, “I don’t’ know. I don’t expect him to be over-aggressive. It would be suicide to fight the US and Saudi Arabia at the same time.”

  “Why do you think he’s not announced anything about the Ark?” whispered Josh.

  “I don’t know. I imagine he’ll reveal it at some future date, when it better suits him. He’s shown himself to be a brilliant warrior, promoter, and now; a very adept statesman.”

  “We all know he’s a murderer. Why don’t we just tell the world? Then, we can release the footage of Rahmati from the Swarmbots,” said Becca.

  Josh answered the question for the General. “We’d have to explain how we obtained the video, and where it was taken. We don’t want to draw undue attention to the Jerusalem property. The construction crew sealed the entrance to the tunnel, and they’re laying low right now.”

  Becca rolled her eyes in frustration. “Then, we’ve got to upgrade the encryption on the Swarmbots. We need intel. If we can find Rahmati, we should take him out.” She was surprised at the words that just came from her mouth.

  General Shields’ laugh filled the room. “Look at our new Swarmbot champion. Becca, I told you the world was shades of gray. I agree with your sentiments. From here on out, I’ll read you into any program you want.

  “By the way, the Fort is working around the clock to perfect their quantum-resistant algorithms. Since Rahmati’s last speech, troops have been mobilizing for deployment to Saudi Arabia. The Persian Gulf is a powder keg. We need secure comms.”

  A breaking alert came from the CNN feed streaming on another portion of the video wall.

  “We’re receiving numerous reports that the entire state of Texas is experiencing a power blackout. We’ll try to get you more details shortly.” The news anchor was visibly disturbed. “It’s not clear if the blackout is related to Muhammad Rahmati’s pledge of retribution for cyber-attacks upon Iraq.”

  *

  20 minutes later, General Shields was in NSOC.

  “It’s a total blackout of the Texas grid. But the Western and Eastern Interconnections are fully operational,” said the duty officer. Three separate, but connected networks, comprised the US electric grid. “All of Texas is dark. This includes Dallas, Austin, Houston, and San Antonio. DHS is reporting that the Port of Houston’s backup systems have either failed or been taken off-line.

  “DHS is also receiving a steady stream of complaints from energy companies. All the reports are essentially the same. A significant number of domestic oil and gas rigs have been incapacitated. All the affected platforms make use of horizontal drilling techniques, otherwise known as fracking.”

  The Department of Homeland Security was the lead agency in charge of protecting US critical infrastructure. Because it owned none of the critical infrastructure, the agency had little real-time visibility into energy companies’ networks.

  “We’ve got to get ahead of events,” said Shields, infuriated. “I’m sick of constantly reacting. Every Texan’s commute home will be a nightmare. We have 48 hours before this becomes a Hurricane Katrina-like situation, with riots and looting. When people’s food in their refrigerators starts to spoil, all hell will break loose.”

  An NSOC analyst directed General Shields’ attention to the Fox Business channel. The S&P 500 Index was down 11%. Gold was spiking. West Texas Intermediate crude was at $159 a barrel. This would send gas to over $5, by next week.

  The anchor issued rapid-fire updates.

  “We’re receiving numerous reports that Russian troops have driven further into Ukraine, besieging its capital of Kiev.”

  “Japanese news agencies are reporting that China has moved an armada of ships into the disputed Senkaku Islands.”

  “For God’s sake,” blurted the General. “This is a concerted effort by Russia, China, Iraq, and Persia. Any one of those nations could be behind a cyber-attack on our energy infrastructure.” Shields’ next thought turned the damage those nations could do to DoD networks. He rushed to NTOC.

  *

  General Shields huddled in a conference room behind the electronically fogged windows of NTOC Ops Room A. NTOC stood for the NSA Threat Operations Center, pronounced, ‘N-Tock.’ NTOC provided 24/7 monitoring of US national security networks. It functioned similarly to the computer incident response team at DHS. But NTOC monitored DoD and IC networks, and maintained deep hooks into NSA’s vast SIGINT infrastructure.

  The atmosphere at NTOC was even more tense than NSOC. NTOC network sensors were lighting up all over the Middle East.

  NTOC’s Director briefed Shields. “We’ve lost control of all our drones involved in operations over Persia and Iraq. They’ve been forced to land. Every one of our naval assets in the Persian Gulf and Mediterranean is reporting severely degraded comms. All manned aircraft on patrol or reconnaissance are being recalled. Pilots are reporting anomalies with their cockpit’s instruments.

  “No one has ever seen anything like this. We’re having real trouble ascertaining the source of these advanced persistent threats. This is the worst breach of DoD networks—ever. Someone is in complete control of US military comms in the Middle East.”

  NTOC’s briefing was like a punch to Shields’ kidney. He labored to catch his breath. He’d hoped to be in a position to manage an aggressive cyber-attack on Rahmati—led by CYBERCOM. Now, with DoD networks under attack, he was still on the defensive.

  *

  At 5:30 p.m., President Goodson addressed the nation.

  “It’s important to know that Federal agencies are working with Texas electric power authorities to find the root cause of the problem. As you know, it’s nearly summer in Texas. The entire South is experiencing a heat wave. Before the power went out, I checked the temperature at my ranch. It was 105 degrees.

  “I’ve been on the phone with the Texas Governor. He’s deploying the Texas National Guard to all major cities. I’m ordering federal troops to help as well. All Texans must know that the full resources of the United States are behind you. You’re in our thoughts and prayers. Together, hand-in-hand, we’ll get through these challenges. It’s also important for everyone to remain calm and abide by the law. Look after your neighbors. Help is on the way. These are the times in which Americans always rise to the occasion.

  “I’m aware of initial reports stating that the power blackout is a result of cyber-attack. About that, let me say two things: first, it’s too early to determine the cause of the Texas Blackout. Second, in the course of our investigation, if we determine that this was an act of cyberwarfare, know this: We’ll hold the nation or nations that housed the attackers—as the attackers. Our response will be proportional; an eye for an eye, and a tooth
for a tooth.”

  *

  Lisa Shields was sound asleep. The General had not made it home for the evening. Mrs. Shields was startled out of her slumber. The volume on her TV was blaring and tuned to an Islamic station. She realized that she was sweating profusely.

  Lisa walked to the e-thermostat. The air conditioner was turned off. That’s weird. I turned it down before I went to bed. We’re in a heatwave for goodness sake. She looked more closely at the digital face of the thermostat. The status window read, ‘Ask your husband about SAMANTHA.’

  Chapter 41 – The Offer

  2:00 a.m. (EDT), Tuesday, June 1, 2021 - Washington, DC

  Conference Room, White House Situation Room, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, N.W.

  Less than 12 hours after the Texas power grid went dark, POTUS was meeting with his advisors. General Shields was dead tired. Typically, he would have attended via secure video teleconference. But there were no more secure communications. So he occupied the black leather chair—two seats down from the President.

  POTUS was at the head of the polished, cherry conference table. Less important advisors assembled behind POTUS, in less comfortable chairs that lined the walls of the rectangular conference room. The Whitehouse Sit Room adhered to TOP SECRET SCIF standards.

  The Secretary of DHS was briefing President Goodson. “This is definitely a cyber-attack on the SCADA systems of the Texas Interconnection. It’s very sophisticated. The generators in the power plants can’t spin fast enough to produce electricity for the grid. The good news is that they’re only being slowed down. If they’re sped up, all of them could be destroyed—just like in Aurora. If that happened, power could be offline in Texas, for months.

  “New generators are difficult to acquire in that quantity. A nation state, or hackers heavily financed by a nation state, is responsible for these attacks.” The Idaho National Laboratory ran the Aurora Generator Test. The test demonstrated cybersecurity vulnerabilities of generators on the electric grid.

  “Well, which nation state is it?” asked the exasperated President. “Is it Rahmati?”

  “As of yet, we’ve been unable to attribute the primary source of the attacks,” said the DHS leader. “Zombie machines, from all over the world, are the coordinating the assault. After we block one, another is spun up to take its place. At this time, I can’t tell you who is behind this act of cyberwarfare. It’s the same story with the Port of Houston and the domestic energy rigs. We can’t definitively attribute the attack. We don’t know who’s responsible; we only have suspicions.”

  POTUS sighed in disbelief and cursed under his breath. “What can NSA and CYBERCOM tell us, General Shields?”

  “Mr. President, I can report that our military networks in the Middle East are also under an advanced persistent attack. This has led to periodic interruptions in comms with in-theater naval assets, including naval aircraft. Our entire drone fleet operating over Persia and Iraq has been commandeered.”

  “As you know, an hour ago we issued a CRITIC that the GPS system was down. We’ve not been able to identify the party responsible for the attack. The GPS shutdown is going to have very broad implications, not only for the military, but also for civilians.”

  An aide rushed to the President’s side and whispered in his ear. Goodson excused himself abruptly. “Muhammad Rahmati is on the line for me.”

  *

  “Mr. President, I know that this is a difficult time for you.”

  “Prime Minister Rahmati, if you are behind these attacks, rest assured that I will respond in kind. And the nuclear option is on the table.”

  “Mr. President, I can understand your reaction. I’m calling in an attempt to de-escalate this situation. I can tell you that these attacks are coming from all over the world. Nuking Baghdad, or Babylon, or Tehran will not stop them. Unleashing a massive cyber-attack on Iraq or Persia will not stop them.

  “In fact, I believe an overreaction of that nature will merely accelerate the attacks. My intelligence sources tell me that the Western Interconnect and Eastern Interconnect will be shut down, in addition to the Texas power grid. The generators will be destroyed, not just disabled. From what I’ve heard, something like Stuxnet will happen to all US power generators. Chatter we’ve intercepted implies that your high-voltage power lines will also fry.

  “I’m sure you realize the ramifications of the destruction of the generators and power lines. It could be years before your nation is fully powered again. Let that sink in. Years.

  “Now, I’m confident that you can turn Iraq into glass with your nukes. Or, you could destroy our electricity and energy infrastructure. You could send us back to the Stone Age, if you wanted. But, I’m also certain that your nation is the most connected country in the world. America has much more to lose than we do.

  “I can also tell you this. Persia’s first response to a US nuclear attack on their homeland or Iraq, would be to launch ballistic missiles aimed at Tel Aviv and Haifa. I would caution you as to the nature of those rockets. I’m sure UN inspectors haven’t missed anything, but it’s possible those weapons are nuclear.”

  “Why are you calling Rahmati?” snarled POTUS. “And where are my citizens you’ve detained?”

  “As I said Mr. President, I’m calling to rectify this situation. Think of me as your advocate. I know who to persuade to restore power to your Texas grid immediately. Your Persian Gulf military comms and your GPS system will come back online. Your fracking capability has suffered damage and will need repair.

  “The contingent I represent will offer reparations for this damage. We’ll also start a fund for anyone that’s endured extreme harm. I’m primarily thinking about the sick and elderly suffering in the heat in Texas. Also, we’ll return your captured CIA operatives and drones.”

  “Who is your side?” asked POTUS.

  “Mr. President, you look at the polls in the Middle East. My allies consist of the majority of Arabs and Persians. Even Muslims in Turkey, Pakistan, the Caucasus, and Indonesia support me. More concretely, you’re well aware that Iraq’s allies are Persia, Russia, and China.”

  “What do you want from me in return?” asked POTUS.

  “What we’re asking for is simple. Leave Iraq and Persia alone. Keep out of our sphere of influence. You can call it the Rahmati Doctrine. Just like there are no Iraqi forces in Mexico or Panama, keep your troops out of the Middle East.

  “We have no problem with your forces in Afghanistan. But, we are big boys. We can now take care of ourselves. More specifically, I want a commitment from you to stay out of Saudi Arabia. Remove the troops that you’ve sent and don’t deploy anymore. Let the chips fall where they may.

  “Stay away from Turkey. Don’t try to rollback today’s actions by Russia and China. If Bahrain falls under our sphere of influence, you have my word that we’ll honor your current lease terms for the 5th Fleet’s base. You’ll be able to continue to project power in the region and protect your interests.”

  “Muhammad, Turkey is a NATO member and Saudi Arabia is a major ally of the United States, I—”

  Rahmati interrupted POTUS. “When America signed the nuclear deal with Persia, you signaled to the world that your strategy in the Middle East would be more balanced. In this age of democracy, freedom, and openness; you no longer have to support kings and dictators.

  “I can’t fathom the American support of a kingdom that suppresses its own people and funds Wahhabi Jihadism. 80% of the 9/11 hijackers were Saudi citizens. Portions of your own 9/11 Commission’s report had to be classified to hide their involvement. Some ally! Well, I take that back. I’ve seen the money trail. I guess I understand it completely. Mr. President, as I recall, you’ve been a hefty beneficiary of Saudi money. As far as Turkey, NATO won’t want any part of a Kurdish-Turkish civil war. It’s not like Russian tanks are rolling through Ankara.”

  “And if I reject your offer, and launch c
yber and military attacks on you, Iran, Russia, and China?”

  “I’m not going to enumerate everything that will happen. But let me start with this: You have until 7:00 a.m. this morning to accept my offer. Should you refuse, a series of escalations will occur.

  “First, the generators in the Texas grid will be destroyed. Texas will be dark for a long time; including the Port of Houston. By the way, oil just hit $200 a barrel. That should send your price of gasoline to nearly seven dollars a gallon, in the days ahead.

  “Next, all your power generators in the Eastern Interconnection will be destroyed. New York, New Jersey, and the entire East Coast will make a one-way trip back to the 1890s. I hope America has adequate stocks of kerosene lamps. Your exchanges will be unable to open. I don’t know if you’ve had a chance to see your stock market futures, but they just hit the lows of the evening. All your major indices are down another 10%. Mr. President, your markets are in free-fall.

  “After that, your unclassified military Internet—the NIPRNet, will be taken offline. Then, SIPRNet and JWICS will go down. Thomas, your adversary is using the Internet as the highly resilient network DARPA first intended, when they created ARPANET. You could vaporize Iraq, Persia, China, and Russia and still not stop the attacks.

  “Also, I’m told that much more embarrassing information will be released. Did you know that your married Defense Secretary is involved in a homosexual affair with one of his staff? Your Chairman of the Federal Reserve is amassing a small fortune in an offshore account. He’s discovered that it’s very profitable to tip off the Big Wall Street banks before the release of the Fed’s rate decision, the FOMC Meeting Minutes, and the monthly employment report. That’s just some of the juicy details. Tom, I’m told that a portion of the disclosures pertain to you.

  “Now, we can both work in secret to make this go away. I’m set to release more information on corruption within the Saudi government. In the face of this evidence, you can say that you don’t want to be on the wrong side of history in supporting a corrupt regime. It’s the same thing the US did with Mubarak in Egypt and Qaddafi in Libya—cut and run.