Impossible (Fuzed Trilogy Book 3)
Page 12
There are no boats and Josh sees only a few other cabins nestled in the shoreline with no sign of activity.
Christoff pours them both a good-sized glass, takes one of the fishing poles and baits the hook.
Josh follows Christoff’s lead.
They both sit silently for a couple minutes fishing and sipping Jack. The only sound is an occasional bird and some mosquitos.
Christoff reaches into his back pocket and pulls something out.
Josh can’t see what it is, but on Christoff’s next cast, he sees it leave his hand on a high arcing trajectory. It startles Josh as it explodes in the air, sounding like a shotgun blast.
23
EMP
Josh gives Christoff a puzzled look.
Christoff just says, “Now we can talk.”
“I don’t understand.”
“That’s a prototype device that assures we aren’t overheard or observed, at least not electronically. What did you want to talk about?”
Josh laughs. “Probably about what you just threw! That was an EMP device, wasn’t it?”
“Of course. It’s an early version given to me by some friends who work in a government defense lab. I’ve been looking for an excuse to try it. We’re alone on this lake, but just in case, when it detonated, it sent out an Electro-Magnetic Pulse that should destroy any electronic devices within 50 meters.” He shrugs. “Of course, someone could still watch us with binoculars, but as long as we talk quietly, we have privacy. Why are you interested in this device?”
Josh takes a sip of his Jack and runs through everything that happened including his run-in with the Russian agents in New York and his conversation with Carl. He then spends another 30 minutes explaining Jen’s role in The Great Tech Out.
Christoff nods. “I was a friend of the last Russian President. He told me about the artificial intelligence you call … Jen?”
Josh nods.
“I thought maybe he had too much vodka, but I see it’s all true.” He frowns. “Doesn’t an artificial intelligence scare you?”
“Maybe it should,” he shrugs, “but Jen is kind of like my kid. She’s experiencing a childhood with people who care about her. I believe that’s helping form her character. She genuinely wants to help and I think she’s a lot more ethical than most people.”
Christoff looks thoughtful. “So, you, Joe and Turan are worried that the Russian government might be developing technology to destroy … Jen?”
“Possibly.”
Christoff takes a slow sip. “Unfortunately, I’m not well connected with the current administration. The new president is a bit too nationalistic even for me.” He pauses. “I’m sure the outgoing president briefed Volkov on the AI and I would imagine he would see Jen as a threat.” He shakes his head. “But it’s hard to see how these little EMP devices could be effective against a distributed intelligence.”
Josh nods. “If their range is really that small, it would take millions of them.” He pauses. “If you were Volkov, why would you be interested in developing these?”
Christoff takes another sip. “I once told you that the only real American contribution to the world was….” he holds up his drink.
Josh smiles.
“But clearly American defense laboratories have produced some amazing technology, particularly, in the area of covert surveillance.” With a half-smile, he continues, “If I was a paranoid, nationalistic leader, raised under the Soviet regime, I’d be concerned about an AI.” He tilts his head slightly. “But I think I’d be more afraid of any organization that had the ability to monitor everything I say and do.” He shrugs. “Maybe we’re back to an arms race … but in surveillance technology. That might also explain Carl’s fear that he’s being monitored,” he shakes his head, “but it doesn’t explain what happened on the ISLO.”
“Do you have any more of those devices?”
Christoff pulls another from his pocket and hands it to Josh.
He turns it over in his hand, “It looks like one of those big boxy e-cigarettes.”
“It’s supposed to.”
He hefts it. “It’s pretty heavy.”
Christoff shrugs. “A vape mod is probably the largest, heaviest object someone could carry in their pocket without seeming out of place.”
Josh nods and then frowns. “Why does it have to explode to work?”
“I’m not an expert, but I think to generate a powerful enough electromagnetic pulse requires a rapid release of energy. Apparently, that can only be achieved by a fast chemical reaction, kind of like chemical lasers. No way to muffle the explosion and keep it small enough to conceal.”
He hands it back and Christoff slips it into his back pocket.
“It doesn’t release shrapnel but my friend recommended against keeping it in my front pocket.”
“You said 50 meters?”
“I was told that within 50 meters it will fry anything with a chip. Even electronics that that are lightly ‘hardened’ are susceptible within 20 meters.” He nods back toward the cabin. “It can also cause damage to things further away. Fortunately, the cabin is lined with a thin metal shell to protect anything inside from an Electro-Magnetic Pulse. It was built during the height of the Cold War.”
Josh points at the outboard motor. “That’s why it’s so old. It doesn’t have any electronics.”
Christoff smiles and nods.
After returning to the cabin, Josh texts Turan a simple, “Found the item. Will keep shopping.”
Turan replies, “Looking forward to hearing all about it. Come on home and relax.”
Josh really wants to investigate further but he promised himself he’d do a better job of “playing nicely with the other kids and following directions.”
He hears another message come in. He hopes it’s from Elizabeth, but is surprised to see, “Hi Josh, it’s Wendy. I’m so sorry about what happened at the ball. I don’t drink often and I had a few too many. I would really like to explain and apologize in person.”
Josh takes a deep breath. Shaking his head, he replies, “You simply stated what happened. The problem was in the interpretation on the other end. Probably not a good idea to meet. No need to apologize.”
“I understand but it’s important I share a few things that might help with your investigation. We can meet privately so there will be no chance of anyone interpreting it incorrectly.”
Josh is torn. He can’t afford another misunderstanding with Elizabeth, but Wendy might have information he needs. He texts, “My flight arrives in NYC at 4 p.m. and I have a meeting with Turan at 6 p.m. Can meet you after.”
She texts him an address.
24
PROPOSITION
Josh goes straight to the U.N. and is immediately ushered into Turan’s office.
Turan starts with, “Sorry about the ball. I was shocked to see a hard-boiled engineer and officer like Crow fall so hard for you.”
Josh frowns and with a headshake says, “I think she just had a little too much to drink.”
Turan gives him a “yeah, right” look.
Not wanting to talk about it, Josh says, “You were right about the Russians. They’re developing small concealable EMP devices. I saw a prototype in action.”
Turan looks surprised. “Impressive work. What can you tell me about them?”
“I don’t have the technical specs, but they look like and are the same size and weight as the largest e-cigarettes. They have to detonate to operate and have a reported range of about 50 meters.”
“Josh, you’re amazing. We send you to the space station and you uncover a plot. I mention rumors about new Russian offensive technology, and a couple days later you tell me you’ve seen it in action.”
“Can’t take credit for either. Crow found the software mod and Christoff showed me without my asking.”
“Yes, but you know where to look, who to ask and are obviously trusted. I envy you. To be out of the office and in the field would be awesome.” He shakes his h
ead. “Now, at least we know the rumors are true, although I suspect this is the tip of the iceberg.” He stands up. “Would you like a cup of coffee?”
“No thanks.” Josh tilts his head slightly. “In Houston, you mentioned that you wanted to talk to me about … genetics?”
Turan pours himself a cup and then looks at Josh. “Yes. Elizabeth said you and I look like we could be brothers. I can’t help but wonder if we share some of the same genes.” He raises his eyebrows slightly.
Josh picks his words carefully. “I’ve wondered the same.”
Turan walks over to the window. Looking across the skyline, he says, “Josh, we’ve been blessed with amazing abilities far beyond the norm. Ever since I became,” he hesitates, “aware of my genetic gifts, I’ve wanted to do two things.” He turns to face Josh. “I want to use these gifts to help create a new world order, and,” he looks at him intently, “figure out how to help other have our genetic abilities in the future.”
He’s dying to ask Turan if he’s communicating with Jesse, but he isn’t ready to risk being labeled crazy. Instead, he glances out the window and says slowly, “The term ‘new world order’ makes me nervous.”
With a small laugh, Turan says, “You’re right. I really shouldn’t use that. I know people are often afraid of what it could mean.” He sits on the edge of his desk and takes a deep breath. “I simply want to help build a world where we never have to look over our shoulder and wonder if someone is going to kill us or our families. A world where we have the security to go about our lives without worrying that someone is going to force their beliefs on us at gunpoint. That isn’t going to happen overnight and, yes, it will require a more central world government. Josh, the world needs people like us. People who have exceptional abilities to drive that change.” He sighs. “I can’t do it by myself. I need help and I think we share more than a similar appearance.”
Josh nods. “Yeah … but with greater abilities and power comes the possibility of overstepping and becoming the thing you’re trying to prevent.”
“You mean the ‘ends justify the means?’”
Josh nods.
“You’re right, but let’s stop and think about that famous cliché. We all know the right answer — the ends should never justify the means. Yet, we do it every day. We sacrifice our bodies to play a silly sport.” He raises an eyebrow. “We create fake classified programs to save the world.”
With a wry smile, Josh says, “Touché.”
Turan smiles back and shrugs. “If we ignore political correctness, we find that if the ends are truly important enough, we can and do justify almost any means.”
Josh frowns.
“Balance is essential and we must learn from our past mistakes. If we forget our history, we’re bound to repeat it, and,” he frowns, “between you and me, the new Secretary-General makes me nervous. We need caution and healthy skepticism — as you said — to ensure we don’t become the thing we’re trying to prevent. That is exactly why I would like to have you as my deputy, my second in command.”
Surprised, his mind races. His ego quickly goes head-to-head with his insecure skeptic. He needs time to process the idea but he lets the skeptic out. “I was the right guy at the right time, but I have neither the organizational or political skills to do what you do.”
“Josh, you’ve been instrumental in saving the world.”
“Yeah, and I almost allowed the world to be destroyed because I wasn’t paying attention to critical details.” Looking at the floor, he adds, “I suck at follow through and have a terrible track record for taking guidance.”
Turan laughs. “I love your honesty. Most people offered a position like this would be pumping up their resume.” Shaking his head with a smile, he adds, “Josh, I, on the other hand, do very well with organization, leadership and details, but I hate it when things mess up my schedule. I don’t do well with change … you do! You’ve proven you’re outstanding at strategizing on the fly.”
Josh gives him an unconvinced look.
Turan continues with a wry smile, “Besides, none of us are perfect. I’ve been accused of having an overly healthy ego, and some anger issues. You’re probably the first person I’ve ever admitted that to, by the way. You, on the other hand, are humble, honest and can roll with the punches. Josh, I’m surrounded by extremely intelligent, capable people, but sometimes I, unintentionally, intimidate them. They tell me what I want to hear.” He looks directly at Josh. “You would tell me the truth, and you could complement my abilities and temperament. We’d make a great team.”
Josh nods thoughtfully. “I’m honored you’d consider me. I’m just not sure I bring enough to the table.” He pauses. “Besides, one of my advantages is that I have the ability to operate outside the system.”
“That is true … but just because you’d be my deputy doesn’t mean you would have to attend state functions or even be visible. Josh, together, I believe, we can bring some balance to the current U.N. leadership and accomplish amazing things, but you don’t have to decide right now. Why don’t you take a few days to think about it?”
Josh frowns. “We’re facing a major threat. We know these EMP devices exist but still don’t know if they’re tied to Davidson’s death or the ISLO.”
“True but the information you gave me will allow me to engage other assets which might turn up more leads.” He gave him a wry smile. “You are amazing, but we do have our own intelligence department, and I have access to the largest law enforcement and intelligence agencies in the world. Besides, whoever is behind this either knows or will know that you uncovered the plot on the ISLO. I may have unintentionally made you a target. Best to keep a low profile for now.”
25
CROW
The address Wendy gave him is a Hilton hotel. Josh starts to knock on the hotel room door, but pauses. Finally, exhaling sharply, he knocks.
Wendy opens the door and invites him in.
He’s thankful she’s wearing normal clothes but even with that, she’s very attractive, especially when she smiles, and … she’s smiling.
They shake hands and she motions him over to two chairs near the window.
“Josh, first let me apologize. I heard that after I left, you and Elizabeth had an argument and you left the ball.”
“Not your fault.”
She shakes her head. “Not my intention, but it was my fault and I’m sorry. I was celebrating. Meadows and Turan thanked me for uncovering the plot and said because of that I was a candidate for taking over as the next space station Commander. I’d be the first to command the operational station and would be promoted to Colonel and General in rapid succession. Josh, this is a dream of mine and if it happens, I have you to thank for it.”
“Congratulations, but your promotion is because you uncovered the plot single handedly and had the courage to act. I was nothing but the muscle.” He pauses. “You said you had important information that would help with the investigation.”
“Since we talked on the station, I dug deeper. There’s no way Harrison could have modified the software by himself. I know these systems and I know software. Even if he was a genius, there are safety and security systems that would have to be overridden at the same time he was working on them. Someone on the station had to help him.”
“If you hadn’t uncovered the modification, the laser would have been used to incinerate something or someone on the ground, when it became operational.”
She frowns. “Josh … you didn’t know? The laser is operational. It has been for some time.”
While Josh processes that, she shakes her head and says, “Bottom line, we’re only weeks from boosting the station out to L2. If the station fell into the wrong hands, it would take weeks to get a spacecraft out there to help.”
He adds, “And any spacecraft approaching the station—”
She finishes, “Could easily be incinerated by the laser before they got there. Josh, we could sure use a man like you on the station.”
Wendy smiles back warmly.
Seeing her smile, Josh realizes being in tight quarters on a space station for months with this beautiful woman who clearly appreciates him … is a recipe for disaster. Before he can respond, she says, “I know I shouldn’t ask but … what did you do to make Elizabeth so angry with you?”
He feels an illogical need to defend himself. “She thinks I’m paranoid and threatened by her success.”
Wendy looks surprised. “Paranoid! Someone tried to kill us on the space station.” She shakes her head. “And threatened by her success?! Are you serious? With no experience or seniority, many of us were shocked at how fast she was promoted, and to a position directly under Turan.”
Seeing his frown, she adds, “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that. It’s really none of my business … but it makes me mad to think of you being treated that way. I just want you to know I’ve always admired you, and not just because you saved my life, I think you are one of the most amazing men on or off Earth.” She smiles again. “I think we would make a phenomenal team working together on the station.”
Her words spell out a professional partnership but her smile promises more.
He’s about to tell her no, but it would fulfill a childhood dream. A tour aboard the space station would be incredible. Plus, the devil on his right shoulder asks, what if Elizabeth has already dumped you? He takes a deep breath and says, “I’ll have to think about it, but … thank you.”