Sheri asks, “That actually works?” She turns to Josh. “Aren’t you an aerospace engineer?”
Josh shrugs, “Probably just gummed up the wings.”
Carl says. “I smashed it to be on the safe side. When I looked at it with a magnifying glass, sure enough, it was a Wraith drone.” He shakes his head. “Finding it in my house changed everything. I had to find a way to communicate with fellow CIA officers without endangering my family or theirs, but didn’t know who to trust or how to get the message to them. Then Josh dropped in.”
Tim says, “Sheri, can you go over what we know about the implants?”
“By now, everyone’s familiar with the basics. The tiny chips placed under the skin — usually in the hand or scalp — are simply passive RFID tags. They allow the victim to be identified and tracked, but only within a range of a couple hundred meters. So, the tracking system has to be close by. Tim, Josh and Wendy were all chipped. We removed Tim’s after his untimely death. For Josh, Wendy and Carl, metal impregnated Band-Aids or gloves easily block the signal.” She pauses. “The larger powered capsules are a much bigger problem.” She passes around her tablet with the schematic on the display. “Jen’s only been able to unencrypt the graphics so far, but it tells a lot.”
Jen inserts, “I’m getting close and I think I will have the text unencrypted in a few days.”
“Thanks Jen. Ok, if you look closely at the diagrams of the capsule, you’ll see they’re designed to be attached to a major vein. Like the drones, they’re powered by a speck of plutonium 238. This powers a tiny transceiver that, upon encoded command, can release the toxin, which will induce a fatal heart attack within seconds. So far we’ve found them attached to the femoral vein in Wendy and the jugular vein in Carl.” She frowns. “To insert them, I suspect they either tranquilize the victim, or possibly slip it in during a normal medical procedure. The location may simply be a function of the medical procedure they’re piggybacked on.”
Carl nods. “I went in for a physical and a few days later got a call. They said I needed to come in and have my carotid artery checked for possible blockage.”
Sheri asked, “You went back to your doctor?”
“No. They sent me to another clinic that specialized in this type of procedure. They appeared to do a real sonogram—”
“It probably was real.” Sheri interrupts. “It helped them place the capsule in the right position on your jugular vein.”
He sighs. “Kelly and Caitlin were called in for special exams shortly after.”
Sheri nods. “A fake call from your doctor’s office and they send you to their clinic.”
Wendy adds, “In the case of astronauts, we’re examined and poked so often, we don’t even question it when they send us out for tests. They could do it almost anytime and put it anywhere and we wouldn’t think twice about it.”
Sheri looks at Josh. “We haven’t done the exam with the radiation detector on Josh, but he went through an extensive astronaut exam. I’ll bet we’ll find he has one too.”
Tim says, “Think of what that means. If an enemy agent was inserted into the astronaut core and they’re able to implant astronauts during physicals, they have highly placed agents in NASA, the U.N. or both.”
Carl asks, “Can we remove them?”
“I can probably take them out under local anesthesia.” She sighs. “But they’re attached directly to the vein. There’s a possibility they’re booby-trapped and trying to remove them could trigger the toxin. Until Jen unencrypts the specs, we can’t risk it.”
Jessica says, “For Josh, Carl and Wendy, we should be able to block the capsule’s active signal using a special fabric woven with metallic fibers.”
With a cynical smile, Wendy says, “Metal underwear — sounds stylish.”
Jessica adds, “The material actually feels normal. It will block the outgoing signal because the capsule’s transmitter is weak.” She shakes her head. “But without wrapping your entire bodies in metallic material, the capsule may still be able to receive an incoming signal if it’s strong enough.”
“Meaning they can’t track us but … may be able to kill us.”
Jessica nods.
Josh says, “Let’s review the suspect list. There are multiple terrorist groups with the motive, but not the means. This involves major facilities, the ability to assassinate the DNI, implant chips and capsules, infiltrate the astronaut core and intercept us with a fighter. Russia, China, Western Europe, Iran and the U.S. all have the means to do that. Thoughts?”
Carl glances at Tim. “Tim and I have spent our entire career in the covert world, and we’ve seen plenty of conspiracies … but not on this scale.”
Tim nods. “There have to be people involved at high levels of government across the world including the U.N. The question is — who are the ringleaders?”
Christoff says, “Their largest facility appears to be located in the U.S.”
Jen inserts, “I just received an encrypted text from our agent inside Abadon. It says that more experienced and loyal operatives get to monitor high-level American subjects.”
Carl adds, “And, clearly, Davidson wasn’t involved.” He shrugs, “But that doesn’t mean someone high up in the U.S. government isn’t.”
Wendy glances at Christoff. “Sorry, but of all the players, the government that’s currently the most hostile to the new U.N. and what it stands for is … Russia.”
Tim adds, “And we know that Russian intelligence had Josh under conventional surveillance in New York.”
46
PENETRATION
Christoff nods. “Wendy is right. In addition to President Volkov’s nationalism, he despises the Secretary-General. They ended up on opposite sides of table in a Middle East conflict years ago.”
Josh adds, “Probably not all Volkov’s fault. Turan shared that General Von Stein is a bit of a loose cannon. Tim, you’re the expert here. What’s the next step?”
“We’ll divide and conquer. Josh, you try to find out who in the U.N. is involved, and bring in Turan and Meadows. Carl and Jessica, you’re in the best positions to figure out who’s involved in the U.S. government. Colonel Crow will keep the ISLO’s trigger secure. With Jen’s help, I’ll stay close to our operative inside Abadon. Jen will keep working on the encrypted capsule specs, but I think the key is in Russia.”
Christoff says, “Dah, but I don’t have any contacts in this administration.”
Sheri says, “I do. When I wrote my last book, I interviewed the head of the Russian version of our FEMA, Pasha Antonovich. With the new administration, he’s now a cabinet member, Minister of Emergency Situations.”
Tim frowns and quickly says, “You don’t speak the language and if Russia turns out to be directly involved, you’re walking into the lion’s den.”
“Thank you for worrying about me sweetie, but I have some immunity by being,” she dramatically sweeps her hair back, “a celebrity. Be awkward to knock me off and I can get access where others can’t. Besides, I’ll have Christoff there and Jen in my ear giving me real time interpretation.”
“Being a celebrity will only carry you so far. You don’t want to have an accident like your late husband.”
She just looks at him.
“I know that look … but I need you to stay in touch and stick with Christoff.”
Christoff nods. “It would make sense she would travel with an old friend from the Resurrect Program.” He smiles. “And it wouldn’t be unusual for me to be seen hanging around beautiful women.” More seriously, he adds, “I will make sure she is safe.”
“Thank you.” Tim looks at Josh. “I think it’s time to bring Elizabeth in. We could use her access and insight.”
“I’ll take care of it.”
Finally, turning back to Christoff, Tim gestures around the room. “This place is nothing short of amazing. Can we use it as our operational base?”
“Of course. We are only an hour flight from Fort Lauderdale. I will lease fas
t amphibious plane that can fly us between here and mainland.”
Josh says, “Great. Jessica, Greg and Jen, can you please make sure everyone has the apps and hardware mods on their phones?”
They nod.
Tim adds, “Remember, do not discuss any of this in the open with anyone … including each other.”
After the official meeting breaks up, Josh notices that despite taking on the greatest conspiracy in history, the mood is light. They are a group of combat-tested friends with a purpose. After sharing a few pizzas and some more drinks, Tim yawns and nods to Sheri.
She says, “Go ahead. I’ll be right down.”
He gives her a meaningful look and heads to the elevator with Greg and Alina.
Christoff moves behind the bar, and says, “Colonel Crow, what can I get you to drink?”
In Russian, she says, “It’s Wendy and my favorite drink is actually Stoli Elit.”
Christoff, looking surprised, says, “Your Russian is excellent, as is your taste in vodka.”
“Most U.S. astronauts learn Russian.”
Josh can’t resist. “Christoff believes Single Barrel Jack Daniels is the best liquor in the universe and the only American contribution to global culture.”
Christoff shrugs as he pours her a shot. “But … a good Russian vodka is a close second.”
Wendy downs the shot. “Thank you Mr. Bobinski. Can you tell me where the bathroom is?”
He points down a hall on the far side of the room. “Call me Christoff.”
After she leaves, he nods approvingly. “I like her.”
With a wry smile, Sheri says, “Christoff, you like all beautiful women.”
“Dah, but she has spirit and good taste.”
Sheri turns her attention to Josh. Punching him in the arm, she says, “I told you! You are such a knucklehead.”
Josh looks at her with surprise. “Me?! It’s your fault.”
“How is it my fault?”
“Sheri, I told you my examining her whole body was a very bad idea and that you should do it. You called me a wuss and hung up.”
Christoff and Jessica lean in with interest, trying to follow the conversation.
Sheri says, “It had to be done and it was no big deal.”
With an incredulous look, he says, “Uh … yeah, if you’re a doctor—”
Christoff taps them both on the arm.
Wendy comes back from the hall. “Christoff, this place is impressive.”
He hands her another shot. “Thank you.” They clink glasses and down them together.
To Josh, Sheri says, “Ok, we need to check you for the toxin capsule with the radiation detector.”
Josh frowns. “You and Jessica need to be re-checked too.”
Sheri pulls a radiation detector out of her purse.
Josh says, “What … here?!”
Jessica shrugs. “It’s not like Sheri and I haven’t already seen you in the buff.”
Wendy helpfully adds, “I haven’t, but turnabout’s fair play.”
Josh opens his hands and gives them all a “you can’t be serious” look.
Trying not to laugh, Sheri says, “Sorry Josh, but you’ve developed a reputation for two things: crashing airplanes and getting naked with the women on the team, so….” She holds up the radiation detector.
Shaking his head, he snatches it from her. “I’ll do it.” He heads for the elevator. As the door closes, he hears them laughing and smiles.
Sheri watches Christoff top off their drinks.
He says, “Josh is smart man. When faced with three formidable women … he runs away. I shall follow his lead.” He sets the bottles that represent each of their drinks of choice on the bar. “Goodnight ladies.”
After they wish him a goodnight, Sheri realizes with “just the girls” and social lubricant onboard, it’s an opportunity to learn more about Wendy. Before she can engage her, Jessica says to Sheri, “You know, it’s not just that it’s fun to embarrass Josh,” she smiles, “it is, but I just realized something.”
Sheri looks at her with minimal interest as Wendy frowns trying to follow her.
With filters gone, Jessica plows ahead, “Not only does it make him seem human but you and I are totally task oriented and Josh … well, he has a pathetic streak of thoughtfulness.” She laughs. “Teasing him is like shooting fish in a barrel.”
Wendy, frowning, asks, “What do you mean … ‘make him seem human?’”
Sheri gives Jessica the “shut up” look.
Jessica misses it as she pours herself another drink, and says, “He’s missing like half his DNA.”
Wendy shakes her head. “Wow … that might explain some things….”
Sheri inserts, “That’s just a rumor. It was probably a botched genetic test.” Changing the subject, she says, “So, tell us what happened on the station.”
Wendy downs her third shot and quickly recounts the events, adding, “After it was over, I went back and reviewed all the videos and time logs.” She looks at Sheri. “I’m in excellent aerobic condition. After the module was flooded with CO2, I was able to maintain consciousness for over three minutes.”
Sheri nods. “Impressive, particularly with strenuous activity.”
Frowning, Wendy adds, “Yeah, but from the data logs, the time between opening the pod hatch — when I lost consciousness — to when the pod’s emergency oxygen was activated was another six minutes. That means Josh was without oxygen for nine minutes! Sheri, you’re a doctor. Is that even possible?”
Sheri sighs. “Wendy, everything about Josh is at the … outside limit of human capability.”
Eyes unfocused, Wendy says softly, “There’s just something about him….”
With a slight slur, Jessica inserts an irrelevant, “Yeah, he has a nice bod.”
Ignoring her, Wendy continues, “I’ve never met anyone like him.” She glances at Sheri. “So, what’s the story on him? Who is he?”
Sheri gives her a small shrug. “Josh’s a walking, talking miracle and we all love him, but the real question might be,” she takes a sip of her wine, “what is he?”
Jessica lifts her drink in a mock toast, “Welcome to the Twilight Zone.”
“No, I mean I really want to know his story.”
Sheri frowns. “None of us know his whole story, not even Elizabeth, but I do know … he’s dangerous.”
Wendy looks surprised. “Dangerous? He saved my life. He was instrumental in saving the world!”
Jessica adds, “Twice!”
Sheri says, “He would never hurt you or any of us. In fact, he’d give his life to protect us,” she shakes her head, “but he’s a lightning rod.”
Wendy gives her a questioning look.
“Think about it. He saved your life … but would you have been a target if he hadn’t gone to the station? Where he goes, destruction and mayhem follow.” She pauses. “Wendy, I don’t know what your belief set is.” She shrugs. “I don’t even know what mine is, but there’s no way you can convince me he just happens to show up when the world’s in trouble. He’s not here by accident. He’s on a mission. Our job is to support him and,” she looks at her pointedly, “not distract him.” She pats Wendy gently on the hand. “Honey, he’s married.”
Wendy sets her shot glass on the bar and stands up. “It was great to meet you guys. I think I’m going to turn in.”
As they watch the elevator door close, Sheri blows out a lungful of air and shakes her head.
Jessica, holding her glass up like a microphone, imitates a documentary narrator. In a hushed tone, she says, “And on the Serengeti Plain, the lioness ruthlessly stalks the defenseless chimpanzee.”
Trying not to laugh, Sheri pats Jessica on the back and says, “Let’s go.”
Josh finishes running the detector next to his major veins. Sure enough, it alarms near his right femoral. Remembering how many times he was poked during the physical, he’s not surprised. Not sleepy and needing exercise and time to think, he g
oes out for a night run on the beach.
There’s a sliver of a moon, but his exceptional night vision dark-adapts quickly. It’s a humid 80 degrees with a soft ocean breeze. He runs along the strip of sand, bracketed by softly waving palm trees on his left and the gentle whoosh of surf to his right. Running barefoot, he loves the firm but cushioned feel of the wet sand under his feet. The pristine island is beautiful, but at night, it takes on a haunting and mysterious feel.
After a mile and a half, the beach ends in an aggressive outcrop of rock. Blocking his path, it rises toward the island’s ridgeline. He jumps into the cooler water. Swimming away from the beach as hard as he can, he quickly covers a half mile at an Olympic pace. He stops, treads water and catches his breath. He looks out to sea. It’s beautiful. Something in him wants to keep swimming away, but he’s pulled back to the island and his friends.
He swims back to the tropical paradise with a relaxed sidestroke. As he leaves the water, he carefully climbs up the rough rocks and finds a place to sit just above the crashing waves. As his breathing slows and he dries off, he sucks in the ocean air, absorbing the tropical calm. After a few minutes of Zen, he says aloud, “Jesse, you there?”
He hears no reply, but senses attention.
“I need to ask you about Doruk Turan. He appears remarkably similar to me and seems to have my abilities. Is he … GMO?”
Yes.
“I knew it! I wish you had shared that with me sooner. Are you in contact with him too?”
No.
He’s about to ask more when he catches movement in his periphery. He glances back down the beach toward the house. His exceptional night vision picks up someone approaching. In the dark, all he can see is the outline of a body … a female body. The silhouette is immediately recognizable; one he’s only too familiar with….
Impossible (Fuzed Trilogy Book 3) Page 23
