The Colonel raised an eyebrow. “Odd that you should ask.” After surveying the others’ reactions, the Colonel elaborated, “Actually, there was one item that first caught my attention. We stockpiled a particular metal for testing purposes. I discovered in one of the monthly inventory reports that a sizeable shortage was evident.” Frowning, he continued to explain that the variance identified that particular metal being requisitioned by a testing supply officer. But, there was no record of the transaction because of a reported malfunction in updating the computer system. “I personally was aware that the metal wasn’t scheduled to be tested until 2013. So I interviewed the same testing supply officer and he reported that no requisition had actually been issued by him or his staff.”
“What rare metal are you referring to?” Noble fished, positive he already knew the answer.
“I’m sorry. Director, but since the V-X debacle in 2011, all testing materials are classified.”
“That’s okay, Colonel. I’m sure you’re referring to beryllium.”
The Colonel was unmistakably shocked by the statement, as were Agent Burke and Major Stanton. The only one impressed by Noble’s deduction was Max.
“Now that we know the metal, what tests were scheduled to be conducted?” Not relenting, Noble pressured, “If you prefer, I could ask the president to make the inquiry.”
The Colonel felt trapped, but he recalled in Noble’s opening statement, everything mentioned in the meeting is classified. Cautiously, he capitulated. “The Defense Department’s National Defense Stockpile supplied the beryllium metal to be tested for various uses—including worse case scenarios.”
“Is that a euphemism for nuclear weapons?” Noble queried.
The Major seemed somewhat uneasy in his chair, but remained silent.
“I’m sure you’re aware that the metal is already a component in valuable products being used in the aerospace and defense industries,” the Colonel explained, wanting to cooperate within reasonable bounds.
“Including nuclear weapons and reactors,” Noble persisted.
The Colonel ignored the intrusion and explained that beryllium also possesses a disadvantage. “The metal is brittle and highly toxic. However, during the processing of the metal, it can break easily, releasing poisonous dust particles into the air. We have been challenged to find ways to manufacture the metal safely, without the volatile effects,” the Colonel stressed, hoping to put an end to the discussion.
Noble believed the Colonel’s explanation was a trifle simplistic. Of prime importance was the changed expression on the Colonel’s face when he mentioned the word nuclear. However, Noble chose not to pursue the subject further in the current venue. They needed to refocus on the mission at hand—the entry strategy—the capture of Simon.
Naturally, the others in the room were entranced by the conversation, but now that it had been tabled, they were eager to move on to the mission as well.
First, Noble had one simple request. “Colonel, can you please e-mail me the fingerprints you have on file for your missing supply officer?”
Pleasantly surprised at the shift in conversation, the Colonel was more than happy to oblige. “Surely, what is your e-mail address?”
While Noble called out [email protected], the Colonel reached for his tablet and retrieved the file.
Within seconds, Noble’s smartphone vibrated and he opened the e-mail. “One moment.” He excused himself as he tapped the envelope icon and then selected the Forward option. He then entered Enzo’s e-mail address and in the text box typed: another favor run print thx.
“Okay Max, what have we got?” Noble requested as he placed his xPhad back down on the table.
Max had been standing ready at the podium during the distraction. Now, she was more than ready to shift into gear. First, she addressed Noble. “Before you arrived, Agent Burke and I briefed the Colonel and the Major on the cases that lead us to the Dead Zone. Certainly, they are aware of the tunnel that led us to the indoctrination center. I’ve informed them that it is our belief an underground terrorist camp is operative.” Turning to face the others, she added, “Now, our goal is to determine how to enter the facility safely and without a shootout, while at the same time preventing anyone from exiting.” Satisfied that everyone was now on the same page, she reached over and tapped a few more keys on the keyboard.
Instantly, on the large display screen, a map of the Dead Zone appeared, but with some alterations.
“What you’re looking at is an aerial photo of the underground facility in the Dead Zone that was retrieved by an infrared surveillance camera.”
Max observed their expressions.
Unquestionably, the Colonel and the agent were astonished.
The Major’s excitement matched Noble’s intense satisfaction. Finally, Noble’s suspicions had been confirmed.
Max was also careful not to mention the WAASP in any specific detail. The Colonel obviously was aware that some newfangled camera arrived at the base. He was also told its use was classified, requiring security clearance from the White House.
Now, focused entirely on the monitor, the men watched Max point to the upper left-hand corner, just below the Dugway Proving Ground.
“Here, you can see the tunnel leading into the indoctrination center from the Bell Hill Mine. From there, you can view a series of tunnels converging in what seems to be the major complex. The tunnel entrance at the Desert Mountain facility looks to be about sixteen miles from the main facility. We estimate that the complex covers approximately three hundred and fifty acres, or point five square miles. Another tunnel that appears to run through the center of the complex is roughly one mile, or twenty north-south New York City blocks.”
Max paused for a moment, and glanced back quickly to check the group’s demeanor to assess their level of attentiveness. She then pointed to the upper right-hand corner, near the town of Jericho. “As you can see, the tunnel from the main facility continues and connects to a smaller complex. I’ve also indicated on the map, with a sun shaped symbol, each of the ventilation escape hatches we’ve located thus far. Note, they are positioned symmetrically around the perimeter of the encampment.” Focusing in on the Major, she informed, “The members of the B Team are staking out each of those locations.”
“What is the status at the mineshafts?” Noble questioned.
“The Special Forces are also guarding the entrance to the Fish Springs mineshaft, along with the mineshafts at the Joy and Bell Hill Mines.”
“Didn’t the feds report that the Joy Mine entrance was in such ruins that it was impossible to either enter or exit?” Noble asked.
“Yes, but presumably our elderly couple must have stumbled upon something in that area that led them to their horrible fate,” Max surmised. Turning back to the monitor, she tapped a few more times to retrieve an earlier map of the Dead Zone. Then, she circled the area around Silver City.
“In addition to the Silver City Mine, we recently identified three other abandoned mines in the vicinity, all with possible exit points.”
Noble leaned back in his chair. “Explain.”
“If you head up Route 6 from Delta to Silver City, you first pass the Diamond Mine. Nothing is there except an old nineteenth century cemetery and mine tailings. Then, a few miles further northeast is the Irontown Mine. That mine is quite interesting with its foundry remains, along with a charcoal kiln and the chimney from a blast furnace.”
“Which could make for a nice escape area,” Noble added.
“Except for the fact that there are a few homes surrounding the ghost town. Supposedly, it has some appeal, but I think it’s unlikely to be an exit point,” she pointed out. “However, I agree it should be staked out. There is also one more mine before we get to Silver City, and that is the Mammoth Mine. Moreover, while it appears to be a real ghost town with several old dilapidated buildings, there are a few inhabitants; another unlikely prospect.”
Noble attempted to ask but, before he was able to get the words o
ut, Max spouted, “I know. Assume nothing, I’ll have it staked out immediately.”
She grinned at Noble, and then glanced over toward the Colonel, who was, evidently, listening with undivided interest. However, at the same time, he was taking down copious notes, as he had been throughout the discussion. Agent Burke appeared bored, having heard it all before, but the Major sat back, eager to enter the encampment. Noble was restless as well, but he wanted to ensure that no one could escape before they went in.
Max picked up the pace and pointed to the Silver City Mine. “We know the Hazelton family’s car was discovered near an open-air shaft, which looked to be very deep. The shaft was next to a pile of old mine tailings, and all that remains are a few old foundations and some mining equipment left behind. I believe that’s the most viable exit point.”
Noble looked toward the Colonel and Major, who were sitting next to each other, and asked, “Colonel, when the Major and his team enter the encampment, who will replace them at the mineshafts and ventilation escape hatches?”
“There is a Special Forces Army National Guard unit stationed in Draper. With your authority I can have them deployed within the next few hours.”
“Excellent,” Noble responded, pleased that the Colonel seemed to be on top of things.
Major Stanton turned toward the Colonel and chimed in, uttering his first contribution to the meeting. “I’ll leave the camps intact with all of the equipment available for their use, but they’ll need to bring their night vision gear. We don’t know exactly what to expect when we go in, and we’ll need our own goggles.”
“Thank you, Major. I’ll inform them.”
Max faced the Major squarely and added with a hint of sarcasm, “The new guys might want to draw straws for their assignments. The weather has been brutal, and I hear the Silver Mine is the best location because the soldiers are able to use much of the ruins for shelter.” She eyed the Major suspiciously; she knew he had selected that mine for his own stakeout. Then, in a more serious frame of mind, she heeded caution. “Also, I’m sure I don’t need to remind any of you that booby-traps could be set up all over this place, inside and outside.”
“Piece of cake,” the Major boasted, still stinging from Max’s earlier dig.
Max recoiled at his self-assurance, recalling the death of the two soldiers, and replied, “If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to eat it, too.”
Turning away from the Major, she resumed her position at the monitor and redirected their attention to the mission at hand. “As confident as we may be that no one will escape, we must still consider that possibility.” She then selected another app from the top right corner of the screen. And, dramatically, a different map appeared.
“What’s that?” Noble seemed agape.
The Colonel looked up from his notes and beamed at the group. Then, he adjusted his position to face Noble and emphasized, “That’s a map of your Dead Zone, sir, along with all of the other possible trails that can be used as escape routes. Director, this is God’s country. There are roads out there that have never felt a footprint.”
Noble shook his head while he pursed his lips. Then, he redirected his questioning to Max. “Make your point!”
She drew another circle around Silver City on the new map and called attention to the lines in the outer boundaries that resembled continents on a globe. “These represent the trails that are relatively flat and wide, mostly dirt or gravel surfaces. We’ve already presumed they are using a special vehicle to maneuver within the tunnels and the encampment, and those vehicles could also be used to help them escape.”
“Discount the trails in the interior,” the Colonel remarked confidently. “Most of which are loose gravel with rocky surfaces. It’s highly unlikely they would rely on these trails as functional routes.”
“So, it would narrow down our search area to here.” Noble stood up and used his finger to circle the area from Eureka, just north of Silver City, over to the Wasatch National Forest and back. “We’re talking about fifty-square miles of very unfriendly territory,” he observed, with a trace of tension in his voice.
Max moved in and replaced the map, going back to the one that displayed the aerial view of the underground encampment.
“Remember, the Emersons were killed near the Joy mineshaft and the trekkers were knocked unconscious at the same location. The Hazelton family lost their lives near the Silver City mineshaft, over here.” She again pointed to the map. “We can’t assume anything.”
Noble got the point. “It’s apparent we capture the terrorists on their own turf while they are still inside the encampment. It’s clear should they escape. It would be extremely difficult to apprehend them.” He was aware that the landscape was not only their friend but also their enemy. It had the potential to foil all their plans. “We can’t discard the fact that they may have also built their own escape chimneys along the horizontal tunnels that run away from the encampment. You’re correct, they could escape from anywhere,” he conceded.
“Sir, if I may.” The Colonel stood and walked to the monitor. “The possible exit points we’ve identified have been under twenty-four hour surveillance. I assure you that if any terrorists attempt to escape, we will capture them. Now, our best point of entry is through Desert Mountain.” He pointed to the location on the map and reiterated the purpose it served for Dugway and the strategic value it now provided to access the recently discovered tunnel inside the mountain. “It would place the B Team approximately—here,” he pointed, “at the end of the facility, allowing them more options once they enter. In addition, the width of tunnel will allow the Special Forces to be transported in the Humvees.”
“Major, do you having anything to contribute?” Max needled.
Still smarting from her earlier rebuke, he walked over to the monitor. In a husky voice, he directed his comments to Noble. “I agree with the Colonel. Our best entry point is through Desert Mountain. Using Humvee’s to transport my team and our equipment will get us to the target within twenty minutes.” The Major described with military precision how he would deploy his men once inside the facility and confirmed his mission was to capture everyone. “We should go in at zero six hundred hours tomorrow, giving our terrorist friends a wake-up call. While it’s highly unlikely, if they should attempt to escape, the sun will be rising, providing plenty of visibility and no place to hide. We’ve handled this type of operation many times.” Turning his head slightly toward Max, he added, “Meaning no disrespect, ma’am, but it’s a walk in the park.” The Major returned to his seat.
“So we’re all in accord. Operation NOMIS goes into effect at zero six hundred hours!” Noble commanded.
Noble barely finished his wrap-up when his smartphone vibrated. He excused himself to check the message, hoping it was from Enzo. Sensing all eyes were focused on him, he was careful not to display any emotion as he read the words that appeared on his screen. Where did you get Karim Yakob’s prints? In a steady voice, Noble informed the Colonel that his supply officer’s real name was Karim Yakob. He quickly glanced at Max to minimize her reaction, and then continued to explain that Yakob is a member of a terrorist cell that had been on Interpol’s watch list for years.
The Colonel, while trying to hold back the obvious embarrassment he personally felt for the military, admitted, “That confirms he was the one supplying the underground facility with provisions.” He paused, then added, “And the beryllium.”
Noble felt the group was more than ready to swing into action. “Have all the soldiers in position—we go in just before sunrise.”
As everyone stood to leave, Max faced the Colonel. “Sir, I need to speak with the Director in private. May we continue to use the conference room for a few minutes?”
“Take all the time you need.”
Max and Noble remained in the room.
Everyone else departed.
“What’s with you and the Major?
“Oh, he’s got this macho thing going on and resents taking or
ders from a woman.”
“I don’t know. I saw the way he was watching you throughout your presentation.”
“Knock it off, boss. There’s something you need to see,” Max prodded. Then, she went on to explain, “We were able to recover a surveillance camera that was installed in the indoctrination center. The camera was badly damaged from the explosion, but a technician was able to restore a portion of the video. It’s quite grainy, but you’ll be able to decipher the scenes.”
Max took a deep breath, hit the Enter key, and then the Play button.
Promptly, an office appeared on the large flat screen. At one of the desks in front of a computer, they viewed the backside of a man dressed in fatigues, typing on the keyboard.
“Watch this,” she urged.
A few seconds later, the man grabbed a device from the USB port. Something metallic appeared to be dangling from the device, but he hurriedly placed it in his right pants pocket.
“Keep watching.”
Noble’s eyes were riveted on the screen when, suddenly, the person stood up, spun around, and dashed for the door at the back of the room. Everything happened so fast Noble wasn’t able to catch a glimpse of the man’s face, but what he did see was shocking. “What’s hanging out of his pocket?”
Max paused the video and walked over to point to the lower right edge of the monitor. “Watch right there.” She returned to the keyboard and hit the Play button again.
As the man hastily disappeared behind the door, the doorframe lightly brushed against his pant leg and knocked the metallic object to the floor. Attached to the heavy metal object was a flash drive.
Then, the door closed shut.
Max hit the Pause button.
“Was that Simon?” Noble called out, not believing his own eyes.
“Yes, and he accidentally dropped the flash drive—it was not a ruse after all!” Max exclaimed.
“Evidently, he must have rigged the door to explode the next time it was opened—when the solider opened it for you.” Noble looked toward Max, painfully remembering her narrow escape. Then, still stunned by the chain of events, he concluded, “Simon must have discovered that he had lost the drive and knew he wouldn’t be able to return and retrieve the device. Trapped by his own trap.”
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