The Ultimate Revenge

by Sally Fernandez

  “All of these grids were on Simon’s flash drive? I don’t like the way this is shaping up.”

  “Sorry, boss. There’s more and it’s not encouraging.” Max put the third grid on the screen. She explained that it was for MISO, the Midwest Independent System Operator, and controlled the energy supply for fifteen states and one Canadian province. “It is also part of the Eastern Interconnection and provides power to fifteen-point-one million customers.”

  “Where is their control center located?”

  “Actually, MISO has two control centers that run parallel, one in St. Paul, Minnesota, and the other in Carmel, Indiana.”

  Max then placed the fourth grid on the monitor. “This covers a small area in SERC, the Southeast Electric Reliability Council, again part of the Eastern Interconnection. It services power to portions of Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia, for four-point-four million people. The control center is in Birmingham, Alabama.”

  Noble noted the number scribbled in the upper-right hand corner and then waved her on.

  “The fifth and final grid that we were able to locate is interesting. It is for the Northeast Power Coordinating Council, the N-P-C-C, and part of the Eastern Interconnection. It covers the greater part of the northeast and five provinces in Canada. What makes this unusual is that the control center is located in Mississauga, Ontario. It’s not even in our country.”

  “It’s across the border!” Noble raised an eyebrow.

  Max removed the individual grids from the monitor and placed a map of the U.S. where she had circled the grids in question. “Here’s what we are dealing with.”

  They both sat back and studied the map.

  “It may only be half of the country Max, but any one grid going down would have devastating affects.

  “I agree, especially in light of what happened in 2003.” She recounted the events of the massive blackout that covered not only the Northeast, but also parts of the Midwest and Ontario. “I believe it affected over fifty-five million people. The cause was attributed to power lines that brushed against overgrown foliage. That problem first brought down the power in Ohio. With no failsafe system in place, and the inability to transmit power from functioning sectors of the grid to the troubled facilities, blackouts cascaded throughout the states within the overall grid.”

  Noble stirred uneasily in his chair. He interrupted, “I remember very well. I was in New York City at the time. Everything stopped: trains, planes, communication, including cell phones and television broadcasts. Typical in a crisis, most New Yorkers pitched in to help their neighbors, while others began looting. It was mayhem…” he stopped short, clearly intense.

  “What is it?” Max began to feel a sense of urgency.

  Noble, clearly struck by concern, stated slowly, “That one grid alone, despite the fact the trauma only lasted three days, cost upward of six billion dollars and contributed to at least eleven deaths. What if the five grids you identified were to shut down simultaneously?”

  “It would be devastating!” Max rattled out a scenario of how commuting on trains and planes would cease. Traffic lights would not function. All travel would be brought to a standstill. Communication would be impossible when the backup power for the cellular sites failed. Pressure from the water pumps would decrease, causing contamination and sewage spill over into the waterways. Industries and corporations, along with the stock market, would halt.

  “It would be total chaos—it would create a looter’s paradise. Noble, there’d be panic on a national scale!” Max, in her own tense state, painted a picture of anything that came to mind, knowing she had only scratched the surface. Suddenly, she blurted out, “You really believe that Simon is planning a major strike against the U.S.? Max hesitated, and then answered her own question. “He’s going to use the electrical grids as his weapon of choice.”

  Noble remained composed, even after having already considered the consequences. “Yes, all clues and logical implications point to Simon. What we know thus far carries his imprint. So whatever he’s up to—we need to find out how he’s going to carry out his plan—and the timetable.” He let out a deep breath. “Put the individual grids back up on the monitor.”

  He stared again at the five grids and at each of the numbers scribbled in black ink, in the upper-right hand corners. They are all written in the same style. It has to be a clue, he pondered. “Let’s keep working to find the purpose of the numbers.”

  Max stared at the screen, as well, attempting to decipher their plausibility and whether it supported Noble’s inference. “It’s virtually impossible for Simon to hack into each of the systems and individually shut them down. For years, hackers have been trying to plant backdoor codes into each of the grids for that purpose. But each attempted intrusion was thwarted and security was heightened through redesigns,” Max acknowledged.

  They both were aware that the backdoor is an undocumented method a programmer uses to access a program or a computer. Initially, it provided a way for the programmer to stop a program or computer gone awry. Today the backdoor is used for more nefarious reasons, providing a ‘private entrance’ for the hacker to enter a computer system.

  “Max, the grids are still a patchwork quilt across the country despite these advances. The technology is antiquated by today’s standards, and is vulnerable to invasion. These grids are comprised of overloaded transmission lines, unable to redistribute power as needed to grids in other areas. If one has a glitch, it can easily create the cascading effect you described. The 2003 blackout was the perfect example that can’t be dismissed.”

  Max understood, but turned to another topic, no less curious. “I also found documents referring to the Tres Amigas Project called the Superstation. The project was designed to resolve past issues, by physically connecting the three main interconnections and control the transmission of power from a single main control center.”

  Noble nodded. “It’s my understanding the two-point-five-billion dollar superstation has been stalled for years.” He paused. “But I have a contact who might be able to shed some light on the reasons. It’s possible the Superstation is a piece of the puzzle. Coincidently, I’m seeing that particular person tonight. Let me see what I can find out. In the meantime, I want you to alert the chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.”

  “Why FERC? Why not the Secretary of the Department of Energy? Max interrupted.

  Naturally, they were aware that FERC was an independent regulatory agency within the Department of Energy responsible for the review, approval, and regulation of the transmission of electricity, natural gas, and oil within the U.S. However, Max was curious as to why Noble would want to involve another agency.

  “Because we didn’t uncover an org chart with FERC circled in red,” he pointed out. “My sensors tell me to deal directly with the FERC chairman. Ask him to contact the directors at each of the control centers and to inquire as to whether they’ve had any malicious cyber or physical breaches, either in their facilities or with their main operating systems.”

  “Do you want him to include the Superstation as well?”

  “Yes, let’s cover all our bases. In addition, I think we have sufficient information now to ask him to increase security at all facilities. Have him notify us immediately of any suspicious activity.”

  Max looked over toward the wall clock and noted the time. It was 7:30 p.m. “The chairman should be able to reach most of them, but Birmingham and Mississauga can wait until tomorrow. I’ll call him right away. With any luck, I won’t be too late for my dinner date. You’re not the only one with a social life.”

  Noble missed her expression. He was already halfway across the room and heading out the door.

  All Max heard him say was, “Great job with the grids.”

  5

  THE SOURCE

  There they are.” Amanda pointed toward the bar where Nancy and Adam Ridge were standing. “Sorry we’re late,” she apologized while flashing a smile in Noble’s direction.r />
  “Not a problem. There’s about a ten minute wait for our table,” Nancy replied, as they each managed the appropriate handshake or air-kiss greeting.

  Adam placed additional drink orders.

  Adam Ridge was a lobbyist for the Oil and Gas Industry and Amanda’s boss. Noble was well aware of his credentials. Before he became a lobbyist, he worked for the Department of Energy, the DOE, making him a key source of vital information.

  The month before, Noble had met with Adam in a clandestine get-together on the premise that he may have information that would prove useful in tracking down Simon. At the time, Noble suspected that the government-owned land in Utah was an essential part of the case. Adam was able to clarify some of the activities that took place since Congress passed the Omnibus Public Land Management Act in 2009. As a result, the government had set out to claim a laundry list of land—including land in the area Noble had dubbed the Dead Zone. Their conversation also led them to a major regulatory case that involved Adam’s clients, regarding the mining of beryllium within the same area. It was the same metal ultimately linked to an explosive device used in the London New Year’s Eve bombing. The metal was traced back to Simon.

  “Your table is ready,” the waiter announced. “This way please.”

  The ladies followed the waiter, while the guys stayed behind to settle the bar tab. At this point, Noble took the opportunity to say, “Adam, I need to talk to you about your time at the DOE.”

  Adam appeared slightly shaken. “I’m leaving on a business trip tomorrow for a few days. Can it wait until I return?”

  “How about tonight after dinner?”

  “The gals aren’t going to be happy. It’s that urgent?”

  “Depending on what you tell me it could be,” Noble pressed.

  Adam capitulated. “Okay, but let’s have a pleasant evening of conventional small talk first. Then we can make our amends and go do our thing.”

  “Agreed.”

  They both walked toward the table, removing the sternness from their faces and saving it for later.

  “What are you two whispering about?” Nancy cajoled.

  “The weather,” Adam teased.

  She knew it was always business.

  Amanda knew it was always business.

  “And what were you two talking about?” Noble asked, reversing the inquiry.

  “Actually, we were talking about the National Symphony’s performance last week with Hugh Wolff conducting,” Nancy explained.

  Amanda added, “Dvorák’s New World Symphony was marvelous!”

  “This is Amanda’s way of reminding me that I cancelled at the last minute,” Noble quipped.

  Adam returned a broad smile.

  “You too?” Noble chuckled.

  Adam nodded in affirmation.

  The men surrendered and took their seats. The women had already perused the menu and had made their choices. Noble chose Amanda’s main course, forgoing the appetizer; Adam chose both of Nancy’s selections.

  Noble insisted on ordering a bottle of Capannelle 50&50—his favorite Tuscan wine.

  It did not escape Adam’s attention that he was preparing the gals for a later disappointment.

  Then at the end of a delightful two-hour dinner, the moment of reckoning arrived.

  Noble made the announcement. “I’m afraid ladies I am about to tarnish a wonderful evening. I have urgent business to discuss with Adam and this is our only opportunity.”

  “Noble, how rude,” Amanda carped.

  Adam spoke in Noble’s defense and stated, “I agreed. You two order a big fattening dessert and then, dear, call my car service and have them drive you both home safely. We’ll take care of the check when we leave.”

  “You’re not leaving?” Nancy inquired, feigning a hint of surprise.

  “The crowd’s thinning out. We’re going to sit in the back in the corner booth where it’s quiet and private.” Adam was the first to stand. He leaned over and kissed his none-too-happy wife. “I’ll see you at home.”

  Noble stood and kissed Amanda, and then whispered in her ear, “Stay at my place tonight. I’ll get there as soon as I can.”

  “Sorry I had to screw up the evening,” Noble apologized.

  “Let me get home at a reasonable hour and all will be forgiven.”

  Noble wasted no time. “Tell me about your stretch at the DOE?”

  Surprised by the question, Adam asked, “You want to know about me or about the department?”

  “I’m interested in their current activities, but I have to admit I am curious as to why you left in the first place.” Noble always wondered why Adam had left the government and joined forces with a lobbying firm that was constantly at odds with his former employer.

  “You’re aware that I was the Assistant Secretary for Fossil Fuel?”

  “Yes, and you left in 2013.”

  “Are you familiar with the GAP Analysis?”

  “Isn’t it basically a way of mapping the distribution of various endangered species in our country?”

  “Primarily. However, when President Clinton created the National Gap Analysis Program in 1999, the scope went far beyond mapping just species and ballooned into a program to preserve protected areas as deemed by the government. These protected areas handed the government open latitude, literally to seize vast tracts of land. Presumably, it was a plan for the long-term maintenance of our biosphere.”

  “You said deemed by the government. Who made the decisions?”

  “It’s a mélange of federal, state, and non-governmental organizations, along with private businesses and academic institutions. They call themselves a coalition. Of course, the Environmental Protection Agency, National Park Service, and the Bureau of Land Management are among them. The non-government entities are an assortment of environmental interest groups, including The Nature Conservancy and the GreenInfo Network.”

  Adam paused noticeably before continuing. “Remember during our last meeting, we talked about the systematic federal land grabs that were taking place in the West that delayed the discharge of drilling leases?”

  “Yes, I remember it created an impossible situation for the mining companies with leases, who were unable to build roads or bridges through federal-owned land to access their own privately funded drilling sites. Also didn’t the government begin to reduce the amount of federal land previously allocated for drilling by various means?”

  “Correct. Back in 2013, they reduced the acreage from one-point-three-million acres to seven-hundred-thousand acres.”

  “Why didn’t you bring this up during our earlier meeting?” Noble inquired.

  “You seemed to be focused on Juab County and the surrounding areas in Utah. The importance of what I am telling you now is that it’s my belief that the mapping that took place under the Clinton GAP analysis was the precursor to identifying land—land to be confiscated later in the name of preservation.”

  “I do recall that the former president released a roadmap for solar-energy development based on a joint study by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and the DOE. Is that what you are referring to?”

  “Precisely, the plan was to allocate two hundred and eighty-five thousand acres of federal-owned land to build twenty-three-thousand-seven-hundred megawatts of solar-energy capacity over twenty years. The Secretary of the Interior at the time said that the program laid out the next phase of the president’s strategy, ‘for rapid and responsible development of renewable energy.’”

  “I assume that’s an example of your land-grab theory?” Noble posed.

  Adam nodded. “There are many examples, but my premise solidified a few years earlier in September 2010 when the CLEAR Act surfaced.” He paused again, this time to make sure Noble was following along.

  “You have my attention. Keep going.”

  “The impetus for the CLEAR Act was the BP Oil spill. In my opinion, it was a ruse and another land-grab scheme. Even Gohmert, a representative from Texas, supported my assertio
n when he stood on the floor of the House of Representatives and clarified the provisions of the Act.” Adam explained that it called for the federal government to spend nine-hundred million dollars a year to purchase private land over the next thirty years, for a grand total of twenty-seven billion dollars over three decades.

  “The Act passed into law?” Noble asked, quite surprised given the economic situation at the time.

  “Unfortunately, the House passed the Act, but by a thin margin. Twenty-one republican representatives did not appear for the final vote, so I do not believe the president wanted to gamble that it would not pass the Senate. For all practical purposes, he turned the Act over to the United Nations for implementation. It was a complete end-run around Congress.”

  “The United Nations. I’m confused.”

  “Give me a sec.” Adam began tapping on his smartphone.

  At the same time, Noble realized he was sitting precariously on the edge of his seat. He pushed back and waited for Adam.

  “Oh, here it is.” Adam held up his right index finger as he resumed. “HR 3-4-3-5 states…”

  To provide greater efficiencies, transparency, returns, and accountability in the administration of Federal mineral and energy resources by consolidating administration of various Federal energy minerals management and leasing programs into one entity to be known as the Office of Federal Energy and Mineral Leasing of the Department of the Interior, and for other purposes.

  “And for other purposes,” Noble interjected with a dubious look.

  “In short, HR 3-4-3-5 is called the Consolidated Land, Energy and Aquatic Resources Act of 2010, or the CLEAR Act.”

  “But there was no mention of the United Nations in terms of administration.” Noble appeared to be mystified.

  Adam took note. “Listen to this. In section 106 of the Act, titled Abolishment of Minerals Management Service, there’s a provision in item (e) that states—hold on.” He advanced the screen on his smartphone. “Here it is. It states, ‘Executive orders, rules, regulations, directives, or delegations of authority that precede the effective date of this Act…’” Adam waved his right hand…yada—yada—yada…then he continued to read, ‘“Statutory reporting requirements that applied in relation to the Service immediately before the effective date of the Act shall continue to apply,’” he enunciated.