Into The Shadows

by Michael Brady

  Surprisingly at 12:43 am, a flash priority message arrived in her inbox. Operation Kallinikos was the source and requested an immediate response. It had been months since Sarah received a high priority message such as this. Moreover, protocol dictated confirmation within ten minutes.

  Operation Kallinikos derived its name due to historical events, which occurred in the Hellenistic period. In approximately 230 B.C., King Saleucus II Callinicus would name his growing city Kallinikos. It later became al-Raqqa in 640 A.D. CIA often named its most sensitive operations based on historical events. Operation Kallinikos would be no different.

  Standard procedure for Sarah required nothing more than “ack receipt, message forwarded to DO. Verified by DO EOC.” Next order of business was to call her boss, Doug Weatherbee, deputy director of the operations directorate at CIA. Sarah and her colleagues never really enjoyed making these calls but did not mind waking up the boss when flash traffic entered the EOC.

  “Sir, this is Sarah, we have flash traffic from operation Kallinikos. Message authenticated and ready for transmission.”

  “Send it over, Sarah,” said Doug groggily. “I’ll be in shortly.”

  As Doug awaited the message over his encrypted cell phone, he slowly sat on the bed and placed the glasses over his drowsy eyes. As the message began to arrive, Doug’s attention quickly shifted to his phone.

  He could not believe what he was reading. Time to get to the EOC right away he thought. The last time he received a similar message, a suicide bomber killed forty-eight Iraqi citizens in Baghdad while nearly two hundred others were injured. He was determined to foil whatever plot his enemy was planning, no matter the cost.

  Montclair, VA – November 2, 6:30 AM

  Michael Brennan awoke. After a long night’s rest, coupled with the company of a beautiful, confident and intelligent woman, Michael felt invigorated. A lengthy vacation in Belize just two weeks earlier, he felt rested and prepared for the next assignment, whenever that would come.

  His line of work demanded patience, meticulous planning, violent execution, and trust. Extended periods of rest and mental relaxation were the norm. After his latest assignment in Yemen, where he spent four long months, he had earned it.

  After a healthy breakfast consisting of eggs, toast and chilled orange juice, and chit-chat with Laura, it was time for her to leave. They both relished each other’s company the previous night and genuinely enjoyed how the relationship was progressing. After several dates, intimacy had finally arrived. Both were pleased thus far.

  Laura kissed Michael on the cheek and said she looked forward to dinner in a few days. She would be back in D.C. after a short visit to New York. There would be an investment conference focused on emerging software platforms. The theme would be predictive analytics. Some of the hottest start-ups, big industry heavyweights like Microsoft, Apple, IBM, and government agencies would be there. One such agency would be the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA), under the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI).

  IARPA had been at the forefront of innovative technology since its inception in 2006. From metadata collection techniques to predictive analytics and everything in between relating to intelligence activities, IARPA was at the forefront. The agency had formed when the NSA’s Disruptive Technology Office (DTO), the NGA’s National Technology Alliance and the CIA’s Intelligence Technology Innovation Center converged. The purpose of these “teams of wizards” were clear---acquire technology that will give the United States intelligence community (IC) advantage over its adversaries. In New York, it would be Dr. Peter Breckenridge and his team from ODNI leading the charge on predictive analytics.

  After Laura had left in her fiery red Lexus RX 350, Michael began to clean up. He would soon change into some triathlon gear and go for a long ride. Whenever Michael was between assignments, a healthy dose of training and extensive workouts is what he needed. Assignments in remote parts of the world could not accommodate his training regime, nor would he have time anyway. The preparation he put into physical training would ensure he was ready for any assignment. The secondary effects of a chiseled and toned body that projected confidence, success, and attitude always helped while on assignment or out. This time, Laura would enjoy his body for however long their relationship would last or in whatever direction it would move.

  Today’s brick workout was short. It would include a thirty-mile bike ride followed by a nine-mile run. Michael wanted to reduce the bike ride to have energy for his run later in the afternoon. The rides were always beneficial as Michael had the opportunity to reflect on his life, his decisions, and the man he became.

  The crisp Virginia air moved through Michael’s lungs. He felt alive, focused, and content. Early into the ride, Michael remembered how he wanted to leave high school and help transform the world. Any difference, he figured, was better than nothing. He was, after all, a product of the Reagan era in the 1980s. Ronald Wilson Reagan, the nation’s fortieth President of the United States, vowed to defeat the Soviet Union, the greatest threat to American democracy and freedom the world had ever known. Michael and countless other men and women whose faith in America was unwavering would answer Reagan’s calls. Their fight would be enduring, costly, and necessary.

  Michael chose to enter college at The Citadel located in historic Charleston, SC. The Citadel, also known as The Military College of South Carolina, was deeply rooted in military tradition and service. The location was ideal, and Michael wanted to prepare himself for military service. America, he thought, needed fighting men and women who would preserve America’s democracy and challenge those nations or rogue actors who threatened it.

  Into his groove and settled on the bike after just 20 minutes it came. Vibration from the phone located inside his rear jersey pocket meant one thing. Langley was calling, and this ride was likely over.

  CIA Headquarters, Langley, VA – November 2, 1:30 PM

  Michael arrived at CIA HQ as directed by Anne Conterres, the executive assistant to Doug Weatherbee.

  “Good afternoon Mike,” said the usually cheerful Anne. “Doug is waiting to see you.”

  Inside Michael went. Doug’s office was typical of senior executive servants within the government. Plush with a walnut and cherry wood desk, paintings of former CIA leaders, countless degrees and certificates hanging from his walls, and President Obama’s picture behind him, Doug was a bureaucrat, thought Michael. Also, he loathed these meetings. Operations reports could provide most of the information he needed anyway.

  “Afternoon Mike. Sorry to have called you in so quickly; know you’re on leave.”

  “No problem, Doug. What’s the situation?”

  Doug proceeded to tell Michael about the flash message received by the EOC the night before.

  “Operation Kallinikos is our effort to penetrate the Islamic State. For nearly twelve months now, a high-level source from Mossad has provided us good intelligence. Mossad is actually running the source and brought us aboard when the joint operation began.”

  Doug’s description of the operation was a result of renewed efforts by Mossad and CIA to improve joint collection and targeting of high-value targets (HVTs) around the world, mostly terror groups in the Middle East.

  Despite the public tension between President Barrack Obama and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a resurgence of radical Islam forced the leaders to put aside their political differences and focus their strategic resources on terrorism. Their attention remained on Al Qaeda and Hezbollah respectively, but the sudden rise of Islamic State made both leaders nervous.

  “Last night the source sent a message stating that Shirazi had discussions with his senior intelligence officer where he instructed him to devise a spectacular attack. We have no further information as of now.”

  As usual, Doug’s initial brief to Michael was nebulous with few specifics. Conversations like these were the norm in
the human collection business, at least on the front end of an operation. Vague information such as this was useless. Only credible and actionable intelligence concerned Michael, he thought to himself.

  “I want you to travel to Israel immediately, meet with Mossad, and prevent whatever attack Islamic State is planning. Anne will fill you in and provide the op report.”

  Short and sweet. That is how Michael preferred these office calls. Nevertheless, he often wondered why Doug and others at CIA summoned their officers for mission briefs. It simply was not necessary, Michael thought, as anything useful was included in the operation report.

  After departing Doug’s office, Michael received his file from Anne. A one-terabyte capable thumb drive would allow Michael to upload files onto his laptop at home, study whatever information was available, and prepare himself for the trip to Jerusalem.

  Highly secure thumb drives issued to non-official cover (NOC) officers such as Michael were standard. In fact, Michael’s thumb drive included a fingerprint id scanner. Therefore, only Michael could use the drive on his personal computer or other electronic devices. This was the preferred method used by the Directorate of Operations (DO) for a variety of reasons.

  Data breaches and cyber intrusions were becoming commonplace due to the fragility and vulnerability of wired networks. Despite the technological advancements of encrypted software, routers, fiber optics, modems and other sorts of communication devices, true cyber security had not been realized.

  Nearly all information collected from various intelligence agencies used satellites and secure wired and wireless networks to move information. However, human intelligence collection required a greater fabric of security. Moreover, CIA determined years ago that sensitive clandestine human collection and other black programs would be off the grid. This reduced the likelihood of penetration by cyber hackers, rogue individuals and nation states.

  However, in order to prepare a NOC officer before an assignment, he or she would utilize a self-destructive thumb-drive and study operational data on a remote computer. Of course, the computer would have sophisticated software to eliminate viewed data and automatically scrub itself after viewing. The only risk to this was if the officer was compromised leaving CIA and traveling to his or her residence. According to CIA, this was an acceptable risk during the preparation phase. Moreover, the fingerprint id scanner on the thumb drive added a layer of operational security.

  “Good luck Michael. Stay safe and return in one piece,” said Anne with a smile.

  Michael then returned a smile and off he went to prepare for his journey to the Holy Land.

  Tel Aviv, Israel - November 3, 2014, 5:48 PM

  Michael’s trip aboard Turkish Airlines flight 8 was a good one and ending shortly. The Airbus A330 was comfortable and allowed Michael some last-minute rest in preparation for his meeting with Mossad. Departing Washington, D.C. at 12 AM was never ideal, but it would result in an arrival in Israel at approximately 6:30 PM. The nearly seventeen-hour flight from Dulles International Airport to Ben Guirion International Airport in Tel Aviv included a layover in Ataturk airport in Istanbul, Turkey.

  While in Istanbul, Michael had a few hours to kill and he chose to visit Simit Sarayi, a small cafe in the airport serving traditional Turkish pastries. Michael chose Cezerye, consisting of caramelized carrots, nuts and pistachios covered with grated coconut. Delicious he thought as he spent time reading the local newspaper and catching up on the political twists and plots that were in Istanbul.

  Once off the flight at Ben Guirion, Michael was greeted by Aaron Tager, a longtime Mossad veteran and now deputy chief of the Collections Department within the shadowy organization.

  “Mr. Brennan, welcome to Israel,” said the middle-aged professional spy. “I have a vehicle for us. I will take you to your hotel.”

  “Thank you, Aaron,” said Michael, as he could not wait to arrive and shower. He looked forward to sampling the local cuisine.

  Michael’s ride from Ben Guirion airport to the Rothschild Hotel was short. In the few minutes he and Aaron spoke, the two men mostly conversed in pleasantries, expected of intelligence professionals when operating in open environments. Aaron asked Michael how long he had served in the agency, why he joined and other trivial questions. He appreciated Michael’s serious nature but quickly discerned the American’s disdain for such discussions. A true man operating inside the shadows, he thought to himself.

  The discussion and specifics of Operation Kallinikos would come in the morning at Mossad headquarters. Aaron would be back at eight in the morning to pick him up.

  Upon exiting Mossad’s vehicle, a friendly valet greeted Michael. The young woman, probably in her late twenties, took hold of Michael’s luggage and promptly escorted him to the front desk. Once checked in, Michael arrived at his suite. A hot shower was in order followed by a hearty and delicious meal.

  After dinner, which included green tea, Sambuca, and a baked cheesecake, Michael returned to his suite. It had been a long twenty hours of traveling; nevertheless, his hot shower and full belly meant the night was coming to end. Only one thing left to do, send Laura a short message.

  Hi, Laura. Just wanted to send you a quick hello and best wishes while at the conference. Hoping to see you after your return. Enjoy the city. Michael

  Iskenderun, Turkey - November 3, 8:50 PM

  Along Turkey’s Mediterranean Sea, near the beautiful seaport of Iskenderun, and the legendary Nur Mountains, Raif Demir checked his Facebook page. Most of the messages were trivial of course, just news feeds from “friends” he barely knew. However, one caught his attention.

  Raif received the message at precisely 8:50 PM. The sender, a small cafe along Ataturk Boulevard in Iskenderun, known as Eroglu cafe, would be running its monthly specials beginning at 9 PM this evening. Like previous months, Eroglu would be offering its customers fifty percent off all drinks until 11 PM. Nights like these came along only once a month, and loyal patrons never knew the day or time beforehand.

  The cafe’s location along the palm-lined Mediterranean Sea made it an ideal spot for local residents. A perfect place for business outings, parties, or locals looking to surf the web utilizing Eroglu’s free Wi-Fi; the location was stunning near sunset. Tonight, would be no different.

  Outside seating at the cafe offered its customers beautiful evenings and cool breezes flowing from the Mediterranean. On a clear night, the moon radiated light off the water leaving customers breathless and hopeful the night would never end.

  For Raif, the message was entirely of a different scope and nature. It meant he needed to be at Eroglu precisely at 11 PM to meet with his handler, a beautiful Turkish woman he met there approximately one year ago. Off he went, as the nearly one-hour drive meant he had little time to spare.

  As with previous encounters with Elif, Raif hoped this time would be different.

  Tel Aviv, Israel – November 4, 8:45 AM

  Michael arrived at Mossad headquarters, went through the usual security protocols for visitors, and found himself sitting with Aaron in a large secure conference room filled with screens, laptops, PDAs, and various other individuals.

  “Mr. Brennan,” said the young man standing in front of the center projection screen, “today’s briefing is on Operation Kallinikos, a highly sensitive program started nearly six years ago.”

  The young man, named Simon, proceeded to inform Michael of various aspects of the operation including the source, his history, and motivation for reporting the information. As Michael listened attentively, he recalled why Mossad, the most sophisticated and controversial spy agency in the world was the clear leader in Human Intelligence (HUMINT) collection. After all, their operations, many who have become public, were legendary.

  Simon proceeded to brief Michael on various other logistics and communications details of the operation. Also discussed were the reliability and reporting methods of the source, both
critical components to human intelligence collection.

  In the human intelligence collection business, sources are only as good as their reliability. Mossad’s source had proven reliable in previous reporting, and there was no reason to doubt the information was genuine this time.

  Michael proceeded to ask a series of questions about the source.

  “Why does the individual have such an important position within the organization? Why do you feel his reporting is still credible if you have not heard from him in nearly seven months?”

  Simon stated the source had been with Shirazi since 2009 where he first met him while planning an attack in Mosul, Iraq. The source helped Shirazi plan the attack, coordinate for men, and even ended up taking a bullet for him in a firefight with local police forces.

  “Has the source been with Shirazi since Mosul?” asked Michael.

  The genius and forethought of Mossad were now on full display.

  “Yes. He has provided frequent reports on Shirazi and the organization since then. And many terror attacks have been disrupted,” said Simon.

  Michael’s first instinct was to ask himself why Mossad simply did not order Shirazi’s execution. However, he quickly reminded himself that having a source inside the organization was more valuable. If Shirazi died, the organization would simply replace him with another and the source reassigned or killed. Keeping the source alive, in character, and reporting offered Mossad greater intelligence collection in the future.

  Brilliant thought Michael and likely necessary for an intelligence agency whose sheer existence is to ensure the survival of Israel.