“If I was a neutral observer, coming into this cold, and reviewing the facts, I would still feel the same way. Bottom line, I think this mission is a go.” Mark stood and started walking around the table in the room. “If we split up the mission into three parts, rather four parts, we would have to start off with getting Ford cleared from the Air Force Reserve. We know what that bureaucratic headache could be. Then, he has to get trained up in a minimal amount of time. On what? I don’t know just yet. We generate a plan getting him in there. Another plan getting to jet out.”
Mark then looked up at the screen and could see Wu bent over and coughing. Others in the room looked up to see the same. They could see Wu open up a small bottle from his pocket, take a pill out, insert into his mouth, and take some water.
“And then phase last… where are we bringing the jet to, and what do we do with it? I think getting it to the mainland United States is the real challenge here, but we can really put some brainpower towards this and come up with a solid plan. Bottom line, I am a go,” Mark concluded.
“Thanks, Mark. Ford, you’re next. Fully understanding you are not at DIA, nor an analyst, just tell us what you think. Plain English,” asked the Deputy.
Ford gathered his thoughts before speaking, something he learned from a mentor back at the Navy squadron. He quietly let out a long breath. In through his nose, out his mouth. “Yes, sir. Thank you. This flight is a go. No question. Based upon what Wu has shared with me tonight, and many years of friendship across Asia and North America, there is no reason to doubt his intent. I was not aware you had other data, including something from a RIVET JOINT crew? And you guys have a medical doctor here?” Those were pretty remarkable facts. Guess that’s intelligence business, he figured. “And that was one hell of a personality assessment. I think… that, ahh … not only are we helping a true friend, both personally and professionally, but we are capturing something that may rightfully be ours. How do we know, based upon history, the Chinese didn’t steal the drawings and plans and whatever else from an Air Force computer, or a defense contractor? You know… cyber theft? Anyway, I’m rambling. Bottom line is I am a go. I’m in. I’m ready.”
“Got it, Ford, and thank you,” said Deputy Burns. He asked Robert to unmute the room, and waived with his hand on screen for Chris to unmute on his end. “Thank you, Chris. We just went around the room here for some initial impressions and analysis, but wanted to ask you. Do you have anything to add?”
“Only that Captain Wu Lee has shared his story with me, from the present day flying, back to his days with the Stevens family. There is a whirlpool river rafting story that is impressive. If I understand correctly, it was when, as teenagers, Wu and Ford went white water rafting and Wu nearly drowned. Ford jumped in the rapids and whirlpool area of the river and saved his life. The story does not contribute to the task at hand, but provides background that their bond is strong and long lasting,” Chris added.
Ford smiled at the story coming to the table, and remembered it well. He nodded his head, looking down at the table, then up at Wu’s face. That was also the day of the aircraft flyover, the day they made a pact that they would fly together, he thought. “All true,” Ford added, “we nearly lost Wu that day when we were kids. We also learned that day we both wanted to be pilots. Couple of Chinese fighters came down the river, north of Beijing, doing a low-level. They were in trail… scorching speed. Wu and I decided there on the spot that we were going to fly.”
Chris waited respectfully until Ford was complete. “Sir, based upon the information that I have so far, I think Captain Lee is legitimate. Not sure what you discussed over there, but this seems like we could pull this off. The risk is worth the reward.”
“Thank you, Chris. I appreciate your thoughts,” said Deputy Burns.
Calvin Burns waited a moment before speaking. He wanted to absorb everyone’s comments, and review his own assessment in his mind. While there were glaring gaps on the how portion of the plan, like the blowback from the Chinese government, and fallout from the Lieutenant General Chen reaction, but, it was worth exploring. Calvin was sure of it. “Wu, I am going to turn in this case over to Mark, our lead for the China area. I know that he and his team, along with you, will generate a solid plan for you and Ford. They will keep me informed. I wish you the best of luck in your health and I look forward to meeting you one day soon. Again, Wu, thank you very much for your kind and generous offer. Hang in there,” Calvin Burns said, then stood and left the room.
The Deputy and Mark said something to each other quickly, most likely something to say good night, and shook hands. Mark then stepped into the camera frame.
“Wu, my name is Mark and I am a DIA analyst on Chinese aircraft. I work here in Washington. It is a pleasure to talk with you today.”
“Hello, Mark. You specialize in Chinese aircraft? Huh. What did you think of the Chengdu J-20?” Wu asked, being a smart aleck. Wu knew, as did everyone there, that the J-20 fighter looked exactly like the USAF F-22 Raptor. “Sorry, Mark. I know and you know how we got a hold of those manufacturing plans. Yes, looks exactly the same, I understand. A copycat. I am sorry.”
“Thank you, Wu. Perfectly, all right. Please know that I, along with the team, will generate a plan in the next 24 hours. Is there any way that you can come back to the Consulate tomorrow?”
Mark could not help but think that if they generated a plan, how would they get in regular contact with Wu? They needed encrypted communication, for starters, and coming to a U.S. facility might not always work.
“Well, the flight schedule is very fluid and not generated by me. It is generated by Lieutenant General Chen. I cannot guarantee that I can come in.”
“Okay, okay. That's what I thought. Umm, Chris, can you hear me?”
“Yeah, Mark, I am right here.”
“Can you him hook him up with the Peanut App?" Mark asked.
The Peanut App was an application downloaded onto a smart phone that provided private, encrypted, and secure texting. Known in shorthand as “The Peanut”, the download automatically installed encryption software that protected the communication between the phone, and whoever was on the other end. The standard encryption, called ‘Pretty Good Privacy’ or PGP, was the latest standard. It provided end-to-end data encryption.
The Peanut App, originally born from the medical doctor community for medical professionals, was designed to chat with patients. It was HIPAA compliant and had an ISO 27001 certified infrastructure, it gave healthcare systems, private medical practices and hospitals secure communication, along with PIN protection, two-factor authentication, and remote lock and wipe capabilities. What worked in one industry, was easily transferable and worked in another.
“Absolutely. I’ll set him up before he leaves.”
“Thank you all. Looking forward to talking again soon. See you, Ford,” Wu said, as he got up from his seat.
“See you, buddy,” Ford said.
Mark pointed in Wu’s direction on screen. “Hey, Wu, one last question. Are you wearing a fitness tracker right now?” he asked.
Wu slid the sleeve up from his right arm, showing it for display. It was black in color, and on his right wrist.
“Yes. Here. Why?”
“Just wondering. Thanks,” Mark replied. That was Mark’s last gut check to verify that Wu was their guy. It made sense, considering the info they grabbed from the surveillance aircraft. Mark just wanted to have that last check, just in case they were being played by Chinese counterintelligence. Mark felt more comfortable after seeing it.