“So how many is that?” asked Planner.
“Two and half thousand. The same number as Pearl Harbor,” said Venice.
Bates whistled in disbelief.
Casino added, “That’s an estimate, obviously. And much lower than the estimate for 1993, with the FBI’s failed attempt on the towers.81”
“So is that with or without the advanced warning of the attack?” said Planner.
“We could not find a satisfactory scenario”, said Casino slowly and deliberately, “working with the COG, that would support the warning and pre-evacuation of the World Trade Center complex.”
Sinatra nodded, “We have promised the politicians a catalysing event with real er… motivational value; a critical mass…”
Paris shrugged, “The psychologists say we need a New Pearl Harbor8283. To trigger an unforgettable memory, flashbulb memory, as it is known. More than just an air crash. There’s an air crash every month84.”
Planner almost said something but thought better of it. Bates took up the questioning. “I suspect that… the Emergency Services… may be over-represented in that figure,” pondered Bates.
Casino said bluntly, “The building will be shaking for an hour. People will be expecting the building to fall. We’ll radio the emergency crew to pull out.”
“What about flashes? Bangs?” Planner mused. “Explosives are rather different from a natural collapse. Wouldn’t that cause a lot of… er… questions? It’s bound to be caught on camera.”
Cowboy shifted forward in his seat, smiled broadly and said in western-style accent, “Caught on camera. Yes, exactly that’s what we’re planning. But that’s a good point you’re making. Very good. This is my area of concern and I can assure you, we have the very best people working on the tower collapses.” Cowboy transfixed Planner with his gaze, “Let me ask you something. What do you know about nanotechnology?”
“Nothing,” said Planner rather taken aback, “Er… well… it’s like micro technology, maybe, but smaller?”
“Yeah, probably,” said Cowboy smugly. “But no. It’s all about molecular scale materials being able to build up complex structures thinner than paint…”
Planner involuntarily made a move to look at his watch.
Cowboy noted and responded, “I realise we’re all short on time. I’ll make it quick. Let’s just say we have developed munitions that are more powerful than anything we had, even 5 years ago, using nanotechnology85. It’s works in the same way as thermite, ultra-hot demolition material used for years to slice through steel bridges. But updated for the 21st century. It’s called nanothermite and not commercially available anywhere. Only available to the military and rocket scientists. And it doesn’t flash, it doesn’t go bang. Just a swish. And burns up completely leaving no evidence behind.”
“Nothing behind?” said Bates in disbelief.
“There’s always tags, or some sort of chemical trace, to be found,” noted Planner.
“Why, yes. Yes, it does,” said Cowboy with a smile. “I’m just saying in comparison to traditional RDX explosive or even traditional thermite. Nanothermite explosive residue just breaks down into iron and aluminium dust. There would be nano-scopic traces of catalysing chemicals, if you were looking hard for it. And I mean, real hard.86”
“And if you were looking real hard?” pressed Planner.
Paris interrupted, “This is why we are not using US-made nano-materials. We are using explosives from France. It would be as good as untraceable.”
“France?” asked Bates amazed.
“Yes, the French,” said Paris with some Gallic pride, “through their space programme, the Arianne Five, have become the world leaders in nano-material technology since nano-materials are also used for solid rocket propellants.”
“So the material can be traced back to the French? Won’t that be a bit awkward? Diplomatically?” asked Planner.
Venice made a balancing gesture, “This is part of Operation Stage C. We appreciate that each nano-material is unique and can be traced back to its factory of origin, so we will be destroying the factory.”
“What? Isn’t that even worse? Diplomatically!” spluttered Bates.
Paris shrugged. “Already covered. And in any case, they needed a new fabrication plant… it had constrained capacity. The site is shared with a fertiliser company, the explosion will look like it originated there and will be blamed on the Middle East.87”
Cowboy added, “The point I’d like to make is… that we have considered Stage C and Stage C has affected our methods. We are leaving no stone unturned.”
Casino also added, “And we have contingency plans, as you’d expect for any Psychological Operation.”
Sinatra tapped on the white board, “I can show you the scripts of the TV newscasts we’re proposing both for BE2 and the documentary follow-ups. We have the drafts of the academic papers just here. We’re very serious about selling the story.”
“I don’t doubt the effort you’ve expended. I just think the objectives are… dubious.”
Casino had repressed some irritation in his voice, “A good point and while we could spend some time assuring you the objectives are worthy, we’re not here to discuss that aspect, ok? Just overlaps and clashes. Now… have we briefed you sufficiently, Mr Planner?”
Planner leant back and considered his response. “I need to analyse the timelines… and get back to you. I may have further questions.” Planner paused and Las Vegas team sat back, almost as-one with self satisfaction, waiting for a further response.
After what seemed like a long span, but was in fact, only a few seconds, Planner asked “Who’s organising the demolitions itself? Can I talk to whoever it is?”
Cowboy said, “Of course. That would be Mr Digger; a very diligent man. I’ll get him to call you.”
“That’ll be great. Thanks,” said Planner.
“When you can, please send the documentary and news scripts over to me,” added Bates.
“No problem,” beamed Sinatra.
* * * *
Planner and Bates were in the Hotel Bar discussing baseball; Bates was a Yankees fan and Planner preferred the Red Sox. They both agreed that the schedules that year was unbalanced, and the two teams were playing each other far too many times.
Planner received a text message from Katherine, it read “Sorry can’t make tonight either. Next week, perhaps?”
The conversation went quiet and Bates noting Planner’s grimace, decided to raise the subject of the previous meeting. “You appear to be remarkably quiet about the Las Vegas meeting. There’s a lot of issues there. Yet you seemed to be in such a rebellious mood beforehand too.”
“Hmm, I don’t really want to think about it,” sighed Planner. “Another case where they are not exactly Keeping It Simple. They were prepared for us. Too prepared. It seems they were expecting some push-back. Very slick. Did you notice how quickly they mentioned their top level cover in their pitch. I think we were being managed.”
“You may be right,” said Bates.
“Fucking dirty job we have. I’m not up to talking about it at the moment,” Planner finished his drink and glanced at the TV on the bar.
“Ok” said Bates.
“Anyway I have a phone call to make,” said Planner and rose from his seat.
“Planner, before you go,” said Bates gently, “I was thinking. It might be best, for the team, if we continue to include within the schedule, the advanced warning plan.” Bates was referring to the advanced warning of the attack on the twin towers discussed within the team to reduce collateral damage.
“But do something different on the day?” queried Planner.
“No, I’ll have the warning call directed to one of our own guys,” suggested Bates.
“A fake call to a fake recipient?” said Planner with half a smile.
“Well if you have a better idea,” shrugged Bates. “If we change the plan the team will find out soon enough. It may dampen morale.”
“You’ll sort that out?” asked Planner.
“Sure.”