“I still find it hard to believe we don’t know who they are.”
Hathaway scowled, apparently perturbed that the agency’s work was being questioned. “Watson, their fingerprints didn’t show up in any database, and they arrived in a sport utility vehicle that was stripped of any identifying marks, including VIN. The license plate was stolen a couple of years ago in California. At this point our best guess is that they were a sleeper cell that had been tucked away in the greater Los Angeles area, waiting for just such an opportunity.”
“But here is the little bow that ties all of these things together,” the Oracle said. “Because the Chinese were able to decode the location of the lodge, we can only assume that they are now also aware of the operation that was planned in Brazil.”
Zane pointed at the slide. “In looking at the translated code, I see that there are vague references to a possible alien outpost and the search for alien technology. It’s possible they took alien to mean foreign or hostile. If I were looking at this, the true meaning would be a bit murky.”
“Perhaps, although it’s equally possible that they have a clear understanding of what’s going on,” the Oracle pointed out. “We still don’t know how much, if any, of this they were able to translate. But we have to run on the assumption that they know everything.”
Zane nodded in agreement. “So, you’re thinking there is at least a small chance they’ll send in their own team?”
“We believe it’s possible, yes. Remember, it’s also very unlikely that Chinese intelligence officials got any information from their hit team in Idaho.”
“Why is that important?” Zane asked.
“Since it’s likely they never heard back from their hit team, it’s also likely they now believe Garet Slater is still alive. And if he’s still alive, then they may be running under the assumption that he’s on his way to Brazil.”
“Which means they’ll see it as a second chance to kill him.”
The Oracle nodded. “Precisely.”
Hathaway looked at Zane. “Not only did they take it personally, but they probably believe that a successful hit will discourage future attempts to gather intelligence on Chinese soil.”
Zane had to admit they had a point. If the Chinese were brazen enough to attempt a hit on American soil, then they certainly wouldn’t hesitate to take someone down in the rainforests of Brazil. The only question was how much information they had been able to glean from the coded email.
“Is it really worth sending a team down there anyway?” Zane asked. “Are we really expecting to find something?”
The Oracle and Hathaway exchanged glances. “Watson,” the Oracle said, “as crazy as it may sound, we believe that transmission, which some have called a signal, may indicate the presence of some sort of alien outpost. There is even talk of a downed ship.” He looked at the operative as though trying to discern his reaction. “Look, do we know for sure there is something down there? No, we don’t. We’re all a bit skeptical about it, but there is no way the director is going to just drop this. The DRA stands by their declaration that this is some sort of intergalactic communication.”
Zane rubbed his chin, something he did reflexively when deep in thought. Even if something had been there before, he doubted it would be there now. If these were highly intelligent beings who had previously been able to cloak their presence on earth, then it was doubtful they’d just wait to be found. On the other hand, he knew they had to go look.
“Garet is a tough cookie and can take care of himself,” Zane said, “but if it were me, I’d double the military component of the team.”
“Garet isn’t going,” the Oracle replied, “so he won’t need protection.”
Zane frowned. “I know he’s a target, but you said he was the perfect man for the job.”
“The agency isn’t even going.”
Zane raised an eyebrow. Suddenly everything knit together in his mind, including why he’d been called to Arlington.
“The agency was completely prepared to take on this operation,” Hathaway explained. “In fact, as I mentioned earlier, it’s part and parcel of what we do. But too much has been exposed. We’re going to keep Garet where he is now. To be honest, we’re actually going to have him communicate with his superiors through what you might say are semi-secure lines.”
Zane nodded slowly. “You’re basically going to broadcast that he’s not in Brazil and that it’s business as usual at the agency.”
The Oracle nodded then paced just outside the circle of chairs. “They could’ve put together another team, but we all decided that it was best handled by a group that as far as we can tell isn’t known to the Chinese.”
“Delphi.”
“Yes,” the Oracle said. “Despite all the fireworks in Switzerland and France, we still believe that Delphi operates in complete anonymity. If we’re known to any foreign government or organization, then it hasn’t shown up in chatter yet.”
“Won’t the Chinese still be on the lookout for an American team? Does it really matter who goes? Don’t get me wrong, I’m looking forward to the opportunity, it’s just—”
“To use the vernacular of our times… the agency is a little freaked out right now,” Hathaway said. “This might surprise you, but I agree with everything you just said. I argued that we should press forward and the Chinese be damned. However, I was the minority voice.”
Zane wasn’t surprised. Hathaway always believed the agency could conduct operations better than any other branch of government, including those under black budgets. He did have to admire the man’s willingness to go head-to-head with the Chinese.
“So when do we get started?” the operative asked.
“Almost immediately,” the Oracle said. “Our intelligence is scant right now, but we believe the Chinese may already be assembling a team to travel to Brazil. Based on reports from our watchers, we don’t think they’re down there yet, but we do think that if they’re going, they’ll be there soon.”
“There is one thing that doesn’t seem to add up,” Zane said as he stood from his leather chair. “Where exactly do they think they’re going? Based on what I read in the email, the only thing they know is that we’re investigating a strange signal in northern Brazil.”
“Brett,” the Oracle said, looking at the chief technology specialist.
Brett opened his laptop again and said, “If you’d had more time to read the translation of Garet’s email, you’d see that he did give a somewhat precise location.” He brought up a final slide. “Here is a map we put together with help from the DRA. It’s a bit more precise than the description in the email but not much. The bottom line is that the Chinese probably know the general area we’re focused on.”
“So basically we’re starting on a level playing field?” Zane asked.
“Pretty much. Although the DRA is trying to pin things down a bit more.
Zane looked at the Oracle. “I guess that means I need to start putting together my team.”
Brett and the Oracle exchanged a quick glance before the Oracle looked at Zane. “Your team has already been assembled.”
Zane frowned. That’s not what he wanted to hear. “Who are you sticking me with?”
“Some familiar faces,” the Oracle replied. “And a few surprises.”