Chapters (84)
“I analyzed the data downloaded from the Afghan units as well as the video of the villagers’ behavior. But my area of expertise is narrow and I’m not involved in many of the technical aspects. Most of the major research is done in North Korea and I have very little access to that. I’ve only been to that facility twice, and there’s an entire wing I’m barred from.”
Smith chewed thoughtfully on his lower lip. A moment ago he had been more or less satisfied that he had everything he needed to write his report. Of course, the president and Dresner would have to sit down and hash out exactly what had happened and what capabilities existed that hadn’t been made public, but that wasn’t his problem.
Now, though, he wasn’t so sure. It wasn’t a surprise to him that North Korea had been used as a location for a testing facility—it was a country largely hidden from the rest of the world with a government desperate for hard currency and an expendable population. But now he had to wonder if the North Koreans could have gained access to the military operating system. And even if they hadn’t, what was going on in the facility that Dresner wouldn’t even discuss with his oldest friend? Was his research more advanced than Eichmann knew? Was he developing some completely new capability?
“Tell me more about the North Korean facility,” Smith said.
The German scientist shrugged. “My understanding is that it’s in the process of being dismantled. In the coming weeks, it will cease to exist.”
Smith chewed a little harder on his lip. So whatever Dresner was doing there, it appeared that he’d finished and wanted the evidence wiped from the face of the earth.
“Do you have contacts there?”
“At the facility? Of course. I’ve worked with the director on a number of projects.”
“Do you have a way of getting in touch with him?”
“I have his private number,” Eichmann said, starting to sound a bit suspicious. “Why?”
“Call it. Tell him you’re on your way with two assistants.”
“What? I have no authority to go there. Christian has always—”
“Tell him Dresner wants you to check up on the dismantling of the facility,” Randi said.
“What if he calls and checks? What if we get there and he knows we aren’t authorized? No. I won’t do it.”
Smith pointed to the door. “Then best of luck to you.”
52
52
Limpopo
South Africa
CHRISTIAN DRESNER SHIFTED in his chair and the image before him immediately became translucent, showing the details of the room beyond. It was the second version of MIT’s movie app and the safety features had been improved to the point that it was nearly ready for release.