Singapore Under Attack (International Espionage Book 1) Page 5

  “We don’t encounter that sort of unanimous opinion every day,” Tan said, now feeling slightly more confident. “I authorize adding Dan Avni to the task force. Dr. Deutsch and Dr. Ben Ari, I trust you to get him up to speed. I’m adding the National Security Institute’s communication expert to the subteam that will handle all communication and surveillance aspects. I believe, Mr. Rogel, that you should join this subteam as well.”

  “I’d be happy to. In my view, obtaining information about what’s going on in Kuala Lumpur is a top priority.” He looked up and noticed Damia’s black eyes fixed upon him. Rogel smiled awkwardly and shrugged, and Damia returned his smile and continued summarizing the main points of the task force’s discussion. Chang Mei didn’t miss the exchange of smiles but kept it to herself.

  “Why don’t you update the entire team about the summary of findings regarding the incident at the container terminal?” Tan said to Damia, head of the Technology and Communication Department.

  Damia Nur had attained a senior and central role due to her qualifications, but she also knew how to influence her coworkers with her charisma. General Tan had promoted the young Malaysian woman, and she knew she would always have his support.

  “The event at the container terminal that took place last week looked like a routine ‘near accident.’ The Singaporean electronics company that developed the automatic conveyance system didn’t discover any malfunction in the computer software running the system…” Damia began.

  “So what makes you think it’s a cyber attack?” Deutsch queried.

  “According to Mr. Rogel,” the head of the Intelligence Division intervened, “there’s a possibility that this was a test run of cyber interference in the communication network operating container transport. Rogel claimed that brief intervention of this kind doesn’t enable identifying the operator of the cyber attack, but it might provide the enemy with enough information to prepare a major strike.”

  “I heard Rogel’s theory when the findings from the incident at the terminal were presented to me, and it made sense to me,” Tan confirmed. “If it’s true, we have to act quickly and advance our defense measures. I expect the surveillance team, which will be headed by Dr. Gideon Ben Ari, to come up with an apt response to this threat. Dr. Chang, please tell me, what do the industries have to tell us about assessing this threat and coming up with a direction to address it?”

  “Our industries are aware of cyber threats and are beginning to prepare for defending against them. I’ve instructed employees to compile a list of all data centers and computer systems in our industries that might be targeted for infiltration by malicious files,” Dr. Chang Mei replied. “I’ve asked the head of the electronics and communication company’s computing branch to lead the industries’ defense project. He’ll be supported by representatives from all the companies united within the national holding company. I’ve already heard some impressions from their first meeting, and there’s a consensus that the event at the terminal might well be an initial probe before a cyber attack.

  “I don’t expect the industry task force to resolve the cyber threat on its own; this is a national task, and might even require a broader forum. I agree with you, General Tan, about the importance and urgency of the activity of our communication subteam. And I wish to add my own impression of Mr. Dan Avni, whom I met just several days ago when Gideon introduced us in my office. This young man impressed me with his deep knowledge and his intellectual capabilities.”

  A faint knock on the door was heard, and Tan’s administrative assistant entered, her head bowed. She whispered something in the general’s ear, and his brow creased. The assistant added a few more words, gazing at her manager expectantly. He nodded and turned to Gideon.

  “You have an urgent call that can’t wait, or so my assistant says.”

  Gideon rose and left the room, trying to guess what the call might be. Quickly, he took the receiver from the administrative assistant.

  “Hi Gideon.” He heard Dan’s voice. “I’m having a serious problem with the technical demo…”

  “Ahhh…” Relief was evident in Gideon’s voice. “What is it, exactly?”

  “I’m stuck with the algorithm, and if I don’t solve this bug, I have no system. We have to switch to a secure phone line, so I can go into detail…”

  “Okay, Dan. I’ll be done with this meeting soon and can go to Rogel’s office here, and we’ll talk.”

  Gideon returned to Tan’s meeting and passed him a note. Tan read it and nodded in confirmation.

  “Ladies and gentleman,” Tan said. “We’ve touched upon a small portion of the problems we’re dealing with. All of us have tasks, and we must focus on carrying them out. Dr. Chang, I ask that you update the communication and surveillance team, headed by Dr. Ben Ari, on any need that the industries bring up. I ask, as well, not to neglect the threat of an attack based on explosives. We’ll meet here regularly in order to hear updates and determine new ways of reacting. Thank you all,” he concluded.

  When all of the meeting participants rose and gathered their work documents on their way out, Gideon turned to Deutsch. “I’m on my way to Rafael’s offices here to talk to Dan on the secure line. He’s having a serious problem with the algorithm of the IOT demo system. Can you join me?”

  “I’d be happy to come with you,” Deutsch replied, “although I’m not sure how I can help you two.”

  “Come with me, and let’s find out what the problem is together. In developing his system, Dan decided to rely on the algorithm I’d developed during my sabbatical at the SRI Institute. He also incorporated ideas from the device his father developed when he founded New Horizon.”

  Gideon looked for Rogel and found him talking to Damia, who was pointing to a specific section of her summary of the discussion, asking for clarification. Chang Mei, who was already standing in the doorway, paused briefly, also observing the exchange between Rogel and Damia. She then joined Tan, following him into his office. Tan sensed she had something important to tell him. He knew he could rely on “The Iron Lady” not to waste energy or time for no reason.

  “Rogel, Deutsch, and I want to come to your office with you,” Gideon informed him. “We have to use your secure line for an important conversation with Dan in California,” he clarified immediately.

  “No problem, Gideon. I’m at your service.”

  During the drive to Rogel’s office, each of the three men summarized his insights from the meeting. Rogel was happy to join the two “old lions,” as he mentally referred to Gideon and Deutsch, feeling he would always have someone to consult. Deutsch was displeased with the level of knowledge the Singaporeans had displayed and thought he and Gideon would have to work hard in order to make any progress. Gideon had gotten a positive impression of Chang Mei and knew he would have to get closer to her and acquire her trust. However, he was also perturbed, waiting impatiently to speak to Dan. He knew Dan wouldn’t so emphatically define a situation as serious unless there truly was a problem.

  Chapter 10

  The secure communication room at Rafael’s Singapore office had been turned over to Gideon and Deutsch. Rogel decided it would be better to leave the conversation to his guests.

  “Good morning, Dan,” Gideon began when he heard the younger man’s sleepy voice. “Did we give you an early wake-up call? I apologize, but you said it was urgent…”

  “Yes, Gideon, I’m glad you called. I’ve spent almost the entire night at the lab…”

  “Listen, Dan, Deutsch is here with me, and we’re ready to hear about the issue with the algorithm. Tell us exactly what’s been holding you back. You’re on speakerphone, and we can both hear you well.”

  “I’ve already told you that your algorithm for handling the threat of a large number of missiles simultaneously would be appropriate as a means of controlling the systems. I’ve told Deutsch about it as well, and he encouraged me to adap
t the computer model that you worked on a few years ago to the needs of my current system.”

  “So what’s actually the problem?”

  Dan tried to accurately describe the problem. “I’ve discovered that the command isn’t being transmitted to all the sensors, which doesn’t make sense. The beauty of your algorithm is its ability to handle a large amount of data simultaneously.”

  “Dan, the scale in which my algorithm can operate isn’t infinite. Can you establish several simultaneous control systems?” Gideon half-asked, half-suggested. “With each of them running the same algorithm?”

  “Listen, that’s a brilliantly simple idea!” Dan exclaimed.

  “Why don’t you give it a try?” Deutsch pitched in encouragingly. “It would be great to hear that this idea solved your problem.”

  “Did you resolve Dan’s issue?” Rogel asked when Gideon and Deutsch entered his office, joining him for a strong, aromatic cup of tea prepared by Rogel’s administrative assistant, who knew how to pamper her boss.

  “We’re hoping he’s on the right path, and there’s a good chance we’ll see him back here in a day or two. Listen, Rogel,” Gideon noted, “if China really might increase its involvement in Southeast Asia, what if we invite Quan Lin to join the task force?”

  “Sure. He could understand and assess what China is actually striving for,” Rogel agreed.

  “Who’s this Quan Lin? And why does our task force need him?” Deutsch asked.

  “Fang Quan Lin is one of a kind,” Gideon replied. “I’ve known him since about the first year I visited the island. He was born in China and escaped to Hong Kong as a child along with his father and older brother. His father currently manages the Bank of China’s Hong Kong branch. Quan Lin studied civil engineering in the United States and also got an MS degree in architecture there.”

  “I know that Fang Quan Lin founded a very successful real estate firm in China along with his older brother,” Rogel added. “He’s also the manager of Changi Airport’s national services and maintenance company. I’m sure he has a particular interest in protecting civil aviation.”

  “The Chinese angle is disturbing,” Gideon noted. “Rogel, we should present this problem to Tan as soon as possible, without waiting for a meeting with the entire task force. Can you try to set up a meeting for tomorrow morning? Is there still anyone to talk to at his office at this hour?”

  “I’ll take care of it tonight,” Rogel promised. “Should we shoot for eight a.m.? I’ll pick you up at your hotel.”

  ***

  Gideon had already undergone a sweaty half hour at the Shangri La Hotel’s gym. He was sipping his morning coffee, which he had prepared himself in the suite’s little kitchenette. He had several more minutes before Rogel was due to collect him and Deutsch for the meeting with Tan. Gideon mentally surveyed the last few days, which had been packed with events. He was acutely aware of Dan’s absence, missing his youthful spirit, innocence, and enthusiasm, but also the creative thinking of the man who would soon be his son-in-law. The ringing phone extracted him abruptly from his musing.

  “Gideon, good morning!” Dan’s voice over the phone was full of excitement. “It’s working! Using the solution you suggested yesterday, the system is playing like a Bach cantata. I’m packing up all the components now. I’ve got an afternoon flight.”

  “That’s fantastic. Deutsch will be happy to hear it, and we’re all waiting for you.”

  Even at this early morning hour, the city was bustling with vehicle and pedestrian traffic. After the morning’s tropical downpour, the air was clean and perfumed with the aroma of seasonal flowers. Gideon quickly updated Deutsch and Rogel on Dan’s success. He told them that Dan had sufficient components in the company’s labs in order to construct the technological demonstration and that he would be leaving for Singapore in the next few hours. The three arrived early for General Tan’s briefing.

  “I see you’ve also started your workday bright and early,” Dr. Chang Mei noted with a warmth she did not direct at just anyone. Gideon wondered what had come up in the meeting between Chang, known as The Iron Lady, and Tan and what had brought on her smile. Was it related to the task force’s mission? Or perhaps it was one of the dozens of subjects that were routinely tackled by the CEO of the national industry holding company, and Tan had no choice but to hear her out, and even agree with her?

  “Good morning, gentlemen,” Tan blustered in his typical style. “From my conversation with General Rogel, I understand you have something important to say? Something urgent to discuss?”

  “First of all, Dan has finished his task in the labs in California and will be arriving here soon. In the last couple of days, we’ve been compiling information on what’s going on in Kuala Lumpur and about the Iranian activity there. We’ve been using material sent to me from Israel as well as information collected by your Counter Intelligence Division. We’ve found some disturbing indication of Chinese involvement with the Iranians in Malaysia.”

  “Anything in particular?” Tan asked, unable to conceal his concern.

  “In the last two days, I’ve met with our embassy staff here,” Deutsch responded. “The United States still doesn’t have the entire picture of what’s going on within the triad of Malaysia, Iran, and China, but I sense that something ominous is happening. I have no doubt about the unholy alliance between Iran and China. Kuala Lumpur is serving as a solid base of operations for Iran in this area and is a threat in that regard, rather than in terms of the technological or military capabilities of the Malaysians themselves. Embassy personnel are still gathering information, but it’s important that our team is put in charge of determining the course of information collection,” Deutsch said.

  Gideon encouraged Rogel to present the next logical step.

  “General Tan, I believe the current circumstances require allocating a site where Dan can establish a research and surveillance lab. The ideal location could be the National Security Institute’s technology labs…”

  Tan turned to look at Gideon first and then glanced at Deutsch. Both men were nodding in agreement.

  “No problem. We’ll allocate a place at our labs and provide Dan and the team with everything they need. Is there anything else I need to know about?” Tan turned to look tentatively at Gideon. He was making a determined effort not to expose the wave of insecurity that had flooded him once he heard of China’s involvement.

  “Yes. General Tan, I’ve been thinking what we’re lacking is an in-depth knowledge of China, and I’m sure we can find that in Singapore.”

  “Why don’t we add Mr. Fang Quan Lin to our team?” Tan replied. “I know him well, and I’m aware of his robust business connections in China, primarily in the field of real estate.”

  “If I may, I’ll add two more reasons that reinforce your choice of Fang Quan Lin. As head of the state corporation managing Changi Airport, it’s clearly in his best interests to contribute to a course of action increasing the security of the aviation control system in your national airport. I myself have heard him express concern about the hazard of cyber threats that might shut down civil aviation to and from Singapore. And it’s important to acknowledge that this threat doesn’t pertain solely to Singapore, but to Israel and the United States as well. The terrorists no longer need to hijack planes like they did on Nine Eleven in New York. They can utilize cyber warfare.” Gideon said.

  “And the other reason?” Tan urged, trying to divert the conversation away from China, a topic that was making him increasingly apprehensive.

  “Oh, that’s the family connection,” Gideon replied, drawing the full attention of everyone present. “Quan Lin’s father has been managing the Bank of China’s Hong Kong branch for many years now. Old Fang, who definitely shouldn’t be written off quite yet, is connected to the centers of power in Beijing, and this sort of connection could shed light on some hazy aspects of China’s foreign an
d defense policy. Beyond all that, it’s important to keep our tight schedule in mind. We have to make a decision immediately!” Gideon decreed.

  “Damia, please ask the secretaries to coordinate an urgent meeting with Mr. Fang Quan Lin,” General Tan instructed.

  ***

  The immense windows in the office of the manager of the Port of Singapore revealed nearly all the activity in the port. An entire wall in the office was dedicated to screens displaying the activity in the various terminals. The container area was particularly emphasized.

  “Welcome,” the port manager greeted Gideon, Deutsch, Rogel, and the head of the National Security Institute’s Technology Division. “With me here are the operations manager, the security manager, the head of the Information and Technology Division, the head of the shipping container terminal, and the shift manager who identified the malfunction that almost caused two cranes to collide.”

  “Gentlemen,” he continued proudly, “it’s important that you know that our port is responsible for a major portion of overall commerce in the world. Ninety percent of this commerce is done by sea, using more than fifty thousand vessels. The extent to which shipping containers are used has increased in recent years and constitutes a major portion of our port’s activity. We know how important our activity is for the economy of Singapore, and we must maintain our efficiency, with no mishaps in routing the containers. Our computer system tracks every container unloaded from a ship for temporary storage in the terminal and is designed to locate the same container when it’s time for it to be loaded on a different vessel.”

  “We want to thank you for the chance to get to know this impressive port. Obviously managing such an enormous endeavor presents you with some complex challenges,” Gideon replied. “It’s important to us to focus on the malfunction that took place and on the means you’re employing to ensure that no further mishaps take place.”