The Genesis Illusion

Chapter 19

Computer hacking wasn't one of Nara's technical skills. However, he assembled a network of experts to augment the Innovatism Institute abilities as they developed their astonishing inventions. Nara called on one of these incredible specialists to rescue Paul by planting the computer IP address in hundreds of locations around the world.

Nara always served as support for Paul and his incredible intellect. But he was more than just a trusted resource. He was a friend and counselor. Many times he intervened in Paul's affairs to provide guidance to his sometimes confused partner. "We need to focus our efforts on helping those in the most need." His connections to law enforcement and government leaders also came in handy when Paul considered outlets for his creations.

Although Nara was fit for a man nearing seventy, he couldn't perform physically like he did when he was on the police force. More often Nara advised Paul from an office or the mobile laboratory. That was his role in this mission, but it was far from passive observation. He, instead, reacted to Paul's, sometimes frantic requests, and organized emergency support using the impressive resources in the mobile command center.

After helping Paul obscure his efforts to open Arcadia's most secret computer files, Nara monitored world news from the high-tech mobile laboratory parked near the Arcadia Bangkok chapter warehouse. Satellite feeds from multiple agencies beamed an almost real-time update of important events. He was looking for any clues that might signal the next move by Bright Sun. Recordings, automatically saved by the system, awaited recall for review at any time. Because of this feature date and time stamps were applied to all archived reports. The sophisticated system at first baffled Nara, but he gradually became adept at juggling the live and recorded messages.

Live- Worldcom News

"We cannot allow disruption of our vital power supply. We will not tolerate this aggression. Our investigation is not complete but preliminary indications point directly at Iran. This attack on a critical component upon which our security depends requires a response. Once we have confirmed identification of those responsible, we will take the appropriate action. We will retaliate without warning at a date and time of our choosing." Israeli Government Spokesman

Nara listened to the news report about an apparent attack on an Israeli power plant, on one of several computer screens arranged in front of him. He focused on Southeast Asia but the Israel situation captured the attention of news media worldwide.

Looks like Israel and Iran are getting into it again. The Bangkok Arcadia chapter is preparing for something big. Bright Sun must plan to take Bangkok. The government will fight back. China, Russia, and even the U.S. may offer help?

Archived 7 Days- AJC World News

"Carl Goodwin reporting from AJC world headquarters. An explosion rocked a Russian nuclear submarine in the port of Kaliningrad, the Russian enclave between Poland and Lithuania. William Logan reports from Gdansk, Poland."

"Thank you Carl, details are sketchy at this point but what we are hearing is that at least one Russian nuclear submarine received major damage. As expected, information from Russia has been slow in coming and incomplete. It appears that there was an explosion."

"The Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have been extremely worried about Russian aggression. This incident will undoubtedly trigger renewed concern about Russia and its intentions. Russia has already pointed the finger at NATO as a possible culprit. This seems highly unlikely since it would be unprecedented for NATO to initiate an attack. The U.S. and Russian relations have been friendly lately, so it is unclear why they would conduct such a provocative act. Russia has mobilized its army units in the area and we now understand that they are moving toward the Belarus border with Lithuania. Russia is no stranger to terrorism from internal dissident groups. It is unclear, at this point, who is responsible. This is William Logan in Gdansk, Poland for AJC world news."

Nara pondered the staggering events creating turmoil among the world's most powerful nations. Hmm? The attack in Israel and a week ago the Russian incident. And what about the jumbo jet that crashed two weeks ago into the Pacific Command Headquarters near Honolulu?