Pandora's Legion

23

Khan had an idea. But first he had to sell it.

During an afternoon lull in SSI activities the Pakistani sidled up to Omar Mohammed. Though Khan’s plan had little to do with Islamic culture, he felt more confident broaching it to a fellow Muslim. “Doctor, I have been thinking about our efforts to date. I believe we should consider another approach to finding the Marburg operatives, and I would welcome your thoughts.”

Mohammed knew when he was being courted but he respected Rustam Khan enough to hear him out. Besides, to do otherwise would be rude. “Certainly, Major.”

“I know the Chaman border area well — not intimately, but I have walked and climbed hundreds of kilometers in that area. If the people we seek truly are working there, it seems unlikely that we will find them by overt methods. They have eyes and ears everywhere, and they only need a few minutes notice to elude us.”

Mohammed nodded slowly, pondering the officer’s sentiment. “Yes, I see what you mean. What do you propose?”

Khan turned toward the map on the wall. “Our intelligence sources have been able to place smugglers and even al Qaeda within areas of a few square kilometers, but finding the exact spot is extremely difficult, especially for outsiders. There is no substitute for boots on the ground. At least, that is my belief.”

“Do you think we should keep search teams out full time? Obtain greater coverage of the area?”

“Not exactly, Doctor.” Khan swung back to Mohammed, obviously warming to the subject. “Instead of seeking our prey, I propose that we draw it to us.” He waited for the inevitable response.

“Yes?”

Khan’s hand swept the map again. “Since we seek men with medical or biological knowledge, we might draw their interest if we drop some hints that other medical people are working the area. People with pharmaceuticals and other items of interest.”

“I see.” Mohammed’s attention expanded beyond the theoretical to the practical. It was part of his psyche as a paramilitary trainer. He began to see possibilities. “I think that it might work. But it could backfire — I mean, it could draw attention from people we do not want to find.”

“Yes, yes.” Khan nodded briskly, sensing an ally. “The main threat would be smugglers — that region has been active for centuries. But I believe we might have it both ways. Field a team strong enough to deter bandits but small enough to seem what it claims to be — medical missionaries or the like.”

Mohammed was spooling up, growing more enthused. “If we find the people we seek, our field force might be able to hold them or at least pursue long enough for aerial reinforcements.” He looked at Khan. “Major, let us develop a more detailed plan, then we will see Colonel Leopole.”

Ali finished the morning prayer and remained sitting upright on his rug. As leader of the Fajr he had selected a particularly long surah from the Koran. Upon completion of the ancient ritual, he nodded to his colleagues on either side. “Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah.” They replied in kind.

This morning Kassim had joined the faithful. It was the first time in many days. After reverently stowing his rug, Ali felt especially good after the devotion. He believed that he was praying more fervently and devotedly than ever. It was surely a good sign.

One of Kassim’s men appeared nearby, standing aside while the ritual was concluded. Then he approached the Syrian. They walked twenty meters away, and stopped to talk. Ali noted that the messenger — if he was such — spoke briefly but animatedly. Kassim seemed to ask a few questions, then passed some coins, shook hands with the man, and sent him back the way he had come.

Ali waited for the inevitable report.

“Interesting news,” Kassim began. “We may have some visitors to interest you.”

The veterinarian focused his gaze upon his acolyte. “Friends or enemy?”

“We do not know yet, brother. But Shaukat is usually reliable, and he reports that a medical assistance group is coming to this area in the next few days.”

Ali rubbed his bearded chin. “Medical assistance, you say? Nothing more?”

Kassim shook his head. The evening sun illuminated his dusky face in an orange-yellow tint that exaggerated his angular features. “Only a few details. But I rewarded him and asked him to obtain more information. Especially the composition of the group and its sponsoring organization. He has enough money to purchase it if necessary.”

“What details are known?”

“The group will likely travel on foot, visiting the remote parts of this district for a few days. It is assumed to be a government program but we have no previous knowledge of such doings.”

Ali’s mind sorted the myriad possibilities, potentially discarding some while saving others for consideration. He pondered for fifteen seconds, staring at the skyline. Then his gaze returned to his partner. “What is your sense?”

“I wonder why we have not heard of such a program before. I wonder why this group of Samaritans appears now. And I wonder why they travel afoot, unless they bring only quinine and bandages.”

“So do I, brother. So do I.”