Tuesday - Washington, DC  5:30 pm

CJ and Carol walked back towards their offices after having finished what CJ sincerely hoped would be the last briefing of the day.  Please don't let this story break tonight for any reason, she thought.

"Carol, I need to work with Sam on the language for the transportation bill material for Josh to review.  Can you stay?  Will you coordinate with Bonnie?  I need a few moments and then I am heading over to his office."

"No problem, CJ.  Want me to get a pizza as well?" Carol was quite used to the late hours and felt some relief that CJ seemed to be acting more like herself tonight, less distracted.

"Please, Carol."

CJ went into her office and closed the door.  She glanced at her desk, but sat down in the easy chair behind the door.  She was barely keeping it together.  All those questions about the Iran emergency extensions.  She wanted to scream at them ... terrorism was a threat, the Arab world was a threat ... she breathed deeply, trying to contain her fear.

A few sobs escaped, but they ended in a deep cough.  She was starting to feel worse.  It was definitely happening to her.  She clamped down on her fear and went to her computer.

 Dear Dad,

I know that this won't make much sense to you, but we are under a terrible threat.  Our enemies are striking directly at us, with no regard to conventional rules of engagement ...

Abruptly, she stopped and hit delete.  Not only was her father in no condition to process this kind of a letter.  She also couldn't lay this burden on anyone's door.

With a sense of inevitability, she picked up her notes on the transportation bill, took another deep breath and headed down the corridor towards the communications bullpen.

-------------------

Wednesday - Riyadh 6:30am

They deplaned and Danny and Jerry said goodbye to their traveling companions.  They had preparatory work to do for the story, and they'd meet them at the Ministry of Health at noon.

Danny slowly followed Jerry through the King Khalid International Airport.  He had read about it on the way here because after the first couple of hours he couldn't really sleep.  It had been opened in 1983 and was located 35 kilometers north of Riyadh, with a land area of 225 square kilometers.  It was considered a masterpiece of modern architecture, blending traditional Arab design with the requirements of efficiency, and incorporating into the whole the essential Islamic character of the Kingdom.  Decorated with the works of many Saudi artists, it had four terminals and, from its inauguration, had the capacity to handle 7.5 million passengers a year. By the year 2000, its capacity was more than 8.3 million passengers a year.

The men made their way to the J & J Jacks of Alaska jet, which was hangered on the other side of the airport.  The two brothers had not seen one another in 18 months.  Danny could tell from the ferocity of their hug that they were as close as brothers could be.  Finishing their hug, Jax stepped back, and Jerry shoved him full force to the ground.

"What was that for?" Jax said in a huff.

"You let that slime ball Roy DeLuca get close to Bobbie."

Jax got up and made a full on charge at Jerry, knocking him backward into the cabin door.

"What's that for?"

"It's for Marbury.  He said you deserved it and if I roughed you up some, he'd get me as many pit passes as I wanted for the Gran Prix of Monaco. "

They tussled on the floor of the jet for some minutes, and Andrea noted that Danny was watching with a degree of bewilderment.  "Don't worry, it's a little dance they've done since they were kids.  The only thing that ever changes is who throws the first punch. Hello, I'm Andrea, " the short, blond woman said as she extended her hand.  "I'm Doctor Gadget around here. "

"Danny Concannon, Washington Post," he said as he shook her hand.  She didn't strike him as a typical science geek -- she was outgoing and lively.  Danny liked her immediately.

"Nice to meet you, Danny."  Pointing to a tall man with a crew cut, "That's Richard, our pilot, although he has many talents.  I've drafted him as my assistant."  Then she pointed to an Arab man who obviously spent considerable time in the gym, "Saleem will be going with you to your meeting today, as your translator.  His background is security; but don't let the tough exterior fool you.  He had me fashion him an incubator to raise two orphan baby birds last spring.  And over there is Rafiq, another translator; but he'll be going with Jax to a meeting at the Oil Ministry.  In the back there, Dr. Jergens, MD, J & J Jacks of Alaska corporate physician.  I think that's everyone that Jerry should have introduced you to," she smiled.  "Oh, and Mike.  He's out running a few errands.  Should be back soon. By the way, we have no flight attendants ... if you want a drink or food, the galley's in the back to the left."

-------------------

Tuesday - Washington, DC 5:45 pm

While the Jacks brothers were enjoying their reunion in Riyadh, Ahmed got up from the computer in his Georgetown apartment.  He had finished all the preparatory work.  The CD that would be delivered to the White House Chief of Staff was done...empty threats and all.  The press statements and claims of responsibility had been emailed to the sleeper in Florida -- this guy's only purpose in life was to forward these materials at the appropriate times.

He stretched and went into the kitchen.  Pouring another cup of coffee, he took the precious vial of antidote out of the refrigerator.  It was time to shake the curse.  He injected the liquid and thought about how long it would take before he was rid of the harmful molecules in his body.

Ahmed made a few phone calls.  Then he got ready to deal with the evening's business.  First, a pay phone to call his uncle before dropping the envelope with the CD off with the delivery service for a 6 pm delivery time tomorrow night, and then the last loose end at Fast Flow.  After that ... Dulles International Airport and home.  Finally.

-------------------

Wednesday - Riyadh 7:00 am

Jerry dug the Associate disk from his bag and handed it to Andrea. "Here ya go darlin'."

She smiled and disappeared into the back of the plane, heading for a quiet place to add the search-and-destroy program. With smiles like boys with new toys, Jax and Richard started pulling out equipment.  Richard eagerly showed Jerry his computer disguised as a camera. "It takes great five mega-pixel shots and has two hard drives, both with 50 gigs of memory," Richard said as he showed Jerry how to adjust the brightness and focus.

While Richard gave Jerry the run down on the camera, Jax demonstrated the wireless attachment to Danny. "It's really pretty simple, just plug this in and it will search for the nearest wireless hub, query for the key, and voila you're surfing the web!"

Jerry couldn't help but overhear, and he was quick to give his brother a hard time. "Surfing to hotbabes.com again? "

Jax just shook his head and reached for the last goodies.  To Jerry he handed another camera, only this model wasn't designed for snapshots.  It was really a taser.  Jax had a taser for Danny too, only Danny's was hidden inside a functional tape recorder.

"You're not expecting any trouble at this meeting, are you?"  Jax was double-checking.  "You don't need back up?" 

Jerry reassured him, "No, Saleem here will be enough.  Shouldn't be any rough stuff today."

Danny was examining his taser/tape recorder.  Jax explained, "It doesn't have much range, or really that much power because Andrea had to make it small.  But it will stun a man long enough for you to run away. And if you remember to hit record, you'll capture the electric sizzle as he hits the floor."

Danny shivered a bit at the image, "I can do that.  Jerry, can I keep this when we're back in Washington?"

-------------------

Tuesday - Washington, DC 8:15 pm

The communications bullpen was largely quiet.  Most had left for the night, and the odor of bleach had been replaced with the scent of pizza.  Sam and CJ were doggedly trying to make progress on the language for the transportation bill material.  Not that they were terribly successful.  CJ was slumped over on Sam's couch, finally reaching the point where she could likely sleep through the stress, but needing to stay awake.

"CJ, are you coming down with something?"  Sam was concerned.  CJ was not focusing on the subject at hand.

"Hah!  What would make you say that?"  CJ forced herself to sit up and grabbed her notepad.  "I am waiting for inspiration to hit."

Sam got up from his desk and went over to CJ, punching her on the shoulder.

"Ouch!  Stop that!"

"Now inspiration has hit.  Either get on with it or go home.  We are not making progress.  I can help you write.  I can add imagery.  I can make it good.  But you have to work with me!"

For a moment, they stared at each other.  Then they both laughed. 

"Let's call it a night.  Thanks for trying, Sam.  I will be back at it tomorrow.  Right now ... I have to finish reviewing the early editions.  See you in the am!"

CJ slowly walked back to her office.  She sat down on the couch, dejectedly.  She really was coming down with something now.  Turning on one of the television sets on the bookshelf, she grabbed the blanket she had retrieved from home earlier, turned off the light and laid down.  Leno was making some joke about Iran.  If she just closed her eyes, maybe she would awake from this nightmare.

-------------------

Wednesday - Riyadh 9:20 am   Andrea handed the Associate disk back to Jerry, "You're all set. " "That was fast.  You are as smart as you are beautiful.  A computer wizard and a Goddess."

Jax raised an eyebrow, knowing Jerry would never give it a rest.  He gave his big brother another hug and left for his meeting with the Oil Minister, his excuse for the sudden trip to Riyadh. 

Jerry explained, "Danny, I'm going to help Mike prepare the detonators for the explosives we'll need in Jeddah.  Saleem has a list of words in Arabic that might come in handy 'virus,' 'oligonucleotide,' 'antisense' ... that sort of thing.  It's a long shot but if you could memorize it?  Perhaps we'll be able to get samples in addition to documentation.  After that's done, I've asked Dr. Jergens to explain what the various samples are likely to look like, how they're stored."

-------------------

Their work completed for the moment, Andrea sat down next to Danny.  "How are you holding up?"

"Good." He said putting on a brave front to make it true.  "I was just thinking after this is over, I should write a biography of the Jacks brothers.  Probably would be more interesting than some of my other books."  He grinned.  "All Their Capers."

"Charms," she replied.

"Choppers."  Danny made a twirling motion with this index finger above his head.

"Charisma," she countered.

"Cash," he said widening his eyes.

"Cameras." She said pointing to the cameras that weren't cameras that were sitting on the table for use very soon.

"Contradictions, " he kept the game going.

"Curiosity," she could keep this going as long as he could.

"Catastrophies?" he questioned.

"Nah, conquests," she smiled.

"Carnal conquests?" he enquired.

She laughed.

"Sorry, copulations would have just sounded too medical."

They laughed, for a moment the tension of the whole nasty terrorist situation broken.  But it didn't last.

"So," he said, "what do think of Jerry?"

"Speaking of carnal conquests, huh?" she replied cryptically.  "I've only met him once before this actually.  Jax recruited me when I was doing my PhD in computer programming at Cal Tech."   Looking embarrassed to admit it, "I was sort of a star there, top of my class, overachiever type.  He offered to pick up the tab for that and some additional training in engineering, provided I worked for him for at least three years; and he told me I'd like J & J Jacks of Alaska and stay.  He wanted someone who didn't want an academic career.  I wanted to go corporate anyway and he offered a lot of perks like travel." She smiled as she gestured around the plane.

"He gave me the grand tour of the facilities, current projects, and all of that.  Cal Tech is expensive enough and he offered good money and it didn't take a lot of convincing.  As would be expected for this type of hire, the offer was contingent on a background check. He was upfront about that formality.  I wasn't worried, it was fine--I had no outstanding arrest warrants, unpaid child support, ties to the FBI, CIA, organized crime or foreign governments. But it turned out it was Jerry that did the vetting, although I didn't know him at the time.  I guess as a unique J & J Jacks element of vetting, Jerry tried to seduce me and ply me for information about Jax' offer and the projects I'd seen when I was there. He pretended to be the competition making a better offer."

"I see."

"I didn't fall for it.  I knew something was up.  Guys like Jerry don't actually go for science geek graduate student types.  But I had a fun evening while he was trying.  Once he realized he'd struck out, he introduced himself, handed me a check for $50,000 for tuition and welcomed me to the company.  It was a great night," she said taken back to a fond memory.  I've spoken to him a few times on the phone since.   I like him.   Jax, of course, loves him with remarkable tenacity even when Jerry's gotten in trouble.  I take that as recommendation letter of sorts.  Jax has told me what I can expect from Jerry."   She paused for a moment. 

"You know, on the surface, Jerry might seem irresponsible.  I think they've lost track of the number of hearts he's broken and jails he's been in.  He couldn't hold a 9 to 5 if his life depended on it.   Any sane person wouldn't trust Jerry to baby-sit their kids for an hour.  But when things really matter, Jerry defines responsible.  How long have you known him?"

"Not yet two days."

"Well I can tell you after 'not yet two days' Jerry considers himself responsible for you even if you agreed to be here fully aware of what was going on and the risks.  He'd give up his life trying to protect anyone on this operation...Jax, of course...but you, me, Richard, Saleem, even those doctors you traveled with that were co-opted into this."   She was completely serious now.

"I wish I had time to take notes. I think I will have to write this book. "

-------------------

Jerry, Danny and Saleem, cast as translator and bodyguard, drove through the busy streets of Riyadh to meet the American doctors and the epidemiologists from the British Department of Health at the Ministry of Health Building at noon. 

Passing the Great Mosque of Riyadh, Danny noticed that there was a noticeable slowing of the pace amongst the locals.  He looked at the two square minarets that indicated the qibla direction on the skyline. The outer walls were clad in local limestone, penetrated by small, triangular openings in patterned formations that resembled traditional building practices and created a further dialogue between the past and the present, while helping to cut the harsh glare of the sun.

As the limousine drove up in front of the Ministry building, the call to prayer went out.  Danny closed his eyes and lost himself in the experience for a brief moment.  Then, his attention was drawn to one of the Americans waiting for them.

Dr. Allen was visibly upset, pacing back and forth on the front steps of the Ministry building.  "Gentlemen, we have a problem.  All of our luggage was stolen from the taxi.  We don't have any of the laptops or the program disks." 

Danny rested his hand on the doctor's shoulder to slow him down.  "Not to worry, Dr. Allen.  I have the disk that Dr. Rainyer gave me last night.  It's in my briefcase.  I'm sure you can use the Minister's computer."

The Saudi Minister of Health, Ussama bin Abdul Majeed Shobokshi, was a friendly animated man, who seemed genuinely pleased to have American and British visitors as well as the press.  His English was actually quite good, although Saleem offered to assist if any of the medical terminology were challenging.  The Minister introduced some members of his staff that were present and Danny went to each man to confirm the spelling of his name.

"I was pleased when the people at your White House called to arrange this demonstration.  The spread of the Rift Valley Fever, as you call it, from Africa to our country is a cause of great concern.  We would like to see what you can offer to help us control the outbreak.  Dr. Allen, I have set up the projector system on the computer as you requested.  We are pleased to see your demonstration."

Danny interrupted, "Minister Shobokshi, we would like to take a few photographs now for the American and British newspapers, if you'll permit us.  Then we will wait again until the end so as not to interrupt the demonstration.  But I may have a few questions for you at the end.  Will that be okay?"

"Yes, Mr. Con-cannon."  He stumbled on Danny's name.  Danny handed the disc to Dr. Allen who proceeded with his demonstration.  Jerry snapped a few quick pictures and then switched to the camera that wasn't.  After about five minutes, which seemed infinitely longer, a small green light came on to indicate the wireless upload was in progress.  After 30 minutes, the demonstration appeared to be winding down.  Everyone had remained standing and attentive throughout, but the Minister didn't need to know every detail of the program, he just needed to decide if they should purchase a license for their country from the Americans.

Jerry made a barely perceptible shake of his head for Danny's benefit to signal that the upload was not complete.  They needed to continue the demonstration.  "Minister Shobokshi, I have some questions for my newspaper story, if you will permit me."  The Minister nodded, and Danny asked "Dr. Allen, will Saudi doctors and veterinarians be able to use this program effectively in the field given that it is in English?"

"The translation to Arabic has already begun; it has been funded by the US government.  We had hoped to show the Minister our progress with the translation today, but it's on one of our discs that was stolen. "

"Can you show us, Dr. Allen, how you would find a list of all possible diseases that have the same symptoms as Rift Valley Fever.  As I understand it, there are others and it is difficult to distinguish them.  How does the program allow you to do that?"

"Certainly, Mr. Concannon, I'd be happy to do that. "  He looked toward the Minister who nodded.  This was a good choice for a question, it would buy them at least five minutes, but still Jerry gave a subtle shake of the head for no. 

Dr. Allen, sensing that the Saudis were ready to wrap up, began to shut down the program.

"Sir...Minister.  One more thing if you'll permit me.  Something that will sell American newspapers."  Danny smiled, to give the impression of some embarrassment that he cared about selling papers.  "Can we see some pictures from the program--examples the doctors and veterinarians use of people and animals with some of the diseases.  I would like Mr. Walker to get some photographs and perhaps you could stand there by the screen.  Dr. Allen, can you bring up some representative images from the program so we can take pictures of the Minister and his colleagues?"  Between shots, Danny looked at Jerry.  Jerry was taking more pictures, encouraging everyone to smile.  Danny took a few more pictures of Dr. Allen demonstrating the program and, then, finally Jerry nodded to Danny.  The upload was complete.

"Thank you very much, gentlemen, for coming to my country."

"Minister, we will send you a prototype copy of the Arabic language version as soon as possible."

As they left the ministry building, Danny explained to the contingent of American and British doctors that they are going ahead to Jeddah this evening by helicopter.  In order to have the most complete picture of the scope of the story, he and the photographer needed to put in a few hours of advance work on the Rift Valley Fever outbreak.

"We need to gather photos and field interviews from the health workers.  This will lend a nice depth to the more sterile side of the computer program.  And yes, Dr. Allen, please do hold on to the demonstration disc."

The man was still clearly distressed over the stolen laptops, not having them hampering their ability to assist with the outbreak.  Danny thought it pretty likely those computers were now sitting in a certain corporate jet.

To Dr. Allen, but for Danny's benefit, Mr. Walker suggested, "I'd recommend you do call the Chief of Riyadh Region Police about your computers.  He has been in the news a lot lately with some unfavorable international incidents.  He should be highly motivated to help you out!   I wouldn't be surprised if he'd put the considerable pressure on the informants in the illegal goods trade." 

"Yes, Mr. Walker, we'll do that."

Danny said their goodbyes. "Well, see you in the morning then.  The Saudi Minister of Health has arranged for our guide and transportation as requested by the White House.  We will meet you at the veterinary lab around 11:00 am.  Enjoy your drive."  Of course, if things went according to plan, they'd be long gone by morning and the Animal Health Lab wouldn't be receiving any guests.

----------------------

Saleem escorted Jerry and Danny back to the King Khalid International Airport in their rented limo. It was better and safer than to drive oneself and look important.  Each man was quiet, contemplating what was next and the odds of success. Danny gazed out the tinted windows, finding a moment to enjoy his first trip to Riyadh.

They passed the King Fahd International Stadium with its tent-like design, constructed from hard-wearing, fireproof material.  Danny found himself wondering if Jerry wouldn't want to see a soccer game here.  Maybe they should go.  After all, another good omen couldn't hurt!

His thoughts drifted off to CJ, wondering how she was doing and what she was doing.  He would love to be sharing this with her.  She might not like the politics of Saudi Arabia, but the quiet beauty and sounds of this world would appeal to her.

Soon, they were back at the airport.  As they walked across the tarmac to the jet hanger, Jerry put his arm across Danny's shoulders.  "You have a knack for this sort of thing, mate. "

"I ask questions for a living, Jerry."

"Okay, but if you want to make a job change after this is over, there's room for you in my organization."

"Your organization?" 

"Yes, me and Mike.  I'm thinking I should return to Brazil, mix work with some play, spend a little time on the beach, sample Ricardo's latest bartending creations.  You could pack up the Pulitzer and join me.  I know an amazing set of twins there ... Consuela and Conchita ... the naked limbo dancing champions of Rio.  It'll be fun."

"So, do I get Consuela or Conchita?" Danny said with feigned seriousness.

"Both, I get their older sister Mariella -- she taught them everything they know."

When they boarded the jet, Jerry handed the computer-in-a-camera to Andrea. "I hope it has what we need." 

"We've set up a search program to scan for occurrences of our keywords.  Then Saleem and Rafiq will read what the computer identifies as potentially important.  I hope we can have something for you before you leave.  It would be best if you don't have make radio contact once you're on the chopper. I'd better get to work."

Jerry looked back at Danny and continued, "Danny, you can get a little rest before we leave.  Oh, and shave, black grease paint and beards don't mix."

TBC