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wrestling against the desire to spit into his face. “Who’s calling the shots?”
    “Joint public-private advisory committee. Sounds bad, I know. But doesn’t matter—they’re back in Washington and we’re all out here. I want to hear your thoughts.”
    “Who came up with the Daemon-blocker?”
    “Weyburn Labs folks. Some Chinese fella.”
    “The code sample in the report—it bears a disturbing similarity to some of the API calls I discovered in the IP beacon. Those API calls are not safe.”
    Elsberg responded. “You needn’t worry, Doctor—”
    “Don’t tell me what to worry about.”
    Johnston motioned for her to calm down.
    Elsberg continued. “They didn’t use the Daemon’s API. We all know it’s a trap, Doctor. Weyburn reverse-engineered the Destroy function. They found that it’s susceptible to what I believe is called a … a buffer overrun, and they developed a countermeasure. A ‘vaccine,’ if you will, against the Daemon’s data-destruct command.”
    “And this works?”
    “It’s still in testing, but the tests were very encouraging.”
    “How do you know your test case is realistic?”
    “We didn’t use a test case.”
    “You mean you tested on
real companies
?”
    Johnston nodded. “Owner’s prerogative, Doctor. Sever a gangrenous limb to save the patient.”
    Lawson put his two cents in. “We were hoping to have you perform a review of the Weyburn Labs code, Dr. Philips. To ensure that only code in line with the spec is present.”
    “You mean you don’t trust them?”
    “This is mission-critical, Doctor. There can’t be any slipups. The more trusted, expert eyes that see it, the better. We were hoping you’d be willing to help.”
    “Why wasn’t I briefed and then asked to come on board— instead of being packed off on a plane with almost no warning?”
    He grimaced. “I know you must feel poorly used, but again, it’s national security and couldn’t be helped.”
    “And my lab facilities?”
    “We’ve got everything you need. You’ve got a blank check, Doctor. Any expert in the world—you need ’em, we’ll find ’em. Any resource, we’ll get it for you. Just ask.”
    “I’ll have access to all the data this time? For real?”
    “You’ll have full access to our research, and vice versa. We won’t micromanage you. We’ve got some sharp people, though, Doctor: Litka Stupovich, Inra Singh …” Looking to Lawson. “What’s that other gal’s name?”
    “Xu Li?”
    “Right, Dr. Li—a Taiwanese, I believe.”
    Philips nodded appreciatively. Top private industry crypto folks—some previously with the Soviet government—but world-class experts nonetheless. Philips considered the chance to workwith a truly international team. It was an unheard-of opportunity for someone who rarely got to leave Fort Meade. An NSA-lifer with umbra-level clearance. She almost wished it weren’t an evil plot.
    “I’m surprised at the degree of government and private industry cooperation. It’s certainly a sign of how seriously this issue is being taken.”
    Johnston laughed a booming laugh. “My gawd, Doctor, this Sobol fella’s got us over a barrel. That’s for sure. We’ve got a saying in South Texas: ‘Common enemies make for uncommon friends.’”
    Philips sat back in the chair, thinking. “I’d like to discuss this with Deputy Director Fulbright.”
    Johnston grimaced. “Well, Deputy Director Fulbright doesn’t report to me, Doctor, but we’ll request a conference call if it’ll put your mind at ease.”
    “I’d like to make the call.”
    Johnston appraised her for a moment then nodded. “I understand. You’re careful. I respect that more than you know— especially now. I’ll arrange with Fulbright’s office for them to expect your call, Doctor. And we’ll get you access to a secure line. Won’t be until tomorrow, I expect. I hope this won’t prevent you from commencing review of Weyburn’s code. Time is, as you say, of the essence.”
    Philips considered this then nodded. “I see no problem with that.”
    Johnston smiled and extended his hand. “Excellent, Dr. Philips. We’re glad to have your assistance. We’ll get you settled in your new quarters. I think you’ll like them very much, and I’ll have some Weyburn folks come by and collect you. Whatever you need, you just ask. Hell, don’t hold back. Give it to us straight. If we don’t already make it, we’ll buy it.”
    Johnston and his colleagues stood, signaling the