Point of Contact

“What the Chinese and the other quantum powers need is an ability to link their quantum satellites up there,” Heng said, pointing at the ceiling, “with quantum-encrypted cell phones down here.” Heng tapped the cell phone in his hand. “Only when that happens will you have a practical, working quantum network, because cell phones are now the primary device in use on the planet for communication and for Internet access.”

Jack pointed at Heng’s smartphone. “And you think eventually we’ll have quantum cell phones?”

Heng laughed. “No question about it. It’s a matter of when, not if.” He tapped his phone. “We’re developing the software that will enable that to happen, too, and that’s when the QC revolution really begins.”

“Are you selling any of this software to the Chinese?”

“No, of course not. Not only would that be completely illegal, it would be completely self-defeating. The Chinese will be our biggest competitors in this field. If we want to dominate the global market, we need to keep this technology to ourselves.” Heng leaned forward. “Why would you even ask me that?”

“We found evidence that Dalfan is selling cheap burner cell phones to the PRC at a helluva profit.”

Heng shrugged. “Don’t look at me. My department doesn’t sell anything, especially cell phones. We’re pure research. As far as I can tell, we’re a net drain on Dalfan’s balance sheet.”

“But you’re the tip of the spear in these technologies,” Jack said.

“And that’s why Marin Aerospace wants to buy Dalfan,” Paul said.

Heng smiled. “Exactly.”

“The Chinese must be very interested in what you’re doing here,” Jack said.

“Everybody is. At least, anybody who knows anything about QC.”

“And you’re completely confident in your operational security?”

“One hundred percent. As you probably know, humans are always the weak link in any technological system, including security. But I will vouch for any member of my team.”

Jack and Paul stood. So did Heng. “Thank you for your time, Dr. Heng, and for the information. You’re doing amazing work here.”

“I’m happy to show you around, but there really isn’t much to see. And if you have any more questions, don’t hesitate to stop by.”

They all shook hands and Paul and Jack left for their offices on the first floor.

Inside the elevator, Jack pulled out his smartphone, clicked on his White Noise app, and selected “Crowded Room.” Confident that their voices were now masked from anyone who might be eavesdropping, he asked Paul, “What did you make of all that?”

“The man or the technology?”

“Both.”

Paul shook his head. “Fascinating technology. I can’t even pretend to comprehend it. Quantum algorithms are a little beyond me.”

“And Dr. Heng?”

“He seems like he’s a straight arrow. But then again, if he is a Chinese spy he wouldn’t be worth much if he acted like one, would he?”

“I still think there’s a problem with that warehouse and those burner phones.”

“You don’t think they’re smuggling QC software on those phones, do you?”

“They wouldn’t need to. They could do that with a USB drive.” Jack locked eyes with Paul.

Paul’s heart raced. What was Jack implying? “That’s right. What was I thinking?”

“If anything, the burner phones are just a way to make illegal payments to whoever is stealing the QC software. The Chinese are the buyers. I need to get back into that warehouse to see if I can find out who the seller is.”

“The warehouse that Lian says she didn’t know existed?” Paul asked. “How do you plan on getting in this time?”

Jack shrugged. “I’ll try and find a hall pass somewhere.”

“I wouldn’t do anything illegal if I were you. You’re not even sure there really is a problem. It could all just be a coincidence.”

“That’s why I need to get my hands on one of those phones.”

The elevator dinged and they got off.

Paul told Jack, “I need to catch up on some work in my office.”

“Me too. Let’s break at five and head home.”

42

Back in his office, Paul logged on to his computer, the conversation about quantum cryptography still swirling in his mind. Lucky for him, Dalfan computers weren’t quantum encrypted yet, but getting past the conventional encryption on the Dalfan drive was still going to be a challenge.

His handler, Bai, was situated at his desk, occasionally casting an eye on Paul but mostly paying attention to his own computer screen and grabbing refills of hot tea. Paul was a man of routine and he appreciated the routines of others, including Bai’s, and a few days of observation told Paul that after his third cup of tea, Bai would be heading to the restroom — which he did.

As soon as Bai cleared the bathroom door, Paul casually inserted into his laptop the Dalfan USB he was allowed to use while on premises. Paul knew that Gavin’s program would grab the encryption code on the Dalfan drive. Then all he’d have to do was load the Dalfan encryption passcode onto Rhodes’s drive and he’d be in business.