"Yes," Ahmed agreed. "They need to learn a lesson. But, Mr. Homosoto, how can that be done without weapons? I assume you want to attack their planes, their businesses, Washington per- haps?" Ahmed was hopeful for the opportunity to give his loyal troops the action they desired. "In a manner of speaking, yes, my friend. We shall strike where they least expect it, and in a way in which they are totally unprepared." Homosoto softened his speech to further his pitch to gain Ahmed Shah's trust and unity. "I am well aware of the types of training that you and your people have gone through. However, you must be aware, that Japan is the most technically advanced country in the world, and that we can accomplish things is a less violent manner, yet still achieve the same goals. We shall be much more subtle. I assume you have been informed of that by your superiors." Homosoto waited for Ahmed's response. "As you say, we have been trained to expect, even welcome death in the struggle against our adversaries. Yet I recognize that a joint effort may be more fruitful for all of us. It may be a disappointment to some of my people that they will not be permit- ted the honor of martyrdom, but they are expected to follow orders. If they do not comply, they will die without the honor they crave. They will perform as ordered." "Excellent. That is as I hoped." Homosoto beamed at the de- veloping understanding. "Let me explain. My people will provide you with the weapons of this new war, a type of war never before fought. These are technological weapons that do not kill the enemy. Better, they expose him for what he is. It will be up to your army to use these weapons and allow us to launch later attacks against the Americans. "There are to be no independent actions or activities. None without my and your direction and approval. Can you abide by these conditions?" "At the request of my Government and Allah, I will be happy to serve you in your war. Both our goals will be met." Ahmed glowed at the opportunity to finally let his people do something after so much waiting. Homosoto arose and stood over Ahmed. "We will make a valuable alliance. To the destruction of America." He held his water glass to Ahmed. Ahmed responded by raising his glass. "To Allah, and the cause!" They both drank deeply from the Perrier. Homosoto had one more question. "If one or more off your men get caught, will they talk?" "They will not talk." "How can you be so sure?" Homosoto inquired naively. "Because, if they are caught, they will be dead." "An excellent solution." **************************************************************** Chapter 10 Tuesday, October 13 New York COMPUTER ASSAULT CLAIMS VICTIMS by Scott Mason