Binary - Michael Crichton [27]
'You have to supply the clearances.'
'I haven't got time.'
'You're asking me on an open line to define a hot new weapons system and break its code and you haven't got '
'Look,' Graves said. 'If I call Phelps, can he call you and requisition this information?'
'Verbal requisition?' Morrison seemed shocked. 'This is pretty heavy stuff for a verbal. You sure you don't want specifications on the ABM sites while you're at it, and maybe Polaris submarine coordinates? Any other minor details?'
Graves suppressed his anger. Morrison was such a bureaucratic ass. 'I need the information,' he repeated. 'I need it now.'
'Sounds like this may be a matter for Defence to look into,' Morrison said. 'We'd be curious to know how you got that coding in the first place. Why don't you forward us a complete report along with a requisition AB-212; that's the green form. I may be able to release the data to you in a day or so, and -'
Graves hung up.
'This is Graves.'
'I know who it is,' Phelps said. 'What do you have to say for yourself?'
'Binary 75 slash 76,' Graves said. 'It's a coding - I need to know what it means.'
'Binary 75 slash 76,' Phelps said. There was a long pause; faintly, Graves could hear him writing it down. Finally he said, 'Are you going to tell me where you came across it?'
'It's what Drew tapped from the system,' Graves said
'Oh,' Phelps said.
'But Drew doesn't know what it means, either.'
'How did he happen to tap in?'
'Wright told him to.'
'Well, did you ask Wright why?'
'No.'
'Why not?'
'I haven't picked him up yet,' Graves said.
'You haven't picked him up yet.'
'That's right.'
'What are you waiting for, a divine edict?'
'I thought I already had that,' Graves said. 'But the situation is complicated. You see, Wright asked for more information from the data banks.'
'More information?'
'About a State Department Intelligence officer named John Graves. He pulled my file.'
'Don't be an ass,' Phelps said. 'Pick him up immediately. He's on to you, that's clear.'
'Not only is he on to me,' Graves said, 'he's showing me a puzzle and daring me to work it out.'
'This is not a fucking poker game,' Phelps said. 'We can convict Wright on the basis of evidence we already have, and -'
'You can't touch him,' Graves said. 'When he cools down, Drew won't testify against him. You haven't got a prayer of making a case against Wright. Our only chance is to wait - and to get me my own file contents.'
'You're joking.'
'I'm not.'
'It's out of the question.'
'I want to know what he knows.'
'About yourself?'
'Yes. Especially psychological test scores.'
'Out of the question. Unheard of.'
'You've got to do this for me,' Graves said. 'You've got to get me that file.'
'I can't requisition it,' Phelps said, 'without higher authority. You know that. You're much better off picking Wright up.'
'Not yet.'
'I have to go to lunch,' Phelps said. 'Call me later. I think you're acting like a fool.'
And Phelps hung up.
'State Department.' A singsong voice.
'Office of the Secretary, please.'
'Thank you.' Lilting.
'Secretary of State, can we help you?'
'Mr Burnett, please.' Burnett was one of the Secretary's advisers. Although young, he had worked himself up from a speech writer to a close and influential position. Graves knew him slightly.
'Mr Burnett has gone to lunch and is not back yet. He is expected shortly.'
'Did he leave a number?'
'No, I'm sorry - just a moment, he's coming through the door. Whom shall I say is calling?'
'John Graves. State Intelligence.'
'One moment please, Mr Graves.'
There was a very long wait, and a humming sound as Graves was put on 'hold'. Then a click.
'Burnett here.'
'Tom, this is John Graves calling.'
'How are you, John? It's been a long time. When was it? Senator Evans' party, I think. You had a very cute -'
'Listen, Tom. I have a problem. I need your help.'
'I'll do what I can.' Said very smoothly, in the manner that all those people adopted sooner or later. No promises, but very smooth.
Graves paused. 'I need my file.'
'Your file?'
'Yes. My Department file.'