The drive up the peninsula to the San Francisco Federal Reserve Bank was uncomfortable with Dunn yelling at West and West protesting back at Dunn. The Financial District was as crowded as always, but the FBI car had some advantages in finding a parking space. West left it directly in front of the stone-faced bank building on Market Street. The loud street noise turned to complete silence as soon as the thick glass doors closed behind them.

Dunn broke the quiet atmosphere by announcing to the lobby security guard that he needed to speak to the head of security. Dunn flashed his credentials and had Agent West do the same. A phone call was placed using a priority code word. Dunn paced back and forth as he waited, occasionally scowling at West.

The FBI man had been on the defensive since they left the lab. During the drive Dunn had repeatedly accused him of knowing 333's targeting profile. He even implied that he was somehow involved in setting it. Dunn told him he'd end up in a federal penitentiary for his efforts. The verbal attack had knocked West clean out of his official, 'Federal Agent' persona. He was no longer the unflappable FBI android. Dunn's intimidation techniques were well practiced. The young agent didn't stand a chance against him. Nancy found herself feeling sorry for West and couldn't understand why Dunn continued so relentlessly. If West had any information, he wasn't going to admit it.

Nancy thought Dunn was going to start in on West again right there in the bank lobby when three men in dark blue suits appeared. They escorted the visiting team to a conference room and closed the door. A guard automatically assumed a post in the hallway. No one would wander in or out.

The executive in charge introduced himself, Alan Bookman. The other two sat at attention and made copious notes as conversation began. Bookman had gotten a call from Washington alerting him to their arrival. At least Dunn was good for something thought Agent West.

Bookman: As I said, I was told to expect you. I understand you are here on a matter of the utmost urgency, but I have no more details than that. How can we help you?

Dunn: Mr. Bookman, I want you to listen carefully to what I have to say. We don't have a minute to spare and please don't waste our time by doubting that what I am telling you is true. We must take steps immediately to protect the bank.

Bookman: You have my undivided attention, Mr. Dunn.

Dunn: It seems that an experimental software program created by the United States Government has gone out of control. We are confident that it caused this morning's disruption of AFX's Louisville operations. We are also confident that it intends to attack this bank's systems next. We expect the scale of the attack here to be much greater than that suffered by AFX. They were randomly chosen by the program whereas the bank has been specifically targeted. The program, which we refer to as '333,' has specific destructive capabilities designed for use against banking and financial industry targets.

Bookman: Of course you know we have very elaborate security mechanisms in place. Our Mr. Slater here has seen to that. You believe these may not be adequate?

Dunn: With no offense intended to Mr. Slater, I can assure you, they will not be adequate. Our own team is still analyzing the precise capabilities of the 333 agent program, but we already know that it has been equipped with security passwords and transaction authorization codes. It will penetrate your defenses.

Bookman: What then do you suggest?

Nancy: We recommend that you close down and even power-down your systems, sir. It's the only way to be sure you're safe.

Bookman: And that would give you the time you need to deactivate this agent? How long would you need?

Nancy: Well, we don't exactly know how to deactivate it yet.

Bookman: Then you're asking me to close down operations indefinitely? I'm afraid that's not possible.

West: Mr. Bookman, the Federal Bureau of Investigation is warning you that your deposits are subject to massive electronic destruction. You can safeguard them by turning off your computers. Do I need to get a court order to force you to comply?

Bookman: Young man, no court in the land will order the Federal Reserve Bank to halt its operations. We are not some simple commercial bank. We are the backbone of transactions for all U.S. banks. We cannot just turn off the computers and go home early today!

Dunn: Very well, Mr. Bookman. I understand your position. In that case, I'd recommend that your security team get in touch with our engineers as quickly as possible. Perhaps together they can erect some form of defense in time.

Bookman: Seems reasonable to me. This is Jim Slater. Jim, I want you to look into this immediately and get me your assessment.

Slater: Yes sir. We'll need to work from downstairs, sir.

Dunn: Nancy, will you coordinate this end with the bank's team?

Nancy: Happy to. We better get going.

As Nancy got up from the conference table, the bank's man Slater stood with her and escorted her to the computer systems department. The others continued on in a discussion of political ramifications and their bureaucratic superiors who would deal with keeping the situation forever secret.

Dunn surveyed the bankers to assess their personalities. He decided that what little individuality they had was now completely covered by their fear. They were like deer caught in the bright headlights of an oncoming car. Dunn was glad to be driving.



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