continued, “Precisely why it is critically important that you learn from the past so you may conquer the future.” He turned back to Dr. Crawston and apologized to her in a quieter voice, “Sorry, my dear, please do carry on.”
Evangeline smiled and returned to her lecture. “The why is easy to explain. I gave a hint before. Can anyone recall?” Evangeline cast her eyes over her now attentive audience.
A young lady put up her hand then quickly withdrew it, remembering the earlier admonition about going to the toilet. “Would it be your referring to the poor man’s nuke, Dr. Crawston?”
“Yes, well done. The ‘poor man’s nuke’ was a phrase coined to emphasize how a relatively small amount of a bacterium such as Bacillus anthracis , if released into the right place, can kill as many people as a comparably sized nuclear device, for a fraction of the cost.”
The war studies students of King’s College weren’t the only ones impressed by her arresting rhetoric. As he watched, Matt Lilburn could see why his superiors had requested that he obtain her assistance.
“So who are these countries or individuals with both the knowledge and willingness to carry out biological warfare? We already know Iraq was certainly willing, we also have Iran, Israel, Libya, Syria and let’s not forget China, North Korea and Taiwan.”
“What about the United States and Russia?”
“Ah, good point. We hope not. In 1972 both the Cold War powers signed the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on Their Destruction — or BTWC for those of you taking notes — and declared all their stocks of these weapons had been destroyed. Like you, I can only hope this is the case. But countries aren’t the only threats, individuals can be just as dangerous. However, it’s more likely the threat will be organizations, particularly religious groups.” Evangeline paused. “Are there any Americans here?” No one replied, the room remained silent. Lilburn slowly moved back in his seat, suddenly feeling conspicuous. “If there was someone here from America, what do you think would be the first organization to spring to mind?”
“Al-Qaeda.”
Lilburn shifted uneasily in his seat.
“Now, may I inquire what the time is please?” Evangeline looked to the professor, her cue to bring the lecture to an end.
Jennian-Jones had risen from his chair and was making his way towards Evangeline, smiling broadly. “Bravo, bravo. I must say that was an enlightening and thought-provoking lecture, Dr. Crawston, a real humdinger, if I may borrow that term from our friends across the Atlantic.” The professor shook her hand. “Marvelous, my dear.” His large frame turned to the students. “But not nearly long enough, don’t you agree?” There was unanimous agreement from the students.
“I most wholeheartedly concur. Alas, I’m afraid, time constraints have not allowed us to hear more from the esteemed Dr. Crawston. Now — say thank you nicely, boys and girls!”
Tumultuous applause followed, then the audience gradually broke up, chattering loudly as they gathered their belongings and left the theatre. Lilburn walked swiftly back down the stairs from the mezzanine; he needed to talk to Dr. Crawston.
The professor and the doctor were talking to each other as he approached. Evangeline couldn’t help noticing the tall, handsome stranger she had seen earlier approaching. Casually dressed and wearing a brown leather bomber-style jacket, the man had a look of the military about him.
“Please excuse me for interrupting, Professor, Dr. Crawston.”
“My good man, I didn’t notice you there!” Jennian-Jones was taken by surprise. “May I be of assistance?”
“May I have a word with Dr. Crawston?”
“Certainly, old chap. I must dash anyway — another lecture. My dear Evangeline, it was lovely seeing you again and I will be in touch.” With
Evangeline smiled and returned to her lecture. “The why is easy to explain. I gave a hint before. Can anyone recall?” Evangeline cast her eyes over her now attentive audience.
A young lady put up her hand then quickly withdrew it, remembering the earlier admonition about going to the toilet. “Would it be your referring to the poor man’s nuke, Dr. Crawston?”
“Yes, well done. The ‘poor man’s nuke’ was a phrase coined to emphasize how a relatively small amount of a bacterium such as Bacillus anthracis , if released into the right place, can kill as many people as a comparably sized nuclear device, for a fraction of the cost.”
The war studies students of King’s College weren’t the only ones impressed by her arresting rhetoric. As he watched, Matt Lilburn could see why his superiors had requested that he obtain her assistance.
“So who are these countries or individuals with both the knowledge and willingness to carry out biological warfare? We already know Iraq was certainly willing, we also have Iran, Israel, Libya, Syria and let’s not forget China, North Korea and Taiwan.”
“What about the United States and Russia?”
“Ah, good point. We hope not. In 1972 both the Cold War powers signed the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on Their Destruction — or BTWC for those of you taking notes — and declared all their stocks of these weapons had been destroyed. Like you, I can only hope this is the case. But countries aren’t the only threats, individuals can be just as dangerous. However, it’s more likely the threat will be organizations, particularly religious groups.” Evangeline paused. “Are there any Americans here?” No one replied, the room remained silent. Lilburn slowly moved back in his seat, suddenly feeling conspicuous. “If there was someone here from America, what do you think would be the first organization to spring to mind?”
“Al-Qaeda.”
Lilburn shifted uneasily in his seat.
“Now, may I inquire what the time is please?” Evangeline looked to the professor, her cue to bring the lecture to an end.
Jennian-Jones had risen from his chair and was making his way towards Evangeline, smiling broadly. “Bravo, bravo. I must say that was an enlightening and thought-provoking lecture, Dr. Crawston, a real humdinger, if I may borrow that term from our friends across the Atlantic.” The professor shook her hand. “Marvelous, my dear.” His large frame turned to the students. “But not nearly long enough, don’t you agree?” There was unanimous agreement from the students.
“I most wholeheartedly concur. Alas, I’m afraid, time constraints have not allowed us to hear more from the esteemed Dr. Crawston. Now — say thank you nicely, boys and girls!”
Tumultuous applause followed, then the audience gradually broke up, chattering loudly as they gathered their belongings and left the theatre. Lilburn walked swiftly back down the stairs from the mezzanine; he needed to talk to Dr. Crawston.
The professor and the doctor were talking to each other as he approached. Evangeline couldn’t help noticing the tall, handsome stranger she had seen earlier approaching. Casually dressed and wearing a brown leather bomber-style jacket, the man had a look of the military about him.
“Please excuse me for interrupting, Professor, Dr. Crawston.”
“My good man, I didn’t notice you there!” Jennian-Jones was taken by surprise. “May I be of assistance?”
“May I have a word with Dr. Crawston?”
“Certainly, old chap. I must dash anyway — another lecture. My dear Evangeline, it was lovely seeing you again and I will be in touch.” With
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