Paths of Courage Read Free Page B

turn down,” he said. Familiarity between them was not unusual.
    Conway’s eyebrows rose, ignoring that last remark; at the same time a ghost of a smile creased his features before he came straight to the point. “We want you to lead a team into North Korea.”
    â€œNorth Korea! You must be kidding!” he exclaimed, stunned. He knew the SIS rarely carried out field operations in that part of the world. “How soon?”
    â€œAs soon as.”
    Ryder felt a little bewildered. “The reason?”
    Conway was all business now. “Briefly, our Moscow network reports a North Korean virologist working for a bio-warfare unit has defected to the Russians, saying his country has developed a deadly super virus unknown to the West.” Conway paused to let that sink in. “But, wait for it: they also have an antidote and that leaves us very exposed indeed. Intel from our Seoul and Beirut networks suggests the virus may be used soon against a Western power. Seoul says a North Korean general was assassinated on a visit to the South Korean capital because he was about to inform the South. Beirut has been watching an NK agent and an al-Qaeda rep, suggesting the terrorist group may be planning to attack a Western country using this virus. We believe all three may be connected. The defector believes the virus is being manufactured in a subterranean bio-lab in the Hamgyong Mountains, somewhere near a town called Pyorha-ri.”
    Ryder shot an asking glance.
    â€œClose to the Chinese border in the northern region. We want you to take in a virologist to find out if such a lab exists.”
    â€œArmy?”
    â€œYes, specialist scientist from the Army Medical Corps out at Porton Down.”
    That’s a bloody relief
, thought Ryder. Babysitting a civilian would add considerable difficulties to such an operation.
    â€œIf you find a super virus we need someone who knows how to ID, handle and destroy them. Most of all, that specialist will need to determine if a vaccine exists in the plant. None of our people have those abilities. Your job, Frank, will be to get the specialist in and out safely.”
    â€œWho is this specialist?”
    â€œA Dr Seymour. BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences from the Royal College of Defence Medicine, Birmingham and from De Montfort University, Leicester. ”
    â€œImpressive, but they won’t get him far out there in the wild. I hope he’s fit; otherwise, we’ll not reach a lab even if one exists.”
    â€œThe doctor is a she,” said Conway quietly.
    Ryder looked at the boss in stunned silence. He then said, “Why not use army medics?”
    â€œWhat we’re looking for is potentially the most lethal virus known to man; exposure to it could mean certain, agonizing death. We need someone who knows what to look for. She’s the best they have according to those who should know. Apparently her field reports are above average for fitness, weaponry and endurance.”
    â€œOh, that’s bloody good! Bloody good! Just what we need: babysitting a female in a dangerous – no,
the
most dangerous country in the world.” He shook his head slowly and ran a hand through his hair in subdued frustration. “It’s one thing to know how to shoot, another is to kill,” he paused. “Can she kill? Our lives may well depend on it.”
    â€œThat’s not her job, Frank; that’s yours,” Conway replied sharply.
    Ryder was not prepared to give in. “You appreciate the fact that it could be weeks before we find the base. How will she cope, living rough in the hostile environment?”
    â€œAs I said, Frank, her records indicate she will be able to handle it.”
    Ryder persisted. “Believe me, George, I’d like to think you’re right, but it’s difficult. Even if a lab does exist, getting in will be traumatic, not to mention locating the bugs. She’d have to be a superwoman not to break