Metafire

"Similarly, for our Russians," the Major responded. "We know a lot. They all seem to be Ukrainian nationals. Their company is called 'Whitefire.' They are Eastern European distributors for Metafire Software products. They aren't physicists, like this George Davis and Dr. O'Leary, but they were out of a nuclear weapon facility. One guy, Platon Burak, was head of a bomb manufacturing plant. The Russian authorities have expressed complete surprise. Whitefire has broken no Russian laws, however. New Moscow is being helpful. One interesting thing is that Whitefire seems to generate a lot of foreign currency. They seem to have a lot of dollars. Our analysis has revealed they are also a development and support component of the Metafire group."

The NSC Director walked over to a map in the windowless room. He thought for a moment. Then he asked to no one in particular, "What do you think is the probability these are the terrorists. It sure looks like we found them. Doesn't it?"

Ferguson responded, "I suggest we assist them. Let me say that differently. I suggest we give them minimal assistance."

The Director understood, "Sir, if they are the terrorists, any action on our part could trigger millions of deaths. We simply do not know anything about their capabilities at this point. They could have more bombs planted. They could have them in space. If they do, we can't simply wipe them out. They could trigger a bomb by not periodically preventing it from triggering itself. They potentially have many ways to hold us hostage."