Rizwan was waiting in the corridor. He was chosen for the mission and was asked to report to Pasha. For the last two days, Rizwan was trying to figure out what the mission could be. He was excited. He entered Pasha’s office, only to see Pasha looking distraught. His eyes had sunken in, and he looked depressed. Pasha welcomed the scientist and signalled him to sit in one of the chairs. He took a deep breath. Exhaling, he began his introduction.

“May I ask you about ways of exploding a nuke without being blamed?”

“Yeah. That is called testing the nuke,” Rizwan replied.

“I am not talking about testing. I am talking about inflicting damages to the enemy nation.”

Rizwan contemplated Pasha for a while. He spoke like he was answering a quiz program on television. “Technically, this can happen, if you wipe out the enemy nation, they cannot blame you for the simple reason that they don’t exist anymore. However, other nations will be on you like hunting dogs.”

Pasha smiled. “If the explosion occurs beneath the ground that causes an earthquake on the other side of border, and the resultant devastation is a natural calamity and not an offensive strike. Am I not correct?” he waited for a while, allowing the concept to sink in the mind of the physicist.

Rizwan was puzzled. He had heard of weird ideas and had seen some of them executed, but this was his first time to get involved in one. Moreover, the weirdness of the idea explained by Pasha was beyond his comprehension. Throughout his career he dealt with so many theories, but all were bound by some logic. His mind was blank and he didn’t have any answer to negate the scheme. He simply stared at Pasha.

In the last week, for Pasha, the only thing that went as per plan was the meeting with Rizwan. His eyes bright, he smiled at Rizwan. He felt satisfied and inhaled deeply, letting his lungs push against his ribs. “How do you like the idea, Mr Rizwan?” Pasha asked.

Rizwan cleared his throat, “This is not so simple. First, you need a device that cannot be tracked ... I mean no future record shall show something was missing. Second problem is executing such a task without anyone noticing. Third is about the residues. How to deal with the residues, so that these are not detected in future? Then comes the fourth problem, that is, in case it is detected, there will be an international court of inquiry and the world has not forgotten images of Saddam Hussein.”

Pasha waved his hand dismissing the opinion. “Don’t worry about these things. This is being planned, engineered and executed by the safest hands that Pakistan can arrange,” he paused and looked straight into the eyes of Rizwan. “You know him ... closely.” Slowly his lips curved into a smile. “Yes. Qadar is handling the project. In fact, it was your proximity to him that qualified you to be here today.”

He called his secretary over intercom and asked for some tea. “Do you still have any doubts about the execution part?”

Rizwan was on a completely shaky ground. He was happily surprised to find out his former mentor was going to be his lead in the mission. But, at the fag end of not only his career but life, how and why was Qadar doing this? He better discuss the matter directly with Qadar, rather than talking to the security guard. He never held the military in high regard. For that matter, very few intellectuals in Pakistan did. He thought it may be wise to keep quiet and play along. He simply nodded his acceptance.

A security guard pushed the door and brought a tray containing tea pot and cups. Both Pasha and Rizwan remained silent till the waiter poured tea and left the room.

Pasha continued, “I think I have replied to all your queries except the last one. Of course, we are not counting on any court of inquiry. If inquiries had to be conducted, then most of the American presidents in the last three decades would be court-martialled. It is simply a matter of fact that most of the regions were destabilized, trounced and modern terrorism has evolved from the policies and actions of America. We know their secrets and they know ours. It is stalemate. We need not worry.”

For a moment, Pasha looked the typical megalomaniac to Rizwan. “You are correct. It is logical that there may not be any court of inquiry. But, there can be a commando operation instead of an inquiry that is more legal. Anyway, that is for you to consider. As far as I am concerned, I think, I am expected to assist Qadar in executing the scheme. Yes?”

“Yes. Now, he is out there in the market scouting for the device. Once he returns, you will be meeting him. Meanwhile, make a list of resources that are needed to transport the equipment.”

“Where are you planning to carry out the testing?”

“Somewhere in the north. Below the Himalayas. Near the border of Kashmir and Afghanistan. There are some deep caves near one Kilik Pass. People were sent to scout for a suitable cave. Even if someone finds out where the epicentre of earthquake was, it would be difficult to reach the place and analyse. That part is covered under snow throughout the year.” Pasha smiled and assured Rizwan. “You really need not worry about this. This was discussed with Qadar.”

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