Читать книгу New Earth: The Search for Justice - R.D. Ph.D. Pittman - Страница 10

By three-thirty that afternoon all the turmoil had subsided and the network people were gone. Morris came into Alex’s office and reported all incoming personnel had been accounted for as they exited the front gate. Morris placed a Marine guard at the door of the media center with the master truck trailer parked next to the center. Alex thanked him for an outstanding job; everything went very smoothly he thought. Ted Jeffers walked in and said.

“Well Alex, on a scale of one to ten, I gave you a thirty-five on the interviews, I mean you nailed it my friend. You should hear the commentators back in their network newsrooms; they have christened you as the second coming.”

“Thanks Ted, now we have to get busy and earn our pay, by the way did you get your cash advance for running around money?”

“Yes, and thank you, I have a question.”

“Shoot.”

“When will I be able to bring my wife out here?”

“Tell you what; have her book a flight to Seattle, then take a taxi to McChord. I will have a staff jet pick her up and fly her here; I want this on the QT Ted.”

“Absolutely, no one, not even the kids will know where she is headed, and thanks again.”

Alex began to consider how they should approach analyzing the Cal Tech backup tapes they’d retrieved from Brigham Young University. Curt knew computers and communications but this might go far beyond his skills. Alex needed those FBI tech people Ted was bringing in from the DC office; hopefully they could get it kick started when they arrived the next day. Sandi, Cynthia, and Liz were resting after a long day of intense activity. Elena, Andrade, and Curt were in the den watching television to gauge reaction to Alex’s interview. Morris, Somers, and Evans went to the firing range to brush up on their pistol skills.

Alex pushed back in his chair and propped his feet up on his desk. The last six months had flown by so quickly, so many things had changed in his life, and there were times when he didn’t think he was up to it. On several occasions he second-guessed himself, he remembered those moments of self-doubt, how they haunted him day and night, only to have his first instinct turn out to be right all along. He had finally learned to trust his own judgment, and now with this extended family of FBI, Navy Seals, and Russian spies, truly talented people surrounded him, he could let them run with the ball; after all, that is what they wanted to do. He still anguished over Admiral Torrance, he wished he could somehow rescue him from that fateful decision, but his fate was already sealed; he would hang with the rest of them.

Elena became bored with the news reports, but was interested in how Alex would react to the various news reports. She stuck her head in his office. Alex motioned her to come in and have a seat.

“General, you are being portrayed as some kind of messiah, the US news media is falling all over itself to praise you, how do you feel?”

“Honestly, I don’t feel any different than I did yesterday Elena, I am so focused on uncovering these people and bringing this to an end, I really haven’t had time to dwell on anything else for any measurable length of time.”

“General, you realize that these traitors are going to try and have you killed, you are a direct threat to them. And your popularity will undermine their ability to sway the American people to their way of thinking. You need to think about another secret location from where you can command activities. These Thursday press conferences are dangerous, too many people know exactly where you are at a given time; a Predator could be programmed to drop a bomb on the media center. One of the technicians could be compromised and walk in with sarin gas pellets in his intestines undetected by conventional means. I’m reminded about the story of Duke Charles of Lorraine; he was a famous Austrian military man in the sixteen hundreds. He was assassinated with a wig by one of his servants who had been bribed.”

“Elena that is why you’re here, your expertise in these areas will be vital to me being able to carry out my mission. I am depending on you to anticipate what my enemies may do. I can’t go hide in a cave, as the defacto commander in chief, the American people can’t be allowed to see their leader hiding away like some field mouse. I would like you to arrange a meeting tomorrow with Commander Morris, Ted Jeffers, and agents Somers and Evans. Begin the process of outlining the threat, brainstorm amongst yourselves at the possibilities. Then put in counter measures to blunt those threats when they present themselves.”

“You are always thinking aren’t you? I can’t ever recall meeting such a person as you General, Sandi is right; you are one of a kind. But, if you value my advice, just remember the Bin Laden episode, he kept on the move, continually frustrating and embarrassing the United States. I’m not suggesting you go hide in a cave, just be more mobile and don’t be so forthcoming with the news media. Bin Laden was killed because he was in plain sight and stationary.”

“Elena, you have already provided a good return on my investment in you. What you say is true and very good advice. Our people are driven by success, this country has a long history of rewarding it’s leaders, whether it be in government or the private sector. What is not apparent to so many outside the US is our leaders are transparent; they are in public and accessible for all to see, and more importantly for all to emulate what made them successful. Our leaders set the example and to do that…you have to be visible and real-time.”

“Jesus Christ Boyd, Hanken made Torrance look like a fool. We can’t let this continue, get your insider busy and get this over with now,” Carter Billups growled.

“I anticipated that and I’ve initiated termination actions this morning,” replied Boyd Langer.

Evening approached, dinner was a time of reflection for everyone, and the day’s events had occurred at a blurring rate of speed, but they all realized they had handled it as a team …and it worked. Alex announced the next day’s agenda. The two FBI techs would arrive sometime that evening and they would start on the tape analysis the following day. Elena was to convene a meeting to discuss potential threats and counter measures and Alex mentioned whom he wanted in attendance. Sandi said she and Elena needed to go into town after Elena’s meeting and do some shopping for the wedding. She reminded everyone that it was less than two weeks away.

Ted Jeffers brought up the issue about Don Cray being one of the people involved in the takeover. He was certain Cray would dispatch agents to the area to monitor Alex’s activities; in fact they were probably already here. Jeffers sent six of his best agents from Los Angeles to cover the Colorado Springs area. Their job was to uncover covert CIA activities in and around the base. He suggested that Elena go in disguise when she went into town with Sandi, just in case any one of the CIA agents might recognize her.

Alex agreed with Jeffers, there would be greater scrutiny on this location, and the resultant media coverage would invite the conspirators to step up surveillance and possibly take aggressive actions against him personally. This was one of the reasons for the meeting the next day with Elena. She had the expertise in the field of undercover activities, and could spell out various scenarios and techniques that could be utilized by the opposition. Commander Morris suggested he step up the level of personal protection for Alex. He would assign two more Seals to accompany agents Somers and Evans whenever Alex went outside the residence. Somers also recommended that Sandi and Elena have an escort anytime they left the base; Morris agreed and would assign two Seals to them as well. Morris turned to Alex.

“General, I apologize; I assumed this without your permission.”

“Now that you are all here, let’s get something clear. You’re going to be the very backbone of our operations; you don’t have to assume anything. I expect you to act in the best interest of all, utilizing your experience and skills. I expect you to take the initiative, I need you to anticipate, don’t come running to me asking permission to do something that makes perfect sense, just do it. If you screw up, I’ll jump at you, then forget it, and move on. We do not have the luxury to dwell on the past; we must deal with current events, and plan for any future contingencies. At this table there is an incredible amount of experience and skill levels, you must have the confidence in yourselves that there is nothing we can’t overcome when we work together. So, Mike you don’t have to apologize, just do what you know is the right thing and tell me later. Is everyone on the same page?”

“Alex, what about expenses, how do we account for that, especially if a big ticket item comes up?” Jeffers asked.

“I say this to all of you, I have at my disposal over six hundred fifty billion dollars in cash and bullion, plus two U.S. mints. You need it, you order it. Forget cost, it is not a consideration.”

Elena spoke up.

“General, when it comes to expenses, how do Andrade and I handle that?”

“This will be my final comment concerning Elena and Andrade, and I want all present here today to take what I say to heart. Elena and Andrade were doing the bidding of their government; they were acting in a patriotic role as agents to uncover a potential threat to their beloved country. They have, and so has their government, agreed to work with us in restoring our country. They are a part of this team, an integral part; they both possess invaluable skills that we can utilize in the coming weeks and months. I want each and every one of you to show them the respect you show the other members of our team. To answer your question Elena, you and Andrade have the same discretion as anyone else on the team when it comes to expenses. If I send you to Europe and you need to buy a car, I don’t want you to compromise your mission because you couldn’t track me down to get permission to do a logical thing. And that goes for all of you, if it makes sense, just do it.

“And Sandi I want this to be the last time Elena goes off the base unless it’s to fly out on a mission. There’s simply too much risk in someone photographing her with you. If she and Andrade’s whereabouts were to become known to Torrance or worse Cray, it could complicate our mission. After the broadcast you are a recognizable member of my closest advisors, the media will track you, that is a given.”

You could sense the relief spreading through all of them, Alex had treated them like adults, and he had expressed his confidence in their ability to make sound decisions. They went to bed that night knowing that each had a key role to play in the future of this country. Elena and Andrade now had a sense of belonging; they were finally going to be part of the team.

Commander Morris slipped through the door to Tina’s room and she ran to him, pressing her body into his, her naked breasts feeling the heat of his chest pass through her. She kissed him, and he pulled her to him with his strong hands around her buttocks, her passion was consuming her. He carried her to the bed and there he took her to another world of exquisite pleasure, a physical release of energy that came from depths within her she had never experienced before now. Her mind drifted from the erotic sensations of the moment to the emotional attachment she felt for this man, could she be falling in love?

The pairings continued as each couple desperately sought out some permanence in their lives. The immediate threat of annihilation had passed but in the forefront lay the ominous task of righting a country that had gone in a very wrong direction. Bill Evans looked into Liz’s eyes and told her he had fallen in love with her from the first moment he saw her. She admitted she was falling in love with him too. Could they find the time with all of this turmoil around them to develop the kind of relationship that would last? He told her that times like these create the opportunity to bond more closely with a loved one; it was those challenging times that tested the strength of a relationship. She looked at him, and told him she did love him and wanted him by her side come what may. He told her they would get through this dangerous time…together.

Liz felt that things had become a little clearer since there was no longer the danger of the world being destroyed. Times were still uncertain and dangerous as Bill had explained, but he was so good to her, he listened to what she had to say and made her feel she had value.

“Liz, will you marry me?”

“Of course I will Bill, I am so thrilled you want to share your life with me, come what may and no matter what the future holds,” Liz whispered.

The next morning at breakfast with everyone present, Jeffers announced that his two techs were at base housing sleeping the long flight off; he would get them up around nine and schedule a meeting with Alex at one. He suggested Elena, Curt, and Commander Morris attend the meeting. Elena said she was having her meeting at ten for her group. Then Bill Evans positioned himself next to Liz and turned toward Alex and Sandi.

“General, I have a question.”

“Yes Bill, go ahead,” Alex and Sandi knew what was coming.

“General and Sandi, I am asking for your permission to marry your daughter Elizabeth?”

Everyone at the table stopped eating…there was complete silence. Sandi was beaming with joy. Alex played it cool.

“Well Bill, just how do you propose to support my future daughter in the manner that she’s become accustomed?” Alex asked with a serious tone. Before Bill could answer Alex responded.

“Of course you can, you two are perfect for each other.”

“Alex you’re such a weasel, poor Bill didn’t know if you were serious or not. I am so happy for both of you, now I have two weddings to plan, Alex you’re going to have to hire me an assistant to handle all of this.”

Sandi glanced over at Tina and winked at her. Tina smiled and knew Sandi was on to her and Mike.

“Well folks I can’t think of a better way to start the day. What’s next maybe Tina has an announcement?” Alex fished.

“Alex Hanken, stop embarrassing her, just leave her alone,” Sandi scolded.

“General, Mike and I are in love with each other, we haven’t discussed the next step yet, I’m hoping we get there though,” Tina said.

Commander Morris had never taken a wife, his career kept him on the move. Mike’s parents died in a plane crash while on a hunting trip in Alaska…he was seven. His grandmother raised him; she was his life and inspiration. One thing he always carried with him in his personal effects was the special gift from his grandmother. He was just nineteen when she gave it to him. She told him he would know just when to use it. Mike pulled a small well-traveled box from his jacket and opened it in front of Tina. In it was a solitaire engagement ring…his grandmother’s.

“Tina, would you marry me?” Mike asked. As the tears rolled down Tina’s cheeks she said, “Yes I will.”

“Oh my God, Alex. A third wedding?” Sandi was animated as usual.

It was a good start to the day, no more hidden agendas, they were a family and it felt that way for all of them. Even Elena remarked that she felt closer to this group of people than she had with anyone in her life, and Alex remarked that was the way he wanted it.

Alex told Bill not to worry about the expenses, pick out a nice wedding set; he and Sandi would take care of everything. All he asked of Bill was to love Liz and continue doing the excellent job he had been doing since Ted assigned him to provide protection for him and Sandi.

Alex pulled Sandi aside and told her the weddings had to be held at the chapel on the base. He went on to say that he would cover all the costs of the weddings Bill, Mike, or Andrade were not to pay for anything.

“Alex, you are wonderful, now you go solve the world’s problems.”

“You are my rock.” Alex kissed her and went to the meeting with Elena’s group.