by Brian Cotton
Chapter .40
Paxton walked into The Committee’s Chamber and saw only Pat Roberson seated at the stage. Paxton called this emergency meeting, his expectation being that they all would be here. Krys waited outside in the lobby. Against his better judgment, Paxton drove straight here from Young’s shop once he was sure that they were not being followed.
“Mr. Paxton,” Roberson called from the stage, “what can I do for you today?”
“Where are the others?” Paxton asked.
“They are attending to other matters.”
“Fair enough. I’m sure you heard the news by now.”
“What news do you speak of?” Roberson chewed on his bottom lip before speaking again. “The news where you shot up an apartment or the news of you losing your dealer?”
Sarcasm, Paxton thought, just great.
“The news of Joe Young being arrested.” Paxton replied.
“I knew that, I was being facetious.”
“Sir, I…”
“Hold it.” Roberson said. He took off his glasses and wiped the lenses with a white cloth. “You’ve become reckless, Mr. Paxton. Our patience with you and that crew of yours is growing thin. How’s the new guy coming along?”
“Just fine,” Paxton replied. “Sir, we need to talk about finding a new dealer.”
“I’m afraid I can’t do that.”
“Sir…”
“You’ve just cost us a valuable asset in this war, one that will not be easily replaced…if at all.”
“I’m sure there are others…”
“You’re not listening,” Roberson cut in, slamming his fist on the table. “We can’t do anything for you right now. No quick fixes this time, I’m afraid.”
“What are we supposed to do, then?” Paxton demanded.
“Have you considered laying low for a while, until we can find you someone else?”
“Sir, laying low is not what I do. You know that.”
“Far too well, I’m afraid. You lost Boler, our contact within the USR. Now, within a matter of days, you lose Young, too? That is unacceptable, soldier.”
“You see what’s going on out there, don’t you?” Paxton pleaded. “And, you expect me just to tell my people to lay low? Don’t worry about it for a while?”
“That’s not what I’m saying at all,” Roberson replied. “We are in a guerilla war here, son, and because of that, we must choose our battles with wisdom. That is something you have failed to do since…well, since almost minute one. How much weaponry do you have at the moment?”
“We’ve got enough to get us by, for the moment, anyway. But, we are going to need another supplier.”
“Good, you can sit on that while we try to work something out. Anything else?”
“No, sir.”
Paxton saluted Roberson; even though that was one of the last things he wanted to do at the moment. He did not get a salute back. The old veteran turned his back on Roberson and walked for the doors. What a waste of precious time. He would never understand Roberson. Did the politician not realize that they were at war? Sure, Roberson was pretty good at throwing the word around, but he didn’t understand the costs. He never fought in an actual battle like Paxton and so many others in this new war did. In war, you did what was necessary to win. You cleaned up the mess after you won.
“Mr. Paxton,” Roberson called out. “I didn’t dismiss you, yet.”
Roberson cleared his throat. When Paxton turned, his boss motioned with his right hand for him to return to the podium. Paxton obeyed the gesture. What next?
“Have you talked with your tech guy, lately?” Roberson asked.
“Yes,” Paxton replied. “He said that you guys sent him something. He’s been trying to hack in ever since. Why?”
“Well, that item we sent might have larger implications that we originally anticipated. Has he had any success?”
“No, sir, he’s trying his best.”
“We might have a way to get the information we need.”
“Really?” Paxton asked, his curiosity now piqued.
“Yes, but it is going to require your team to infiltrate a USR precinct in order to get it. After hours, of course. You’ll have to download it straight from one of their hard drives.”
Paxton folded his arms across his chest. “You’re joking, right?”
“Afraid not. But, you can do it, it is possible. Staffing is light after hours; budget concerns. Infiltrate the building. Download the files. It’s the only way. Mr. Clarke is good, but I’m afraid this is beyond his skill, its serious business. Can I count on you?”
“Why is this so serious?”
“We think it might have something to do with the water supply, but we can’t know for sure until you download those files. Again, can I count on you?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Good,” Roberson said. “And, please, for all that is good and just don’t make a big scene out of this. You’ve been on the TV far too much recently.”
“We’ll try not to, sir. Am I dismissed?”
“Yes, you are. Good hunting.”
“Thank you, sir.”
The two old men saluted each other. Paxton lowered his arm then turned for the door. On his way out, he could hear Roberson standing up from his chair and walking out. Krys was outside the door when Paxton opened it, eagerly awaiting his presence. She was chewing at the end of her hair.
“That’s a filthy habit.” Paxton said.
“Look who’s talking,” Krys replied. “What’s the word?”
“We’ve got to fend for ourselves as far as weapons are concerned.”
Krys sighed. “That’s good news.”
“It gets even better,” Paxton said. He grabbed at her shoulder. “You have to infiltrate a USR building tonight.”
