by Gordon Ryan
Colonel Connor’s immediate boss was Bill Austin, the deputy director of intelligence. Austin’s staff was large and mostly located within the complex in Langley. There, they analyzed information gathered from all sectors of the world, providing “best-guess” scenarios for any given international situation. Austin often equated his work to that of the world’s economists, who rarely agreed on monetary policy and who, in retrospect, were generally way off-base.
Sully and Austin, although nearly the same age, had distinctly different management styles. About two-thirds of the headquarters staff seemed to prefer Austin. But many still admired Sully, who commanded a great deal of respect, especially among the old time CIA managers, as someone who had gone from a slick-haired Yale preppie to DDO in an impressive, action-packed thirty-two years.
As director of strategic analysis, reporting directly to Austin, Pug Connor usually attended staff meetings, and along with several other department heads had been specifically invited to attend this impromptu briefing. Connor had recently returned from Europe, where he had spent most of his time in Ireland. The IRA, despite the peaceful accords that had been in place for several years, continued to play a low-key role behind the scenes.
General Austin met Pug in the hall en route to the conference room.
“Welcome home, Pug. Is Ireland still green?”
Pug smiled at his boss. “The parts I visited certainly are,” he replied.
Connor had worked with William Austin for over ten years, first coming to the National Security Agency as a young major when Austin had been NSA’s director of intelligence. Austin had seen Pug through an emotionally devastating divorce and assumed a father-like role in the process.
Pug Connor had married late, following his time at college, a two-year LDS mission to Ireland, then return to and graduation from the United States Naval Academy where he was commissioned as a Marine Corps officer. He was thirty by the time he married, and was immediately deployed to a Marine expeditionary unit at sea, absent for nearly a year. Several years of similar assignments had taken their toll on his marriage, and finally his wife had divorced him, fortunately before children entered the picture. At forty-two, divorced for nearly four years, his life had taken on a sameness of routine, the job consuming all his time and attention.
When Austin retired from the Air Force and President Eastman appointed him to the CIA, Austin had invited Connor, a newly promoted lieutenant colonel, to join him. Trained as a Marine combat officer, Pug Connor had been involved in several covert field actions during his military career, serving as company commander in a seaborne marine expeditionary unit, then, following completion of his master’s degree in international economics, spending most of his time in military intelligence.
His participation in one “we-were-never-there” action in Iraq, prior to the second Gulf War, had earned him a Silver Star and the respect of the New Zealand Special Air Service task force he had commanded. Finding out that Pug had family ties in New Zealand, the Kiwi SAS regiment had awarded Pug an honorary beret, which he displayed proudly on the bookcase in his office.
Upon joining the CIA, the retired general had made a telling request.
“Colonel Connor,” Austin had said, “General Austin is no more. He’s retired. I hope you can find it in yourself to address me as Bill. After ten years together, I’ve earned that.”
This had surprised Pug, as he had always used formal military address for the general, but this loosening of protocol pleased him nonetheless. Since that time, except in meetings, Pug dealt with his boss on a first-name basis. They had grown close, both professionally and personally.
As they entered the conference room and took their seats at one end of the table, Austin leaned toward Pug.
“Meet the right people in Dublin?” he queried.
“I’ve been meeting with Donahue and his crowd for over five years, and no real answers have appeared. But I know one thing for certain: the Provos still suffer from internal dissent, and not everyone is onboard with the diplomatic posture currently in vogue. They’re still angry over British support of Australia’s republican movement, and now they’re angry that California’s trying the same thing and seeming to get away with it. My contacts in the IRA told me that if America can’t support their war for independence as well, then maybe the United States isn’t such a valuable ally. I’ll put my findings in a report.”
“Good, but don’t copy Sully until I’ve had a chance to read the draft,” Austin warned. “He’s still looking for reasons to tag the Provo leadership. It doesn’t matter to him if they’ve disavowed terrorist actions or not-he just needs more ammunition to discredit them. Will you have time to complete the report before you leave for New Zealand?”
Pug nodded. “I don’t leave until next Monday. I’m going out for a crash refresher course in sailing on George Granata’s new yacht this Saturday, in the hope of not looking like a total fool in the water in front of my Kiwi relatives.”
“Think the Kiwis will take the America’s Cup back from the San Francisco Yacht Club?” Austin grinned.
“They’ve got about as much chance of that as Sully inviting me to a backyard barbecue.” Pug laughed softly. “Besides, New Zealand already owns the Cup. It’s just housed in San Francisco. All the American sailors are Kiwis. But in truth, New Zealand probably hasn’t got the money to mount a credible campaign. It’s all about dollars now. National pride takes a back seat.”
Even though Al Qaeda was the ‘terrorist de jour,’ Pug knew that the DDO and several of the operations staff were still focused on monitoring the old-line, long-recognized terrorist organizations, even though it appeared more and more that recent attacks were the work of splinter groups. The pattern had long been recognized by intelligence agencies: Unable to go to war against stronger powers, smaller nations had resorted to supporting state-sponsored terrorism using surrogate armies. Everyone accepted that.
But Grant Sully’s theory, not unacceptable by any means, was that once the historical terrorist organizations such as the IRA and the PLO had achieved a certain level of recognition and a quasi-political status, they were rendered less able to perpetrate the heinous acts they had traditionally used to achieve their ends. And so the notorious organizations had begun sponsoring splinter groups from within their own ranks, disavowing any responsibility for their actions, but in fact, fully supporting them under the table.
Connor had to admit it made sense. Only time or a major intelligence breakthrough would tell. Al Qaeda’s individual cells worldwide made such disavowal even easier. In the meantime, he would heed Austin’s warning and go easy with any information that might give Sully and his allies more ammunition.
Once everyone was present, Judge Wentworth entered the conference room from the side door in his office and commenced the meeting.
“Thank you all for coming. I’ve asked you here to participate in a briefing by a representative of the FBI and the Army CID. A domestic briefing.” He smiled.
“They’re gonna let us in on family secrets?” Grant Sully said, eliciting a ripple of laughter around the room.
“Maybe so, Grant,” the judge smiled. “But while we’re waiting. .” He looked at Pug. “Colonel Connor, give us a quick update on your trip to Ireland.”
Pug glanced at General Austin, then responded to Wentworth.
“Director, the word is that a major split has occurred in the IRA as a result of the British and American support of the growing Australian republican movement and the hands-off attitude regarding California’s burgeoning secessionist movement. One group, those in Kevin Donahue’s camp, disavow any responsibility for the recent violence, and the other group, claiming to represent the IRA, have assumed responsibility, vowing further action if Northern Ireland is not afforded the same rights as Australia. Not surprisingly, each group is calling itself the true IRA.”
“Garbage,” Sully snorted. “They’re one group with one purpose, and they’re covering it up. It’s the ‘good guy
, bad guy’ stuff. One group can do whatever it wants, while the other remains in a position to talk. I don’t buy it-not for one minute. And if you can’t see it, you’re in way over your head, Connor. I’ve told you before-stay out of my ballpark.”
The director interjected. “Let’s not get into that again, Grant. Pug, please continue. What are the British doing about it?”
“Sir, the government is still reeling over the change in leadership. Prime Minister Thornton has tried to hold down the scuffle, at least until they consolidate their position regarding the Commonwealth and the Queen’s legal position, vis-a-vis Australia. It’s the old story, sir. If they give in now, it will appear that pressure worked, and they will be expected to cave in every time a dissident group pushes hard enough.”
Sully growled. “I’ve been hearing that same crap since I scraped horseshit off my musket. There will always be pressure, either politically or by violent action. That’s what I meant, Director, when I said Connor doesn’t know what he’s doing. And he’s gonna foul this up, sending this Provo splinter group the wrong message.”
Director Wentworth frowned again and gave Sully another stare.
Sully paused a moment and then, in a softer voice, continued. “The decision should be reached based on its results and benefits, not on the latest bombing incident. We still need to address the issue based on our national objectives, and the British need to take a much larger view. The whole political alliance thing has changed over the past fifteen years. Holding on to a piece of land that doesn’t want to align itself is senseless. With former alliances breaking up all over the world, countries like Puerto Rico want to align with a larger power, and others just want out of their existing ties. In Ireland’s case, they’ve been trying for several centuries. It’s crazy to force them to stay.”
“Grant, before our guests arrive, tell us-would that analysis apply to the current furor in California?” the director asked, changing directions and spurring interest around the table as all waited for Sully’s answer.
Startled by the comparison, Sully nevertheless maintained his composure. “California’s just political hyperbole, Director. Senator Turner had a stiff test against a younger and better-financed opponent, and he found a horse to ride back into the Senate-maybe even into Eastman’s job in a couple of years, if he can milk it that long.”
“From what I hear, the matter’s going to the California Supreme Court, and the militia units are having a field day. Have we got a handle on what’s happening, or not?” the director pressed.
“It’s nothing more than political posturing.”
“So you’re telling us that in spite of overwhelming voter approval, a United States senator’s support, and growing militia unrest, you see no substance behind this secession mania? Why, then, is he forcing it to the Supreme Court?” Wentworth continued.
Sully shifted in his seat and changed directions. “Sir, I have to admit, it’s taken on a momentum of its own, but I have no hard data, since domestic issues fall under the FBI. Maybe they can tell us more when they arrive, but I believe that it’s all bluster and will disappear when the court renders its opinion.”
Pug motioned to Director Wentworth, who nodded for him to speak.
“Sir, the Provos are watching this California thing closely, to see what the federal government’s going to do.”
“You think they’d take action against Americans?” Wentworth asked.
“I don’t know, but the internal dissent is real. Their beef is with the British, but they don’t like the fact that America seems to be taking the secession talk lightly. They feel Ireland should have been allowed to unify with the north decades ago. We should consider all possibilities and keep a close eye on them.”
“Grant?” Wentworth said, looking toward the DDO.
“We’re watching them, Director,” he said, glancing at Connor.
The main entrance door to the conference room opened, and one of the director’s aides caught his eye. Judge Wentworth waved his hand, signaling the man to show the guests in. Two men-a civilian and an Army major in uniform-entered the room and took the two seats that had been reserved near the director at the head of the table.
“Gentlemen, we welcome you to our daily ‘donuts and coffee’ gathering,” Wentworth said. “I understand you have some new information for us on the domestic side of the house.”
The civilian nodded and opened a leather briefcase, retrieving about a dozen stapled reports, handing them out around the table.
“Director, with your permission,” he said.
Wentworth nodded.
“Gentlemen, my name is Jeff Casey. I’m the agent in charge of the bureau’s militia investigations unit.” He looked quickly around the table, nodding and smiling at several familiar faces, including Pug Connor’s.
“Roughly fifteen months ago, FBI Director Hazelton tripled the manpower in our militia task force to look into their escalation of operations. Of course, militia units have been under surveillance for many years, but a recent upsurge in activities and recruitment has given immediacy to the bureau’s concern. In the Far West and Northwest, an increase in bank robberies has been attributed to three of these recognized militia groups. In addition, responsibility for the murder of the two appointed federal judges in California has been claimed by the California Patriot Movement, an umbrella organization made up of a loose confederation of militia units. As of earlier this week, we are also investigating the execution-style murder of a California National Guard lieutenant who had infiltrated the Shasta Brigade, the largest of the California militia units. A sheriff’s deputy who surprised the perpetrators at the scene was also killed in that incident. Their actions are viewed as the first open declaration of hostility directed at established military authority.”
“What authority?” Sully asked. “The guard has no authority in civil matters, other than those authorized by the governor in times of emergency.”
“Granted,” the FBI briefer agreed. “Still, an open and direct assassination of a federal officer has occurred, and the bureau has been investigating the incident. We believe the killing is in response to federal opposition to secession-opposition that the militants have used as a rallying cry to promote a declaration of independence for California.”
“You’re not serious,” General Austin said.
“I’m afraid we are, General. These people have taken the results of the two referendums literally and are storming through the state in support of every speech Senator Turner gives. That support often takes the form of physical intimidation, not unlike that used by Hitler’s brown-shirt thugs. Their actions speak for themselves.”
“What does the Army have to say about the matter?” Director Wentworth asked.
“Major Brighton can respond to that, Mr. Director,” the FBI agent said.
Brighton stood. “Sir, General Robert Del Valle is in command of the California National Guard and is also the acting adjutant general for the state of California. Previously, we were cooperating with him and his local CID unit in this investigation.”
“What do you mean by ‘previously,’ Major?” the director inquired.
“Well, sir, the joint chiefs have conferred with legal counsel on this issue, and they have a serious concern that General Del Valle’s National Guard units have been infiltrated by members of the patriot movement and other militants throughout California, especially the Shasta Brigade.”
General Austin spoke again. “So you’re telling us, Major, that in addition to us trying to get agents into the brigade, they’ve been recruiting members from your National Guard units and reversing the intelligence-gathering process?”
“Essentially, that’s correct, General. Many of the reserve components are made up of men who like this sort of activity. They’re prime targets and easy marks for militia recruitment.”
“And as a result, Army command has cut one of its own generals out of the pipeline; is that what you’re saying?”
“Yes,
sir, although General Del Valle is no longer regular Army.”
General Austin banged his fist on the table. “Regular Army or National Guard, he’s one of your field commanders, Major. How does the JCS expect him to ferret out his informants without your support and cooperation?”
“Sir, the joint chiefs feel we can’t afford the leak at a time when Senator Turner is calling for secession.”
“Good heavens, man,” Wentworth said, “are you telling me that even the Pentagon is taking this movement seriously?”
“They see it as a clear threat to the continuity of the chain of command, Mr. Director,” Major Brighton said.
“And why have we been included in this briefing, Mr. Casey?”
“We’re calling in all our assets, Director,” he said, glancing at Sully.
“Domestic assets, you mean,” Wentworth said, then reminded him, “We’re restricted from operating within the jurisdiction of the United States.”
“Of course,” Casey replied, a flicker of a smile crossing his face, “but we thought-hoped perhaps-that you might have stumbled onto some information that would provide a larger view of the situation.”
“Sully,” Director Wentworth said, “what’s he talking about?”
“Sir, apparently the bureau continues to assume that the Agency has operatives inside the borders of the United States. While we do, on occasion, come across information relevant to domestic issues, I can assure you, sir, that we have no assets operating within the country.”
