At 5 miles out, Harrison began his descent to the airport. It was a sunny morning with unlimited visibility, a pilot’s dream for takeoffs and landings. Harrison cut the speed of Target One and descended gradually aligning himself with the runway. He surveyed his instruments and noted no problems or alarms. The left engine performed flawlessly despite its earlier damage. Target One continued its descent as Harrison pulled the flaps and lowered the landing gear. He was flying above the beginning of the landing strip. As Target One made contact with the runway, Harrison put flaps to full and reversed the engines. Target One slowed as Harrison began taxiing to hangar 47. Hangar 47 was a large building that housed similar private jets as Target One as well as older air force jets. Harrison followed the path designated by the ground crew and slowed Target One until it was aligned with the entrance to the hangar. Harrison cut the engines and reviewed the landing checklist. He grabbed several suitcases, one of which contained surveillance equipment, and exited Target One.
As Harrison debarked, an air force security guard approached him. The soldier greeted Harrison: “Good morning, Mr. Marshalli.” The air force pilot showed Harrison his credentials as well as orders given to him by Mentor to guard Target One. Harrison thanked the solider and was directed toward a waiting government automobile. He requested to be taken to the nearest car rental office. The trip took less than 15 minutes. Harrison thanked the driver, stepped out of the car and entered the rental office.
As Mr. Marshalli, Harrison rented an all terrain jeep and drove to the motel specified by Mentor. He entered the room and tipped the clerk. Harrison opened the suitcase with his surveillance equipment and retrieved an electronic meter. He scanned the room for listening devices and once satisfied, returned the meter to its place. Harrison entered the bedroom and stripped to his underwear. He rolled into bed and quickly fell asleep. It may be Harrison’s last good night sleep for quite awhile.
Chapter 15
Duty of the Cardinal Camerlengo
It was mid-afternoon in Roma. Hannah was glowing even more brightly than the sun beaming down on Roma…if that was possible. The message faxed by Harrison prior to his landing at Great Falls, Montana had reached Hannah moments ago. She stopped on the doorsteps of her hotel and read the message for a third time:
“My Dear Hannah,
It seems like we’ve been apart for weeks or months; yet, it has only been a few days. I miss you! I miss every part of you. I’m safe and hope you are the same. Looking forward to seeing you once again and doing something terribly romantic. I hope Josetta is doing well; please give him my regards if you see him. Take care, my love.
Your H.”
Hannah shook her head, her hair flowing in the breeze, and smiled again. She was unable to put her love’s message away, but grasped it tightly as she walked under the warm sun. How much she wished that she could communicate back with Harrison, but she knew that it was impossible. She received comfort in the knowledge that her Harrison knew the words she would say in return. Hearing from Harrison while he was on assignment was always uplifting for Hannah. If nothing else, she knew that even though he may be in harm’s way, he was safe and alive. Nothing could mar this day, nothing. Harrison was alive and thinking of her despite all the pressing events in his day.
Hannah hailed a cab and requested the destination of the Holy City. She thought she would share her joy about Harrison’s letter with Pope Josetta. The city seemed “busy” for this time of day with people rather hurried. The cab arrived at Vatican City within 20 minutes. Hannah paid her fare and began walking up the steps to the Vatican. She noted that there were more papal Swiss guards protecting the Holy See than observed on earlier papal visits.
Inside the Vatican, the immediate hall was filled with people—holy men, newsmen—all sorts of people. Hannah glimpsed Father Edgar Soergel out of the corner of her eye, the holy man who was quite helpful in arranging her papal visits, and headed toward him. Father Soergel turned to see Hannah approaching and extended his hand toward her. “Hello, Father. Nice to see you again,” Hannah said sincerely and happily. “And you, Miss Littleton,” replied the priest.
Hannah’s expression grew quizzical as she asked the man of God; “It seems so busy here today. Is something special happening?” Sadness grew over Father Soergel face as he spoke, “I’m afraid that the Pontiff slipped into a coma about an hour ago. He is not doing well and his physician is not offering much hope.” The excitement of hearing from Harrison left Hannah’s face and was replaced by an equally aching sadness. She spoke, “I’m sorry, Father. I just arrived to request a visit with Pope Josetta…I…” Hannah’s words trailed away, awkwardly, not knowing what to say. The holy man filled the gap, “We appreciate your kindness to Josetta. His visits with Mr. Rossetti and you strengthened him and brought him immense joy. I am sorry to break the news to you in this way. I know that your fiancé cherished his friendship with the Holy Father and would like to be here himself.” The reverend paused and Hannah added, “Yes, he would, he would indeed. Harrison will take Josetta’s severely deteriorating health very hard.”
There was a silence between the holy person and the newsperson. Hannah broke the silence and spoke, “Mr. Rossetti’s and my thoughts are with the Holy Father and with all the sacred people who have assisted and served him. His devotion to his church and his progressive approach will be a great loss to the leadership and growth of Catholic Church— and a special loss to people of all faiths around the world.” “Thank you, Miss Littleton, thank you for such kind words.” The priest continued, “I am sorry, but I must leave and return to my duties.” “Of course, Father,” replied Hannah.
The priest held Hannah’s hand warmly and bowed slightly as he left. Hannah walked to the conference room where other journalists were gathered, at least those who were aware of the recent deteriorating change in the Pontiffs medical condition. One of Hannah’s colleagues asked upon her entrance, “Hello, Hannah. Have you heard anything new on the medical status of the Pope?” “No,” replied Hannah. She continued, “He slipped into a coma about an hour ago and his condition has remained unchanged.” At those words, a cover of silence spread over the room—a room full of journalists who typically chattered freely, silenced by nothing.
Hannah broke the stillness and asked, “Is anybody here familiar with the Roman Catholic ritual surrounding the death of a pope and the election of a new pope?” The journalists turned around and looked at one another when one of them spoke: “Yes, I do.” He continued, “Miss Littleton of The Washington Sun I believe?” “Yes, yes I am” replied Hannah feeling a trifle off guard. “I am David Beas,” stated the gentleman. He added, “I’ve written for the Awenire for 30 years; the Awenire for those of you who may not know is the Italian national Catholic daily newspaper. In these past 30 years, I have covered several papal reigns.” Hannah’s attention and those of her colleagues were drawn to their associate. Mr. Beas provided background information on the College of Cardinals and described the unfolding events that would transpire should a vacancy occur in the Holy See:
“It is a longstanding tradition of the Roman Catholic Church to elevate deserving bishops and archbishops among the College of Bishops to the College of Cardinals. These cardinals are considered ‘Princes of the Church’ and are called upon to support the Pontiff in the governing of the Church because of their special devotion and holiness. Many of the cardinals are leaders in the Roman Curia—the Pontiffs Ministers of State. The role that the cardinals render is that of electing a new Pontiff when the See of Peter is vacant. To these cardinals and them alone belongs this honor and grave responsibility. This is true for all cardinals except those who completed their 80th year of age upon entrance into the conclave. The maximum number of these cardinals is set presently at 120.”
Mr. Beas paused briefly, drank some water and then continued: “Pope Paul VI issued the 1975 edicts for the Sacred College of Cardinals to be followed during a vacancy of the Holy See and the election of the new pope. He declar
ed that when the Apostolic See is vacant, the government of the Church is in the hands of the College of Cardinals only in regard to customary business matters that cannot be deferred, and with respect to the preparations that are necessary for the election of the new Pope. During the vacancy, the cardinals wear the characteristic red-trimmed black cassock and red sash.”
Mr. Beas paused once more before continuing: “All cardinals heading the dicasteries of the Roman Curia and the Cardinal Secretary of State cease from their offices upon the death of the Pontiff. This is true for all cardinals except for the office of the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, 60 of the Major Penitentiary and the Vicar General of the Diocese of Rome. When the Pontiff dies, the Cardinal Camerlengo must verify the Pope’s death—traditionally by withdrawing the sheet covering the Pontiffs face and calling the Pope three times by his baptismal name without response. When he receives no response, the Camerlengo tells his assistants that ‘the Pope is truly dead.” It is the Cardinal Camerlengo’s responsibility to authorize a death certificate and make the event public by notifying the Cardinal Vicar for the Diocese of Rome. The Camerlengo must seal the Pope’s private apartments. He will destroy the Ring of the Fisherman and the papal seal by breaking off the gold rim bearing the late Pope’s name. The Camerlengo then makes preparations for the papal funeral rites and the nine days of mourning, the novemdieles. During the papal vacancy, it is the Cardinal Camerlengo who is responsible for the government of the Church. He will direct the election of a new Pope assisted by three cardinals with three new cardinals elected every three days.” Hannah interrupted her colleague and asked, “How exactly is the new Pope elected?”
Mr. Beas responded, “After fifteen-to-twenty days of general congregations and mourning for the Pope after his funeral, the Cardinal Electors enter the conclave to choose which of them will emerge as the Holy Roman Pontiff. The cardinals take an oath before entering the conclave that they will follow the rules declared by the Pope and that they will maintain absolute secrecy about the voting and ongoing deliberations. This is a stern oath in that the penalty for disclosing the proceedings is automatic excommunication.”
Mr. Beas again paused for a sip of ice water, which had long since warmed. He continued, “The cardinals are seated around the wall of the Sistine Chapel and take a ballot paper on which is written: Eligo in suumum pontificem-I elect as supreme pontiff…The cardinals write in their choice for Pontiff, fold the ballot and proceed to approach the altar. On the altar stands a chalice with a paten on it. The cardinal holds up his ballot in clear view of his holy colleagues to show that he has voted and then places the ballot on the paten. The cardinal then slides his ballot into the chalice. The Cardinal Camerlengo and his three assistants count the votes. Each assistant reads the name aloud, writes it down on a tally sheet and the third assistant runs a needle and thread through the center of each ballot. The ballots are then burned along with any notes made during the proceedings. Election is by two-thirds plus one more vote of the counted ballots. If thirty elections have taken place without a single cardinal being elected Pope, then the cardinals may elect by simple majority.”
Mr. Beas paused and sipped more water this time before continuing: “After a cardinal has received the required number of votes, the Dean of the College of Cardinals asked the elected if he accepts the election and by what name he wishes to be called as Pope. On giving his assent, the cardinal immediately becomes Pontificus Maximus—the Holy Roman Pontiff. The cardinals in turn pledge their obedience to His Holiness. The Pope vests himself in the white soutane and skullcap—the pontifical clericals. When a new Pope is elected, the ballots are burned with a substance to give off-white smoke; otherwise, they give off black smoke. For decades, this is how the waiting crowds and the world determine whether their new Holy Father will soon emerge from the Sistine Chapel. The Dean of College of Cardinals then steps onto the main balcony of the Vatican and declares: ‘Habemus PapamV—We have a Pope. His Holiness appears on the balcony and delivers his Apostolic Blessing to the awaiting people and the world. Within the short time of the election of a new Pope, a formal ceremony of Inauguration takes place at which time the woollen pallium is bestowed on him. Traditionally, the Pope will be carried around St. Peter’s Square on the Sedia Gestatoria—the Papal Throne—and have the Papal Tiara placed on his head.”
Mr. Beas completed his informative history to his colleagues who were appreciative of the knowledge presented. At the moment that Mr. Beas was going to entertain questions, a holy man entered the conference room carrying a somber facial expression. He walked up to the podium and requested that the journalist be seated. The holy priest identified himself as Cardinal Roberto Borchertmeyer, the Cardinal Camerlengo, and announced that His Holiness, Pontiff Joseph Josetta Modesta, was dead.
Chapter 16
An Empty Farewell
Harrison slept away a good part of the bright sunny day in Montana attesting to his degree of exhaustion. While citizens of Great Falls, Montana were hustling and bustling, he was slowly drifting into consciousness after what seemed like an eternity. It took a moment for Harrison to establish his whereabouts following his slumber. He sat up sharply by the side of the bed, rubbing his eyes and face. The moment of uncertainty passed as Harrison gathered his bearings. He turned on the television to learn of this evening’s weather report for his mission in Sarhea. The picture tube illuminated readily. The words uttered by the news reporter shocked Harrison as he turned in disbelief and began walking toward his bed. He sat down quite slowly as if caught in a time warp. Harrison’s eyes swelled with tears and began weeping openly—a rare occurrence for the man of cold reasoning and judgment. He listened with a touch of denial as he attempted to focus on the words coming out of the picture box: “The Cardinal Camerlengo announced today at ten o’clock, Rome time, that Pope Joseph Josetta, one of the most progressive spiritual leaders of the Roman Catholic Church, slipped into a coma and died peacefully, never gaining consciousness. The Roman Pontiff…” The words were pushed out of Harrison’s consciousness displaced by acute inner pain, emotional grief and devastated loss. These emotions, however, were soon replaced by anger, anger directed toward himself for not being with Josetta—not able to comfort and say “goodbye” to a noble friend. Harrison truly thought that this Man of God would recover, would be freed from his bed, would rise once again to guide and lead his people, a responsibility that he cherished with great respect, honor and vigor.
Harrison’s thoughts shifted abruptly to Hannah. ‘Was she with Josetta when he died? Did his holy friend have somebody to comfort him in his final moment on this man-bound earth? Was Hannah managing her own grief?’ After all, Hannah had grown very close to Josetta from her brief contacts with him nurtured by the longstanding friendship with Harrison. Harrison’s anger twanged again as he felt helpless to comfort Hannah and be comforted by her. Harrison had no one in Montana to turn to. He was a stranger and must remain so if he was to infiltrate the dissident terrorists to achieve any degree of success in his mission.
Harrison wiped the wetness from his eyes and slowly walked to the restroom. He stood at the sink and stared at the man in the mirror. Regrets? Harrison had more than a few. How many assignments in his service to the government have kept him away from personally significant unfolding life events—circumstances affecting his loved ones and friends; yet, unable to provide or receive some measure of comfort…and for what? Duty? Responsibility? Country? Harrison’s emptiness disgusted him. He picked up a glass from the sink and angrily hurled it at the man in the mirror.
The mirror cracked on contact and the glass broke into jagged, irregular glistening pieces. Harrison ran away in repulsion and fell into bed. He clenched a pillow as if comforting or being comforted by something human. There Harrison lay and wept, crying like a little boy unable to control his emotions. It was a long time since he curled up in a fetal position, but a time that he remembered unfortunately well. Harrison’s mother died when he was on a mission ten year
s ago. The relationships of Pope and mother were very different. Yet, the void and emptiness were painfully the same, eating at him with no comfort in sight.
Chapter 17
All in the Family
Harrison drifted asleep only to awaken less than one hour later. Yet, it was later than he wanted and his mourning necessarily was interrupted by duty. The sun began to set as a three-hour trip was ahead of him. Harrison freshened quickly and collected his gear for the mission. He gathered the usual infrared night equipment, munitions, explosives, identifications and communication devices.
Harrison packed the supplies in his rented jeep and headed away from the motel. He was driving north out of Great Falls, Montana looking to connect with Highway 95. Highway 95 stretched northwesterly and was the nearest interstate to his final destination, Sarhea, some 350 miles away. Harrison’s mind quickly began to wander. He shook his head and realized he must discipline himself by separating his emotions from the unfolding events of the day—the death of his holy friend, Josetta, and the undoubted anguish of his fiancée, Hannah, whom he could not contact, not comfort, not support—all must be put behind him. The mission to infiltrate the extremist faction and discover the whereabouts of President Elizabeth Ashton required his full attention and cunning. Harrison understood this all too well as he was discovered once and could easily be exposed again.
It was dusk now as Harrison drove northwesterly on highway 95 to his target destination. Unlike most missions, there was no time for planning and discussing options with Mentor. Mentor was a brilliant strategist who explored all possibilities in developing a campaign. He was shrewd in evaluating the risks involved with each option and confidently narrowed down the choices under discussion to two or three. Mentor explored those two or three options with his agents. Although confident in his operational planning, Mentor listened to his agents for strategy input. He had faith in his chosen agents and left the development of mission details up to their creative talents. After all, it was their lives that were endangered and on the line.
Mirror, Mirror at 1600 D.C. Page 12
