by Kurt Winans
When asked why Syria had been selected for the blame, Kristen responded, “My superiors believed that the misdirection would be accepted as plausible, if not completely likely. They felt that the powers that be in Washington D.C., along with the vast majority of a mesmerized American public, would accept that Syria was to blame without the need of any real evidence to prove it. That thought process of number two, and the other major figures within the organization, was primarily based on the lengthy and strained relationship which has and continues to exist between the United States and the majority of nations in the Middle East.”
Heath had been intrigued by her divulgence of a numbered operative which logic dictated must be only a single step from the pinnacle of the organization.
He pursued the angle by asking, “And who is this number two that you mentioned?”
“His name is Samuel Tillman.”
Agent Bishop had then maintained the most stoic look possible after that revelation, but it wasn’t easy. His expression offered no level of surprise in learning that the name of number two was someone whom he had actually met. Beyond that, there was now a more tangible connection between the organization and a certain cadet from Texas who had graduated from West Point the previous spring. His earlier research had revealed that Samuel Tillman, or number two as Heath now knew him to be, was the grandfather of that cadet.
Agent Bishop continued with his thorough interview of Kristen, and even though the entire process had been recorded on video for subsequent dissection, Heath also took notes. She revealed the names and classifications of several more numbered operatives, and Heath found it difficult to maintain his composure while Kristen rambled on, as the described infiltration by various members of the organization into positions of influence and power throughout Texas and in Washington D.C. was staggering. However based on previous actions of Kristen, and what had been found as evidence while searching her apartment, Heath was not willing to accept all that she claimed at face value. Perhaps some or most of the information was indeed factual, but he also knew that the woman across the table from him was a skilled actress. Therefore everything that she claimed could be just one more elaborate fabrication within her life. Regardless of how much of her story would eventually be verified to be true or false, the basis of what Kristen had revealed did provide Heath with more to build his case upon. It would take some time and digging, but he planned to check every aspect of the detailed information she had given during her confession.
As Heath studied his notes and continued to ask pertinent questions of Kristen, she remained cooperative. However there had been a few questions welling up inside of her with regard to her own self-interest, and finally she could hold them in no longer.
Kristen broke a brief silence in the interview to ask, “Heath, how much longer will I be in that tiny cold cell in the basement?”
Looking at Kristen directly he replied, “First of all, we need to establish parameters for when we communicate. You will address me as Agent Bishop from this moment forward. Is that understood?”
With a nod she said, “Alright, Agent Bishop then. Now please answer the question?”
“Certainly, I don’t know how long you will be in that cell.”
“That’s not an answer.”
“Sure it is. But I can’t give you a definitive timeframe right now.”
“But what about the information that I just provided, don’t you think that merits some consideration?”
“Certainly, and perhaps it will in certain respects. However that is not my decision. If your information checks out, then I will present my findings to a higher authority. If it doesn’t, then you will probably remain in your cell for an extended period of time.”
“Alright Agent Bishop, I can understand that. But I’m asking for possible considerations because I have been truthful with you today, and your investigation will prove that.”
Heath studied her face for a moment, and he saw no hint of Kristen attempting to gain sympathy. She offered no expression of flirtation or any other posturing which could cause an interviewer to potentially feel empathy.
Then he asked, “Alright. So let’s assume for a moment that what you claim is true. What type of considerations were you hoping for?”
“Well, for starters, how about a good word from you for my cooperation.”
“Why would you want that?”
“Because Agent Bishop, I believe that your word on my behalf could carry some weight in the eyes of a court.”
“Miss Royce, you have obviously misinterpreted the depth of your current situation. For anyone in the world who might actually care about you one way or the other, you have been officially reported as dead. Now with knowledge of that, you must come to grips with the fact that there isn’t going to be any court for you to plead a case of leniency.”
Kristen had forgotten the supposed reality of her death for a moment, and realized that Heath was correct. She had absolutely nothing to hope for with regard to the outside world, which was indeed most humbling.
In comprehending her plight, Kristen stated, “Alright Agent Bishop, I will continue to cooperate, and all that I ask in return is humane treatment.”
“Your cooperation is noted, and your request for humane treatment is fair.”
“Thank you. Now since you feel that way, could I ask a favor?”
“What would that be?”
“Once you discover that my information is factual, could I at least be given a blanket and pillow?”
With murder or accidental death via domestic violence and other crime related scenarios being far too prevalent in most American cities, the simple double homicide of Kristen and Agent Bishop had not been a glamorous enough story for the national or international media to feast upon. However it had been reported by a single source within the local media circles of Washington D.C., and that report of the early morning mischief was how number eleven became aware that Kristen had died. Unfortunately it wasn’t until he met number twenty-nine in their normal secure location that he learned of it.
Upon his noon arrival on January first at the usual warehouse, Ambassador Pearson had casually asked number twenty-nine, “Have you heard anything from Kristen?”
Shifting his gaze from the article on his tablet screen, he replied, “No. She didn’t contact me last night or early this morning, and I don’t believe that she ever will.”
Glancing at his watch, number eleven stated, “Well, that’s alright. Kristen is due to arrive in a few minutes anyway, so she can brief us then.”
Turning the tablet toward the Ambassador, number twenty-nine responded with, “I don’t think you understand. Kristen isn’t going to show up in a few minutes. According to this article in the Post, both she and Agent Bishop died in a scuffle early this morning.”
Throughout the time since that shocking news, and based entirely upon the report of it by number eleven and the Washington Post website, Samuel had been operating under the assumption that the article was factual. To that end he coldly regarded the mission as being completed, as Agent Bishop had been successfully eliminated per the intended plan. Apparently Kristen had carried out the final phase of the sanction at nearly the precise hour when Texas had celebrated one full year of independence from that of the United States. As a consequence, for those within the organization who knew of her action, she would be forever viewed as a hero. Unfortunately the negative side to the outcome of the mission was that the future needs of Samuel, or more specifically number twenty-nine and eleven who had worked with her so closely, would be hindered as Lieutenant Kristen Royce had also been killed while carrying out a valuable service in the name of her republic. She had proved on multiple occasions to be a beneficial asset who could gain beneficial intelligence, and would therefore be most difficult to replace in the short term.
Turning his thought process away from the noble sacrifice of his young operative, Samuel headed toward the kitchen so that he could focus on the pressing business of the
day. It was the eighteenth of January, and on this particular Tuesday the majority of his attention and that of the family would be centered upon the birthday celebration for Savanah.
Then while sipping on a cup of coffee and conversing with Victoria and Ms. Holloway, Samuel could hear the twin crutches and the laboring effort of Savanah in the adjoining hall. The young girl was attempting to fulfill a vow which she had made nearly a week prior, so it would be detrimental to her self-worth by assisting her. In spite of the growing pain, and lack of muscular strength or coordination which she was experiencing, Savanah was determined to prove that she would somehow walk to the breakfast table on her birthday.
As the sound of her approach grew louder, Victoria shed a visible tear.
Samuel looked at her and whispered, “Vic, you have to be strong. Cry when she isn’t around if need be, but when Savanah turns that corner, she needs to see smiling faces.”
Nodding in his direction, Victoria quickly snatched a Kleenex from a box on the counter and dabbed her eyes before replying, “You’re right Samuel. Smiling faces.”
Other members of the family entered the kitchen from various directions, with only Ashley being absent. She of course was with Savanah, and stood at the ready a pace or two behind her in the event that the girl would falter.
True to her claim, Savanah eventually made her way around the corner and into the kitchen before clumsily sitting down. Then she smiled and said, “Good morning everyone.”
There was a response in chorus, as relatives of various generations exclaimed, “Good morning Savanah, and happy birthday!”
During the meal which ensued, and for the entirety of the day, Savanah enjoyed her tenth birthday with the family. There was no need for her to attend school on that day, and in reality, she would only do so in the future if it was her desire. With her strength and ability to remain upright for extended periods fading fast, there just wasn’t any point.
In the afternoon hours a handful of friends from her class came to the mansion. They all played a few board games and cards with the birthday girl while also enjoying cake and ice cream in the process. The time spent with friends was wonderful for Savanah, as it was filled with the joyous sound of children laughing. While witnessing the interactions, Samuel could think of nothing else than his wish that something more could be done to save her. Although he didn’t broach the subject with anyone else, Samuel believed that her current zest and enthusiasm for the day might represent the pinnacle of what strength Savanah had left.
President Harwell and Christopher Westin waited in the basement with Heath for the Secretary of Defense to arrive. If previous meetings with the man had established any pattern at all, it was that he would be early for the scheduled eight o’clock rendezvous of Monday the twenty-fourth of January.
Punctual as always the Secretary, who during the previous week had become the twentieth person to learn the true condition of Agent Bishop, was escorted through the door by Mrs. Dawson at seven fifty-five.
After nodding slightly in the direction of both the Chief of Staff and Heath, he said, “Good morning Mr. President.”
The President replied, “Good morning to you as well Mr. Secretary. Do you have some information for me?”
“Yes sir I do. And based on the intelligence that Agent Bishop provided us last Friday morning, I believe that what we are undertaking will be most enlightening.”
During that most recent briefing of January twenty-first, Heath spelled out in detail the amount of progress which had been made with relation to the confessions of Lieutenant Royce. Beyond her explanations throughout the previous several days of why she had been tasked with his elimination, and the inclusion of her various roles and specific objectives during many other missions, Kristen provided Heath with the names of several numbered operatives and their underlings. Many of those held positions of power within Texas, but there were others like her who maintained their covert status and operated in Washington D.C. That list included her most direct contacts; so as a result, Heath had logically begun his vetting process into the truth or falsehood of her claims with the two local numbered operatives. What he had subsequently uncovered from that deeper investigation was shocking, and when he informed the President, his Chief of Staff, and the Secretary of Defense of those findings, none of them had taken it well.
The President had known that Nathan Pearson, the former United States Senator from Texas, had been appointed as Ambassador to the United States for the fledgling republic. That information came his way more than a year prior and within hours after the Secretary of State had first learned of it in early January 2027. There was also the vivid memory that Nathan Pearson had stood on the senate floor and formally presented the inconceivable declaration for Texas that it intended to legally fracture away from her parent nation. Then shortly after, in the wake of bewilderment that his announcement had created, he and his staff vanished into thin air.
At the time it was believed that the then Senator Pearson had slipped into hiding because it would be easier for him to avoid receiving a summons to the White House than refusing one. He must have been aware that President Harwell would want to confront him on the matter at hand; as it was logical to assume that he would undoubtedly demand an explanation as to the motives of the Senator and those within the Austin hierarchy.
Now in the midst of the current information from Agent Bishop, the President pondered over the implications of that day of more than thirteen months prior. If those memories weren’t difficult enough to stomach, Heath had now also established proof that Ambassador Pearson maintained a separate identity. The information given by Lieutenant Royce had checked out completely, so Heath could positively confirm that the Ambassador was also known as number eleven within a traitorous Texas based organization. In addition he could also prove that the commanding officer of Lieutenant Royce, a Commander Calvin Foster, was an operative for the organization with the designation of number twenty-nine. Sadly, Kristen had been a member of his staff within the Pentagon for over two years.
Upon hearing that news the Secretary of Defense had raised an eyebrow, but it went unnoticed by the others in the briefing. Although the contact had only been during a few meetings within a Pentagon conference room, the Secretary believed that he may have met Lieutenant Royce when she was present to provide documents and refreshments. Such a mundane duty for the young officer would be easy enough to check for accuracy, but would it be worth pursuing? Some issues which were discussed during those meetings could have been forwarded to the organization by way of the Lieutenant and Commander Foster, and if so, then the Secretary understood that he could be implicated as a potential source.
Throughout the weekend Jordan Harwell had on more than one occasion turned his thoughts toward Ambassador Pearson. As a consequence he realized that many concessions, for the sake of establishing and maintaining friendly neighboring relations, had been granted toward Texas during the first year of their independence. Within that reflection it occurred to the President that the Secretary of State had perhaps been skillfully outmaneuvered by the Ambassador during several deliberating occasions. Then in order to be fully truthful, President Harwell also realized that he, although indirectly, had to share some of that responsibility. After all, the blame couldn’t fall solely and squarely upon the Secretary of State for what Texas had been able to procure.
Although some of his predecessors who once occupied the White House may have been willing to take the easy way out by implicating a subordinate, Jordan Harwell didn’t want to operate that way if at all possible. Therefore the President had determined that the fate of the Secretary could wait, as a decision made in haste to remove someone from their lofty position could prove to be a costly mistake. Regardless of which direction would eventually be taken, the President chose to protect the Secretary for the time being.
Returning to the present moment, President Harwell broke the silence in the room as he smiled and said, “Your point is well taken. I also b
elieve that we will learn much from the surveillance. Now will you and Heath please proceed with your briefing?”
As instructed, the Secretary began with an understanding that Agent Bishop might have additional information to convey. He informed the President that he had ordered covert and secretive around the clock surveillance on Commander Calvin Foster, who as they now knew him to be, was number twenty-nine. There had already been a search conducted into which computer files the man had accessed during the past two years, and the surveillance would include the monitoring and tracking of all files that he attempted to access in the future. The office phone lines of Commander Foster had been tapped as of the previous evening, and any cell activity, no matter how seemingly inconsequential, would be traced with each conversation recorded in its entirety. From a distance his residence would be observed on a continuing basis for both arrivals and departures, with the ever increasing amount of cameras designed in part to monitor public activity providing support. Those probing eyes of big brother upon society would include any cameras which had been mounted on traffic lights, parking garages, businesses and store fronts, or any other position where they had been placed to provide a misleading level of reassurance to the public that they were somehow both safe and able to enjoy unchecked personal freedom of movement.
As for Ambassador Pearson, similar measures had been initiated to monitor his daily life. However they would not be as easy to maintain, and would demand more care on several fronts. Common practice dictated that any foreign diplomat would have their offices and phone lines swept regularly to discover and eliminate any listening devices. Therefore such devices would be nearly impossible to establish, and doing so in defiance of that fact would accomplish nothing other than revealing to the Ambassador that he was being surveilled. With that understood, various options such as powerful long-range microphones placed in obscure locations were being employed for the time being. Differing angles of intrusion would be explored and incorporated, and the Secretary stated that his handpicked team sworn to secrecy would provide a more suitable long-term solution in the near future.
