“Err…”
“Because if you are David, I want the full works”. She shifted off him so that he was now free to move about and looked at him expectantly.
He realised there was no going back from this conversation and so perhaps influenced by the events of the last few days with exaggerated care got out of bed and in his pyjamas got down on one knee and pulled her hand into his. Looking up at her he said “Megan Lu, would you do me the honour of being my lawfully wedded wife”. He smiled at her shocked if delighted face.
In a similarly exaggerated fashion she replied “I shall” she paused “take it under advisement with my social and familial contacts”.
His face fell at this less than fully committed response before she laughed and said “oh David don’t look so crestfallen of course I will - you’re right we’re a perfect political match. Now kiss me quickly before I change my mind”.
He got up off the floor and kissed her before pushing her back on to the bed. When they broke from the embrace she giggled almost nervously. “Oh my mother is going to think this is all her doing”.
If she only knew he thought. He had the sudden impression that Mrs Lu Senior had played him like a fiddle since the first moment he’d met her. Well she and Megan had certainly got what they wanted, but he knew that to a greater or lesser extent he’d also got what he needed. Not least of which was a good looking, intelligent, well connected fiancée who would undoubtedly raise his profile with the opinion formers in the Party. God he suddenly thought ‘I hope Felicia and Teri aren’t going to be a problem’. It wouldn’t look very good if it got out he’d been partying with a couple of waitresses the weekend before he proposed to his long-term girlfriend. Maybe Chad would need to be one of the first people he told about the ‘good news’ to make sure he kept Teri and Felicia under wraps.
Chad had been most fulsome in his congratulations when he’d called him to let him know that he was now engaged. Neither did he seem at all surprised that his girlfriend was Megan Lu the daughter of the UN secretary general. He had started to work the conversation around to his recent activities in Houston but Chad was well ahead of him making a point of saying “and of course what happens in Houston stays in Houston”. He took this to mean Chad was making it clear that he need have no concerns on that front but at the same time reminding him that he also needed to be circumspect about revealing too much about who else he’d met in Houston round at the McGovern house – not least to the daughter of the Secretary General of the UN.
Not wishing to take up too much of Chad’s time on what was basically personal business he had been about to end the call when Chad had slipped into the conversation that there was a bill currently passing through congress that it would be good for the Homeland Security Committee to get behind.
“Oh what I don’t recall anything on the congressional business schedule that would come through our committee during the next period?”
“I think you’ll find it will be added in a couple of days”. Chad said.
“…Alright and what’s the subject matter?”
“Civil Defence processes and procedures. There are a few bits and pieces in the bill which are there to make sure the Democrats have something to chafe at and make themselves feel like they are doing their bit for civil liberties but the important point – which I wouldn’t want removed is the clause about State Governments having the right to step in when Federal institutions are unable to provide an appropriate emergency response.”
“This sounds like you’re vamping up your ability to intervene Chad. Can you elaborate on exactly how this relatively ‘innocuous’ clause helps the cause?”
“Well now that would be telling David” Chad chuckled before continuing “Listen the clause originates from all those recommendations that came out of the public inquiries done after the government’s ineffective response to the floods in New Orleans. As you say at first glance it does appear to be relatively inoffensive however such a clause could potentially be very useful to our group in terms of justifying actions that individual States might not otherwise be empowered to tale. It’s important David so please do what you can to make sure it stays in - ideally word for word. Now I don’t want to tell you how to do your job but given you’re a Congressman from Louisiana I’d imagine your strong support for the clause will play well with others, including with Democrat colleagues, if couched in terms of ‘preventing a second New Orleans’?”
He winced at Chad telling him how to sell the clause to the rest of the committee and congress but kept his tone neutral. “Yes should be fine to utilise that sort of argument Chad. To be honest I can’t see the clause being a problem unless someone picks up on the ambiguous nature of the language. I guess at this stage I don’t need to know exactly how you might use this in practice but please make sure you give me a heads up before you do ok? In the meantime I’ll do what I can to make sure it’s retained in its present form”.
“Good stuff buddy and yes I’ll keep you well briefed if the time ever comes to utilise it. Best wishes to you and your fiancée”.
In the end the bill, rather unusually, came down to the homeland affairs committee the morning before it was due to be discussed by the full congress in the afternoon. Though the bill didn’t get much discussion at the committee level the Democrats in congress did raise this procedural anomaly when the bill made it to the floor. The speaker however overruled any objections noting that ‘9/11 had been 12 years ago and New Orleans 3 years ago - surely Representatives of the house have had enough time to discuss the subject matter this bill relates too’. Though this prevented the bill being thrown out on a technicality regarding ‘enough consultation time’ there were a number of Democratic members who had concerns. Enough to make him think that perhaps it wasn’t going to be as easy as he’d thought to keep the wording in that Chad had instructed him to retain. Constantine Driver the Democrat Congresswoman from Illinois had repeatedly questioned whether giving individual states “a blank cheque to utilise both state and federal resources located within their borders was entirely sensible”. Fortunately the appreciative support she was building for her arguments dissipated when she suggested “it could lead to a rogue State taking control of sensitive military installations”. When she said this he’d looked around the chamber with rather more concern than his colleagues; knowing as he did that Chad already had substantial support for his political agenda within the Southern region military institutions. Was this what Chad had in mind when he’d asked him to support the bill? He wasn’t sure but just as he was about to get up to begin an impassioned plea for the bill to be passed by “patriots of both parties” Trip Wyatt stood to speak. Trip effectively dissipated Constantine’s growing support by highlighting in a sarcastic manner how the Pentagon Generals would react to being told by the Maryland authorities that they were now enacting the Emergency Response law and that they had to follow the orders of the bureaucrats of the Washington municipality. Amongst numerous guffaws and further ribbing the mood of the room moved back to supporting the bill largely as it was including with the key clause still in place. The vote an hour or so later was largely a formality. Chad had another piece of the puzzle he was constructing in place. He did wonder absently about how many pieces Chad had left to fit in place before he was in a position to initiate whatever it was he was planning. Given who he’d seen around the table in Houston not too many he thought. He hoped he wasn’t going to regret supporting tacitly, if not directly, Chad’s ‘Southern heartlands’ group.
As he left the chamber Trip Wyatt approached him and undercover of greeting him warmly quietly but firmly stated “You can tell your sponsor that I’ve done what was required of me, but that if I hear from him again I will do everything in my power to reveal his multitude of interests. Lobbying has its role in government but when the lobbyists start dictating policy it’s the beginning of the end”. Trip said nothing more on the subject and went on to congratulate him on his engagement to Megan Lu. “Congratula
tions on your engagement David. I suspect your star is on a rapid upwards trajectory. Just be careful as you ascend. Remember that the higher we rise the further we fall if it all comes crashing down”. The nature of the points being made caused him to briefly wonder what exactly Chad had on the Senior Democrat Congressman, but too be honest he didn’t much care. It was after all just part of normal everyday politics.
“Err thank you Trip and thank you for your concern. I’ll do my best to make sure my rise is sustainable.” And then he moved the conversation on to the area in which he was more concerned about. “Err Trip have you heard anything further from Mr Lynch or about the situation in Antarctica?”
“Nothing further David, I suspect Mr Lynch is busily trying to ascertain whether there is anything to all this or whether as I suspect it is simply a few under occupied Generals getting a bit edgy for no reason.”
Chapter 14 – JOE - January 2016
After the transport plane had touched down at Halley Joe and Dominic made their way towards the wooden building housing both the ‘arrival and departure lounges’. They’d agreed on the plane that until they’d had chance to report the less said to others the better. Joe wasn’t so happy about this but acquiesced to Dominic’s desire to keep things close to their chests for the time being. As they walked across a thin layer of freshly fallen snow Joe saw that unusually there was another plane pulled up to one side of the landing strip. This plane was considerably sleeker and newer than the transport plane they’d just arrived in. As well as being painted a smart looking white and silver it had two jet, as opposed to propeller, engines. The words ‘Cessna Citation Longitude’ were tattooed on its tail but the area where the plane’s registration number normally appeared had been painted over. When they got to the grey and weather beaten shed Florence was there waiting. The confidence that she normally exuded seemed somewhat diminished and her face carried a perplexed look. Standing next to her were an older looking Army officer and what looked like a smartly dressed American. Joe assumed he was American by the fact that he was wearing dark sunglasses and his jaws were moving up and down in the silent ritual of a habitual gum chewer. The army officer received a salute from Dominic and introduced himself as Major Sanderson before grabbing Joe in a bear hug. “Good to see you Joey. Been too long”. He released Joe and the American shook hands with him and Dominic introducing himself with an unmistakable American drawl as ‘Lynch’. Florence was obviously struggling to work out what was going on.
“Joe what’s happened. Why are there only two of you? How come you’ve returned so soon? How do you know Major Sanderson?”
Joe gave Florence a grim smile “Not much I can say at the moment Florence”.
Major Sanderson then smoothly intervened before Florence could continue to question Joe. “You boys look shattered. I think the first order of the day is to get you inside and get you a cup of coffee no?”
Dominic Taylor following Major Sanderson’s lead replied “Major you read my mind”.
“Great ok, would you lead on Professor?”
Florence was obviously frustrated at the lack of forthcoming information but led them towards the main complex some 100 metres or so away. Major Sanderson walked beside her while the rest of them followed behind.
“Professor Chapman thank you so much for the hospitality you’ve extended to me and the Royal Marines. I am certain that this interruption to your important work will be kept to an absolute minimum. Meanwhile can I be an absolute bore and commandeer your office for a short period of time while Mr Lynch and myself debrief the two gentlemen here? It really is awfully kind of your Chief Executive to offer us this unprecedented level of assistance……” He paused for a moment or two to ensure Professor Chapman understood that her bosses had given him pretty much free reign as concerned to the assistance Halley would be providing him. “I understand the secure terminal is also in your office?”?
Florence’s expression turned slightly frostier than it was already. She knew where things were at but wasn’t prepared to let Major Sanderson have it all his own way. “Yes of course Major Sanderson I’d be more than happy for you to use my office but would you mind awfully giving me a quick sit rep about what’s going on? I’m sure my Chief Executive will be expecting a full report on all this and I’d hate to have to provide him with any inaccurate information, such as why my lead geologist also appear to be well known to you. We are as you know a fully civilian research station, as specified under the UN charter, and I wouldn’t want anybody to misinterpret the presence of military personnel here.” She smiled her most friendly and charming smile, which almost caused Joe to flinch even though he wasn’t the one it was directed towards.
The Major however appeared entirely unperturbed. “Professor Chapman I really can’t thank you enough for all the help you’ve provided so far. When such levels of cooperation exist between military and scientific researchers there is no doubt in my mind that the Government’s funding of the BAS will continue at its previous levels”.
“I note you haven’t answered my question about what’s going on Major”.
Major Sanderson reaching the outer door to the station complex held it open for Florence to step through first noting “I assure you Professor Chapman that I’ll give you a full update once I’ve had chance to speak to Lieutenant Taylor and Captain err Dr Harper”. As Florence went through the door he spoke softly to Joe and Dominic “Not a word until we’re in her office.” Joe and Dominic nodded.
Florence led them through the corridor linking the various modular working and living units. Despite plenty of quizzical looks the incoming group said nothing more as they made their way past various staff members. Joe spotted Ben and Wendy in the computer lab as he went by but only had time to give them a quick nod as they exchanged worried glances with him. When they got to Florence’s office Florence made a last attempt to enter the office with them but Major Sanderson resting his hand on the door handle made it clear that this wouldn’t be happening. “Professor Chapman thank you for your time. I’m so sorry to disturb you from your work; we won’t keep you from it any longer. I assume you’ll be able to log in to one of the computers in the lab we just passed?”
“Of course Major. I’ll just grab your coffee shall I?” This last part was laden with heavy sarcasm.
Major Sanderson didn’t blink. “Oh that’s very kind Professor, black two sugars. Mr Lynch takes his black I believe. Gentlemen same for you I expect?” Without waiting for a reply he breezed into the office followed closely by Mr Lynch while Dominic and Joe tailed in behind. As Joe passed Florence he was reminded of the expression “if looks could kill”. He almost said “white no sugar” but was pretty sure Florence would have swung at him if he did so he settled for a sympathetically raised eyebrow and a mouthed “sorry” as he passed her. Major Sanderson shut the door behind them.
“Ok we’re as secure as we’re ever going to be in this location. What the fuck’s happened Lieutenant Taylor”.
Joe glanced at the somewhat enigmatic ‘Mr Lynch’. Major Sanderson acknowledging the look replied. “Don’t worry Joe; you can speak freely in front of our American ‘friend’ Mr Lynch. The American’s are just as mystified as we are about what’s happening. Now where the hell are the rest of your men Lieutenant? You haven’t left them on the plateaux have you?”
Dominic shook his head before looking the Major in the eye. “They’re dead. All of them. As are the team sent from Rothera. Dr Harper and I are the only survivors.”
Joe saw the first sign of any reaction from Mr Lynch as a muscle in his cheek twitched ever so slightly at the news that the Royal Marine platoon and the Rothera scientists were dead.
Major Sanderson sat down and indicated to the rest of them to do the same. “Dead? What do you mean dead how can they all be dead? Were they attacked by giant penguins?”
“Sir the Rothera personnel were all dead when we found them by their crashed plane. Shortly after that we were attacked by an unknown force…” Dominic
hesitated before continuing….”it’s probably better if I show you rather than try to explain this. We’ve got some footage taken by one of my men before he was killed”. At that he looked at Joe who took out the mobile phone he taken from Private Martins hands. Joe placed the phone on the table between Major Sanderson and Mr Lynch and pressed play. The suddenly silenced screams at the end of the video caused Dominic to shudder slightly on his chair. Major Sanderson and Mr Lynch both looked pretty thrown. After a couple of seconds Mr Lynch reached forwards and played the footage again. Once it was over he looked at Major Sanderson and then took out a slim black phone of his own. “I just need to make a quick call Major, are you ok with that?” Major Sanderson nodded. Mr Lynch then dialled a number and spoke into the phone when it was answered “Nex 4537.” There was a further pause before he continued. “Code Red. SAS. Footage to follow”. After ending the call he reached for the original phone looking at the Major “Would you mind if I forwarded the footage on?” The Major shrugged “Fine but copy it to our people as well”. Mr Lynch took the phone and plugged it into his own before tapping his screen a couple of times and then forwarded the footage. After he’d finished he passed the phone back to Major Sanderson who weighed the phone in his hand almost as if he was feeling the weight of the evidence and the associated responsibility for the information it contained. He turned back to Dominic. “Ok Lieutenant let’s start at the beginning, from when you took off from Halley. Don’t leave anything out”. Joe noticed Bob pressed a button on his non-standard looking phone and pushed it towards Dominic. He was pretty sure he’d activated some sort of modern version of a Dictaphone.
O-Negative: Extinction Page 19