Halfblood Journey

by Rheaume, Laura

  [host]: update<

  [guest]: still crunching_the cross reference for explosives is still in progress_have begun to check on identified matches but so far all are dead ends_am downloading all information about the third warehouse lead_jon wash_he gave testimony to captain patrial in juniper about a meeting at the warehouse that supposedly happened seven months ago_history seems valid_disappeared immediately_have his id and credit monitored<

  [host]: he did not leave juniper q<

  [guest]: no record of it<

  [host]: alright_next<

  [guest]: suicide rates in terrorist areas are 18% higher than in comparable border settlements_higher incidences of males ages 23 to 35 with professions in security maintenance and food service_downloading matching profiles of current living juniper residents listed by number of at risk factors for terrorist collusion including family history of delinquency marginalization substance abuse history of kin aggression etc<

  [host]: good_save search parameters in case we need to apply to another town_next<

  [guest]: still following up on kia blood sample from the warehouse fire_records show three eye witnesses for the funeral_death records confirm funeral rites and burial_have requested follow up testimony from eye witnesses_awaiting response<

  [host]: name q<

  [guest]: rashan_will download file<

  [host]: next<

  [guest]: did find something interesting during cross reference_the scere keeps tabs on human sympathizers_it is a short list<

  [host]: and q<

  [guest]: your name is on it_also you referenced instructions on how to make a device similar to the one used at the warehouse three years ago_same type of device used in two other terrorist incidences_do you want me to include your name in the final list q<

  [host]: yes_any other interesting names q<

  [guest]: smoke of poinsea of course with a cross reference match: wifes detention by the eler five years ago but no match to explosives_search produced ten other names_downloading profiles<

  [host]: next<

  [guest]: data security: according to marina all transmitted data may be monitored but highest protected levels are nearly impossible to monitor without being detected_am dumping detection program for your use called red eye_for now assume all transmissions may be monitored_do you suspect q<

  [host]: unsure<

  [guest]: understood_as for data manipulation our department data can not be manipulated by remote methods_all data must be input by data techs here on site and can only be changed here_human database is not as secure_it permits individual modifications in system and by remote at many levels_kin database is more difficult to access and modify but it is possible_summary: only a data tech can modify eler data_human and kin data may be modified within the system or remotely with appropriate authorization or by a talented hacker_as for your question about who is in a position to modify something like the rashan data in human system anyone with authorization level c or above could access and change_basically anyone from sergeant rank or higher_fortunately a log is created with each entry to the human data base_it lists time user and file location_have started a search of the log but it is a huge and constantly updated file so am expecting a delay_kin database has no corresponding log.

  [host]: does the scere have a log q<

  [guest]: yes but it is above my access code and yours<

  [host]: can you access q<

  [guest]: probably but not without detection<

  [host]: shelve that for now_if anyone can modify data we cant search for the who we have got to concentrate on the what_focus on the log_find out what has been changed_we’ll go from there<

  [guest]: will check log for any modifications to all terrorist related incidences<

  [host]: i need a large data dump but i want it confidential_i will send my second_that person will tell you what information i need_you will need to give a hard copy for transport<

  [guest]: understood_anything else q<

  [host]: no_good work_any problems q<

  [guest]: none<

  [host]: will check back in two days<

  [disconnected]

  Scythe contacted his second and gave her his instructions. The Capital where Aorin was located was a fair distance from Sonora and Juniper, so he calculated the time it would take him to get the information he wanted and accounted for it in his timetable. Frowning, he tried moving a few things around to make the dates line up. Almost immediately, a chime interrupted him; he stood at the reminder of the afternoon meeting and collected his things.

  In the board room, he sat in his place at the table and activated the terminal, pulling up what information he had decided to share with the other teams. When Ian took a seat next to him, they exchanged a short greeting, but Scythe returned immediately to his work. Things had been a little strained between them since they had returned to Huran, but most of the discomfort was felt by Scythe. Ian acted annoyingly unconcerned.

  When he had told Ian bluntly what his life was like on their way back from Juniper, he had thought to himself, There, that should do it. He had been gratified to have it out so the man could understand that what he was hoping for and what was were two different things. Scythe had done his part, had tried to be clear, so Ian could move on. Then, he had started talking nonsense and Scythe realized that there was no making the man understand if he didn’t want to.

  He was just going to have to wait for Ian to figure it out himself. He hoped it would happen soon, because all the pestering was irritating as hell.

  Reave started off the meeting. “All right, we are all assembled so let’s get right to it. It looks like the security team has nearly completed their work. Is that right, Scythe?”

  “Yes. We’ll need about two hours in the morning and that’s it.”

  “That’s about a day early. Not bad for full vid, sensor and fence.”

  “As well as a couple of perimeter surprises, so please make sure your people use the correct entrances, don’t poke around, and don’t skip the brief if you are on patrol,” Scythe informed them, making sure to make eye contact with the team leaders. Each nodded and made notations at their stations.

  “That leaves your team available.”

  “Yes, but Ian and I found some leads today which we may need to act on.”

  “Go ahead.”

  Scythe sent the first file to the other terminals. “This is a list of Juniper residents with a higher probability of involvement with the terrorist cell. They need to be pulled in and questioned by a Kin interrogator. I assume we have one?”

  “We have two,” confirmed Reave.

  “Why not a Human?” asked Captain Termaine Rogers.

  “It will be faster with a trained Kin: perhaps only two or three minutes for the initial screening. I have included suggested questions that will quickly eliminate those Humans who are not involved. We want to minimize disruption in Juniper. There is already a marked amount of resentment which, if it increases, will only hamper our investigation and might aide the movement,” Scythe explained.

  “It is not a movement. It is a small group of fanatics,” objected a Kin officer.

  “A small group is unlikely,” argued Rogers. “There are twenty-two incidences that have been connected with this group. That is not a…”

  “A large group would have been uncovered by now, or, at least it would have, if the Kin contingent had been allowed to do their work without interference. The only way they could cover up this easily, with the limited resources they have, is if they are a small, well trained…”

  “I think the facts support a well funded group…” interrupted John Ho, Roger’s second in command.

  Reave spoke out firmly, “Let’s not speculate. The facts relating to the group’s actual numbers are inconclusive. There just isn’t enough information. Returning to Special Agent Scythe,” he signaled for Scythe to continue.

  “Thank you. As I said, this is a list of people who fit the profile, not individuals with any pro
ven connection. The majority, if not all, are probably innocent and should be treated lightly. However, we may be able to snag an active member if we are quick. I am recommending a first screening by a Kin interrogator, and would like to be involved with the second interview, if there are any. Is that acceptable?” Most at the table nodded.

  Rogers said, “Fine, but there should be at least one Human on hand to ensure that Human rights are protected.”

  “Naturally.” Scythe looked at Reave and made a hand signal to request permission to continue speaking, but on another topic: a hand that turned its palm upward. He continued when the captain nodded his assent. “I was able to uncover a few findings in Juniper that may explain why the terrorists have been so hard to locate. I suspect, from the interviews I did, that…”

  “You located a member?” asked a surprised Temper.

  “No.”

  “But you found someone involved, right? Where is he? Did you bring him in?” asked a Human named Briggs.

  “No. There was no need for that because I got all the information I needed...”

  “How can you be sure? We’d like to do our own interview,” said the man.

  “I assure you, I was thorough and my information is reliable,” Scythe said.

  “If he says he was thorough,” Temper said, cutting off the man’s next objection, “then there is no need to follow up.” Her tone indicated that the topic was concluded.

  Briggs frowned, looking around the table. The Kin that did not nod sat in silent agreement; the Humans as a group seemed confused, except for Ian, but unwilling to argue. Rogers shrugged, letting it go.

  Scythe continued, “I suspect that the core of the terrorist faction is small. They make use of individuals who are not directly involved with the movement, but who are sympathetic enough to involve themselves in one time operations. I’ll call these satellites, just to make a point. So, there are numerous satellites, people who have agreed to help but spend their days going about their normal lives. Then, they are contacted, given specific instructions, say, ‘Let this person in,’ or ‘Give that person these supplies on this day.’ It would have to be on a very limited time schedule, maybe a day or two max before the event. Maybe less. The satellite does their part and then they are not contacted again, or they are eliminated.”

  Scythe looked around to make sure he was communicating effectively. “So, we have maybe a very large number of people who are only marginally involved, who are not involved in any suspicious or traceable activities, and who have no history of involvement to track. On top of that, there are no repeat offenses. At the core, we find a small group of people who are, first: extremely bright; second: well-organized and efficient; third: I agree with John Ho, well funded; and fourth: cunning and ruthless about guarding their identity. For example, I believe a number of the satellites have been eliminated after they have performed their duties, possibly disguised as suicides.”

  “You figured that out in one day?” asked Ho.

  “Scythe is a Special Agent,” explained the Kin captain. “This is what he does.” There was no pride in Reave’s comment, as if he was explaining that air was for breathing. He looked down the table at Scythe, “Anything else?”

  “I would like to say that this is just a working theory. I’ll know more when we get our hands on a core member. I think that it is a particularly ingenious way to operate. You have a large population of bordertown residents, city residents and Kin who are sympathetic to the cause…” He nodded at the surprised look on many faces around the table. “...who are not ready to put their necks all the way out and join an underground movement, but who will agree to doing their own small part. It is a low risk endeavor for most people. Because they don’t know when things will happen, or who is involved, they are really useless as witnesses; they can only be used for information on an event that has already happened. That gives us nothing to work with to prevent future incidences and almost no help in finding the core members. Or, if they have not been utilized yet, they don’t have any idea when they will be used; they are not even criminals, as willingness to commit a crime is not a crime.”

  “Collusion is a crime,” Rogers said.

  “Yes, but they haven’t conspired. They don’t know anything and they haven’t done anything. They don’t even know who is involved.”

  “They were contacted.”

  “By people they didn’t know and who they may never see again,”

  “You seem pretty thrilled about it,” Briggs said disapprovingly.

  Scythe shrugged and leaned back in his chair. He had been getting a little excited.

  “He just likes a good hunt,” Temper said, smiling. “Honestly, I feel sorry for them. It’s really not fair.”

  Scythe nodded, accepting her compliment. He knew that he would eventually find them. It was only a matter of time, since he wouldn’t be doing anything else until he did.

  “You done?” asked Reave.

  “I’d like to concentrate on locating the core members. I have a lead that I would like to follow, but I need to do it with a small, unmonitored team.”

  “Because?” Reave spoke slowly, suspecting an answer he wouldn’t like.

  “I suspect severe information security issues with this case. Even discussing it in this group is unwise.”

  That caused an immediate uproar. Several people started talking at once, and then arguing. Temper merely smiled wider.

  Scythe felt the rising tension and the bits of open animosity very closely; it excited the part of him that craved conflict. Not far from the surface, he liked it, wanted it to continue, wanted to escalate it...To combat those impulses, he concentrated on breathing evenly. Also, he took the free moment to catalogue faces, responses, mannerisms, etc. Keeping his mind busy always helped.

  Reave, after giving people a minute to react, raised his hand for silence. He said sternly, “You have to do everything like this, don’t you?”

  “No.”

  “Get on with it.”

  “Aside from the cunning way they are organized, I believe the group also benefits from access to and the ability to manipulate information, which allows them to hide themselves as well as more efficiently carry out their objectives.”

  “What facts do you have to support this?” asked Rogers abruptly.

  Scythe sent a compilation of the data that he had selected to divulge, drawn from his own as well as Aorin’s research, which cross-checking had proven was tampered with. “You are free to verify.” He waited while they scanned the many pages of information. “As you can see, at least one of their members was already ‘dead’ several months before he showed up at the warehouse. We have missing people, people who do not exist, whose identities are verified one day, but are found to be false or nonexistent the next. We also have irregularities with the reporting of dates, times, locations, small but key pieces of information that have led the previous investigations astray. There was one incident, the robbery at Haliforn, that was later reclassified from ‘terrorist related’ to ‘isolated incident'; the last border patrol unit didn’t even have it included in their records. This is all I have been able to find in a week; I am sure that there is a lot more.”

  “So, you’re saying that...everything we know about the case might be false?” Rogers asked, astounded.

  “No. I’m saying that everything about the case is suspect. The majority of facts are probably accurate. The trouble is…”

  “We don’t know which ones.”

  “That’s right.”

  “I’ll contact Intelligence tonight and get them involved.”

  “That would be a great help,” Scythe said, “as long as you understand that the people in that department are in a perfect position to be doing the type of manipulation that I’m talking about.”

  “Are you accusing our government of aiding the terrorists?” Rogers asked, his temper flaring.

  The Human’s change in posture and expression were just the type of thing that Scythe liked
to have directed at him. He wanted to say yes, just to see, just to push. Say yes.

  “No.” Scythe took a breath, the kind that he took a hundred times a day with no one the wiser. “I don’t know who is helping them, yet. And, because we don’t know who it is…”

  “It could be anyone,” Ian said, speaking up for the first time. “Let’s be frank, Termaine, the rebels’ ideals appeal to Humans from all walks of life, not just bordertown residents. There are people in every field who feel the resentment, or fear, or hatred. Are you saying that our government is free of people who would assist, given a chance to do so? Of course not. Scythe isn’t accusing anyone, he’s saying that he doesn’t know.”

  Feeling grateful to Ian for the time to calm down, Scythe added, “I will say, it is definitely a core member, someone who knows what is going on. Maybe multiple members, which would make tracking them down even harder. A hacker, a really good hacker, could do it, in which case they wouldn’t even need to be in the organization at all. If it were me, I’d hack multiple people’s identities and use different ones for each change; that would make it difficult for anyone trying to find patterns and, naturally, keep my identity a secret.”

  The room became quiet as people processed the serious nature of the development. While a few looked at Scythe with growing respect, others looked angry about the information. Ian sighed and rubbed his temple, whispering in a low voice to Scythe, “I need a nap.”