Mirror, Mirror at 1600 D.C.

by Edward Galluzzi

  Mentor has known Hardware for a long time, including his thinking process. As he ‘watched’ the gears turn in Harrison’s mind, he remarked, “I can almost guess what you’re thinking. I also know you may be right. Your assignment, Harrison, is to investigate with extreme discretion the possibilities of this phenomenon. We need to know if she is a brainwashed or indoctrinated Elizabeth Ashton…or whether she has been altered or swapped. We cannot tip our hat on this one, Harrison.” Mentor reiterated slowly and forcefully, “You must be discreet and judicious in your investigation. We have the advantage, slight at it may be, as long as whoever orchestrated this contemptible act on the Presidency believes he, or she, has succeeded in the deception.”

  Harrison thought for a moment and formulated carefully his reply to Mentor: “Greg, this is like a plot out of a novel or movie. I’ve never known you to be an alarmist, but you got me a little scared. What you are saying and advocating borders on treachery—and to investigate a sitting President without her knowledge or the complicity of congress was unheard of. Other than President Ashton’s husband, are we the only two people who suspect what you just described?” Mentor read the disbelief in Hardware’s voice and saw it in his face. He returned, “No, I informed Scanner of Modem’s concerns about his wife.” Harrison recalled that Scanner was the vice-president, Neff Jameson. He again listened to the words of his superior: “As a matter of accountability and checks and balances, I agreed to keep Scanner fully informed of our activities and findings. He is aware of the delicacy of the assignment on which we are embarking. I assured him that we would do everything within our power to protect the office of the Presidency. The vice-president will disavow any knowledge of our plans and actions if there becomes a need to do so. In essence, Harrison, we are on our own and out on a limb…a very short limb. I cannot promise you that we will come through unscathed, or for that matter, still alive and employed in the service of the United States. I cannot order you to take this assignment. Your acceptance of this mission is strictly on a voluntary basis with no penalties, neither personally from me nor professionally from our government, for refusing the assignment.”

  Harrison did not hesitate in considering his options and knew that Mentor was already aware of his decision. He addressed his superior: “Sir, I’ve never refused an assignment from you or your predecessor and I don’t intend to start now.” Mentor was afforded a brief smile as he nodded his head in acknowledgment. Harrison then asked, “What do we know and where do we start?” Mentor retrieved President Ashton’s itemized solution to counteract domestic terrorism from Hardware and responded, “This document suggests the involvement of right wing extremists and factions. It seems more than a coincidence that Modem initially suspected something incongruent following her trip from Montana. Software attended the conference in Montana’s capital city of Helena. However, our intelligence reports indicate that most extremist activities have taken place around the city of Sarhea, particularly in the range area, which is near the base of the Rocky Mountains. I believe that it is there where we should concentrate our initial investigative efforts.”

  Harrison nodded affirmatively and asked, “Has Target One been cleared?” Mentor replied, “Yes. I contacted the base before I left to meet with you here. There was no bomb or any kind of detonation device found inside or outside your personal jet. Your left engine was repaired. It is clear, now, that being out of the country did indeed save you from the terrible fate of agents Scout and Eagle. Whoever is involved in this conspiracy simply did not have the time to search you down and sabotage Target One. Your jet has been under guard since it was cleared and deemed safe for flight.”

  Harrison interrupted, “Did our investigation uncover any leads, any leads at all?” “Findings are only preliminary at best and minimal at this time,” said Mentor. He continued, “Our explosive experts did rule out pilot error and an act of nature. The one part of tangible evidence that we have is one piece of what is believed to be a detonation device found at one of the crash sites. It is my understanding that a partial code number was lifted from the fragment. The wreckage of both planes was collected.” Mentor paused and looked at his watch. He then continued, “They are in transport as we speak to our center in Virginia.”

  Mentor paused before asking with genuine concern in his voice, “What about Hannah? Do you think she is out of harm’s way?” Harrison discerned the sincerity in his friend’s voice and responded, “Thanks for your concern, Greg. I know Hannah is at risk because of her relationship with me. I’m not leaving anything to chance. Do you remember Jacob Jarley?” Mentor searched his memory briefly and then a smile emerged on his face. “Jacob Jarley,” Mentor said deliberately. “Old ‘Scrooge?” he asked as his smile broke into a reserved laugh. Their ex-colleague had dawned the codename ‘Scrooge’ in that his birth name resembled that of the character from the Charles Dickens’ novel, “Scrooge,” written at the time of great poverty in England. Harrison spoke, “I’ve hired him to follow and keep an eye out for Hannah. He is very professional, very discreet—and very expensive!” Hardware and Mentor managed a smile between them. Mentor interrupted, “Hannah is indeed in good hands. That should really ease your mind.” Harrison nodded in agreement.

  Mentor’s expression grew urgent as he spoke, “Harrison, when can you leave?” Noting the urgency in his superior’s voice, Harrison replied, “I can leave now. I was able to sleep for several hours before our meeting here. I just need to pack a few things at the apartment and…” His words were interrupted by Mentor: “We’ve taken the liberty of packing your suitcases and other essentials, including the usual weaponry, explosives and communication gear. They are already aboard Target One. Harrison, we have to be careful on this one. The individuals or organizations behind this treachery already have proven they will stop at nothing—even murder. Your communication pack contains your contact schedule with me. I expect you to follow it. I can’t afford to lose any more hair and the hair that I have left is still turning gray.”

  The two friends smiled. Mentor continued, “You will find a map in the case file marked ‘Double Trouble.’ There is an Air Force base at Great Falls, Montana which is about 350 miles south from the town of Sarhea. You will find the coordinates on your map. I apologize in advance that I cannot give you any backup on this case, but under the circumstances, I’m not sure who to trust and do not want to endanger any more lives.” Harrison said nothing, but nodded in agreement.

  Mentor stood for the first time. He walked toward Hardware with an outstretched hand. “Be careful, Harrison, and God’s speed.” Harrison said nothing, but reached for his friend’s outstretched hand. He knew the extremist would stop at nothing. Harrison was aware of the risks involved and knew he may not see his friend again. He may not see Hannah again. Harrison firmly shook the hand of Mentor and then his superior was off into the darkness.

  Harrison flipped the switches of the main conference room as he exited. Station Zero returned to its dim, moonlight luminescence. Harrison walked down the hallway and managed to navigate toward the back entry room without bumping into the furniture and other objects. He headed once again to the security panels to enable the protective features of the Station Zero. Harrison punched in the digital code and armed the security system. He realized that he had only thirty seconds before the motion, sound and touch sensors would betray him. Harrison exited quickly from the home and used his electronic key once again to secure Station Zero. He began the long walk to his car which he parked at some distance to help maintain the site’s secrecy.

  Chapter 13

  The Hunter and the Hunted

  Harrison glanced at his radiated watch and noted that the hour was approaching 1:00 a.m. Time had sped ahead as it often does for Harrison. He took several steps and stopped suddenly. Harrison thought he had heard something, perhaps seen something, but he was not sure. Given what has transpired, there was not much of which he was still certain. He quickly scanned the area and noted that nothing appeared out of
place. A wisp of fear awakened his adrenalin and as always gave him the edge he needed for increased alertness and survival. Harrison wondered if perhaps the terrorists had finally caught up with him…or was it just an alley cat on the prowl for excitement? He stood motionless and strained his senses as far as humanly possible. Again, nothing alerted his senses beyond the din of the night. Nothing appeared out of place. Yet, it was usually at such moments when he was most apprehensive. Harrison took several more steps away from Station Zero and disappeared into the cover afforded by the night sky. A darkened figure stepped out from the side of Station Zero and into the faint moonlight. The solitary figure remained motionless in the same spot that Harrison himself stood. The figure turned and glanced smugly toward Station Zero as if it betrayed its secrets. The figure turned once again and disappeared down the same path of darkness taken by Hardware.

  Harrison walked slowly but steadily to his car. His vision, compromised by the darkness, only served to heighten his other senses. Harrison was bothered by something, perhaps more of a nagging annoyance than anything specific. He had no doubt that he was marked by whoever murdered his colleagues. Harrison would heed Mentor’s warning to watch his backside. His nagging feeling was becoming more of a nuisance. Harrison decided that he could no longer ignore his gut. It told him what it often told him: ‘Wait and see.’

  Harrison spotted some dense bushes up ahead and decided to make his ‘wait and see’ stance there. He shoved the bush tentatively to determine whether he would be pushed in return. Feeling no sharp pain, Harrison found his way into the thick and crouched. He reached behind his back and drew out his gun. The position in which he found himself was uncomfortable but tolerable. Harrison purposely breathed slowly and quietly in order to sensitize his hearing. A brush of a leaf, snap of a small twig or crackle of a rock was all that was required to betray his unforeseen prey. Harrison remained crouched as he strained to pickup any sign, any sign at all that he was being followed. He faced straight ahead into the moonlit darkness waiting for his unforeseen prey.

  As minutes passed, no one intruded on the stillness. Perhaps, Harrison thought, perhaps his ‘nagging feeling’ this time was in error—just the jitters given the nature of his present assignment. Harrison, however, decided to wait. As time pushed ahead, his focus waned as Hannah’s image crept into his thoughts. Harrison smiled to himself as a pane of anxiety overtook him. He worried about his intended even though his trusted colleague ‘Scrooge’ was watching after her. Harrison glanced at the illuminated dial of his watch and noted it was now 2:00 a.m. How Harrison wished he was lying beside Hannah, holding her in his arms, kissing her full lips and feeling her sensual warm body against his.

  As Harrison became increasingly preoccupied with thoughts of Hannah, the stir of gravel refocused his attention to the imminent situation. He leaned forward straining his senses once more. Harrison pulled his gun toward him and withdrew its safety. He froze as he took slow, silent breaths. Harrison’s adrenalin flowed openly now as he prepared to attack—much like a lion ready to pounce on its unsuspecting prey. He was confident that he had the upper hand in the pending conflict. He survived many other such battles, more or less!

  Harrison did not have to wait long. He grabbed his gun now with both hands and steadied his aim toward an advancing figure in the dark. The figure walked slowly, then stopped. The figure appeared to sense the need for caution as the stranger gazed from side-to-side. For his part, Harrison stayed still, frozen in time and not wanting to risk losing his upper hand. The figure seemed satisfied with its superficial surveillance and continued approaching. Harrison reviewed his options. He was certain that this was not simply an innocent stranger wandering around in the night. Harrison wanted the element of surprise on his side even though he realized that any trained agent learns to expect the unexpected. A brief moment of surprise was all that was needed, however, to make the difference. Timing was indeed everything.

  Harrison told himself to wait. He needed to be patient. Harrison grasped his gun firmly and aimed it toward the advancing stranger. He put his finger on the trigger for the first time and squeezed lightly. The unidentified person continued approaching Harrison. He adjusted his aim as the stranger verged upon him and began to rise from his crouching position. Harrison told himself to wait a few more seconds, just a few more seconds.

  The stranger continued walking slowly toward Harrison, but then stopped suddenly. The unidentified person reached in a pocket and withdrew an object that glimmered in the moonlight. Believing that the element of surprise was no longer in his corner, Harrison jumped from his crouching stance and yelled firmly, “Stop where you are!” He observed that the stranger appeared more menacing up close. “Drop it!” demanded Harrison. The stranger stopped, but did not let go of the object. Harrison screamed once more with anger, “I said drop it!”

  Upon hearing Harrison’s second demand, the stranger slowly let the object drop to the ground. The stranger’s hands rose up in the air without a single word from Harrison. Harrison let his left hand fall from his gun, but kept his gun trained on the stranger. He slowly approached his unknown assailant and told himself to use extreme caution. Perhaps this was the person who assassinated his colleagues.

  As Harrison drew closer, the stranger’s face achieved definition. He suddenly realized that the stranger was a woman. That realization caused Harrison to lower slightly his gun and like on cue, the female stranger karate kicked the gun out of his hand in one swift move. She had stolen the element of surprise from Harrison and a skirmish ensued. The woman lunged at Harrison and the two went collapsing to the ground. They rolled back and forth shifting top positions as they both fought for the upper hand. However, neither antagonist achieved control and the rumble continued. The movement across the ground drew the rolling couple toward one of the two guns that was dropkicked unceremoniously to the dirt. The stranger was first to reach the proximity of the gun. She stretched one hand toward it, but the gun was inches away from her grasp. She attempted to roll Harrison in the direction of the armament when he as well spied the weapon. The conflict heated, as the stakes were now higher. They were not only struggling with each other, but both were attempting to grasp the weapon that would give one of them the upper hand and perhaps death to the other.

  Harrison and his assailant continued to struggle as their personal battle intensified. He did his best at trying to gain control over his formidable opponent, but he was having little success. She was on top of him now. A sharp pain rose suddenly across his face as the stranger’s fist found its mark. Dazed briefly, another jab landed on his face as the stranger continued to pummel him. Harrison knew that he must stop her before he drifted into unconsciousness. Aching from the serial blows, Harrison picked his moment and blocked the punch that was again headed toward his face using his left hand. Having stopped her momentum, he struck a blow with his right hand to her chest. The stranger keeled over and Harrison jabbed at her face with another punch. This time, she fell backwards and off of him. Harrison knew the opportunity afforded him would be brief. He turned around touching the dirt as he moved in an attempt to make contact with one of the two weapons.

  Harrison felt around frantically as the stranger began to regain her composure. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw one of the weapons. As Harrison crawled toward the gun, the female stranger who had collapsed upon him blocked his approach. Her velocity and momentum pushed him to the ground once again. Harrison struggled to change positions with her when the stranger withdrew a knife from inside her jacket. He noticed it quickly as it glimmered in the moonlight.

  Harrison stretched out his right hand and firmly grasped the stranger’s arm that yielded the knife. It was push-against-shove as the two sleuths attempted to exert their respective skills and strengths—essentially putting the knife in a tug-of-war.

  The fight over the weapon was essentially a draw. Harrison knew that he had to get her off-balance and began to shove her sideways as he pushed against her arm. The
stranger fell to the side and he rolled with her to secure his grasp on her arm. Her hand was close to the ground now and Harrison saw his opportunity. He repetitively smacked her hand on the dirt and by the fourth swat, the weapon fell loose and to the ground. Harrison pushed away the female stranger and grabbed for the knife. He gained his balance and turned directly to face his opponent with the knife extended toward her. The woman stood slowly and set her stance bracing for an attack. However, Harrison did not attack. He wanted the stranger alive in hopes of gaining information that would shorten his search for the people who kidnapped the President.

  Harrison took a moment to catch his breath and then spoke even though his words were interrupted by irregular heavy breathing: “Come at me again and you’re dead!” The stranger did not move. Harrison glanced around quickly hoping to see one of the guns glimmering in the moonlight. He spotted a weapon and move toward it as he kept his eye on his attacker. Harrison bent down and quickly picked up the gun. He tossed the knife aside and walked in the direction of the attacker, aiming his gun steadily toward her. For her part, the attacker did not move.