by Kurt Winans
“Yes Mr. Tillman, tomorrow morning at eleven.”
After a sound sleep Samuel had thought about his perception of the supposed tell with more clarity, and was not happy with his conclusion. In spite of all attempts to push that conclusion back with denial, what he felt to be the sad truth was probably the sad truth. If that gut belief was indeed a reality, then the consequences of the issue would not be good in any circumstance. Of course adding to the unpleasantness of the betrayal was that the timing of Samuel’s discovery was awful. With added reflection, he had determined that exposing the culprit at the current time could, and most probably would, create unneeded problems. Focus would be important for all those involved in the upcoming mission, and anything which could deter from that focus would serve no positive purpose.
With that in mind Samuel had made his way to the hotel restaurant to meet the other three men. They engaged in pleasant conversation over a little breakfast before heading to the airport, and he conveyed to each of them that he felt nothing but complete confidence in their abilities. Additionally, Samuel stated that at the conclusion of the day each of them should take a few days off to be with loved ones. He had reminded them that the mission would occupy more of their time moving forward, and it was unknown when they would be able to break away for time with their families again.
After receiving an affirmative group reply, Samuel focused on Mason and stated, “Your niece is having a birthday party tomorrow. It would be good if you could make it.”
Samuel had remembered Mason being somewhat resistant, by asking, “That’s not a lot of notice dad. Is it really all that important to Savanah for me to be there?”
After a look of distain from his father, Mason realized that his question had been foolhardy. Now as the jet rolled to a stop in Crockett, Samuel glanced at Mason before looking out the window to see Victoria waiting by the car. While disembarking ahead of Mason he shook the hand of the pilot, and said, “Thank you for another smooth flight. You and the crew are off until Tuesday morning when you must return Mason to El Paso.”
“I understand Mr. Tillman, Tuesday morning.”
On Monday January eighteenth Savanah, along with her brother Blake and their cousin Jennifer, slept in as opposed to preparing for school. The day marked the young lady’s ninth birthday, and although Savanah would have liked to believe that school was closed on her account, in reality the federal holiday was in recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Although it was uncertain if the Republic of Texas would continue to observe the holiday in the future, as for the calendar year at hand, there had been no alteration to that or any other of America’s celebrated holidays. Such matters of what would constitute a holiday in the future of the republic were currently of minor significance to those in the Legislature, and therefore any discussion of them was not even listed as an upcoming agenda item.
After her mother Ashley eventually woke Savanah, they soon made their way toward the kitchen area of the mansion and were greeted by Ms. Holloway and other family members. The collective instantly noticed the obvious joy in the youngest of the Tillman clan, and it was inspirational. Based on the occasion of her special day, coupled with the wonderful party that her family had thrown for her and some friends the previous day, Savanah’s mood was even more festive than usual. Without her knowledge of its power, the infectious smile that Savanah generally exhibited had often been uplifting when someone in her presence was feeling down. In spite of her ongoing battle with a challenging internal affliction, Savanah continued to maintain a positive outlook with regard to life and her future in it. She loved everyone in her family, had several friends at school while also being a good student, and seemed to not be concerned over what could ultimately lead to her demise if not properly treated. In short, Savanah provided a lesson on how to handle oneself in the face of adversity that many other children or adults could benefit from.
During the previous afternoon neither Samuel nor anyone else minded Savanah’s reaction to the announcement that she had received a telephone call, or that she wished to be excused from her party for a moment in order to speak with the person. There was an understanding that from her perspective, talking with her oldest brother may have been the happiest few moments of the day. Although Jason had returned to the academy for the latter half of his senior year only two weeks prior, she already missed him. His call from West Point had been made via the switchboard of number twenty-three on the latest in a line of burn phones, and when Jason had finished wishing his only sister a happy birthday, he had but one simple request of her beyond that of having fun. She needed to hand the phone over to their grandfather, as Jason had something of importance to report.
Turning to Samuel, Savanah flashed her smile and said, “Hey grandpa, Jason would like to speak with you.”
With a return smile and a thank you, Samuel reached down toward her for the phone. Then he asked, “Hello Jason, what’s on your mind?”
He had replied, “Sir, there has been a growing level of turmoil here at the academy since everyone returned from the holiday break. I don’t know what will come of it, but I thought that you should be forewarned. The manner to which I refer could create an investigation of sorts, and if they look closely enough, they could stumble upon something.”
Based on the presence of his three youngest grandchildren in the room, as well as a few of their youthful friends and accompanying parents, Samuel knew that he could not speak with complete freedom. However moving to another section of the house in order to alter that condition could cause alarm, so Samuel offered a simple glance in the direction of Ms. Holloway. She acknowledged his intent with a subtle nod, and then attempted to distract the young ones and the other guests for just the briefest moment so that Samuel could ask, “Can you please be more specific?”
“There have been moves made against certain cadets, and…”
The connection, while still open, had then gone silent. Most people faced with such a situation would show immediate concern while repeatedly calling out the name of who they were speaking to, but Samuel knew better. He had heard no struggle on the other end of the line, and Jason had been well trained by the academy to which he attended and other individuals to take appropriate precautions when the need arose. Samuel knew instinctively that there must be a good reason why Jason was exhibiting stealth in the moment, and calling out his name with ever increasing volume to reestablish communication would do nothing but jeopardize his obvious need for secrecy. Additionally, inadvertent sounds from the party making their way through his covering hand could be unwelcome and detrimental, so Samuel stealthily retreated to his office and shut the door.
It was roughly two minutes before Samuel heard a sound from Jason, and when he did, it was only a faint whisper. His eldest grandson had uttered, “Sorry sir, but there was a patrol near my position. They have moved on, but chances are good that they will double back soon. It’s not safe for me to remain where I am, I must get back to the barracks.”
Samuel had whispered a simple reply of, “Understood.”
Before the line went dead, Samuel heard Jason whisper one more thought. “I’ll contact number twenty-three again when I can, but in the meantime you may hear from others about a situation that is brewing at West Point.”
With that the call ended, and Samuel knew that Jason was most probably hiding the burn phone in a secure location. Returning to Savanah’s birthday party and those who had been successfully preoccupied with the diversion put forth by Ms. Holloway, Samuel said, “Well that was nice of Jason.”
When Ashley turned to ask, “So what did my son have to say?”
Samuel winked in her direction, and announced so that Savanah could hear, “Oh Jason was just letting me know that he heard of a potential problem with the computer system at the Thayer Hotel. His suggestion was that I check to verify that our reservations for his graduation weekend in May are still in order.”
Three days after the party for Savanah, Samuel and his daughter-in-l
aw Courtney took a private stroll. No one in the family, or the security forces present on the grounds thought anything of it, as they had all been randomly sequestered by Samuel at various times for a similar stroll. He loved to use such times walking the grounds of the estate to discuss what was on his mind about current or future plans, while also keeping abreast of what made each member of his collective tick. It was an established pattern which many executives in corporate America could learn from, as Samuel’s corporation, if one chose to use that term, had benefitted greatly from such a “hands on approach” to the pulse of those within it.
When he and Courtney had moved a significant distance from the mansion into the sanctity of the estates rolling grounds, Samuel took a visual scan in all directions to ensure their privacy. Then he looked at her and said, “So number thirty-seven, what did you think of the New Year’s Eve celebration to usher in the rebirth of our republic?”
Turning slightly to catch his gaze, Courtney replied, “Well I thought it was wonderful, and everyone seemed to be having a really good time.”
“Indeed, and you helped play the role of hostess with Victoria and Ashley splendidly.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome number thirty-seven. Of course that was not the only role that you have played splendidly.”
As if being suddenly transported backwards in time to a more gentile era, she replied in a more forced southern drawl by saying, “You flatter me sir.”
With a smile in recognition of her humor, Samuel tipped his cowboy hat toward her and stated, “Well thank you ma’am, and if you would indulge me then the time has come for us to discuss some future business.”
There was a prolonged silence for the next minute or two as they continued to walk, but Courtney knew that was normal if Samuel was either formulating or mulling over a plan. When he then came to a halt, she stopped her own forward movement in response and breathed a deep sigh. After another silent moment with head hung low, Samuel gestured in his typically gentlemanly fashion for her to sit on the bench.
Once she was seated he followed suit, and then Courtney looked her father-in-law straight in the eye and said, “The way I see it Samuel, this business that you want to discuss with me must be important.”
“You think so?”
“Well, yes. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have addressed me as number thirty-seven on two occasions a few minutes ago. So you have my attention Samuel, what’s on your mind?”
Smiling at her grasp of the moment’s magnitude, and the reverence which surrounded it, he inquired, “Have you been practicing and improving upon your various skills and techniques since the assignment in November?”
Feeling proud of her accomplishments both during the successful completion of that mission and in the time since, Courtney smiled both inwardly and outwardly. Then she replied, “Indeed I have Samuel, and I believe that it has paid tremendous dividends. Based on a continued regiment of close order combat and weapons drills since November, and several trips for hours of practice at a few different shooting ranges in southeast Texas, I have become proficient with an ever increasing arsenal. That includes the use of a sniper riffle, which has dramatically enhanced my skill level for the more challenging of targets. When combining that with a more rigorous physical training schedule that I have undertaken with Jennifer, I feel confident that I’m becoming significantly more lethal than I was in November.”
“That’s good to hear number thirty-seven. Confidence in ones abilities and progression is always a plus, as long as one keeps that confidence in perspective.”
Understanding that the business tone Samuel now exhibited called for total focus and attention to what he had to say, she replied in similar fashion by stating, “I understand what you mean number two, and I will never take any assignment as being simple or without need for the proper preparation.”
Looking Courtney over to see that she, just like him, was now all business, Samuel replied, “That’s well said my dear, and an excellent approach for one to employ toward whatever business is at hand.”
“Thank you. Now am I to understand that this conversation is based on your desire for me to carry out a new assignment?”
“Yes, but it will take some time to develop the proper plan.”
“I understand number two. So who is it that you are sanctioning me to kill?”
“I can’t tell you that at this time, but you will know soon enough.
“Very well, but can you give me any preliminary information?”
“Only a fragment, but it should be enough to help you with your initial preparation. For now just understand that you will be required to employ a completely different set of tactics than those you so splendidly exhibited in November. An extensive file on the intended target has already been prepared by me, but I do not feel that it’s fully ready for you to study.”
“Am I to understand that this target is not susceptible to feminine persuasion?”
“That is correct. My belief and all evidence would suggest that the target is partial to men, but I suppose there’s always the possibility that female company has also been elicited. That theoretical preference of the target is moot however; as I feel that it will be difficult to complete this particular sanction at arm’s length. So as I said a moment ago, different tactics will be necessary.”
Looking at the grave stone of her brother-in-law which was positioned roughly twenty feet in front of them, Courtney asked, “And does this sanction have anything to do with Chance number two?”
“Every assignment, mission, or sanction which has been put into motion has something to do with the death of Chance in the broader scope, but you know that already. However to answer your inquiry more specifically, no the sanction upon the target in question does not directly involve him.”
As an attractive young female naval officer stationed in the Pentagon, Lieutenant Kristen Royce was occasionally called upon to fulfill tasks which were beneath her level of intelligence or competency. Upon reporting for duty on the morning of Friday January twenty-second, she learned that one such occasion would begin within the hour. Joined by the familiar pair of female officers from the Air Force who also fit the established physical requirements for such a tedious assignment, Kristen followed the male staffers who were moving the supplies into a large conference room. Once inside, their function would be the same as always. The three ladies would set out the name placards and appropriate reference files or reports on the long table for all those attending the meeting, and then position a few platters of food at various locations around the room. As higher ranking officers or dignitaries would enter the room, the ladies would offer beverages and deliver them to the appropriate seats. During the meeting itself, each young woman understood that beyond playing the role of eye candy for those in attendance they would be present for little more than refills of water or coffee. If any positive spin could be drawn from what they collectively thought to be a demeaning sexist ritual of the past, it was their knowledge that no one would attempt, at least overtly, to fondle them while in the process.
The surprise of the day as they began their chores was that of learning who would be present for the meeting. What Kristen didn’t know at the time, was that the participants would be discussing the troubling situation which Jason had attempted to warn Samuel about. Each of the key players for the meeting had then arrived at the Pentagon as ordered by their superior, but all three of them were still uncertain as to how the Secretary of Defense would lean with regard to their recommended courses of action. The Secretaries of the Air Force, Army, and Navy had each compiled and submitted a thorough report at the request of their superior, and each report included testimonial letters from a number of cadets at the various academies who hailed from Texas. Accompanied by staff assistants, a few Pentagon personnel, and security teams which would be located both within the room and in the corridor, the three Secretaries entered the conference room. Then while sipping on the coffee that the ladies had obedi
ently fetched for them, they all waited impatiently for the man who would hopefully give them his blessing to proceed.
Strolling confidently into the completely secure conference room, the Secretary of Defense motioned for all those in attendance to either stand at ease or remain seated. Then he began by stating, “Thank you all for taking time away from your busy schedules to discuss this matter, as I’m aware that the plan of action we had set in motion against Syria, and the follow up to that success, is foremost in your minds. However now we must temporarily shift our focus to a disturbing matter within our homeland.”
His opening statement was met with nods of agreement from all those seated, as well as a comment from the Secretary of the Navy of, “That is understood sir. What course of action do you suggest?”
“We cannot allow the issues at each of the academies to get further out of control than they currently are, nor should we expect them to just go away if we ignore them. I have read each of your reports, and those of the corresponding academy commandants which were enclosed within, so I have a solid idea of what we are dealing with here. I’m also aware that each of those institutions has gone through a very difficult two months since the attacks of mid-November, so that must also be taken into consideration as we move forward. Now for the sake of transparency, each of you has been provided with a complete copy of all those reports. Let it be known at this time that I consider each report to be important reading for you in the days to come, and I strongly suggest that you act accordingly. With that said, what I ask of you three now, and of those Pentagon representatives here within our ranks, is if any of you would like to weigh in with any thoughts on the matter?”
As the senior of the three men who had been summoned, the Secretary of the Navy once again spoke up. With firm resolve he exclaimed, “Sir. Each of the midshipmen, no matter what their state of origin, took an oath on the day they entered Annapolis. It remains my belief that they should be held to that oath!”