by Tim Blagge
“I really can’t answer that for sure but he probably knows a lot. If he doesn’t, one of his staffers will brief him before you meet with him so assume he will be well informed,” answered Vaughn.
“What’s the plan to keep Dr. Morton and me alive past tomorrow?” I questioned.
“Lieutenant Smith will elaborate on those details,” Vaughn answered.
Jerry took over the recap of the plan. “First I will meet Bill at his home at 4:00 AM. The driver of the limousine is scheduled to pick us both up at 4:15 AM. Dr. Morton, you will be picked up at 5:10 AM. I will come to your door and escort you to the limo.”
“On the itinerary that Cushing gave you,” Jerry continued, “he identifies the plane as a Gulfstream G350 with the identification numbers LS45399. I contacted the contractor who rents these planes and crew to the government. He’s been doing it for over twelve years and looks legit. He confirmed that it is his plane and that it is supposed to be at Burbank Airport tomorrow by 5:30 AM., to pick up three passengers and fly them to Reagan National in Washington D.C. He gave me all our names. He also sent over pictures of the pilot, co-pilot and flight attendant who will be your crew.”
“We will have two security teams following the limo and three more traveling parallel routes so that they can respond in less than two minutes if required. We will have eleven men in civilian attire positioned in the terminal near where the plane will be parked. We will have six other men dressed as baggage handlers and technicians near the plane”
“When you get to the plane, the flight crew has instructions to meet you at the bottom of the stairway. We will compare the flight crew with their pictures. If the crew matches the pictures, we will board the aircraft. The flight is scheduled to depart at 5:45 AM and arrive at 1:38 PM, D.C. time, giving us ample time to make the 3 PM meeting with the President.”
“The security protocols between Reagan National and the White House are similar to the protocols we are using on this end. We will spend the night in the Senator Hotel in Washington D.C. and will fly home Thursday morning so pack accordingly. I will brief you on the security details of our return trip during our flight to D.C. Do you have any questions?”
With that I stood up and clapped. Then Stella joined in and soon both Vaughn and Alvarez were clapping too. Bring it on Cushing, I thought, just bring it on!
-32-
The next morning my alarm went off at 3 AM. I had my suitcase packed and my clothes laid out. At 4 AM there was a gentle knock on the front door. I looked out and it was Jerry. He came in and promptly at 4:15 the limo pulled up. We got in, picked up Stella and proceeded toward the airport. The trip was uneventful. We walked to the plane, checked the crew, went up the steps and took our seats. Within twenty minute we were airborne.
“Maybe my suspicions were wrong,” Stella said sounding disappointed.
“Maybe Cushing was tipped off,” Jerry said. “Or maybe his people will try to take you on the D.C. side of the flight, after we meet with the President. Cushing didn’t get to where he is because he’s stupid.”
After the flight attendant gave us a light breakfast the three of us decided to take a nap. About three hours into the flight, Stella’s phone rang. It was Rolf.
Stella listened intently, said several uh huh’s and OK’s and hung up.
Quietly Stella related the gist of her conversation. “Remember the bug we attached to the foot of Cushing’s brief case. Well today it started transmitting again. Rolf figured the bug went silent because it had either fallen off or Cushing had changed brief cases. Apparently it was the latter and he decided to switch back to the same brief case he used when he was with us.”
“Did Rolf hear anything juicy?” I asked.
“Jerry, you were right,” Stella said. “Cushing was tipped off about the elaborate preparations to get us to D.C so he backed off. Whoever he was talking to said they expected counter measures and they would take care of everything according to some alternate plan. Neither man said what that plan was. It sounded like Cushing gave the man some money because there was an argument about the amount. Cushing reassured the man that he would be paid in full when the operation was completed.”
“To play devil’s advocate,” I interjected. “We were never mentioned in the conversation you just related. It sounded like it could refer to any general operation that he may be working on. Is the bug still continuing to work? Maybe Cushing discovered the bug and is feeding us some crap. I wonder where he learned that trick.” I added.
“Good points Bill,” Jerry said. “Let’s not jump to any conclusions until we know for sure. Rolf did say they discussed elaborate preparations in D.C. so it’s got to be us. If Rolf gets more definitive intel, he needs to let us know.”
“He will,” Stella said, “he will.”
It was precisely 1:38 PM, D.C time, when our wheels touched down. The plane taxied to what looked like a special government area. There was a limo waiting along with several men in suits. After we deplaned, Agent Willis Thompson, a trim black man about 45 years old, introduced himself and the other men. They all showed us their badges and Thompson’s picture matched the photo Jerry had of him.
The three of us along with Thompson entered the limo for our trip to the White House.
“I’m going to ride along,” Thompson said. “I am heading up your security detail in D.C. so on our way to the White House I’d like you elaborate on the attacks from your perspective.”
Stella proceeded to go over the attacks one by one. By the time she had recapped everything we were entering central D.C.
“We are about fifteen minutes early,” I said, “May we drive by some of the monuments? I’ve never been here before.”
“Sure,” Thompson answered, and with that he gave instructions to the driver to take the scenic route. After driving by the Jefferson, Lincoln, and Washington monuments and the Capital Building we arrived at the White House. Thompson got out, talked to the guard and the gate swung open. The car drove up to a side entrance where we went through another check point, were searched and led into the building. Jerry was required to leave his sidearm at this station and was told he could retrieve it when we left.
We took an elevator up to the main floor to a reception area. It was ten minutes before three when we arrived. Promptly at three, an assistant to the President came out and announced, “The President will see you now.”
We were escorted and seated in a small conference room in the interior of the White House. It had no windows.
“I’m a little nervous” I commented.
Jerry agreed but Stella’s response was different. “He’s just a man and I think soon we will find out just what kind of man.”
Fifteen minutes later, the President walked in alone. He was tall and trim and all smiles.
“No introductions necessary” he boasted. “You are William Burton, the inventor of the device; and you are Lieutenant Jerry Smith who is heading up the security on the project; and you must be Dr. Stella Morton, Bill’s guru and advisor. I must tell you Dr. Morton, you are even lovelier than I was told.”
This guy is as charming as they say, I thought, and with his comments I’ll bet he has Stella eating out of his hand before long.
“First I’d like to congratulate Bill on his astonishing discovery. Tell me what possessed you to tackle something like that?” he asked.
“Curiosity, mostly,” I answered. “I had the theory and my grandfather had the tools.”
“Now, as I understand it, you built a mechanical version and not an electronic one; why?” The President asked.
“Expense mostly; the fact that the circuitry and other parts do not exist for an electronic version yet made my decision obvious.” I answered.
“How long do you think it will take to design and build an electronic prototype if we put all the resources needed behind the project?” was the President’s next question.
“I would estimate that to be about nine months to design and another nine months to b
uild; so about a year and a half.” I answered. “What do you think Dr. Morton?”
“I would agree with that estimate, Bill, but if I may, I’d like to change the subject for just a moment.” Stella said.
“Feel free,” the President responded.
“As I expect you are aware,” Stella continued. “We have been the target of several attacks and kidnapping attempts since the knowledge of Bill’s device was leaked to the world. Our manager is still in the hospital as a result of one of these attacks. In addition, we have information that points to someone high up in our government as the origin of the leak.”
“Leaks, what leaks? And you are saying that my people are involved in leaking information?”
“Absolutely Mr. President” I said with new found courage, “and not to make light of our tenuous situation sir, but your government has more leaks than Yankee Stadium on free beer day!”
My comment was designed to lighten the moment which had gotten a little tense and it did. We all laughed and then the President again got serious.
“If my people have leaked any information I will get to the bottom of it. When we find the person responsible, he or she will be immediately removed and appropriate punishment will be administered.” the President responded with a tepid resolve that made me feel as if he was acting.
The President looked at his watch as if to say his time was short and proceeded to looked directly into our eyes one by one. “I have a proposal for you Mr. Burton and you Dr. Morton,” the President said slowly and distinctly. “What I am about to tell you cannot leave this room! Do you understand?”
We all nodded affirmatively.
“I have negotiated a deal with the Chinese Government.” He continued. “They have an earnest proposal on the table, a serious offer we will call it, to acquire your invention.”
“You want to sell the Flying Wallenda to the Chinese?” I questioned in disbelief.
“Not your device Bill, that brilliant mind of yours. They want you and Dr. Morton to work on the device in an undisclosed location in China. Rest assured they will treat you like kings while you are there. After you have completed the first prototype you will be rich and free to leave and live anywhere in the world. This is a great deal for you and Stella, and I heartily encourage you to accept!” the President said with an encouraging look.
“Why would you betray the United States and sell the greatest invention in history for a few dollars?” Stella asked.
“Dr. Morton, it’s more than a few dollars. The Chinese have agreed to forgive a trillion dollars of the U.S. debt when you reach their country and another trillion when they have the technology and a working prototype.”
“Mr. Burton, how does it feel to be the world’s first trillion dollar man?” The President asked with a broad smile.
“Not as good as I would have expected,” I answered. “Something doesn’t feel right about this.”
“And another side benefit to this deal,” the President added, “is that you will be safer than if you stay in the United States. As you know, China’s society is more closed than ours so it will be easier for them to provide for your security.”
“Let me understand,” Stella jumped in, “two trillion dollars in debt to China is forgiven in the next couple years. At the same time, the United State’s propensity to deficit spend continues unabated. Why reign in spending, we think; we just got a reprieve. In those couple of years we borrow another two or three trillion dollars. So we have saved some interest on the debt, but we end up owing the Chinese more in two years than we do now and they own the technology!”
“Dr. Morton, the Congress and I are continually working on reducing the deficit.” The president countered.
“How’s that working for you Mr. President?” Stella responded sarcastically.
“There is just too much partisanship in Congress to accomplish as much as we need to.” The President said.
“Mr. President,” Stella continued with growing zeal, “I know your time is limited so if you will pardon me, I will be direct. I can’t speak for Bill, but here’s my take on what your little scheme will accomplish. First, the commercial potential of this technology is without bounds. It will fundamentally change this planet and its value exceeds your temporary gains many fold. The Chinese are some of the best negotiators on the planet and they get it. They hope that they can own this technology by eliminating a few of our dollars in their treasury; dollars, by the way, the Chinese figure will have little or no value in the future anyway!”
“So in the minds of the Chinese,” Stella went on, “this technology will quickly thrust them forward to become the dominant economic force in the world. They are right! And there is another greater downside to this technology, Mr. President. It can be used as a weapon! The time shift we all experienced is just a tiny preview of what this technology can do.”
“So you are proposing we give China both the economic and military dominance they seek for a temporary gain.”
“You must consider that the first people the Chinese would eliminate after they take over world dominance are the politicians throughout the world,” Stella continued. “You are relatively young, Mr. President; they would see you as a threat and you would likely be one of the first to disappear. I am asking you, with everything in my being, to reconsider your proposal.”
“Dr. Morton, you pose some interesting counter arguments,” stated the President sounding sincere but looking perturbed.
“I have one last question Mr. President.” Stella asked with increasing drama. “What happens if we decide not to work with you and the U.S. Government?”
After a short pause the President peered at us with narrow angry eyes and pursed lips. He again spoke slowly. “Honestly, we had not considered that outcome. I do want you to fully understand Dr. Morton and Mr. Burton that it is in your best interest to cooperate completely. I will discuss your comments with my staff and I will get back to you. My assistant will show you out.”
The President walked out and shut the door loudly behind him.
“You sure know how to piss off a President, Stella” I said.
Stella just looked at me and didn’t say anything. The anger on her face said it all.
We stood up, left the room and began walking down the hall to the elevator. I couldn’t resist the impulse to talk to Stella about her dissertation. “Stella, I am trying to understand …”
“Shhh,” as she gave me the index figure to the lips sign. Her look screamed SHUT UP!
When we got to the White House check point, our bags were returned to us. They gave Jerry’s sidearm to Agent Thompson and he told us he’d return it when we got to the Hotel. Just before we exited the limo, Thompson handed Jerry his gun.
After we checked in, a bellman, followed by three security men, accompanied us to our room. We were informed that they would remain on duty outside each of our rooms. Fortunately they gave us adjoining rooms with a door between each.
On the way up the elevator, I commented. “You were a little quiet in there Jerry.”
“I was,” he answered. “I think I may have been a little star struck. He is my Commander-In Chief you know.”
We all entered the middle room which was Stella’s and Jerry closed the drape. Stella again gave me the quiet sign while she pulled the bug finder out of her suitcase. She found one bug under the dinette table, one under the bed, one in the bathroom and one outside on the small balcony. She even found a tiny video camera inside the television cabinet. It had one power wire that led out to an adaptor plugged into the wall. She pulled a fingernail clipper out of her purse and cut the wire.
Stella put all the bugs except one in a glass of water to neutralize them. Then she announced into the last one, “Why don’t we all take a nap. We can talk later when we are more rested.” She dropped the last bug into the water.
“We can talk now but let’s whisper. If they think we are sleeping, they won’t be alarmed by the silence. Before we talk about our meeti
ng with the President, let me call Rolf and see if he knows anything more” Stella said.
“Won’t they be able to listen in on your phone?” I asked Stella.
“Thank God we have Rolf. Before I left, he put a new scrambling device on my phone. I open the back, install a different sim card and if anyone intercepts the signal, it will sound like gibberish. Of course I can only call his adapted phone when my phone is in this mode.” Stella plugged in an ear piece and handed it to Jerry and me.
“If we are going to share this thing Bill, I want you to keep your hands to your self. Being cheek to cheek is bad enough.” Jerry joked.
Stella smiled and dialed Rolf’s number.
“Hi sis,” Rolf answered. “I’ve got news. No one can hear you can they?”
“I believe we’re all secure on this end Rolf, what do you have?” questioned Stella.
“I got snippets of information from Cushing when he was in the room with his bugged brief case. I’m reading a little between the lines, but it sounds like someone way above him is in on the conspiracy. My guess is, it’s the President. I believe they are planning to fly you somewhere off shore if you get on their plane tomorrow.”
“Hello, Beijing,” I whispered.
“You need to get away from your security detail and I am working on that now. It won’t be easy. I have two people in D.C. who are exploring ways to help you escape. Call me in an hour. I’ll try to have a plan in place by then. How did your meeting with the President go?”
“I know you have work to do so I’ll be brief.” Stella said. “He offered Bill’s and my brain to the Chinese for two trillion dollars!”
“C’mon Stella, what really happened?”
“I am serious Rolf. We give the Chinese the technology and they forgive two trillion dollars in U.S debt.”
“That’s amazing Stella; I guess no one can ever call you cheap!” Rolf said and hung up.
-33-
“How do we get through this when the most powerful people on earth want to take us down?” I moaned. I looked at Jerry who was inspecting his gun and ejecting bullets from the magazine and putting them back in.