Special Talents

by J. B. Tilton

  "But because of the nature of your jobs, you'll be receiving regular, monthly checks just as if you were a regular employee of the government instead of being paid per piece like normal contract workers. For some of you that could mean you can quit whatever job you have now. You're still free to work if you wish or pursue whatever personal endeavors you want.

  "But I want it clearly understood that Secretary Napolitano will expect each and every one of you to fulfill your commitment to the department. That means that sometimes your personal lives will have to be put on hold. What we're talking about here are matters of national security and even possibly the lives of untold numbers of people. That will have to take precedence over whatever you might have going on in your personal lives at the moment."

  "Okay, so who is our boss going to be?" Wil asked. "Everyone has a boss. Who's going to be deciding what we investigate?"

  "Each assignment will be decided by the President of the United States, along with his advisors," said Scarborough. "The orders will come from him through the Secretary of Homeland Security, to me. I'll be your direct supervisor. You'll be reporting to me."

  "What about Dr. Sloan?" asked Frank. "Where does he fit in?"

  "Dr. Sloan will be a sort of team leader," said Scarborough. "He'll be in charge when I'm not around. But officially I'll be in charge of the team."

  "And you'll have our backs, is that it?" questioned Simon. "Running interference for us? Until it gets too hot for you and then you sell us out the first chance you get."

  "Let me make something perfectly clear from the get go," said Sloan. "I have two simple rules. Don't ever lie to me. And don't ever screw me over. You follow those two rules and I'll bend over backwards defending you and do what I can to keep the brass off your backs.

  "But if you cross me I'll break you myself. Some of you don't realize how serious this situation is. People are dying out there every day because of zealots who believe their way is the only way and anyone who doesn't agree with them should be eradicated from the face of the Earth. Most of those people are innocence. People who did nothing but be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

  "My job is to stop those zealots. Make sure they can never again hurt anyone who doesn't agree with their philosophies. That's what I'm asking you people to do here today. Help me stop some of these people that our normal measures aren't capable of dealing with. It's going to be an inconvenience at times, that's true. But you'll be help saving lives. Innocent lives. You have the right to say no and walk away. And there won't be any hard feelings if you do. Not everyone is cut out for this kind of life."

  "What if we want to quit later?" asked Kamalene. "What if we decide we don't want to do it anymore and want to go back to our old lives?"

  "You're free to walk away at any time," said Scarborough. "Like I said, we don't draft anyone for this type of job. You'll be free to walk away whenever you want without any restrictions. Other than you won't be able to tell anyone about what you're doing or what you've done. It will remain a classified secret."

  "Any more questions?" Jeremy asked.

  Everyone looked around at each other. No one spoke up. After a moment it was evident that no one had any further questions. At least not right now. Jeremy was sure there would be more later.

  "Okay. Richard, I suggest we give them some time to think about it. This is a major decision for them. It shouldn't be made in haste."

  "Can we talk about it?" Conrad asked. "I mean, between ourselves?"

  "Sure," said Scarborough. "Take whatever time you need. But Secretary Napolitano is expecting an answer soon so don't take any longer than you have to. I'll give you the rest of the day to consider it. I'll come back tomorrow at this same time and you can give me your answer or let me know if you need more time."

  "Well, that certainly sounds fair," said Jeremy looking at the group. Everyone was nodding their heads in agreement.

  "Okay then," said Scarborough. "I guess I'll see you all tomorrow."

  He turned and headed for the door and Simon got up and walked over to him. Simon talked to him in a hushed tone so no one else could hear them.

  "What about our deal?" Simon asked. "About me walking away after one assignment?"

  "It still stands," Scarborough whispered back. "You do one assignment, give me your best on it, and you walk away no questions asked."

  "Okay," said Simon. "Count me in. For one assignment."

  Scarborough just smiled at Simon. This was one man he knew he wouldn't be able to count on. Oh, he might do okay for a single mission. Because Scarborough had something to hold over his head. But he couldn't be counted on for the long haul. It wasn't in his nature. Jeremy escorted Scarborough out to his car.

  "What do you think, Mr. Psychiatrist?" Scarborough asked. "You think they'll go for it?"

  "That's hard to say. You've given them a lot to think about. Throwing in the part about saving innocent lives was a good touch. It will make them feel guilty about refusing. I'm pretty sure Janet will go for it. And Kamalene is all ready on board. The others? There's no way to tell."

  "Well I can tell you that Rowe has all ready said he's out after the first mission. And I told him I'd hold up my end of the bargain as long as he does the same. To be honest, I think we might be better off without him after the first mission. I don't think he can be trusted in a pinch."

  "You might be right. Well, all we can do is give them time to think it over. I'm going to leave them alone. They might feel pressured if I'm there."

  "I'll be here and I'll be on time this time. I have to make my report to Secretary Napolitano at 3:00 this afternoon. I'd like you there as well. She may have some questions you can answer."

  "Okay, Richard. If you think it's necessary I'll be there. And I think we'll have our answers in the morning. I'll see you at 3:00."

  The two men shook hands and Richard got into his car as Jeremy went back into the house to let the others know what's going on.

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  Jeremy met Scarborough at the Secretary's office at 3:00 that afternoon. They didn't have to wait long until the secretary in the outer office told them they could go inside. Just as they were about to enter the office, Scarborough stopped Jeremy.

  "Okay," he said, "once we're in there let me do most of the talking. Answer her questions but don't volunteer any information to her."

  "Richard, I have been through this a time or two," said Jeremy. "I know how to handle myself."

  "I know. But just take your cue from me. I can't explain right now. I'll explain everything later. Just go along with what I say, okay?"

  "Okay," said Jeremy confused. "I don't know why you're being so mysterious."

  "Jeremy, when it comes to the team, I'm looking to you for a lot of answers. I'm kind of out of my element and you're much better qualified to handle them than I am. But this is my arena. This is what I'm good at. You may have to do something that is a little unpalatable but trust me, it's necessary."

  "What might I have to do?"

  "I'll explain everything later."

  Without another word Scarborough opened the door to the office and walked in. Confused, Jeremy followed. They both took seats and noticed that General Porter was all ready sitting in the office.

  "Assistant Director Scarborough, you said you had some news," said Napolitano.

  "Yes, Madam Director." He handed her a sheet of paper. "We've found 7 individuals counting Dr. Sloan and Ms. Alania. I think we have a fairly rounded team. And I think they're going to be very useful in our endeavors to fight terrorism."

  "And they've agreed to join us?" Napolitano questioned.

  "They're deciding that right now. I briefed them fully this morning. Dr. Sloan felt they should have some time to think it over before making a decision. I agreed with him."

  "Dr. Sloan?"

  "Madam Secretary, these people aren't soldiers. They aren't even regular agents. Aside from Kamalene – Ms. Alania – none of them have anything to do with any law enfo
rcement agency. They're ordinary, everyday citizens who have been asked to take on quite possibly one of the heaviest burdens today. And they know how dangerous it could be. I felt it necessary that they take whatever time they needed to make an intelligent, informed decision."

  "They're supposed to have their answers in the morning," Scarborough interjected.

  "Well," said Napolitano, looking over at Porter, "I must say I'm impressed. I never expected these results so quickly. I thought it might be months before you found suitable candidates for the team."

  "Well, Madam Secretary, you did hire me to find them. And Assistant Director Scarborough was very convincing during the briefing. I can't really speak for any of them but I think most, if not all, will agree to join. Like many Americans, they want to do something because of what happened on 9-11. This will give them the opportunity to do something quite significant."

  "Very good," said Napolitano. "The ones who accept will start their training on Monday. We've set up what you might call a 'crash course' in protocols and procedures used here at Homeland Security, applicable laws, and a few other things we believe they'll need to carry out their missions. It will be very intensive but they should be able to handle it."

  "I'm sure they will," said Scarborough.

  "In the mean time, Assistant Director, I want you to prepare a detailed report on the individuals and their abilities. We need to know what they can do, what their weaknesses and vulnerabilities are, what their limitations are, that sort of thing."

  "I'm not sure that's a good idea, Madam Secretary," said Jeremy.

  "What Dr. Sloan means," interjected Scarborough, "is that we don't know yet exactly what the extent of their abilities are. He assures me that it could be weeks or even months before we're familiar with the aspects you've asked for."

  "Is that true, doctor?" Napolitano asked.

  "Well," began Jeremy glancing unsteadily at Scarborough, "as I'm sure you're aware, each child will grow at their own rate. Many of these people are still children with regard to their abilities. As such they're still learning about them and how they work. Most of them haven't even realized the potential of their abilities. They really have no idea what they're capable of doing with them."

  "I see," said Napolitano.

  Jeremy recognized her tone. It meant she was suspicious. And he couldn't blame her. Richard had put him in a position to either back him up, or show that he was lying. Jeremy wasn't sure why Richard would put him in that kind of situation but he knew he must have a reason.

  "General Porter, would you excuse us, please?"

  "Certainly, Madam Secretary," replied Porter, a note of confusion in his voice.

  General Porter left the office and Napolitano sat looking at Richard and Jeremy for a moment.

  "Gentleman, do you know what I did before I became Secretary of Homeland Security?"

  "If I remember correctly," said Jeremy, "you were the Governor of Arizona."

  "That's correct. In fact, I was the third woman to hold that office then the first one to win re-election for it. Before that I served as Attorney General of Arizona from 1999 to 2002. I was the first woman to serve in that office. I was also appointed as United States Attorney for the District of Arizona by President Clinton. As you can see, I'm a very experienced politician.

  "I grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico for part of my life. During my time there, and the time I've spent living in Arizona since moving there, I've learned a few things. Things that many politicians don't know. One of those things, gentlemen, is something that's not very pleasant."

  "What would that be, Madam Secretary?" Scarborough asked.

  "Well, if you'll pardon my French," said Napolitano, "it's the smell of horse shit."

  "I beg your pardon?" questioned Jeremy.

  "' Most of them haven't even realized the potential of their abilities?' Please, doctor, that sounds like something straight out of a textbook. I've been in politics a long time. I've heard my share of double talk. I've even done a fair share of it. And what you've just told me is nothing but double talk. Answering my question without actually giving me an answer.

  "Now, I'm going to assume that you may have misspoken. Both of you. Because otherwise it would mean that you've deliberately lied to me. Which means I wouldn't be able to trust you. So I'm sure you wouldn't deliberately lie to me, would you Assistant Director Scarborough?"

  "No ma'am," said Scarborough. "I'm sorry for the confusion. It wasn't intentional, I can assure you."

  "Of course it was," said Napolitano. "What I would like to know is why?"

  "Madam Secretary," began Jeremy.

  "Madam Secretary, this is all my responsibility," interrupted Scarborough. "Dr. Sloan was merely following a request I made of him. He wasn't even aware of what was going on. I apologize for the deception. I felt it was best under the circumstances."

  "You felt it was necessary to lie to me?"

  "If I may, Richard. Madam Secretary, we didn't lie to you. What I said was the truth. Most of the people don't realize the potential of their abilities. One has the ability to move through solid matter. And he was using it to commit petty burglaries to support himself. Another one has the ability to draw information directly from a person's mind. Until a few days ago he didn't even know he had an ability. These people have been given some rather extraordinary abilities and have been using them to perform parlor tricks.

  "I'm not sure why Richard felt it necessary to mislead you. I'm sure he has his reasons. But I can assure you even though most of the people have very good control over their abilities, they're only now beginning to understand the extent of those abilities. And it may take quite some time before they've fully mastered them."

  "Okay, Richard. Care to tell me why you felt it necessary to withhold vital information from me?"

  "To be honest, Madam Secretary, it wasn't you I was thinking of when I did it."

  "Then who were you thinking of?"

  "Madam Secretary I respect you a great deal. You've done some incredible things in your life and I don't mean because you're a woman. I believe you to be a very ethical person and I think your actions are governed by a strong code of morality. And I don't think you would ever deliberately do anything that might put this team in undue jeopardy."

  "But," said Napolitano.

  "But what you're asking for is for these people to tell you, essentially, their deepest, darkest secrets. To tell you things they might not necessarily tell anyone else. You won't be here forever, Madam Secretary. Eventually someone else is going to sit in that chair. And no one can guarantee what will motivate them. If it's not someone as scrupulous as you are, those people could find themselves in a very untenable situation."

  "You think we'll try to turn these people into super solders or into some kind of killing machines?"

  "I think it's a very distinct possibility, ma'am. Oh, I don't necessarily mean you. But someone else might. Someone who might use the very information you're asking for against these people. If they agree to help us, they'll be doing us a favor. I can't, in good conscience, do anything that might put them in harms' way. It wouldn't be right."

  "I think I understand," said Jeremy. "He was trying to protect our new team. That information could also be used to blackmail the team into doing something they might be ethically or morally opposed to. Imagine, Madam Secretary, if someone learned your deepest secret. Something that you would do anything to prevent it from coming out. We all have secrets. Most of them we wouldn't want the world knowing about. Imagine someone using that secret against you. To get you to do something you wouldn't ordinarily do."

  "I see," said Napolitano. "But have you considered something else, Richard. What if one, or more, of these people should become disillusioned with America and its way of life? What if they decide to join the terrorists? We could be creating a terrible weapon that could essentially be used against us. Without this information, we'd have no way to protect ourselves against them. Just as we have no way to protect
ourselves against the terrorists who have these special talents now."

  "I've thought of that," said Scarborough. "And you're right. They could potentially be a very real threat to the security of this nation. But that doesn't give us the right to demand them to tell us something they don't want to because they might do something. That goes against everything we believe in. Everything this country stands for. People are prosecuted for what they do, not what they might do. If that were the case, the Constitution wouldn't be worth the paper it's written on."

  "Dr. Sloan, you said you didn't think it was a good idea to give us this information. Why did you say that?"