Tidbit # 13: Robert Hanssen
Robert Hanssen was an FBI agent who spied for Soviet and Russian intelligence agencies from 1979 to 2001. He sold the names of every KGB agent who contacted the FBI, outing potential defectors and double agents in exchange for 1.4 million dollars in cash and diamonds. His betrayal is considered one of the worst intelligence disasters in U.S. history.
Roberta’s role is intended to illustrate the damage inflicted when an FBI agent chooses self-interest over their duty to the nation. This character morphed into a female due to the author’s belief that women can be as treacherous as men. All other sentiments expressed or actions taken by this character are purely fictional.
Tidbit # 14: Vice President Aaron Burr
In addition to killing political rival Alexander Hamilton in an illegal duel, Vice President Aaron Burr allegedly penned a treasonous “Cipher Letter.” It detailed a plot to make war with Mexico, seize territory in Louisiana, and form an independent nation. Under President Thomas Jefferson, the Army seized most of Burr’s boats and supplies. He was eventually found not guilty of treason, and he never stood trial for the murder of Hamilton.
This character was intended to depict the devastating consequences of a high-ranking politician who elevates personal power above duty to country. All other sentiments expressed and actions taken by this character are purely fictional.
Miscellaneous Tidbits
Excerpts from the Preamble to the Constitution are referenced in the “Faith and Fresh Start” speech.
Quotes:
“Give me liberty or give me death.”—Patrick Henry
“Surrender, HELL! I have not yet begun to fight!”—John Paul Jones
“Live free or die! Death is not the worst of evils!”—General John Stark
The Declaration of Independence is referenced in Nancy’s paraphrased speech. “When a people is subjected to a long train of abuses aiming at absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to change the government ... We pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.”
The anti-American song My Motherland is real and was actually played at the White House in 2011 by Chinese pianist Lang Lang.
The weather—thunder, hail, and rain—when Abby crossed the Potomac was designed to mimic the conditions when George Washington crossed the Delaware River—minus the ice since it was May.
Grace Murray is loosely based on Rear Admiral “Amazing Grace” Murray Hopper, who invented the first compiler for a computer programming language and popularized the term “debugging.” All other sentiments expressed and actions taken by this character—including the unauthorized digital penetrations—are purely fictional. I included her in this novel to recognize her extraordinary service.
Table of Contents
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Tidbit # 1: Sybil Ludington & Israel Bissel
Chapter 3
Tidbit # 2: The Boston Massacre
Chapter 4
Tidbit # 3: Nancy Hart
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Tidbit # 4: Francis Marion
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Tidbit # 6: Aldrich Ames
Tidbit # 7: Martha Bratton
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Tidbit # 8: Peter Francisco
Chapter 13
Tidbit # 9: Read Between the Lines
Tidbit # 10: Abraham Woodhull
Chapter 14
Epilogue
Tidbit # 11: Mary McCauley
Tidbit # 12: Benedict Arnold
Tidbit # 13: Robert Hanssen
Tidbit # 14: Vice President Aaron Burr
Miscellaneous Tidbits
EMPowered- America Re-Energized Page 39