A SOUL IN TORMENT
Chapter 2: A Serious Security Risk
Callie stepped back into her office and put her purse and coat away. The clock on the wall said it was well after two in the afternoon. She sighed and wished she could just go home. She was completely wrung out emotionally by what had happen but she had too many responsibilities.
Before she could marshal her thoughts, an irritable voice reached her before the portly body of its owner appeared through their connecting door.
"Callae! Where have you been? I return from my enjoyable galf game with the developers from Trenchen, Beecher, and Lamaran Corp to find you gone and no one knew where you'd gone," he said fuming.
She eyed him with irritation. "Let's go back into your office, Mayor. What I have to tell you is strictly confidential and must be kept within these offices," she said firmly, nearly pushing him back into his office.
He blinked in surprise but turned and walked back to his desk, watching as Callie closed both his doors and locked them. He frowned at her but held his tongue because he could see she was distressed by something. He almost didn't want to know since he was certain it would be something he wouldn't like and might cause him trouble.
"The SWAT Kats came to see me around lunchtime. Razor realized one of our important leaders was in trouble. It turned out he was right and we barely succeeded in saving this individual's life. I've just come from the hospital where this person is being held for his safety," she began. Unable to look at Manx and still too upset to sit down, Callie went to the coffee service and made herself a strong cup. She took a hit and it help to ease her.
She carried her cup over to the Mayor's desk. He was frowning questioningly at her.
"I'm still shaking from the sight of this person perching on the ledge outside his apartment window and moments later, falling without making a sound for the street below. If it weren't for the SWAT Kats catching him, I'd be telling you to prepare for a shocking news release. As it is we need to keep this information to ourselves."
"Why? Just how important is this person and why the devil did he try to kill himself?" Manx said in shocked dismay. He had been right...he definitely didn't like this news...what he didn't know was it was about to get worse.
"It's Commander Feral. Though they had seen the warning signs, because of who it was they couldn't believe what they were seeing. It was Razor who put together the pieces after the incident with Dark Kat yesterday and realized what they were seeing was true. So the two raced to see me so we could prevent Feral from trying again. I had tried to talk Feral down from the ledge but he wasn't hearing anything at that point before he simply leaned forward and fell. It was a traumatic thing to see. What he had apparently been trying to do for months was have the omegas take his life but after being rescued every time, he apparently decided to do the job himself and he might have succeeded if the SWAT Kats hadn't rescued him yet again."
Manx sat with his mouth hanging open in total shock for several seconds before jumping from his seat to walk around his desk and begin pacing in agitation.
"How could this happen? I would have staked my reputation on Feral being the most stable rock around. There must be some mistake because something like this should have been caught long before he was made Chief Enforcer," Manx said in distress.
"I have no way of knowing, Mayor. I suspect he was just a very good actor since he managed to hide his pain with no one being aware of it. Whatever happened to him must have occurred in his past somewhere. He's going to be seen by a psychiatrist who will hopefully be able to find out what that something was, meanwhile Feral's been sedated, sent to the psych ward and is under suicide watch. I've instituted a complete news blackout and insured security is increased around him," Callie said tirededly.
"Good...good.....mustn't let the press know about this.....could cause a huge scandal....but what are we going to do now about a Chief Enforcer?" He said in a panicky voice.
"First, we'll stay calm....." Callie said firmly as she went to the Mayor and put her paws on his shoulders to steer him to his seat once more. "Sit!" She ordered then went to get him some tea...setting it before him moments later.
"Now, there's nothing we can do but what I have done so far until we hear from the doctor on Feral's prognosis. When we get that, only then can we decide what further action to take. Meanwhile, Lt. Commander Steele will be in charge. I have to go see him about this but I don't intend to tell him about what happened. I don't trust this tom that well so he'll only be told that Feral's very ill. However, Feral's niece, Lt. Feral does need to know the truth. It's possible she or her family will know what might have happened to him in the past. That information will be important to helping the Commander get well."
Manx drank his tea as he listened to his Deputy. He nodded when she had finished speaking and said, "You're right, Callae. I'm glad you've got a handle on this. Keep this information secured and stay on top of the matter and, above all, keep me informed. He sighed in resignation, "What a nightmare. I just hope no more omegas show right now!"
"So do I Mayor Manx. It's getting late and I need to catch the lieutenant so I'll call it a day and see you tomorrow," she said, giving up any idea of clearing the work on her desk right now. Fortunately, there was nothing urgently needing her attention right now.
"Fine. Go ahead. I'll leave as well and see you in the morning, Callae," the Mayor sighed as he finished his tea. Callie just nodded and went to the door that connected their offices, unlocked it and stepped through to her own office, closing the door behind her.
She checked the paperwork on her desk, sorted it quickly, locked up sensitive documents and left the rest in her basket for tomorrow. She pulled out her purse again, put on her jacket and left.
Minutes later, she was driving to Enforcer Headquarters. She arrived an hour before shift change, parking in Feral's normal spot. Walking up the wide stairs she reached the huge doors and pushed her way into the noisy, busy lobby heading for the bank of elevators. Those that monitored the area, recognized her and allowed her passage without challenge. She sighed as she stepped into an empty car and pressed the button for the top floor. The express elevator whisked her upward rapidly then reopened seconds later. She stepped out and made for the Commander's office.
She halted before the secretary's desk. The young she-kat looked up from her computer and eyed her in surprise.
"Good afternoon, Ms. Briggs. What can I do for you?" She asked politely.
"I need to speak privately with Lt. Commander Steele. Could you please summon him to meet me here in Commander Feral's office, please," Callie ordered quietly. "Also, would you send an alert to Lt. Feral that I need to see her as well. When she arrives, have her wait out here until I'm done with Commander Steele."
The secretary blinked in confused surprise but did as ordered. Hanging up the phone a few minutes later, she said, "he will be here in just a minute, ma'am and Lt. Feral is still out on patrol but is due back in by four o'clock. The flight officer said he would order her to return now."
"Thank you," Callie said then stepped toward Feral's office and pushed the door open, entering the huge space. She walked up to the huge bank of windows and stared outside pensively.
She was joined a few minutes later by the slim blond tom that rubbed her the wrong way. The Lieutenant Commander was an arrogant coward that she just couldn't abide but politics kept him from being replaced. Sighing mentally, she turned to give him her full attention.
His expression showed he was both irritated and suspicious about why he had been summoned. Frowning at him, she gave him the prepared lie she had come up with on her way here.
"I'm here to inform you that you have command until Commander Feral returns. He has taken seriously ill and is in the hospital. He is under strict security and news blackout. Only you and his niece will know where he is...and why....no one else. Understood?" She said flatly.
His face flashed a look of surprise then pleasure before being replaced swiftly with a look of proper concern.
"Thank you for informing, Ms. Briggs. Do you have any idea how long the Commander will be..uh..confined?" His smarmy voice asked.
She knew damn well the tom didn't give a rat's ass about the Commander's welfare. He was just putting on a concerned act for her. She wished he wouldn't even try....he was bad at it.
"I have no idea yet but will know by tomorrow. Now I have other business, have a good evening," she said politely making her escape from his presence.
Stepping out of the office she glanced over at the secretary when she didn't see Lt. Feral anywhere.
"The lieutenant sent a message asking if you would please meet her in the pilot's waiting area?" The secretary quickly told her.
"No problem, thanks."
Callie made for the elevator again and took it one floor down. The doors snapped open to a rather utilitarian area. It was small with only a couch, coffee table, a single lamp on an end table and a coffee prep area. A keypad secured door was across the room that lead into the flight prep area for the pilots.
She remained standing and waiting for some fifteen minutes when the secured door swung open abruptly and spilled out a few officers. The first ones eyed her in surprise before passing by her for the elevator before the last one entering stopped by her side.
"Ms. Briggs," Felina said, nodding gravely at her. She knew a personal meeting like this could only mean bad news. She already knew her uncle had not come into work today and had intended on checking on him when she got off duty but was unprepared to have the Deputy Mayor ask to see her.
"Lieutenant, we need to talk....privately," Callie said quietly.
Felina stared into the grim she-kat's eyes for a moment then nodded. The turned back to the elevator and entered when it arrived. They rode down to the next floor below the flight line in silence. When the elevator stopped, Felina led the way down a hallway of a broad concord that lead across the suspended bridge to the second building that stood as tall as the main headquarters.
When they reached the other building, Felina went to another elevator and took it down four floors which decanted them on a quiet hallway full of doors....the private quarters of the unattached officers that chose to live at headquarters.
She stopped at a door and unlocked it, gesturing for her guest to enter ahead of her then closing and locking the door behind her. The mini apartment was rather spartan. The living area held a small couch, chair, end table, coffee table and entertainment center and beyond that near the window was a simple kitchenette area with mini fridge, cooktop and a couple of cupboards. Callie could see into a small bedroom off the living room....simple but comfortable. The lieutenant had tried to make it a bit more homy with a couple of plants near the rooms only window and some tasteful paintings on the wall.
"Please have a seat. Would you like something to drink, Ms. Briggs?" Felina asked heading for her fridge.
"No...thanks...but certainly get something for yourself," Callie said with a small smile as she headed to the couch and took a seat.
Felina nodded, fetched a cold bottle of water and returned to sit on the other end of the couch, turning to look expectantly at the Deputy Mayor, waiting for her to make the first move.
"What I'm about to tell you is terrible news and there is no way to make it any easier," Callie said heavily then told Felina everything that had happened earlier in the day.
When she'd stopped speaking, Felina could only stare at her in anguished sorrow. "Oh, poor Uncle Ulysses," she moaned, setting her drink on the table and putting her face in her paws.
"I'm sorry to bring you such terrible news, lieutenant," Callie said unhappily.
Felina shook her head but didn't look up. "I knew there was something wrong.....I could feel it but he's so stubborn and refuses to tell anyone what's going on with him even his own brother," she said heavily then looked up and gave Callie an anguished stare. "What happens now?"
"I don't know. I've done what I could to protect his privacy and until he sees the psychiatrist, there's nothing either of us can do at the moment," Callie sighed.
Felina suddenly straightened as a sudden realization struck her. "Oh no! I just realized he can't be left at the hospital. My uncle has a top secret clearance and his head is full of very sensitive information no one is allowed to be privy to but those cleared for it and that does not include a civilian physician. This could seriously impact the security of the enforcers and the city. I must contact the EISOC and tell them my uncle has become a temporary security risk. They'll want to transfer him to a military facility for his care," she said tightly getting up from the couch. "Come on, Ms. Briggs, we have to go see them right now!"
Callie blinked in surprise. How had she forgotten the security risks? After all, she had remembered to put him under security protection but forgot completely that his head was full of really important information. She felt like kicking herself as she quickly got to her feet and followed the lieutenant out of her apartment.
They retraced their steps to the main headquarters, took the elevator to the eighth floor then Felina led her through a myriad of offices until she was quite lost. They finally reached the offices of the EISOC (Enforcer Internal Security Operations Command). They had to gain access by way of a young officer whose desk blocked access to a keypad entry point behind him. Two guards also flanked the door.
"Yes, can I help you?" The officer asked politely.
"I'm Lieutenant Felina Feral," Felina said showing her badge. "This is Deputy Mayor Calico Briggs."
"May I see some ID, Ms. Briggs," the officer asked.
Callie quickly fished her special security ID given her when she took office. The officer took both Ids then asked, "may I ask why you need to enter our offices?"
"We urgently need to see Colonel Tigarrd on a matter of national security. I'm afraid, I'm not at liberty to reveal anymore than that except to say time is really against us at the moment," Felina said urgently.
The officer eyed them a moment longer then rose from his seat. "Please wait here a moment." He left, carrying their Ids and went to the door, tapped in a set of numbers then went in when the door popped open. He was gone for more than ten minutes but finally reappeared with two more guards.
"These two officers will escort you to the Colonel," he said politely, handing their Ids over.
Felina nodded her thanks then went through the door followed closely by Callie and the two guards. One guard took the lead while the other remained at their backs as they went through what was a normal looking hallway full of offices, fully manned, and busy despite the time of day. They walked for several minutes until they came to a heavy door and the lead guard knocked softly on it.
A deep voice beckoned them in. The guard opened the door and gestured for them to go on in. The two females did so, the guards remaining outside the door which was closed behind them.
In the medium sized office was a huge desk, a set of three filing cabinets, two bookcases, and a computer sitting on one end of the desk. Sitting behind the desk was a huge tiger cross who was going through a large stack of files. He noted their entry and set aside what he was doing, getting to his feet to greet Ms. Briggs.
"Good evening, Ms. Briggs. To what do I owe this rather unusual visit?" He asked urbanely, shaking her paw then gesturing for her to take a seat on one of a pair of chairs before his desk.
Felina opted to remain standing, taking a parade rest stance, waiting for the Colonel to recognize her.
"I'm afraid it was Lt. Feral who reminded me the situation I was involved in earlier today could have serious security consequences. She fortunately realized it and brought me to see you. Here's what happened......." she began explaining again what she'd told Felina.
When she finished, Colonel Tigarrd stared at her from under hooded brows, no expression on his face. He frowned finally then leaned back in his seat and stared at the far wall for a long moment then leaned forward and grabbed his phone. For the next few minutes he gave out brisk orders to whoever was on the other end of the phone line. Finally, after making several more calls, the Colonel returned his attention to the pair waiting patiently before him.
"Thank you for notifying me of this serious matter. As we speak, Commander Feral is being prepared to be moved to a secured military facility at the Eagle's Nest Citadel north of the city. He will receive the care he needs there and his secrets will be safe," he reassured them.
"That's a relief. Thank you, Colonel Tigarrd. I'll inform the Mayor that the Commander has been moved for security reasons but not tell him where he's been taken unless he insists," Callie said preparing to leave.
"Will he insist, Ms. Briggs?" Tigarrd asked with some concern.
"No! He has left me in charge of dealing with this mess."
"I'm glad for that then. I do not trust him to keep a secret, no offense, Ms. Briggs."
"None taken......and you would be absolutely right about him."
"Sir, would I be able to see my uncle once he's safely at the citadel?" Felina dared to ask, speaking for the first time since they entered the room.
The Colonel gave her a sympathetic look. "I'll insure you are given clearance to do so, Lieutenant. You do understand that only you will be allowed to see him.....no one else of your family?" he asked gravely.
"Yes sir, I do."
"Good, then I'll contact you as soon as I hear he's able to have visitors. I will also insure you receive an update as soon as I receive it on the Commander's prognosis, Ms. Briggs," he assured them both.
"Thank you, sir!" Felina said, relieved.
"Yes, thank you for handling this so efficiently. I feel much better knowing he will soon be safe and secure. Now all we can hope is they can get him well again," Callie said ready to leave and go home.
"That is my hope too ma'am. Have a better evening," he said quietly, escorting them to the door.
Callie nodded while Felina saluted which was returned. The guards escorted them back out of the area then Felina took Callie back to the main elevator where she could leave for home.
"Thanks for telling me, Ms. Briggs. I hope Uncle Ulysses will get better soon."
"He should, Lieutenant, there are a lot of people trying to help him," Callie said, patting the young officer's shoulder in sympathy before getting on the elevator.
When the Deputy Mayor vanished from view, Felina allowed her shoulders to slump. She was worried and knew she needed to speak to her parents. She was off duty until the day after tomorrow. She would drive out to see them tonight.