Chapter 2
Jed and Roger hesitantly welcomed four people into their building.
"We both knew that things could change with Heston getting elected," Roger quietly said.
"I know," Jed responded.
"Dr. Price, Dr. Jameson, I'm Janelle Lopakus and this is Douglas Hankey. We're with the FBI."
"Nice to meet you," Roger responded.
"I'm Gary Cheng and this is Maggie Kello; we're your CIA liaisons."
"Welcome," said Jed. "I believe you two wanted to be briefed first?"
"Yes," Maggie answered. "Gary and I have a flight soon heading to the Middle East. We'll meet up with the super soldiers there."
"I don't suppose you've been in contact with John Young, have you?" Gary asked.
Jed rolled his eyes. "No, not since the last time I was asked."
"Too bad," Gary said. "We would have appreciated a shorter trip."
Jed and Roger briefed the liaisons on the TPs abroad and in the Avengers Network and the daily routines of both groups.
The CIA liaisons then left, leaving the FBI liaisons.
"I'm concerned about Jonathan Mudd in Idaho. One prior for drug possession, another for shoplifting."
"He's served his time," Jed countered.
"Now he's getting his second chance," Roger added. "He's making the most of it. Isn't that the point of the justice system?"
"We expect higher standards for people working for us," said Douglas.
"He doesn't work for you; he works for us," Jed argued.
"As long as the Avengers Network operates under the auspices of the federal government, the Avengers are its representatives in the field."
"That's an interesting way to describe the government's involvement," Roger commented.
"Are you representing the federal government now?" Jed asked.
"We are concerned - "
"Never mind," Jed interrupted. "Has the FBI been given authority over staffing?"
"Drug charges - "
"Has the FBI been given authority over staffing?" Jed repeated.
"No," Douglas relented. "However, we are concerned - "
"Rich Myles is keeping an eye on Jonathan and making sure that everything runs smoothly in Idaho. I have complete confidence in both Rich and Jonathan. They've proven themselves well so until you have human resources authority, let's move on. I'm not going to fix what isn't broken, particularly in a state with a limited TP population. Do you have any other concerns not related to staffing?"
"There have been no reports indicating that the general public has become knowledgeable about TPs. We're grateful for that. What measures has the Network taken to ensure this continues?"
"The Avengers continue to receive training and guidance," Roger answered. "We stress the importance of secrecy every time we meet for these reasons. When we or the Avengers follow up with TPs in the general population, they are also reminded every time of our protocols."
"Good," Janelle said. "We'd like second bases set up in California, Texas, and Florida to account for their larger populations. We'd also like you to consider Ohio, Pennsylvania, and upstate New York."
"We'll think about it. Is that all?"
"That's all we have."
Jed called on the intercom for Dave, who entered.
"Show Janelle and Douglas their offices, please."
"Sure," Dave answered as he ushered the liaisons away.
Jed looked at Roger and shook his head.
"You'd think that training Meredith Heston would instill a little more trust in us," Jed commented.
"More like it's given them more reason to make sure everything is running tightly," Roger responded.
"At least your aren't getting any more comments and questions about your young appearance."
"No complaints here about that."
