Chapter 3

Jed proceeded through a security checkpoint at The Pentagon noticing that D-chips had been aesthetically modified to blend in better with the walls of the building.

An assistant ushered Jed into the Secretary of Defense's office.

"Dr. Price, please sit."

"Secretary McNally; I don't think we've spoken since the president decided to keep you on," Jed said as he sat across from the Secretary. "Congratulations are in order, I suppose."

"Thank you. Based on what I've been hearing, I assume you're not too thrilled about that."

"You know that I have the utmost respect for you and your credentials even before joining the cabinet. I've enjoyed working with you."

"But you don't agree with the course of action I've taken with the Tomorrow People."

"No, I do not," Jed admitted.

"You would prefer having one person in New York dictate the policies and actions of the Tomorrow People."

"Not exactly," Jed countered after a pause. "I just think the system works better under one qualified leadership. The Avengers in the United States are beginning to get confused about whether they should be reporting to me or to the FBI. That impacts their ability to work."

"I understand," Secretary McNally responded. "I, however, have to look at the bigger picture. It's important to President Heston and to his predecessor that multiple agencies are able to work together for the benefit of Tomorrow People. That's why I reached out to the FBI and CIA. Do you understand?"

"Yes," Jed responded after a beat.

"The CIA and I have an agreement that my generals have the final say in The Middle East. If the CIA wants a Tomorrow Person on a special assignment, that request goes through me. The FBI is a different story. Legally, they can argue that they have the final say over domestic matters and The Avengers Network does operate across state lines. Dr. Price, I have a lot of respect for you and your credentials and once things settle down with this new administration, the two of us will work closer on TP affairs outside this country. I've enjoyed working with you, too."

"I appreciate that," Jed replied.

"I'm not a threat to your agenda. The FBI will give you some trouble. President Heston is announcing his nominee for FBI director tomorrow, and I expect him to pursue a very hard line with TP affairs."

Jed looked at Secretary McNally expectantly, but McNally only returned the look.

"Are you going to make me ask?" Jed asked.

"Yes, and you're going to have to promise to keep it to yourself. You can't even think about it once you leave this office, no matter how skilled you are at shielding your thoughts."

"Fine," Jed relented. "Who is the president nominating? I promise I won't discuss or think about any of this until after the announcement."

"Adam Garcia."

"Nebraska?" asked Jed with a hint of irritation.

"That's him. He used to be a lawyer for the FBI."

"I know," said Jed.

"He's going to get confirmed easily. That's why the acting director has been taking charge. She's implementing his plans so they'll be in place when he is confirmed."

"He was being very difficult when Roger and I were setting up an Avengers station in Nebraska, despite the support I had."

"That doesn't surprise me."

"Do you know where Garcia is in the meantime?"

"He's staying at the Watergate Hotel this week for the announcement."

"Thanks. Now, about the research into powers . . ."

"President Heston wants the FBI to take charge of that."

"What?" Jed asked.

"I have a lot on my plate right now so Garcia will have full authority over the research."

"Fantastic," Jed sarcastically commented. "I really wish Sweeney didn't resign."

"I tried to convince her to stay, but she was tired of the politics."

"Not you?" Jed asked.

"I don't have the luxury of being tired enough to leave."