Chapter 28: Reconsidering

After Wednesday, things seemed to quiet down.  Nancy and Murdock managed to find time to complete the work they had started the week before.  Hannibal was pleased with the programs they had developed, and told Nancy that he hoped she would have time to help with the initial evaluations, which they were already beginning to schedule. They had a dozen applicants, with more coming almost daily. 

Hannibal had scheduled the first round of applicants in for physical evaluation, and had Face, BA, and Murdock running three separate groups through the rounds, one on self-defense, one on fire-arms, and one on the obstacle course.  They were rotating through when the General stopped by the compound Thursday afternoon to get an update on project progress.

"Hello, General," Hannibal said, approaching him where he stood on the back deck, surveying the three groups of applicants being put through their paces.

"How is the project coming, Colonel?"

Hannibal turned and watched the scene below.  The Abel agents that had been identified for the internal team had started their training just the beginning of the week, and Hannibal was already having problems.  Right now he had them cooling off by helping with the applicants.  Four huge independent egos in one team was three too many, and the tension was showing already.

"Well," Hannibal started uncertainly, "The recruiting is going well, and the construction is actually ahead of schedule now.  But the internal team training is hitting a bit of a snag."

"Yes," the General said smoothly, "I'm aware of the problems you are having with the agents.  I've spoken with each individually.  None of them are happy with the arrangement.  I don't want to lose good field operatives over this project."

"So," he continued, "It looks like your outside recruitment program was a very timely idea. I've reviewed the interview and evaluation plan - it's very thorough.  I am hereby giving you permission to cease the internal team plan, and focus your energies on the other path.  Hopefully, we'll be able to salvage the schedule."

Hannibal grinned, "Good, I think that is the best path forward.  I would still like to keep the internal team on for a few weeks to help evaluate the training program - I think that their experience could help improve our training success."

Stockwell nodded curtly, "Very well, just make sure they understand their new function. I don't want them jumping ship.  And Colonel," he turned and looked at Hannibal directly, "The external recruitment was an excellent idea, good job."

Hannibal removed his cigar and looked at the General with a rueful smile, "Well, General, if you're going to praise the person responsible for this," he said, indicating the activity in the back field, "You should be talking to Nancy.  This was her idea."

Stockwell didn't react, just turned and looked over the activity quietly.  Hannibal leaned on the rail next to him and looked up, "In fact, Nancy and Murdock developed the interview and evaluation criteria document that you reviewed. Nancy has been instrumental with this external recruitment program."

The General shook his head, a small smile curving his lips, "So, when are you going to say 'I told you so', Smith?" he asked quietly.

Hannibal smiled, "I don't think I need to, General.  Your niece has been rubbing her abilities in your face for the last week, albeit unintentionally.  I know you're not that much of a fool," he decided to change tracks, the General seemed to be in an unusually open frame of mind, "Is the Agency still trying to hang you with LaSalle?"

Stockwell's eyes narrowed, "I had what was hopefully my final meeting with the Agency management today.  They said that their inquiry into my involvement was complete, and that I was free to go.  I would imagine that means that they were unable to turn Nancy against me, despite their attempts."

Stockwell turned and faced Hannibal, leaning casually on the railing, an uncharacteristically self-deprecating smile in place, "Nancy has definitely surprised me on more than one occasion lately," he said candidly, "She has demonstrated technical capabilities that are commensurate with any of my agents, she's shown an amazing ability to garner cooperation at a grass roots level and get things done, and she has an unwavering stick-to-itiveness and integrity that I have to admit I had never really noticed before.  Not to mention that through the last several, and I'm sure rather trying days, she's remained loyal to me, despite my recent treatment of her."

"You know, Colonel," he continued, shaking his head ruefully, "I am rarely wrong, but I'm afraid that my closeness to Nancy has blinded me to her capabilities.  That, and I have to admit that I tend to be fairly old-fashioned in regards to my view of male and female gender roles."

The General straightened and squared his shoulders, his usual demeanor dropping into place like a well-worn coat "Of course, this discussion never occurred.  I expect you to keep me informed as to project progress, Colonel Smith.  Good day." With that, he turned and walked out.

Hannibal watched his retreating back, then turned back to watch the activity in the back yard, his thoughts whirling.  Stockwell's actions over the last few weeks had been in many ways so uncharacteristic that he was beginning to suspect that something was up. This little confiding talk was disconcerting.  Maybe the General was really starting to lose it.