Chapter 8: A few explanations

When Rhea saw the feed, she tugged Casey's arm and struggled to drag him down the hallway to Costa's office. Casey shrugged her off roughly and she fell against the wall. He yanked her forward before the back of her head made contact with a fire extinguisher.

"What was that I just saw? That thing said Live Feed and it showed the Buy More! I saw Chuck Bartowski alive! Don't lie to me, Agent Jones!"

Rhea straightened up, a little frightened by his sudden outburst. He was very intimidating when angered.

"Agent Costa's waiting to explain a few things! Ask him!"

She marched ahead and he remained at her heels. Costa lounged in a high swivel chair, his hands folded under his chin and his feet up on the black desk. Casey peered at the unfinished room. The walls were primed and the plaster chipped over visible cracks. Costa had a few gray dividers around his workspace and a giant roll of dark red carpet propped against the back wall. Two black metal chairs were in front of his desk. He gestured for them to enter.

"Have a seat, Agents."

Rhea slipped into the chair on the left, rubbing her shoulder. She glared at Casey and pouted. He caught her eye and was tickled with regret for manhandling her. He didn't acknowledge it and focused on Costa.

"Major Casey, I'm sure Rhea has explained our small group's mission, and as you can see…it's very small, your presence makes six."

"Yeah, I get it, you're tiny, what I'd like to know right now is, did General Beckman put you up to this? Do you have connections to the NSA or CIA?"

Costa unfolded his hands and crossed his legs. "No, not really. I know of her, but I wouldn't be caught working for that spinster. Director Graham…well…he was a good golf buddy…a shame to have lost him."

Casey narrowed his eyes. He debated mentioning the Intersect. He didn't have to think further.

"Don't worry, Major, the secret of the Intersect in Chuck's brain is safe with us. Why do you think we're so intent on this case? The Government's probably up in arms…between his death and all the phony Intel chips floating around, this world could be headed for major disaster."

"Gee, wouldn't it be something if there was a way to control all that. You know what I mean? Who needs an Intersect when you have a satellite that can infiltrate anything." Casey said sarcastically and Costa's dark eyes twitched.

Casey wasn't finished digging under the Agent's skin. He held up his right hand and showed Costa his 'Dracon' ring. "How about this little piece of bling? Do you have any ties with Dracon?"

"Dracon? They've been trying to unearth our secrets since we started building communications in 2003. I told them I didn't care about their Cracker Jack box toys and surreptitious ways, no one entity can control the world, they just haven't figured that out yet."

Casey nodded, feeling a little more at ease. "Next question. I saw the Buy More and Chuck, but how is that possible? It's gone and he's dead. Don't tell me it was a photo, because Chuck was dancing his way into the store."

"You're correct Major, only that was a feed that came from four days ago."

Casey's face crinkled with confusion. "You mean a recording?"

"Not even close."

Casey cocked his eyebrow. "Hum. Explain this advanced technological achievement to me, Costa...but do it simply, I'm too tired for Einstein jargon and universal theories."

Costa grinned, his smile could disarm, but Casey could almost see the sinister force behind it. He glanced at Rhea; apparently she felt the same vibe because she constantly fidgeted in her seat and forced herself to smile back.

"I will leave all that for the trackers, Major. Our technology consists of seven stealth-orbiting satellites. At any given time, four of them could be surveying one area. This is our first-run, so naturally we have four overlooking California."

"Very impressive, but that still doesn't explain…"

Rhea jumped into the conversation. "As Agent Costa mentioned, it takes four days for the data to record and make its way to us… but I really think Agent Casey needs to be shown and not told, he seems the type." She faltered, looking back and forth at the men.

Her interference annoyed Costa, but he didn't address it. He stood up and yawned. "That is if the Major is ready to be shown. I believe we need to get a fresh start of all this in the morning. I for one am tired."

Casey jumped to his feet. "But wouldn't that mean we lose eight hours? The Buy More could be closed and then what…"

"Then we move our target to someplace else, like Chuck's apartment. Major Casey, we can see anything we want to. It's like having the eyes of God." Costa explained with too much enthusiasm.

Casey hurried to the doorway. "I'm sorry, but I need to get a partial run-down now. I can sleep later…I can sleep when I'm dead. I need to do what you and your people are promising me and find this killer!"

Casey stalked out of the room and Rhea followed. "That was telling him, Major. He tends to get lax with things. Time is of strict essence with the satellite feeds."

"I figured that, it's four days and…twelve hours behind us already…so…that means from this moment it will always be…four days and twelve hours behind?"

"That's right. We can really keep count when you start viewing them."

As they approached the tracking room Casey put a hand on Rhea's arm. He mustered up humility.

"Wait, Jones. I'm sorry about…knocking you into the wall."

Rhea shrugged and playfully punched him. "Hey, I guess sometimes you don't know your own strength, ya hulk."

"No, I don't…but…I'm not one to hit women…not…always…I just…"

"I never thought you were, you're just a smart-aleck with a big chip on your shoulder and this is your worst day ever. Am I right?"

"You read me well, Agent Jones."

"I always had a knack for seeing past the obvious in others. I try to find the good, even if it's sorely lacking. You can't fool me, Major. I know you have some soft spots under all that big headed stoicism."

Casey rolled his eyes. "You women are all the same. You can never accept that a man just may be who he is, and not a hidden marshmallow fluff! You said it before, I think who I am…because I know who I am."

"I'm glad you do, Major. That's why we want…need…you on this assignment, there's no room for marshmallows and indecisiveness here."

"Right, we'll leave that to the women." Casey remarked and went ahead into the room.

"Major!"

Casey turned warily and she came up close, practically whispering in his ear.

"I know what you tried to imply to Costa about the satellites being used for…"

"Devious spy tactics for obtaining Government secrets? I wouldn't put it past anybody, especially someone like him."

"Yeah, well…please, just watch yourself, he could pull you off this project as easily as he put you on."

Casey sighed. "Fine, but it seems to me your trust in him is minimal too, am I right?"

Rhea nodded quick, afraid to say more. "Hey, I'm gonna wash up and get some real food from our in-house cafeteria…do you want something?"

"Bring whatever's edible and make the Joe strong."

"Sure, Major. Black, four sugars."

"On the side!"

As she turned to leave, Casey called out.

"Jones!"

"Yeah?"

A small glint passed over his eyes and he gave her a bona fide smile for the very first time that day. She had to admit, it was very appealing.

"Thanks…just…thanks."