Synaptics Lab, General Hospital
"You?!" declared an incredulous Patrick towards Robin.
"The one and only," replied Robin. Her face was an unreadable mask.
"Robin, it's been explained to me that you were held captive and forced to carry out your work," said Tom. "Everything you did-"
"Can never be changed. I tested the formulas on living human beings. I did what I could to make the drug better and-"
"Better at killing people?" asked Patrick. "Unbelievable. My wife would never have done that."
"She accepted money to take my life over and to become me in every way. I think that speaks volumes for her morals," countered Robin. "I was kidnapped. Did anyone put a gun to HER head?"
"She'd lost her parents. She was distraught. In her right mind, she would never have made that choice," said Patrick.
"I lost my parents, too. But I didn't look for ... for an escape from my problems in another existence. I chose to make the hard decisions and live through the pain. She didn't."
"Not everyone can be superwoman like you or like Anna," said Patrick. "Eve didn't have to be one. You're nothing like her."
"She had so much talent of her own. From what I've learned about Eve and seeing this place, I'm amazed she put aside her ambitions, her knowledge and skills to stay here. I couldn't have."
"Eve found something better. Our family," said Patrick softly. "Emma."
Robin crossed her arms across her chest. "You're right. We're nothing alike."
"Domestic bliss not your cup of tea?" asked Patrick.
"White picket fences bore me," said Robin looking at Patrick and shrugged in apology. "Sorry."
Patrick bristled at Robin's condescending tone but said nothing. He looked at Andrew and asked, "Are we finished here? I have rounds."
Andrew nodded. "Yes. The analysis will be completed shortly."
Patrick left the office without a backward glance. Tom had observed the fireworks. He was more convinced than ever that Robin was holding far too much inside.
Marimba tones followed by a refined male voice saying "We're needed Mrs Peel," emanated from Andrew's cell phone.
"Mum," said Andrew.
An American male voice played on Robin's phone with "This note will self destruct in 10 - 9 - 8 - 7 ..."
"Mom," said Robin. "How is she calling us at the same time?"
"Conference line." Andrew's phone display began to flash a red strobe effect. "I think it's serious. Shall we answer?"
"Do we have a choice? She'll just keep calling."
The siblings answered at the same time. Tom hid his grin.
Anna's voice and image came over both phones. "Were you two debating whether to answer or not?"
"Yes," replied Andrew.
"Your father's home early. We'd both like an uneventful family dinner tonight," said Anna. "With that goal in mind, Andrew, there's been a ... an incident with SIMON. I'm sending a FULL team to shadow you. Do not move from the hospital until they've reached you."
"But, what about-" began Andrew.
Anna's voice softened, "Robin, sweetheart, are you doing something in the lab? Something you forgot to tell me about?"
"If I'd stayed at the cottage one second more, I would have exploded," explained Robin. "I needed some air and baby brother was going into town."
"Without security," said Anna with an edge to her voice. "We agreed you wouldn't wander without direct security. That means in the car with you."
"I was disguised, Mom," said Robin. "Besides, with Andrew along, who could bother me?"
"That is not the point," replied Anna.
Sensing the rising long-distance mother-daughter tension, Andrew said, "We needed some sibling bonding time. She asked and I said yes. As ... as it turns out, Mum, it was a ... a g-g-good idea."
"Really?" Anna's voice dripped with skepticism.
Tom cleared his throat and spoke, "Anna, it's Tom. I requested the use of SIMON for Matt to analyze a recent sample. We've been getting more cases of Fly-induced psychosis, seizures and the like. Andrew was close by and graciously agreed to help."
Anna's tone changed immediately to one of concern. "How bad is it, Tom?"
"I hate to say it but I think I'm looking at a potential epidemic," said Tom. "I've spoken with Sergeant Jardane and Lucky. We're keeping the PCPD updated on all the cases as we get them. If we can stop the distribution cold, so much the better."
"An antidote would be best," said Robin quietly.
"It would be but that doesn't grow out of thin air," said Tom.
Robin said into her phone. "Mom, I'm staying here for a while to study the analysis first hand. Maybe look at the patient file. I may find something ... useful."
"All right but wait for Dani's team."
"Sure," said Robin.
"That's settled. I'll leave Robin here and go to Boarstones," said Andrew.
"No," said Anna.
"My OTHER shadow team will be with me, Mum. I'm never alone."
"Not exactly."
"Is this complicated, Mum?"
"That is such an understatement," said Anna. "Wait there. Genji and his team are on the way. They'll shadow you."
"That's overkill."
"At the moment, I don't think so," said Anna. "Get your bow tie and back to base. Right?"
"Right," said Andrew. The siblings ended the connection. "Something must be REALLY wrong."
World Security Bureau, New York City
Chase Masters, director of the GEM group, cooled his heels in the reception area of Connie's office. As he waited, he watched every bit of news he could on the television. The situation in Russia was a continuing concern. Like many in the building, he was waiting for the Russian president's speech and press conference. Clearly something historic was about to happen.
A steady stream of people had entered and left her office. Some of them he knew and others he did not. He mentally tagged three people as persons of great interest for later research - Senator Steven Ungaro, Presidential advisor and businessman Lars Hansen and Secretary of Defense Owen Winthrop. Chase knew they were members of the WSB's executive tribunal overseeing governance, ethics and vision. It was rumored that this particular set of members were far more actively involved than their predecessors. Chase would dearly love to become an asset to the inner circle.
He looked at his watch. It had been more than a half hour since the tribunal members had entered Connie's office. Perhaps his vigil was fruitless but he had a message to deliver.
"One more hour and then I'll try again tomorrow," murmured Chase.
Connie's door opened and Connie herself came out. She handed a folder to her secretary and made to return to her office. Chase hustled over to her.
"Connie, one minute is all I need," said Chase.
"I don't have a minute," said Connie trying to get past Chase.
On the television screen, the Russian president was beginning his speech.
Chase blocked her. "I came to personally tell you that the GEM group will not be able to complete the project we discussed - the infiltration project."
"All right. Fine."
"Which is not to say that we couldn't complete the assignment at a later time. We had to put things on hold," said Chase.
"I understand," said Connie. "Thank you for letting me know."
"I don't want this to reflect badly on MY organization, Connie. We can be useful to the WSB at large," insisted Chase. "We need access to Guardian. Unfortunately, this wasn't the project to earn that prize but I'm sure that we can-"
"He CAN'T be serious?!" exclaimed Secretary Winthrop from within Connie's office.
At this, Connie stepped into her office putting Chase completely out of her mind. Chase followed her inside and took a spot in a far corner being as unobtrusive as possible.
Senator Ungaro listened and took down notes. "They will be closing all borders for ten days. Why would any nation in this day and age do that?"
"They couldn't recoup the economic losses for that many days," said Winthrop.
Lionel Beam puffed on his pipe. Smoking indoors was a privilege he enjoyed to the hilt. "They've just gone through a purge and no real suspects or ring leaders have been found. It seems to me that they are quite suspicious. An isolationist tactic like this is par for the course."
"But WHAT are they going to be doing for ten days?" asked Ungaro.
"Unless diplomatic personnel are being expelled, I don't think we should panic," said Lars Hansen. "Be concerned? Absolutely."
One part of the speech did leave most of them dumbfounded.
"They're recalling ALL their military forces home. Even the submarines? Did I hear that right?" asked Winthrop.
"Yes you did, Owen," said Ungaro.
They listened in silence to the rest of the speech. Unexpectedly, the President did not take questions from the assembled press. Commentators on the various news feeds were confused and speculations ranged from the simple to the fantastical.
"I don't like this. Once the borders are closed and their forces are inside, the only regular information source we'll have is the government," said Winthrop.
Connie tapped a few keys on her console. "It seems that Guardian access to and from DVX HQ is formally and completely dissolved."
Chase perked up at hearing the Guardian information.
"We're even more blind now. That's unacceptable," said Winthrop.
"I agree," said Ungaro.
"Is that confirmed?" asked Hansen.
Connie selected a number and waited a few seconds for a connection. "No, I don't want anyone else. I want him. Get him. I'll wait."
Three minutes later her phone beeped. Another party joined the call. A party that sounded as if he or she was in the outdoors.
Connie said crisply, "You're on speakerphone with myself, Secretary Owen Winthrop, Mr. Lars Hansen and Senator Steven Ungaro. Gentlemen, this is Robert Scorpio."
"I take it this is about the new development?" said Robert.
"Can you confirm it?" asked Connie
"Yes. All of it. Guardian is no longer accessible to them. They formally and literally deactivated communications and data feeds. That's as final as it gets."
"This is Senator Ungaro. Are we affected by this?" asked Ungaro.
"Not at all, Senator. Both segments have always been fully independent of each other," responded Robert.
"This is Secretary Winthrop. The DVX is now at pre-Guardian levels of capability. Is my assumption on target?" asked Winthrop.
"Yes, Mr. Secretary."
"Is there a possibility that they no longer need Guardian? That they have a replacement?"
"I'm not aware that they have a replacement system. That's not to say that they do not have one," said Robert. "Personally speaking, I don't think they've thought this through."
"So they may change their mind and reconnect?" asked Ungaro.
"They could have a change of heart but I'm afraid reconnecting won't be easy. It may not even be possible."
Hansen coughed and said in a gravelly voice, "Why not?"
"Who's that?" asked Robert.
Hansen rubbed at his throat and had a coughing fit. Connie said for him. "Lars Hansen, adviser to the President."
"Well, Mr. Hansen, the initial configuration of connections was made at a very, um, deep level of infrastructure. The connections that were severed could only have been put out of commission if the physical wires and machines had been turned off, cut off or destroyed," explained Robert. "Some of those machines were one of a kind in design and function. These black boxes had to be utterly destroyed not just unplugged to end the connection to Guardian. New black boxes would have to be designed, built and installed. Reconnection would have to occur above the existing systems in place for security, telecom, satellite and data. Given that current security protocols would likely restrict what Guardian could access were a reconnection attempted, I don't feel that it's a likely scenario in the future. The DVX is on their own."
"If they could do it once, they could install these boxes again," said Winthrop.
Robert said sharply, "The personnel with the knowledge of the oldest systems are likely dead. Tampering by unskilled and ignorant people could affect large chunks of the country's infrastructure. Again, I doubt they want to go that route."
Chase filed away every thing he was hearing. Robert Scorpio's involvement was a fact. Arnold Vandenberg's theories would be validated. Instead of being alarmed at Guardian's degree of connection, he was excited. To his mind, Guardian had not been exploited to its full potential. There was so much that could be done with such a powerful system given direction and vision. The GEM group had that vision.
"What about OUR connections to Guardian? Are they as ... as arcane and unique?" asked Ungaro. "Does the WSB have the personnel to manage these boxes?"
Robert hesitated then said, "Yes and yes, Senator."
"That's the first good news I've heard today," said Winthrop. He sat back in his chair with relief written on his face.
"We look forward to continuing our relationship with the WSB for many, many years," said Robert. The sound of a ship's horn drowned out the rest of his words. "Ah, I'm in the middle of something here. Is there anything else, Connie?"
The executive panel all shook their heads.
"Not right now. Thank you, Robert," said Connie. "I'll call you if we have further questions."
"Anytime, Ms. Townley," said Robert.
Connie ended the connection. Like Winthrop, she leaned into her chair and breathed a sigh of relief. "It's always good to know that we're in a better position than where we thought we were."
"Except for one thing, Connie," said Ungaro.
"What's that, Steven?"
"What are we going to do to regain intelligence access to the DVX? It's imperative to national security that we know what's on their agenda. No matter how small the fragments of information may be. That's been drummed into my head by my son. He's in the field every day. He knows," said Ungaro. "We can't afford to be made fools of because of lack of information."
"We'll simply have to do things the ... the old-fashioned way until we find out the lay of the land," said Connie. "We didn't lose as many operatives in the recent purge as a I'd expected. We will get intelligence one way or another."
"Do we have anyone left on the inside?" asked Winthrop. "Nothing beats first hand information."
"No, we don't."
"But we could," said Chase walking towards the group.
"Chase? You're not authorized to be in here," said Connie. "There's the door. Use it."
"I have a proposition that could solve your problem, Mr. Secretary," said Chase. "My group has long had experience with placing agents in tight, impossible places. I could put an operative inside of the DVX."
"You said that project was on hold," said Connie.
"What group?" asked Winthrop. "Who are you?"
"Gentlemen, this is Chase Masters, director of the GEM group. It's one of our more evolved, special missions groups," said Connie. "Chase, this is neither the time or place for this."
"The GEM group? That's not listed in the unofficial list," said Ungaro.
"We've been under the radar for decades. Our group was founded by Sean Donely and we've followed the mission charter he gave to us. Very successfully I might add," said Chase. As he expected when mentioning Donely, he could see the senator and the secretary relax. Surprisingly, Mr. Hansen and Connie tensed.
"Donely was a superb chief. When he put something together, there was always a good reason for it," said Winthrop. "So, you put people on the inside?"
"Yes, sir, we do," replied Chase. "Donely's charter for us was to put a deep cover informer or sleeper inside the DVX. We work towards that goal every day."
"You said a few minutes ago that you could NOT put a person inside the DVX," said Connie. "What's the truth, Chase?"
"Frankly, I ... we needed more time. That's all. It's an extremely important project and we need to make sure that we have the right candidates," said Chase. "Given how paranoid the DVX is likely to be in the future, it's even more crucial that our operative be able to be accepted not just blend in."
"Accepted?" asked Winthrop.
"We can train anyone to be a mole in less than a year. But training alone doesn't guarantee success. The agent has to live and breathe the mission persona. Their cover identity has to be perfect. But that's not going to be enough. Not for this mission," said Chase. "The operative has to be as above reproach and doubt as we can possibly make him or her. They have to be developed to be fully accepted by their neighbors, friends and coworkers. They must speak and behave like a native."
"You're saying that you can prepare an operative in months for this mission. Wouldn't it take years for an operative to fit in? To live the role fully?" asked Hansen.
"You must be referring to immersion training and exposure. We employ better methods today," said Chase. "We have refined these methods over time in various situations. The operative becomes the role mentally, physically and emotionally. Their old life isn't on their minds anymore."
"That's not possible. If an operative can't-" began Hansen.
"I'm sure the professionals know what they're doing, Lars," said Winthrop. "Assuming that we green light this project, how much time would you need?"
"Six months to find the appropriate candidate and another four for training," said Chase. "The timeline would be shorter if we find the right person sooner."
"What resources would you need?" asked Ungaro. "Funding? Personnel?"
"We are financially independent from the Bureau or any government body, Senator," said Chase.
"Impressive," said Winthrop. "Another Donely idea?"
Chase grinned. "Yes, sir. We could be more objective with less oversight. We have sufficient personnel." He gave Connie a quick glance. "However, our group charter has one stipulation that applies in every case. We don't do anything for free. We require payment after a successfully executed mission."
"I suppose the funds can be extracted from this year's appropriation," said Ungaro. "Charge it off as an operational expense."
"No, Senator. We don't want money," said Chase. "Once we have succeeded in placing a high level operative inside the DVX and the WSB has confirmed it as fact, the GEM group is to be allowed access to Guardian."
"It's too early to be discussing a reward," said Hansen. "I don't see anything concrete regarding this project. I can't accept your word alone, Mr. Masters. I'm sorry."
"I can present our plan in two or three days. I'll bring the man who would head the project, Arnold Vandenberg, with me. He'll be able to answer all your questions, Mr. Larsen. You'll be satisfied I'm sure."
"It's Hansen. Lars Hansen," said Hansen.
"Let's schedule a presentation for this coming Friday. That's in four days," said Winthrop. "Steven, Lars, Connie, how are your schedules?"
The two men said that they could make the meeting. Connie said, "I'll reserve a conference room."
The three older men left the room. As Chase was about to leave, Connie closed the door and faced the younger man.
"Think twice before you blindside me like that again," warned Connie.
"That wasn't my intention," said Chase.
"Wasn't it? I'm not Ross. I don't like games of oneupmanship. When I DO play, I'm damned good and I play for keeps," said Connie with steely resolve. "Do we understand each other, Chase?"
"Perfectly," said Chase aware for the first time that Connie Townley wasn't one to suffer fools gladly.
On the Highway
The speedometer hovered at eighty miles per hour. Anna pressed the pedal a tad harder the longer her conversation with Robert lasted.
His voice came over the speakerphone, "I said too much on the phone with Connie and the executives."
"Too late to retract? Clarify?" asked Anna.
"Not without arousing suspicion all around. Last thing we need," said Robert. "How can I tell them that the DVX didn't destroy those last boxes? That it was SIMON as a failsafe maneuver to protect itself once a credible threat was detected. After execution, it can't be cancelled."
"You had to improvise. What else is new," said Anna. "Someone may want to see what a black box looks like. We'll have to make something up."
"Something convincing," said Robert.
"We do have plans and schematics for them?"
"All in Andrew's head," said Robert. "I thought that with Ross gone, Connie settled and Frisco out of that nest of vipers that our problem areas would have been reduced not increased."
"Unintended consequences."
"I'm really beginning to hate those. How do I see them coming? I don't have eyes in the back of my head!"
"We NEED Sean, Robert," said Anna. "I want to bring him in. All the way."
"Into the Club?"
"Yes. Move him from behind us to our flank," said Anna. "No one sees more angles than Sean. He's tried to warn us and we haven't listened."
"You're saying we can't do this alone."
"We can but WHY do we have to? The three of us have always been better as a team."
"I'm not disagreeing but I'm not sold either. We agreed to keep Sean in the dark for the kids' sake and the Donelys' piece of mind."
"That doesn't have to change."
"Of course it will! Sean's not one to sit idle on the sidelines. Tif's never been happy with the WSB in their lives," said Robert. "Let's sleep on this, okay."
"Fine," said Anna. "You almost set there?"
"Nearly. You won't want to miss the fireworks."
"I'm going to check on Robin at the GH lab. Maybe catch up with Tom. Then I'll head over to your location. I intend to be right there beside you."
"See you in a bit then." Robert ended the connection.
Anna hesitated twice before making a call. At the last minute, she cancelled the call to Sean. She muttered, "Bother the no secrets pact. I HAVE to convince Robert to let Sean in. We need him."
Donely Devane PR Agency
Sean's phone vibrated madly in his jacket pocket. He looked at the display. It was a text message that read:
WTH Minerva IS active! Call me ASAP!
"Capital letters and exclamation marks. Methinks someone is panicking," said Sean to himself. He locked his office door. He sat behind his chair and opened a drawer. From within, he brought out a small device and turned it on. It would generate a small field of white noise that would mask his conversation and confuse electronic surveillance sensors. It wasn't foolproof but it would meet his needs. On an untraceable, prepaid phone, he called the phone twin to his which was in Connie's possession.
"Settle down and tell me what happened," said Sean once a connection was made.
"Chase Masters is what happened," said Connie.
Connie told Sean everything that had transpired at the meeting. Too bad she did not see the small smile that played over Sean's lips at the mention of Lars Hansen.
"Hansen's a definite ally. For a public figure, he keeps to himself. I think it's time I get to know him better," said Connie.
"And Ungaro? The Secretary?"
"Winthrop's at the end of his tenure in a few months. I can't count on him. I thought the Senator was an ally but I'm not sure now. I think he may have an agenda," said Connie. "Allies are not the problem, Sean. What do we do about Chase?"
"I'll deal with him," said Sean.
"How?"
"He's MY problem. I'll think of something," said Sean. "For now, support Hansen as much as you can without endangering your own position. Don't let Guardian be used as a reward."
"One vote out of three. We need a majority to quash Chase's proposal."
"I'll work on vote number two."
"The Senator or the Secretary?"
"Don't ask."
"In the meantime, Project Minerva goes on? We're supposed to be stopping it."
"And we will. I will," said Sean. "Connie, you know the difficulty of creating the perfect agent isn't in the training or in the conditioning. It's in having someone with the right nose."
"What? What nose?"
Sean chuckled. "I had Gabriel de Bruin. He found more successful operatives than any other recruiter in Bureau history."
"If he was that successful, why don't I know about him?"
"That's because he preferred to work through me most of the time. And because he had a conscience," said Sean. "That second trait got him killed. What a waste!"
"We're supposed to forget we have a conscience. It's safer."
"Gabriel didn't play safe. He played the game with everything he had," said Sean. "Even if Chase gets approval, he'll still have to find the right person. That's going to be a problem and that will buy me some time."
"Time to kill the project?" asked Connie.
"Time to find and execute another strategy from a different angle," said Sean. "Hang in there, Connie, and protect yourself. It's going to get bumpy."