SLD-158 (Book 4 Chapter 29)
Donely Warehouse Docks
The picture of cool, calm and collected Sean sifted through the messages and documents that had accumulated on his desk since he left for Spoon Island. He opened one envelope and smiled. It was the check from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for the use of his docks during the emergency plus quite a bit extra as an advance for the next month's usage fees.
"I love capitalism when it works," said Sean. A knock came at his door. "Yes?"
The receptionist Faith came in with a small package. "This just arived for you, Sean. It's marked personal and private."
"Leave it on my desk," said Sean. "How was it delivered?"
"I don't know. I was on the phone verifying supplier information. I turned around and it was on my desk," said Faith. "With everything going on I'm surprised any delivery service was working."
"Yeah, hard to believe. Thanks, Faith." After she left, Sean eyed the package knowing full well who it had to be from. He picked it up and bagan to open it.
Inside, he found a deck of playing cards and a quick note. The note read: Each player must accept the cards life deals him or her: but once they are in hand, he or she alone must decide how to play the cards in order to win the Game. A friend from Wall Street.
Sean knew the quote was Voltaire and that in the original version the G in the word game had not been capitalized. Taken all together, the package and quote could only mean that Faison had agreed to the deal. What else could it mean?
"All right, Sean old son, what's your next move?" Sean threw the package and the cards into the wastebasket. The note he crumpled up and slipped into his pocket. He'd throw it into the river when he got outside. Per the note, Sean would use the Wall Street Journal's classifieds section to communicate with Faison.
He looked at the calendar. His eyes went automatically to a date circled in red. It was the new date for the Black Pearl exhibit at the Majestic Theater. With one finger, he counted the remaining days until then.
He swallowed hard. "Make the most of every day. That's all I can do."
Gem HQ, Milton Keynes
With the office door open a tiny crack, Anna spied on the procedure in progress in Room 3. She fought against the waves of memories that assaulted her mind. Many were her own. Still others were faint echoes of Sean's selective recollections revealed to her at Operation Brimstone's end.
"Obviously, he didn't tell me everything. Damn him and his secrets to seven hells," said Anna softly.
As she watched the candidate restlessly moving on the bed, she couldn't help remembering her own experience of Project Minerva. Once the floodgates had opened there was no closing them again.
Milton Keynes August 1974
Dressed in a white hospital issue gown, Anna followed Dr. Francine Burson into another procedure room. It was identical to the first one in layout. The walls and ceiling were covered by a dark blue rubbery material. She had been told this was a soundproofing element. Gleaming light fixtures hung down from the ceiling. A small bed lay in the middle of the room. A glass window stretched along one wall. The number two was etched in white on the glass.
Anna pointed at the number. "The first room was number one. This is two. Did I pass the first test?"
Dr. Burson chuckled. She was a tall woman with lustrous red hair gathered in a loose bun. Her striking features were well matched with a pleasing American-accented alto voice. "Yes, you have. You're in top physical condition with no chronic ailments or attributes that would disqualify you from progressing forward."
"Now what?" asked Anna.
Dr. Burson gave Anna instructions while issuing orders to two technicians. Anna laid down on the bed. A light blanket was set over her torso. A technician rubbed an alcohol swab over Anna's left forearm.
"Anna, you'll be given a relaxant. It's the same drug we gave you in Test 1 only in a larger dose. Like before, it won't make you sleepy but it will relax you," said Burson. "I want you to get comfortable on the bed. You'll be here for several hours."
"Can I move around during the test?"
"You can move from side to side as you prefer. No sitting up. That position is not conducive to relaxation," said Burson. "You have to stay on the bed. No pacing. You'll do better the more relaxed you are. You have a large amount of information to absorb and turn into knowledge. A good memory will only help you so far. This is an unusual mix of topics - wine tasting, botany, art history, racing sport, security systems,chess strategy and a bunch of others. I don't what Sean is thinking that you need all this."
Anna murmurred, "Sean knows best."
"My God he has you brainwashed," said Burson. "Do your best to listen and retain what you hear. You will have four sessions in this room. Two per day. On the third day, you'll be tested to measure how much you were able to process into direct knowledge."
"I understand. I'm ready," said Anna.
"That's what Sean says," said the doctor as she watched the injection being administered.
"You sound doubtful," said Anna.
"You're very observant," said Burson.
"It's in your voice you know."
The doctor did not bother to deny anything. "Give the relaxant about twenty minutes to take full effect. We'll dim the lights when we leave. You'll hear three chimes when the procedure officially begins."
Anna pulled the sheet up to her neck. She adjusted the black eye mask over her eyes. "I'll pass this, too."
"You sound … motivated." The slight pause made it clear that Dr. Burson had searched for a more polite word than what she had originally intended to say.
"Oh, I am." Anna settled in by clearing her mind and mentally repeating a meditation chant.
Jonathan Masters' Office
"I'm not going to lose my bet, Sean," said Jonathan scribbling away on a document.
"Anna's not to be underestimated," said Sean. He sat at another chair watching a monitor displaying a direct camera feed of Room 2. "She's holding on to the meditative state for hours at a time with no loss of concentration." Sean pointed to report. "Brainwave activity is steady at a high level. Information absorption won't be a problem."
"It's only been three sessions. Let's see how she performs on the recall and processing test tomorrow."
"She'll pass with flying colors," said Sean.
Jonathan put his pen down and leaned back in his chair. "Why are you so confident of her? She's impressive so far but nothing she's done has convinced me that's she's the one. She's a first year agent. That right there should have disqualified her."
"One word - resolve. She's got it in spades. To me that's the mystery element that makes all the difference," said Sean.
"C'mon, Sean. We're all goal-oriented to an extreme degree and-"
"I meant resolve as in unshakeable, absolute commitment to see something through. It's not about winning or losing. It's life or death. That's the way she sees it."
"Life or death? What is this mission that you're prepping her for?" asked Jonathan. "The Bureau grapevine is buzzing with talk that you're on a crusade."
Sean laughed. "Is that what it looks like? A crusade?"
"I've seen you in every possible mood but this time there's something different. I can't say what but it's there," said Jonathan. "I can only assume that this mission is a critical one. Which puts me back to questioning a green agent's fitness for the mission. Why her? And why solo with no team to back her up?"
"You think I'm losing it, Jon?" asked Sean. "Maybe that I'm unfit?"
"Of course not. We've always been upfront with each other. That's why I took on this assignment. Because I knew that no matter what, you had my back. I don't want to see you or Anna fail. That's my only agenda here."
"I need you to do one thing. Just one," said Sean.
"What's that?"
Sean looked hard at Jonathan. "Trust me without any reservation."
Information Test Day
As Sean had kindly provided a new wardrobe for her, Anna had come dressed in character. After yesterday's grueling sessions, she had been delighted to find her new clothes and shoes once she'd returned to her quarters. After a hot bath, she'd spent an hour trying everything on. Some of the styles were very sophisticated. It was obvious that Sean had liked her version of Bianca Jagger. She decided to continue on with the ruse.
She was finishing up her make up when a knock came at her door. It was Sean. He made a wide circuit around Anna studying her ensemble.
A red silk kerchief tied loosely around her neck was a nice counterpoint to the starched formality of her blindingly white, perfectly pressed dress shirt over a dark red pencil skirt, black hose and black Ferragamo pumps. Anna wished she had a hat but had to settle for arranging her hair in a straight narrow fall down her back.
"Very sharp, Anna," commented Sean. "Bianca Jagger with a touch of Audrey Hepburn?"
"If that's what it looks like, then that's what I was going for," said Anna.
Sean laughed then turned serious. "This is the first big test. How are you feeling?"
"I won't let you down. Or Gabriel," said Anna solemnly.
"It's a bit different than the tests they have at the Bureau Academy. No textbook steps to follow," said Sean. "I'm afraid I might have egged Jonathan to some extra creativity."
"Of course you did. You keep testing everybody don't you?"
"It's part of my job description to keep people on their toes," said Sean.
"If it's not cheating, any advice for me?"
"The same four things I've always believed and said should apply to every mission. Follow your instincts. Stay in the role. Don't break cover without a really good reason. Treat the mission as if it was life or death."
Anna nodded. "I'm ready."
Phase 2 Test
Sean led the way to the testing room. Anna had expected to return to Room 2 but she found herself in an expansive room on the second floor of the building. She kept her gaze on Jonathan who was standing at the far side of the room by a wall of tall windows. Her peripheral vision noted objects on easels shrouded by black sheets, a varied line of potted flowers, four chessboards set side by side and large blueprints spread out over wide tables.
Jonathan began speaking as soon as Anna and Sean reached the table. "The charter goal of the Minerva Project is to produce operatives who have at their fingertips all the knowledge required to change their covers into the real thing on demand. The transformation must be seamless and undetectable." He gestured to the room in general. "Today, Anna, you'll be tested to measure how well you've absorbed the … eccentric collection of knowledge as defined by Sean. Memorization isn't enough especially in the field. You have to show proof that you can put that knowledge to actual practical use. Sean, do you have anything to add?"
Sean shook his head. "This is your show, Jon. Get it started."
Jonathan smiled and led Anna towards the line of flowers and vases to his right. "First test coming up. There are a dozen flowers here. You're a florist. Identify each one and tell me, an average person with no knowledge of flowers at all, something about each one that will fascinate me. Improvise to your heart's content. Embellish the truth but don't outright lie. Find out as much as you can about me while we're talking. How you do that is up to you. Start when you're ready."
Immediately, Anna flashed a bright smile at him as she walked towards the first pot. "Hello, I'm Anna. Are you animal, vegetable or mineral, sir?"
That got a laugh out of Jonathan. "Um, vegetable today I think."
"A vegetable looking for a matching flower perhaps?" asked Anna. She saw that the first object was a pot of white violets.
"Yes, I do need flowers but I'm not sure."
"What colors do you like? Or should I say what she likes?"
Jonathan cleared his throat. "She. Definitely."
"Will you be going to an event with her? The Theater? Dinner?" asked Anna.
"Just … just dinner but I want to … to make it special. Classy, you know. Like her."
"Does your evening out mean something special? Is it a birthday? Anniversary?"
"Um, er …" spluttered Jonathan doing his part to make the test more challenging for Anna.
"I don't mean to intrude. I ask because it sounds to me that you think highly of her," said Anna. "I'd like to help you select something that will reflect your regard and feelings."
"Yes, feelings are tricky things."
"Men sometimes find it difficult to express what's on their mind. Flowers can help enormously, sir," said Anna.
"Help how?"
"Flowers have a language you see."
"Really?"
Anna nodded. "It's not one that's very familiar nowadays but I think it's more meaningful for it being uncommon," She touched the petals of the violets. "The modest, lowly violet. In leaves of tender green is set. So rich she cannot hide from view, but covers all the bank with blue. We expect violets to be blue but they come in many colors. We have a white one here. This specific variety is the Viola Blanda. It's found in America. Is your lady friend American like yourself?"
"No. Very British."
"Let me guess. She must have a proper British name like Alice or Eleanor or Rose," said Anna.
Without thinking, Jonathan blurted out, "Priscilla."
"Isn't that an American name?" asked Anna.
"It is. Her parents both like … love Elvis Presley records. Love songs. Elvis and Priscilla, get it?"
"Yes, I do," said Anna. "These violets may have a … a special meaning then. In the language of flowers a white violet means to take a chance on happiness. And it-"
"It does?" asked a genuinely surprised Jonathan.
Anna nodded. "But it may be too personal." She gestured to the next object which was a vase of yellow roses. "These yellow roses are beautiful. They represent joy and friendship. Roses … roses are …"
A memory flashed across her mind just then. It was of her giving a single yellow rose to someone, a childhood friend, in a sign of gratitude and affection. The memory derailed her thoughts.
Anna rallied. She cleared her throat and mind forcibly. "Both of these are quite suitable, sir. You couldn't go wrong with the violets or … or the roses. It's for you to decide really. Which one will it be?"
Jonathan didn't hesitate. "The violets."
After the flowers, Anna posed as a gallery owner and attempted to sell the easel mounted paintings and prints to Dr. Burson. She played four simultaneous games of chess with four capable opponents. She won three and one was a draw.
The blueprints were the hardest and took the most time to master. It was of a small museum in Paris. Each floor was represented by a blueprint detailing alarms and other security installations. Her assignment - to select the best painting within, formulate a plausible plan to steal said painting using a team of four and get away with it. She perused a list of paintings and had to critique out loud the merits of each one prior to making her selection. The actual heist plan was child's play and more than a little thrilling.
Through all the testing, Sean had remained in the background well out of Anna's sight line. He didn't want to be a distraction. He observed her more than he observed Jonathan. As the test progressed, he was more and more convinced that he had made the right choice. He decided that no matter if Jonathan failed her he would let Anna have the mission.
Jonathan stood up and stretched. He and two colleagues had studied Anna's heist plan in detail. It was audacious yet logical. "That was quite a plan, Anna. I can't say I've ever encountered anything like it."
"You did say to be creative," said Anna.
"I did didn't I? No one's ever thought of doing a fake out tactic before. I mean who would think of making the real painting seem like a proven fake and then convincing the museum to sell it to you. It's too … too out there," said Jonathan.
Sean put in, "But it could work for real."
Jonathan glared at his superior. "Yes, yes, it could." He began to gather his notes. "Tomorrow, Anna, you'll start Procedure 3. I advise you to get lots of sleep. Francine, please see to it that Anna gets dinner and rest. Everyone, thank you for helping out."
"So I passed this test, right?" asked Anna.
With some reluctance, Jonathan said, "Yes, with … with flying colors."
Anna felt like dancing a jig but restrained herself to a small smile. "Good. Onward."
The room began to empty leaving only Sean and Jonathan. The younger man carried the pot of white violets in the crook of his arm. He and Sean walked back to Jonathan's office.
"For the lovely Priscilla I take it?" asked Sean.
"Yes. I'm taking her to a movie later," said Jonathan. "I need a snack and a shower."
"Thoughts and impressions, Mr. Masters?" asked Sean.
"Miss Devane is exhausting. Eight hours straight. That was the longest test I've ever run."
"Anna's good. Like I said she was," replied Sean. "Are you a believer now?"
"In your magical people selection talents? A little more than before I guess," admitted Jonathan. "Her file didn't say she's a born, natural actress. It was like she blinked and became a different person. Even her body language changed. How is she at disguises?"
"Damned good I would say," said Sean. "You're going to lose the bet."
"The fat lady hasn't sung yet," said Jonathan. "Based on her Academy course work and the way she seems to be part sponge when it comes to data retention, she'll likely pass Test 3. It won't be easy though. I'll make sure of that."
"Fair enough. What's Test 4 like?"
Jonathan laughed. "It has the highest failure rate. Test 4 brings everyone to their knees. Even Anna Devane."
After dinner
Sean knocked on Anna's door before going to his own quarters. Anna answered still dressed for the day.
"Just wanted to say good night," said Sean. "And ask if you're all right?"
"I passed. Why wouldn't I be all right?" asked Anna. "Come in."
"Because I sensed a … a crack in the role when you were talking about the yellow roses," said Sean stepping inside. "A little shakiness, loss of confidence."
"Not that. I just remembered something that I hadn't thought of in years. It caught me by surprise," said Anna.
"Good memories or bad?"
"Neither. I gave a flower to a … a friend."
"Ah, a boyfriend?" teased Sean.
"Hardly. Just someone who did me a turn," said Anna.
"Did you a good turn," said Sean.
"What?"
"The phrase is did you a good turn."
"Yeah, it is, isn't it? Not sure if it was good or bad." Anna sighed. "It's being back here. It's making me remember things I don't want or need to remember. Things that don't matter anymore."
"It must have mattered in some way for you to remember it at a crucial time," noted Sean.
Anna protested, "It didn't matter. Not one bit. It was the flower. It jogged my memory."
"All right I'll accept that but it was a distraction. Distractions, in this business, can get you killed," warned Sean.
"It won't happen again. I promise."
"We're only human, Anna. You can't turn yourself into a robot. You shouldn't."
Anna repeated, "I wasn't concentrating fully during the test. That's why that happened. I'll do better. I have to."
"Anna, don't-"
"I can do this. I will do it. There will be no further slip ups in concentration." Anna grasped Sean's arm. "I know what I have to do. I have to be perfect."
"Flawlessly so but-"
"Failure is not an option."
Sean lifted Anna's chin with a finger. "Not if we both want to live. I know better than to expect perfection. I do demand quick thinking at all times. That could save your life. If you catch yourself in a similar situation, create a distration for the other person. Make a joke. Wipe imaginary lint off their clothes. Take something out of your purse. It can be anything."
"Do something. Break their focus. Got it," replied Anna.
Sean dropped his hand. "And one more thing. Get some rest. Do not obsess about this … this hiccup. You passed. Jon was beside himself. He couldn't believe the results you achieved. They … you were superb. You passed this hurdle. That's what counts."
Anna frowned. "I was hoping for a score."
Sean let out a laugh. "You are so competitive."
Anna whined a little. "I'm not really. A score is nice to have is all. Like school grades. Marks of progress."
"I'll get you a gold star tomorrow."
Anna smiled brightly. "That will work. Good night, Sean."
Phase 3 Test
The Phase 3 Test was remarkable only for the speed at which Anna demolished Jonathan's test. Phase 3 training had been intended to enhance existing skills with new ones learned through deep immersion. In Anna's case, she was exposed to information on security systems - safes, manual & electronic locks and detection products - that had not been part of her WSB Academy training.
As the test ended, one dozen open safes and containers lay scattered around the room. Hours ago they had all been locked tight employing the trickiest and most sensitive mechanisms his team could devise. Anna had been up to each challenge and even disarmed a few explosive booby traps along the way. Jonathan could only shake his head in disbelief. He didn't need to see Sean's face to know that Sean was smugly smirking at him.
"You know you can be insufferable sometimes," said Jonathan.
"Who me?" teased Sean.
Hands on hips, Jonathan glared at his superior. "Don't say it."
"At the moment, I'm not in the mood to kick someone when they're down. Really, really down."
"I will allow that Anna possesses natural instincts suitable for breaking and entering. Our training has only given her extra … um, extra ammunition. Perhaps, I should have done a full room test with … with motion sensors and alarms. That would have stopped her cold," said Jonathan.
"Hmm, maybe." Sean shrugged. "Who knows?"
"The gloves are off, Sean. I've dissected her psyche profile for every weak point possible. I'm going to put her through the grinder in Phase 4," said Jonathan.
"It's your test."
"She's your candidate."
Sean finally let out the grin he'd taken some pains to suppress for the last five hours. "Yes, she is."
Phase 4 Procedure
Dr. Burson applied the injection herself. Instead of lying down, Anna sat in a contraption that reminded her of a chair in a dental office. A blackened faceplate was attached to the helmet ready to be slipped over Anna's face once the test began.
"You may feel a slight draft of air once the helmet is secured. That's just the oxygen feed. Get comfortable now," instructed Dr. Burson.
"I'm fine - wait, what are you doing?" Anna was startled by the doctor reaching over her body to the other side of the chair and pulling back a strap.
Dr. Burson clicked one end of the strap to a hidden receptable on the chair. She gave the strap a good tug and it tightened around Anna's waist.
"This is to keep you in the chair. It's for your own protection," said Dr. Burson.
Anna let out a nervous laugh. "What is this a carnival ride?"
"Not exactly. The chair is narrower than a bed. The strap is to keep you in the chair," said the doctor.
"I can hold on to the arm rests, can't I?" asked Anna.
"You could but how relaxed could you be? One part of your mind would be focused on keeping hold," pointed out the doctor.
"Hence the strap. I see," said Anna. She pulled at the strap. It wasn't wrapped too tightly about her. It was snug but not constricting. "What should I expect, Dr. Burson?"
"The previous procedures affected mental and physical capabilities and limits. This one will expose your emotional boundaries."
"E-em-emotional? Expose in what way?" asked Anna feeling a cold lump settling down in her stomach.
"Young as you are I don't believe you've got the emotional baggage that most operatives have. You should be fine. Relax and go along with it," said Dr. Burson.
Relaxing was the last thing Anna was thinking of. "Relax, yeah, I can do that."
"The first injection the tech gave you was a muscle relaxant. You should be feeling its effects right about now. If you feel a little tired that's the drug's normal effect," explained Dr. Burson.
Anna nodded understanding. She was not experiencing any physical discomfort other than her limbs feeling heavier than usual.
"This last one is a low dose of sodium pentothol and-"
"The truth serum?"
"That's one of its uses, yes," said Dr. Burson. "We use it to, ah, facilitate the procedure. That's all. You're not in any danger of facing an interrogation. It's not that kind of test."
Unsettled, Anna could only say, "Okay."
The doctor pushed the faceplate downwards until Anna's face was completely covered. She gave Anna's forearm a firm squeeze. She leaned down and whispered. "In the end, everything will be fine. You'll see."
Dr. Burson retreated to the control room where Jonathan and Sean awaited her. Jonathan adjusted the microphone's audio levels.
"Anna, can you hear me in there?" asked Jonathan speaking into the microphone. "Right hand for yes. Left hand for no."
A right hand was raised. Sean paid little attention as Jonathan tested a few more things with Anna. He talked softly with Dr. Burson.
"Francine, I wasn't aware that we used sodium pentothal for this project," said Sean.
"It wasn't in the original specs, Sean. In fact, this phase used to be the weakest part of the training program before we made some changes," said Dr. Burson.
"What kind of changes?"
"Physical and mental readiness for any mission needs to be a top priority, of course, but, after some early results, we realized that the emotional side couldn't be ignored. This is especially critical to those in the field for long periods and generally on their own," said Dr. Burson.
"Mental toughness is absolutely necessary," said Sean.
Dr. Burson leaned on the console's edge and crossed her arms. "It's more than that. Evolution and biology have made us emphasize the mental and physical aspects because these are the facets that we, as human beings, needed most to survive. But, we're still animals at are our most basic level. When animals are in distress, they regress to instinct and emotion which then impact impulses and actions."
"The fight or flight syndrome," added Sean.
"That's one side of it. The instinctive side. All animals from the lowest to the highest have this. But only human beings and certain primates and mammals, like the great apes and elephants, have real emotions. Instinctive responses can be triggered, heightened or countered by anger, hurt, joy and fear," said Dr. Burson. "Our operatives are trained to place mind over matter but, let's be realistic, we can't shut off our emotions. Not all the time. Stimuli to evoke instinct and emotion is everywhere. Phase 4 was redesigned to allow the operative to deal with their darkest fears in the here and now instead of when they're out there on their own."
"How does this work?" asked Sean calmly though he squirmed a little at the frisson of cold fear that knifed down his spine. From what he knew of Anna, he knew that emotion was both her strength and her weakness.
"The sodium pentothal acts to ease the recall of repressed or painful memories. With careful, guided questioning, the candidate is led to confront phobias, traumatic experiences and the like. Once confronted, the emotional fallout is lessened. The candidate's feelings aren't changed but the severity of their reactions can be reduced to manageable levels," said Dr. Burson. "It's the difference between someone going unexpectedly off the rails at the worse time possible and someone feeling the emotional sting but not being driven to irrationality by it."
"The psychiatrists have already done this bit," said Sean.
Dr. Burson smiled. "They say they do but all they do is write a report on what they find. The agent is then advised to not think about those troubling events or are put into therapy sessions to deal with it."
"You make the therapy sound useless, Francine," said Sean.
"The Bureau's current treatment protocols are too slow to have any positive result for the agent. It doesn't really obviate the cause of the reaction. The agent simply learns to pussyfoot around his or her issues. That's not helping the agent in the long run. It could actually lead to more repression. Repression for the wrong reasons is all kinds of unhealthy to my way of thinking."
"And Phase 4 is different because of what?" asked Sean.
"Because it's active treatment not passive, Sean," said Dr. Burson. "To be blunt, we force the candidate to face their issues head on. We push them over the emotional cliff."
"That's borderline cruel, Francine," said Sean looking angry.
"Sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind," said Jonathan. "Francine experimented on me as she fine-tuned the treatment, Sean. I have to say that it does work. It was no walk in the park. It was hell."
"The proverbial grinder?" asked Sean reminded of what Jonathan had said to him earlier.
"I agree with Francine," said Jonathan, "Emotional health and preparedness are just as important as the mental and physical aspects. Emotion is the one thing that can make an agent fall apart at the seams. You know that as well as I do, Sean."
"I'm not convinced that this … treatment will have any kind of benefit," said Sean.
Dr. Burson glanced at Jonathan. "The best way to convince Sean is for him to see it in action."
"Wait a minute. I didn't-" began Sean.
The doctor looked at her watch. "Jon, the sodium pentothal is fully in her system now. You may begin."
Jonathan scanned his notes. "Don't worry, Sean. Anna will be fine. She'll know more about herself afterwards than she ever did before. She'll probably thank you later."
Sean muttered under his breath, "I somehow doubt that."
Gem HQ, Milton Keynes
Anna watched full of sympathy as the candidate in Room 3 was led out of the room. He was dazed and leaned heavily on one of the technicians.
She whispered, "He'd better be more steady in Room 4."
Her eyes drifted to the darkened Room 4. It was nearly out of her sight line but she didn't need to see the room fully to recall every detail. Jus the hint of the outline of the number four was enough to make her knees shake.
Anna could feel her heart beginning to speed up. A tension headache began to pound against her left temple. She closed the door and slid down to the floor resting her back flat on the door. She laid her head on her folded knees.
"Stay calm. Think of soft … soft music. Flowing water. Bright blue skies. Light rain on the roof at … at night," she said softly. The usual mantra did not have the desired effect.
Her mind refused to let go of its grasp on the past. Her will refused to surrender. She huddled on the floor locked in an internal struggle.
Ashton Yacht Aphrodite
In the salon, Larry Ashton found Faison reclining on the sofa lit cigar in hand. Faison opened his eyes at hearing movement.
"Well? Is it done?" asked Faison.
"Package delivered as instructed, Cesar," replied Ashton. "What are your next orders? Back to my townhouse or the airport?"
"I'm not sure. I need to rest first," said Faison. "It has been a busy tiring day."
"I can't return to the marina. Various government agencies are using it as a base of operations," said Ashton. "I'll have to dock just beyond the city limits."
"That is acceptable."
"And the test? I thought it wasn't finished."
"There were issues. I could hardly expect perfection in the first attempt," said Faison.
"The city is a mess, Faison. Isn't that proof enough?"
"Of the concept and general configuration of the hardware, yes. However, we must know for certain how much control we can achieve and exert over the process," said Faison. "One cannot simply aim a gun without knowing its limits."
"I guess not but what more could be done?" asked Ashton.
"So much more. Mikkos' scientists created a machine ahead of its time but the technology itself lacked scale and stability for long term viability. The execution was typically Cassadine - too heavy-handed and flamboyant," said Faison. "Subtlety can be a far better approach."
"And safer," added Ashton.
"Yes, absolutely," agreed Faison. "For our plans at present no one needs to know that we CAN control the weather. It is not yet time to expose that particular hand. I will not be pushed into haste. This is too important. No, we will continue with testing until I am fully satisfied of our mastery of the technology and the process. I will not make the same mistakes as before."
"Before?"
"My own weakness betrayed me each time," said Faison. "I made unwise deals. Listened to persuasive whispers that led to my ruin. Allowed my impatience to lead me down the wrong paths."
Ashton kept quiet realizing that Faison was undoubtedly referrring to Anna Devane's role in running Faison out of town in 1990 and thwarting the Cartel's operation the following year.
"I vowed that I would be more circumspect in future. I will test our new technology for as long as necessary. I have replaced the nexus controllers on the island. This next test will be brief but critical." Faison ground the tip of his cigar into an ashtray. "Besides, there is some family business that I must attend to. Very old business."
Ashton hazarded a guess. "Something involving Sean Donely? I saw him leaving on a launch."
"Did he see you? Never mind. He must already know your connection to me."
This took Ashton by surprise. "What? What do you mean? How could he know?"
"Think! He could hardly have missed the Aphrodite on the island dock could he?"
"Damn!" exclaimed Ashton.
"Never mind. It was not a secret that could have been kept forever."
"But I DO mind! I'm exposed now!"
"Your position is safe."
"But Donely knows. He, Anna and Robert will put two and two together and come up with six or seven," said Ashton. "I was promised protection by the Cartel, by you and-"
"And you have it," said Faison. "Donely will not say anything to anyone whatever he suspects."
"How do you know that?"
"Because I know he will not. That is a certainty."
Ashton's eyes were shrewd. "You have something on him don't you? Some insurance policy like you had with Leopold Taub or Helena."
Faison shrugged. "Trust me. Has my protection failed you yet?"
Ashton began to fidget. "They'll want my head on a platter! With a little time, they could find the proof they need to prosecute and win. From what I've heard, Scorpio is likely to be judge, jury and executioner all by himself. He's more dangerous than ever."
"I do not understand this fear of Scorpio. His morality cripples him. He has too much to lose now by acting, how do you say, out of character."
"Robert's always been vicious when it comes to anyone threatening his family. He barely forgives and he never forgets," said Ashton.
"Brave, mighty Scorpio the righteous avenger. Fah!" exclaimed Faison. "That is mere reputation. You have nothing to fear from him."
"How can you be certain of that?" asked Ashton. "Even … even you have been mistaken before."
"In order to get to you, he must face me. That will not happen. Not yet."
"Not yet implies that it will happen. When it does, what will become of me?"
"You will likely be dead. Then it will matter not at all," said Faison. "Don't worry, Ashton. You are nearly untouchable."
"I better be." Ashton touched his right temple. "Just remember what I know. That's MY insurance policy against you and Helena. Fail to protect me and I will have no scruples or shame in using that policy to save myself. I'll throw myself at Robert's mercy quite willingly."
Faison smiled like a wolf sated by a recent meal. "If that happens, you will be trusting the lives of your son Ned and granddaughter Brook Lynn to Robert. Is that wise?"
"I won't have a choice," said Ashton quietly.
"We founded the Cartel you, Helena and I. The pact we made then still binds us today. We may fight amongst ourselves but we have stayed loyal to each other. Together, we have survived and prospered. Isn't that so?"
"We have. That I can't deny," said Ashton. "But, Cesar, I don't have the resources and the minions that you and Helena have. I have only myself and a handful of useful contacts. If I must, I will make myself useful to another protector. Everything I know goes with me."
"I remain unconcerned," said Faison. "Stay the course, Larry. The adventure is just getting interesting."
Gem HQ, Milton Keynes
The lights in Room 4 snapped on as two security guards swept in. Perhaps frustrated by their lack of progress, they took less care than usual as they moved the furniture and equipment around.
Dr. Natalie Burson irate at this invasion of her domain gazed defiantly at Willie, the head of security. "What do you think you're doing in here?"
"Search protocol in progress. Didn't you hear the announcement?" asked Willie.
"Didn't you see the sign on the door that said testing was in progress?" retorted Dr. Burson. "No one but testing staff and candidates are allowed in this area. There are no exceptions. Get out!"
"And security protocols have to be followed to the letter," said Willie. "Talk to Chase if you have a problem with me or my people doing our job."
"Don't even think about moving from that spot!" Natalie reached for the staff phone hanging on the wall outside of Room 4. "Chase, tell these neanderthal goons to get out of my area."
She listened for a minute then said, "I have a test in progress. A VERY promising one. You know why I don't allow outsiders in here." Natalie handed the phone to Willie. "Your boss has a few words for you."
Email Server Somewhere In The World
10 - 9 - 8 - 7 - 6 - 5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1
A full minute passed as the system digested the large attachment. Eventually, a single status message flashed on and off: Email Sent.
The upcoming annual service renewal fee would not be paid. The email account would be deleted. All the data would be purged from backup tapes and discs. The last digital trace of Charlotte Devane would fade away. But no matter, the damage was done.