Chapter 42: Misdirection
Location: Capitol City
The next day…
General Mendenhall sat in the darkened interior of the vehicle, with the only illumination coming from his mobile. He was heading towards Government House, to provide the Prime Minister his daily briefing.
"Director Cauley, are your people ready to proceed?" he inquired.
He was unconcerned with the driver overhearing the conversation, especially when he'd undergo a Memory Wipe to maintain his silence. His loyalty was made completely unquestionable because of Neural Resocialization, which had been employed on select members of Humanity First. Unfortunately, any telepaths could recognize when someone had undergone Resocialization, as their minds were seen as 'fuzzy' when read.
"Yes, General. Once you've given us the signal, we'll be able to proceed as planned."
The IFF Beacon that had been installed in the X-Tornado also possessed an Acoustic Recorder, which had allowed them to eavesdrop on the conversations of the Ambassador and her companions. They had been fortunate that the Fox known as Tails hadn't study the IFF too closely, though it was likely because of his overall lack of knowledge concerning Terran technology.
"Good. We'll need to proceed with all do haste and caution."
Aldred Thackeray had stalled the Prime Minister with negotiations, which had bought them precious time. Now they had only three days before the speech was to take place, requiring them to put their plan into motion.
"Are you sure we can pull this off?" Cauley asked, "What if we can't get the Ambassador alone?"
"I understand your concern, Director. But this is the only opportunity we'll get; we'll not get another."
"You didn't answer my question; What if we can't get the Ambassador alone?"
"We'll have no choice but to make do," he admitted, "But your men should refrain from killing any of her companions, we don't need to cause an international incident."
Cauley scoffed on the other end of the line, though Mendenhall suspected that he had more to say.
"If you have something to say, Cauley, then I suggest you do so."
"Are we to truly believe that a child was the individual responsible for bringing the Ambassador and her vermin companions here?"
"I was sceptical myself, but the surveillance devices throughout the Prime Minister's residence confirm it to be true."
"Someone like that could prove to be dangerous," he commented.
Such words had been echoed by the Secret Agent escorting the Princess, through he agreed with the assessment. Such an individual would have to be dealt with, lest he eventually become a threat to their plans.
"He'll be dealt with soon enough," the General said, "Once we can reallocate the proper resources."
Silence filled the interior of the vehicle, broke once the Director had gathered the courage to speak.
"Regarding the Deputy Prime Minister, we're ready to execute the plan when you've given us the go ahead."
"Good. Once we've gotten our hands on the Ambassador, we can proceed with removing Maximillian Jorgensen as an obstacle."
"We've arrived at the Prime Minister's residence, General."
"We'll need to continue this conversation later."
He immediately disconnected from the call, preventing Director Cauley from commenting further. Silence permeated the interior of the vehicle as halted outside the security gate, while the driver waited for the AI grant them passage.
"Adjutant online. Good morning, General Mendenhall."
"Good morning. I've got a meeting with the Prime Minister," he said, presenting his credentials.
Despite having been identified by the Adjutant, she would prevent him from accessing Government House if he didn't show identification. It was an annoyance, but one that he would have to endure if he wanted to get anywhere.
"Identification confirmed. Thank you and have a nice day."
The gate slowly retracted, allowing the driver to continue onward towards the front of the estate. Pulling up to the front doors, General Mendenhall immediately emerge from the vehicle.
"Take a break," he ordered, "I'll be a while."
"Understood, General."
Buttoning his military jacket, Mendenhall ascended the steps and promptly headed inside the building. Entering the study, he found himself greeted by the Ambassador who was admiring the grand piano. Lingering by the doorway, he watched as she removed a grey handheld computer from her person.
"NICOLE, establish a connection to Mobotropolis, please."
"One moment..." NICOLE said.
Several seconds elapsed, but soon the holographic image of her father appeared before her.
"I good to hear from you, my dear," King Acorn greeted, "How is everything?"
"I won't bore you with all the details, Daddy," she replied, "But the Prime Minister has informed me that the National Assembly will be reconvening."
"That's wonderful news. Hopefully you'll be able to persuade the Terrans to join our efforts against the Eggman Empire."
"I also met with our benefactor, and he explained a lot of things, much of it was...disturbing," she stated.
"Anything else?" the King asked.
"Not at the moment. If I have something new, I'll make sure to report in. Otherwise, I'll contact you after my speech."
"Alright. Good luck, my dear," he said, as the holographic image faded away.
"AH, Ambassador, I thought I heard a voice. It's nice to see you again," Mendenhall said, stepping into the room.
"Oh, good morning, General," she greeted.
"Have you seen the Prime Minister? I was supposed to have a meeting with him."
"He was meeting with someone…, I believe it was the Finance Minister."
"Ah, that would be Aldeo Cistler. And what of you companions? I noticed that they're absent."
"They've decided to hit the town," she replied.
Even Geoffrey had made himself scare, deciding to give her a wide berth following the stunt he had pulled. About to return NICOLE to her hip pouch, she was suddenly caught off guard when the Holo-Lynx spoke up.
"I'm receiving a transmission from Tarro; he says it urgent."
"Patch him through," she said, reopening the device.
"I need to see you," his voice crackling through the speaker, "Can you meet me behind Joeyray's Bar in Backwater Station in an hour? I have information that you need to see."
"I can but nobody else is here," Sally said.
"Come alone, a large group will draw attention," he said.
"Alright, I'll meet you there," Sally said as an odd feeling came over her as she closed NICOLE.
"Never a dull moment, eh?" Mendenhall asked.
"Not since we got here," Sally said, "If Prime Minister Carmichael asks..."
"I'll inform him you've gone out," he said, supressing a grin.