“I see, sir. Then you understand that President Prescott organized our office under the Homeland Security Department specifically to give her direct control over a quick reaction, military think tank. She wanted a closer relationship to planning as it pertains to rapidly developing terrorist activity, primarily domestic terrorism. She had concluded-during her vice presidency-that it would only grow more intrusive within the U.S. homeland. As she explained it to me, she wanted opinions and suggestions outside the Pentagon chain of command. Actually, we’re a slightly different kind of think tank, Mr. President. Each of our officers-and, sir, we actually have a very small full- time staff, eight people, to be exact-has come directly from command of a branch of special forces and has had direct field action experience.”
President Snow nodded. “Would that include you, Pug?”
“Yes, Mr. President.”
“Didn’t you also head a task force for President Eastman regarding the California secession movement? Something about election fraud and militia activity?”
“Yes, sir. I’ve prepared a full, written after-action report for you on that subject when you feel ready to review it. The secession issue is still very much alive, Mr. President, although we’ve curtailed the election fraud process. As it stands, California still intends to divide into multiple states, but they haven’t rescinded their electoral decision to secede and form their own nation. In fact, as I understand my latest briefing from FBI Director Granata, the movement is actually growing stronger.”
Snow nodded. “I’m aware of developments in the west. That problem may overshadow everything else, if we’re not careful. I’ve heard back room chat from my Arizona contacts that the secession movement, at least philosophically, has spread to several other western states. But that discussion can wait for a few days. Let’s stick with your current position. What does your task force actually do, Pug?”
“Sir,” General Austin interrupted, “may I speak candidly?”
“By all means, General Austin,” the president said, turning to look at the older man.
“Sir, General Connor may be too modest to give you the full story. I, on the other hand, don’t suffer from that particular genetic abnormality. Washington has cured me of any semblance of humility.”
Both President Snow and Pug Connor could not help but laugh at Austin’s self-degradation.
“Sir,” Austin continued, “for over a decade, first at the National Security Agency and then at the CIA, Pug has served on my staff, most recently as my executive officer. I had to literally drag him out of field command and order him behind the desk. Last year, I recommended him to President Eastman to head the California investigative task force. With some regional assistance from the California Adjutant General and FBI support, the task force broke the ring of corporate moguls that was perpetrating the fraud. But, in light of his current duties-Pug would probably diminish his role-he has an outstanding military record as a combat field commander. America has been involved in two ground wars, but many more covert operations to stop further terrorist attacks. As a captain and then a major, he served as the commanding officer of a Marine Corps Fleet Anti-Terrorist Security Team, which is comprised of a Marine Recon unit assigned as part of a carrier battle group. He has seen direct action in both Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as covert activity in other geographic locations around the world. There’s no shortage of trouble spots, Mr. President. This type of assignment can never be openly documented on a military record. Among other decorations, General Connor has a Navy Cross, the citation narrative restricted on a need-to-know basis.
“Mr. President, on the type of missions General Connor used to command, Marines, SEALS or special operation soldiers who did not come home-the media use the phrase ‘gave their all’-are generally reported as having died in a training exercise. It’s a shadow world, Mr. President. Perhaps that’s why it’s called ‘black ops.’ But in summary, with regard to his current command of Trojan-that’s the team’s designation-once the president designates an action as level ‘Troy,’, someone from his staff is required to go out into the world, find the worst of our enemies, and either kill or capture them. It’s neither pleasant nor easy. And it’s terrible on family life. But I submit, sir, that General Connor is eminently qualified to command Trojan and the men who serve under him. Both President Eastman and President Prescott understood this and trusted him. President Prescott gave him his first star at least five years beyond his normal eligibility year date.
“Sir, during the intervening years since your last affiliation with a young Pug Connor, a lot has transpired in his life.”
Pug sat quietly through this resume recital, clearly uncomfortable with the disclosure.
“Thank you, General Austin,” Snow replied. “Pug, Trojan is quite different from the summer job you had in the law firm, isn’t it?”
“It’s been a long time since those days, Mr. President. Some days I wish I could go back to that less stressful time.”
“Don’t we all?” Snow chuckled. “Pug, do you know what President Cumberland’s intentions were with relation to your unit’s continued operation?”
“No, sir, I don’t. I never met President Cumberland,” Pug said.
“Understood,” Snow said, his tone taking a more defined edge. “And I suppose you’d like to know what I intend to do with your… uh, Office of Public Relations… what you call ‘Trojan’.”
“Yes, sir, that’s our internal designation. I also have a full operational report for you when you’re ready. As General Austin has stated, we do not act without proper authority. Any military action enacted by Trojan requires presidential approval, which we then designate Troy. Within our security network, it’s the next level down from an Executive Order.”
“I understand. Gentlemen, as I said, I’ve spoken with President Steadman and, more recently, just about an hour ago, with President Prescott,” he said. “She gave me a quick heads-up on Trojan, not much, actually, just a summary. She strongly recommended that I continue the operation, at least until such time as I form my own opinion and judge its worth. General Austin, this morning I also consulted Admiral Barrington, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. I believe you and he served together some years ago, before you retired from the Air Force. He indicated that he thought you might be considering a second, final retirement.”
“That’s correct, Mr. President,” Austin replied.
“Is that still your intention?” Snow continued.
“I’ve not made the final decision, Mr. President. I wanted to see General Connor firmly established in his position and the abrupt changes in the White House…”
“I understand. General Austin, I won’t put you through a long process wondering what’s going to happen. I would request that you defer your final retirement and continue to serve your country.”
“I serve at your pleasure, Mr. President.”
“However,” Snow said, “I would like your immediate resignation from the Central Intelligence Agency.”
Pug quickly shifted his gaze to Austin, who continued to hold eye contact with President Snow.
“As I said, sir, I serve at your pleasure. You will have my resignation on your desk this afternoon,” General Austin said, his voice a bit more formal.
“And then I would like you to take a few days off and go out to Wyoming to spend some time in discussions with former Secretary of Homeland Security, Anthony Weyland. You know Secretary Weyland, of course?”
Austin tilted his head slightly in a questioning mannerism. “Yes, sir. We worked very closely together for several years while he was National Security Advisor to President Eastman.”
“So I understand. Again, General, it’s not my intention to keep you in the dark. If you serve at my pleasure, as you’ve indicated, then I would like to obtain your approval to put forth your name as my nominee to serve as Secretary of Homeland Security. Secretary Weyland can bring you up to speed on the nomination hearings.”
“Mr. President, I-”
Snow held up his hand. “Take this afternoon to think about the issue and we can talk again tomorrow or the next day. I’m moving very fast on these cabinet appointments, with President Steadman’s advice and support, I might add. You come highly recommended by Steadman and Prescott, for that matter. And,” he said, looking toward Pug, “General Austin, as Secretary of Homeland Security, would continue to be your boss, Pug. Although, as President Prescott has advised, I reserve the right to meet with you and, if I determine necessary, provide direction. Is that suitable to you, General Austin?”
“That would not present a problem, Mr. President. May I assume I would be advised of General Connor’s operational orders if they were to come directly from this office?”
“Of course,” the president replied. “Effective immediately, consider that Trojan will remain operational. I’ll have a memo to that effect delivered to you shortly to enable you to continue to work with the military assets you require. I don’t want the Pentagon assuming-or hoping — that you’ve been shut down. I informed Admiral
