Todd grew more spirited. “This is why we’re needed here this evening. So many of our people are operating in their own little bubbles. They don’t know what’s going on with the grand campaign. David commissioned us to do a live feed to help spread the word. Show we’re winning the peace. That sort of thing.”
Ted continued to display indifference as he rolled his hand. “And?”
Todd was a young man of about thirty with shoulder-length blond hair, thin-rimmed glasses, and high cheekbones. Someone who might do all right with the ladies running in his TV-crew circles. Despite being with the enemy camp, he had a likeable quality that made Ted want to engage with him. It was difficult to feign a lack of interest to what was taking place around him, but a mercenary would know better than to ask too many questions.
The camera guy pointed to the crane operators. “A big convoy is bringing in equipment from the northern launch point, up in Canada. Most of it is still on Interstate 25, but the lead vehicles are already here. We had them stop in place, so we can get the cameras set up.”
Louis strode by carrying a pair of large, black cases.
Todd went on. “As you know, most of our stuff was brought to America in shipping containers. Now, it’s finally making it to the middle of our new country. The cranes give us the ability to unload many trucks at a time to speed things up.” Todd looked around as if searching for trouble. “The less time we’re all grouped up, the better.”
“We’ll protect you,” Ted said with bravado.
“I’m sure you will. The Americans might strike from the air, though. I’m curious. What would you do then?”
His attitude was a bit off-putting, so Ted took a chance at playing the part. He put his rifle over his shoulder and threatened to walk away.
“No! Don’t leave. I’m sure you have contingency plans for everything, including air attacks.” Todd spoke fast. “This unloading process will go exactly as David wants it, you know. We don’t have control over it. Not really.”
Ted brought his rifle off his shoulder, returning to his previous ambivalence. The robots on the lot caught his attention. He motioned for the camera operator to look at them. “I only recognize some of those machines. What do those fat ones with the spools of rope do?” Ted didn’t want to sound stupid about the technology, but he had no idea what the model was designed to do. As a security contractor, he figured it was a detail he should know.
“Those are the elephants. We have lots more coming on this convoy. They drop their trunks into sewer and service tunnels, push out a long length of explosive cable, then detonate and collapse whatever is needed. We have lots of pipelines in this part of the country we need to destroy.” He paused, then pointed to an approaching woman in red. “Oh, good. Darla’s finally here.”
Emily had been quiet up to that point, but she nudged Ted’s elbow. “We’ve got trouble. I need to talk to you.”
Todd looked surprised. “Anything we need to know about?”
Ted’s eyes conveyed the friendliness of a honey badger being stung by a scorpion.
The camera guy held up his hands as if afraid he’d stepped in it. “Sorry.”
“What’s the issue?” He asked Emily while pulling her aside.
She turned so her back was toward the camera team and new arrival. It put him in position to look right at them, which was why he gave some of his attention to the young woman in a fire engine red blouse and skirt.
“You see her now?” Emily chuckled, before switching to serious mode. “Ted, I recognize Darla.”
He thought she had a familiar face, but he couldn’t place her. When he didn’t answer, Emily kept talking.
“She’s a famous network anchor. She’s done time in the White House press corps.” She spoke at barely a whisper. “She’s spent time on Air Force One and Two.”
“We’ve got to get you out of here,” he replied, tensing up for what was going to be a hard exit from the news story.
Todd appeared at his side. “She’s here. We’ll be on the air in two minutes, if I know her. Plus, if you haven’t noticed, she makes a bright bullseye target. Now’s when we need you to shine, guys.”
Ted looked between the woman and his SUV, desperate for an out.
NORAD Black Site Sierra 7, CO
Tabby let go of Victor’s hand after one quick shake. “It was an easy choice,” she finally replied. The young man’s excitement level seemed inversely proportional to her own. David must have told him she was a willing participant rather than a slave to whatever he ordered her to do. Still, all she had to do was be nice at first, then escape from him when the opportunity arose.
David looked at Charity. “Well, should we leave the two lovebirds alone? I’m sure we can both find something to do and not bother them.”
“Of course,” the redhead replied, bowing slightly while simultaneously giving Tabby a warning scowl.
She watched as David continued to observe her from the side of his eye, even as he walked away. He pretended to speak with his companion, but he was always watching her. Only when he rounded a corner did she let out the breath she’d been holding.
“Wow,” Victor said at once. “I can’t believe you know David and Charity. That’s like knowing the Secretary General and his wife.”
“Secretary General?” she asked, not sure how to respond
