Chapter 43: On the Street Where You Live

<Welcome>

Eight Agents were arrayed in their circle once more, the nothingness of their backdrop emphasizing the esotericism of their virtual meeting.

<Agent Shahim Al Khazar has requested a reassessment of a previous Council decision.>

John withheld his look of concern, not transmitting his personality analog’s emotions to his avatar in the virtual meeting. He did not know what decision the arbiter was referring to, but he knew that Shahim Al Khazar was in America and that made him nervous.

Given that he had called the meeting, Agent Shahim took the lead, “Eight months ago we struggled with the decision of how to handle the remaining members of the group that discovered Agent Preeti Parikh’s capsule in India. Along with the majority of you I voted for allowing them to live, but with the stipulation that if we found more reason to suspect them we would complete the job the hub satellites started.” he paused a virtual moment, then continued, “I have called this meeting because I believe I may have found just such a reason.”

<Agent has uploaded some video and analysis for Council review, sending to meeting participants now>

“There is not any concrete evidence per se, but I saw something over the last three days that has made me suspicious. I have been watching Neal Danielson in his home in Washington, DC …” he went to continue but John cut in, his virtual voice perhaps betraying the sudden concern his face was programmed not to show.

“What do you mean you have been watching him? Why? What are you doing in Washington, DC?”

There was a pause and then Shahim went on, “I went there to assess the potential of attacking the Pentagon and White House as part of the package of target options given me by my superiors.”

John restrained himself, hoping someone else would say the obvious response to that statement. Preeti Parikh spoke up a moment later, “But the Council agreed that both those targets were too noticeable and would initiate a weapons build up by America and others, something we certainly do not want to encourage. Why were you looking at them?”

Before he could respond, Lana spoke up, clearly displeased at the direction the conversation was going, “What does it matter why he was there? He has not initiated any attacks on those locations. And by the sounds of it he has discovered something that will require further examination. Agent Shahim, please talk us through this information you have uncovered.”