Sedona Conspiracy

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN ^CONCERNS

The lights were low, the video monitor on the table darkened. Mister Brown and Mister White sipped tea and spoke in near whispers. They had checked the room for listening devices, Brown had activated his random wave generator, and they were reasonably certain they were alone in the room.

“You seem certain we can trust him,” said Mister White.

“I do. He’s been evaluated at all levels. There are no commercial interests pulling at him. His loyalty is to his government, and his experience is just what we need.”

“He’s a killer.”

“Yes, he can be that. He has also survived by his wits for many years. It won’t be simple to predict his reactions or movements. Natasha will give us what she can, but her time with him is limited.”

“Her father would be proud,” said White.

“Indeed, but I’m concerned about her. She has developed feelings for the man, and I don’t want to see her hurt.”

“She’s an adult. And there are certainly no racial issues.”

“That’s not what I mean. You know me better than that. I just hope her attachment to Mister Price doesn’t go too far. At worst he could soon be dead. At best he will be gone when his job here is finished.”

“So what’s the next step?” White leaned closer.

“We have to tell him about the portal. I’m convinced our saboteurs are using it to come and go. Davis has not cooperated with us in the placement of guards. He insists his people cannot stand in total darkness for hours at a time. And even when the bay is active I can’t get him to regularly photograph all personnel coming in and out of the portal. It’s too simple to hide a face from a video camera placed only at one position.”

“So how can Price help with that?”

“If he knows how parts and key personnel get in and out of the base he can talk to Davis as a security expert and pressure him for better surveillance. He also needs access to the portal bay if he has to pursue someone. He at least has to know where it is.”

White grasped Brown’s arm. “He cannot be told the exact nature of the portal. If he reported that to his government there would be a panic. It could destroy everything we’ve worked for.”

Brown patted White’s hand. “I agree it could shock people in the agency he works for, but I know for a fact that people much higher than any agency know all about the portal and its origins. And they are the people who initiated this project with us. For now, it’s enough if Price knows where the portal is and can get to it. But if he ever has to use it we’ll have to tell him everything. Do you agree with me?”

“Yes, for now. Even Davis doesn’t know the mechanics of the portal. He just thinks he does.”

“But he’ll have to allow Price access to the bay so he can see its operation. I’ll talk to him right away. Things will be happening fast, now. Price has what he needs to fly the star craft. If that leaks out, our adversaries could make a move quite soon. Make sure our people are never far from Price. We just came close to losing him.”

“Will you tell the others?”

“No. We still can’t be sure there aren’t other conspirators acting with Watt.”

“Why not have Price kill him right away?”

“Not until I know their overall plan, and everyone behind it. Watt surely knows our suspicions. For now, I think sabotage will cease, but I worry about assassinations. And it could happen to any of us. I’m going to see Davis, and demand that he introduce Price to the portal bay. Hopefully he’ll do it quickly before Price demonstrates his new knowledge of the star craft. Things will likely be chaotic after that. I’ll want regular reports from your people on any reactions from Reds or Blues. It has been far too quiet lately.”

“I really don’t think they’re involved. Watt is working alone, or with secret service personnel loyal to him,” said White.

“I tend to agree, but let’s keep a close eye on our so-called allies anyway.”

The two men shared a laugh about that, and adjourned their meeting.

Outside it was close to sunrise. Inside, the control room was nearly dark, and only one man sat at the console. It was the time of low priority transmissions, and only a few people were in line. Dario Watt had presented his authorization, and enjoyed an herbal tea while waiting his turn. His aide sat with him, a small man with a prominent nose. Dario smiled pleasantly at him.

“I’m sure you have a good explanation for me, Degan. It was a simple mission. How could it have been such a failure?”

Degan swallowed hard. The sight of such a smile on Dario Watt’s face could mean death to the receiver. Only honesty and humility could save his life.

“I have no explanation, Sire. They were ready for us, and cloaked when we came through the tunnel. Three of my people did not return, and another was slashed badly. We didn’t even get to the first floor of the house. They either knew we were coming, or were there on permanent guard. Only a handful of us knew about the operation at the last moment, Sire. There couldn’t have been time for a warning.”

Watt nodded. “They’re using him. Something else must have been going on, and we were unfortunate to arrive at the same time. Back off for now, but be ready to move at an hour’s notice. Has your team returned?”

“For medical treatment. I’ll have them early tomorrow. We have a little house in Cottonwood.”

“That’s close enough, but I want one of your people, cloaked if necessary, to be with me at all times.”

“I understand, Sire.”

“No, you don’t. I’ve raised the suspicions of the Council, and they are also capable of murder.”

“Yes, Sire.”

“Things are not going well, Degan. I’m considering action that could require as many as twenty men. I’ll leave the recruitment to you, but it must be done within a week. The loyalty of these people must be beyond question. The future of our government, perhaps even our civilization is at stake.”

“It will be done, Sire. See you on the other side.” Degan left, and went down the stairs to the transmission area.

A few minutes later, Dario Watt also descended the stairs to the narrow room below the control console. One wall glowed orange, then yellow as Watt walked up to it. He stood for a moment until the surface of the wall turned brilliant white with ripples of blue, and then he stepped into it and was gone.