Cloud Invasion: R-D 2 (R-D #2)(48)
"That is one possibility, yes."
"Idiots."
"He seems to be quite persuasive," Ilya observed. "The enemy. You recall those-idiots-who thought they would bring about the apocalypse?"
"The ones responsible for Wyoming and Georgia?"
"Yes."
"You don't have far to go to persuade idiots of what they want to hear to start with," I snorted. "The four horsemen? Seriously? A prime example of having more money than sense."
"And a devious way to get supporters for any opposition out of the way."
"You know, I never thought of it in those terms, but you're right-their empires broke apart overnight and everybody is still arguing over who gets what. I'm sure any politician who received money before is crying in his breakfast cereal over the current lack of funding."
"Too many politicians and elections are purchased, nowadays," Ilya said. "No matter where they are. Too many are willing to make fools of themselves, just to align their views with those of their sponsors."
"And let's face it; none of them are going to win the smartest person on the planet award, anyway."
"Is there such a thing?" He wrapped his arms about me before leaning his chin on my shoulder.
"Nah. Besides, if there were, somebody with a ton of money would just buy it, anyway. Everything's for sale, you know."
"Not love. Not real love," he murmured before kissing my temple. "That is a gift. An unexpected and wondrous gift."
"Well, there's one thing not for sale, then," I sighed. "Thank you-for being here for me."
"You are welcome." His mouth claimed mine.
*
Notes-Colonel Hunter
I brushed my teeth while watching the morning news on the small television screen in the bathroom. So far, nothing untoward had occurred. I had a meeting with Matt Michaels and the Secretary of State at nine, so I'd forced myself out of bed early to get some research done before going into the meeting armed with information.
My cell phone rang as I rinsed my mouth.
"Hunter here," I barked. I recognized the phone number-someone from the White House was calling. Had Madam President changed her mind about accepting my resignation?
"Sir, there's been an incident in Colombia." I recognized Secretary of State Marshall's chief of staff-Gerard usually made calls on the SOS's behalf.
"Tell me," I lifted a towel and wiped my face.
"A British airliner has been shot down over the jungles," Gerard said. "The Colombian government is blaming it on rebels, but we have other suspicions."
"You think the Russians are involved." It wasn't a question.
"We are concerned, yes. The Brits are requesting assistance-they want a specialized crew to investigate and recover bodies. They're also calling for the Colombians to hunt down these rebels and bring them to justice."
"No survivors, I take it?"
"No, sir. All two hundred eighty-one dead, including the crew."
"Tell the British Ambassador I'll call him within an hour."
"Yes, sir. The Secretary is on the phone with him, now."
"Good. We'll do everything we can."
"Thank you, sir."
*
"I thought there was a vast reduction in Colombian rebel activity," I said.
"This may be a smokescreen for what's really going on," Matt suggested.
Secretary of State Marshall sat listening to both of us as we shared our thoughts on the plane crash.
"I'd like to say you're both right, but we don't know for sure," Chuck Marshall leaned back in his chair with a shrug. "I want a team put together to work with the Colombians and the Brits," he added. "So we can have the truth on this."
"Agreed," Matt said. "I think we can put something together. Don't you?" He turned toward me.
"Yeah. Give me a few hours. We'll have somebody to send."
*
Corinne
"I'm supposed to go back to D.C. and do my job," James informed us. "The rest of you-Colonel Hunter wants you to go to Colombia as disguised civilian contract employees. He wants you to make that happen, Cori."
"I can do that," I said.
"Then, you'll join the team he and Matt Michaels are sending down there to investigate the crash."
"What is he planning to tell them about us?"
"That you're very talented ex-military, hired through a private contractor. Matt already has information on all of you. You'll have to fly out of Chicago-they don't want any red flags to pop up. You understand the importance of staying incognito."
"Honey, I think we all understand that," I sighed.
"Good. Cori, he says if you find anything, then all of you have to figure out a way to prove it by logical means. People will be watching, so we have to do it this way."
"I think I can do that," I agreed. The others, their eyes turning in my direction, nodded.
"Good. You'll get dossiers on who you're supposed to be. You know the drill. Follow protocol unless Cori thinks you're in danger."
"How are you getting home?" Maye asked.
"I'm on a private jet to Seattle, and then on a commercial flight from there, just like it's supposed to be. Matt arranged for the private jet, so that won't be traced. He also said to tell Opal to be careful."