Chapter 3 #2
More tension melted. Wyl had something he didn’t have in Italy. He had Rod, the man whose strength gave him courage. “Thanks, babe.”
“Duggins, bring coffee, and I need you to take notes.”
“Yes, sir. Right away, sir.”
“Duggins will keep minutes of this meeting, copies of which will be available to each of you via a secure electronic device.” He motioned to the table. “The iPads in front of you are yours to take. Each iPad connects to a secure government network worldwide.”
Each picked up an iPad Mini and pressed the button.
“The device has a biometric sensor, so only you can access it. You each can access both devices. If someone else should attempt access, after three tries, the device will automatically purge and shut down permanently.”
Duggins came in carrying a tray with an insulated coffee carafe and three dark blue ceramic mugs, imprinted with "U.S.
Government" in white lettering on the side. As he poured three mugs, the aroma of fresh coffee wafted through the room. Wyl and Rod accepted the offered mugs. Duggins set the General’s mug at his place before sitting at the opposite end of the table.
The general picked up a remote, and the video monitor came alive with a photo of a handsome gentleman: reddish hair, a well-trimmed beard, strong cheekbones, and piercing green eyes.
“This is our suspected cyberterrorist, Ailbe MacGowan. He resides in Galway, which has four institutions of higher learning, including the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology and Galway University.”
As he talked, the general moved through photos of the schools, then brought up a picture of MacGowan in his doctoral regalia.
“He is educated, earning his doctorate in Information Technology ten years ago. He is a vigorous supporter of the arts and a fan of opera. He is a full professor at GMIT, so he has many resources at his disposal, including bright and talented students.”
The general displayed a photo of a different handsome gentleman.
With short-cut blonde hair and blue, wide-set eyes, he had a muscular physique like an athlete or fighter.
The expression on his broad face, with its firm chin, was almost menacing.
“This is MacGowan’s companion, Declan Knowlan.
MacGowan is openly gay. He and Knowlan have been together for six years.
We are unsure about Knowlan’s part in the plot, but we figure he acts as MacGowan’s bodyguard and does the dirty work. ”
“General, can you explain dirty work?” Rod asked.
“Knowlan has known connections to organized crime. While he keeps his nose clean, the likelihood of favor-swapping is suspected. And an occasional suspicious death is not out of the question.”
“What about his past?” Wyl asked.
“His past piqued our interest. Gang activity as a teenager, but no criminal record. Either he is clean, or he has managed to evade detection. I’m betting he insulates himself from the actual crimes.
Both men are considered dangerous. MacGowan because of his intelligence.
With the ready availability of talented, technology-savvy college students, the stage is set for criminal activity that will be almost impossible to trace.
Knowlan, because of his connections and influence over others in the criminal element. ”
“Influence?” Rod asked.
“We think Knowlan knows who to call, Rod.”
Rod nodded. “It sounds like we need to watch for others as well.”
“I won’t lie and tell you the mission carries no risks.” The general stopped and regarded Rod and Wyl. “Other questions, gentlemen?”
“General, the connections between our background and this mission are fairly obvious,” Rod said.
“You need Wyl for his cryptographic abilities. You need me for my connection to the arts. And you need our relationship as a gay couple. What are the specific expectations for us, and how are we to carry out this mission?”
“Excellent questions, Rod. Wyl, any questions from you?”
“Yes, general. If I may be so blunt, Rod doesn’t have any field experience, and I haven't kept up with the latest developments in cryptography. While we apparently fit the needs of this mission, how will we be sure we can succeed?”
“Great question, Wyl. I have answers for you both, but let’s take a quick health break. I’m sure you both could use a stretch. Duggins, show Rod and Wyl to the Men’s Room.”
“Yes, sir. Gentlemen, follow me.” Duggins stood and moved toward the office door.
Wyl and Rod followed Duggins out of the office and down the hall. At the Men’s Room, they entered while Duggins returned to the office.
“You were amazing in there, Rod.” Wyl stood at the urinal. “I’m so proud of you. Your communications with the general were direct and respectful. You really know what you’re doing in this meeting.”
“You give me more credit than I deserve. I’m quaking in my boots.
Well, if I had boots. But I’m not the only one who is uneasy.
I can tell you are full of unanswered questions; you probably don’t know how to ask at this point.
Remember, I’m here with you. I have your back.
If you get tense, think of me holding you in my arms.”
Wyl glanced at his husband as he zipped his pants. “You appear so calm. How do you do that?”
“Babe, we’re in the Pentagon, which is enough to make anyone nervous.” Rod zipped. “But we’ve been chosen for this mission. The general’s confidence in us tells me the U.S. needs the skills we possess individually and as a couple. I figure we need to do what we can.”
“You’re being courageous through this,” Wyl said as they washed.
“What choice do we have? Move to Canada to avoid the draft?” Rod chuckled. “That’s so 1960s.”
Wyl laughed. “No… you’re right. But General Steinburg’s reminder of Italy took me back. He said both men in Ireland were considered dangerous. I thought I had left all that behind me. But now here we are, again facing dangerous men, only this time in Ireland.”
Rod pulled Wyl into his arms. “Think of everything we’ve been through already.
Nosy employees at the college, your brother’s death, a meddling ex-wife with an agenda, a Marine buddy with a closed mind, a ranch hand who ain’t workin’ for no queers, and me almost dying in San Francisco.
We survived all that, so we’ll be fine through this.
Remember, you didn’t know what dangers you faced in Italy.
In this mission, we are aware of the dangers and possess the skills and knowledge necessary to help us survive.
We can face anything as long as we’re together. ”
Wyl closed his eyes and inhaled. “I love you, Roddy,” he whispered.
“I love you more.” Rod gave Wyl a quick kiss, and they returned to the general’s office and took their seats at the table.
The general motioned to the items laid out for them. “New passports for each of you. Rod, your passport reflects your Sterling surname. Wyl, upon your discharge, we canceled your military passport. This is a civilian passport.”
“Thank you, general, sir,” Wyl nodded.
“Yes, thank you, general,” Rod followed Wyl’s lead and nodded.
“Let’s talk mission specifics, gentlemen. We want you to infiltrate MacGowan’s organization, break his code, and stop whatever plan is in place.”
Wyl’s head spun. In all his years in the Marines, he’d never been in a situation to ferret out criminals.
This mission sounded more like a secret agent movie, with car chases, gunfire, and bad guys in dark alleys.
He glanced at Rod, and his stomach tied in a knot.
He needed to protect his husband. Rod had no military experience.
How could he possibly survive this mission? Losing Rod was not an option.
“General, please excuse the inference, but this mission comes across like a Bond film.” Wyl glanced at Rod again.
“Neither of us has experience in espionage. And on top of that, we’re dealing with experienced criminals who will think nothing of putting a bullet in us.
How can we prepare for this mission, and what support can we count on while in Ireland? ”
The General leaned forward, forearms on the table, fingers laced. “That's an excellent question, Wyl. Rod, what are your concerns?”
Rod cleared his throat. “I assume both of us are thoroughly vetted, or we wouldn’t be here now.”
The general nodded.
“If I may be so bold, General, you know of my lack of military experience. My top priority will be keeping this guy safe.” He thumbed toward Wyl.
“I know how to use a gun, but holding a gun in my hand to shoot at a target and effectively using it to defend against an attack by experienced criminals is unlikely to yield desirable results. Plus, this is a military operation for which I have no experience. Am I being drafted?”
The general smiled. “I’m glad to see you two are thinking about survival.
You both ask valid questions. Let’s cover the question of military service.
Wyl, you are being recalled to active duty.
Rod, you are drafted, although not in the typical sense.
Wyl, you know from your experience in the Marines that military men have identification.
That includes insignias indicating rank, dog tags, name badges, and uniforms. For this mission, we want you both to appear as citizens.
Therefore, I have dispensed with the usual military protocol.
While in Ireland, you will use your civilian identification items, such as your Texas driver's license and civilian passport. You will not have a uniform. But that being said, given the nature of this mission and the risks involved, I have assigned each of you the rank of Colonel.”
Wyl gasped. “General, sir, a Colonel is usually a base commander. We have nobody to command.”