Chapter 3 #3
“This country is asking a lot of you. I can’t write you a fat check. A check I don’t believe either of you needs. But I can give you the honor of a rank that matches not only the skills each of you brings to the table but emphasizes the worldwide criticality of this mission.”
Rod leaned over and whispered, “You okay, babe?”
Wyl smiled. “Fine. I was surprised.”
“General,” Rod said. “Thank you for the vote of confidence. But can we turn to the topic of training?”
“Of course. Rod, you will spend two weeks at Quantico, where we train Special Operations Forces. You will learn standard military protocol and proper weapons handling in the first week. In the second week, you both will train at that facility. You’ll learn to think on your feet in tense situations and how to use a weapon to defend yourself against threats to your life.
We will train you in hand-to-hand combat in the event of physical encounters.
We won’t subject you to demanding physical exercise training.
Still, you’ll handle anything you encounter in Ireland. ”
Wyl cleared his throat. “General, what about bringing my specific computer skills up to date? Will I have a chance to do that as well?”
“Of course. Wyl, your training will occur here at the Pentagon for the first week. You will focus on refreshing your cryptology skills. We have a class of promising young recruits who will enjoy having you in their presence. And speaking of cryptology, since we don’t want the world to know that skill is part of your background, you are a cybersecurity expert for this mission.
It will keep your true skills from unscrupulous ears but still give you access to the information we believe will help solve the crime. ”
“That makes sense, general,” Wyl said. “What kind of support can we expect in Ireland, sir?”
“As you know, we have no armed forces in Ireland. Ireland is a neutral country, so it does not have any foreign bases. Unfortunately, that means you’ll be without U.S.
military assistance while there. The U.S.
Embassy will be aware of your presence, but aside from being informed of your arrival, they will not be part of the mission.
Instead, we arranged for you to have a top contact within the Irish national police force, Garda.
As I mentioned, Commissioner Seamus Kane, the top official in Garda, will be briefed on your skills, relationship, and why you are the perfect candidate for this mission.
He is the only one in Ireland who will know your cryptography skill set, Wyl.
The fewer who know, the better. You won’t directly interact with Commissioner Kane or the Galway Chief Superintendent, Ciaran O’Brien.
The Chief Superintendent will have full knowledge of your mission but not your background in cryptology.
He will know you as a cybersecurity expert.
Your primary contacts in Galway are two MI-6 agents who are familiar with the Irish underworld.
British Intelligence has informed them of your mission, but not your specific skill set, Wyl.
They will be your backup in case something arises where you need help.
And finally, should you have questions or issues, I am at your disposal any time, day or night, via the tablets in front of you or the government-issued cell phones you will receive during training. ”
The general glanced back and forth between them. “I don’t believe you took a honeymoon trip after marriage, correct?”
“No sir, General,” Rod said. “I had not yet retired from the college, so we made no plans.”
“We did spend time in San Francisco, General,” Wyl said. “But that trip resulted from the video we did to counteract a threat to out our relationship.”
The general chuckled. “That took balls, gentleman. Good video, though. Now, back to the honeymoon question; as far as your friends and relatives are concerned, you are taking an extended honeymoon trip to Ireland. You could be gone for up to two months, so prepare to be out of the country for that long. Avoid sharing any details about your true purpose.”
“Yes, sir. We understand,” Rod nodded at Wyl.
“Today is September 6th. I scheduled your training to begin on September 20th. You will depart for Ireland on Monday, October 4th, to start your mission. We hope to have you back in the States before Thanksgiving.
“Until you receive your secure cell phones during your training, communication about this mission should only be done through the iPads. Do not use unsecured email or telephone lines when contacting me or your law enforcement connections in Ireland. And remember, do not discuss this with anyone.”
“Yes, sir,” both men responded in unison.
The general stood, indicating the end of the meeting.
Rod and Wyl stood at the same time. “Gentlemen, it was a pleasure.” He walked toward them, extending his hand.
“You will receive further information in the next few days. Thank you for coming to visit in person. The car is waiting to take you back to your hotel.”
“We’re glad to be of service, general,” Wyl said.
They each shook the general’s hand before exiting the office and the building.
The black Suburban was waiting for them at the door.
They climbed into the back seat and were soon on their way.
Neither spoke a word as Agent Travers expertly maneuvered through D.C.
traffic. The suburban pulled into the hotel's circular drive and stopped.
Agent Travers removed his sunglasses and turned to them, his piercing gray eyes flicking back and forth between Rod and Wyl, as he handed each of them a sealed packet marked Official Business - United States Government.
“The packets include information about your mission. You two are an inspiration,” he nodded at them. “I wish you well.”