Weapon - Delayed
#9 of Weapon
Three months later...
Some of the private sector was feeling the pinch of trade restrictions, with the inclusion of 'The State of South Korea' and Japan the quality built technology kept flowing. Some prices went up, a lot, some stayed the same. All in all the companies hardest hit by the embargo, albeit self imposed, was those that had been selling our manufacturing and raw goods the worst to our 'economic enemies'.
I would like to say the rest of the world faired as well, but that was most definitely not the case, suddenly a new source of constant innovation and development was being sought, with some minor success, but with three of the biggest sources of new technology being cut off from the world they had little recourse but to try to steal.
"... and we are working with your people on securing this leak, under the new laws dealing around this embargo will be considered treason. As you know we have been working at all levels, from airports and docks right up to cyberspace, and are dealing with threats as they come. Mr Bowand, you have the full support of the nation with respect to finding who is leaking this information, but you must understand we are doing everything we can to..." I could hear the newly promoted Captain Howard telling the businessman.
I sighed, getting Pakistan had been a close one, their people had voted for joining both initially and after a short while at a referendum, it hadn't even been close, but General Shar had not had an easy run of it. Now that they were officially a part of the United States, we had sent over federal agents and support, if nothing else, the General deserved thanks for letting his people be heard.
North Korea was on a razors edge, since their southern neighbour had joined they had been told that, under no circumstances would any incursions like those in the past, be tolerated and that any actions against our country would be met with stiff reprisals. Needless to say we had deployed a very large amount of anti-missile equipment along that border. With luck they will not test my ultimatum.
"Sir." The intercom buzzed, "Major Richardson from the Army MPs is here to see you for your four o'clock."
"Send him in, and please remind him about the broadcast." I told my assistant, and winked at the camera.
The door opened shortly and an older man in dress uniform marched in and saluted. "Sir, Major Richardson US Army MP, reporting as ordered, Sir!"
"At ease Major, and please have a seat." I waited till the man was settled before continuing, "As my assistant reminded you, everything in this room is recorded and broadcast live, please do not mention anything from cases ongoing or things that may put people at risk. Now, I believe you have something to report?"
"Sir, as you ordered we have been working in a strictly observatory fashion a case being investigated by the CIA, in regards to the planning and orchestration of the bombing in Washington and subsequent assassination of temporary leader, General Ruggers. They have cleared this information to be released through your office, at approximately oh eight hundred this morning working with CIA operatives, apprehended First Lieutenant Merchan of the Armies Defence Logistics Agency and Walter Thrift of the Department of Defence, both have been implicated and have pleaded guilty to supplying logistics to the terrorists and, in the case of Mr Thrift, supplying plans and detailed information."
He kept talking, my mind was taking it in but for the moment concious thought had slowed to a crawl. "Major, you will forgive me for interrupting, I am sure everything is in your report." I gestured to the large folder he had deposited on my desk, "But what information has been gained from these... traitors?"
"Sir, they have kept thorough records of their plans and all the details are being sifted, we had a judge set up a hasty court to receive their pleas and the same court will be convening over the next week." I sat shocked still.
"Thank you Major, that will be all, I am sure I will hear about the trial on the news?" I asked.
"Most assuredly Sir, as you have recommended to senate, laws have been passed requiring such trials to not only be open, but televised." The Major finished, getting up from his seat. "And Ma'am, if you don't mind me saying so, honesty is the best policy."
At my parting salute the Major left the room. After a few minutes of silence I looked up at the camera, "Well, it looks like some loose ends might be getting tied up here, once all the excitement passes we will have more months of time moving by like molasses. I of course will always be busy, but then that's why you voted for me. Well, lets see what light reading material we have here." I reached for the documents the Major had left.
Sorry about my laxness on this story, my muse seems very mercurial of late, between the three-part un-dead story (and don't get me started about trying to begin a fourth chapter, it doesn't seem likely at the moment) and my new Time series combined with just getting the full set of 'Northern Exposure' and 'xXx Holic' episodes to watch, toss in some bad health of late and you can get my drift.
Also if anyone has any suggestions for music to listen to that may help inspire me with this piece, let me know, so far all I have is Ministry - Rantology and only a few songs from that have the right undertones I want.