On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor - Side Two Hundred And Fifty – Adam White, Director of the NSA, Paranormal Branch

“Thank you for coming. I know it’s not easy to find time in your schedules nowadays.” Adam managed a little joke as he looked around at his guests. Gina Haskell, the Director of the CIA, was sitting there as stern as always, in a sharp black pantsuit, complimenting her patrician features, black hair and brown eyes. Beside her sat Christopher Wright, representing the FBI as Director. He’d aged a little, seemingly, the silver at his temples spreading, turning his black hair rather more salt-and-pepper.

It’s amazing just what a few days of stress can do to a man. But… in a way, that plays to our advantage. As for our… other… attendees…

Princeton Highsmith, the Director of DARPA, who had stepped up to the role as his predecessor vacated the post earlier in the year, before all this mess had broken out… and what exquisite timing that was. Taking the pension and walking away was a prescient move. If I didn’t know better from our investigations, I’d assume he was a black cat himself… had also attended. He was a middle-aged man, still lithe and fit, with a shaved head and piercing blue eyes which had an inquisitive gleam within.

Lastly, there was also Matthias Esper, a name that held quite some irony for Adam. Esper is another word for psychic, thus a psyker. But again, we’ve thoroughly investigated him, behind the scenes, of course, and he’s clean. In his mid-fifties, with fussy glasses and a straight, austere, almost military haircut still, he wore a tan suit and a red tie, as if to assert a little individuality.

“That’s true.” Gina agreed, speaking for them all. “It’s chaos, all around the world, our operatives are sending back more data on potential threats to our interests than any time since the war on terror. Sifting it is one hell of a headache.  I suppose I’m grateful to you, Adam. Your team is nothing if not meticulous when it comes to data analysis and pattern recognition. Oh, thank you Viola.”

Gina nodded as Viola, Adam’s right-hand woman and secretary, today in a wine-red skirt suit and black shirt, her bolo tie a rather flashy ruby stone, placed down a mug of strong, black coffee beside her, before moving on to offer it to the others. With her brown skin and tightly curled black hair, she was the very image of a professional, competent woman. And being a woman, she’s better able to put men at ease. It won’t work on that battle-axe Gina, but old habits here die hard in the halls of power, and women aren’t seen as a threat by men, or taken as seriously. I don’t make such a foolish error, however.

“It’s my pleasure.” Adam declared grandly, as Viola retreated, to operate the projector set up, linked to the Vermillion List laptop. “We all have to work together, especially now. Foreign threats, internal issues, data leaks, falling behind in key research on these new phenomena, and of course, the projected impact this will have on our armed forces and our ability to protect American interests and project power around the globe… all are affected.”

“That’s true.” Matthias agreed. “Though some of the bleeding is self-inflicted. The F-22 Raptors Japan were promised have been transferred, our aircraft carrier, the USS Ronald Reagen, handled matters. Obviously, the President was greatly displeased, but…”

“Sixth generation fighters are due to come into service over the next decade. We originally had timescales into the twenty-thirties, but with new… paradigms…” Princeton grinned, seeming younger and more energetic as he rambled about progress. “…I expect we can certainly achieve greater results than anticipated, at a far faster pace. I penned a report, making the issue seem like selling off some obsolete equipment, for the President myself.”

He probably didn’t even look at it. Since he recovered his health and some youthful energy, thanks to Akio Oshiro, he’s been a different man. A better one? I don’t think so. But… distracted, certainly…

“Done is done.” Adam declared, after taking a sip of his own coffee, which contained a dash of bourbon. Drinking during working hours wasn’t something he usually condoned, but he needed the pick-me-up, due to getting little rest, and irregular, extended hours… what a fiction. I barely have time to go home and see my wife and kids. But if we don’t handle matters now, it’ll be too late to regret it later. “We, as a country, took a gamble, and it didn’t pay off. We should be thankful it was solvable by money, and some military hardware which, as we are all here to discuss, is losing prominence.”

“It’s true.” Matthias nodded. “DARPA can probably tell you better than I can, but work on DEW’s, Directed Energy Weapons, lasers, microwave beams and so forth, has been ongoing for some time, to deal with ballistic missiles, aircraft and even large ships such as aircraft carriers. Progress has been rather costly and disappointing…”

“That’s just physics.” Princeton waved a hand dismissively. “The weight to power ratio and attenuation over distance, to say nothing of the waste heat problems, make it difficult to scale. But in theory, conventional warfare would change. Yet…”

Adam nodded. “Physics is crying out in anguish, ladies and gentlemen.” He signalled to Viola, who operated the projector, revealing some still images of various… elemental attacks, as Christina Bakker called them. The most prominent of which was a type of DEW, effectively a concentrated light beam, as strong as any industrial laser. “We have images from Japan, Britain, and also those graciously provided by South Korea. They are trying to curry favour, as…”

“…they let their political infighting and distaste for the Japanese overrule their good sense, and reneged on an agreement, not just with the Japanese government, but with the man of the hour, one Akio Oshiro.” Gina finished, her Agency having gathered significant data on how everything had transpired. “At least Japan were willing to settle with us, so a few billion dollars in military slush funds…” Matthias winced at that, as well he might. “…and fighter jets sold at construction cost, recouping the money… it’s not a disaster. A failure, but recoverable from. However…” Gina’s composed expression twisted, as if she was chewing on a wasp. “…we do have one issue.”

“Can’t it wait?” Princeton asked. “I’m curious about the updates here.”

“It’s… broadly relevant.” Gina disagreed. “If I may.” She produced photographs, taken at some sort of concert, and Adam immediately recognised the problem once he had his.

“Suzanne Castor. I had hoped the matter settled. It seemed that the meeting between them and Akio Oshiro was… fiery.”

“Yes, but once the hand leaves the stove, some forget the pain of their burns.” Gina tutted. “It seems that since they had no joy in getting her returned, or at least out of the public eye, to hide their abysmal parenting, they’ve been calling in favours. The Castors do have some influence.”

“It’s true that their family supplies a significant amount of microchips, transistors and processed silicon, germanium and other key elements to DARPA.” Princeton admitted. “And some of the systems in our military hardware depend on their supplies, since sourcing from China, Japan or South Korea leaves us vulnerable to trade embargos and supply shocks. They’re not the only source, though. We can get by without their products, even if it would be inconvenient, and damaging in the shorter term.”

“Did they bother you then?” Gina asked, and Princeton shrugged.

“Not directly, of course, but their liaison was receiving strongly worded communications, demanding we do something. I believe that the words ‘sex trafficker’ were bandied about. ‘kidnapping’ and ‘statutory rape’ too.”

Adam winced at that. Trust the Castors to stir up trouble nobody wants. “What else?”

“They have petitioned the President, after a substantial donation. Fortunately, as we have discussed, his mind is on other matters, and after getting a taste of what Akio Oshiro can do, he’s unwilling to act. He took the ‘campaign donation’ towards next year’s presidential election, of course.”

Christopher, who had been sitting quietly, clearly with his mind on other matters, managed a small chuckle at that. “Doesn’t he always? Our President is a master of accepting gifts. But he’s far from consistent in returning a favour.”

“Which might be for the best. So, Gina, what happened? Though I can guess…” Adam asked.

“The State Department got our diplomats stationed in Tokyo to ask very nicely if Suzanne Castor could be returned to the US, since she is an underage citizen, not quite eighteen yet. Our answer, if I’m to put it politely, was that ‘we could go pound sand’.”

“Is she really so valuable?” Princeton asked. “I am aware she is one of those who have developed strange powers. Chosen, or a variant thereof, seems to be the accepted international term.”

Adam shook his head. “Not particularly. She performed admirably during the terrorist attacks that swept the globe, it seems she controls autonomous puppets, but a squad of troops with heavy weapons would easily subdue her. The answer is far simpler… Viola, it’s a bit off the topic, but if you would?”

“Of course, Director.” Viola displayed her usual excellence, pulling out a tablet, and linking it to the projector’s second input, temporarily switching the display, to a photograph of Christina Bakker. That damn mad scientist. She’s giving me endless headaches. What choice did I have though? It’s the same situation with Suzanne Castor, just worse. Why couldn’t she be a man, if she was Christian Bakker, that soft-hearted Japanese idiot might not have stood up for her… him… well, no point wishing for what can never be…

“Christina Bakker, lead researcher at DARPA, and one of your finest, Director Highsmith…” At Viola’s words, he smiled ruefully.

“She’s truly brilliant. Amoral, infuriating, but a true genius. But when she actually experiments, trouble happens. As I’m sure you are aware, everyone. We… were rather flexible in our approach to international laws and human rights, but then, it is as she so eagerly proclaimed, in such times, knowledge trumps all.” he paused. “Letting her go to Japan is a shrewd move, but… she’s not answering my questions, Adam. Though I suppose we can leverage her past unethical behaviours to threaten Japan, so that’s one plus.”

“I would hope we can avoid that.” Gina sighed. “We have enough trouble as is. But… please go on, Viola.”

“Thank you, Director Haskell.” Viola smiled warmly at her fellow woman in the halls of power, in a position she no doubt believed she deserved. One day she’ll have my job, or perhaps even aim higher. I’ll be satisfied if I weather this storm and steer our country safely through the waves and wind…

“Christina Bakker is indeed…seconded… to Japan, currently, in an unofficial capacity as a private citizen. We do have other sources of intelligence, such as a… Chosen… codenamed Scryer, though she was injured during the terrorist incident and has been recuperating. Our wiretaps and satellite surveillance have largely been rendered useless, but we still have other avenues. But when it came to information on Suzanne Castor, we have a combination from the Japanese governmental response, and the gaps filled in by Miss Bakker. Here.”

“I see.” Princeton read off the details. “Suzanne Castor entered Japan alone a number of months before meeting Akio Oshiro. So trafficking is off the table. The other accusations, though… she is a minor, by the definition of both our countries, and should be returned to her… loving… parents.”

“This is quite unpleasant to talk about, but Miss Bakker assures us that Suzanne Castor is untouched and still a virgin. Some nonsense to do with being an idol, which forbids romance? This is coupled with the fact Japan considers her a naturalised citizen, on a special Ministry passport. A side-effect of the laws they passed exempt Chosen from any age-related legal restrictions and considers them of an adult majority. It was originally intended to allow those who awakened their abilities young to serve in government bodies, even the army, but it has the added bonus of meaning she, despite her age, is effectively an adult Japanese citizen, so demanding her return is legally a minefield. Worse…”

Viola sighed, flicking the tablet, and the screen changed to a photograph of Akio Oshiro and Suzanne Castor, the later dressed in gothic lolita fashion and smiling warmly at Akio Oshiro, as he patted her head. “…Miss Bakker sent this photo. And her exact words were… ‘tell Adam not to let anyone do something stupid. Suzu is like a sister to Akio and he treats her as such. Lucky girl…’ I will omit a chunk of her… ramblings, as they make me feel quite unwell, but in conclusion, she states that ‘…anyone who tries to hurt Suzu, or take her away from the life she wants, will be Akio’s enemy. He swore to her that he would make her dreams come true, and he doesn’t lie, nor back down, not when it comes to sisters!’. Quite the bold declaration.”

“I see.” Princeton nodded. “So getting her returned, or even, if these performances are her dream Christina mentioned, having her removed quietly from the public eye, seems futile, at least via Akio Oshiro. We could pressure Japan in any number of ways…”

“It’s true.” Gina agreed. “But what benefit would that accrue us? We still hold a few hidden aces, intelligence and those political figures who have been receiving support from us since the War, but once deployed, they can’t be used again…”

“And there’s always the danger of our troublesome friend…” Adam’s lips twisted into a slightly bitter smile. “…taking it out on us if Suzanne is returned to America, even via Japanese intervention. And quite frankly, not all of our hidden cards will honour their agreements with us, not now.”

“Can’t we ask Christina to talk to him, or Miss Castor, and try and organise a compromise?” Princeton asked. “If we offer to increase her research budget and let her get… hands-on… when she returns…”

“I believe her answer to that, Director…” Viola was prepared. “… is that ‘she’s a scientist, not a Goddess, and even the Gods wouldn’t be able to persuade Akio to abandon those he sees as family.’ Oh, and she also stated that she has no intentions of returning to America permanently, as… she’s ‘pursuing a relationship as well as her career.’” Viola pursed her lips, and Adam sympathised.

That woman is nothing but trouble. Yet… she still sends some reports, even if she prefaces them with the fact she only shares what she is allowed to. Despite that, I can assume safely what she sends is true, as she wouldn’t lie about knowledge and science.

“That hardly sounds like Christina Bakker.” Princeton shook his head. “I didn’t think she understood or desired such things.”

“It seems she’s lost her mind.” Adam grumbled. “It’s like she’s a teenage girl, full of hormones, having her first crush. But… they can simply offer her more than we can, in terms of opportunities to sate her curiosity.”

“Yes, we strayed from the topic, but…” Viola changed the display back to what it was originally. “…directed energy attacks, we don’t have exact metrics, but… it seems that they are deployed openly by the Chosen and… and others… in Japan. Whether it can shoot down a fighter jet is doubtless a question. While light is effectively an instant hit over terrestrial range, a human aiming without tactical support at fighters travelling at supersonic velocities seems improbable, except we already know from our own research that reaction speed, visual acuity and more increase dramatically when one receives these strange gifts.”

“The polycarbonate canopy is a point of weakness. A laser with sufficient force will burn through, and a pilot in just a flight suit won’t endure a beam that melts such material.” Princeton mused. “Of course, any fighter jet should be able to outrange… no, that’s not necessarily true, is it?”

“Yes. But that’s not the most frightening thing.” Matthias interjected. “The DEW blasts are effectively a hidden weapon and are certainly lethal against ordinary civilians. Assassinations, acts of terror… it’s almost impossible to prepare against, without…”

“Without relying on fire to fight fire.” Adam sighed. “Christina was quite clear the world has changed. Matthias, you’ll have to oversee the switch to countermeasures, alongside Princeton here, and the brass at the Pentagon.”

Viola switched the display again, revealing charts and graphics covering the American cats, as well as data from Japan. “As you can see…” her words were clipped and businesslike. “…we are starting to see results in our categorisation of the American assets. Following the testing methodology and notations developed by Project Star Mirror, we can accurately assess the value and use of our citizens. However…”

She pointed to the Japanese figures. “…we are certainly behind in aggressive international recruitment. Via WTV broadcasts, fronted by so-called idols, including the aforementioned Suzanne Castor, as well as a famous actor who has risen back to prominence and captured the public’s attention again, after her scandals turned out to be a character assassination, Arisu Arisugawa… international interest is piqued, and… Chosen… from a number of countries have defected to Japan, most recently a batch from Romania. This is helping offset Japanese losses due to the terrorist attacks and the prior Kyoto incidents.”

“That’s certainly troubling. After the War, we accepted many Japanese and German scientists for our benefit.” Gina mused. “This is no different, and perhaps even more pressing. Surely the USA is a better destination for such immigrants, even now.”

“Assuming our foreign allies keep their mouths shut.” Adam agreed. “One more reason that the Castors should cut their losses. We can’t put one family, no matter how important or wealthy, ahead of the interests of the country as a whole. And speaking of that. Chris… you’ve been too quiet. Thinking of your children?”

“Don’t go there, Adam.” Christopher suddenly glowered, his exhaustion and worry plain to see. “Bethany and Zachary aren’t military, nor are they in any governmental position…”

“Neither were those drafted to fight in Vietnam, Chris.” Adam pointed out reasonably, and Viola, efficient as ever, changed the slides on display, to some information on this so-called Pilgrimage. “What did I just say? The Castors have to swallow their pride and cut their losses, and so do you. You’re the Director of the FBI, for God’s sake, Chris. You’re not in a position to deny us crucial intel just because it comes from your kids. I’m not asking you to tell Christina to experiment on them, or even to go to war. Just… share a little more. Why else would you let them visit Japan with Akio Oshiro? Not to seek asylum like the other cases, I hope? That would be… unwise.” Adam’s voice was cold now. “We’re getting a clearer picture, sadly. Christina Bakker is good for that, at least. Though what she’s not telling us is the problem. She still claims to be a patriot, and has America’s best interests at heart, but… we know she’ll prioritise her own needs over anything else, that’s just how she is.”

“Of course not.” Christopher met his gaze, fists clenched so hard his knuckles were white. “You think I want to be separated from my kids? They’re just… getting a little practical experience with those who know best. I didn’t want them to use these strange powers at first, but… we’ve seen it. Trouble will come knocking, whether they do or not.”

“Yes, practical experience.” Adam chuckled, though there was no humour in it. “Viola, if you would?”

“Worldwide data…” she produced a chart. “…shows that, with significant regional variance, for example, the USA is at the bottom end of outbreak density, at roughly one in one hundred and twenty thousand citizens, the average seems to be one in a hundred thousand. At around seven point seven billion people worldwide, we can assume that averages out to seventy-seven thousand of these so-called Chosen. The population of a single, medium-sized town. Of course, we can’t be sure there won’t be a second outbreak, or… we couldn’t be… but Miss Bakker insists such will not happen. So, while troublesome, the issue is… largely containable. After all, initial projections indicate forty percent mortality already, though again, in some countries, Japan included, surprisingly, this figure is higher, pushing fifty to fifty-five percent. But if we assume that forty percent have passed, that leaves a little over forty-six thousand, worldwide.”

More charts and numbers. “Of those, a significant proportion will be like Zachary and Bethany Wright…” At Viola’s words, Christopher glowered at her but held his silence. “…who have no appreciable combat prowess, but we have seen through Miss Bakker’s research findings that such growth is eminently possible, and indeed, we are training departmental assets following her recommendations. The fatality rate overall, as far as our worldwide analysis reports, has dropped after spiking, though regional conflicts still cause appreciable casualties. Projections show that over the course of the next year, there would be barely thirty thousand remaining, and less conservative projections even posit that might reach twenty thousand, if the continued aggression of this Church of True Revelation, as well as the growing Chinese threat in the Indo-Pacific theatre, and a dozen other worldwide flashpoints, continue to escalate. With such diminishing numbers, despite the potential of catastrophic problems, they could be effectively exterminated. Even if governments worldwide had to lose hundreds of men, lose jets, tanks, ships, for each of them taken down… it could be done.”

“But should it?” Christopher shook his head, desperate. “I’ve seen the reports you have. This is just the beginning, and we need those we can trust to meet future threats. And if we are further reckless with our own, we’re at a disadvantage internationally…”

“Relax, Chris.” Adam sighed. “We’re past the point that’s viable anyway. Precisely because of this Pilgrimage. There may be no more that these supposed Deities gave power to, but… firstly, spiritual beings, those not human, live in this other world, which we are calling the Boundary, since an internationally standard term is helpful, though I am not entirely clear on the difference between that and the Astral.”

“The Boundary is a part of the shallowest Astral.” Christopher grudgingly replied. “My kids told me that.”

“I see. In any case, intelligent beings with similar powers live there, and some can cross over, mostly with help from… Chosen…” I dislike the term, but I suppose in company I had better get used to it. Calling them black cats, while accurate about their misfortunate nature, won’t fly on the international stage. “…it is possible, as our alligator specimen proves, that even without such intervention, beings can slip through. That changes the numbers significantly, as we’ve no survey on the scope of the civilisations and beings living in our shadows.”

“And that is far from all. While the Japanese Pilgrimage has been carried out, not in secrecy, but with… careful control…” Once more Viola changed the slides, revealing wide-angled photos taken by field agents at a distance, as well as blurry satellite photographs from above, and other similar shots, which all showed there were clearly non-humans present. One image displayed a small, fairy-like creature moving in a blur of green, while another showed a pair of foxwomen with many tails.  “…we can see the Japanese have certainly leapt ahead in the integration of such as well. Their Ministry passports also extend to non-humans. Reckless, but from a military standpoint, so long as they can be controlled, prudent.” Adam shook his head. “This changes Viola’s numbers. If the ranks of these ability users can be supplemented, any attempt at a worldwide purge becomes too costly to contemplate. And worse…”

“Miss Bakker confirms…” Viola finished for him. “…that any human can learn, as she has, though without specialist enhancements, which she calls Chirurgery, the process is slow and would likely take years to reach anything like a practical level, and to reach the heights of the stronger Chosen may never happen. Director…” she asked Princeton. “…how goes replicating Miss Bakker’s findings?”

“It’s rough. There have been successes, though most have been in enhancing those who already were gifted strength, such as Titan. It would be helpful if Scryer could be recalled, she can heal missteps and also see problems.”

“I’ll consider it.” Adam conceded. “She’s not been useful after her injuries, even if the Japanese restored her to health. It seems that shook her resolve. But she’s also a patriotic American, she’ll come around. More to the point… what they are achieving on Pilgrimage is far ahead of our efforts, on a par with the rumours we have dredged from China, at the cost of too many agents. Again, while it seems implausible an ordinary civilian could reach the heights of Akio Oshiro, or even our own most powerful assets, if such abilities are widespread, then the world will be unable to retain its course. And that is unacceptable, ladies and gentlemen.”

Adam stood, hands clasped together, a fervent look on his face. “Those who don’t adapt are left behind. When we speak, the world listens, because we have the greatest army, the most firepower, significant wealth, an educated… largely… populace, and the best technology. This new paradigm is past the point where we can shut it down, at least outside our borders. Pandora’s Box was opened, and while we saw the dangers, others hesitated, and now if we shut it, hope will be left inside…”

“Very biblical.” Matthais murmured. “Have you been speaking to the President?”

“Why?” Adam was puzzled by that, and Matthias sighed.

“Oh, it’s just… ever since he met Akio Oshiro, he’s been a different man. Full of energy and plans. But a few days later, it seems he… found God, maybe? I don’t know how to put it. He’s concerned about the afterlife, and other odd matters.”

“Our President?” Adam snorted. “Surely not. Wait…” He narrowed his eyes menacingly. “…this isn’t related to the Church of True Revelation, is it? Not even our President would be that foolish, surely…”

“No, it seems that he’s simply taken an interest in some Christian teachings. Apparently it’s time to think about his immortal soul, now that there’s actual proof the Gods exist and so does an afterlife, or so he says. He’s been listening to some Evangelical preachers who he invited to visit the White House.”

“And we’ve of course vetted those?” Adam asked, and Viola shrugged.

“This is the first I’ve heard of it. But it’s not really within our remit to check everyone the President meets…”

“Ordinarily, yes, but…” Adam was frustrated, but knew not to blame Viola. She has been working tirelessly, and keeping track of the President’s doings isn’t on her… “…Pandora’s Box is open, and we have to be very wary of abilities and powers too terrible to allow.” He glanced back at the corner of his office, where his display cabinets, full of rows of neatly painted figures waited, their pristine, regular lines and immaculate equipment the sort of orderly, ruthless efficiency that was needed in these unprecedented times. “We can’t be having our President manipulated. He causes enough trouble on his own. I trust everyone is utilising the tests and confirmations Christina Bakker outlined?”

“You mean the ones to check our memories and personalities haven’t been tampered with?” Gina asked. “Of course I do, though I hardly think I’ve been exposed to any potential sources of manipulation. After all, you’ve done wonders tracking down all those with powers here in the US, Adam. You should be proud of that, I suppose.”

“All?” He shook his head. “Haven’t you been listening? New ones can potentially be trained. Besides, it’s not impossible some few might be clever enough not to mention anything about their new abilities, not on their cellphone, not via email or on the internet, or even speak of it outside. If so, they might remain undetected. Then there have been those few who resisted capture and vanished. The US is big and in places, rather empty. There are always places to go to ground, holes to hide in…”

“If they are in hiding, then we’ll be safe, surely.” Matthias suggested, and Princeton shook his head.

“Not necessarily. The variation of abilities we’ve researched is staggering, and while there are certainly common threads, as per Christina’s clever categorisations, Mystery-Types and even some Effect-Types, are usable over surprising distances, though in that case they often come with other restrictions.”

“Your children are proof of that, Chris.” Adam adopted a more conciliary tone. “Manipulating probability in small ways. It seems minor, a way to cheat at the casino, perhaps, but… what if the odds of nuclear decay were shifted within certain materials. Such could be catastrophic. Even the most trivial alteration to established order can create chaos. That is why we should hold the reins of those that can be trusted to act in the best interests of all, and those that can’t… I’ve never been one for comics, but… just how would you hold Superman without Kryptonite? Those that can’t be contained or reasoned with… what other choices do we have?”

“I think we need to recall Scryer.” Christopher sighed at last. “If you are worried about gathering intelligence, I doubt she can do much now she is known to the Japanese. And we… have Christina Bakker there, though saying that horrifies me at how desperate we are.”

“And your kids, Chris… relax.” Earlier, I drew parallels to Vietnam, making him imagine worst-case scenarios. If I offer him a plausible alternative that’s less dangerous, he’ll cling to it. Human nature. Now, Viola…

As if on cue, his reliable assistant smiled reassuringly. “All we would need is a few observations, nothing that would be considered classified, and… for them to lean on Miss Bakker a little, remind her of her duties. As a high-ranking researcher in DARPA, and holder of classified information, as well as… other things we have forgiven… to allow her to follow her whims and visit Japan is already more grace than she should expect. We don’t expect her to get killed for us…”

I would hardly shed a tear if she did, though it would be a waste. As a scapegoat, she had purpose, but Japan would no longer accept that, and nor would Britain, presumably.

“…but we do expect more detailed reports. Though… I hardly believe what we do get. Apparently she has mastered many of these Skills, as she calls them. She should be helping us progress. While she is very much a loose cannon and a liability, perhaps if we agree to provide her with some… resources… she might be more amenable to remembering her duties. So yes, have Bethany and Zachary nudge her now and then.”

“I… I’ll ask them.” Christopher managed, and Adam smiled gently.

“That’s the spirit, Chris. We all have to pull together, now more than ever. And your children will make you very proud. Don’t worry, they’ll certainly be certified safe and offered lucrative and honourable positions in the future. Just keep them out of the casinos, all right? Las Vegas already got stung once.”

They chuckled at that, remembering the reports of a woman, which turned out to be Shaeula Tu Shae Dannan, winning the slots jackpot back in the summer, and a number of casinos getting rinsed by her and Akio Oshiro. It wasn’t illegal, only because no laws regarding probability manipulation and gambling had existed, but it was certainly unethical.

“If I may, then. We are all in agreement? Recall Scryer and have her keep tabs on the President. He’s a simple man, who likes to be surrounded by attractive women. She might have to put up with him being a little… handsy, but it’s safer than being in Japan, as her injuries proved.” Adam suggested.

Viola’s eyes hardened a little, and he held in a grimace. Of course you don’t approve, why would you? But then, you’re a dedicated career woman who gets by on talent, such games offend you, I’m sure. But… when what’s before you is a nail, you need a hammer, not a screwdriver…

“It would be wonderful if we had more… visual assets.” Princeton sighed. “We do have several who have extra-sensory talents, and while they are mostly men, there is one young woman too.”

“Send Viola her updated file. If she’s suitable, we’ll add her to the mix too. We can’t afford instability.” Adam nodded. “And…”

“I can send her profile to Miss Bakker. While it’s quite likely the information would be leaked, some of her reports, while shockingly nonsensical, and full of pointless diversions about her failure of a love life…” Viola shuddered, even her polished mask slipping, and Adam understood completely. I hardly need to hear her bragging about how close she is to Asio Oshiro. Though… if she wishes to lay down her body for her country, who am I to stop her? It would certainly be one lever we could exploit, as if she could win a part of his heart, he would treat her well and accede to her requests. No, no… she’s attractive, but… poisonous frogs and snakes can be pretty to look at, but who would want to embrace one?

“…she does still offer us insights, though replicating them is hard. We unfortunately lack Japan’s foundation in that regard.” Viola pursed her lips contemplatively. “But at that small cost of leaked information, she may be able to suggest ways to enhance the abilities of this… Chosen.”

“Ask her to see if she can enhance Scryer too.” Princeton was excited. “We would be a fool not to take advantage of her. She sees everything as a conundrum to be solved, anyway. And maybe even…”

“I… don’t exactly approve, but… despite her genius she is emotionally stunted. Perhaps with some… womanly advice and assistance, she might come closer to her goal. And she will surely be grateful.” Viola offered.

“The thought is indeed rather disturbing, but yes, it’s certainly worth a try. We have female assets still in Japan. Getting one close to Christina and offering her… a helping hand… would hardly be cause for the Japanese to be offended.” Adam mused. “Now, that’s the current situation. We can hardly replicate this Pilgrimage, from what Christina says, and while she is circumspect in not giving details about who or exactly what they have gained, her general reports detail that the Japanese have trained up more than a hundred ordinary people, some of them mere young women, to be the equal of special forces soldiers in terms of strength, reaction speed and intellect, and worse, they also have a number of basic but potent powers, such as the ability to call fire from the air, or unleash blades of wind sharp enough to slice Kevlar. It might not seem a lot, but… we must begin our own efforts.”

Viola moved her fingers one last time, and the display switched, to reveal the details of the assets that had been selected for integration into a new Department, with their oversight, of course. Familiar faces such as Titan were listed, as well as Scryer, although… If she is too shaken after the events of Tokyo, or her loyalty falters, she’s off the list. Of course, I very much hope that isn’t the case. Her abilities are beneficial, though she who can cure, can surely also kill with the same powers. And we need her to keep an eye on our errant President. After Akio’s visit, he’s excited at the prospects of what the black cats can do, which is a dangerous thing. Religion, though? Perhaps it’s just a way to appeal to the masses for his re-election campaign, but if there is any deeper meaning to it…

His gaze strayed back to his Inquisitorial forces, neatly organised in his cabinet. No one man is bigger than the country, bigger than humanity, and I won’t let anyone jeopardise it, no matter the cost. Our history was forged from blood and gunpowder, and now is secured by military, technological, financial and cultural might. But that alone isn’t going to be enough, not with the reports we are receiving, and Christina’s teasing check-ins, as if she’s showing off, screaming ‘look at me and what I’m getting up to! Jealous?’. No, sadly, it seems that, just like the Imperium, we have to harness that which we fear, yoke the cats to our gilded throne…

He snorted at that, remembering the rather gaudy aesthetic sense of their sitting POTUS, who indeed had gold toilets in the White House, an affront to Adam’s taste, for sure. …and for those that can’t be trusted, are too dangerous to let live… well, I for one am prepared to bear the weight of the needed resolution to our troubles. I won’t allow us to be eroded, overwhelmed by a tide of non-human beings from this Boundary, even if many of them resemble us. The Chinese have a saying, don’t they? And it resonates with me. Those who are not our kind must have different hearts. Our hearts are resolute, pure, and will carry humanity onwards, and the ideals we’ve built up over millennia. I’ll not let that be destroyed, no matter the cost… though that does mean some… compromises… must be made. Hence your efforts, Christina…

As the presentation finished, and his fellow Directors left, some clearly happier than others, Christopher with his head bowed, deep in contemplation, Adam met Viola’s eyes, and she nodded.

“I understand. I’ll arrange the contact shortly. As for… Akio Oshiro…”

“The Emperor might have wished to eliminate the heresies of Mars…” Adam spoke as he strode to his cabinet, admiring the tanks within, as well as servitors carrying bizarre weapons. “…but even he had to compromise on that. We don’t see eye to eye, but… even he will see sense in time, I’m sure. After all, he’s human. Or human enough…”

Yes. His head has been turned by those who aren’t like us. Letting himself be led by his loins, how foolish. But… those who are not our kind have different hearts. He will see that soon enough. There are plenty enough human women to satisfy his lusts. And our agents would lay down their chastity for this country if commanded, even give their hearts. No, that’s too risky. Christina, miraculously, has wormed her way into his inner circle. Best just to influence her, nothing too blatant, just a nudge, here and there, to in turn influence him…