Adventures in Swinging

Chapter 24

11 November

La Grange, Texas

The Samuels Ranch

1027hrs CST

The titanium cage shutters descended on each window of the ranch house and locked in place. The louvers on each shutter were closed tightly, sealing the team from the outside world. Dave and Bunty led Control, Agent Harshman, Heather, Seth, and Ellie through an open elevator door cleverly hidden in the kitchen pantry. The door closed, and the group descended.

"How do the English afford this sophistication?" Control muttered half under her breath.

"They don't," Dave Samuels harumphed.

Bunty smiled, "Control, my darling husband, while working his day job for BOE, negotiated and closed a 390 million pound loan to Sweeden to develop an atmospheric carbon dioxide extraction plant. It included technical transfer and licensing of trade secrets from British Petroleum. In gratitude, the Swedish government deposited a 15 million pound bonus into our 'rainy day' offshore account in the Cayman Islands."

Harshman burst out laughing, "Oh, that must have pissed off 'His Majesties' tax collectors." Control instantly silenced him as she shook her head.

"Nah," Dave said, smiling. "Pen's government suffers from the same left-hand doesn't know what the right-hand does as we do in the states. If y'all ever wondered how this place was built with its advanced features, now you know.

Heather elbowed Ellie and cocked her head towards Control. Both ladies caught their boss eyeing Dave and Bunty before exiting the elevator and leading the group into a 20 x 20-foot square room containing a single eight-foot round oak conference table and eight plush executive high-back leather chairs.

Everyone took a seat except Bunty who went to one of the walls and leaned backward against it.

"Watch this, Ellie," Heather whispered. An electric motor spun up, and 5 x 10-foot sections in each wall retarded inward and disappeared, revealing ultra-high definition screens. Each screen displayed the world's time in the major cities across an upper banner. Bunty extended her arm into the enclosure nearest to her and removed a tablet and remote control device. She settled next to Ellie and smiled at her silently.

Control nodded at Bunty, asking, "Are we secure, Commander?"

Bunty replied tersely, "Yes, mum. Faraday mode is engaged; we are off the grid."

Control sighed and rubbed the bridge of her nose. "This is the third mission planning session to reboard Geoffrey Crossthwaite's cruise vessel and conduct intelligence gathering about his deployed AI design and its supporting physical infrastructure. As previously stated, this is a joint operation. In this phase, the team will focus exclusively on collecting the information needed to determine the feasibility of either removing, replicating, or, if necessary, destroying the AI.

Ellie gasped as she squirmed at Control's mention of the word 'destroy.' Heather and Bunty, each seated on either side of Ellie, reached below the table and clasped her hands in theirs while squeezing gently. Ellie steadied and calmed herself, taking a deep breath.

"You have a comment, Doctor Hansen?" Control asked.

Ellie thought quickly and responded, "No, I just miss my husband. I want him home."

Control nodded and smiled. She seemed to accept Ellie's response at face value. She resumed, "Well, I know it has been difficult without any contact with him. There is a reason for that. He will explain it when you see him soon. It was necessary to keep him an extra week at Langley. He has been working with a dedicated team of intel analysts on a specific challenge we are trying to overcome unrelated to this operational phase."

Ellie nodded in acceptance.

Control looked around the table. "We have had a vital intelligence breakthrough resulting from our interrogation of the Communicado operatives that assaulted Doctor Hansen." Control looked directly at Ellie, "You have always been the intended target, as we surmised. Now that your abduction has been spoiled, the operatives we captured indicated the backup plan was to abduct one or both of your daughters and hold them hostage in exchange for you."

Ellie leaned her head against Bunty's shoulder in silence.

Control's eyes locked with Ellie's: "I can think of no worse a torment than for a mother to know her children are in danger. In this instance, all of yours are equally in peril. Agent Harshman has coordinated three courses of action with Langley and DHS. Yesterday, the President, the National Security Council, the Secretary of Defense, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff received a decision briefing. As a result, the President and the Prime Minister of England will meet in three days at NATO headquarters in Brussels."

Seth gazed at Ellie and could read her increasing distress. He pursed his lips and asked the boss, "Ma'am, what does that have to do with safeguarding Ellie's children?"

Control coughed, "Pardon me." Turning her head to Dave, she asked, "Might we all have something to drink, please? The air down here is very dry."

Dave nodded and went to the elevator. He turned and said, "Wait until I am in the lift and the doors close. No activity until the light goes back to green." Within seconds, the elevator arrived, and the light turned red. Dave entered, the doors closed, and the electric whine of the motor carried him away. After a few seconds, the light went from red to green.

Control addressed Ellie again: "Doctor, your shipboard encounter with an instance of your AI has rendered you emotionally compromised. Leadership believes the possible threat against your family precludes your participation in future field operations."

Heather tried interjecting, "Now, let's cool our jets a second here."

Control smacked her hand on the table, "Interrupt me again, Heather, and we will have an unpleasant conversation." She turned to Seth, "Agent Barksdale, please control your team."

Seth looked at Heather and shook his head before turning to Control and saying softly, "Yes, ma'am."

"Ellie, look at me," Control commanded.

Ellie locked her eyes with Control. She thought to herself, 'God, can this shitstorm get any worse.'

Control softened her demeanor like a chameleon changes tones to match the environment. "Your children will be protected. Seth and Heather's as well. Here is how this will go down, and there will be no arguments. First, your daughter Hallie has just been given a six-month extension on her doctoral thesis by Cornell. Her mentor, Doctor Tyson, has secured her a research grant at the Keck Observatory on Mauna Kea. A six-person security detachment from the FBI will see to her needs while she is sequestered at 13,500 feet. That altitude is sufficiently high enough to dissuade 95% of the possible abduction/extraction scenarios our analysts believe Crossthwaite could mount. Commander, U.S. Pacific Command at Pearl Harbor has generously donated and will deliver a mobile Phalanx 20mm gun system and crew to the mountaintop, providing additional protection."

Bunty raised her hand. "Mum, may I add a comment, please?" Control nodded for her to go ahead. Bunty took Ellie's head off her now very wet shoulder and cupped her face. "Luv, MI6 analysts fully supported Agent Harshman and his team at Langley in developing this plan. Hallie won't be alone. "Heather is going with her and taking her children for a 'Hawaiian vacation' at Pearl Harbor."

"Yes," Control resumed. "Heather will be our Liaison officer on the ground and remain in contact with the security detachment on the main island. Agent Harshman will work with an extraordinary team the President has ordered detailed from the Treasury Department. They will ensure the Barksdale's children are safe and accompany them on unscheduled field trips to each island. I can conceive of very few educational and cultural experiences to rival it." Control drew a breath, looked at Seth, and nodded.

"Heather," Seth said firmly. "This is a huge responsibility for you. That is why the President has assigned his best people to look after our kids. You understand that this is an unprecedented commitment from her team to ensure our children remain safe."

Harshman added, "It is a full-court press of the best our government can provide. The President fully recognizes the seriousness of the situation and the need to continue covert operations. She considers this mission and the threat of an advanced AI falling into the hands of a rogue organization or nation-state as the gravest threat to world security. British intelligence believes Crossthwaite will sell his AI to the highest bidder once he has gained full control and reaped whatever personal gains he could for his own organization."

"Well stated, Agent Harshman," Control sighed.

Ellie frowned, "What about protecting Annie?"

Control gave another smile, "Yes, quite right, Ellie, but first you need to know that

the Samuels and Jared will complete the training of a new team member we have identified to both impersonate and replace you in the field. This is intended to draw Crossthwaite's attention and allow you to operate without interruption on your element of this mission. Your husband has met your replacement and confirmed that the person we have selected could pass as your double. She has completed her training at Langley and should be able to pull off the deception while working alongside Jared and the team. I have ordered her to report ASAP so that you may confer with her and assist her final preparations for impersonating you."

Ellie took an apparent interest in Control's words. She pulled away from Bunty and took a more assertive posture in her chair. "What makes you believe that anyone could double for me?"

Control smiled, "Ellie, trust me, this will work. We need you at the secure development facility that will serve as Evangeline's new and permanent home."

Heather watched as Ellie focused, her eyes locking with Controls.

"Alright then," Ellie declared. The team going in must provide the architecture for Evangeline. This facility you say that I will work from. Does it have the necessary power and infrastructure support? The power equal to that generated by Crosthwaite's vessel?"

"Yes," Control replied. She opened her arms and laid her hands palms up on the table. "Your original DARPA 'Black Program' is reactivated and has received twenty billion dollars in funding. If more is needed, you will receive it. All the armed services had to divest a proportionate share of their budgets. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs was not happy, but the President stood her ground. Your original system development team is being reassembled at the designated location. I am told they are excited to be working with you again."

Ellie arose from her chair, placing her fists on the table. "I will not tolerate any interference from the military. It's my show at this facility, and nothing will stop me from saving Evangeline. We will either upload her to a new architecture we build for her or outright steal her back and reassemble her piece by piece."

Control was ice cold as she nodded and said, "Agreed. Now, let's go up topside and find out what is taking Bunty's husband so long to bring us drinks. Besides, I am hungry, aren't the rest of you?" She stood up and motioned to Cole Harshman to come close.

Harshman faced his boss, "Ma'am?"

Control-eyed Cole said, "Once topside, I need you to return to Houston immediately. Call the Deputy Director and inform him we are a go."

Cole nodded, "Yes, ma'am."

After Bunty closed up 'The Office,' everyone moved to the elevator. She switched off the protection system, and the door slid open. Seth sniffed, catching the scent of bacon. "Well, we know why Dave didn't come back down."

Heather squeezed his arm and smiled. Ellie had a blank stare on her face.

Bunty reached over and took Ellie's hand. "You have had a tremendous burden placed upon you. The direction you have to take, well, it is much to have asked of you."

Harshman turned to Bunty, "Commander, I must take my leave of you and your husband's hospitality. I apologize for missing the breakfast. It sure smells delicious. I will be in contact soon."

Bunty smiled and pecked the younger man's cheek, "Don't be a stranger to our home."

Ellie didn't register a reaction other than to squeeze Bunty's hand. The elevator finished its climb upward, and the door slid open. Everyone exited through the tight passage in the pantry. Their noses were filled with delicious mingling aromas. Dave had been busy, and they all found him engaged as he multi-tasked, cooking bacon, eggs, home fries, and biscuits.

"Hey, y'all," Dave said. "Chow will be up in five minutes, except for the biscuits. Sorry, Pen. I had to pick and choose, and biscuits were last. I know you love to eat them first with your coffee."

Bunty giggled, "It's alright, you lug. We have our friends over. Let me help you. We should serve in the lounge." She turned and said, "Go be comfy and settle in. I will bring coffee and tea to get us started."

Heather smiled at Ellie, "Come on, bestie. Let's relax a bit." She and Ellie moved to the lounge and settled into the leather sofa. Bunty turned to Seth and saw him move off with Control into the foyer. She made a note to engage him once Control had left for Houston.

Seth drew Control deeper into the foyer. She whispered in his ear, and he pulled back with a resounding, "Are you out of your fucking mind?"

Control stood her ground. "The decision was made a month ago. Jared had the final veto on the plan."

Seth shook his head vigorously, "No, he would never approve of this. It's insane."

Control frowned. "This will work, Agent Barksdale. It's done. You have been informed and may inform your team at your discretion." She walked into the kitchen, and Seth could hear her offering to carry the serving plates Dave had ready. He turned to follow and mumbled aloud to himself, "It will work, my ass. Christ Boss, don't piss down my back and tell me it's raining."

Seth rejoined Control and, without further exchange, helped her carry the rest of the flatware and plates. Bunty had opened the metal louvers on the windows and disengaged their lock. The large clank of metal startled Ellie as light flooded into the house.

"Are you alright, Ellie? You are scaring me," Heather said, leaning into Ellie's ear.

Ellie turned to her, "I am worried about my family and missing my husband. In all our years together, we have never been apart for more than a couple of weeks at most. I feel lost. I need that connection we have always shared. I can't feel it. I am scared."

Bunty, Dave, and Control had taken seats in the lounge. The big round coffee table held breakfast and was ready to serve. Seth was returning from the kitchen with a pitcher of orange juice when he overheard Ellie talking to his wife.

Seth stopped, leaned over from behind the sofa, and whispered, "Jared is on his way, Ellie. I promise the team will give you all the time you both need. Heather and I will always have your back."

In just a few minutes, the room was filled with simple conversation. The team had shifted its focus in search of normalcy if such a thing could exist in their world. The proximity alarm let go with a shrill beeping.

Dave looked around, "Must be Harshman on his way out." He sipped his coffee, and the alarm went off again. "Damn, Pen, that screwy sensor is set too high again."

The doorbell rang, and Dave put the cup down. He reached the end table drawer next to him and drew a 9mm Sig Sauer P226. He stood and moved towards the foyer. Control drew a Browning Black Label.380 from her purse.

Bunty smiled at Heather and Ellie, "Relax, darlings. Doesn't my husband put on a wonderful spread?" She took a forkful of scrambled eggs while drawing her sidearm between the seat cushions. They could hear the door open, and Dave exclaimed, "Well, it took you long enough! Boy, Howdy, you look fit and trim."

Backslapping faded as Dave announced, "Pen, we have house guests."

Bunty thumbed the ambidextrous safety on her piece and slid it back into the cushions. Control held on to hers despite Bunty's reaction and response, "On the way, luv." She popped up and looked at Heather and Ellie, motioning for them to come along. The ladies followed at a slower pace. Ellie was trailing Heather and Bunty and was almost to the foyer and the hallway that branched to the guest rooms. Everyone hushed ahead, and there was whispering. Then they all made way for her and there stood Jared.

Ellie wasn't stunned so much as overwhelmed with joy. She was smiling and beaming. Jared closed the distance and swept her off her feet. He squeezed her so tight and spun so fast her legs were flying. She just clung to him. He said repeatedly, "I have you, sweetheart, and I am not letting go."

Everyone just silently watched two extraordinary people reunite. Ellie cried happy tears as she hooked her legs around Jare's waist. He kept cooing to Ellie in tender whispers of love, emphasizing that now they were complete again. They stayed this way for another minute or two until Control broke the moment, "Welcome back, Jared. As you can see, you were missed."

Jared held Ellie tight and kept her back to Control as his eyes connected with 'The Boss.' Then he winked and smiled. Control nodded, slinging her purse over her shoulder. She moved around the Hansens, past Bunty and Dave, and headed to the door. In the distance, Seth was in the driveway, pulling out luggage from a company SUV. The hard part was yet to come.

Jared lowered Ellie slowly but continued to hold her up against him. Ellie gave no indication she wanted anything less.

He took a deep breath and said, "It feels so good to be home." Everyone but Seth moved to hug them both like family. Seth came through the big oak door and set three sizable pieces of luggage down in the foyer.

Seth laughed, "This is as far as my valet services go, ole buddy. Save a hug for me too."

The cluster of bodies broke apart except for Jare and Ellie. Jare bent and whipped his wife into his arms to carry her. Ellie clung to his neck. They looked like newlyweds about to cross a threshold. Ellie's face was nuzzled into Jare's neck, and everyone saw her widest smile shining. Jare moved with purpose to the foyer and turned into the hallway towards the room Bunty had said was theirs whenever they stayed over. "Please excuse us for a time," Jare announced. "My wife and I do not wish to be disturbed."