Agent M: Testament (The Agent M Series Book 2) (38 page)

“Who is this man in crutches?” The Colonel asked.

He couldn’t shake off the feeling of meeting that man somewhere. His build was fairly average but legs were wrecked and frail. They looked like they were composed of nothing but skin and bones. Even the slacks he wore couldn’t compensate for those ugly appendages.

“He looks familiar.”

“That is Bahn Dae-Hyun. He used to be a soldier in the people’s army until an artillery shell blew out his command post months before the official invasion began. His entire unit was wiped out but somehow, Dae-Hyun managed to survive. A born soldier through and through, he was able to evade capture and took solace in one of our hidden command posts assisting our troops underground and coordinated strategic attacks while sitting in a wheelchair. However, the U.S. forces quickly caught on to him but thankfully, we were able to transfer him to China and keep him hidden until things settled down. Given the outcome of the war, Dae-Hyun was abandoned for months until the General asked for his extradition as one of the terms of the upcoming unification treaty. He cited his bravery in battle as a commendation and won the soldier over for having his life spared. Dae-Hyun has been given the title of Political Councilman and is the Representative’s right hand man.”

Soldiers and politics normally do not mix but these are trying times for all of the People’s military; at least what’s left of them. Having a soldier rise to the ranks of politician was a smart political move on the traitor’s part. If he could convince one to join him, soon many will see the merit is surrendering and will want an equally plush and relaxed life in an office as the others before them.

“What happened to the rest of our Generals?”

“Thankfully General Song is still underground but the rest of them were not as fortunate. They have been captured by the U.S. military and held prisoner. I imagine they will either spend the rest of their lives in prison for the supposed war crimes they committed or face execution. Depending on what kind of government the U.S. will try to instill upon us anyways.”

Giant knots began forming in Lee’s stomach. He hated the sound of that. The only other thing that made him feel worse was the fact that one of their own had turned their back on the homeland.

“Why did General Suh betray us?”

“General Suh was the only one among them to willingly submit. He gave up half-way through the conflict, giving up our military secrets, and offered his undying loyalty to America in exchange for his life and that of his family. As such, he was given the responsibility of representing our people by the U.S. government.”

The Colonel couldn’t believe it. One of their own defecting to this nation of hate was a thought he hoped to never entertain. If given the opportunity, Lee would like to personally execute punishment on that traitor with a major emphasis on the execution.

All of this talk was making Lee nauseous. The time came to ask the most important question of the day. “What is our mission?”

“Your role in this is very simple Colonel,” Dr. Shin stated. “You and your men are to defend this base of operations. Once my preparations are complete, all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the show.”

“That is all?”

The disappointment in the Colonel’s breath was thick. He couldn’t understand why the doctor was being so callous about the matter. Lee thought he was here to fight for his people, not protect a small base of operations.

“But what is our purpose here?”

“I already told you Colonel,” the doctor started. Before he could continue he was cut off once more by Lee.

“No, what is our purpose here?”

Dr. Shin couldn’t help but smile at that comment. He didn’t have the heart to tell Lee that he and his men were just cheap labor hitching a free ride with the more important cargo. But if General Song trusted him enough to tag along this mission, the least the doctor could do is let him in on their little secret.

“Our purpose is simple. We’re going kill the president and overthrow their entire government.”

“That’s,” Lee started. He choked on the air as his throat ran dry. “That’s insane.”

“I can see why you’d think that. Even within our own lot we’re still looked down upon. No one has ever taken us seriously.”

Dr. Shin stood up and walked towards the lab. His eyes gazed downwards at the working group of soldiers. They were so focused on doing a good job they couldn’t even comprehend the sheer power that was going to be unleashed upon this very city.

“But now we have the tools to overcome any obstacle. Including one overly brash and confident government. Before the night falls this country will fall to its knees. Their cities will burn. Their government will collapse. Their surrender will be inevitable.”

Dr. Shin turned and faced the Colonel with a wicked grin on his face.

“America dies tonight.”

The doctor spoke grave words. Any nation that would dare challenge this seemingly invincible government has suffered greatly for it. The way Dr. Shin talked about it seemed like the outcome was already decided. Someone with that level of confidence was either very arrogant or very stupid. Lee prayed he was neither.

“But doctor,” the Colonel began. “There are only twelve of us. It would take an entire army of millions to stand up to their own let alone overthrow their government. Where will we get that kind of strength?”

“That is already taken care of Colonel.”

Lee’s eyes shot wide.

“We have an army of soldiers in this city?”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Dr. Shin laughed.

His eyes grew increasingly fierce as he penetrated the depths of the Colonel’s soul with one hard glare.

“You brought our army. Now I just need to give it life.”

March 27th, 2013 7:15AM

Washington, D.C.

Today was the big day. Meryl’s eyes shot open with that thought marinating on her mind as her hideous alarm blared into the thick morning air. She made sure to wake up exceptionally early to ensure she had taken care of everything in her hygienic routine twice over. Her training had been completed and now it was time for the big show. Everything she’s ever worked for has finally come down to this day and this moment. Meryl was going to prove to everyone that she deserved to be here. No one could take her down.

Despite the minor incident yesterday, Meryl was feeling really good about herself. Everything was going according to plan. She had an appointment with makeup and wardrobe at eight sharp and practice going through the routines until it was time to begin the operation. That coupled with the fact that she was going to meet the President of the United States for the very first time made her internal giddiness run circles. It was such a huge honor that many people never get to experience in their lifetime.  Meryl wasn’t just going to meet him, she was going to spend the day with and work for him. The reality of it all didn’t really set in until now and warmed her heart to know that this operation was going to add another line to her already fantastic resume.

The delicate chime of her phone echoed throughout the hotel room. Meryl was almost finished buttoning up her shirt but immediately moved over to answer it. This was probably HQ calling to verify a few things. Given the weight the day has to it, she expected some elements of anxiety to be flowing in the air amongst her coworkers. When she finally reached the phone, the caller ID showed a number she’d never seen before with a few too many digits as well. She didn’t give this number out to many people so receiving a call from another country was definitely unexpected. However, curiosity got the best of her, as it usually did. Meryl decided to answer it anyways.

“Hello,” she said sounding chipper as ever.

“Meryl,” the calm and effortless voice replied.

“Michael?!”

Her heart instantly skipped at the very sound of his cold and sullen voice. She hadn’t heard from him in days and the word around HQ was that he’s gone AWOL again.

“Where’ve you been? Everyone’s been looking for you. Do you even know what today is?”

Meryl began filling the receiver with dozens of similar questions and statements. Every one of them had a valid point to consider yet Michael had nothing to say in his defense. Or rather, he couldn’t disclose any of that information. Not yet anyways. At least her last inquiry was one he could answer.

“What’s all that noise? Where are you?”

“En route to D.C.,” he stated. “E.T.A. three PM.”

“That’s when the meeting is starting. Are you sure you will be ready? I’m sure the Secret Service has a whole list of things –”

“I’ve read the documents,” Michael interrupted. “I’m just an observer. It won’t be an issue.”

“Oh,” she said sounding and feeling a lot more relieved. “That’s good Michael. I’m glad to hear that.”

Her voice was tender and warm. Michael had been so preoccupied with his mission he’d almost forgotten what it sounded like. Not that his eidetic memory would let him but sometimes hearing her speak with such innocence reminded him of simpler times of their relationship; times that he sometimes wished they could go back to.

“How are you?”

This was an odd question. Not so much the statement in and of itself but from where it originated from. Michael was never one to inquire about anything other than business be it on the clock or otherwise. He sounded somewhat unlike himself, given the state of their relationship in the last year anyways. This sounded very casual. It was filled with genuine concern and interest. In the year that they have been partners, things haven’t gone back to the old times Meryl had thought they would but this is definitely a step in the right direction.

“I’m doing fine,” she started with a smile on her face. “Great actually. Well…”

She stopped herself and then explained the events of the last couple of days in great detail. From meeting the Director and receiving praise only to draw his ire a couple of days later after the stunt pulled in the restaurant. Michael listened intently. Everything sounded like typical Meryl. Once she finished, he could tell that she was a bit happier than before. Sometimes the power of speech pales in comparison to that of the patience of listening.

“God,” she sighed, “I really wish you were here.”

Michael grunted through the receiver which almost sounded like he was saying “Huh?”

Meryl immediately regretted uttering those words. She had no idea where that even came from. Her face was starting to get warm. It was time to cook up a defense and quick or else he’ll start deriving conclusions of his own. If there’s anything Meryl learned about Michael in their partnership it was that he is one hell of a detective and finding the truth came so easy it almost seemed like he had a superpower. His continued silence was not helping her cause.

“Actually, what I meant was,” she began almost stuttering over the words. “Everything’s been so calm and uneventful. Well, for the most part anyways. Honestly, it’s kind of been boring. At least with you every day has felt like an adventure. I don’t think I’ve had this much fun in,” she immediately stopped herself.

Her thoughts drifted to the moment of the incident. If she had traveled down those thoughts then Michael may be heading there as well. Meryl had to derail him.

“What I meant to say is…”

Despite this being the only thing she could say in her defense, finding the words were to convey what she really meant proved to be a bigger challenge.

“I miss working with you.”

Those words put Michael at ease. It reminded him of their first assignment together. She had asked him a similar question regarding that statement and he didn’t give her an answer right away. It must have been torture for her to go through the entire day not knowing what Michael felt. He regretted that decision. Now more than ever.

“And you Michael, how are you doing?”

Her words came out slow and with a bit of reservation. Changing the subject was the best course of action to take. Putting the ball in his court was even better.

Michael didn’t know how to respond. There were still too many variables to be considered. He was running out of time for this call so he had to act fast.

“Fine.”

A typical response. It would have to suffice for now.

“Just fine?” Meryl posed with a hint of humor on her tongue. “Bullshit. You’ve been gone for three whole days. Something had to have happened to you.”

She wasn’t going to let him get off that easy.

“We’ll talk later,” he interrupted hoping to end the verbal tirade that was about to be unleashed. “Tonight. After the operation.”

“Sounds good,” she smiled. “It’ll be over by six. Want to grab a bite to eat afterwards?”

“Sure,” Michael replied.

He was hoping he’d be done with his assignment by that time. Then allot an hour or so to get summarily chewed out by his superiors and hope Nicole can smooth things over so he can get back to work by tomorrow morning without any more hiccups.

“Great. I know this amazing Korean place,” she laughed.

Meryl always had a pension for getting herself into trouble. Sometimes she never wanted to learn her lesson.

“See you then Michael.”

“Likewise,” he replied.