Alameda

Ben rested his elbows on the conference table and rubbed his eyes. He hadn’t gotten any rest since he found Peter in China and brought him back. His haste saved their necks. Any delays and he would’ve been stuck in Chinese occupied territory with the very person they were looking for. It was wise to drop Peter off in Alameda, he would draw less suspicion on an island. Everyone in the world believed that Peter was still in China. It was Ben’s job to make sure that the rest of the people at that table didn’t think any different. The eldest at the opposite end of the table spoke the first words. “This meeting’s purpose, held by the highest individuals in our organization, is to debrief Benjamin Cross regarding his failed mission to recover the asset Peter Haven. Please speak clearly. This meeting will be visually and audibly recorded for review. Please begin, Benjamin.”

Ben spent the entire plane ride back to the states trying to construct the perfect lie. When he was put on the spot, he decided to restart from scratch. “My first objective when I reached China was to gather intelligence quickly, not only to begin my search for Peter, but to establish which sources were still reliable.” The ten others at the table gave a respectful nod before Ben continued. “I discovered that the situation was degrading rapidly. Chinese troops were already mobilizing. My search for Peter only just began when I realized I was out of time. I had to get back before it got too dangerous for air travel.”

“You could’ve stayed in China to continue your search,” One of the many faces at the table said.

“I’m a researcher, not a field agent. If you want my complete honesty, I didn’t feel comfortable leaving to begin with.”

“If you were so eager to get back, why did you make a stop in California?” Another one of the many faces. Ben choked, hoping his acting was as convincing as his first lie.

“Is there something you wish to share with the rest of us?”

“As you all know, I was aware of the invasion on the way back to the states. I made the choice to warn a… close friend about the invasion before it happened.”

The table almost collectively sighed. “What is her name.”

“I would not like to disclose that information to you.”

“What did you tell her?”

“I revealed nothing involving this organization.”

“Where is she now? She wasn’t with you on the plane.”

“I revealed one of our safe house locations to her.” Another sigh from the table. “The safe houses are not being used anyways.”

“You put this entire organization at risk.”

“And I take full responsibility for my actions. Allow me to open communication with her and I’ll ensure she doesn’t do anything to jeopardize the confidentiality of this organization.”

“If we refuse?”

“She’s already at the location. Without my supervision, I can’t speculate what she’ll do unless I’m allowed to speak with her. I’m afraid the wheels are already turning.”

“You clever bastard.”

“We will grant you your request. This organization is on thin ice now more than ever. Benjamin’s only task will be keeping his girlfriend quiet during the invasion. As for the rest of us. Our primary objective is to find Peter Haven. If we can turn him into the Chinese, they might call off the invasion.”

“If I may, I have one last request.” Ben’s outburst prevented the others from getting up. “I would like my conversations between my girlfriend and I kept strictly between the two of us.”

“You expect us to give you privacy so your girlfriend can give you teases.”

Ben’s voice turned defensive. “While I admit I’ve made mistakes, I do not appreciate you lowering my requests to such foul intentions. We still have a breach in security. The one who helped Peter escape is still at large and he could use those private conversations against me, further breaking the integrity of this organization.”

The table nodded in agreement. “Very well. We will grant you your private communication. Let it be known, however, that if this organization survives this invasion, your days working with us our limited.”

“Understood.”

“Now get out of our site and get to work.”