HIGHER TECH (Complete Novel)

Chapter 11 -What's Next

      "Okay guys," said agent Mark Samuels, "we have a list of four possible targets. I have divided you all up into three teams of three. I will be with Mr. Roberts and Mr. Fenner to make up the fourth team. Each team will be assigned two field agents that will monitor the immediate area of your assigned target. They will report to each team leader. Each three member team will likewise be positioned close to their target area. We will plan on our adversary acting quickly. So, be ready to act immediately. Keep your new armored power suits close by. Use the rest of today to get used to operating them. We will get Sink to help us with that. So people, humble yourselves under his hands of expertise. Tomorrow you will be stationed near your target area. Mr. James, you and your team will be assigned to the UN."

      "Why the UN?"

      "For the reason that our assailant used to be in the UA, but was discharged due to the fact that he failed the psych tests. Obviously, he harbors animosity against the United Army. He completely destroyed the base he was discharged from. The headquarters for the UA is in the UN building. So, this makes the UN a possible target. Although all of us have experience in the UA your team has the most."

      "Miss Mahmoud, your team will be assigned to the Ghawar oil field in Saudi Arabia. Obviously, the fact that you are from Saudi Arabia is an important reason for choosing you to lead this team. This is the first time that you will be placed in a commanding role since you became a member of Hard Force. Personally, I think it is about time for you to have such an assignment as you have clearly gained our respect in handling every assignment you have received thus far very admirably."

      "Why would the Ghawar oil field be a possible target?"

      "Well, our analysts indicate that oil continues to influence many of the political decisions of our world. Ever since burn clean technology has been introduced to the worldwide market, oil is once again a powerful major player. The Ghawar oil field is by far the world's largest oil field. Please remember though that Saudi Arabia has always been very secretive concerning its operations. This will create a difficult challenge for you. They have been ordered to cooperate by the UN. However, as you know, even though religion no longer influences people on this planet since its removal by the UN, the people still have their cautious culture. You are the only one here, who will be able to gain their trust. Help them to understand that it is in their and the world's best interests to be prepared. Keep in mind too, that we have no way of knowing exactly what our subject will do. We just know that he could take some sort of action in regard to this target."

      "Sink, you will be in charge of the team that works with the secret service to protect our government."

       "Why would you give me this assignment? That seems more in line with your expertise Mark. I don't think that I will mash well with those stuffy secret service guys."

      "Consider it a challenge Sink and it seems like you're calling me stuffy too."

      "That's not what I meant. You know how to handle all that bureaucratic garbage. That's all I was saying."

      "Well, these things are learned. It's time for you to acquire some diplomatic skills. You may need them someday."

      "What do you mean?"

      "Well, I didn't plan on saying this in front of everyone, but I think everyone understands what would happen if I were not around. Everyone, including most of my superiors and all of Hard Force know you would be the next choice for a leader here. The only thing that might hold them back is your lack of diplomatic skills. So, view this as a learning experience."

      Smiling, Sink said, "Leader? I don't know if I want to be one. Look at what happened to you." Everyone chuckled.

      "Very funny Sink. Ha ha. We all need to grow up someday. It's time to think about who replaces me when I retire and then get them ready for it."

      "Retire? You can't retire. Who will lead us?"

      "Pretending to not understand will not change any of this."

      "I know, I know." Over-emphasizing a heavy sigh he continued, "Okay I'll do it."

      "Atta boy... Now, if you are wondering what my team will be doing, just think UNSA."

      "Why would," said agent James, "the United Nations Space Agency be considered a target?"

      "Not a target for destruction. We think he will somehow support it. Exactly how he does so, will be our challenge. No doubt, he will support it with funds stolen from somewhere. After all, it is what the agency has been lacking now for quite some time."

      "Why would he support an agency that's trying to build a colony on Mars?"

      "Good question Sink. Kyle would you like to answer that?"

       "Huh? Oh um, yeah we think that he will logically want to support the colony building efforts. The world's population has increased to 21 billion people. It is full and it continues to increase. We need another place for expansion purposes. Due to the increase in longevity and solid fertility rates achieved by modern medicine and technology we have no reason to believe that the increase will stop. Arnold Hatcher knows we are desperate to expand, so he will try to make sure it happens. In so doing, once again he will become a hero again in the eyes of the people. Although his goal in this is for the best, his methods to achieve it will in all likelihood be criminal. This is what we'll be focusing on. Trying to figure out his next steps in regard to this."

      "Wow, Kyle. That was very well explained." Sink gave him a slap on the back. He rolled his eyes.

      "Ahem, thanks Kyle. Dean, you also have something to say about the Mars colony."

      "Yes. Currently, there are only just over 10,000 colonists on Mars. They are struggling. There is a need for more advanced construction robots. The ones they have are old and very slow. They also need more water and oxygen units among other things. So, we'll be looking at these things as well. Especially the construction robots. He has used these before. The manufacturers of these may be targeted. Also, there is a supply ship sent once a month to the colony. We think he might try to send his own supplies. If you know what I mean."

      "Thank you. So, that's it. Are there any questions?"

      "I only have one. If he arrives at one of our target areas, will the other teams drop what they are doing and come to help?"

      "No, Sink. Unless, the situation becomes very extreme. Each team will need to operate independently from the others. However, please report your progress regularly. When I say regularly, I mean twice a day. Thanks for asking that question. Anyone else?... No? Okay, let's put our suits on and meet Sink in training room nine.