Divisions

Part 4- Chapter 22

Election Day

JSAA Compound; Interrogation Room 5

Jarred

I could barely make sense of the time as they wheeled the old-fashioned television into the room. After a few minutes spent setting the television up the technician managed to get it to work, and left the room not looking at me. It did not take me too long to realize that I was watching live footage of the Cornwall Auditorium, where I knew that the election was happening. I watched as the high-profile agents streamed into the room, as interviewers discussed outfits and as they speculated the results. I could not have bothered less as I stared at the screen. I knew that the reason they wanted me to watch the event was so that I could watch as I was proclaimed the murderer. They did this to taunt me, I knew.

I recognized, among the guests, Thomas Sheldon, along with the rest of the family, who all shared somber expressions as they entered the venue. The camera then panned to the large stage, where two lecterns stood. Already standing behind the left one, was the Mr. Harrison Jeffries, a wide, shark-like, grin on his face. Standing to the right, having arrived with his bodyguard, an agent I vaguely recognized, was Mr. Raymond Patterson. Mr. Jeffries was then shown walking towards Mr. Patterson, and then the both of them shook hands, fake-grins on their faces.

On a table, in front of the stage, were three delegates, who the reporter clarified as the "adjudicators" of the debate. The reporter then explained the program of the evening. An independent speaker would initially address the floor regarding the Sheldon murder case then Mr. Jeffries would say his remarks, and Mr. Patterson would follow. Afterwards, a brief intermission would occur, followed by a few questions asked to the both of them by the adjudicators, three of the sixteen JSAA board members who would then vote.

I bit my lip, the blood tasting metallic, as the floor was called to be silent and the camera turned back to a larger lectern, where a woman was standing, ready to address the floor.

As soon as she felt the camera on her, and the silence, the woman cleared her throat and began to speak.

"Good evening members of the JSAA, the media, and the Sheldon family, with which we continue to grieve and share condolences. This evening, the first night of march, marks a four year anniversary of the founding of the JSAA, an alliance formed to protect the citizens of our nation through the joining of the two most productive organizations. These intelligence agencies, the National Intelligence Forces, and the Internal Defense Agency, both of which continue to work to protect our people with true diligence and competence. Today, however, we congregate here, with saddened hearts, as we recognize and condemn the murder of our leader, Mr. Tobias Sheldon, who lead the alliance with a confidence that will not be easy to replace. On the thirteenth of November, last year, our beloved leader was murdered in cold blood, by a group of agents, details of which will be explained by our next speaker, Mr. Jacob Adams, who will elaborate on the circumstances and findings the NIF and IDA have both managed to gather.

"However, today, I am here to express a sentiment and to assure our people of the truth of this statement," she continued, staring right into the camera, although I knew she was reading from a teleprompter.

"We are not in danger. This was not done by an external threat. As much as this was an act of terrorism and treason, we can be assured that is not an act of war by an independent party. This news leaves us both comforted and distraught, as we realize that the problems we face are within our own borders. However, we must remember that our intelligence agencies are stronger than ever, and prepared to tackle these challenges. With that, we understand that for someone to take up the position of the JSAA head, takes a great amount of responsibility, as he takes up the mantle of a shaken intelligence world, shocked by the murder of such a respected and protected icon. Therefore, I implore my fellow JSAA board members to understand and keep in mind the interests of our people when choosing our new leader. This is not a partisan venture, this is something that should be done for the greater good at large, and is not a decision that should be taken lightly..."