| From: | "Paul J. Adam" <shadowtk@********.DEMON.CO.UK> |
|---|---|
| Subject: | Conflict? |
| Date: | Tue, 1 Apr 1997 18:24:05 +0100 |
>>>>>[TO: 1Lt J R W Lynch
Jason, I just had this conversation, and it alarms me a little. It seems
our Chairman is reverting to type.
Watch your back.
+++++begin transcript
C: David J H Coppinger, Director, SIGA
V: Brigadier-General Mark von Drexler, UCAS AF, Chairman of the
Intelligence Oversight Committee
V: David, a moment?
C: Certainly, General.
V: I hear Lynch is discussing our problem with Maxim. Are you sure
that's appropriate or wise?
C: He's available, and is fully briefed on Maxim. In fact, he's our
field specialist on the subjects of both Maxim and weapons of mass
destruction.
V: That wasn't quite what I had in mind. Given his... past with them,
I'd question that he was the right person to carry out such delicate
negotiations. And I understand he's using a militarised civilian
transport to get to the meeting?
C: I beg your pardon, General, we're not negotiating. Lynch is there to
secure the return of the stolen Randall Flagg shells by any and all
means necessary. Velli and Skulkin have both guaranteed his safety:
and I guarantee they'll listen to what he has to say, why would he
stick his head in the lion's jaws unless it was important?
Oh, and his choice of aircraft is saving the taxpayer money: we're
only paying for the fuel, not twenty flight-hours of airframe time.
His using that MiG cut the cost of this jaunt, by nearly eighty
thousand dollars.
V: What if Skulkin laughs in his face and refuses to return the
munitions?
C: Then the Lieutenant's backup is the third battalion of the Second
Marines, backed by air and missile strikes from the _Hutchisson_
carrier battle group.
<long pause>
V: You are joking, I trust?
C: Deadly serious, General, we have extensive legal precedent, and
authorisation from the NCA. But it certainly won't come to that. We
are very gently rattling our sabre, we're not going to lop any heads.
Maxim will give us the weapons, they have no interest in or benefit
from a confrontation, or any need for the weapon itself. If we
expected major action we'd be at a higher alert state.
V: And you're staking how many lives on that, Director?
C: General von Drexler, I'm well aware of the risks. Nicole Velli is
ruthless, ambitious and coldly rational. Our raising our hackles is
necessary to prove the importance of those shells to us. It's also a
valuable opportunity: it gives us an opportunity to lower tensions,
and to point out that such posturing by both sides is unproductive
and confusing.
V: You can't possibly suggest that we lower our guard to Maxim?
C: Why not? As the saying goes, better to have Velli inside the tent
shooting out... Maxim would be a very useful and resourceful ally.
V: I completely disagree, Coppinger. Maxim must be kept in check. In
fact I'm ordering you-
C: Then pass your recommendation upwards, Brigadier-General Von Drexler,
because your role is solely oversight. You do not direct policy, nor
do you make decisions, you observe and report to ensure our work
remains visible and we are accountable.
I will continue to pursue closer alliance with whoever I consider to
be in the best interests of the UCAS until ordered otherwise, and for
now that includes Maxim. I don't give a damn about the polls, or
about your next fitness report, or about your political ambitions,
and when you're in this office neither should you. I care about the
national interests of the UCAS.
<pause>
V: I won't forget this, Coppinger. I'm going to remember this
conversation for a very long time.
C: I hope you do, Mark, I sincerely hope you do.
+++++end transcript]<<<<<
-- D J H Coppinger <18:12:34/04-01-58>
Director
Strategic Intelligence Gathering Agency
*****INTERNAL: SIGANet
>>>>>[TO: D J H Coppinger, Director
Wonderful. Just fucking wonderful. I guess VD didn't get the glowing
FitRep he wanted, then, so it's back to the old days.
Okay, I'm on my way. Launching in fifteen, and I'll be over Jo'burg in
two hours. Wish me luck.]<<<<<
-- 1Lt J R W Lynch <18:19:34/04-01-58>
USS Harold Hutchison
