The End of the Beginning
Chapter 41: Counting on Persistence

The computer screen read 11:56 p.m., Sunday, April 25, 2027. A call was expected shortly on this screen by the one sitting before it, alone and in the dark.

One finger after another had its nail bitten off out of nerves. Soon out of nails, the anxious individual grabbed their hair and pulled till it hurt. Breaths of warm stress escaped their mouth, getting heavier and deeper until suddenly the computer indicated an incoming video call. With a napkin, the person wiped their forehead of sweat to look more composed. With a gulp, the video call was accepted.

“Why did you call me?” asked the face on the computer screen. Their voice was purposely distorted into an unnatural human tone and image pixelated.

“The suicide of Samir Mamedov will bring attention to systems that, for the moment, should have none. As I told you last time we spoke, I can only hold off suspicions for so long and now with this… Answers could be found that could jeopardize everything.” “Samir was weak. You should have been more careful with him and watched him more closely.”

“I know but I could not get too close. People could have become suspicious!”

“And you don’t think they will now? This incident and its associated rumors are all over the base and will only spread. The investigation that has been opened up into his death must lead to falsities. Alter his records. Make him a drug addict; destroy him. It was an overdose and he went crazy because of it as far as the rest of UNIRO will be concerned.” “It shall be done.”

“Make sure the other asset of ours is watched as well. We cannot lose him although I doubt he would ever shy away from his mission as Samir did. He is ruthless, perfect for our plans. Everything Samir was not. I head out to Alaska next week for another UNIRO political stunt. I will return to a changed world and nothing we stand against that change. Make sure this mess is disposed of properly. We finally commit our plans to action next week. This cannot become a hindrance to that. We have already failed once, I will not except failure again…” “Yes, but what of Samir’s squadron leader, Captain Emerson?”

“Emerson?”

“Yes, Captain William Emerson. He appears loyal to his squadron like no other. He will want answers and won’t stop till he gets them. He is very persistent.” “I’m counting on it.”