#covert operations

[cjrae]

Rank And Responsibility. Or: The Hairpin Scene from Jinshi's POV.

Be warned now about the consequences of choosing to do an English Lit degree - you end up doing lit crit for fun. With that in mind, let's break down the hairpin scene at the end of Covert Operations (Episode 5). Mild spoilers for Jinshi's arc are below.

While this moment does kick off the romantic subplot, with all the implications that giving Maomao the hairpin out of his own hair has, I would argue that this is not the moment Jinshi realizes he's in love with Maomao. Instead, from his point of view, this scene demonstrates how Jinshi handles failure.

Holding Power In An Open Palm

This is still very early in the story. Our first hint to Jinshi's true rank does come in this scene, but for now we know him as the manager of the Rear Palace. For the three thousand people who live and work there, for all intents and purposes, Jinshi is the highest authority they will encounter. He literally has the power of life and death over them, either directly in the case of the servants and eunuchs, or in the case of the consorts, his word to the Emperor directly can serve the same purpose. We also see Jinshi use this power early on - he's not just there to keep order, but also to test the consorts' loyalties and virtue. We never see what happens to the lower-ranked consort who attempted to invite Jinshi back to her room, but at the very least that report ensures that her already small chance of the Emperor choosing her as a potential mother of the nation is utterly cut off - and if she doesn't bear children, she will be discarded.

We also know that Jinshi will not hesitate to order corporal punishment if he views it necessary - for example, when Maomao discovers that the toxic face powder is still being used by Consort Lihua's ladies in waiting, she mentions in the aftermath that the eunuch who failed to recover the powder was flogged, while the lady in waiting who hid the powder is put in solitary confinement. These are brutal punishments - and if we consider the historical inspirations, these are also very restrained consequences. For hiding an item that caused the death of the prince (unfortunately, the more valuable child) and has put the life of one of the Emperor's favored High Consorts in danger, Jinshi would be utterly within his rights to order executions. If ignorance is a sin, ignorance in the face of knowledge is a greater one.

Microcosm of Li

For all that Jinshi holds his power lightly, he also takes the responsibility that power bestows upon him quite seriously. It's worth noting that Jinshi takes over governing the Rear Palace shortly after Maomao's service contract is purchased. (Remember, Xiaolan talks about the "beautiful, new eunuch that's been posted to the central courtyard," which tells us that Jinshi has not been in the Rear Palace long enough to become a fixture - he's an object of speculation and admiration from episode 1).

In context it's clear that, with the birth of two Imperial children, his job is to ensure the survival of the Imperial line and investigate why children of the Emperor are dying consistently in one of the wealthiest and safest places in the entire empire. We're shown him running in between Lady Lihua and Lady Gyokuyou to ensure that their very sick children are being seen to properly, investigating what could be causing it, while also managing tensions as rumors about the Emperor's children being cursed begin to spread and outright accusations of sorcery are being thrown between consorts. While the audience might immediately scoff along with Maomao at the idea of one consort cursing another, if Maomao hadn't found the cause of death, those types of accusations followed by Lady Lihua's and Princess Lingli's inevitable deaths could have ended with Lady Gyokuyou's execution.

The Rear Palace is a reflection of the nation as a whole. No Imperial heirs plus the deaths of two High Consorts with various foreign and domestic political ties had the potential to thrust the entire nation into chaos. Jinshi's choices have very real consequences, so when Maomao discovers what the true cause of death is and sends her warning, Jinshi looks at Maomao and doesn't see a person. He sees a "perfect pawn." A tool, one with talents that have ensured that at least one Imperial child has survived and providing a rational explanation why these children have died so that it can be prevented from happening again - and a skill set that can be turned to preventing any more shenanigans in the Rear Palace that could threaten the empire's foundation.

And, as Gaoshun points out, in the beginning of the hairpin scene, she is a toy. Maomao amuses Jinshi up until this point.

For all that Jinshi is shown wielding power with a light hand and a responsible mindset, it literally doesn't occur to him that the people working in the rear palace have stories - some tragic - about how they came to be there. They are resources to be used as befits the Emperor's (and therefore the nation's) need.

Hidden Beauty

When Maomao turns around and Jinshi doesn't recognize her until she speaks, he's shocked. He thought he knew exactly who and what this girl was - ugly and unremarkable, except for her intellectual brilliance and the challenge in managing her by other means than empty compliments and smiles. He attempts to recover and assumes that she is enhancing her looks - and is shocked again when he realizes that the face Maomao has presented to him so far is a protective mask against attracting attention. In a world where beauty is both a currency and a tool that others covet, Jinshi doesn't understand why Maomao would deliberately devalue herself like that. So she tells him.

This is the moment Maomao becomes a person to Jinshi.

Not a toy, not a pawn. Someone who has been ripped from her home and her life illegally and sold off. It's in this moment that Jinshi is forced to confront the ugly side of the society he lives in, people who would rape Maomao out of pure convenience or just take a "borderline marketable" girl off the street in order to get extra drinking money.

Worse, Jinshi is complicit in Maomao's captivity. The Rear Palace has bought her contract - and as the manager of the Rear Palace, Jinshi is responsible for everything that happens within its' walls. The fact that Jinshi does not personally oversee service contracts is irrelevant. The buck stops with him. If the Matron of the Serving Women or whoever is below her is buying these contracts without checking their sources, that is Jinshi's fault because he has allowed a lax enough system to flourish. He has failed to govern this microcosm of the nation wisely, with thought for the welfare of the least powerful among his people. Worse, he has failed to even notice the problem - Maomao may say she's angry about having been kidnapped and sold, but she doesn't react in a way that indicates anger. Instead, she's resigned. Yes, what happened to her was wrong and she's angry about it, but there's literally nothing she or Jinshi can do.

Or Is There?

Jinshi offers Maomao two apologies, the first of which is our first hint to his true status. "I'm sorry we couldn't police them better." Maomao immediately blows off this apology - she points out that there's no way Jinshi should have known and has a very "all's well that ends well" attitude about her situation - her contract will be up eventually and in the meantime she's managed to land in a fulfilling role. Essentially Maomao is telling Jinshi that this apology is not his to make - he's overstepping his responsibility. And, if Jinshi were simply the manager of the Rear Palace, she would be right. It's his job to ensure that the Rear Palace is properly staffed, not to regulate that all contracts comply with the law.

Jinshi apologizes again. This time, he offers no other context. He doesn't accept Maomao's absolution of responsibility - because he knows (even if we, the audience, don't) otherwise. It can certainly be read as Jinshi refusing to accept easy absolution, and the rest of those witnessing the scene, apart from Gaoshun, certainly take it that way.

Instead, he takes the hair stick from his own hair and places it in Maomao's. Their entire relationship has just been upended; Maomao is a person who has been gravely wronged and it is Jinshi's responsibility to begin to make it right. Aside from the personal implications of giving her the hairpin (and the faint blush on his face makes it clear that he's aware of them), it is a form of restitution. There is an unspoken social contract Jinshi is offering that Maomao does not understand in the slightest. It never occurs to her that Jinshi would do something for her with no thought of what he would receive in return, because of the difference in their social ranks. But, from Jinshi's perspective, that social difference is the point. He has failed her and, as the person of higher rank, it is his responsibility to do what is within his power to begin to remedy the situation in front of him.

And, of course, in that moment he sees Maomao in a new light, the other meaning of gifting her his hairpin has fertile ground to take root in Jinshi's mind.

[dronescapesvideos]

North American T-28D "Zorro" Of 606ACS At Nakhon Phanom.

➤➤ T-28 And A Look Back At Covert Operations: https://youtu.be/X1M4snpr5YQ

➤➤ HD Image: https://tinyurl.com/532yd6vn

[alanshemper]

[iamnomad98]

Today marks the 50th anniversary of the first 9/11, when the US CIA overthrew the democratically-elected socialist president of Chile, Salvador Allende, and replaced him with the notorious military dictator, Augusto Pinochet, to resume Chile’s status as a vassal state of the US.

Supported by American capitalists, President Richard Nixon, and Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, the CIA instituted 17 years of state terror in Chile, torturing, imprisoning, and executing tens of thousands of people, including the infamous “death flights”. Chile’s living standards fell drastically as it became the first neoliberal experiment.

The YouTuber PlasticPills made this excellent documentary about Salvador Allende and his ambitious plan to transform Chile using a network of computers to manage and plan the economy with the input of workers.

[cmweller]

Challenge #04032-K014: Going Undercover

May we see the mission to the lands where ones such as this young human escaped from? And what became of the lands, and the cruel slave owners?

https://peakd.com/fiction/@internutter/challenge-03947-j295-a-whisp-of-hope -- Lessons

Vaphambryl. Picturesque Archduchy renowned for its fine arts and gloriously beautiful farms. Even those who visit rarely wonder where all the workshops are. There might be a few little hobbyists here and there, but they aren't producing the quality of detail evident in their exports.

Those are things made with love.

The things made for profit don't see the sunshine until after they're unpacked in the emporiums they're exported to. That's because the fine arts are made underground. No inspection before this one has found Vaphambryl's dirty little secrets. No inspectors looked hard enough at the barrows or boarded-off mineshafts. They'd have seen the hinges or found the mechanisms if they did.

[Check the source for the rest of the story]

[sablelab]

Covert Operations - Chapter 230

SYNOPSIS: The Head of Centre, Mr Lambert, observes the operatives working in Section from the Perch. He contemplates their reactions to the new leadership of Section One, and his thoughts also centre on this monumental day.

THANK YOU to all who are reading this story and for your feedback, likes and reblogs. I am very gratified by your support. 👋

Chapter 229 and all other chapters can be found at … https://sablelab.tumblr.com/covertoperations 

 *This can also be read on AO3

CHAPTER 230

The Head of Centre now stood in the Perch overlooking Section One before summoning James Fraser and Claire Beauchamp to make an appearance. As he stood there with hands resting on the rail and a blank stare in his eye, Quentin Lambert surveyed the operatives going about their business below. Every now and then someone would look up towards the Perch with a quizzical expression on their faces, then just as quickly look away. He knew what was going on in their minds … but he was unable to answer their questions at the moment. He needed Jamie to arrive so that he could hand over the Chain of Command to him and to induct his niece as his second in command before any announcement could be made.  When that happened, he knew that those inquisitive operatives below would erupt in surprise but also jubilation for the change of power. James Fraser was well respected as too was Claire, and without a shadow of a doubt Section One would be in such good hands under their leadership.

His thoughts alternated between this change of power and the other events that had taken place earlier in the Committee Room, as well as in the White Room with the former leaders of Section One.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

It had been a harrowing day for everyone on so many levels.  With what started out the day before with the house arrest, followed by the revealing of the information in the dossiers, then concluding with the deaths of Operations and Madeline. He would never have envisaged a day such as today, but then again surprises were just that.  One never expected things to happen neatly in such an organization and expecting the unexpected was the norm.    

The decisions that had been made this day were ones he never wished to repeat, but extenuating circumstances called for drastic measures. As leader of all the Sections it was his responsibility to make the call on both Madeline and Operations the way that he had.  Had he not, the perpetuation of Section One was brought into disrepute and that was not acceptable.  Not only that but the actions of Section’s leaders were a breach of the trust they had been given.  Their failure to live up to the standards of this organization by sullying the very principles of why Section existed was the reason they had to be removed.  Their crimes only compounded the decision that was finally made.  They could not remain alive and continue to be in charge.   He had no recourse but to do what was done.

For far too long the manoeuvrings going on at Section under Dougal and Madeline’s leadership had been cause for concern at Oversight, hence Colum Mackenzie’s initiating the dossiers on each of them. Intel had also been given to him at Centre about the autocratic behaviour of the two leaders at One, while he’d also been kept abreast of the situation at Section for some time that things were not as they appeared to be especially regarding the Rising Dragons’ mission. Although he’d met with Madeline on occasion at Centre, there was always an underlying agenda with her that she had tried to disguise despite their meetings being cordial. The fact that Murtagh Fitzgibbons had been able to relay information to Colum about the underhand skulduggery that had been in place at Section for a while, had only reinforced that the dossiers were not some form of retaliation against his brother and his second in command. They were merely stating the truth of how they had run Section.  There was a chance that the intel could be viewed as Colum Mackenzie getting his own back at his brother, but the independent information had only confirmed what the files had disclosed.  For far too long Madeline and Operations had worked the system for their own gain and agenda. Colum had been diligent in his collecting of data and had crossed his T’s and dotted his I’s in an effort to give the most comprehensive but unbiased account of the happenings at Section One under their leadership, based solely on the overwhelming evidence presented.

The early morning meeting with Madeline and Operations had been somewhat difficult. However, he knew this would be so. No meeting with the leaders of Section One was ever easy and today was no different. They were both determined leaders who had fought all the way protesting their innocence under the guise of Section One protocol. However, no matter what Madeline and Dougal said to try and lessen the charges, the dossiers that Colum Mackenzie had compiled on both of them were a very compelling account of their misdemeanours over the years. It was known that the leaders of Section One had consistently been a thorn in Colum Mackenzie’s and Oversight’s side for far too long. It had only been a matter of him biding his time for their machinations to be revealed. The fact that their transgressions had been so numerous and broad in nature had eventually caused the chickens to come back home to roost. Things had gone full circle for them and it was this that had ultimately been the cause of their own downfall.

Madeline and Dougal had proclaimed their innocence on several occasions but the evidence and witnesses had been overwhelming. They had nowhere to hide and had attempted to whitewash the evidence presented despite knowing that they were in serious trouble long before Jamie and Claire had given their testimony. They had been vehemently incredulous of the decision that he’d made, but they were lucky that they hadn’t been cancelled earlier given the evidence of their wrongdoings. Madeline in her indomitable way had taken matters into her own hands with her suicide, while Operations’ death had been a foregone conclusion.  The two leaders no doubt had a death premonition when they had been placed under house arrest, and perhaps they’d thought their demise was just a matter of time, even long before their cross-examination in the Committee Room.  Then when the intel in the dossiers had been revealed, under the circumstances their fate had been sealed. Death was the only sentence they could have received for their treason. 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Glancing around Section One again, Quentin Lambert realized that they must move on … move ahead for the good of everyone. He put the memory of Operations and Madeline’s reactions to the news of their death sentence as the absolute leaders of One to the back of his mind. What was done was done. There was no turning back … it was now a thing of the past. So, clearing his mind of this morning’s past events; the Head of Centre turned his thoughts to the future of Section One and that of its new leaders James Fraser and Claire Beauchamp. With the impending inauguration of these two exemplary operatives as the new leaders, necessary changes would occur.  Thus, it was imperative that he set in motion a new regime for Section One, something that was needed if One was to look forward and not backwards.

Therefore, a full-scale re-evaluation of Section One would need to be instigated by Section’s new leaders, especially given the disclosed circumstances of Madeline and Operations’ management. It was long overdue and once Jamie and Claire took leadership; they would need to set new parameters in motion.  Things could not remain as they were.  Everything would change with their administration.  Operations and Madeline would be replaced with the two people who were more suited to running Section … the two worthy operatives who would bring a new perceptive to all who worked there. These necessary changes to Section One needed to be made without any of the skulduggery that had occurred in the past. James Fraser would have the opportunity to demonstrate that Section One could run more efficiently and strategically when respect, trust, support and loyalty to the unit were the emphasis instead of the reign of fear and punishment operatives had endured under Madeline and Operations.

The Head of Oversight had provided many examples of breach of protocol and manipulation in the dossiers particularly of Sections’ best operative James Fraser, as well as his partner Claire Beauchamp.  The fact that it had been revealed that Claire was his niece added another layer of disgust on what Madeline and Operations had done in their treatment of her.  This intel had been most distressing given the fact that he and Colum had paired these two individuals together in the hope that they would be a partnership to be envied, but never realizing that their leaders would be threatened by their bond and expertise in successful missions.  Obviously, Madeline and Dougal’s egos had been significantly dented by their perceptions of this couple’s rise within Section in the eyes of its operatives.  Because of this perception, they thwarted their relationship and dismissed any promotion for them should they in fact come to appear the better choice for taking command of Section One.  The very fact that they thought Jamie and Claire were breathing down their necks caused them to have them take one step forward two steps back.  Operations and Madeline’s fragile hold on Section would have been tested had Jamie and Claire decided that they ever wanted to usurp them, but that theory was never proven.  It was just a warped figment of their misguided minds that this threat existed, hence the drastic steps they took to prevent it ever happening. Little did they know that Karma had a way of putting things right in the universe.  It all could have been different if Madeline and Operations had taken another course of direction.   

The only plausible reason for Madeline’s constant testing of their two top operatives was fear.  This seemed ironic, for theirs was a leadership of fear and dread. The fact that the leaders themselves feared their two best operatives’ romantic relationship as well as an imagined coup by Jamie with Claire by his side seemed a tit for tat exercise.  The course of action they always took with them was the same … divide and conquer … because in their minds, they truly believed that these two operatives were trying to commandeer their positions and take over Section One. It was obvious that this paranoia had clouded their vision over the years, but they had been their own worst enemies. Operations and Madeline had lost focus and had seen problems where there were none. If Jamie and Claire had been handled differently, this situation would never have occurred, and perhaps they may still be alive and merely reprimanded.  However, their deeds were too far reaching and heinous for that to have occurred.  They had abused their position time and time again and, in the end, it was all for naught for they paid the price of this thirst for power with their lives.

He realised that once his niece had been recruited to Section One, Madeline and Operations stepped up their manipulation of James Fraser.  Claire seemed to be the catalyst for the path they had taken in demoralizing her and belittling their best operative. The fact that his niece’s personality was at polar opposite to their way of thinking, had seen them come up with plan after plan to try and thwart the effect she had on Jamie, her fellow operatives, and the very atmosphere within Section.  Claire’s compassionate nature did not fit in with the ideals they held as to what happened in Section.  Claire upset the apple cart, not intentionally but to such a degree that they had to act. They could ill afford for her to cause trouble, especially by spoiling their plans. Her humility and compassionate nature threatened the very fabric of the leadership they held dear … control. She presented an existential threat to their existence and survival in Section. Claire unwittingly challenged those beliefs to such an extent that they could ill afford for her to continue to influence other operatives to her way of thinking.  The very fact that James Fraser was caught in her spell was the final straw that broke the camel’s back for them. It was the breaking point for Operations and his second in command. It was what made them act the way that they did. 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Quentin Lambert’s thoughts were all over the place but there was definitely a common thread weaving its way through them as he came to terms with all that had happened in such a short time.  He was flabbergasted as to the lengths that Madeline and Operations had gone to, to try and conceal their deeds. 

Did they think they were Teflon coated and nothing could touch them?  Had they been so full of narcissistic belief that they thought themselves above recrimination? Or had they merely thought they would never be caught manipulating the system?

Then there was their treatment of his niece and her mentor and partner. Perhaps it was this that had all brought it home to him that no one, least of all Claire and James Fraser deserved the actions that Madeline and Operations put in place to keep them both under the thumb and compliant.   It was quite perplexing for the Head of Centre as he thought about the two people who were to be entrusted with the leadership of Section One.

Had they learnt nothing of these two operatives in all the time they were in Section?  Had they not known that their bond could not be broken despite the lengths they went to, to try and separate them? Why did they keep on pursuing these drastic motives, knowing that they would never win?

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

In the early stages of his niece’s recruitment, Claire had developed skills that Section One had utilized successfully on numerous occasions. Her looks and her ability to get the job done in her own inimitable way were seen as going against the grain of Section One’s ethics. But who was to say her way was wrong and Madeline and Dougal’s way was the only way? Perhaps it was this differing opinion that had caused a rift between the two women. Somewhere along the line the relationship between Section’s second in command and Claire had changed and changed for the worse. The motherly figure Madeline portrayed toward her in the beginning of her recruitment, had long ago vanished. It was as if Claire was her rival and as such was a threat to her position at Section One.

As Jamie’s material and under his definitive tutelage, Claire had developed into the operative she was now. They had formed an ideal partnership that resulted in exemplary execution of their missions together. They had formed an invincible bond over the years but it was the very thing that kept them alive and made their missions so successful. However, as Jamie and Claire’s bond had become stronger and their partnership had strengthened, the threat obviously became more intense to their leaders. Sensing that this time it threatened both their leadership and not just her, Madeline had proceeded down the track of some very malicious practices. However, what she had failed to realize was that as the heir apparent to lead Section One, James Fraser was happy to bide his time until Operations stood down or moved to Oversight which had been highly probable. Dougal knew this to be true but Madeline’s influence over him was just as manipulative as her scheming with Jamie and Claire. She had sown the seeds of doubt and because Dougal relied on her judgment and counsel, he was obviously swayed by his second in command’s mindset. Colum Mackenzie had pointed this fact out to him that Madeline had wielded too much power at Section One for his liking. Initially the Head of Oversight thought that coming down a peg or two would be humbling for Madeline and would perhaps set her back on the true ideals of Section One that Letitia had envisaged when she set up the Sections.  But Section’s Head Strategist had her own agenda.  She was strong-willed in her refusal to admit defeat or to give an inch, and was stoic until the very end. The situation they had found themselves in was a direct result of both Operations and Madeline’s failure to show compassionate leadership. They had treated their operatives as expendable robots who were expected to act as such. There was no compromise, no second chances and no tolerance of relationships that might prove to be too powerful and threatening to their totalitarian leadership.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

As the Head of Centre, he had his finger on the pulse and from afar he’d been observing the partnership of James Fraser and his niece for some time. Along with the Head of Oversight they had always liked what they saw.  They had colluded to groom these two people for bigger and better things in the Organization.  He was well aware of the stellar job they had both done on the Sun Yee Lok Mission and on the few occasions Jamie had command of Section One, he had always profiled missions with few casualties and with favourable end results. He had initiative, was ingenious and successful … key elements to great leadership.

Then it was Claire’s subtle effect on Jamie that had certainly provided the balance he needed. For far too long he’d acted like a machine … the ultimate cold operative, one without a soul, for this was what Operations and Madeline wanted … for they were soulless and manipulating leaders. Innocents had always been seen as expendable collateral as far as they were concerned. This was diametrically opposed to Claire’s approach. Her compassion had been influential in changing Jamie’s way of thinking considerably over the years and on occasions during a profile; he had changed to Plan B when his partner had voiced her concern or empathy for innocents. James Fraser was the penultimate operative. Whether as a cold operative, valentine operative or undercover operative, Jamie always got the job done and done with success. It was his ability to “read” situations and think on his feet that made him the highly effective Level Five operative that others admired and respected. As the new Operations, he would have the love and support from those close to him and his admirers when he took the helm of Section One, with his formidable partner by his side. This admiration for them would filter down to those operatives working in Section and would make for a more harmonious workplace. It was a win–win for strategic brilliance and for common sense.  Things in Section would change, and change exponentially. He looked forward to seeing the path James Fraser and his niece would take when they did finally take control.  

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Turning his head away from those working below, the Head of Centre looked over to where Colum Mackenzie and Letitia Chisholm were sitting in quiet conversation. No doubt they too were contemplating the results of this morning’s proceedings. It was unprecedented what had happened to the leaders of Section One, but they knew that Quentin Lambert had no recourse except to make the decision that had been made.  Although Madeline had taken matters into her own hands before any judgement could be carried out on her involvement in the misdemeanours, Operations had deserved whatever sentence he had received given the heinous wrongdoings he had undertaken against their operatives, his treasonous actions and the manipulations he and Madeline had put James Fraser and Claire Beauchamp through.

“Penny for your thoughts Quentin,” Colum Mackenzie asked candidly as he watched as the Head of Centre made his way to where he and Letitia were sitting.

He’d mused over many thoughts in his mind but especially about Madeline and Operations, and what had gone before in Section under the old leaders.  However, he had optimism for new beginnings and a more compassionate Section One under his niece and James Fraser’s leadership. He was excited about their prospects of running Section and how the whole organization would grow and evolve in a more congenial atmosphere.  

“I was just thinking of all those operatives below the Perch at their stations, still carrying on regardless of their curiosity to know just what is going to happen to them in the future. Those men and women below are the backbone of Section One.  They are going about their duties and Section is still ticking over.  I was also wondering what their reactions will be once Jamie and Claire are installed as Section’s new leaders.”

“I should think that they will be very pleased to know that the two people they admire will be in charge.”

“I agree Quentin,” Letitia announced supportive of what Colum had said.  “Those operatives know what Jamie and Claire stand for.  They also know that they are just and fair-minded.  But more importantly … they trust and respect them.”

“Indeed, my thoughts as well.  My nephew is a competent and skilled operative first and foremost.  Jamie knows what is expected of operatives on a mission, and they in turn know that he expects nothing but the best of them as well.  They look up to Jamie as they follow his lead.  He is intuitive, perceptive and has an uncanny sense of outwitting his opponents. James Fraser is a leader who is not only admired, but who leads by example.  Section One will be in excellent hands Quentin.”  

“And what about my niece Colum? Do you think I have asked too much of her?”

“No, I don’t. Claire will make a capable, proficient but fair leader alongside Jamie.  No doubt her skillset will be slightly different to his. Whereas Jamie will bring strategic skills, along with his forte as a statistician, his expertise as a cold operative, as well as his intellect and ability to read people, Claire will bring her more measured foresight and intelligence, her compassion and humanity to the table.  They will be a formidable pair and will be able to run Section One as it should have been.”

“And maybe, just maybe, they will be able to strike a happy medium between their personal and professional responsibilities,” Letitia added smiling giving her woman’s perspective.

“No doubt a reasonable compromise will be what the doctor ordered to recharge their batteries. I believe that Jamie has some property in Australia,” replied Colum looking towards Mr Lambert.

“Is that so?”  The Head of Centre reacted a little taken back, but not completely surprised that James Fraser would have secured a private place away from Section where he could relax. But Australia? … That was as far away to any place he could think of that Jamie could get from Section … That is what surprised him the most.  

Taking stock once more from his shocked reaction Quentin added, “Then that would certainly be the perfect place to take abreak, wind down and chill out from the tasks involved in running Section One for both Jamie and Claire before returning to the responsibilities they would have as leaders.”

“So, what do you plan to do now Quentin?” Letitia Chisholm asked aware that certain protocols needed to be put in place.

“I will have to hand over the Chain of Command to Jamie and inaugurate my niece as his second in command.”

“Well then.  Is it not time for that to occur?” she answered matter of factually grinning at him.

There was no need to wait any longer. Jamie and Claire needed to be officially declared the new leaders of Section One. He smiled at Letitia in return admitting that he needed to set this in motion immediately.  

“Indeed. I shall.”

“Then you will need to alert him to the fact that he and Claire are both needed in the Perch as soon as possible.”

“I was just about to do so,” he replied giving the two witnesses a look of approval at the decision he was about to make.

With that statement, the Head of Centre pressed the communication button connected to James Fraser’s office alerting both Jamie and Claire that their presence was required.

“Jamie!  Could you and Claire make your way to the Perch ASAP.  There are some pressing matters that need to be addressed.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ to be continued next week

[midnightfunk]

Oh Vladimir, you are such a one-trick pony.

[desertxflower]

This is the end...

                   L e t  the S K Y F A L L, 

                 When it crumbles, we will stand tall and face it all together....

Independent and Original Character for NCIS. NCIS: LA, NCIS: NOLA, NCIS: Hawaii. Police Procedural Roleplay. Covert Operations roleplay. Younger sister to Mossad Officer Malachi Ben-Gidon. Semi-Selective. Please read over biography and rules before interacting with muse.

[retrogamelovers]

Any WinBack fans?

[immaculatasknight]

The bankers' private militia

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

Lethal Horizon by Jason Kasper

Shadow Strive #7

Excellent, action-packed, thought provoking, immersive read that was an excellent addition to this series.

What I liked:

* The team: five intrepid, highly skilled, lethal, dedicated, admirable, and intriguing men that worked together seamlessly

* The bond between the team members, the synchronicity of their actions, the use of their skillsets and their uncanny way of reading one another as well as the situation

* The location and learning more about the geography, people, and politics in Yemen * Being able to see this story as if it were playing out on a big screen in a theater

* Thinking about what it would take to do the job that David and his team undertake as well as the impact it must have on them and their families

* The opportunity the team has to encounter and perhaps neutralize the boogieman they have been chasing

* Thinking about the information shared by someone they questioned and hoping that what he said was fiction and not true in the real world

* How pertinent to current political issues the story is

* Getting to see and catch up with David’s family

* Thinking about what the future of the team might be

What I didn’t like:

* Who and what I was meant not to like

* Thinking about some in power and how easily they made questionable decisions – questionable to me anyway

* Knowing that many of the dark parts of this story actually do happen in real life

Did I like this book? Yes

Would I read more in this series/ by this author? Yes

Thank you to Severn River Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

BLURB

FROM FORMER GREEN BERET AND USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR JASON KASPER

For David Rivers and his team, the mission was supposed to be simple—retrieve a defecting militia leader and deliver him to CIA interrogators.

But nothing is simple in Yemen, where vast swaths of terrain are controlled by Houthi and Al Qaeda fighters. When they locate the asset, the team discovers why he has been deemed critical to their intelligence effort.

The defector has direct knowledge of the team’s top target: Erik Weisz, the shadowy figurehead behind the most catastrophic terrorist attacks since 9/11. And as it turns out, Weisz is currently in Yemen, traveling through Houthi territory with heavy security.

As David’s crew prepares for a follow-on operation to remove Weisz once and for all, they discover a web of contradictions. A sudden order to stand down leaves the unit questioning the motives of their CIA handler. With suspicious leadership and a deadly conspiracy looming, the team boards a military aircraft to infiltrate the most dangerous corners of a war-torn desert.

David is convinced it will be their bloodiest mission yet—and within hours of being inserted deep into the badlands of Yemen, he and his team realize they are pawns in an exceedingly deadly game of chess.

[jaideepkhanduja]

From School Skit to Covert Operations: Rohan's Journey in the Shadows - A Short Fiction Thriller

From School Skit to Covert Operations: Rohan's Journey in the Shadows - A Short Fiction Thriller #ChildhoodDreams #CovertOps #SpyThriller #NationalHero

In the serene town of Kashipur nestled in the Shivalik Hills, a quaint co-educational school named Harmony Academy stands tall amidst lush greenery. The fresh air, pollution-free environment, and picturesque views are perfect for nurturing young minds like Rohan. The school campus boasts of state-of-the-art infrastructure, well-equipped classrooms, library, computer lab, science lab, playground,…

[lifepulse]

Henry Kissinger: The Complex Legacy of America's Most Influential Diplomat Kissinger: A Life of Diplomacy

On November 11, 2023, Henry Kissinger, one of the leading figures in American diplomacy, died at the age of 100. Kissinger, a controversial but influential statesman, left an indelible mark on the world stage for more than six decades. His life embodied the complexities and contradictions of American foreign policy, a legacy that continues to spark controversy and intrigue. 

Read More

[sablelab]

Covert Operations - Chapter 224

SYNOPSIS:  James Fraser reflects on the information his uncle just relayed about his godfather Murtagh Fitzgibbons.  On the other hand, Madeline reflects on her failure to know that this operative had been sleuthing under her very nose without detection.  Thus, she has to come to terms with the fact that her back is well and truly against the wall now, knowing that there will be no escape from her crimes.

N.B.  This chapter contains some text which may be triggering for some.

Chapter 223(V)  and all other chapters can be found at … https://sablelab.tumblr.com/covertoperations 

 *This can also be read on AO3

THANKS for reading everyone. 👋

CHAPTER 224

There were none more surprised than James Fraser and Claire Beauchamp when Colum Mackenzie had dropped his little bombshell about Murtagh Fitzgibbons being his godfather.  Jamie had mixed emotions although his facial demeanour showed nothing of his inner thoughts. His Sassenach was as pleased as punch that her friend and confidant had been keeping a watchful eye over the man she loved since he’d been recruited to Section One, as well as keeping her under his wing also. Everything Murtagh had done had proved that he did indeed have their backs from the get go. In her mind this was the best news of the day. Knowing that he had approved of their relationship too meant the world to her, for she loved him, not only as her friend but as a father figure especially having lost her own mother and father.  It was such wonderful news, and Claire couldn’t help but grin from ear to ear.  

Jamie however, was still piecing together the words spoken by his uncle and the Head of Oversight that were still resonating in his head.

“Undeniably this is intel that Jamie will need to digest Colum. His godfather you say?  I could think of no better man than Murtagh Fitzgibbons to have kept your nephew under his watchful eye.”

Mr. Lambert was right on point when he’d said these words.  It was so very true.  He too couldn’t think of a stauncher ally than Murtagh Fitzgibbons. Jamie was also digesting the significance of Colum Mackenzie’s statements, and he was processing that his buddy, Murtagh Fitzgibbons was in fact his paternal godfather. This wizened old man had surreptitiously been keeping a watchful eye over him ever since he came into Section One.  This indeed had thrilled him no end.

Claire reached out and squeezed Jamie’s hand. She was ecstatic.  When he glanced over at her, she gave him the most wonderful, sweetest smile that had him grinning too. The look in her eyes was one of excitement, exhilaration and pleasure at hearing this knowledge.  The looks they exchanged meant that she knew exactly what her partner would be recalling.  It was undoubtedly all of the ways Murtagh Fitzgibbons was involved in their lives, and how he had kept a watchful eye over the both of them. They both couldn’t help but think over all the times that Murtagh had gone out on a limb for them, had been their confidant, their supporter and more importantly the one who had their backs against Madeline and Operations’ schemes and manipulations of them as a couple.  He was their champion and now they both realised why that was so.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Murtagh Fitzgibbons seemed to be in his own unique way the soul as well as the eyes and ears of Section One.  No one could deny the powerful and endearing presence of his character in their hell hole. He was the one other operatives, and especially his little buddy Fergus Claudel turned to in times of trouble or melancholy.  Section was not an easy work place with the constant eyes of Madeline and Operations forever overseeing their every move.  Murtagh had been around the block and he was fun and irreverent, but given that he had been passing on information to Colum Mackenzie, meant that he was also the biggest risk taker in Section One. No doubt his clandestine activities in and around Section had been what had kept him entertained.  The fact that he had also been keeping a watchful eye over him was the best news he had heard in a long while.  All those years before his Sassenach had come into Section, he had been lost in torment, and now that he thought back on it, he realised that it was Murtagh who had refused to let him sink further into the darkness of despair in this place.  The munitions expert had been like a father to him.  He had been a role model, taught him weaponry skills as well as teaching him martial arts, which were finely honed in the dojo with the Master.     

It was little wonder that his Sassenach also gravitated towards him. Murtagh loved his Claire as much as he did, and that for him was perfect given that she had lost her parents in the line of duty.  No doubt Murtagh knew them as they too were Section operatives working undercover. Not only had he been keeping him in his orbit, but Murtagh loved Claire as if she too was a daughter. It was easy to see why their appreciation of one another was mutual. To his Sassenach, he was her father figure as well, and one she also loved very much. Murtagh was the man whom she could talk to about anything and everything while it was he, who gave her sage advice. 

Murtagh Fitzgibbons may have perceived himself as a simple man, but he was anything but. He underplayed his quiet intelligence, especially evident in his shrewd assessment of Operations’ and Madeline’s sinister motives towards him and his partner Claire.  His plans to find things in Section that were off limits were sometimes foolhardy, and it was these hairbrained schemes that he dragged Fergus into as his wingman.  However, his most endearing quality was in his loyalty to those he loved, a case in point … his volunteering to rescue himself and Claire who were in trouble at the monastery.  These were the things that endeared Murtagh to his Sassenach, and in retrospect to him as well.  He had always admired the older operative and how he would go out on a limb to help.  He now knew the truth of his actions in doing the things he did, often without the approval of his superiors which was just the way Murtagh liked it.

His godfather had done this for him on many occasions particularly in his clandestine keeping an eye on him making sure that he was kept safe without revealing who he really was. Murtagh had streets smarts and weaponry skills, obviously perfected in Vietnam which he put to good use in Section.  Like any good undercover spy, he knew when to tell the truth, when to lie, and when to keep his mouth shut. One of his most engaging and defining traits was his straightforwardness. He called a spade a spade.

The older operative was savvy, his depth of wisdom and perception in recognizing that in order to protect him, he also needed to protect his woman. When he needed someone to help to reverse the Gelman process on his Sassenach, it was Murtagh who worked with him to smuggle the sensory chamber out of Section without detection.  It was Murtagh that had volunteered to go on their rescue and retrieval mission when he had not been in the field for some years.  He obviously knew that his presence was needed and he wanted firsthand knowledge of what had happened to them at the monastery.  Murtagh had seen the torture tapes of Claire and there was no way that he was not going to be at the forefront to rescue the both of them.  He loved them both.  They were family and he would do whatever was in his power and bag of tricks to help save them.

Then when he’d been shot, Murtagh had threatened to carry him if he didn’t do what he was told, but the most poignant of all was the concern on his godfather’s face when he had collapsed after putting Claire on the gurney back at Section.  No doubt the anxiety that had gone through his mind, as to if he would recover or not must have been harrowing for him.  He knew that Murtagh was a steadfast ally but he always went that extra mile to keep a protective eye on him. He was a confidant for Claire a keeper of their secrets, but no doubt the first to know that he had fallen in love with the most vivacious woman, Claire Beauchamp who had finally saved him from himself.  Much as he wanted to save Claire’s anxiety because of what happened to her at the monastery, he understood somehow that he was the only one who could do this and help his Sassenach recover from her trauma on their downtime.  

Murtagh Fitzgibbons was a keen observer and from his position in Munitions he kept a canny eye over all the comings and goings in Section.  He was a romantic, 60-year-old bandanna wearing hippie of bygone years.  No doubt he had dabbled in free love, smoked pot and been anti establishment in his day.  He had witnessed his growing attraction and love for his Claire probably before he even admitted it to himself. He kept that secret to himself yet he realised now that Murtagh couldn’t wipe the smile off his face whenever they were together. Then, just this morning when he had burst into their bedroom interrupting their intimacy, Murtagh had sheepishly enjoyed his gate crashing, evident by the laughter he and Claire could hear when the door was closed.   Murtagh was always his trusted one who knew where he and Claire were, when off the grid, and how to contact them when others couldn’t.  This had happened time and time again but only when they were really needed back in Section, such as their early recall back for the Rising Dragons’ mission from their downtime in Australia. He was a caring man who loved deeply his friend Fergus, and his paramour Bóinne Rivière who had given the old codger an extra spring in his step. 

Murtagh was an expert in his field of munitions and he relied on the calibre of his equipment and gizmos to successfully function well in order to carry out the extraction of their targets without loss of life to his team members. Thus, his godfather had kept him safe all these years.  In retrospect, Murtagh Fitzgibbons the old Silver Fox, was the substitute father who kept a protective eye over him clandestinely done out of love and loyalty to him and to his father Brian.  No matter how emotionally involved with his Sassenach he became as their friendship developed, he judged her by her actions and words, same as he did anyone else. 

There had always been a measure of trust and respect between them that had never changed.  That was evident when Murtagh had again volunteered to go to Macau undercover to capture Karen Yee.  They had worked together in the casino to capture her and he had ribbed them when he and Claire had arrived in the Mahogany Room after their little tryst in the elevator. That moment had really tickled his fancy.  Teasing them had been worth it though and it was all in good jest.  Again Murtagh had wanted to be where the action was but more importantly he wanted to make sure that Karen Yee or Alvin Tang would not be able to hurt the two people he loved the most and help them secure their captives.   

James Fraser remembered it all.  Now that he knew that Murtagh Fitzgibbons was his godfather, he vowed that this rambunctious man would be more personally involved in his and Claire’s life than from a distance in Section. Murtagh was family after all.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“Are you listening to all of this Madeline?” Mr. Lambert asked looking over at Section’s Head Strategist whose demeanour appeared to be anywhere but present in the room.

However, Madeline was not. She was still thinking about what Colum Mackenzie had said about who was the mole passing intel onto him for his dossiers on her and Operations.She was still reeling in shock about Murtagh Fitzgibbons, to pay much attention to what Quentin Lambert had said.  In her head Madeline could hear his voice but the words didn’t compute. It was like she had taken a step back and was observing his dialog in mute.  He was mouthing the words but she was not hearing them, for the information about Murtagh Fitzgibbons had knocked her for a six. This older operative had managed to pull the wool over her eyes, and fool her and Operations with his clandestine sleuthing and egregious actions.

She realised that at the moment that Murtagh’s name was mentioned, that everything started to make sense with his actions towards Jamie and Claire as well.  She and Operations had missed all the clues he had been sending out to the universe.  Murtagh did many things behind their backs that was against orders and protocol, and he always knew more than he let on. His affection for Claire was never hidden and his loyalty to Jamie was obvious. He was very good at portraying the affable old munitions guy playing the part so convincingly. He was Section’s old-timer, and because of his demeanour, Murtagh Fitzgibbons had been the perfect foil for suspicion and for going under the radar undetected.  With Fergus Claudel bumbling along beside him he was able to keep his ear to the ground and his eyes on the prize.  He was well liked in Section and people confided in him thinking that because he had been around for so long, he was harmless.   She and Operations had fallen into this trap as well.  This fact was a huge mistake for them both and especially for her because as Head Strategist, that finger on the pulse was not as firm as it should have been.

However, the thing that riled her the most was that as Section One’s Psychologist as well, she should have known everything about the operatives in Section … but obviously she did not.  This was a blow not only to her expertise in her perceptive skills but an enormous blow to her ego.  Murtagh had undergone many profile examinations but never once had he given any indication of duplicity.  He was a stalwart member of Section albeit a cranky old bugger, and his position as Munitions expert was well respected.  It was he who was responsible for making sure that all of the equipment that was needed was in top condition, for if his weapons failed, so too did the missions. 

It was her job to analyze data on each individual as well as put them through performance assessments determining their suitability to still carry out their designated duties.  Her job was to have her finger on the pulse in all that happened in Section One on a daily basis.  Surveillance of operatives was a key component of her analysis but in Murtagh Fitzgibbons case, he never once failed any of these tests.  Given his longevity in Section One it was more his attitude rather than his physical prowess that was assessed. Dealing with the mind was where she was most interested, and with Murtagh he seemed such a larrikin that she never once realised that a keen mind lurked under his jovial persona. 

As Section One’s psychologist, she knew how all their people thought felt and behaved. She tested how they reacted to anxiety and stress through in-depth evaluation processes to determine the mental health of their operatives. She needed to assess and diagnose any psychological problems and behavioral dysfunctions amongst field operatives and other Section personnel. It was crucial that all active and non-active operatives functioned at their optimum level. If they failed her Psych Analysis tests, they were placed in abeyance or placed on a suicide mission, for they could not cut the mustard in Section One.

These tests were conducted randomly from time to time, and never once did Murtagh fail to perform well.  They needed the best operatives who could carry out their orders to the letter. Her study of their mindset and behaviours was imperative to keeping operatives on their toes, never knowing when an assessment would be carried out. Her evaluations studied their mental processes and behaviour by observing, interpreting, and recording how operatives related to their orders and ability to carry out said orders on missions. Intel gained through mission tapes was a crucial tool in eliminating the chaff from the wheat.  

Despite these in-depth tests, Murtagh Fitzgibbons Fraser had fooled her and Operations.  That thought made her cringe as to how she had been so negligent in her assessment of him.  His quirky disposition was a great foil to them both and they never once suspected that their Munitions’ Expert could be an undercover mole in Section for such a long while without detection. Once again,they had underestimated a crucial operative, because they overestimated themselves.  James Fraser was an expert in this and always one step ahead of them.  Now it seemed that Murtagh Fitzgibbons as well as Colum Mackenzie had also been.  Obviously, it must have been something in their Fraser and Mackenzie DNA.

His expertise was weaponry and gadgets for operatives to carry out their mission tasks.  She should have realised then that within that hippy body lurked the mind of the perfect undercover agent.  No doubt on Colum’s many visits to Section was when Murtagh passed on the information to him. Hiding in plain sight right under their noses seemed to be his mantra for clandestine espionage work.  He would have been unnoticeable, but stayed visible in a setting that he was able to go undetected.  He was always chatting to his buddy Fergus Claudel as well, so perhaps he roped him into passing on the intel as well in encrypted files or the like.  Fergus was after all a genius in technology, so perhaps they were working in tandem again right under their noses and in sight from the Perch.

In assessing Murtagh’s expertise in going on the retrieval mission and again to Macau to capture Karen Yee, the munitions expert proved himself to be competent and skilled.  His quick thinking in saving Jamie was commendable.  However, it was his and Fergus Claudel’s actions in Section when Jamie and Claire were in Med Lab that were suspicious and questionable especially when she found them in a classified area without approval. However, when nothing was found with the breach and nothing was discovered missing from the classified files, there was no way she or Operations could prove that Murtagh himself had been in breach of Section protocol. There was only one time that she could pin point his devious character was when he had called a spade a spade and Dougal had accused him of maligning his integrity. Murtagh’s retort had been telling now in hindsight. “Oh no, that would require you to have some for me to insult.”

Now because of Murtagh’s subterfuge and Jamie, Claire and Letitia’s testimonies, there would be no escape from her crimes.  She was perplexed how Murtagh Fitzgibbons could have flown under the radar for so long without detection, but then again, his antics were looked upon as pranks and nothing serious.  Little did she or Operations know they had a traitor within their midst.  This was an abject failure on her behalf when her mantra was … failure was not an option.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Resting his eyes on Section’s Head Strategist once more, Mr. Lambert asked again a little louder this time, "Madeline? Are you listening to what Jamie has just said?"

Her mind was a blank for a moment as she had been lost in her musings about Murtagh Fitzgibbons Fraser.  But it certainly all came back to her with a vengeance when he continued speaking.  Mr. Lambert was not sure if Madeline was deliberately ignoring his questions, so he added more information for clarification and to jog her memory as she seemed to have tuned out.

“James Fraser mentioned yours and Operations’ ambivalence when he and Claire returned to Section after successfully reversing the Gelman procedure.  What do you have to say about that?”

She remembered.  She remembered everything about the Gelman process and their victorious return after the reversal.  Raising her head, Madeline looked in his direction, so he continued.

“Are you at all squirming at what you put Claire Beauchamp through in administering the Gelman procedure? For what she had to endure to be detoxed from the program to return her feelings and free will?  Have you anything at all to say in contrition for what you did to her?”

Madeline lowered her eyes.  What could she possibly say that would in any way appease a furious uncle, let alone the Head of all the Sections? All she needed to hear was the punishment she would receive.

“This is not how Centre or Oversight views leadership Madeline, and it’s certainly not the leadership for Section One!  What you have put these two operatives through over time is nothing less than shameful.  It is a vindictive pay back to operatives who performed their duties to the utmost perfection. Yet you and Dougal saw fit to punish them in the cruelest of ways for your own warped enjoyment.” Stoically, Madeline evaded his statements in silence, then with an emotionless look on her face she finally replied.  “Well, it seems that Colum Mackenzie has been busy with his dossiers and the testimony from Claire, Jamie and Letitia seems farcical in content as well.  However, I'm not familiar with all the incidents that have been mentioned, but if you say so, what recourse do I have?  You have decided that I am guilty and nothing will change that.”

“Yes, all we have heard have been an unfortunate collection of incidents,” was Quentin Lambert’s cynical response. “I would have expected better from you and of Operations but alas that was not to be. The dereliction of duty, your disregard for the leadership role in Section One and your devious mishandling of your operatives was abominable. To say Centre and Oversight is disappointed is an understatement.”

Madeline had to reply to Mr. Lambert’s declaration. “How dare you have the presumption to judge my contribution to this organization on such flimsy evidence?”

“It's not just only the procedures and manipulation of your operatives, in particular Claire Beauchamp and James Fraser, Madeline.  It was yours and Dougal’s failure to run Section as it should have been. Section had a specific purpose, but you both used it as a way to gain personal power and domination. Your position as leaders was to lead, not to strengthen your supremacy.  Not only that, but the relationship between you and Operations has concerned us for some time.  Colum’s dossiers only highlighted that fact and brought the truth to the surface.” “I really don't need to hear what some ad hoc internal affairs Pooh-Bah thinks of my work. Get to the punch line Mr. Lambert!” “If you insist. There's no place for you or Dougal Mackenzie at Section One. Not now…. Not ever.”

Stunned into silence she glared at the Head of Centre. “That’s yours and Colum’s problem. You both never understood what we were trying to do at Section One!”

“Oh, we have heard exactly what you and Operations had planned for Section One Madeline and there is no denying the facts.”

“Facts can be interpreted many ways that would favour your assumptions and not ours.  So, is that fair?  You have only the word of the Head of Oversight whose contempt for Operations and I is well known.  So, I am all ears for you to tell me what you have in mind for Dougal and I.” “Why don't you tell me instead Madeline? You’re a psychologist and strategist.  You seem particularly good at reading people’s minds!” “Let me guess: you want to make a point. You want to make an example of us.” “Very good, you’re beginning to understand that I have but one choice. Yours and Operations’ downfall began when you realized that Claire Beauchamp and James Fraser were better than you were.  So, you tried to kill Claire.  When that didn't work, you tried to break them up.  When that didn't work either, you tried to erase Claire’s memory of her partner Jamie. If you would have used half as much energy just trying to get along with them, maybe you wouldn't have ended up the way you did.” “What do you want me to say? I'll water my compassion so you can see it grow?” Ignoring Madeline’s tirade he said, “It is too late for that I’m afraid. You understand, in the end, this decision is mine and mine alone. You are both to be cancelled.”

Madeline's face was her answer. It was blank of any emotion at hearing the words she had expected the Head of Centre to say.

“You are going to be executed Madeline, and it isn’t going to be a pleasant death. It will be much the same fate that you inflicted on many cancelled terrorists. You’ll be taken to the White Room for a lesson in humility.  There you will then be subjected to the Gelman procedure yourself.  Finally, some of the torture techniques you have used over the years to make terrorists submit will be carried out.  Once that has been sufficiently administered you will be taken to Containment to await your cancellation. Do you understand?”

With a steely determination, Madeline stood up from her chair to reply. “I understand perfectly well … But that’s not going to happen!  I'll make my own decision regarding my fate Mr. Lambert!”

Section’s second in command would never let someone control her destiny as her answer to the Head of Centre attested.  She did things on her own terms, so in utter defiance and deciding she'd rather design her own fate than let anyone dictate it to her, Madeline calmly pulled out a cyanide capsule from the locket around her neck and bit down on the tablet.  Swallowing the poison pill, she let death embrace her.

Those gathered saw her actions, but it was Quentin Lambert who replied indifferently but also with a tinge of anger, “Well then! Rather than face her punishment, Madeline has decided her own fate.” 

He then hit the intercom button on the table and ordered … “Housekeeping.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ to be continued Friday 26th July

[cinearticles]

Jason Bourne to Return to the Big Screen with Edward Berger at the Helm

Hold on to your hats, spy thriller enthusiasts, because Jason Bourne is set to make his grand return to the silver screen. Universal Pictures has reportedly begun early development on a new installment in the Bourne franchise, and acclaimed director Edward Berger is in talks to take the reins of this highly anticipated project. Berger, fresh off his Academy Award-winning success for directing…