The Rising
I.I.B Grounds
Undisclosed Location
Time 0830 Hours
Looking upon them from an elevated view, he was beginning to wonder if he’d made a good decision. They all were from different walks of life. Some were too new, too raw while the others too seasoned and likely too stubborn. There were plenty to choose from, but these people stood out from the rest. Or so he had to tell himself. He had pored over notes and psychological and physical assessments, had intermediaries and adjutants handle the selection and elimination process with a nod or shake of his head. He had viewed their interview and background checks personally, secluded and away from them, they never fathoming that it was he that was directing this effort.
It just wasn’t enough time, he was convinced. With the atrocious act committed upon the citizens of Seattle Washington, his trusted advisors all but demanded that a new team be put together. Their task would be a difficult one, but their directive was simple: capture members of, or eliminate, this new Organization. No expense was too big for them and with the wailing cries and fervent screams of various U.S. agencies along with their allies; it became clear that I.I.B had to take further measures.
Their current teams were stretched to its limits. It wasn’t for the lack of resources as it was the skill and manpower behind it that made this agency effective. And therein laid the problem also, I.I.B standards were higher than most top agencies put together. To even have someone look upon a profile and placed as ‘prospective’ was a buzz in this agency.
He clasped his hands behind his back, fully attuned to what was happening outside his window; the audio crisp and clear for what was about to transpire. Today, a new team would be formed, and God help them, this needed to be a success.
All of them were being escorted by one I.I.B official. No words were said, as everything needed to be said was given upon their arrival two nights ago. Now it was simply a formality of introducing each other and getting straight to training period. Straight at it, their assessments would begin the moment he made his announcement. For now, they had a little bit of time while he prepared himself.
2 Days Ago
Unknown Location
The Organization
“The funds have been transferred. Intek Corp needs this to go through in order for them to secure a foothold in the industry. I have assured them that it will and you attending this meeting will do exactly that.”
“What is our target?”
“30th St. Mary Axe, colloquially known as the Gherkin. Collateral damage is not an issue as Intek Corp has advised me that the larger the destruction radius, the better in position they will be to direct, maintain and influence the construction industry.”
“How long do we have to prepare?”
“They want this done within a week. I’ve assured them you’ll have it done at the promised dateline. Do not fail me. I should think my investments would pay off.”
“Of course, sir.”
“The information you need is in that briefcase. Everything from weather reports, security layouts, and cyber defenses. Should you need anything, you know how to reach me. Pick your team carefully and get it done.”
“Understood”
“There’s also another target we have in mind.”
There was a collective pause from everyone at the table who seemed eager to leave, but feared to even take a step, let alone rise from their seats.
He continued, “We’d like you to hit this target. In the interest of the Organization that we make a preemptive strike while we can.”
Tossing a few maps contain blueprints, topographic maps, along with profiles onto the table, he continued, “Catching our enemies off guard will be essential.”
“But necessary?”
He stared at the man in question and the icy glare was enough to turn the whelp’s head from his gaze. “It’ll make a statement, and that’s what we’re after.”
“This’ll be more difficult. We’d need a bigger team and its likely they’re heavily guarded. From what I’m skimming here,” she said, “It’s almost like we’d need an inside man for the job. That’s next to impossible if we’re to meet a deadline.”
“That won’t be a problem.”
“Oh? Why’s that?”
“Because we already have.”
I.I.B Grounds
Agent Kevin Holcombe
Undisclosed Location
Kevin didn’t much like escort duty, not even for the newbies. Instead, he got some other rookie eager to prove himself to do it for him while he sequestered himself at his own desk reading the latest report from the destruction of the Space Needle. A whole team of I.I.B was dispatched and faced resistance from local authorities right up to the NSA. He had to give it to them, he mused, they certainly knew how to cover as much red tape and bureaucratic stipulations that nearly tied the I.I.B’s hands. But then, the Director got his way; he always had a knack for doing that and within a day, the reports were on every field and tactical division’s desk that covered the western hemisphere.
Normally he didn’t get these reports, but word was I.I.B was going to involve as many eyes and brains into this matter. Too many questions were being asked and nearly not enough answers. There needed to be something to follow, even if it was barely tangible. This was what I.I.B was trained and paid for, after all.
“Operatives, report to conference room 4. The recruits are gathering as we speak.”
Short and to the point, Kevin got up and took the reports with him, neatly tucked in folders. Instinctively checking for his firearm at the side, he made his way to the conference room in silence. It was only a couple minutes before he reached conference room 4, only a few had entered into the room and Kevin decided he’d go into the observation room next to it before making his entrance. It wasn’t necessary but it was useful and likely give him some insight on the new prospective people that the I.I.B had snagged from other agencies.
“Now what have we got here,” he muttered to himself as the two way mirror (that doubled as viewscreen for the Director) showed him the conference room and the newbies entering in slowly.
