She Has An Idea

148.

Two central questions darken the detail of my plan like a fast moving summer storm. I decide to invest a few moments of tangential exploration of their possibilities and challenges before getting back to the primary task. The pair of unknowns;

1) How much leeway is TOM willing to give us? Will we need to be ever cautious of the need for plausible deniability or might he, at the helm for perhaps the final voyage of the spectacular journey of his tenure, allow the captain and crew to assume navigational responsibilities? By his own admission, this, the cyber warfare game, is not his cup of tea, leading the threesome currently burning gallons of midnight oil, to assume that provided a flawless outline sold with gumption and audacity, he might play a more ‘supporting’ role. 

2) How much can I leverage the safety of my team? I have no issues whatsoever in putting myself in the danger zone, but when it comes to asking others, no matter their relentless willingness to perform the heroic, history of meritorious service and unquestioned bravery, into the same line of fire, I reconsider. I cannot rationally, patriotically or professionally ask Julie, TOM, Harlan, Drysdale, Davis, Saunders or any other members of our squad, including our assets and especially the Queen herself, to take that risk and make that sacrifice. 

It is at this juncture of the document creation, pondering these issues that I stop cold. 

I am over thinking it. Placing the cart filled morals and ethics ahead of the horse wanting only to serve his master and feel the deep satisfaction from a selfless act. These people whose lives I am trying to protect are the superheroes of our society, heroes on a stage where more often than not, evil, treachery, sedition, mayhem and murder win out. People like this look for challenge, they seek-out opportunities to test themselves. They appreciate the preparation, the moment of truth and the resulting bonds created through intense, and sometimes deadly, confrontations. They are, they have and they continue to embody the warrior spirit. They are the protectors of truth, beauty and justice.

I would be doing them a quantum disservice by NOT asking them for the complete, the irrational and the impossible. THAT is their diet, appetite and craving. 

Inspired by my own conclusion, the outline starts to take a shape rather than a few hastily sketched circles, arrows and thought bubbles. 

We need to somehow entice, lure, the major players into an unholy alliance. An alliance preying on their greed, corruption, socio-pathology and common desire for controlling interest in the power game of politics and money. Everything else is small potatoes, ego and image is everything. 

Harlan calls, he is concerned about entrapment issues.

Julie texts, she is worried about Hartaugh going off the rails. 

TOM offers his fellowship.

The opening riff of Purple Haze on my SOS burner signals that the QoH is on the line. 

Without the formality of a hello Violet Hayes says she has an idea.