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166.

Senator Jefferson Hartaugh (R) South Carolina, has taken the bait with a bite so hard it breaks a tooth. Hooked by the allure of bringing another district into the political fold of corruption, racism and xenophobia, and snared by yet another opportunity to inflict punishment on what he refers to as the ‘dark demographic,’ he calls the Warden as a political favor to TOM. His motto has always been to do as little as possible for the greatest amount of gain, personal, political or professional, making this one a no-brainer. 

He has an aid set up the call and keeps the Warden on hold for several minutes to showcase his importance and demanding work-load. 

“This is Senator Hartaugh, good day to you sir,” he begins the charade. 

“Good afternoon Senator, a pleasure as always speaking with you,” The Warden says.

“I have a long afternoon of meetings scheduled sir, so please accept my apologies up front if I get right to the point without the usual pleasantries and small-talk.”

“Quite all right sir, its about this drone testing event scheduled for next week, and I was……”

He is rudely cut off by Hartaugh who’s sole purpose is to blow smoke and shine mirrors in the Wardens direction with as little debate as possible. 

“The reason security is so tight with this is to ensure that the technology we have created stays where it belongs and doesn’t find its way into the wrong hands sir. I trust that you can understand this extra precaution, so it was with great internal debate that I intentionally kept the circle small, for which I apologize to you for exclusion in the process. We need to test the apparatus and your facility is the tightest and safest anywhere making it ideal for both the test and subsequent analysis. If we tried this test almost anywhere else this side of Elmendorf, the media would sniff it out like a coonhound. Once we have proof of concept, the results of the test, we will roll out phase two and thank those involved with the project in appropriate ways. In your case that means praise, gratitude and a substantial bonus when your contract is up for renewal, which I believe is next March is it not?”

“Yes, March,” The Warden says in a warming tone. 

“Please provide your assistance and complete cooperation to Col Mason and his staff, and if you have any additional questions, we will have to address them tomorrow as I have just been called into a meeting with the Joint-Chiefs,” Hartaugh lies. 

“No sir, that is it, I simply wanted to make sure this thing is on the up and up, thank you for your time, sir.”

“We’ll come out a play a round of gold when this is done, thank you again.”

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