Vatican Knights by Rick Jones

Security, educating their agents who worked in
counterterrorism.
    Then, “I agree with your
assessment. Bring her in.”
    Vice President Bohlmer
vociferously stated his objection. “Mr. President,” he said, “Have you
forgotten the demographic we’re dealing with here? We’re talking about a
male-dominated regime that recognizes women as property. To put in a female
negotiator and someone of Jewish faith on top of it—no offense to Ms. Cohen or
to her religious heritage or abilities—to negotiate with Islamic terrorists is
an assured insult to their principles. And in recompense for our actions, you
can be certain that they will kill Pope Pius.”
    President Burroughs appeared at a
crossroads. “Second option, then.”
    “I would suggest Billy Paxton.”
    “Never heard of him.”
    “Fully qualified. Very good.”
    “But he’s not Cohen.”
    “No, sir. But Paxton is not too
far behind. In fact, he committed his talents to a hosting country and
Congressional approval on two separate occasions to free up American hostages.”
    President Burroughs remained
silent and nibbled softly on his lower lip. “Then we’ll use Paxton as the
figurehead with Cohen working in Paxton’s shadow. But I want Cohen to maintain
control of the unit.”
     “Mr. President,” Bohlmer
immediately protested, “I really have to object to this. If the Soldiers of
Islam find out that Cohen is involved—”
    “Your objection, Jonas, is duly
noted. Thank you.” Then to the room in general, “Further advice as to
direction?”
    Thornton leaned forward with the
points of his brows dipping sharply over the bridge of his nose, as if he had
given the matter considerable thought. “I suggest, Mr. President, that we at
least try to appear committed to the policy of not negotiating with terrorists.
We don’t want to open the door to every degenerate group in the country who has
demands to make. We’ll need to set up an international coalition and make it
clear that any concessions or compromises are made by the international
community. That way, if something should go wrong, the blame cannot rest solely
on the shoulders of the United States.” 
    “In other words, you’re saying
that we should set up a situation so that all nations are involved—just in
case.”
    “Yes, sir. That would take care of
international ostracism if the pope’s safety cannot be secured.”
    “You don’t sound very optimistic.”
    “I’m just covering all the bases,
sir.”
    President Burroughs began to drum
his fingers against the tabletop, his mind working. “Then get every
international liaison involved,” he finally said. “I want their opinions, their
suggestions, and I want it understood that we’ll share common responsibility in
this matter whether the outcome is good, bad or indifferent.”
    “Understood.”
    “I also want direct lines to my
office from every liaison involved. And I want to know everything that’s going
on, twenty-four-seven.”
    “Yes, sir.”
    “We’ll inform the media of only
what we want them to know. Let them know that this is an international effort.
If something should ultimately go wrong, I do not want this madness to fall on our shoulders.”
    The president searched the faces
around him. “Per the guidelines of the Patriot Act, I want all agencies to work
together on a constant basis. I want everybody on the same page. The CIA Advance Team will monitor all chat lines abroad to gather whatever intel is available and
network the information to everybody involved. Is that understood?”
    There was mumbled agreement.
    “That’s it, people. Today you
start earning your keep. So go out there and do what you do best.”
    There was an immediate movement of
forces, some already on cell phones instructing aides to contact international
liaisons, others calling to gather a writing staff to generate material for the
media.
    As the Situation Room emptied,
President Burroughs sat quietly digesting all that had occurred.