Whisper (part 10)
Lexington looked into Marks eye’s gauging his reaction. “We decided to build this structure here to train our personnel in infiltration, surveillance and stealth combat. Essentially covert operations in any type of city encounter we might be faced with. We wanted a simulation environment that could be easily reconfigured or modified and still retain maximum effectiveness for a real world operation. These buildings are engineered so they can be easily reconstructed or added onto. We can move entire buildings or even change the architecture and function as needed for any potential scenario. We hope it will allow us to train in any type of urban or rural environment within the United States.”
He paused for breath before continuing, “At one time we were not adequately prepared. We were angry idealists and in hindsight we were probably a little reactionary. Who could blame us? We decided something had to be done this moment. We could no longer go on allowing the government of this country to breech its contract. It's function is to preserve and support freedom and individual rights. To be a model for the world as a demonstration of the values of personal liberty and citizen equality.
We could not allow this great democracy continue demolishing its own foundations. To destroy the livelihoods of the citizens and become a blight to the world. Some of us had lost friends and we knew it was only the beginning. It was obvious we needed massive resources to improve our initial facility. We recruited business professionals, stock market champions, real estate masters, scientists, technologists, doctors, nurses, ex-special forces soldiers and hand to hand combat specialists.” He paused and Mark looked at him quizzically waiting for him to continue.
“Most of our recruiting is done through people who have been victims of government testing or were soon to be victims, like yourself. In this way, our organization is composed of many specialists who have every reason to support the mission. We are able to remain completely undetected, financially stable, well equipped, knowledgeable and well trained. All that we lack is support from the citizenry. We hope in time we can recover enough information and allies to reveal everything to the public and turn the tide against this corrupt regime. But we also don’t want a bloody revolution or a situation that escalates into anarchy and chaos.
We must prepare an organized transition and encourage a stable and functional government restrained by its principles. This is a momentous vision. Most people will be skeptical of our motives. They must understand our vision by learning of the true nature of corruption which is happening every single day. The must discover what's been happening in secret. They must be able to parse through the conspiracy to the truth. We must find a way to bring them out of the cave and into the light,” he sighed. It was a deep sigh, filled with sadness but empty of despair. There was courage in his posture and in the way his eyes reflected the gleaming lights above.
Mark had been silent and weighed Lexington’s words heavily before responding. “What type of covert operations? You said you were planning infiltration and stealth combat. What do you mean by that exactly?” Lexington replied, “Well we plan a series of raids for rescue missions and intelligence gathering.” For example, we may target a research laboratory where the drug is being actively tested. We would plant nerve agents in the ventilation systems and deploy them throughout the lab. Operatives would move in expeditiously wearing protective masks and equipment.
Government security forces and personnel would be moved and placed into a safe location. Some may be taken back for interrogation. C4 explosives may be deployed along the foundation and the building would be destroyed after safe extraction of all persons.” He paused. Mark looked at him with questions practically leaping out his lips. “Another example mission target would be, perhaps, a secure mainframe which contains vital information about test results or plans for the drug. The information could be essential to understanding its use and informing the public.”
Mark interjected, “Got it, but, I want to know more about specific raid operations and how they could be conducted.” Lexington seemed a little annoyed by the forwardness of the question but continued, “Well, that is specific to each mission and dependent upon many variables but I will give you one more example. Operatives would move in silence through the ventilation or sewer ducts. Smoke and flash bangs would be deployed to maintain non-lethal methods of disabling security.
Disabling martial arts and close combat techniques would be employed by operatives as well as non-lethal technologies. We believe many of the personnel in these labs are unaware of what type of research is being done. However, our operatives are trained in all forms of combat as well as both lethal and non-lethal weaponry and technology. Some missions may require lethal force but it will be employed as a last resort and only in situations of absolute threat.”
Lexington looked focused and intent as he spoke but Mark noticed no malice or anger in his voice. He was unnerved by the idea of such an experience. His life had changed, seemingly overnight, and he suddenly became frustrated. He was satisfied with Lexington’s explanation but needed time alone to think. He rubbed his chin thoughtfully and said, “Well, I guess I can’t exactly go back to my house in Topeka now can I? I suppose my only option is to remain here for the time being if you will let me.
I guess I’m in but I want to know what’s going on at all times and I am not sure what role I want to play in this thing. You gotta give me the freedom to choose or I’ll take my chances alone.” Lexington beamed back at him. “Excellent, I am truly glad you have made that decision,” he said. “You can begin training tomorrow if you wish. I presume you will learn quickly as you have some previous training. You are quite behind but no matter.” Mark was still reeling from the suddenness of it all and zigzagging thoughts careened into his consciousness creating an electrical daze of indecision. “Fine, sounds good.” he said.