Traveller Manifesto
64. Washington - Today

Washington – Today.

“What inspection team?” demanded Senator Benton in a burst of rising fury.

“We can’t treat it too seriously,” conceded General Connor in an effort to placate. He hated it when the Senator became angry. Bad things happened when she became angry. “But I must concede that the Israelis are furious. Because it looks to include a representative from the UN and some of the biggest names in Traveller mission history, including none other than Professor Adrian Taylor. They won’t be brushed aside easily.”

“I see,” nodded the Senator. “Who represents Helguard? Surely they have someone there.”

“Zak Chandler,” confirmed the General.

“Damn it!” exclaimed Senator Benton, fixating the career soldier with her signature icy glare. “I’m not liking this!”

“No Ma’am. What’s worse is their threat to expose their visit to the world media if they don’t gain access to the location. They’re accompanied by a media team who seems to be creating a documentary of sorts,” he continued.

“We can block that!” confirmed the politician impatiently. “Tell me something positive.”

The soldier nodded and then continued, “I can report that the Traveller mission results have been exceptional. Their replaceings regarding the Temple of first century Judaea have been nothing short of spectacular. You can imagine the Israeli reaction.”

“Yes, well done! The imagery has been viewed as very positive and the Israeli’s are very happy with the results of the mission so far,” confirmed Senator Benton curtly. “What else. Update me!”

“There is currently a Traveller patrol on its way to Jerusalem in the time of circa 980BC as we speak.” General Connor could not help but feel pleased with their progress. All results were documented and sent to the Senator in his regular reports, though she preferred verbal reports on issues of secrecy.

The Senator nodded in assent. “Okay. Good work! That is progress, but it does depend on what they replace. Professor Cowen must remember that this mission has a lot riding on it. If there’s no evidence of that which we seek, then we leave ourselves exposed to too much risk. I need to have a report from our Israeli friends to make sure we’re still on track.”

“Yes Ma’am!”

“Make sure we have our rapid exit protocols in place. If we have to dump this mission, it has to be done immediately,” she continued.

“Can I advise that the results, the positive results, make this mission a resounding success? If we were to reveal the replaceings from the camps at 11th Century and 1st Century Judaea, we will have replaceings that work well with our objectives. You have to concede that the imagery and results have been much better than anticipated. And let’s not forget the action of our Travellers against the Romans,” emphasised General Connor. Anderson! The man was a machine. Fancy stepping up like he did. It was the stuff of legend that all Americans would love. The man was a hero.

But the Senator seemed engrossed in other thoughts. “Keep a watch on this inspection team. Perhaps even delay them and we can brush off any media exposure as rumours. Thankfully, the President knows precious little. I plan to keep it that way until we have the positive results.”

“Yes Ma’am,” nodded the General again.

“Good!” confirmed Senator Benton with a sharp nod. “Let’s keep the lid on this and retain the results until we’re ready.”