Work has been different lately and not in a good way. The past 8 months I have had too many close calls when out in the field. That goes for my team members as well, I lost one member two months ago, and then another a few days ago.

These past 4 operations I was given were supposed to be quick easy in, bug, surveillance and then easy out. 'Moderate' security for the areas and low amount of feet on the ground on their end. Instead it's been a major headache with more security and our maps of cameras and surveillance was outdated because they tended to have twice the amount or were placed in different areas.

All of our bad information tends to come from or through the INL office in Panama, the same office under the prick who's ego is too big for his head. The same one who would have probably left me and my team to die, if he had been able to get the intelligence that he wanted. Oh man, this will not be easy, but it's better than losing anymore people over bad intel.

After I lost the last team member, I've decided to go to the National Security Council about it. If the we're being fed bad information from an international agency that's supposed to be working with us, we may have a bigger problem on our hands. Only two are physically here for the meeting, others are all watching via secured video servers up on computer screens. This is different, but at least they're willing to talk to me, even though I have been asked several times to join, I've declined. I can make better use of the curse as an officer than a damn string puller. They don't pull my strings, but they sure do push my buttons.....

"Special Activities Division Head Officer Sin, we have officers that unfortunately die on these specific operations all the time! You of all people should know this. It's happened to you numerous times." One of the lovely council members is doing their best to be condescending to me through a computer screen...

"Yes, Sir, I know this, but do you know how many times I've died for this country? How many more times I will and willingly do so?" I retorted.

"I'm unaware of how many times exactly, but my point is, if you were not gifted you would not have made it here today." The brave screen councilman belittles 76 years of service?

'The fact that you're just on a screen is the only reason you're even saying that. Grrrr.... ' Dang I wish I was on the council right now. I'd be fucking your shit up. I'm thinking to myself how I'm going to tell this guy off when he's cut off by one of the actual physical attendants.

"Officer Sin, I, personally feel the same way that you do, this is ridiculous that our information has been out of date or incorrect coming in from that office. However, when our informants go missing as well, there's not much we can do since they can not attest the accuracy of the information. There is nothing we can do except send in the one officer who can get the job done and always come back home alive." He pauses a moment and continues.

"Which is You, which means your team is at risk, but that's part of the job description when you all decided to become officers. The loss of officers and agents happens and is not a reason to request an audience with us, which I know you are well aware of." The council member speaking gives me a frustrated look over the situation not necessarily at me.

Well, I guess I'll have to clarify my point then....

"Sir, I'm upset about losing my fellow officers but that is not my biggest concern, nor the reason, for asking for an audience. I would like to add that, yes, I will always be the one who gets to come home alive from these missions. What it doesn't mean is that over 76 years of service that I would not remember every stab, gunshot, broken bone and violation of my person and those who were lost as a member of my team." I look at ever single face before I continue.

"The information from the agents coming through a particular office that has been giving us the intelligence, is my focus for concern. The informants go missing, they're dead, or the information is wrong, out of date."

"All of it we tend to receive after someone else has seen it as well. INL for example blacked out parts of transcripts and some pages are just missing altogether that were from our agents. The same ones who went missing or are dead, they have just so happened to meet with an INL officer and they gave them this information days before they disappear? How coincidental some would say it's becoming rather convenient too."

"Then INL takes it upon themselves to black out information, destroy parts of it,  and then gives us the crumbs. I think it's worth looking into it and seeing if or what they are trying to hide. We can't work with agencies or even people that want to be the wolf in sheep clothing. I hope I am wrong on this matter for that means bigger issues for the security of this nation. but I will not turn a blind eye to so many red flags that continuously pop up." I stop hoping my point has been made.

"Officer Sin, we know that you have dedicated more years then we are alive to the service and protection of our country. No one denies the atrocities that you and others have experienced or have to live with. I trust your judgement and I believe we should give you the opportunity to observe and collect evidence of any nature to support or devalue your concerns."

'Wow, they're openly supporting me.' I think to myself.

"However, if it is a field operation, unless a team is needed and you have them as willing volunteers, you shall go in solo. Otherwise, your team will remain behind and only go in if they can accept that they will be denied in all aspects by our government if caught and their identity is compromised. This of course will result in torture and more often then not death."

"Council they already accept that before we ever leave the states for all missions." I interjected.

"I'm not finished Officer Sin."

"My apologies."

"Thank you, if they are caught, however, they will not be honored on the wall, unless you get the necessary proof to justify the operation. Only with that proof will they be given the honor and recognition on the wall. There will be no rescue from the United States government, not even for you, Officer Sin if you are caught and captured unless we receive proof."

"Then I better not get caught, so I can make sure I am able to prove to you that your trust in my intuition is rightly placed on this matter."

"Indeed Officer Sin, I hope you do. I will make sure the complete outlines of your restrictions and responsibilities are sent to your office. You're dismissed from this meeting."

"Thank you, Council." I turn to leave and the Council member who backed me calls my name.

"Oh and Officer Sin."

"Yes, Sir."

"Try not to get caught, we don't want an international scandal going on or your secret getting out."

I nod and leave to head back to my office and start pulling up everything I can to link the dots. So far I have received enough information to begin investigating the office of the asshole down in Panama.

'Damn, I wonder how happy he'll be to see me again?" I grimace at the thought. I send a short memo with the necessary information out to the team members that I know are trust worthy and good in the field. They have a month to think it over, after I find out who's with me I'll give them the rest of the information.

Just when I thought the hard part of my day was over I see a familiar face running down the hall towards my office.

Next thing I know Head Director Lewis comes into my office, huffing out of breath like he just ran 4 flights of stairs, "Sin, Lacroix, Hospital, kid." He gasped out.

"Which hospital?!" I ask frantically grabbing my bag and keys.

"UCSD!" Lewis gets out, "they're heading to ER!" He yells at my disappearing figure.