The remainder of the meeting lasts for approximately another six hours and Debbi, with the two officers’ aid, covers every aspect of the army.  This is to be the first of many such meetings to occur over the next week and a half.   This coupe has to be ready to go in just under ten days if they expect to meet the January fourteenth deadline.   Greater things have been accomplished in less time, is Debbi’s outlook on the whole situation.

When finally the meeting ends, the crowd pours from the hot, cramped meeting area, outside and into the hangar bay.  It is approximately 1900 hours Arizona time and the officers still have a long drive back to Venome Headquarters.  If Brandi knew beforehand where she was going, she would have taken a plane instead.  Driving just isn’t one of the Commander’s pleasures.  However, at least she doesn’t have to ride back with Debbi Smith.

As she turns the corner of the hangar bay, she is grabbed by Mike Sheerer, who rushes her away to a secluded area.   “Brandi, have you totally fucking flipped?”

“What?”  Brandi is barely paying him any attention; her thoughts are focused on something more grandiose.

“Provocation, Brandi?!”

“Yeah,” she smiles like a kid who’s just stolen candy from a store.

Mike attempts to decipher her reasoning.  “You know the sort of shit Provocation does... why the hell would you want any part of that?”

“Because Provocation is power.”  Brandi’s eyes look away.

The devious Schofield mind is working full throttle now and Mike Sheerer knows the signs.  Brandi is no longer speaking to Mike, just out loud, as if she is convincing herself.

“See... Debbi will be so busy with the High Council, she’ll have no clue what’s going on.”

“What the hell are you thinking?!”   Mike grabs a hold of her, looking deep into her brown eyes.

“Mike, don’t you see?  In Provocation, I’ll have more power than Debbi.  Everyone knows the High Council is just figureheads.  Provocation runs Venome; you know it, I know it, everyone does.  If we run Provo, Mike, who do we have to fear?”

“Shit, Brandi, Provo needs to be shut down.  Too much treachery among the ranks,” Mikes states vehemently.

“Look, Mike, I don’t trust Debbi Smith and she knows nothing about how Venome works.  I don’t want her fucking up our army.  In Provo, I can watch her every move and as soon as the time is right, we can kick her prefect little ass to the curb,” Brandi smiles wider now.

“Damn you, woman, don’t you have allegiance to anyone?” the Lieutenant shakes his head.

The Commander grabs the front of her copilot’s red, flight jacket and yanks him towards her, meeting his lips in a passionate kiss.

“Why, Brandi?  Why?” Sheerer pleads after the embrace ends.

“Power.”

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Late in the evening, everyone has left the Sulphur Springs Valley Air-Field with the exception of Debbi Smith and her mysterious husband, who are busy cleaning up the main meeting rooms, sorting through information they might need.  Sunlight has almost completely disappeared beneath the skyline and only numerous, florescent lights illuminate the complex.

“Razor, honey, we’re done here.  We don’t you get the car and let’s go home.”   Debbi walks over and tightly hugs him.   He nods his agreement and departs to the outside of the building.

Just as Debbi is gathering her coat and glasses, Joe Garcia enters, standing quietly as if not to disturb her.  Debbi looks up, startled to see him there.

“Garcia, I thought you left hours ago?”

“No, ma’am.  There was a little more work to do on the High Priest.”

“I see.  You’re doing a hell of a job, thank you,” Debbi compliments.

“No problem, ma’am.”

“Did you have that little talk with Commander Schofield?” Debbi lowers her voice.

“Yes ma’am, I did.”

“Good.  Did she go for it?” Debbi says, keeping watch for Razor’s re-emergence.

“Not as you would have expected, ma’am.  Commander Schofield said she wouldn’t cut any deals until after the High Council assignments were made.  I don’t think she trusts either of us.”

“Damn,” Debbi sighs.  “Okay, Garcia.  You’re just going to have to stick close to her until we can figure something else out.”

“Yes, ma’am.”  He stands and waits.

“Dismissed.”

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