Room 9 by Clifford Beck - HTML preview

Chapter 20

A call was made over a secure line and within minutes two agents appeared in the hallway. Both dressed in black suits and sunglasses. Doctor Stewart was certain they were armed as well. They stood motionless outside the entrance of room 9, examining the gruesome scene within. “I don’t know this could have happened but…”

One of the agents cut him off mid-sentence.

“Sir,” he began. “It doesn’t matter how it happened. What has to be done is something you will not be involved in.”

Before the crowd was dismissed, the agents were informed that the deceased teenager was part of a small tour group. It was made clear they could never be told of what had happened, nor could they be allowed to leave for fear that there would be questions pertaining to their missing friend. The only question was how to go about eliminating what might be seen as a national security threat, or at least an incident that might reflect badly on the current administration.

While the agents considered several ideas, Doctors Stewart and Greer approached them with a plan. The agents, again, reiterated that they had everything under control, but the two men insisted on conveying their idea. “I know this is what you guys do,” Doctor Stewart said. “But we have this experimental aircraft. It’s flown remotely, and it might be the solution you’re looking for.” The agent, who did not share his name, suggested the conversation continue in private. Doctor Stewart agreed and, turning to Doctor Greer, asked him to return to his office. The fewer people involved, the better.

Retreating to a small conference room, Doctor Stewart offered a solution that, if carried out, would eliminate any political issues. “Alright,” he began. “This is going to sound a bit… inhuman, but I propose that we load the rest of these kids into that aircraft and… well….” The agents looked at each other and nodded their agreement. “Are you sure you don’t want to go into the CIA?” one of them asked. Doctor Stewart gave their question only a moment’s thought.

“I think I’m fine where I am,” he replied.

“Okay,” the agent said. “We’ll handle it from here. Just get those kids on that plane.”

In spite of knowing that this had to be done, Doctor Stewart felt the sting of immorality stabbing at his conscience as he began to second guess himself. But he knew there was no other way to deal with what could explode into a media circus, possibly compromising the office of the presidency. There was simply no other way.