In the serenity of Bosak’s office, the General signed on the screen’s dotted line for an order of twenty soldiers, pursuant to DNA donated from a pool of the US Armed Forces’ chosen candidates.

“Once again for clarity’s sake, we’re under no obligation for more? This is strictly going to be a test run, right?”

“That’s correct, sir. But I think you’ll be more than pleased.”

“I think we will be too. Ultimately, though it’s up to the President where we go with this. He was as outraged as I was at Falcon’s eagerness. You’ve done well, Hank. You really know how to ease a man’s worries.” He reached down and gently patted Omega’s knee with a grin. “Not to mention how keep an old man company.”

“Just doing what we do best, General. We’re so very glad you could pay us a visit.”

Montesque got to his feet and reached across Bosak’s desk to shake his hand. “Well, you’ve got your work cut for you, son. Major Skaggs and I will take our leave of you now and get back to Washington. You have my utmost confidence.”

“Your limo is waiting outside. Thanks so much again for coming.”

Turning his head, the General mouthed, “call me” to Omega as Skaggs led the way to the exit.

After he disappeared out the door, Highet shook Omega’s hand in congratulation. Osprey beamed a glowing smile at Bosak.

“You did it, Hank.”

Bosak embraced Osprey and shook everyone’s hand. “We did it, Jack. Amazing job, Robert, Omega. You were both fantastic. Way to turn on the charm!”

She smiled and winked at the CEO. “One must do what one must do to ensure the deal goes through. A lesson I learned from you, sir.”

“Oh, stop it,” he grinned. “Call me Hank already!”

“What do you want to do now?” Osprey smiled, stifling a yawn. “It’s almost time for the Early Bird Special.”

“Should we pick up where we left off last night, or do you think we should call it a day and start again tomorrow?”

“I’m sure the Board won’t mind another afternoon on the links. Why don’t we call it a day?”

“Father knows best as always, Jack. All right everyone; take the rest of the day off. Hit the links, go to the spa or whatever you want to do is fine by me. Let’s meet back here tomorrow morning with the Board, hopefully with some good news from President Harris.”

Shaking hands one more time all around, Highet and Omega headed out. When they had gone, Osprey put his hand on Bosak’s shoulder and smiled once more. “I am still reeling with delight, Hank. I am so sorry for ever doubting you. Can you forgive me?”

“Jack! It’s already forgiven. Now get out there and hit some balls before going home to that lovely new wife of yours.”

“Alright. Thanks again,” he reached out and embraced Bosak tightly. “My favored son. I’m so proud of you.”

“Mister Bosak?” Kristen’s voice reverberated from the intercom.

"Go on, Jack. Shoo!” The Chairman grinned and headed for the door “What is it, Kristen?”

“Lieutenant Hale is here to see you, sir.”

“Send him right in.”

The door slid open and Hale entered, stepping aside to the departing Chairman. Yamato emerged from the shadows and stood before the glass partition, knives at the ready.

“It’s OK, Yamato-san. Relax.” The bodyguard bowed and stepped back into the shadows. The CEO walked over and shook the lieutenant’s hand.

“We have much to discuss, Mister President…Hank. I think we’ve solved the murders.”

“Excellent.”

“There’s more, but I’ll get to that in a minute.”

“Please sit,” Bosak said, sliding into his leather chair. “May I get you something to drink?”

“No. Thank you, sir. Still on the clock.” Hale sat down opposite Bosak and crossed his legs at a perfect right angle. “After receiving the ballistics report and piecing together the story from secondary witnesses, I have concluded that Doctor Klaus and Doctor Klingel were murdered by VirCorp Police Captain Moritz Tanzer.”

“I see. This is terrible news.”

“We have also recovered the fugitives that Omega reported missing.”

“Are they OK?”

“For the moment, sir. Captain Tanzer fired on them when we discovered their whereabouts. Since then, they have been most forthcoming with all that’s happened to them. I’m not passing judgment, sir. That’s not my job. But they were the men we saw fleeing down the hall yesterday. It gets worse. The other man with them was Sergeant Harvey, whom we also have in custody along with another man, Al Jablonski.”

“Al Jablonski?” The name piqued Bosak’s interest.

“You know him?”

“Of course, he was Chief of Security for this entire complex until a few years ago. Promoted him myself. What’s he doing back?”

“I may be going out on a limb here, sir, but I think he’s been spying on you.”

“How?”

Hale explained how they had tracked Joe, Lawrence and Harvey to the vault. He explained the wiring, the security measures and the computer console they found inside. “He’s made it difficult to determine who he was transmitting to, but our specialists tell us all roads lead to Washington.”

“The Government?”

“I have no idea, sir. Harvey’s clammed up. Jablonski’s won’t talk. He’s barking mad, if you ask me. I sent him to the medical facility for diagnosis. I’ve pulled some favors to get a specialist out here. Hopefully with the right medication, Jablonski will start talking some sense.”

“Smart thinking, Lieutenant.”

"How do you want us to proceed, sir? We have all the evidence for the murders logged, pending your authorization of course, to hand Tanzer over to the police. I suggest that at that time we release the bodies of the scientists to the coroner as well. They’ve been on ice since we found them.”

Bosak leaned back in his chair, tenting his fingers. “This is indeed a complicated situation, Lieutenant Hale. I appreciate your discretion. First things first: the murders. I believe that someone within the company commissioned Tanzer to kill the doctors. However, this ‘someone’ has been let go and will prove to be of no use to an investigation. Your evidence, however, is compelling. Can you turn Captain Tanzer over to the authorities without implicating any one else?”

“I believe so, sir. I am willing to testify that the Captain fired on my squad when cornered with the evidence. A slight alteration of the truth, but it will suffice. The slugs recovered from the bodies of the scientists match his guns. A simple test proved they came from his guns. No jury would blink twice.”

“I think a trial is out of the question, Lieutenant. What I’m about to say is strictly confidential, between you and me.”

“Of course, sir.”

“I want you to do everything you’ve just said, with one slight alteration. Once it’s safe to move him, bring Captain Tanzer to Omega’s office. Post some guards at the door. She’ll call you when he’s ready. At that point, submit your report and the evidence. I guarantee he’ll confess.”

“Understood, sir. What do you want to do about the other men?”

“Bring Noone and Lawrence here as soon as you can. I need to have a little chat with them about their futures.”

“Very good, sir. What about Harvey and Jablonski?”

“Keep them locked up for now. Be quiet about it. Espionage is a serious crime. I’ll pay them a visit later after I’ve made some calls.”

“Excellent. Well,” Hale got to his feet. “I’d better get moving. Much to do.”

“Yes, indeed. Just answer me one question before you go.”

“What is it, sir?”

“It appears we have a new vacancy in Security. When can you start?”

“As soon as Captain Tanzer is locked away and we can all sleep soundly in our beds,” the lieutenant nodded with a wan smile.

“Terrific! I figure you’d take the job or I’d have to kill you!” Bosak laughed. “Just kidding. But since you know so much already, you might as well get paid for your discretion. Plus, you’re the best I’ve seen. Welcome aboard.”

“Thank you, sir. I’ll bring up Lawrence and Noone once I take care of the Captain. It’ll be a little while.” Hale saluted and left.