Kapitel 656: Chapter 656: No Means or Methods Will Be Overlooked
I couldn't just intervene in this matter without the permission of the U.S.
To be precise, I could, but the losses would far outweigh any potential gains.
— Charlie, are you serious?
It was only natural for Jessica to be surprised and ask when she saw my interest in this situation.
"Yes. Given that our government is in a difficult position, I think I should take the lead in negotiations."
— No… Why in the world should you, Charlie? This won't benefit you at all.
"Because my grandmother asked me to."
— …Huh?
Jessica asked back in a dazed voice, as if she couldn't believe what she heard.
— You're just stepping in because your grandmother asked you to? Of all people, you, Charlie?
Everyone sees me as a heartless monster.
I chuckled softly and firmly replied again.
"That's right. My grandmother called and asked me personally. When she asks, I want to help, regardless of any profits or losses involved."
— I can't believe this. You're not Charlie, are you?
"Don't pretend you don't know. You're all aware by now, aren't you? There's no way the U.S. isn't aware that my grandmother comes first for me."
The U.S. must have found my weakness long ago.
They would have dug through my past and present, scrutinizing every little detail.
But to act so oblivious like that… Jessica didn't hide her response anymore.
— Of course, I know you care about your grandmother. I've seen you do things for her before. Still, I didn't expect you to get involved in something like this simply because she asked.
"If the U.S. government is against it, I won't push forward. But doesn't the U.S. sometimes break its principle of never negotiating with terrorists? Through unofficial channels, of course."
Even the U.S. doesn't solely resort to hardline tactics.
If there's a chance to resolve things through dialogue, they would often prefer that option.
Especially during special periods like presidential elections, they had a tendency to handle matters quietly.
"So, can I proceed?"
— I can't give you a definitive answer. I'll report to my superiors and get back to you… By the way, are you considering the use of force?
"I won't hesitate to use whatever means necessary. Although, I'd prefer if a gentle approach works instead of a heavy hand."
— Understood. Please wait for now. I'll be in touch.
Jessica ended the call with a request to wait.
I fiddled with the disconnected phone, deep in thought.
'As much as I want to fulfill my grandma's request… I absolutely cannot interfere without the U.S's consent.'
The U.S. was a country that, despite having a friendly relationship, could turn on a dime.
Just look at the Iraq War as an example.
They waged war under ridiculous pretenses to topple a dictator they didn't like.
While plans to put him on trial in the U.S. were abandoned, it was still true that the decades-old Hussein regime fell due to the U.S.'s will.
I had no desire to wade into that quagmire.
I wanted to take what I could gain while leaving the rest for the U.S. to handle.
* * *
In the conference room of the Department of Homeland Security.
All the heads of agencies holding U.S. security and intelligence gathered there.
Of course, John Negroponte, who was appointed as the new Director of the National Intelligence Office, along with the Director of the CIA, the National Counterintelligence Center, the State Department's Intelligence and Research Bureau, the Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, DIA, and the NSA were all present.
This was the first time the heads of all intelligence agencies came together.
In the U.S., considerable responsibilities that could be handled by a few military and governmental agencies were dispersed among far too many intelligence organizations.
In some ways, it was inefficient, and in others, it could be seen as a dispersal of intelligence power.
Jessica stood right in the middle of that fierce political arena.
She swallowed hard as she prepared to disclose the information she had obtained from Kim Mu-hyeok.
'This is my chance.'
Jessica aimed to rise higher through this opportunity.
To resolve the chronic conflicts among intelligence agencies, Washington created a new position called National Intelligence Director, which reported directly to the president.
The Senate had already passed the bill regarding the National Intelligence Office, poised to be established.
Today, the gathering of all intelligence agency heads was a kind of inaugural ceremony.
Though they were meeting in the Department of Homeland Security building, where the National Intelligence Office had not even been set up yet.
Jessica's suggestion transformed that formal event into a practical meeting.
In a nutshell, it was an excellent opportunity to make a good impression.
"Hello, everyone. I'm Jessica from the Department of Homeland Security."
Jessica introduced herself to everyone.
"Wasn't today just a casual talk?"
Porter J. Goss, the new director of the CIA, felt uneasy.
This was because the former director lost his job for opposing the establishment of the National Intelligence Office.
Most of the work the National Intelligence Office would handle had previously been the CIA director's responsibilities.
Since he was about to lose nearly all of his functions, it was hard for him to be in a good mood.
"Director Goss. Let's at least hear what's going on."
National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice calmed Goss down.
With the presidential election expected to lead to Bush's victory now, the influence of Rice, who was a strong candidate for the next Secretary of State, was significant.
"Ahem…"
Well aware of this, Goss cleared his throat in response.
"Jessica, explain. What's so important that we need a briefing today of all days?"
Even Rice found Jessica's actions today difficult to understand.
After exchanging glances with Rice, Jessica opened her mouth.
"It's about our four citizens who are currently kidnapped in Iraq, along with one Korean."
When she spoke about something everyone present already knew, Goss retorted curtly.
"Why is the Department of Homeland Security concerned with that? We're already taking care of it."
Calmly, Jessica answered Goss's question.
"The Korean side reached out to me, expressing a desire to negotiate with the kidnappers."
"What? Why would they contact you? Isn't that the official position of the Korean government?"
"Not at all. This is on a private level…"
"What? Private? Are you seriously stopping these busy people for a civilian negotiation right now? What are you trying to do?"
Before Jessica could finish, Goss raised his voice.
Ignoring Goss's escalation, Rice asked.
"Jessica, if it's on a civilian matter, are you referring to the company where the Korean citizen being held works?"
Jessica shook her head in response to Rice's question.
"No. It's a proposal from Black Tiger."
Black Tiger.
That was the code name assigned to Kim Mu-hyeok.
"Black Tiger…?"
Rice tapered off her words.
Most of the people here knew who that code name referred to.
This was because far too many entangled situations had linked them to him, whether directly or indirectly.
However, there were also agencies that didn't know Kim Mu-hyeok.
"Black Tiger?"
The head of the Naval Intelligence Service murmured the code name and then asked.
"Who in the world is that person?"
The reactions of those who knew and those who didn't were dramatically different.
Jessica explained about Kim Mu-hyeok for those who didn't know.
"He's a businessman and lobbyist in Korea, as well as a major player on Wall Street. He is also the de facto owner of the private military company, Black Bear."
Just as she was opening her mouth to provide more details about Kim Mu-hyeok, Rice cut her off.
"You mentioned it's a proposal from Black Tiger, did he say he would negotiate with the kidnappers himself?"
"Yes, he asked for our opinion."
"Hah, you must be joking. When has he ever acted with our permission?"
Rice scoffed. The idea of that arrogant man seeking permission was absurd.
I could vividly imagine that young businessman, who wouldn't hold back even in front of President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney, speaking his mind to them.
"It seems that he is aware of our stance of not negotiating with terrorists. He said he wouldn't proceed without our approval."
Afterward, others who knew about him began questioning Jessica, and she answered with sincerity.
Of course, she tactfully omitted the fact that this matter had started from her grandmother's request.
"Hmm…"
While all the heads of intelligence agencies were lost in their thoughts, John, the appointed National Intelligence Director, asked.
"If negotiations occur, what are the chances of success?"
Everyone turned their attention to Jessica.
"Fifty percent."
"That's higher than I expected."
"Black Tiger has not only wealth but also considerable military strength, and his intelligence capabilities are estimated to be on par or even superior to those of the intelligence agencies gathered here."
"What did you say!"
Aside from the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, all the other intelligence heads reacted with anger.
"What nonsense is this? A private individual has better intelligence capabilities than our U.S. intelligence agencies?"
Calmly, despite the backlash pouring in, Jessica looked at John and said.
"The one who reported the identities and locations of the terrorists involved in the recent Spain incidents was him. Every piece of information Black Tiger has provided us has been intel that the CIA and other intelligence agencies were unaware of. That allowed us to prevent the attack in advance and to capture the terrorist leaders."
John nodded.
He too had learned of Black Tiger's existence when he received his position as National Intelligence Director by President Bush's request.
If it had been someone other than President Bush sharing this info, it would have been an incredulous story.
"I've heard enough to fill in the blanks. So Jessica… Is your name Jessica?"
"Yes, that's right."
"Are you close enough with him that Black Tiger would personally reach out to you?"
"We see each other as business partners. I can't divulge further details here."
Just exposing an informant was a great risk in itself.
John nodded, as if to show his understanding, and then posed another question.
"Jessica, do you believe we should entrust the negotiations to him?"
Without realizing it, Jessica swallowed hard.
This was the crucial moment. Even if she was recommended for an executive position in the National Intelligence Office, making an impression on her own was a different issue.
And Jessica didn't want to miss the opportunity that was presented to her.
"Yes. I believe he can successfully bring the hostages back. Whether through negotiations using his resources or through a rescue operation utilizing force."
With Jessica's affirmative answer, John slowly nodded.
"You're confident. What does Advisor Rice think?"
John turned to Rice, who was next to him.
"Um…"
Advisor Rice swallowed hard and avoided responding.
She wished to avoid comments that would hold her responsible.
"The U.S. does not negotiate with terrorists or kidnappers. That is our principle. You surely know that as well?"
Seizing the moment of silence, Director Goss pressed sharply.
Jessica replied casually to his question as if unfazed.
"That's why we should let him handle it instead of doing it ourselves. After all, he will bear all the responsibilities in the end."
"Isn't it important that we gave our approval?"
"But just recently, an innocent civilian was killed in Iraq. That video went live online in real-time. The domestic atmosphere is tense. If we give up another citizen…"
As Jessica continued to explain the necessity for some time, the door suddenly burst open.
Jessica narrowed her eyebrows as she glared at the man who had walked in.
However, she had to quickly compose her expression at the remark that came from his mouth.
"Right now, Al Jazeera is airing footage of the kidnapped individuals in Iraq."
The already heavy atmosphere in the meeting room felt like a bomb had dropped.
* * *
"Boss. It seems Al Jazeera has released footage of Kim Mugil. Here…"
A full day had passed since I received Grandma's call.
I took the laptop that Manager Ma handed me and played the video.
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein