Pushing Boundaries

POV - Jordan Nelson

[Day 2, March 2002, 12pm]

His tone grave yet resolute, "I'm willing to consider getting in contact with the terrorist and offer a ransom to ensure Shaav's father's safe return."

Wow, are you kidding me right now? I thought to myself. We're seriously backing down after just one failed mission? What a spineless coward we've got as a Governor. All that tough talk about not negotiating with terrorists, and now look at us, cowering in fear.

And what's with all this fuss about some scared secretary leaving his room? That's just life for these women, always wanting to be around us high-status men. They should be grateful for the attention, not whining about feeling scared.

But hey, what can you expect from a bunch of pansies who can't even handle a little setback? Man up, people! We've got a job to do, and we're not going to let some failure or a few frightened secretaries stand in our way.

"We do not negotiate with terrorists, remember?!" I declared firmly "And the policy was made publicly clear the night that boy was brought to the black sites."

That's the kind of declaration that can't be taken back, and you sure as hell won't be begging for forgiveness afterward. That's the mark of an iron-willed leader, the kind we need when we're knee-deep in the trenches of war. But after one failed mission, he just rolls over?

"One too many soldiers have sacrificed their lives, and I will not sacrifice more," he said, his voice tinged with weariness.

I met his gaze squarely, my own tone unwavering. "I would've sacrificed every last one of them to finish the mission," I replied, the determination in my voice cutting through the tension like a blade. 

The words hung heavy in the air, each syllable dripping with bitterness and resentment. "They served their country, but they are still foreigners," I spat out, the contempt evident in my voice. "Invaders who brought our nation to its knees. They had the chance to take down the dictator, but instead, they chose to rain bombs upon us, reducing everything and everyone to dust!"

The memory of that fateful day still burned fresh in my mind, the pain of loss and betrayal etched into my very being. They may have claimed to fight for a noble cause, but to me, they were nothing more than merciless destroyers, tearing apart the fabric of our society without a second thought.

Taking a deep breath, I made a conscious effort to calm myself down, pushing aside the nagging thoughts of the secretary issue that had been plaguing my day. It was time to focus on resolving the matter at hand.

"My apologies for my outburst, Governor," I began, my tone laced with concern as I carefully chose my words. "We've heard some rather concerning news about you recently." Clearing my throat nervously, hoping my approach wouldn't aggravate him further. 

"In light of recent events," I began, my tone grave as I chose my words carefully, "my team has informed me that your secretary left your office visibly upset." I paused, letting the weight of the accusation settle in the room. "If it is true, what happen so our minds is at ease. It's a serious accusation that could have significant consequences."

As I observed the governor's complexion pale, a hush fell over the room, the other ministers waiting in anticipation for his response. "Is that the reason for your tardiness to this meeting?" I pressed, my voice steady but insistent, seeking answers to the unsettling questions hanging in the air.

I watched the Governor and Caldwell attempt to manage the situation, I couldn't help but sneer at their feeble attempts to control the narrative. 

Caldwell shot me a warning glance, her eyes flashing with irritation. "Jordan, now is not the time," she hissed, her voice barely concealing her annoyance.

But just as I was about to voice my contempt, Caldwell jumped in, taking charge with her usual air of authority. "Ministers, please," she interjected, her tone firm and commanding. "I assure you, we have already addressed the rumors with the secretary, and there will be no further leaks or speculation."

"Are we supposed to just take your word for it?" I challenged, unable to resist poking holes in Caldwell's carefully crafted facade.

As the other ministers fell silent, their curiosity piqued by the mention of the distressed secretary, I seized the opportunity to press further. "And what about the secretary?" I continued, my voice cutting through the tension in the room. "Is there any truth to the rumors surrounding her?"

"The severity of the accusation." I tapped my finger on the table for emphasis "This is not something that can be brushed aside or ignored. Your actions have put not only your career, but the reputation of this administration, at risk."

Caldwell shot me a warning glance, her eyes narrowing with thinly veiled irritation. "Minister, enough with the questions," she snapped, her tone sharp and commanding.

But I refused to be silenced, my curiosity driving me forward despite Caldwell's attempts to shut me down. "We can't ignore the rumors, Caldwell," I insisted, my voice rising with frustration. "The secretary's behavior has been erratic lately, and you need to address it before it spirals out of control."

The room fell silent once more, tension thickening the air like a heavy fog. Caldwell's gaze bore into mine, her eyes flashing with a mixture of frustration and resignation. But before she could respond, the governor stepped forward, his voice cutting through the silence like a knife.

"Jordan, that's enough," the Governor commanded, his tone firm and authoritative. "We will address the secretary's concern. I assure you, Jordan, this will not go on any longer."

Gritting my teeth, I replied, "Yes, Sir." standing there feeling like an idiot.

"Let's reconvene after lunch, sound good?" The Governor's suggestion of a break for lunch was met with a collective sigh of relief from the cabinet members, clearly feeling the strain of the tense atmosphere in the room.

"Agreed," Caldwell chimed in, her tone more conciliatory now that the heated discussion had been put on hold. "A moment to gather our thoughts and refuel is exactly what we need right now."

Everyone nodded in agreement, grateful for the opportunity to step away from the pressure cooker of the situation room and clear their heads for a moment.