2 Chapter 1

LANGLEY, VIRGINIA

Stan Hurley, Deputy Director Irene Kennedy and rest of The Orion Team were having a busy day.

Their sources reported them that the Istanbul Police Department's Forensic Scientist, Asad Shaikh, was sharing his findings and research of a Russian military weapon, which is now in the custody of The Turkish Armed Forces, to Assef Sayyed, leader of Islamic Jihad.

Now judging by the history and reputation of Assef Sayyed, The Orion Team was sure that Sayyed wasn't so curious about this Russian weapon just for the sake of his general knowledge or the mechanics of how the weapon works but to start a war in the Middle East and rise to power.

Kennedy spoke up "You know sometimes I seriously wonder what pleasure do these people get in killing innocent people and ruining their lives"

Hurley snorted and said, "Since when did you get all philosophical Kennedy. Our job isn't to wonder why these people do the crime but to capture them"

One of the members of the Orion Team, Rupert Grant said, "Other than these reports, there isn't really an actual evidence that Shaikh is giving Sayyed information on this military weapon, it is just a hunch"

"But we cannot just ignore this information Grant. This is highly risky. We are talking about a terrorist organization. If Sayyed really is getting all the information about this military weapon then who knows what he will do when he gets his hands on it. He and his allies can cause a World War III" said Director Thomas Stansfield.

Hurley asked "What do we do about this then?"

Kennedy said "Obviously we need to send our agents to Istanbul to observe and confirm this information"

"And I think I know the perfect agent for this job" Stansfield added with a slight smirk on his face

Hurley noticed his facial expression and he instantly frowned realizing whom Stansfield was talking about "No way! You know what happened when we sent him to Istanbul the last time to observe! He didn't follow any orders and ended up killing Hamdi Sharif instead of observing him like we told to"

Kennedy, who also realized whom Stansfield and Hurley were referring to added "Stansfield is right! We should—" Hurley interrupted her "I know you're gonna take this kid's side, after all he's your little protégé isn't he"

She sighed "Look Hurley I agree he violated our rules last time but you have to admit he is the only one who can go in depth regarding these reports and is capable of finding Sayyed"

"She is right, we will send him off with a warning, if he violates the rules this time then he is out of the Orion Team and knowing him, I am sure he isn't stupid enough to get himself kicked out" Stansfield reassured

Hurley grudgingly agreed and added "Okay fine we send this college puke to Istanbul but I say we should send another agent with him, perhaps Agent Grant here can keep that punk in line and make sure he doesn't do anything stupid"

Stansfield thought for a minute before answering, "hmm that's actually not a bad idea Hurley, what do you think Kennedy"

She replied with smirk"Yeah that doesn't seem like a bad idea at all, that way Hurley won't keep nagging us about how we shouldn't have sent him to Istanbul alone"

"Yeah, finally something good came out from that hot head of yours after such a long time Hurley. Agent Grant you will also be going to Istanbul" announced Stansfield

Agent Rupert Grant seemed extremely confused and overwhelmed by the task given to him "Umm excuse me can you tell me who exactly am I accompanying and must keep in line for this mission" he asked

Hurley gave Agent Grant a small grim chuckle before replying "Mitch Rapp"