Castle continued, "The issue now is this: Even though those Japanese spooks and Roxette members have already contacted Amir Barkawi, if I follow Beckett's suggestion and inform the current president directly, setting aside whether Benjamin would even believe such an outrageous story, there's the issue of how I explain the source of the intel.
Think about it: if the higher-ups learned that I possess an artificial intelligence capable of monitoring the entire world 24/7, do you really think they wouldn't turn their attention to that instead? Forget helping me—these people would be scheming to get their hands on Jarvis!"
He leaned back, letting his exasperation show. "And as for these so-called 'freedom fighters,' these 'Blade Fist' clowns—they're not just stirring up trouble because they have too much time on their hands. I suspect the Roxette operatives behind them have a more sinister agenda."
Beckett remained laser-focused on what she'd seen in the intelligence reports—Amir Barkawi's alliance with Japanese intelligence and the Roxette group, and their joint plan to assault the White House and assassinate the sitting president. If this intel was genuine, there was no way she could sit idly by.
But both Gianna and Castle quickly dismissed her concerns.
Castle, whose political instincts were usually lacking, had an uncanny knack for spotting conspiracies. "Even if we hand over all this intel to Benjamin, and even if he takes it seriously, what happens next? He'd need to convince the defense contractors and financial giants benefitting from Japan's arms deals to halt those deliveries. Do you think that's realistic?"
He continued, voice dripping with sarcasm, "The rule here is simple: In this country, money talks louder than power. Presidents come and go, but profits? That's sacred. If someone gets in the way of those profits, you know what happens? History shows we've got no shortage of deranged gunmen willing to solve that 'problem.' Lincoln, Kennedy, Reagan—ring any bells? Messing with money in America is more dangerous than being president!"
Gianna nodded in agreement. "Exactly. Rick's concerns are valid. Even if Benjamin wanted to act on this intel, he'd have no choice but to rely on the CIA—the same CIA he just gutted to root out Roxette operatives. And let's be honest, does anyone really believe that purge was 100% thorough? This country avoids 'reckoning moments' like the plague. Cleaning house isn't our style, and it leaves room for stragglers."
She tapped the table for emphasis. "What if Roxette still has people embedded in the CIA? If we tip off Benjamin now, we could inadvertently tip off Roxette too. Remember, Roxette has a direct hand in coordinating with Barkawi. It's better to keep quiet for now and wait to see how the situation with Barkawi develops.
For now, our priority should be dealing with the immediate threat—the Blade Fist troublemakers here in New York. These morons may not have much brainpower, but they're unpredictable. Who knows what they might do under Roxette's guidance?"
Castle still felt the entire Blade Fist situation was absurd. "I still don't get it. How does the NYPD using drones to take out heavily armed criminals—criminals who were actively resisting arrest—somehow involve me? I designed the drones, sure, but how is it my fault how they're used? It's like blaming a car manufacturer for every drunk-driving incident.
Clearly, these activists are being manipulated to drag me into this, but why? What's the endgame? Making me look like a cold-hearted executioner? That's a stretch even for these lunatics."
Just then, Jarvis interrupted. A new window appeared on the monitor, displaying the name "Kim Yan Kang" alongside detailed personal information. Jarvis's monotone voice broke through Castle's train of thought:
"Mr. Castle, I've intercepted an email Amir Barkawi sent to a man named Kim Yan Kang. The email contains operational details, and I've provided a copy for your review. Based on the content, it seems Barkawi intends for this South Korean national, with ties to Japan, to carry out the White House assault.
Additionally, I conducted a background check on Kim Yan Kang. I believe you should review his profile carefully—he is not an ordinary individual."
Castle, Gianna, and Beckett all turned their attention to the monitor. Castle's face froze as he recognized the man in the photo. "That's him!" he exclaimed. "That's the guy from Olympus Has Fallen! The one who infiltrates the White House with the South Korean delegation and later reveals himself as the mastermind!"
Jarvis had gathered extensive information on Kim Yan Kang. Originally from North Korea, he had lost his biological parents during their harrowing escape to the South. Adopted by a Japanese couple, he later took on the name "Okada Kang." As an adult, he joined a terror group and became one of Interpol's most wanted fugitives.
Barkawi, through connections facilitated by Japanese intelligence, had recruited Kim Yan Kang for the White House assault. The plan was clear: this man would spearhead the operation, with support from Barkawi, Japanese operatives, and Roxette insiders.
Gianna leaned back, visibly impressed by Barkawi's efficiency. "I have to hand it to him—he's not wasting any time. I thought he'd at least spend a few months planning and gathering resources, but no, he's already blowing the whistle and calling the plays. Unbelievable."
Beckett, on the other hand, was appalled. "They're putting an international fugitive into the South Korean diplomatic delegation to visit the White House? Are you kidding me? How the hell are they pulling this off? The level of influence and coordination this requires is… terrifying."
Even Gianna, who rarely showed surprise, was taken aback. "The Japanese intelligence agency and Roxette working together... Their combined resources are nothing short of terrifying."
Castle, however, remained calm. He had already seen evidence of Roxette's extensive reach. Learning that the group could manipulate U.S. military protocols to allow an unmarked AC-130 to enter Washington's airspace only reinforced his view of their audacity.
But even Castle was floored by how quickly Barkawi had mobilized. "Is this guy in a rush to die? You'd think he'd at least take a week to think things through, but nope—he's already putting the pieces into motion."
Realizing the gravity of the situation, Castle finally laid all his cards on the table. He shared everything he knew about the conspiracy with Gianna and Beckett, including details about Roxette's internal factions, the Japanese government's motives, and Barkawi's willingness to act as their blunt instrument.
Beckett and Gianna sat in stunned silence as Castle explained how Roxette had access to both political and military resources. Any doubts they'd had about the plausibility of the attack evaporated.
"White House security is formidable," Beckett murmured, "but with Roxette insiders and Japanese intelligence pulling strings, this could actually work. They could bypass protocols, delay response times, and…"
Castle nodded grimly. "Thirteen minutes. That's all they'd need. Once the AC-130 breaks through airspace, it's game over."
Gianna sighed, leaning back in her chair. "The question is… Why? Why are they putting so much effort into this? Even if they kill Benjamin and the VP takes over, what do they gain? Nothing but chaos. Are they really this short-sighted?"
Castle shrugged. "Maybe it's not about logic. Maybe they just hate us that much."
But even as he said it, Castle couldn't shake the feeling that something deeper was at play. Something he hadn't uncovered yet.
(End of Chapter)
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