[Chapter 485: Thanks to All the American Taxpayers for Fueling Our Operations]
Washington, Capitol Hill.
Abedin received a call from Honduras. After talking for a while, she said, "Don't use Twitter, send it to me on LinkedIn."
Since a few months ago, when discussing work matters, Hillary had not allowed her subordinates to use Twitter anymore, even though it was very convenient.
They talked on the phone while adding each other as contacts on LinkedIn.
The person from Honduras quickly sent Abedin many photos and live videos.
Abedin hung up, opened one of the photos; it showed close-up high-definition images of body fragments mixed with some internal organs. The gruesome scenes almost made her gag.
It was too bloody and brutal.
She quickly drank some water to suppress the nausea, forcing herself to keep watching, especially the videos.
The training base of Waspam Private Security Company was completely destroyed.
Seeing this, she quickly took out her phone and tried calling Adams through their secret number, but the call went unanswered.
Abedin was startled. She removed the phone battery, took out the SIM card, opened a drawer to get scissors, and cut the SIM card into pieces.
She pressed the intercom button, "Come in."
Hillary's security guard entered; Abedin handed him the phone and the cut SIM card pieces, saying, "Take care of it."
The man put them into an evidence bag and stored them away.
...
Abedin composed herself, grabbed her laptop, and quickly walked into Hillary's office, closing the door behind her. "Ma'am, there's an emergency that needs your immediate attention."
Hillary put down the documents in her hands and put on her glasses. "What happened?"
Abedin put the laptop on the desk. "We just received contact from Enrique, the Deputy Governor of Olancho Province in Honduras. The Waspam Security Company training camp located near the Nicaraguan border was attacked by armed forces. Their camp was leveled by heavy firepower, and about a hundred people died. Because many bodies were fragmented and the mercenaries had no dog tags, the exact number is still unknown."
Even Hillary was shocked hearing this. "What?"
Abedin added, "A few minutes ago, I tried reaching Adams -- the one we sent to Los Angeles -- but he's missing."
Hillary thought for a moment. "Were they discovered in Los Angeles by Hawke Osment and Brian? They should have found Waspam's location through them."
That was the most logical explanation. Abedin added, "According to Enrique, the attackers used armed vessels, armored vehicles, high-powered rocket launchers, and armed helicopters. Nearby residents heard dozens of loud explosions."
Hillary, who was familiar with Central and North America's ecology, said, "Honduras and Nicaragua don't have armed helicopters, and they wouldn't attack a private security company with such overwhelming force."
Those possibilities were ruled out easily. The result was obvious. She said, "The Ferguson family is an established political family in Southern California, owning security companies. They probably have overseas assets too. When Hawke Osment was attacked in Africa, he had about twenty elite bodyguards with him, and he has the financial power to gather a group of mercenaries."
Using such heavy firepower, the enemy clearly didn't intend to hide or fear being identified.
Abedin stood silently to the side.
Hillary felt distressed. Waspam was established back when Bill was still in power. It had bypassed the military at times to carry out covert missions in the Balkans and had been quite effective.
Now, without warning, it was almost wiped out.
Hillary asked, "Are there any survivors?"
"No, not a single one," Abedin replied after asking specifically. "Everyone was shot again to make sure."
Hillary paused, reviewing photos and videos.
Compared to Abedin, she was much colder; the photos of mutilated limbs and bodies didn't evoke any reaction.
Besides, this was nothing compared to the rituals of the Satanist's soul gatherings.
Hillary turned off the videos, took off her glasses, and walked to the window, looking out over Capitol Hill.
From her position, she could see the White House.
Although Hillary still had a small group capable of staging accidents, the numbers were too few; such a fight wasn't impactful.
The enemy was undoubtedly using this to send a message.
Being a politician, Hillary decided to defend from a weak position. She told Abedin, "Send people to Waspam to clean up the mess. Cut off all direct contact with Waspam. Warn the subordinates not to enter Los Angeles for now."
Abedin noted this down.
Hillary continued, "Launch an investigation. I want to know where the enemy is."
Abedin asked, "What about the funerals for the dead?"
Hillary, a traditional politician with some ruthless instincts, said, "Cut ties with them."
Abedin understood -- no compensation or benefits, and severing all possible connections.
Hillary waved her hand, signaling Abedin to handle these matters quickly.
As Abedin was leaving, Hillary called her back, "How about Flynn?"
"He's been buried," Abedin answered. "His wife, Catherine, doesn't know he worked for us."
Hillary nodded slightly. "That's enough."
Abedin left, acting as an information relay.
Due to this emergency, her shift was extended.
Before leaving, Hillary gave her a long list of tasks.
...
Abedin called her husband, Anthony Weiner, and said, "I'll probably be busy very late tonight and need to come in early tomorrow morning. I won't be coming home; I'm staying at a nearby hotel."
Anthony understood. "It's okay. Do you want me to come there with you?"
Abedin smiled. "No, it's urgent. After this, we'll take a road trip."
"I can't wait," Anthony Weiner said before hanging up.
Abedin got busy.
...
In a detached house in Arlington, Virginia, Anthony Weiner put down his phone and stretched.
The long night hadn't started yet. How would he pass the time?
Anthony opened his laptop and logged on to SugarBaby, watching the featured video of Snow White.
The woman was very fair-skinned and beautiful, but Anthony felt something was missing. It didn't fit his aesthetic.
He closed the video, opened the LGBTQ section, selected the transgender option, and browsed many SugarBaby profiles. His eyes settled on a pre-op Black man.
Mainly because this man suited his taste and was located in Arlington County.
Anthony checked out the man's work and liked it. He used his credit card to deposit 100 dollars as a tip.
The man was online and responded quickly.
They chatted passionately and arranged to meet at the entrance of a hotel within fifteen minutes.
...
Anthony Weiner's heart raced as he grabbed his phone and wallet, heading out into the night.
The area was densely populated; cars passed by continuously.
Anthony didn't notice he was being followed.
As he arrived near the hotel and parked, Marcelo and Carvajal's car was in the vicinity.
Carvajal started filming.
...
Anthony Weiner waited on the sidewalk. A Cadillac pulled up.
Out got a Black drag queen, still with a beard.
But to Anthony, such a figure was godlike -- he had no prejudice.
They spoke briefly on the phone, confirming they were the right targets, and quickly greeted each other.
The man was very enthusiastic.
Anthony told him to wait a bit and then went inside to book a room. He called the man to come upstairs.
...
From the nearby car, Carvajal clicked his tongue in surprise. "I didn't expect someone's taste to be so heavy."
Marcelo, having experienced the Los Angeles fires and seen many odd behaviors, commented, "That's normal."
---
Los Angeles, Coastal Building.
After returning from Waspam, Campos hurried over.
Hawke directly asked, "How's the combat strength?"
"Very strong," Campos said after thinking. "Our firepower was overwhelming, completely crushing them. We barely encountered difficulties."
Hawke had invested heavily in the Hurricane Company, offering good salaries, rigorous training, advanced equipment, and helicopters.
Campos continued, "Adams and 16 others have all been drowned."
Hawke said, "Guti already reported to me."
Campos updated about Hurricane Company: "Bosque rented an entire town from the Costa Rican government as a base, bribed several key politicians and police officers, including the coastguard, and placed undercover scouts nearby. Any abnormal activity is immediately detected."
Hawke, having launched an attack himself, didn't want to be ambushed. "Tell him Ethiopia is arranged too."
Campos said, "Andre is now stationed in Africa and is making arrangements."
Edward knocked and entered. "The mayor is here, boss."
Campos finished and left. Hawke reminded, "Enhance security."
...
Right after Campos left, Brian entered.
He hurriedly asked, "What's the result?"
"You didn't get the news?" Hawke replied casually. "We wiped out everyone from Waspam. Their camp was destroyed. We only had minor injuries."
Brian said, "I've been busy with the election's final push and didn't follow this closely."
Hawke glanced at the time. "Let's head to the airport. The planes have arrived and will land at the international airport by noon. I reserved hangars in advance."
"Is the gift you sent inside?" Brian asked as they left.
Hawke glanced back. "You'll see soon enough."
...
They arrived at LAX, went straight to the private hangar.
Gersel, the Airbus client manager, greeted them with a handshake. "This way, please."
They entered the hangar, where a brand-new Airbus ACJ awaited.
This private jet had a wingspan of over 35 meters and a length near 40 meters. Its interior featured high-end French brands -- not abstract ones like Balenciaga.
The plane's interior and exterior were customized per Hawke's ideas.
The jet cost 100 million dollars and could hold up to 25 people, with a max range over 10,000 kilometers.
On the white fuselage was a red logo: Manhattan AI Project.
Hawke named the plane Manhattan Project.
Brian sat in the spacious airplane seat, asking, "Is this the gift you mentioned?"
Hawke shook his head. "This is my plane. Yours is in another hangar."
Brian was surprised. "Old buddy, are you bribing me?"
"Not yours," Hawke scolded. "These planes aren't ours. Like you and me, we're just borrowing or renting them."
Brian noticed the Manhattan AI Project branding and understood. "This is the Manhattan AI Project's plane?"
With no one else around, Hawke confirmed, "The Manhattan AI Project set up an aerial intelligence division and needed aircraft for experiments. I bought two Airbus business jets and three small planes. After hearing you wanted to get married, I added another one."
Brian lamented, "We're milking the American taxpayers dry."
Hawke gestured to the plane. "Tell me if you don't want to use it."
"Use it? Hell yeah!" Brian's face changed immediately. "We're steadfast comrades. You brought the plane right to my door. If I refuse, it'd be disrespectful."
Hawke emphasized, "The planes belong to the Manhattan AI Project. We only borrow them."
Brian agreed. "You're right. We're just temporary users. If there's a plan, I'll thank all American taxpayers."
After leaving the plane, they went to a neighboring hangar with another Airbus business jet, almost identical but with darker interior panel colors.
The other Airbus was prepared for the company's executives. Caroline and Harland often traveled; the company provided these as perks.
The expenses were not an issue as they were within the Manhattan AI Project's budget.
Two smaller planes were sent directly to a private airstrip.
Those were the real experimental aircraft.
Besides planes, Hawke also purchased cars such as armored Rolls-Royce Phantoms and Maybachs.
These purchases were also part of the Manhattan AI Project's accounts.
Intelligent assisted driving was included in the Manhattan AI Project, developing version 1.0.
Traditional fuel cars weren't suitable, but development came with challenges and significant experimental losses were normal.
For experimental vehicles, Hawke instructed the person in charge to contact Elon Musk.
Though Tesla hadn't produced a single car yet, Musk was sensational on social media, hyping himself more than the brand via Hollywood celebrity gossip.
This master of self-promotion had Tesla's cars unreleased but already famous.
...
After inspecting the planes, Hawke and Brian proceeded to downtown by car.
Brian asked, "Where do you get your crew from?"
"For now, we're using the crews leased with the Airbus," Hawke said. "But I've posted a recruitment announcement. We'll form a dedicated crew soon."
Brian nodded. "This plane came just in time. After the wedding, Jennifer and I will go on a vacation."
Hawke, thinking of recent events, reminded, "Don't go to remote countries or regions, and bring plenty of security personnel."
Brian experienced a shootout in Covina and didn't want a repeat. "We are planning a trip to Hawaii."
He recalled something. "Your ranch in Wyoming is remote. Best to cancel the trip this month."
Hawke thought of Hillary. "Agreed."
...
In Hollywood, Brian returned to his car while Hawke went to Eric's Emerson Film Studios.
Tom Cruise and Eric were already there.
"Oscar nomination voting is about to begin," Tom said regarding the Los Angeles Fires' awards campaign. "Our main targets are Best Director and Best Picture. Our biggest competition is The Departed and Martin Scorsese."
Eric replied, "That guy relies on his seniority, bringing in Spielberg, Coppola, and George Lucas for votes. I can't compete with that."
Hawke asked, "What about the Precursor Awards?"
Tom replied, "We lead in Best Picture wins; Martin Scorsese leads slightly for Best Director."
He lamented, "If we hadn't used the media to highlight The Departed as a remake, and that Scorsese's remake was just an Oscar bait, the Best Director award would have been an open-and-shut case."
Hawke wasn't focused on the Oscars. He looked at Eric, "We have a strong opponent this year. We'll try, but if we lose it's okay; we have next year."
Eric smiled, "I finished the script for Philip. We'll start filming soon. It's a small-scale film that can release by year-end."
*****
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