"Identify yourself." General Hammer clearly didn't recognize Jim Womack.
The Director coughed lightly and straightened his crooked tie. "I'm Director Womack of the FBI, General."
"That's an overseas company jointly established by the Pentagon and the CIA. They specialize in some hidden illegal transactions, such as arms and drugs."
General Hammer was interrupted by Admiral Al Kleiman, who was rubbing his brow. At the same time, the generals in military uniforms in the conference room began to cough lightly and cover their faces.
"Come on, Frank, this is top secret. Do you want everyone here to go to hell together?"
General Hammer had no intention of continuing to speak. He was only concerned about completing his plan. "OK, let me reiterate the rules of the game.
Once the media knows about it, I will launch the VX missile.
If you refuse to pay, I will also launch the VX missile.
You have 40 hours to make a decision. Just transfer the money to this account before noon the day after tomorrow. Don't try any countermeasures. It will only increase casualties. You and I know this.
This is Hammer, the communication from Alcatraz is over."
As the communication ended, the conference room fell into deathly silence, but fortunately, most of the people present were experienced and shrewd, and they quickly adjusted.
"Evelyn, we must quickly identify the 81 hostages and notify their families. David, I need the BAU to fabricate some suitable excuse. No secrets must be leaked.
This isn't just about Hammer's threat. If the media knew there were 15 VX missiles aimed at the entire San Francisco area, it would inevitably cause irreparable chaos.
Jack, I know you've dealt with terrorists using VX in South Korea before, so you'll be responsible for cooperating with the military, and the FBI will provide all possible support."
As expected of a high-ranking official, these words were truly insightful, and Jack secretly applauded his director.
This disaster was caused by military generals, and the mention of cooperating with the military and providing all possible support from the FBI simply meant that everyone should stick to the facts, and the FBI would not get involved in the wrangling between the military and the White House.
Crucially, these words were flawless, and the attitude was so upright that neither the military nor Director Sinclair, representing the President from the White House Office, could find fault with them.
"Wait a moment." Before Jack could respond, Army General Al Kleiman, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, removed his glasses and pointed his index finger at Rossi.
"I've long admired the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit, so I'd like to hear the opinion of the renowned David Rossi. Is it possible to resolve this issue through negotiation?"
Rossi coughed dryly and was about to respond when Jack interrupted him. "Excuse me, General. Criminal psychology is science, not magic.
Facing an 'invincible man,' I can't imagine sending a negotiation expert there, except for adding another hostage or even a body." Regardless
of his title, Rossi was his teacher in a real sense, and Jack naturally couldn't stand by and watch him get packed up and shipped off to Alcatraz.
Al Kleiman's hawk-like gaze instantly shifted from Rossi to Jack's face, his expressionless expression giving him a chilling feeling.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff is the highest advisory body to the President and Secretary of Defense. The generals present included the Air Force Chief of Staff, the Chief of Naval Operations, and the Commandant of the Marine Corps, each sporting four silver stars on their shoulder straps.
The U.S. national military command system consists of four components: the President, the National Security Council, the Secretary of Defense, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The president and the secretary of defense are the commanding decision-makers, while the National Security Council provides the former with advice and recommendations. The Joint Chiefs of Staff, while providing military advice to the three, also relays the president's and secretary's orders to the various joint commands and Special Operations Command.
In other words, when the US decides to launch a war or military action, the National Security Council typically provides advice on whether to fight, the consequences of fighting or not, and whether it will negatively impact international reputation, among other diplomatic considerations.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff, on the other hand, advises the president on whether the war is winnable, the projected losses, the required troop deployment, and the expected cost.
While this may sound complex, it's essentially about the need for power distribution and checks and balances.
Presidents generally trust the National Security Council more because its members are directly appointed by the president without congressional approval.
Members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, on the other hand, must be nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate.
According to Jack, the Joint Chiefs of Staff was essentially a cauldron, with the three services, including the Marines, all chipping in.
As Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Al Kleiman, while not only overpowering the three services, but also possessing unparalleled prestige within the military, was undoubtedly the most prestigious.
Therefore, when a certain presidential assistant, who bore the title of director, had just spoken out, the admiral had simply silenced him with a simple remark and a warning look.
However, Jack, facing the same glare, remained composed, not intimidated, and even offered a gentle smile.
The FBI wasn't part of the military, and sitting next to his own boss, he wasn't in any way in the wrong. Therefore, Jack remained remarkably calm.
Admiral Al Kleiman's cheek twitched, and just when everyone expected him to explode with rage at the young agent's unauthorized interruption, he instead displayed an expression of interest.
"What's 'Invincible Man'?"
Jack was stunned, not expecting such a question. He shook the document in his hand and answered.
"It says here that General Hammer has no descendants, and his wife of over twenty years died two years ago. I imagine he's been planning this operation since then."
"You're saying his wife's death was the catalyst for his extreme actions?" The admiral interrupted with a hint of sarcasm. He
seemed to think this young FBI agent was the same type as that foolish politician: just a young man with an overly strong desire for performance.
"I've known Hammer for over thirty years. His wife died of cancer. Even without studying your so-called criminal psychology, I know this has nothing to do with his sudden madness."
Jack didn't flinch at the old man's ridicule. Instead, he continued, "No, General Hammer isn't crazy. He's simply lost in despair.
The term 'invincible' doesn't mean I'm bragging about him because of his legendary military achievements. It's just a term used to describe someone who no longer cares about anything, including money, fame, status, and so on.
Such a person will do anything to achieve their goals, even sacrificing their own lives. Anyone or anything that stands in their way is considered an obstacle and will be eliminated.
And considering General Hammer is a professional soldier who rose to prominence through his illustrious military achievements, his will will only be stronger. So don't expect to impress him with words; that will only anger him and lead to extremely serious consequences."
(End of Chapter)