Audio Intercepts 2
Source: Tap on un-encrypted landline, 6 hours after defeat of Theoi: SEBEG
"This is the Plumber. All potential leaks have been plugged. The Hunter saw the mess, but he's on our team, so I trust he will keep it to himself. Secondary leak has eluded me, but the Homeowner told me to let it slide. No complaints here; I love job security."
Source: Recorded by Section 2 agent, 3 hours following TALOS demonstration/terror attack.
[Subject evaded observation team, and accessed an unknown secure line in order to make a phone call. Intel suggests this call was made to the Asiri estate southwest of Paris, France. Subject was emotionally agitated; his composure was visibly compromised at several moments.]
"Pierre? Yes, this is Lucien--."
"Yes, thank you, now listen to me."
"No, don't disturb Mother, I have a task for you."
"There was a terrorist incident today, about two hours ago. It should be on the news--"
"Yes, yes, dreadful, now shut UP."
"Two of my... my friends [audible exhale] were there. They were nearly killed. And I understand other people did die." [voice is tight]
"Yes. I've heard most of the terrorists were killed. [sudden vitriol] And I hope whoever is responsible is burning in Hell with them." [calming breath]
"A-anyway, I know that some of our family friends have ties to Defense and Industry. They might have been there. They might have been... [frustrated sigh] Can you ask around, make sure that no one we know..." [long pause while listening]
"Thank you, exactly that. And after you've checked that everyone is safe, please let me know."
"I've seen too many good people die already."
Source: Transcribed by informant [REDACTED], 4 days following TALOS demonstration/terror attack.
[Meeting occurred at an upscale restaurant in Istanbul, where the informant is employed. Subjects Morgan and Jaeger had just finished eating a platter of appetizers.]
M: "See? I told you it was good."
J: "Never doubted it. You always know where to find the finer things in life."
Morgan smiles, and raises his glass in salute. There is a pregnant silence.
J: "I'm... glad you made it out okay."
M: "I understand I owe some of that to your nephew."
J: "Yeah?"
M: "He hasn't told you what happened?"
J: "I'm a little... out of the loop, at the moment." Jack drinks.
M: "Ahh... [pause] Truth be told, I'm worried I might be, as well..."
Jack peers at Morgan over the glass, sets it down, sighs ruefully.
J: "That's why you asked me here."
M: "Your nephew made an impression on me. And I do believe in paying my debts, despite what the tax agencies say."
J: "I'm no longer sure this would be a mutually beneficial arrangement. Thanks for the food."
Jack begins to scoot his chair out. Morgan rolls his eyes, then speaks in an irritated sing-song, as if grudgingly playing a role.
M: "No. Wait. What about your offer?"
Jack pauses, grinning, half-out of his chair.
J: "How does it feel, having to rely on me, of all people?"
M: "Absolutely terrible. Now stop gloating. We need to go over this."
Jack settles back into his seat, and waves insolently for Morgan to continue.
M: "The U.N. has always had its detractors, but right now ATEN's stock is on the rise. My consultants tell me that few anti-U.N. groups would intentionally target ATEN as well."
J: "So the backers didn't do their homework, the attack was just a diversion, or... what, the real target was Al-Shams?"
M: "There's more. That press release about the TALOS test having to be aborted?"
J: "You mean the obvious lie?"
Morgan purses his lips, but pretends to ignore the comment.
M: "It was sabotaged. Yes, we're sure. Software, not hardware. We're looking into it."
J: "Another diversion?"
M: "I don't know! It wasn't enough to cause anything catastrophic, but the timing makes the whole thing suspect."
Jack thinks for a minute.
M: "Possibly saving my life. And, like I said, I'm worried I'm 'out of the loop,' like you."
Jack leans in, eyes focused.
J: "You think this was... 'the Castle Club'...?"
M: "Your nephew saw one of their trouble-shooters there, undercover. Apparently, this same trouble-shooter could have intervened directly, but chose not to. Still helped out, by all accounts, but not as much as he might have."
J: "Are you sure you weren't one of the targets? 'The Club' liked Al-Shams enough to give him ATEN, but you have a few rivals, right?"
M: "The gunmen had their chances to kill me, if they'd wanted. And the 'Club' likes Al-Shams because he is quiet, and does what they want. But that doesn't mean certain members wouldn't prefer someone else taking the reins."
J: "Enough to assassinate him?"
M: "Well, no. That is the bit that makes me suspect either there is some personal grudge I don't know about, or that this was... another party altogether..."
Jack quirks an eyebrow, and waits for Morgan to elaborate.
M: "Oh. I... really shouldn't. I know, I know! I called you here. But for now, please just accept that 'the Club' has some old competition, and not the sort either of us could ever benefit from."
J: "Fine. I'll get more details out of you as this partnership goes on. Let's go for a drive, and I'll share a bit of my intel."
M: "Who said anything about a 'partnership,' Jaeger?"
J: "I did. Now get your coat on, we'll take my car."