Socrates and the Councillor Read online

  ‘Tesh!’

  ‘Chief?’

  ‘Get into my office.’

  John walked down the corridor and entered the relatively small office. Inside, the Chief was waiting. A young woman stood next to him. She was dressed in a black suit with a white shirt.

  ‘Tesh, this is Special Agent Koelmeyer on loan from the UN,’ the Chief said.

  The young woman held out her hand. John shook it.

  ‘John Tesh, Sentinel,’ he said.

  ‘I’ve heard of you. Do you mind if I call you John?’ Agent Koelmeyer asked. She had a pleasant sounding voice with an unidentifiable accent. John found himself looking directly into her light-blue eyes. They were mesmerising. As was the rest of her, and the two-piece black suit she was wearing accentuated her lithe physique.

  ‘Sure. And … ’

  ‘Vanessa.’

  John smiled.

  ‘Welcome to Iona.’

  Vanessa smiled in turn.

  ‘Thanks.’

  ‘So why exactly are you here?’

  Vanessa’s smile widened.

  ‘I hear you’ve been having some trouble. I’m here to help.’

  ‘Chief, is this on the level?’

  ‘It is. I’ve cleared it with the Ruling Council.’

  John recalled his conversation with Councillor Alara Green. Looking at Agent Koelmeyer, he wondered if she’d been sent by the Councillor. What her real purpose for being assigned to the Sentinels, to him, was.

  ‘Chief, can I have a moment alone?’

  ‘Of course. Agent Koelmeyer, if you could give us a minute, please?’ the Chief said.

  ‘No problem,’ Vanessa said.

  He waited until she had stepped outside and the door was closed before turning to John.

  ‘What’s on your mind?’ he asked.

  ‘I assume Councillor Green contacted you?’

  ‘Yes. She said that you were now on special assignment for the Ruling Council and that I was to provide you and Socrates with a suitable cover to continue your investigation. I intend to do just that as soon as you can come up with a story to explain what’s happening in Iona.’

  ‘We know the people behind this are linked to the UN, which means we have to tread very carefully.’

  The Chief grunted.

  ‘The Ruling Council stressed the importance of the UN Security Council summit. They weren’t subtle about it either,’ he said.

  John nodded, his mind already formulating a plausible scenario.

  ‘I think we can use the summit as part of our cover.’

  ‘What are you thinking?’

  ‘How about anti-globalisation protesters trying to sabotage the summit?’

  The Chief considered it for a moment.

  ‘It’s broad and vague, which works for me. Just be mindful who you tell the truth to.’

  ‘I will. So, how does Agent Koelmeyer fit into all of this?’

  ‘I’m not sure but the UN is clearly concerned about the incidents that have occurred in Iona. The US Secretary of State reached out to us and offered one of their top agents to assist in our investigation.’

  John considered that for a moment. It made sense, given what he knew about the real reason for the UN Security Council meeting in Iona.

  ‘What’s her role?’ John asked.

  ‘Officially, she’s an observer only,’ the Chief replied.

  ‘And unofficially?’

  ‘She’s going to evaluate how we handle internal security within Iona on behalf of the UN and provide assistance in resolving the situation.’

  ‘Great, just what I need.’

  ‘I know it’s not ideal but you’ll have to make it work.’

  John nodded.

  ‘You’re sure the Ruling Council cleared her to be here?’ he asked.

  ‘I’m sure,’ the Chief replied.

  ‘Councillor Green specifically?’

  ‘Yes. Is that significant?’

  ‘It might well be.’

  ‘You think Agent Koelmeyer is working with the Ruling Council?’

  ‘Honestly, Chief? I have to idea. This case so far has been anything but straightforward and now we’re dealing with the UN which means politics on a global scale. I’ll be glad when it’s all over.’

  ‘You and me both, Tesh.’

  ‘Have there been any more incidents?’ John asked.

  ‘No. It could be that by flushing out the hacker’s base of operations you’ve crippled their ability to sabotage our infrastructure.’

  ‘Somehow, I doubt that.’

  The Chief grunted.

  ‘I do too but one can hope. Anyway, get out there and find who’s behind this and shut them down. This time you’ve got the Ruling Council’s support so they won’t block your investigation again.’

  ‘I’m on it, Chief.’

  ‘And Tesh.’

  ‘Yes, Chief?’

  ‘Given your UN chaperone, try to handle things diplomatically.’

  John grinned at him.

  ‘Do my best, Chief.’

  Twenty-One

  Agent Koelmeyer was waiting for him when he left the Chief’s office. She was leaning against the wall in the corridor, her eyes staring directly at him. John resisted the urge to smile.

  ‘So, is this your first time in Iona?’ John asked.

  ‘Yes, actually.’

  ‘What do you think?’

  Vanessa smiled.

  ‘I didn’t really know what to expect—I mean a whole city, annexed by a corporation. Yet it all seems so … normal.’

  ‘What were you expecting?’

  ‘I don’t know. More corporate logos, for a start.’

  John laughed.

  ‘I suppose we should all be wearing Iona Corporation uniforms too?’ John said.

  It was Vanessa’s turn to laugh.

  ‘Yes, that would seem appropriate. Although you do all seem to be dressed the same.’

  John looked around the floor, noting the identically dressed Sentinels in their dark grey suits, with black shirts and grey ties. ‘I supposed you’re right. I’d never really thought of it that way.’

  ‘I guess I’m used to uniforms.’

  ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘My father was in the military. While I was born in the US, I spent most of my time living abroad in Europe and Asia.’

  ‘Military brat, huh? I would have never guessed.’

  They were interrupted by the arrival of Socrates.

  ‘Socrates, I’d like you to meet Special Agent Vanessa Koelmeyer on loan from the UN,’ John said. ‘Vanessa, this is my partner, Socrates.’

  ‘Socrates, that’s an unusual name,’ Vanessa said, holding out her hand.

  ‘I believe I was named after the ancient Greek philosopher,’ Socrates said. He shook Vanessa’s hand.

  ‘Well, there you go. Good to meet you.’

  ‘John, I require your attention for a moment,’ Socrates said.

  John cast a quick glance at Vanessa. If he was right about her working with Councillor Green, then she could be a valuable asset in solving the case. If he was wrong, then he could be compromising their investigation by revealing their knowledge of the UN operatives’ involvement. John decided to take a chance.

  ‘Go ahead. Vanessa’s here from the UN to assist in our investigation.’

  ‘Very well. I have been working with Dana Harrison since 6.00 am this morning, reviewing Integrated Logistics and Shipping’s company records and transactions.’

  ‘And … ?’ John asked.

  ‘I believe we have identified the ultimate beneficiaries of the funds being moved into Iona.’

  ‘Wait a second, I thought they were all fronts?’

  ‘They are. Harrison and I cross-referenced them against Integrated Logistics and Shipping’s physical holdings in Iona.’

  ‘I thought they only had the warehouse.’

  ‘Officially, yes. But when you trace the funding structure through the various subsidiaries and map the
m against the dummy corporations, it provides substantial evidence that they own at least one other property here in Iona.’

  ‘I probably wouldn’t understand how you did that, even if you explained it to me, but good work.’

  ‘Thank you, John; and yes, you are correct.’

  ‘About what?’

  ‘About you not understanding how Harrison and I derived the information concerning the location of Integrated Logistics and Shipping’s physical assets here in Iona. Even if I explained it to you.’

  John was actually speechless. Vanessa burst out laughing.

  ‘Clearly you two have been working together for a long time,’ she said.

  ‘No, this is actually only our second day working together,’ Socrates said.

  ‘Really? I never would have guessed.’

  ‘Right, if you two are quite finished,’ John said. ‘We have work to do.’

  ‘How do you wish to proceed?’ Socrates asked.

  ‘I want to go check out this property you uncovered. Where is it?’

  ‘An apartment in Pyrmont.’

  ‘Let’s go. Vanessa, anything you need to do before we go?’

  She shook her head.

  ‘No. I’m good to go.’

  John motioned her down the corridor. He and Socrates followed. As they were walking towards the turbo-lift, Giles Muller walked past.

  ‘Tesh,’ he said. Then his eyes opened wider when he saw Vanessa. He stuck his hand out and said, ‘Giles Muller, Sentinel.’

  ‘Special Agent Vanessa Koelmeyer, United Nations. Nice to meet you.’

  ‘The pleasure is all mine, Ms Koelmeyer.’

  John decided to help his fellow Sentinel out before the situation became uncomfortable for everyone.

  ‘Muller, did emergency crews finish cleaning up that mess out in North Ryde?’ John asked.

  ‘They’re still working on restoring traffic flow to all lanes but at least it’s moving again. No casualties, which was extremely lucky, given the nature of the red-light force-field failure. The tow trucks have been busy, though.’

  ‘I bet. Any intel on why the barrier failed?’

  ‘System was hacked, as you suspected.’

  John nodded.

  ‘Any idea what that car could have been running from?’

  Muller shook his head.

  ‘No. The cameras in that area were hacked as well, so we have no footage to work backwards from.’

  ‘Alright, thanks.’

  ‘No problem.’

  Muller turned to Vanessa.

  ‘It was nice meeting you.’

  ‘Likewise,’ Vanessa replied.

  John watched as Muller disappeared down the narrow grey corridor. Pulling out his phone, he scrolled through his call list until he found Fernali’s number.

  ‘What on Earth is that?’ Vanessa asked, pointing at his phone.

  ‘My phone,’ John replied.

  ‘Is that what it is? I’ve never seen anything like it before. May I?’

  ‘Sure,’ John said, handing her his phone. Vanessa opened it and scrolled through some of the menus.

  ‘How old is it?’ she asked, turning it over.

  ‘It’s a replica of the first ever flip phone which was released in the late twentieth century by a company called Motorola.’

  ‘Right and … does it do anything? Besides make calls?’

  John smiled.

  ‘It’s a replica not an antique. The device is a fully-functioning smart phone. I just like the way it looks and it’s a lot smaller than most modern phones.’

  ‘Hey, whatever makes you happy.’

  ‘Mind if I make this call?’

  She handed him the phone back.

  ‘Go ahead.’

  John dialled Fernali.

  ‘What’s up?’ was the greeting he received.

  ‘Are you busy?’ John asked.

  ‘Yes, but I suspect that isn’t going to stop you from asking me for whatever favour you’re about to ask.’

  ‘Right you are.’

  ‘Okay, what do you need?’

  ‘Can you and Streeter look into that car accident out at North Ryde yesterday?’

  ‘Anything specific?’

  ‘Potential high-value targets. Whoever was in that car that caused the accident was trying to get away from something or someone.’

  ‘Alright, we’ll look into it. I’ll call you once we have something.’

  ‘I owe you one.’

  ‘One?’

  John laughed.

  ‘Fine. Two at most.’

  ‘We’ll discuss that some other time.’

  ‘Later.’

  John closed his phone and placed it back inside his dark-grey suit jacket. He turned towards Socrates and Vanessa. Socrates was staring straight at him, his expression unreadable. Vanessa was openly smiling.

  ‘What?’ John asked.

  ‘You really do have a way with people, don’t you?’ Vanessa said.

  John grinned.

  ‘I try.’

  Twenty-Two

  The inner-west suburb of Pyrmont had initially been popular with overseas students and young professionals working in the CBD. It escaped the riots of the Global Energy Crisis relatively unscathed, predominantly due to the fact that a large percentage of its residents didn’t rely on cars to get to work. As such they were not affected by the oil price increases. Even with the current availability of Flux-Cell-powered vehicles, the majority of residents still chose to walk to work.

  ‘This is it,’ John said.

  Checking his handgun, he pulled on his dark-grey suit jacket. Closing the door to the Sentinel cruiser, he walked across the street. Socrates walked beside him. Vanessa brought up the rear. They reached the apartment block located on Bowman Street, looking out across Jones Bay. A Ruling Council storage facility occupying the former silos was located on the other side of the bay.

  John pressed the intercom button located next to the front door of the apartment’s main entrance.

  ‘Sentinel override, voice identification: John Tesh, ID Alpha-101. Unlock front door and passenger lift.’

  The door’s magnetic lock clicked open. John held it open.

  ‘After you.’

  Socrates looked at John for a moment before stepping through. Vanessa nodded her thanks. They found themselves inside a spacious lobby. Two passenger lifts were on the far wall, while a digital noticeboard advertised various items for sale along with cleaning services and apartments for rent. A surveillance camera lens rotated to focus on them as they walked to the lift and pressed the button for up. The lift doors opened. Entering, they pressed the button for level ten. The doors slid shut and the lift ascended. Clearly the building hadn’t been upgraded in recent years, as it did not have one of the newer turbo-lift models.

  The lift stopped. The doors opened. A dimly lit narrow corridor stretched out before them. Doors painted in off-white had black numbers stencilled on them. Number 1001 was directly in front of them.

  ‘This way,’ John said.

  They made their way down the corridor. Reaching apartment number 1006 they stopped. John drew his handgun. Socrates moved to the side of the door. Vanessa positioned herself behind John, further down the corridor. John knocked on the door.

  ‘Sentinels, open the door.’

  Silence. John knocked again. Once. Twice. Nothing. He motioned to Socrates.

  ‘Open the door.’

  His partner took a step back and raised his leg, then forced the door inwards, destroying the hinges.

  ‘Sentinels!’ John shouted, stepping through the door, handgun at the ready.

  The apartment appeared deserted. Lowering his weapon, John looked around. It was a one-bedroom apartment. Sparsely furnished. No sign anyone had ever lived there.

  ‘It does not appear anyone is here,’ Socrates said.

  ‘Look around. There has to be something here.’

  Socrates and Vanessa disappeared into the bedroom as John holstered his h
andgun. He walked over to the coffee table. He checked underneath it. Behind the couch. He was about to look in the closet when he realised Socrates was standing in the doorway.

  ‘What is it?’ John asked.

  Instead of replying, Socrates walked past him and reached up behind the blind that was mounted to the main window. He pulled out a miniature surveillance camera.

  ‘Someone is watching us,’ Socrates said.

  John nodded, his eyes tracing the wire behind the camera. It seemed to disappear into the wall next to the window. A wall which led into the apartment next door.

  ‘Hardwired. That’s fairly old-school technology,’ John said.

  ‘It would be secure from wireless interference making it impossible to access remotely unless there is a system with some form of network connection on the other end, ’ Socrates said.

  ‘Did you find something?’ Vanessa asked.

  ‘Yes. Surveillance camera, hard-wired to the apartment next door. I suspect Integrated Logistics and Shipping may be leasing another apartment in the building.’

  ‘We should go and find out.’

  ‘I was just thinking the same thing.’

  Drawing his handgun, John moved back through the living room and opened the front door. His eyes found the door to apartment 1007. He moved across the corridor and pressed himself against the wall next to the door. Socrates positioned himself on the other side. Vanessa held back inside apartment 1006. John reached out and knocked on the door to apartment 1007 with his gun.

  ‘Sentinels—open the door!’

  No answer.

  ‘John, if anyone was inside the apartment they would have undoubtedly heard you before,’ Socrates said.

  ‘I know. I was just following protocol. Kick it down.’

  Socrates forced the door to apartment 1007 open just as easily as he had the one to apartment 1006. The inside looked the same as the other apartment. Until they walked into one of the bedrooms. One wall was completely covered in high-tech computer hardware, similar to the warehouse in Mascot where they had encountered the hacker.

  Vanessa let out a low whistle.