Deception Point Page 29

Rachel observe how careful the President was being not to mention her father. He talk only in terms of the opposition or political opponents. And you forecast your opposition bequeath cry conspiracy simply for political reasons? she asked.That is the temperament of the game. both anyone needs to do is cast a faint doubt, precept that this discovery is some kind of political fraud concocted by NASA and the black-and-blue theater, and all in all of a sudden, Im facing an inquiry. The newspapers forget NASA has found proof of noncitizen life, and the media starts focusing on uncovering evidence of a conspiracy. Sadly, any hint of conspiracy with note to this discovery will be poor for science, atrocious for the White dramatic art, bad for NASA, and, quite frankly, bad for the country.Which is why you postponed announcing until you had full check mark and some reputable civilian holdments.My goal is to presend this data in so incontrovertible a way that any cynicism is nipped in the bud. I want this discovery celebrated with the untainted dignity it deserves. NASA merits no less.Rachels scholarship was tingling now. What does he want from me?Obviously, he continued, youre in a unusual position to help me. Your experience as an analyst as soundly as your obvious ties to my opponent give you enormous believability with respect to this discovery.Rachel mat a growing disillusionment. He wants to use me just akin Pickering said he wouldThat said, Herney continued, I would like to ask that you endorse this discovery personally, for the record, as my White raise intelligence liaison and as the miss of my opponent.There it was. On the table.Herney wants me to endorse.Rachel really had thought Zach Herney was above this kind of revengeful politics. A human race endorsement from Rachel would immediately make the meteorite a personal issue for her father, leaving the senator unable to attack the discoverys credibility without attacking the credibili ty of his own daughter-a death sentence for a families first candidate.Frankly, sir, Rachel said, looking into the monitor, Im kayoed you would ask me to do that.The President looked taken aback. I thought you would be excited to help out.Excited? Sir, my differences with my father aside, this request puts me in an unrealistic position. I have enough problems with my father without going head-to-head with him in some kind of public death match. Despite my admitted dislike of the man, he is my father, and pitting me against him in a public forum frankly seems beneath you.Hold on Herney waved his hands in surrender.Who said anything about a public forum?Rachel paused. I assume youd like me to join the executive of NASA on the podium for the eight oclock press conference.Herneys guffaw boomed in the audio recording speakers. Rachel, what kind of man do you think I am? Do you really imagine Id ask someone to stab her father in the back on national television?But, you said-And do you think I would make the NASA executive director share the limelight with the daughter of his arch rival? Not to burst your bubble, Rachel, but this press conference is a scientific presentation. Im not sure your knowledge of meteorites, fossils, or ice structures would lend the effect much credibility.Rachel felt herself flush. But then what endorsement did you have in mind?One more appropriate to your position.Sir?You are my White House intelligence liaison. You brief my round on issues of national importance.You want me to endorse this for your stave?Herney still looked amused by the misunderstanding. Yes, I do. The skepticism Ill establishment outside the White House is nothing compared to what Im facing from my lag decent now. Were in the midst of a full-scale mutiny here. My credibility in-house is shot. My supply has begged me to cut back NASA funding. Ive ignored them, and its been political suicide.Until now.Exactly. As we discussed this morning, this discoverys timi ng will seem suspect to political cynics, and nobodys as cynical as my cater is at the moment. Therefore, when they hear this information for the first time, I want it to deign from-You havent told your rung about the meteorite?Only a few top advisers. safekeeping this discovery a secret has been a top priority.Rachel was stunned. No revere hes facing a mutiny. But this is not my usual area. A meteorite could profoundly be considered an intelligence-related gist.Not in the traditional sense, but it certainly has all the elements of your usual work-complex data that needs to be distilled, substantial political ramifications-I am not a meteorite specialist, sir. Shouldnt your module be briefed by the administrator of NASA?Are you kidding? Everyone here hates him. As far as my staff is concerned, Ekstrom is the snake-oil salesman who has lured me into bad deal after bad deal.Rachel could see the point. How about Corky Marlinson? The content Medal in Astrophysics? Hes got far mo re credibility than I do.My staff is made up of politicians, Rachel, not scientists. Youve met Dr. Marlinson. I think hes terrific, but if I let an astrophysicist loose on my team of left-brain, think-inside-the-box intellectuals, Ill end up with a herd of deer in the headlights. I need someone accessible. Youre the one, Rachel. My staff knows your work, and considering your family name, youre about as unbiased a spokesperson as my staff could hope to hear from.Rachel felt herself being pulled in by the Presidents social style. At least you admit my being the daughter of your opponent has something to do with your request.The President gave a sheepish chuckle. Of course it does. But, as you can imagine, my staff will be briefed one way or another, no point what you decide. You are not the cake, Rachel, you are simply the icing. You are the individual intimately qualified to do this briefing, and you also happen to be a completion relative of the man who wants to kick my staff ou t of the White House next term. Youve got credibility on two accounts.You should be in sales.As a consider of fact, I am. As is your father. And to be honest, Id like to closure a deal for a change. The President removed his glasses and looked into Rachels eyes. She felt a touch of her fathers power in him. I am enquire you as a favor, Rachel, and also because I believe it is part of your job. So which is it? Yes or no? Will you brief my staff on this matter?Rachel felt trapped inside the tiny PSC trailer. Nothing like the hard sell. Even from three thousand miles away, Rachel could feel the strength of his will mechanical press through the video screen. She also knew this was a perfectly reasonable request, whether she wish it or not.Id have conditions, Rachel said.Herney arched his eyebrows. Being?I meet your staff in private. No reporters. This is a private briefing, not a public endorsement.You have my word. Your meeting is already slated for a very private location.Rachel s ighed. All right then.The President beamed. Excellent.Rachel checked her watch, surprised to see it was already a little past four oclock. Hold on, she said, puzzled, if youre going live at eight P.M., we dont have time. Even in that vile contraption you sent me up here in, I couldnt get back to the White House for another couple of hours at the very fastest. Id have to prepare my remarks and-