Heiser-The-Facade - Sparkling Eyes

"If anyone else has one.""I hope what you have to say is worth getting me out of bed, Vernon," the Generalyawned, sitting on the edge of his bed."It is, sir.""So what was the disturbance you mentioned on the phone?""We've had a breach of security, sir. It appears Dr. Kelley was able to gainunauthorized access to another room.""Where did she go?""Dr. Scott's room.""What would she want there?""Apparently it wasn't what, but whom.""Scott? You must be kidding.""No, I'm not," the Colonel replied.The General looked at the ceiling in exasperation. "How did she get the card?""All she'll say is that someone from the Group gave her the card, but that shenever saw the person's face. I'm inclined to believe her, sir.""Yes . . . so am I, unfortunately. The day we hoped would never happen just did,Vernon. We have a traitor in our midst." "That would seem accurate, sir.""Was this the only time Kelley used the card?""Yes.""I assume you've checked the other members—that they are in possession of theircards and that there was no conflict in their usage.""Affirmative on both counts. We've confiscated the card. She won't be any moretrouble. You should know one other thing.""What's that?""Dr. Bandstra was in the monitoring station when the alarm went off.""Did he see the log records?""Yes. He just happened to be there when the incident occurred, and saw theoverride on Scott's room.""Damn! ... How will he react knowing that the Group has internal problems?""I'm quite sure he knows rivalries exist in every organization.""This is different and you know it ... he knows it.""I think I can fix the situation, sir," the Colonel offered."How?""I'll tell him that I suspected the Group was divided, which was another reason toassemble the team so hastily.""So you're betting that if he believes you've anticipated this, he won't get jittery.""Exactly.""Very plausible; do it.""Yes sir.""We can't afford screw-ups, Vernon.""I know, sir, but it could have been far worse.""You're positive nothing happened between them?"218