Chapter 211 – (Episode 211) 31. Before the Storm

(Episode 211)

The mission in leader to secure a new psychic and grasp the current situation ended once the last time it was found out that China was involved.

Even though it is the United States, as a government agency, it is difficult to accept the illegal act of kidnapping an agent of the leadern Military Intelligence Agency (DMI).

Since there is little information to gauge the state of China related to psychics, William Gordon, director of the psychics countermeasures headquarters, ordered a quick return.

“Come on, you worked hard.”

“I’m over the edge of death.

Hahayes, do you know how surprised I was when I heard the news?”

Director Gordon’s friendly hand patting him on the shoulder as they sat across from each other in the director’s office was sincere.

“The cleaning process in China was neat, so there was no special income.”

“Isn’t it a big income just to check the movements of China and leader? Thanks to you, I was able to report the facts I found out in Korea and the contents I cross-checked.”

“Looking at the director’s expression, the report must have been quite effective, right?”

“That’s right, the White House and even the Pentagon now have no time to care about changes in Korea unless they affect the United States.”

“It makes sense since the other party is China.”

“I don’t know if it went well.”

“What are you talking about?”

“For the United States, where it is difficult to confront China directly, the mere fact that Korea is in the middle is helpful in many ways.”

“Then, as we hoped, the probability that this issue will be adopted as an agenda at the Korea-US summit will increase?”

“It’s not a probability, but it can be seen as almost certain, but…”

“Uh… Is that expression you make when you have a difficult request?”

At Myeong-sik Han’s friendly manner, Commissioner Gordon laughed it off.

“Hehe, did you recognize it with superpowers?”

“You don’t need superpowers to recognize facial expressions between the director and me.”

“It makes my heart feel lighter when you say that.”

“What is it?”

Commissioner Gordon took a sip of coffee, took a moment to catch his breath, and then spoke.

“The White House requested the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing report.”

“What is it?”

“Simply put, they want to see the report of some old people who asked you questions and answered them.”

“Did the neocons ask for it?”

“It’s not just the specific forces, it’s including the president’s intentions.”

“I don’t like it.”

“I knew it…”

The immediate resignation reaction suddenly created a sense of repulsion along with a sense of playfulness.

“It seems to be an important issue, but are there any circumstances or pleas?”

“Are you the one who will listen?”

“I don’t know again.”

“Oh… ! I beg of you!”

Director Han Myeong-sik laughed at the funny action of Director Gordon, who grabbed his hand and moved his butt.

“Yeah, but can I, as a Korean, appear in the Senate hearing?”

“It doesn’t matter, what kind of normal person are you.”

“You’re encouraging me like that, so I’m a little interested.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll have a closed hearing with you and me, three members of the New Threats and Features Subcommittee.”

“No matter how private it is, I have to leave an official record, is that okay?”

“That’s why it worked out so well, wouldn’t the old people’s attitudes change when they see that your appearance and voice aren’t recorded?”

If it’s not related at all, you can’t just ignore the problem with the future of the Psychic Countermeasure Headquarters, which has as many as seven women.

Director Gordon, who saw the possibility, summoned Jennifer Thompson and fervently persuaded Han Myung-sik, and eventually promised to appear.

✽✽✽✽✽

The Armed Services, one of the 24 committees set up in the United States Senate,

Personnel hearings for ministers, vice-ministers and generals, as well as policies and operations, weapon development, treatment and courtesy of soldiers, security issues, etc.

It oversees legislation, management, and supervision necessary for all military activities, and is responsible for reviewing the national defense budget.

The hearing, in which Han Myeong-sik appeared with Director William Gordon, was held under the supervision of the “Emerging Threats and Capabilities” Subcommittee, one of seven subcommittees under the Senate Armed Services Committee.

“Hello, please tell me your name.”

“Hello, this is Myeongsik Han.”

A fat gray-haired lawmaker, who was sitting across from a large conference table that could seat five people in the middle, greeted me with a firm expression.

As Director Gordon, who was sitting side by side, assured me, only three senators were present, and a stenographer was sitting on the wall near the entrance.

“This hearing will be conducted in private at the request of the Psionics Countermeasures Headquarters and with the approval of the Senate Armed Services Committee.”

After seeing the member sitting in the middle as a host and exchanging eye-to-eye greetings with the members sitting on either side of the speech, Commissioner Gordon spoke first.

“This is Director William Gordon, who is in charge of the Psychic Countermeasures Headquarters. Thank you for arranging a difficult spot today.”

“You say everything. It’s a hearing, but it’s private and the purpose is to exchange opinions and information for writing a report, so let’s talk comfortably.”

“I will.”

Then, a skinny doctor sitting next to him questioned Han Myeong-shik in a cold voice befitting his curly appearance.

“Is Mr. Han a psychic?”

“Yes, it is.”

“Can you show your skills here and now?”

I was about to hit him, but Commissioner Gordon pressed his arm gently and took his place.

“I’m sorry, Senator. Today’s hearing is not a place to verify Mr. Han’s ability. The qualifications and capabilities of our agents have already been recognized by the Senate Armed Services Committee.”

“That’s right, but as you know, the information on Mr. Han is so limited that I think it’s necessary to check at least our subcommittee.”

This situation happened because he blocked information about himself from being leaked to the outside world. Han Myeong-sik brought out a story he had prepared in advance.

“Unlike other psychics, my ability is unique in that it can only be used in limited situations. Just like the video and audio recording this meeting room are not being recorded.”

“Video and audio are not being recorded?”

“Let’s check it out right now.”

When the moderator beckoned, the middle-aged female stenographer quickly got up and left the conference room. After a while, she returned with an expression of surprise and turned on the large screen on one side of the conference room.

“Count… Oh my god… !”
“Unbelievable… !”
“How could this happen… ?”

The three lawmakers opened their mouths when they saw the scene where the four men, excluding Han Myeong-shik, were sitting facing each other and talking.

“Now do you believe that I am a psychic?”

“I can’t believe it. I apologize if I offended you, Mr. Han.”

“No, I know that you are very patient with me. I will tell you in as much detail as possible.”

If you behave politely with a straight and handsome face, you will inevitably give the other person a good impression. The faces of the three members were visibly relaxed.

“I personally have a lot of questions, but since I have to share an important opinion today, I’ll put it off until next time.”

Haha.”

The atmosphere in the conference room, which had been stiff at the jokes of other impressive lawmakers, softened.

“Let me ask you straight up, is Mr. Han working for the United States of America?”

“No, I am acting under a contract. What you mentioned is a condition specified in the contract, and I will continue to keep it as it has been in the past.”

In response to the firm answer, another member of the legislature stepped forward and added related questions.

“Which of the missions that the Psionics Countermeasures Headquarters has handled or will take on in the future is an operation only for the benefit of the United States?”

“Well, to be honest, I don’t know because I haven’t had that happen until now.”

“Let’s change the question, four psychics are currently serving in the US Army, giving up their nationalities and genders thanks to Mr. Han. Are you saying this isn’t an activity solely for the benefit of the United States?”

“I don’t think there is any guarantee that my colleagues will necessarily act in the interests of the United States.”

In response to this reply, the lawmakers exchanged whispers, and the lawmaker in charge of moderation pointed it out as the representative.

“Excluding Mr. Han, the four women voluntarily applied for military service as a condition of obtaining nationality and exemption from immunity. Don’t you know what that means?”

Before Myeong-shik Han could answer, Director Gordon stepped out.

“A report has already been filed regarding Mr. Han’s relationship with her fellow agents. Please note.”

“Ah… I’m not asking because I don’t know. Mr. Han’s doctor is more important to us than anything else.”

You shouldn’t be dealing with a senator from the world’s most powerful country if you don’t know the intent of such a question. Moreover, isn’t Han Myeong-sik able to look into the other person’s head intact?

“I know what you are curious about.”

“…”

The three old senators were thinking of changing their attitude depending on the answer. Han Myeong-sik, who exchanged glances with Director Gordon, who was nervous next to him, replied in a calm voice.

“I don’t know what you’ll think, but my colleagues won’t make decisions against my will.”

“Even in a situation where you don’t know if it will come back to your disadvantage?”

“Yes, probably.”

“What is your basis for thinking so?”

“Because we are psychics.”

“… !!”

The senators, who did not expect such an answer, could not hide their expressions. I was even more surprised, especially since I was expecting an expected response based on what was stated in the report.

Director Gordon, who smiled with a satisfied smile at Han Myung-sik’s response, spoke in a calm voice that was unique to him.

“If I have to explain further from my point of view, who has led the headquarters from its inception until now, today’s position itself would not have been possible without Mr. Han.”

“Even if the United States Department of Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff directly step forward?”

“Of course.”

“That is a rather shocking opinion. Based on the report, it seems that the power of psychics is not that much?”

“My opinion is not that our US forces cannot win against psychics, but that our headquarters would not have the current role and status.”

In response to this answer, another member of the legislature nodded and asked a question.

“Does that mean that because of Mr. Han, we were able to recruit other agents, and that is why the bonds between agents may be different from our common sense?”

“Exactly.”

As expected, his level of understanding was higher than that of ordinary people, as he was a senator. Thanks to the director’s step forward, he did not have to give difficult answers, and Han Myeong-sik felt much more comfortable.

“It seems that we need to change our perceptions and thoughts about psychics before we go further.”

“If you do that, I think it will be easier for me to be active.”

Haha.”

At this point, it is not a hearing, but a strategy meeting. A lawmaker, who was going through the materials prepared in advance, asks an important question.

“From the report of the operation in leader, it seems that Mr. Han was targeted, is that correct?”

“It appears to be a report written by Agent Daisy Brown, who also participated in the mission, of the same opinion.”

“As stated in the report, are you sure the opponent is China?”

“It is estimated so.”

“Does Mr. Han think there is a separate basis?”

It means to ask for personal thoughts that are not included in the report. When Director Gordon nodded, Myeong-sik Han answered honestly.

“It is because of the difference between two dead and one missing among the three psychics who have been confirmed in leader.”

“What difference did it make?”

“Two people who were famous and known to the public died in mysterious accidents, and one little-known person disappeared.”

“Can’t it be a coincidence, looking at the cause of death, it’s a common accident in leader?”

“So it seems that China intervened. Compared to those two, isn’t the ability of a missing psychic obviously not useful militarily?”

Maybe it works because they are experts, but the expressions of the senators who were listening relaxedly changed immediately.

(Continued on next episode 212)