“Someone is playing foul. They have been clipping our agency, systematically eliminating experienced agents – one by one. The Rookies – they don’t even stand a chance.”
“Did you check rival agency activities? ISI, MSS or maybe one of the less active neighbouring agencies?”
“We have done all that exercise. They too are being clipped in a similar way. All this is being done systematically and with a plan that each one will doubt the other rival agencies and we end up eliminating each other’s agents at slightest provocation… Here, in Amsterdam, 5 agents have already been eliminated in the past week, all belonging to different agencies.”
“I heard about these mystery murders on the TV, any info on them?”
“Yes – two belonged to ISI, one from CIA, KGB and SAYAPA each.”
“SAYAPA? Why?”
“Only if, we could find who is behind these – we would know the answer.”
“Forget RAW, what makes you think that I, an agent who has been inactive for almost 3 years can make a difference?”
“You are a born fighter Lion. You were the best we had and you could be on their elimination list. It’s a choice – you rather fight to win than offer yourself like a sitting duck. You also had a fantastic network outside the agency. Wherever the agency had involved you, you had been able to sabotage the enemy on their own ground to perfection – you were too perfect in your job to become their enemy number one… Look – together – you and me – we could team up again and get to the bottom of who it is and why – and then let the agency handle…” Victor stopped short as Lion patted the table and turned around to see the approaching cruise member.
“I would love a repeat drink please.” Lion said, the cruise member looked at Victor who shook his head for any drink. The cruise member bowed and left to check orders for other tables.
“That should take care of him for 10-15 more minutes” Lion observed and continued, “Victor – you said experienced agents – what do you mean by that – I am inactive – extinct as per records.”
“What I meant was agents who are really good in their jobs – getting results at least 8 out of 10 times – your score reads 9.99 – by far the highest amongst any agency in the world.”
“So should I understand that it’s not the tenure but the effectiveness of an agent?”
“That’s correct. Karim Khan – ISI – had tenure of less than 15 months – sniper ripped him right between his eyes – this was yesterday – here in Amsterdam… His effectiveness was 8.3”
“This clearly means that a rat in ISI sold Karim Khan for money or some personal gain or revenge… someone in higher rank, someone, who has the access to this type of data.”
“There are rats in every agency – all it takes is one little slip up and then he gets exposed… that’s rare.”
“I understand that – tell me if you have noticed any specific pattern?”
“I won’t call it a pattern – my observation is – about 70% were eliminated when they were alone, using a sniper rifle – 10% in road accidents and the balanced were poisoned – almost …”
“Almost?”
“Yes – about 5 odd cases where they were eliminated using a bomb blast… all these blasts occurred near Chinese embassies.”
“Leading to doubts and wild goose chases?”
“Exactly – the only thing which stopped all agencies to target MSS was; MSS agents were killed along with other agents when they seemingly were engaged in chats with these other agents. So the question remains – who the hell is doing all this & what is the intention behind the clipping of all agencies?”
“You haven’t eliminated the possibility of MSS behind all the happenings… correct?”
“Nobody has … Nobody also has any proof of their hand in these clippings… it’s about few odd MSS agents against 200+ other agencies.”
“You ought to understand – China tells lies – it hides figures to undermine their losses to the world.”
“I did consider all that you are pointing out – only if – we could get one glimpse of that elusive clipper group…”
“All the best buddy that you find who is behind this and get to the bottom of these clippings.”
“Aren’t you going to join us and help us in finding it out?”
“Nopes – Don’t want to get dragged into any dirty work anymore.”
“Please – we need you…”
“You are wasting your time – better, that you use your network and be on lookout.”
Victor got up from his seat in despair, shook his head and walked to the back railing of the boat and stood there looking blankly at the running water trail left behind by the cruise smoking away in depression. Lion kept sipping on his drink and clicking photos, like any tourist. They looked perfect strangers to any unknown pair of eyes…
An announcement was made by the cruise guide for the patrons to join the meal served on the 1st floor deck which was accompanied with live music and people on the top deck started to make their way as per the announcement. Lion sat on the table sipping his drink. Once done – he looked at Victor who still was staring away at the water trail, leaning against the railing. He picked up his camera and started making his way to the 1st floor deck… he started to climb down. His view started to get cut as he descended the stairs and was about to change into the first floor deck view when he saw blood ooze out from Victor’s temples and saw his body drop over the railing into the water below. He quickly put his camera on panoramic view and captured every possible view, still standing on the stairs away from the sniper’s view. He then proceeded to the deck where the meal was being served. He walked back to his hotel – thinking all the way about Victor who had been his aide on many missions – he knew he could help him – no more…