Chapter 30 - Adjudication Constipation

NSA Lynch escorted Jack down the long corridor that extended from the secure conference rooms underneath the White House towards the exit. Both had been excused from SECCOM3 after Jack had completed his briefing to the President and DEFSEC Gautrachs.

“COUNSELOR’s suicide wasn’t even mentioned. There is no way that was an independent event, Jack. Why?” NSA Lynch inquired in a hushed voice.

“There is no evidence to suggest that COUNSELOR’s death was a homicide. We’ve reviewed extensive video surveillance of the event and it is certain she took her own life, Sloan.” Jack replied truthfully.

“It can’t be a coincidence that three jurors have been removed from service within 24 hours, Jack. Don’t lie to me. What the f#@k is going on? You should know more. How do you think this will play out? You are either keeping the details to yourself or you are right in the middle of this conspiracy.” NSA Lynch responded describing the situation with the word on everyone’s mind but yet to be uttered in any circle.

Jack stopped and turned toward the NSA with a stern face and a penetrating stare. “Sloan, I am working every angle of this investigation with all due diligence. I will not lie to you. I understand your concern. It’s my concern, as well. You need to focus on POTUS and keep his head in the game. I am counting on you to provide him with honest and unbiased advice until we resolve this situation.” Jack stated firmly then continued walking with determined pace toward the exit.


NSA Lynch knew not to follow any further and not to ask any more of Jack. Honest and unbiased advise was his duty. He lived by it. He also knew that Jack’s words deliberately revealed to him Jack’s suspicions of the President’s other advisors, specifically those within the ‘Gang of Five’ jurors, whom were the only individuals privy to the jury’s purpose and even it’s existence.

Finally alone with the elected Commander-in-Chief inside SECCOM3, DEFSEC Gautrachs confronted the President. “Mr. President, the nation’s intelligence infrastructure and capabilities are completely compromised without a sitting jury. You must take action to fill the three vacated seats immediately!,” he implored.

“Jon, I understand the urgency and appreciate the urgency.,” the President replied. “However, there is no confirmation that SHERIFF or EMPATH are dead or permanently incapacitated to serve.”

DEFSEC interrupted, “But COUNSELOR is dead, and we can only assume the worst for the other two. You need to appoint replacements.”


President Iglesias paused in deliberation before speaking. “COUNSELOR’s seat is the only one that can be reassigned at this time. I need to give the DNI and SMA the necessary time to determine the whereabouts and/or fate of the other two jurors.,” he retorted with atypical defiance of the DEFSEC’s instructions.

DEFSEC Gautrachs was shocked by the response he had been given. His blood boiled furiously within as was visible in his angrily contorted facial expression. How dare Angel reject him, he thought to himself. After several calming breaths, he replied with feigned respect, “You are right, we need to preserve the integrity of the jury. I will have the list of potential alternates for COUNSELOR’s seat for your consideration within the hour. Your decision to appoint jurors for the other two seats should not be made until we determine whether SHERIFF and EMPATH remain capable of serving.”

The DEFSEC clinched his teeth with such force that his jaw muscles bulged from underneath his fattened cheeks. The veins in his forehead throbbed angrily with each beat of his raging pulse. It took every bit of constraint he could muster to acquiesce to the inferior man in front of him.

After a short pause, DEFSEC Gautrachs continued, “Mr. President, should it become necessary to fill all three seats, you will have the opportunity to apply your legacy on the jury more so than any of your successors since its inception.”

President Iglesias considered the DEFSEC’s profound statement. It was true. Not since LBJ created the jury in the wake of JFK’s assassination had any other sitting President been in the position to reshape it’s composition as he potentially could. The effect of which, he knew, could determine the future of the United States more so than any other appointments for which he was charged. Replacing three jurors would overturn the majority and define the jury’s posture for all future decisions. Only then did he realize the magnitude of the situation and appreciate the responsibility resting with him.

“We must find the missing jurors. I want to be notified of any and all status updates immediately.” the President instructed his DEFSEC firmly before exiting the room with renewed conviction in his duties to lead the nation.