Flumes Vol. 2 Issue 2 Winter 2017 | Page 96

SENATOR:

(snaps, angry) Leave it!

Clark reflexively stands to attention, avoiding the Senator’s scolding eyes.

SENATOR:

Lieutenant, it’s not your position to decide or even interpret the truth. You leave that to us.

CLARK:

(humble) Yes, Senator. (continues reading from her notes) According to a former CIA officer al-Qaida is a "loose label for a movement that seems to target the West". "There is no umbrella organization. We like to create a mythical entity called al-Qaida in our minds, but that is not the reality we are dealing with.”

SENATOR:

I don’t have time for this bullshit! Get what we need from her or we’ll lose the appropriations budget. You understand what I’m saying, General?

GENERAL:

We’re on the same page, Senator.

The Senator scowls and exits. The general goes to the door and secures it closed, turns back to Clark, lowers his voice.

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