Something was definitely up, thought Jason Bigley. Suddenly all his sources in the military had clammed up. He had been on to something important, something to do with orbital space. He was preparing an in-depth report for the website he worked for. Such a coup was needed as the site was in danger of shutting down.
Jason wasn't going to let that happen. He would go with what he had even though he knew his information was incomplete. He would do a write-up of the story that he had and fill in the gaps with reasonable conjecture. He would send the finished story to his military sources. If there were no objections he would put it on the website.
Jason knew the military had embarked on a program to get all its hypersonic squadrons on high alert, that he was sure of. The order had seemingly come because of an investigation being conducted by Space Command. That was the space connection. But exactly why the military was worried about space he didn't know.
He did know that the Chinese were planning massive war games and that they had space assets as well as a base on the moon. But China was technically still an ally of the United States so why this should cause an alert was unclear. That and a few other minor points was all he had so he wrote up the story and sent it to his contacts.
He waited three days.
One of his contacts, a former Colonel in Space Command called.
“You can't put out this drivel,” said Colonel Sloan.
“What do you mean,” said Jason. “It's all the truth, and accurate as far as I know.”
“But that is the point, you don't know enough. You are jumping to conclusions. You insinuate that the Chinese are planning something that will affect the United States' access to space. But the link is not direct it's purely circumstantial.”
“Well,” said Jason. “If you would like to fill me in on what I don't know I'll change the story.”
“You know I can't do that. I told you when I stopped passing information that a direct request had come down.”
“Your a civilian now Colonel, you don't have to follow orders.”
“That's where we part company Jason. I may be a private citizen but when I believe that something I do can bring more harm than good to the country then that is where I draw the line.”
“Okay. Basically, you are telling me that I don't have the whole truth, but you and the rest of your kind aren't willing to fill me in. So there you have it. I also have a duty to publish the truth as I know it. Maybe once it's out there the military or others like you will correct me and we, that is citizens of the country, can know what our government is up to.”
“Jason I will tell you one last time. You print this mashup of yours and you will lose all your contacts in the military. Now and in the future. We just won't trust you anymore.”
“Colonel, that is your prerogative. But I have news and I will publish it.”
“Goodbye Jason.”
“Goodbye Colonel.”
Jason was shaking when he closed his Annie. They'll see, he thought. I've got enough to publish and they know it. We'll see who becomes the pariah.
Jason's boss had read the copy. He put down his Annie and turned to Jason.
“Jason,” said Max Cleveland. “You are sure of this story. This is the truth isn't it? The whole truth.”
“Yes Max. Everything I got came from a trusted source. The linkages in the information are obvious to everyone that has read the piece. I think there is enough in there to force the military out into the open about what is going on in space. The Chinese have some kind of weapons platform up there and the US military is worried enough to put our top assets on alert.”
“The Chinese haven't been particularly aggressive in their space program in recent years Jason. Besides the moon base they haven't conducted any unusual tests, no secret satellites, nothing. You are accusing them, indirectly to be sure, of militarizing space. Jason that is a big, blaring headline that will be around the world in seconds. You have to guarantee me that at least that part of the story is based on solid evidence.”
“I guarantee that the Chinese are up to something. I found out that much before everyone clammed up.”
“Okay, it's going online tomorrow. The biggest headline we've ever run. We will either be lauded or driven out of business.”
Back at his desk, Jason felt relief. He was sure he was right. The fact that no one actually confirmed it made him even more sure. The US military had been caught flat-footed, and they were trying to correct the mistake before anyone found out. Only now they wouldn't have the chance. He smiled.
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