Page 2 of Code Name: Tank
When she realized his attention was directed at her, Dragon’s posture relaxed, as if his presence was reassuring rather than intimidating.
“We’re tracking some concerning intel,” Hartwell said. His voice carried a strain that didn’t match his composed appearance. “Money moving in ways that suggest organized financing, but we need to be cautious not to jump to conclusions until we have more evidence.”
I leaned forward. “What is the fiscal impact so far?”
“One point two billion in delayed contracts,” Admiral responded.
“Both production lines were manufacturing systems for deployment—Ukraine and Taiwan,” Hartwell added. He cleared his throat, and I noticed his hands clench before he continued. “The thieves knew which contracts to hit for maximum strategic impact. What’s troubling is that whoever did this had access to classified funding systems through compromised government authorization codes.”
“How did they get those codes?” Dragon asked. “Treasury systems are supposed to be impenetrable.”
Hartwell’s expression grew more troubled. “That’s what’s deeply concerning. Our systems are supposed to be the most secure in the world.”
“If someone found a way to breach them...” Alice said, trailing off as the implications sank in.
“We need to determine how this happened,” said Admiral.
“Fuck,” I muttered under my breath as I realized the gravity of what we were dealing with. We weren’t discussing corporate embarrassment. We were talking about military readiness.
“Foreign operatives?” Dragon asked.
“Almost certainly,” Alice said. “The sophistication of the unauthorized transfers suggests whoever is doing this has significant resources, and the timing coordination points to an organized operation.”
“This feels like a probe,” Hartwell said, his voice taking on a gentler tone as he looked at Dragon. “Testing our response times. I suspect we’re seeing preparation for a larger-scale operation.”
Admiral’s gaze swept the room before settling on Dragon and me. “The DOJ wants a comprehensive assessment. Dragon, we need you to determine the source of these financial breaches and identify the transfer methods. Tank, you’ll work with Treasury.”
I felt a tightness in my chest as I realized where this was headed. The assignment I’d been both hoping for and dreading since Dragon joined K19.
“Timeline?” Dragon asked.
“Departure first thing tomorrow,” Admiral replied. “First assessment at Titan Defense tomorrow afternoon.”
“Any intel on potential perpetrators?” I asked.
“That’s what we need you to determine,” said Hartwell. His response came too fast, and I caught the way his eyes avoided direct contact. “I don’t want to influence your findings with premature conclusions. What we need are fresh eyes on this.”
He glanced at his phone, then raised his head. “I have to return to Washington. Keep me informed of your progress—all communications should go through me.”
Dragon’s eyebrows rose at that directive, but she didn’t comment.
“Thank you for coming, sir,” Admiral said.
“Of course. And I’ll make sure you have direct access to any Treasury assets you need. Keep me abreast of your progress.” When he turned to Dragon, his tone shifted to genuine warmth, though something in his expression seemed strained. “Good to see you again, Agent Drago. I’m glad you’re leading this inquiry—your abilities are what we need.” I noticed Dragon’s first real smile of the morning.
“Thank you, James,” she said quietly. “I appreciate your continued confidence in my abilities.”
As Hartwell gathered his materials, preparing to leave, I wondered what the connection between the Secretary of the Treasury and a former CIA intelligence specialist was.
“Physical security concerns for site visits?” Atticus asked.
“Unknown at this time, but assume elevated threat level. Standard K19 protection protocols for high-risk ops,” Admiral said.
“What about contact methods?” Alice asked, then pressed a hand to her stomach with a grimace. “If federal agencies have been compromised…”
Admiral was instantly alert. “Alice, you should?—”
“I’m fine,” she said, scowling at him.
