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position was Chief of Security.”
    “Oh it is,” Dixon reassured her. “That’s only part of the position. What is discussed in this room is confidential. I need for you to sign this non–disclosure agreement locking in your silence before we proceed.” He slid the paper and a pen over to the captain.
    “Of course.” she noted as she signed the paper.
    Dixon continued. “The security chief position is the generic term for what you would be asked to do. The job encompasses that, plus quite a bit more. Publicly, you will interface with the director of the Secret Service mostly for daily security protocols involving the President. At times you will work closely with the commanding officer for the Joint Special Operations Command, but only if a situation with JSOC calls for it. Your job will be to coordinate efforts between those two departments and a secret special op team you will be directly responsible for. As the director of this special team, you will report to the President and be his liaison to the team.”
    Alex straightened more in her chair as she tried to control the smile that threatened to overpower her. Opportunity wasn’t just knocking; it was barging in and taking down the door. This was exactly what she wanted for her career.
    Dixon continued, “The special op team is known as The Colony. The team is funded through the President’s Black Budget, so even Congress is unaware of its existence. It was founded in 1866 as a direct response to the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln and works in conjunction with the Secret Service as presidential security. The Colony’s responsibility has broadened to include assignments with other federal and military agencies, but at all times a member of the Colony is within the inner perimeter of security and works covertly with the Secret Service. Their strengths are many, including the capacity to work with biochemical elements, or in regards to specific ‘cold–blooded’ killers. For example, they were instrumental during the Anthrax scare a few years ago.”
    Alex appreciated the longevity of the team. Its history meant security and prestige for her career. “No doubt, unsung heroes,” she commented.
    “Indeed.” Dixon continued, “The men and women who form the team are unique. Their existence was discovered by a Union lieutenant and personal aide to President Lincoln. One of the founding members of the Colony served under this lieutenant. Another founder was a freed black slave who fought beside him.”
    Alex wasn’t a Civil War buff, but the story fascinated her. So far, the interview seemed right on track and heading to the town of successful–career–move.
    “Those two Civil War soldiers, and founding members of the Colony, are the two other men in this room.”
    Her train just got derailed. “I’m sorry, can you please repeat that?”

CHAPTER EIGHT
     
    Raymond watched the captain as strong mental patterns washed over her. Her cool demeanor had changed from all business, to being confused, and even a little angry. He glanced over at Ben and saw him deep in concentration as he adjusted her moods with his special ability. After a few seconds, Raymond felt the professional, polished edge emanating from her once again. Raymond nodded towards Dixon to have him continue.
    “The two Civil War soldiers are Raymond Metcalf and Ben Gatto,” Dixon repeated as he pointed to the other two men at the table.
    Silence.
    She laughed. “Oh … yeah, right. I’m guessing you must be vampires and live forever, right?”
    We have a winner , Raymond thought. She couldn’t have zeroed in on the truth more if she tried. He watched as Ben concentrated even more. The fact that Ben remained so focused told Raymond that Alex’s moods were hard to control. If he understood the colors correctly, Ben was washing her aura over in a yellow to mellow her out.
    “Yeah, what a great joke fellas. Now really, what is the promotion?” She glanced over to Dixon, but