"OK, tell me." Answered Bod Stokes.
"For one, you should tell Mr Hum to have Central Sky Office send a message, handing over Stan's case to SHADOW. No one from Special Patrol Squadron should be involved to avoid any suspicion."
"Secondly, privately inquire with Hum to find out if he knows about a department within the Special Patrol Squadron called the 'SSS Special Operations Team' and what its purpose is."
"And thirdly, spread some rumors privately, stating that Central Sky Office plans to recommend Ian Blade to take over as the head of Special Patrol Squadron."
"Got it. I'll get to work right away," Bob replied loudly on the other end of the line.
"That's it for now. Get busy, and let me know if you have any updates." Billy said before ending the call.
"Boss, why did you ask Mr Hum to spread that rumor?" Stout asked once Billy put away his phone.
"Boss is probably trying to draw the snake out of its hole!" Night Orchid chuckled.
"What do you mean?" Stout frowned for a moment and then seemed to catch on. "I understand now. Boss wants them to make a move against Ian, right?"
"You got it!" Night Orchid smiled again.
"All the government offices in the capital should be aware of the relationship between Ian and boss by now." She continued. "If Ian were to become the head of Special Patrol Squadron, it would surely cause more panic among those behind the scenes than Mr Mitchell's appointment did. Most likely, they will try to stop it in any way they can."
"I see." Stout nodded.
"Ian, for the next few days, keep an eye on the people from Special Patrol Squadron. If you discover anything, call me immediately." Billy instructed Ian.
"Understood!"
The next morning, Night Orchid received a document. The document was brief, instructing SHADOW to take over Stan Mitchell's case and solve it within ten days.
After receiving the document, Night Orchid had Brigham Bush and a hundred SHADOW operatives directly enter Special Patrol Squadron's main base to conduct interviews and gather information.
Meanwhile, an unconfirmed rumor began spreading in the capital - the newly appointed Deputy Minister of Special Patrol Squadron, Ian Blade, was about to take over as the head of the department.
As this news spread, several government offices sent representatives to Central Sky Office's gate early in the morning to verify the authenticity of the news. Many of them protested, saying that Ian was not familiar with the work of Special Patrol Squadron, and appointing him to such a high position was a blatant abuse of power by Central Sky Office. However, they were all turned away at the gate by Bob Stokes and his team. Additionally, some high-ranking officials went directly to the Palace, pleading with those in power to reconsider, emphasizing that this matter was not to be taken lightly. But just like those who went to Central Sky Office, they were unable to gain entry to the Palace and were persuaded to leave.
That afternoon, Bob Stokes came to SHADOW.
"Boss!" After entering Night Orchid's office and addressing Billy, Bob Stokes greeted Night Orchid and Stout as well.
"Did you find out anything about that 'SSS Special Operations Team'?" Stout asked Bob Stokes.
"No," Bob shook his head. "Hum said he's never heard of such a department before. But I have a feeling that he's not really clueless, but he doesn't want to tell me."
"I'm almost certain of it." He added.
"Most likely," Night Orchid nodded slightly. "Given Hum's position, it's highly unlikely he's never heard of it."
"I'm getting more and more curious about this department. It's strange that it's so secretive that even Hum refuses to talk about it." Stout commented.
"Boss, should we ask people from the War Department if they know anything about it?" Bob asked.
"Let's wait for now," Billy said after a brief moment of contemplation. "If Hum is unwilling to speak about it, then the War Department likely won't either."
"Alright," Bob shrugged.
Just then, Night Orchid's phone rang.
"Brigham, what's up?"she answered the call.
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