Executive orders - Tom Clancy [463]
Plumber had seen his profession change. There was too much arrogance, and too little realization of the fact that the public they served no longer trusted them-and that wounded Plumber. He deemed himself worthy of that trust. He deemed himself a professional descendant of Ed Murrow, whose voice every American had learned to trust. And that was how it was supposed to be. But it wasn't, because the profession could not be policed from without, and it would never be trusted again until it was policed from within. Reporters called down every other profession-medicine, law, politics-for failing to meet a level of professional responsibility which they would allow no one to enforce on themselves, and which they themselves would too rarely enforce on their own. Do as I say, not as I do was something you couldn't say to a six-year-old, but it had become a ready cant for grown-ups. And if it got any worse, then what?
Plumber considered his situation. He could retire whenever he wanted. Columbia University had more than once invited him in to be an adjunct professor of journalism and ethics, because his was a trusted voice, a reasoned voice, an honest voice. An old voice, he added to himself. Maybe the last voice?
But it all came down, really, to one man's conscience, to ideas inculcated by parents long dead, and teachers whose names he had forgotten. He had to be loyal to something. If he were to be loyal to his profession, then he had to be loyal to its foundation. To tell the truth and let the chips fall. He lifted his phone.
Holtzman, the reporter answered, because it was the business line in his Georgetown home.
Plumber. I've done some checking. It appears you were right.
Okay, now what, John?
I have to do this myself. I'll give you the exclusive on print coverage.
That's generous, John. Thank you, Bob acknowledged.
I still don't like Ryan very much as a President, Plumber added, rather defensively, the other thought. That made sense. He couldn't appear to be doing this to curry favor.
You know that's not what this is about. That's why I talked to you about it. When? Bob Holtzman asked.
Tomorrow night, live.
How about we sit down and work out a few things? This will be a biggie for the Post. Want to share the byline?
I might just be looking for another job by tomorrow night, Plumber observed, with a rueful chuckle. Okay, we'll do that.
SO. WHAT'S THAT mean? Jack asked.
They do not mind anything we're doing. It's almost like they want the carrier there. They have requested that I shuttle back and forth to Taipei-
Directly? The President was astonished. Such direct flights would give the appearance of legitimacy to the Republic of China government. An American Secretary of State would be shuttling back and forth, and a ministerial official did so only between capitals of sovereign countries. Lesser disputes were left to special envoys, who might carry the same power, but nothing approaching the same status.
Yeah, that kinda surprised me, too, Adler replied over the encrypted channel. Next, the dogs that didn't bark: a cursory objection to your 'two Chinas' gaffe at the press conference, and trade never raised its ugly head. They're being real docile for people who killed a hundred-plus airline passengers.
Their naval exercises?
They will continue, and they practically invited us to observe how routine they are.
Admiral Jackson was listening on the speakerphone. Mr. Secretary? This is Robby Jackson.
Yes, Admiral?
They staged a crisis, we move a carrier, and now they say they want us around, am I getting this right?
That's correct. They do not know that we know, at least I don't think they do-but you know, I'm not sure that matters at the moment.
Something's wrong, the J-3 said immediately. Big-time wrong.
Admiral, I think you might be correct on that one, too.
Next move? Ryan asked.
I guess I go