Legionaries

Ed Harsono

October 1, 2007

At 15:02

BERNARD Williams, an English philosopher, once said: 'Planning is like a jewel that must be polished with hard work'. It was these words of pearl that always inspired me. Mainly in determining every crucial step for the survival of my career and personal life.

A careful planning coupled with hard work has led me to the greatest achievement in the history of my military career. The strategic position that has been the dream of many military officers - namely the position of Head of the State Intelligence Command Agency (KABAKIN) - has been officially in my hands. There is a clear difference between me and the officers out there who are also ambitious to get that important position. My ambition is not based solely on the issue of the amount of income. I am more interested in talking about another factor that is no less tempting, namely freedom of authorization.

With this position, I will have full discretion in taking action. The flexibility that not just military officers can enjoy. Intelligence agencies are the only security institutions in the government that do not receive much public attention. This is inseparable from the existence of the Law that protects and guarantees the confidentiality of the law.

As reported in a number of media, this morning the President has just inaugurated my position as the holder of the highest command of the State Intelligence Command Agency (BAKIN), replacing the late Lieutenant General. Rico Priyambodo died a few days ago in an accident. To be honest, I was flattered by the trust the President placed in me, despite the fact that the main factor that determined my success was a well-organized plan.

Shortly after the inauguration procession, the President had advised me to immediately coordinate with the entire ranks of the intelligence deputy. In my opinion, it was nothing more than mere normative instruction. For intelligence matters, I clearly better understand which affairs are most urgent to prioritize. The reform of the organizational structure is no more urgent than the business I want to get done right now.

This afternoon I arranged a meeting with a delegation of the German Ministry of Defense. The German government has long harbored a desire to establish cooperation with the republic in the field of intelligence. Nevertheless, I am not a foolish officer who is incapable of reading their main purpose. Everything is not far from the authorization expansion efforts. It looks like the government of the country nicknamed the country of Bavaria is also eager to plunge the nails of neo-colonialism in Asian countries.

"Report, Ndan. Mr. Hinkel was waiting in the lobby of the Epicentrum" an aide told me by phone.

"Tell him. Five minutes to go to the location."

Mr. Andreas Hinkel, an official of the Bundesministerium der Verteidigung (BMVG), seemed to have been impatient to see me. Maybe he had heard about my inauguration through a news broadcast on national television. A few months ago—even before Lt Gen Rico died—indeed I have established a closed communication with the German man for this cooperation. Previously, he had admitted to being angry with the rejection of the late Lieutenant General Rico on the proposal of cooperation offered. Not wanting to lose his mind, he then went the other way by approaching the confidant of my former superior. And among dozens of intelligence officers, Mr. Hinkel made his choice for me.

The Kijang car I was driving finally arrived at the courtyard of the Epicentrum building. Lieutenant Sarpo and Lieutenant Kamaru, two of my aides who were waiting in front of the lobby moved swiftly towards me. Preceded by extending a salute at the corner of the forehead, the two then led my way into the lobby of the Epicentrum, while the control of the car was taken over by the vallet parking attendant.

I chuckled my steps steadily, much lighter than before. After the inauguration procession, this was practically the first time I could freely hold a meeting in a public place with the German delegation. They must have made some plans for this cooperation project. So is the estimate of the budget with the Euro currency which the amount is certainly not small. As compensation for the expensive banderol, the State Intelligence Command Agency (BAKIN) must seek significant reciprocity.

As has been a heated discussion among intelligence, the German government and the European Union are currently trying to trace the existence of a secret Neo-Nazi-based network that is spreading in the blue continent. Given the reputation of the State Intelligence Command Agency (BAKIN) in combating the practice of terrorism, they consider the security agency that I have officially led as one of the best in Asia. Furthermore, they are eager to develop the human resources that this country has, especially in terms of the application of science in the field of intelligence. The goal is to prepare backup forces to deal with the latent dangers of the Neo-Nazis.

Mr. Hinkel himself in my opinion is a reliable negotiator. His straightforward and diplomatic speech style has indirectly shown his skill in persuasive terms. In just a few face-to-face appearances, the blond man was able to convince me to accept his proposal. To be honest I do not fully understand the scientific languages that are often used, but I still pay the highest respect. I believe that a person of his caliber will honor the commitments agreed so far.

"Mrs. Hinkel," I said when I got in the lobby. Just like me, the Caucasian man seemed to bring along two of his confidants in this meeting. I recognize one of them who is none other than his personal translator. Seeing my presence at the meeting place, the three German men also rose from the sofa chair. Mr. Hinkel greeted me with a warm and vibrant handshake.

"Congratulations for your inauguration, Mr. Harsono!"

"Donke schon." I tried to pronounce a German vocabulary to impress familiarity. Unfortunately, not Mr. Hinkel responded, but his interpreter. If I don't remember wrongly, his name is Sandler. Mr. Sandlers.

"Oh das wahr?" Again, I'm trying to get Mr.'s attention. Hinkel with my German vocabulary in pieces.

"Wir haben auf diesen moment so lange gewartet, Mr. Harsono. Ich bin froh, dass wir affentlich jetzt treffen cone." I was stunned for a moment before glancing at Mr. Sandler was instantly digesting my gesture of incomprehension.

"Mrs. Hinkel is so happy to finally meet you out in the open."

I nodded at the translation. "I'm flattered to accept the representatives of the German government. Mr. President sends his regards to you," I said with an indigenous-style English accent. "The president also hopes that this cooperation will be carried out soon." I tried mixing it with my mother tongue to facilitate communication.

Not long ago, Mr. Sandler seemed to be whispering with Mr. Hinkels. Of course in German. About a drink of coffee after, the translator resumed our conversation.

"Before we apologize, Mr. Harsono. Mr. Hinkel had just decided to shorten the meeting. We have to attend another event this afternoon." This translator is awesome. He not only speaks in terms of language transfer, but also expression transfer. "So, for now we will directly introduce to you one of our agents, a prominent hypnotherapist, Dr. Edward Schumm."

Mr. Sandler pointed his palm at another German sitting next to him.

"Schon dich zu treffen" I said to Dr. Edward while shaking his long thin palm. The palm of the hand swallowed my fingers. It is not a surprise when looking at his posture which is indeed a large height.

"Dr. Edward will provide further exposure on science of intelligence. As for communication, you don't have to worry. Dr. Edward has lived in this country for a long time. He has mastered the local language. We'll leave him with you" said Mr. Sandlers.

"Good, Mr. Sandler's."

I'm trying to look at Dr.'s face. Edward. I was not far from 30-40 years old. My smoke is based on a handful of folds in some parts of his face that are not so many. His physique also looks very fit without any indication of certain diseases. But what caught my attention the most was the eagle-figure tattoo painted on his left wrist.

I can only see the beak, because almost the whole picture of the tattoo is covered in the collar of his arm. But for me it was still a unique sight. Rarely is there a medical worker who likes the art of body painting.

"So, Mr. Harsono," interrupted Mr. Hinkel, suddenly. "I need to get away now. I am really sorry for this inconvenience."

"Not at all, Mr. Hinkels. I do understand that."

"Very nice to meet you in a 'new suit', huh?" The man with a sharp nose laughed after throwing a joke. While I only respond as necessary.

"Nice to meet you too, Mr. Hinkel."

After shaking my right hand, two blond-haired men immediately left the location. No talk of funding or other help. They just left a doctor. A medical man. Why is a medical worker employed in the intelligence world?