Chapter 6 Summary:

Dr. Robert Jackson returns to the FBI's Los Angeles office after lunch with his friend Joe Carter, only to find a message summoning him to meet with Special Agent in Charge Oliver Franklin. Though such meetings are uncommon without notice, Jackson heads to Franklin’s office, where he learns that the President has requested him for an upcoming joint CIA-FBI operation.

Franklin provides few details, explaining that the assignment is Top Secret and Jackson must leave for the White House later that evening. Though the nature of the project remains undisclosed, Jackson is told his cryptology expertise is essential. He’s authorized to designate a temporary team lead, and he chooses Tracy Cummins, a capable colleague, even though she isn't the most senior.

Jackson is instructed to keep the purpose and location of the assignment confidential, raising his concern about a possible security leak—especially since Carter mentioned a rumored top-level project earlier that day. Although tempted to share that fact with Franklin, Jackson withholds the information and has decided to investigate privately for now.

As the weight of the classified operation sets in, Jackson begins to feel the gravity of what lies ahead, questioning whether he’s truly prepared for the unknown but committed to fulfilling the role.