He attempted to shift all the responsibility onto the external factor, Song Heping.
However, Gordon coldly interrupted him: "Director Vincent, we have received an analysis from other intelligence channels."
He pushed a thin document in front of him, "The analysis suggests that the intelligence about the meeting between Abu You and Song Heping, circulating online, has a very suspicious origin, with indications that it may have been deliberately placed and 'accidentally' discovered by the 1515. Its purpose was to trigger a purge within the KPG against Abu You. If this is true..."
He paused, staring at Vincent with eyes sharp as knives: "Then it means... someone, or some organization, has successfully exploited our and KPG's internal procedures, cleverly advancing the development of the entire event, ultimately strengthening their own power. And our intelligence system not only failed to provide early warning, but even possibly... became a tool exploited by others to some extent. What do you have to say about this?"
Vincent's back was instantly soaked in cold sweat.
The security advisor's words didn't directly accuse him, but clearly pointed to the grave failures, even incompetence, under his leadership at the CIA.
"This... this requires further investigation..."
Vincent's voice was somewhat dry.
"I'm afraid you don't have much time for an investigation, Mr. Director."
Gordon leaned back, his tone becoming more formal.
"The Security Committee on Congress Hill has decided to hold a closed-door hearing regarding the recent rapid deterioration in Northern Illiguo and the damage it has caused to our national security interests. You need to attend and face questioning. The committee will decide, based on the hearings, whether someone needs to assume leadership responsibility for this."
Those words felt like a final verdict, sinking Vincent's heart to the bottom.
A hearing?
Assuming responsibility?
He knew his career had now reached its most dangerous edge.
...
That night, the camp lights on the Persian Plateau twinkled like stars.
Song Heping, in his command post, received an encrypted satellite call.
It was from Angel.
"Honey."
Angel's voice carried a hint of excitement.
"In the circles of London and Washington, word is spreading that Vincent got a severe reprimand at the White House, and Congress plans to hold a hearing to investigate his responsibility in the Illiguo affairs. This guy's in big trouble!"
Holding the phone, Song Heping walked to the window, looking at the silent mountains outside, his face showing no surprise: "This is his own doing. From the moment he decided to nail me on the KB member list, he should have expected today would come."
"This is good news for you."
Angel said, "If he steps down, the newly appointed director might adopt a different strategy, and your situation might improve, at least with much less pressure."
Song Heping paused for a moment, his brain working quickly, then said: "Angel, we can't passively wait for the hearing's outcome. We need to proactively give Vincent a 'push,' to make the fire burn even hotter, ensuring he can't escape."
"Oh? What do you have in mind?"
Angel asked with interest.
"Starting tomorrow, use your Horizon news group to fully report on the Kurd Armed division event."
Song Heping's tone was steady yet carried an undisputable force.
"Focus on these points: First, CIA's intelligence network in Northern Illigo is almost paralyzed, unable to provide effective support for military operations. Second, it's precisely because of CIA's erroneous policies and intelligence failures that its important allies suffered internal division and weakened strength. Third, appropriately reveal some..."
"Details that we 'know' about CIA intelligence networks being systematically cleared by the 1515. Link Vincent's 'incompetence' and 'decision-making errors' directly to the current unfavorable battle situation."
Angel couldn't help but laugh on the other end: "Brilliant! Baby, you're a genius! This is launching a media trial before the hearing, putting Vincent on the grill! The Congress cares most about media pressure. I'll arrange the best hosts and commentators to ensure this play is loud and resounding!"
"Remember, make it look like a normal news investigation and commentary, maintaining your 'objective, independent' media image." Song Heping advised.
"Don't worry, baby." Angel confidently agreed: "This is my specialty."
After the business talk, the two lingered intimately for a while before reluctantly ending the call.
The call ended, but a media storm targeting CIA Director Vincent quietly began to unfold.
The next morning, major mainstream media in the United States, especially the television stations, websites, and newspapers under the Horizon news group, began to overwhelming report on the Kurd Armed division event in Northern Illigo.
The prime-time current affairs talk shows became key battlegrounds.
...
In the studio, a pretty and capable female host wore a concerned expression as she spoke to the camera.
"Welcome back to 'Deep Focus.' Recently, the key force against the 1515 Armed in Northern Illigo, the Kurd Armed, experienced severe internal strife, with the elite Abu You Department announcing its departure from the KPG Committee, reportedly aligning with other forces. This event has undoubtedly cast a thick shadow over our anti-terror operations in the region. Today, we have invited former Ministry of Defense official and senior strategic analyst Mark Thompson, and Middle East Security Observation's chief editor, Sarah Jones. Welcome to both of you."