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In the heart of Los Angeles, as the year draws to a close, hints of winter begin to weave their way into the city's usually sunny landscape. While not as dramatic as in colder climates, there's a perceptible shift in the air, a gentle reminder that change is afoot. Evenings carry a subtle chill, prompting residents to reach for light jackets or cozy sweaters as they venture out into the night. Despite the city's reputation for eternal sunshine, the onset of winter brings with it a sense of anticipation and nostalgia, signaling the start of a new season and the promise of holiday festivities to come. Hurrying up the steps of the iconic Hollywood Tower, Kathy Lakas quickened her pace, her determination evident in each step she took. As she entered the bustling lobby, she veered towards the corridor leading to the company's auditorium, aptly named the Starlight Hall, the hub of meetings and presentations within the headquarters of Starlight magazine, among other notable tenants of the building. Matt served on the Human Rights Advocacy Committee (HRAC), and their meeting was to be held in the executive conference room on the top floor of Hollywood Tower.
Matt was waiting by the door as Kathy opened it. He took her jacket and she could see behind him the six men in the room already seated around a long wooden table. Kathy knew them all. These men were her contemporaries, individuals who harnessed the power of the media to inspire social upheavals during the late '60s and early '70s. They were the journalists, activists, filmmakers, musicians, and artists who saw the media as a potent tool for catalyzing change and challenging the status quo. Together, these men changed the face of the entertainment industry, education, and American politics by harnessing the power of the media to amplify their voices, challenge entrenched norms, and ignite movements for social change. Through their collective efforts, they helped usher in a new era of activism, awareness, and progress that continued to resonate in the form of the pressure group they formed some years ago; the Committee for the Preservation of Human Rights.
"Hi, Larry," Kathy said as a short, paunchy, ginger-haired assistant editor rose to greet her. "Welcome home, Kathy," he answered. He was chairing the meeting and he waved her to a seat at the head of the table. Kathy nodded to the other men around her, John, Edgar, Don, Borges, and Peter. Matt drew up a chair close to hers and she knew him for her ally, despite his reservations concerning the project.
Larry tapped one of the briefing sheets that Kathy had prepared for them. "Let me start by thanking you for providing us with this really good report. I can't fault your research in the time you've had available to you, but I have one question that puzzles me and I think all of us here. To wish to rescue a young woman from captivity, well," Larry shrugged, "that's what we're here for. But Kathy, why do you think anyone should risk their life and reputation to break a third-rate actress like Ms. Barton out of a mental hospital?" he questioned, his skepticism evident in his voice. "Who cares?"
Kathy felt the attention of the men in the room fasten on her. She disciplined her mind to think and speak clearly, knowing that this was going to be one of the most difficult questions she would have to answer that night.
"Listen, Larry," Kathy began, her voice steady and impassioned. "This isn't just about breaking out a 'third-rate actress.' It's about exposing the atrocities happening behind the walls of Pescadero State Hospital. Have you heard about the conditions there? It's a notorious hellhole, with reports of abuse, neglect, and inhumane treatment rampant. Just last month, there was the case of Velvet Brown, that starlet whose addictions were exacerbated by her time in that facility. We can't stand by and let another person suffer needlessly. And what about Mischa's father, Lord Marsden Barton? Nobody bothered to inform him about his daughter's incarceration. It's a gross injustice, and it's indicative of the deteriorating state of our legal system and the abominable bureaucracy of California's mental health and hospital system. Arbitrary confinement by the judge who presided over her case is a concern for every freedom-loving American, especially those who aren't filthy rich or politically connected. We have a moral obligation to act, not just for Mischa, but for the countless others who are trapped in this broken system. This covert operation isn't just about rescuing one person; it's about shining a light on the systemic failures that plague our society and fighting for justice and fairness for all.
"Furthermore, I'm well aware that there are those on the right who might condemn us as bleeding-heart liberals. But let them. This isn't about politics; it's about basic human decency. Even a third-rate actress has a right to a life free from torment and persecution. We can't allow ourselves to be silenced by fear of backlash or criticism. It's well worth the risk to stand up for what's right and to fight for those who can't fight for themselves. We have the power to make a difference, and we owe it to Mischa, to her father, and to every individual who has been wronged by the injustices of our society, to take a stand and demand change."
"I question the wisdom of owing anything to that woman," Borges remarked, his tone tinged with annoyance and anger. "Her entire career seems to be built on nepotism and privilege, with her father buying her roles in movies produced by a studio he owned. What does she truly contribute to society beyond perpetuating the cycle of entitlement and inequality?"
Kathy looked toward him. She had gray-blue eyes and she possessed a disconcertingly direct gaze. Matt recognized the determined set to her mouth and chin. They had been lovers briefly, long ago, when she was a wild, unkempt girl driven by a sense of purpose greater than he could match, and they had cross-crossed the country, speaking from any platform they could find. The years had matured her into a very attractive woman, still with a driving sense of purpose, but with a depth in her eyes now that showed her as a thinking, caring person.
"Listen, Borges," Kathy retorted, her voice brimming with conviction. "I understand your concerns, but this isn't just about Mischa Barton's shortcomings or her privileged upbringing. It's about something much bigger than that. It's about standing up against the tide of heavy bureaucracy that's engulfing our nation, pulling us further away from the principles of freedom and justice that once made it great. If we don't fight for causes like this, if we don't champion the underdogs and shine a light on injustice, then what are we even doing here? We need successes, Borges, we need causes to rally behind, and we need recognition for our efforts, otherwise, Starlight magazine and those like it will simply wither and die in obscurity. We have a responsibility to use our platform to make a difference, to hold those in power accountable, and to fight for a better future for all. Mischa Barton may be flawed, but she's also a symbol of something much larger than herself—a symbol of the struggle for justice and equality in a world that's increasingly hostile to those ideals. And we can't afford to turn our backs on that fight."
The men in that room were silent, knowing that she spoke no less than the truth. They were also uncomfortably aware that the death in exile of Kathy's father had left her with a greater commitment to the human rights cause than any of them held.
"And I might add," Kathy continued, her voice brimming with fervor as she passionately defended her position. "there's something profoundly significant about Mischa's situation that goes beyond mere personal circumstances. As an English citizen, her incarceration by the very country that touts itself as a beacon of freedom and justice is not just a matter of individual injustice, but a diplomatic and moral quandary. The eyes of the world, especially those of America's closest ally overseas, Great Britain, will be watching closely. We can't ignore the symbolism of this moment. By challenging the system and the arrogant bureaucrats who represent it, we're not just fighting for Mischa; we're fighting for the principles of liberty and accountability that underpin our society. This isn't just about one actress; it's about inspiring change on a global scale, showing that even the most powerful institutions are not beyond reproach. Mischa's liberation could ignite a fire of resistance against tyranny and injustice everywhere, breathing new life into the struggle for freedom and dignity for all."
Kathy sensed that the moment had come for decisive action. "What we need to free Mischa Barton is not a ragtag group of social misfits who hate the cops," she declared, her voice ringing with determination. "No, what we need is an elite squad of highly trained professional soldiers—individuals who are not only skilled in combat but who possess the discipline and precision necessary to overcome the formidable security measures, the brutish orderlies, and the indifferent doctors and nurses of Pescadero State Hospital. We need operatives who understand the gravity of the situation and are prepared to execute the mission with unwavering resolve. They must be lethal, yes, but also strategic and disciplined, capable of navigating the complex web of obstacles that stand between us and Mischa's freedom. I have every confidence that we can assemble such a team and execute this operation with the precision and efficiency it demands."
Larry's voice took on a nasty edge as he responded, "And who exactly do you have in mind for this 'elite squad', Kathy? The IRA? The PLO? The Red Army Faction? How about the Black September Movement, or perhaps the Baader-Meinhof Gang? Oh, I know, maybe we should recruit from the Japanese Red Army or the Weather Underground while we're at it!"
"No, I thought of that," Kathy replied. "Any contact with the people you're talking about would only weaken our cause with the public and the media. I propose that we hire a mercenary."
The reaction was as much as she had expected.
"My God!" Larry sounded shocked. "Do you realize what you're saying?"
"To use such a man," Borges said quietly, angry, "is out of the question. It's an immoral suggestion and I'll be damned if I'll have anything to do with it!"
"Would you prefer to consider a terrorist group?" Kathy asked them drily. "Do you think a group of hotheads like that will be more acceptable to your consciences....?"
Matt cut in from across the table. "We agreed to this meeting. Now let's listen to what she's got to say," he demanded.
"We have no choice," Kathy told them. "We need a professional who is as trained and experienced in this field as we are not. We want a man who'll work solely for money. We have the brain----all we need is to buy his muscle and control him. We could not hope to control a terror group in the same way, they might well substitute our cause for theirs, which is a risk we can't take."
"Well," Matt said, catching Kathy's eye as he leaned back in his chair, "no one likes them, but we've achieved nothing through talking and if it comes to a war, then you need soldiers."
The others were silent, still uncommitted.
"I don't like it," Borges protested, "we'd be getting way out of our league. We're not equipped for this."
"Borges, will you shut up and listen," Peter spoke from beside him. His role in Starlight magazine involved overseeing the publication's sociological analysis and commentary section. "This is the first time I've heard anything I can get excited about since I joined this committee. When I think of the frustration that we've faced over the past two years, I think she could have something."
"Well, Kathy," Larry silenced them, "who's going to find us this mercenary?"
Kathy was silent for a moment. She realized that nobody there was going to volunteer. "Me," she said.
"Do you have anyone special in mind?" Peter asked.
"No," Kathy admitted. "If the committee gave me their approval, I guess I'll have to find one."
One of the men who'd stayed quiet all through the meeting was John. He oversaw the publication's political analysis and commentary section. Tall and aesthetic-looking, he had once been one of the most radical men in California.
John's tone was grave as he addressed her, "What exactly are we going to do with Mischa, Kathy? Have you considered the consequences of actually extracting her from Pescadero? What about her mental state? Can we be sure she's truly the person everyone thinks she is?"
"I can vouch for her," Kathy asserted with confidence. "I've checked on it. The problems stem from her fame, really and truly, the stress she's under, and the pressures of the industry. But as for what we'll do with Mischa, I'm not sure. We won't know what to expect until we can get close enough to talk to her," she admitted. "Through the strategic utilization of press conferences, television appearances, and targeted media campaigns, we have the unparalleled opportunity to bring the plight of a woman unjustly and unfairly incarcerated directly into the homes and hearts of the public," Kathy passionately articulated, her conviction palpable in her voice. "We are all too aware of the harrowing realities of life within psychiatric wards and mental hospitals, where the human spirit is often crushed under the weight of institutionalized neglect and mistreatment. Simultaneously, we will leverage Mischa's case to shine a spotlight on the broader issue of mental health care and the systemic injustices faced by countless individuals trapped within the confines of the psychiatric system. Furthermore, we will utilize the resources of our magazine to facilitate Mischa's relocation to a country with no extradition treaty with the U.S., ensuring her safety and freedom from the looming threat of reprisal. Once liberated, Mischa will find sanctuary and solace in a land where she can live out the remainder of her days in peace, shielded from the grasp of a legal system tainted by injustice and fueled by public outcry."
Larry glanced at the men on either side of the table. "Kathy, would you give us a couple of minutes to talk this over amongst ourselves?" he asked.
They called her back after twenty minutes.
"O.K. Kathy," Larry said unwillingly. "A few of us here have strong reservations but we'll go along with you. At least far enough to find out if this idea is feasible."
The meeting broke up.
"Where are you staying?" Matt asked.
"With my aunt."
"I'll give you a lift," he offered. "I'm going that way. Mary's waiting dinner for me with friends. Do you want to come?"
Kathy shook her head. "I'm expected home. Thanks for your help back there," Kathy said as they reached his car.
"That's O.K."
"How far do you think they'll go?" Kathy asked as they drove.
"Well, they'd like all that publicity for their committee, so they'll go along with you, but if things look too dangerous they'll spit you out. Times have changed---don't expect those guys back there to be as committed as they used to be. Like me," he explained lamely, "they've got wives and kids."
The car drew up at some traffic lights. Matt looked across at Kathy, but she hadn't heard him, she was deep in thought.
"Matt," she asked, "you're a Renaissance man. Where the hell do I find a mercenary? Where do I start?"
"Soldier of Fortune."
"What's that?"
"It's a magazine that deals with the pornography of the war trade. In the classified columns at the back, the mercenaries advertise their services. It's in most bookstores," Matt said. "I'll buy you a copy."
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