An Acceptable Loss

Elizabeth 'Libby' Lamm begins her journey as an adjunct professor at Grant University. Her previous position as a national security adviser places her in the spotlight, facing skepticism from her peers right from the start.

At an academic mixer, Libby is confronted by her colleagues who question her controversial past. The atmosphere becomes tense as suspicions surrounding her history come to the forefront, highlighting her isolation in the academic community.

An op-ed by Capital Dispatch reveals Libby's involvement in a U.S. military operation in Homs, intensifying the scrutiny she faces. This public exposure adds another layer of tension to her already challenging new role.

In response to the growing paranoia, Libby withdraws from modern communication methods. She opts for anonymity, communicating through handwritten notes and securing her private thoughts in a vintage safe.

Martin Salhi, a withdrawn graduate student, begins stalking Libby under the guise of a lawn service flyer. His intrusive behavior escalates as he breaks into her home and installs hidden cameras to watch her movements.

Adrian, the chief of staff for the president, pays Libby a visit, reminding her of their complicated past. He pressures her to keep silent about the Homs operation, creating a stir before she hastily exits her class.

Upon returning home, Libby discovers Martin attempting to access her safe. This startling encounter leads Martin to reveal his motivations for stalking her, driven by the loss of his family in the Homs attack.

With her gun raised, Libby shares her experiences from her memoir, shedding light on the decision-making that led to the Homs strike. Her narrative exposes the complex emotions and moral dilemmas entwined with the incident.

Four years earlier, Libby advises a crucial meeting in the White House regarding a nuclear strike targeting terrorists in Homs. Despite her reservations, the plan is endorsed, leading to tragic consequences.

As covert agents close in, Libby and Martin scramble to evading capture while seeking to deliver her explosive memoir to her father. The urgency to reveal the truth creates a frantic atmosphere that escalates their predicament.

In the midst of their escape, Libby mysteriously vanishes, leaving behind notes that suggest she might have gone into hiding. This twist deepens Martin’s confusion and concern about her safety.

Libby is confronted by President Burke, who offers her a high-ranking political position in exchange for her silence on the memoir. Libby's refusal sets off a chain reaction of consequences that threaten her safety.

Just blocks away from the Springfield Register, Libby, her father, and Martin are tragically killed in a bomb blast that claims 23 lives. The authorities quickly create a narrative framing Martin as a suspect.

In the aftermath of the bombing, the FBI launches an investigation into the attack and its connections. Suspicion grows as they delve into the circumstances surrounding Libby’s death and the motives behind the orchestrations.

Before the chaos, Martin sends a strategic email outlining his plan to evade capture and spread the truth. His efforts to digitize Libby's memoir mark a final act of resistance against the forces that conspired against them.