So Brennan pulls raw intel from Russia Desk and has Strzok and Ciaramella craft a story for NIE and 2017 ICA.
The Steele Dossier isn’t strong enough for McCain to get Senate to 100% affirm Russian interference in 2016 election.
Smolenkov who hasn’t been in the position Brennan attributes to him for a few months either submits info trying to justify his payments or Brennan and team make shit up of what he reported - earth way it’s a lie. Hey package it up in envelope.. do a big show for certain WH admin officials.. and then later brief Gang of 8 and 2017 ICA is cemented and basis for Russia hoax.
Meanwhile Smolenkov goes dark. Brennan and team try to get him to come to USA (sure!) and BHO expels diplomats — prompting Flynn Kislyak call (naturally). Brennan calls counter part at FSB and warns him not to meddle in election — gives him enough info to burn Smolenkov. Smolenkov can’t see light of day cuz it will destroy narrative for Brennan.
Trump gets ready to come into office.. they have Flynn op going.. kick it up in January 2017 WH meeting. Biden goes off to Ukraine to clean shit up there. Rice gets busy cleaning up just in case Flynn isn’t taken out. Comey and Yates got their jobs on Flynn and Page and Papa.
Then Smolenkov surfaces.. panic! Try to get him extracted — but he won’t come.
Trump inaugurated (insert Burisma / Ukraine timeline here) they move on Flynn. May / June 2017 key activity with Russia and USA. Comms with Lavrov and Kislyak in WH — but they (shadow govt) are cut out! How? Ezra-Cohen Watnick and Rich Deare and Tera Dahl and Derrick Harvey and others at NSC. McMaster fails .. DIA guy is the go between with Pompeo CIA and Trump during key period — they are cut out of comms. Pompeo and Grenell and O’Brien bring Smolenkov out thru Montenegro / Kosovo / Serbia (good job) .. and stick him right in middle of DC daring Brennan and others to touch him! Beautiful!
The battle for control of NSC filter rages and Ezra moves to DoJ.. this has been a beautiful plan! Q Team rocks!