Page 55 of Dark Chains: First Link
"I understand that you are the only ones who have contact with the women in the breeding enclosure."
"That is correct," Number One said in his flat, robotic-sounding tone.
"Did you tell anyone in there about your plans to save them?"
"We did not," Number One replied. "We have visited the enclosure, but we haven't told anyone anything. As K advised, we do not wish to raise hopes until we have a plan."
"Good. Can you estimate how many you might be able to get out of there?"
There was a long moment of silence on the other side. "Not at this time. We haven't formulated a plan yet."
"Let us know if you need help with that. We have an expert strategist who can assist you, but in order for him to do so, you will need to supply the exact layout and location of theenclosure, its proximity to the harbor, etc. I'm sure that Turner will have more to say about what he needs from you."
Another long moment passed. "We need time to plan, and we need that other mode of communication that was mentioned during the previous conversation. Getting Losham's phone again might be problematic, if not impossible. We'd rather not risk it again."
"Onegus has the details on the communication device we will provide you with," Kian said. "I'll let him take over."
Onegus pulled his tablet closer. "I suggest that you take notes. We're going to deliver a secure communication device to you on Tuesday at zero five hundred, your time, and I need to walk you through the logistics."
"We're listening," Volkov said.
"The device will be carried by a micro-drone, which will be released from a larger drone at high altitude. The larger drone will pass over the island at an elevation that's above your radar detection threshold. The micro-drone will detach and descend to a predetermined location. The problem is that the micro-drone is essentially falling rather than navigating. It has stabilization fins and a basic guidance system, but it's not a precision instrument. In order for the device to be small enough to avoid detection, the onboard technology and propulsion need to be minimal. We can target a general area of roughly a hundred and fifty-meter radius. The casing is fitted with a small infrared beacon that activates on impact. It pulses once every three seconds and is visible from approximately two hundred meters in clear conditions. Can you get night-vision goggles? These will go a long way toward helping you locate the device."
"We can get them," Number One said.
"Good. Because finding a small object in the dark that might be wedged between rocks or hidden by vegetation is not something that should be attempted with the naked eye. The beacon will make it straightforward for you, but it's invisible to anyone else that's not in close proximity, even if they have night-vision equipment, so even if a patrol stumbles into the area, they won't notice anything unusual."
"Where are you planning to drop it?" Number One asked.
"I need you to suggest a location that is remote enough that the drone's descent won't be observed, clear enough of dense vegetation that the device can be located after landing, and accessible to your team without attracting attention."
"How small is this device?" Number One asked.
"The communication unit itself is about the size of a thumbnail. It's embedded in a protective casing that's slightly larger, roughly the dimensions of a cigarette lighter. The casing is matte black and designed to be inconspicuous. The communication device has two parts, though. A receiver, which is the small unit I described, and a transmitter that needs to be installed in a fixed location with line-of-sight to our satellite. The transmitter is a flat disc, about the size of a coin, that adheres to any surface. It needs to be placed somewhere elevated and unobstructed."
The one they had installed on the harem cliffs seemed like ancient technology compared to this new generation. It had been much larger, which hadn't been a problem since it was easy to hide in a crevice on the cliff.
"Are there any limitations as to where it can be installed?" Number One asked. "Things that will interfere with the transmission?"
"That's an excellent question. Keep it away from the island communication towers. Other than that, anywhere with clear sky exposure that isn't regularly inspected is good. A rooftop or a water tower. The disc is small and inconspicuous. It looks like a piece of hardware."
"We'll find a suitable location," Number One said. "As for the drop zone, there is a deserted stretch of coastline on the southeastern side of the island. It's a rocky terrain with sparse vegetation, and no patrol routes pass through it because there's nothing there to guard. We can provide you with the coordinates."
"That sounds perfect," Onegus said.
"How does the communication device get recharged?" Dimitri asked.
"The receiver draws power from body heat when it's being worn," Onegus explained. "It's designed to sit in the ear canal, and the thermal differential between body temperature and ambient air generates enough charge for short transmissions. For longer conversations, you can place it in direct sunlight for approximately two hours to build a full charge. The transmitter is solar-powered and self-sustaining once installed."
"Impressive engineering," Dimitri said.
"It is. We have talented people."
"I'm looking forward to meeting them," Volkov said. "How do we reach you once the device is operational?"
"The receiver is paired to a secure frequency that connects directly to our communication center. Press and hold for three seconds to activate. You'll reach an operator who can connect you to anyone in our organization. I will be your liaison, but I can put any of the others on the line when needed. I suggest we establish a regular check-in schedule, so we have at least daily contact."
"Makes sense," Volkov said.
