Page 16 of Dark Chains: First Link
Perhaps he had avoided doing so subconsciously because he hadn't wanted to think about another cruel injustice he could do nothing about.
Generations of captive Dormants had been used as breeding stock to produce soldiers for an army that had been threatening not only his clan but all of humanity. The strategic implications of ending the program were just as compelling as Volkov had articulated, but not feasible without declaring war on the island.
Regrettably, that was not happening anytime soon.
The clan was working on developing the tools needed for that eventual battle, but none were operational. They hadn't recruited enough humans yet to train with exoskeletons to be considered a formidable force, the military assault drones he had ordered were not ready yet because there was a worldwide shortage of them, and the combat robots that William was promising to deliver still existed only on the drawing board. He needed at least two more years before he was ready to take on the island.
Probably more.
The smart approach was to watch what was going on over there by using Losham and, while the clan was building its assets, hope that the guy would be too busy keeping the island from devolving into chaos to come up with new world-domination schemes.
The problem was that patience had never been Kian's strong suit, and the suffering of the women on the island was an issue difficult to compartmentalize. And it wasn't just the Dormants but also the trafficked human women who served the army of immortals.
He picked up the phone and called Onegus. "Sorry for hanging up on you. I forgot you were on the line."
The chief chuckled. "That was my fault. I didn't say a single word after introducing you because you were doing fine without me. I assume you want me to call Turner?"
"I'll call him myself. He's probably on his way home, fighting the Friday afternoon traffic. After I speak with him, I'll call Toven and ask him to join us as well, even though I don't know how he can help. He's not a strategist."
"But he's old and smart," Onegus said. "Do you want me to get Lokan, William, and Roni to join?"
"For now, just Lokan. He might have information about the Dormants' enclosure that can help us."
"You are not seriously considering saving the Dormants, are you?"
"I wish I were." Kian swiveled his chair toward the windows. "I just want to gather information, just in case we come up with something brilliant. Tell him four-thirty. That should give Turner enough time to get here."
"Will do, boss. Or should I start calling you K from now on?"
Kian ignored the chief's teasing. "I'll ask Shai to get us some sandwiches and pastries from the café so we will have something to tide us over until dinner."
"Good deal."
Kian ended the call and selected Turner's contact from his favorites.
What did it say about him that the strategist shared a list with his wife, mother, and sisters?
"Kian," Turner answered before the phone rang even once. "What's happening?"
The guy knew that he wouldn't be calling him on a Friday afternoon just to chit-chat. He only called when the sky was falling, and he needed Turner to help him prop it up.
"I need your strategic mind. Can you stop by my office on your way home?"
"Of course, but traffic is as bad as always on a Friday afternoon. Right now, my estimated time of arrival is four twenty-two, but that might change if the congestion worsens."
"That's perfect. I was planning for four-thirty."
"Can you brief me on the way so I can start strategizing?" Turner asked.
"It has to do with the Doomers' island, and it's either a great opportunity or an elaborate trap. We've just gotten a call from one of the Russian scientists working on the enhancement program on the island. They want to escape and need our help. I'll tell you the rest when you get here."
"How did they manage to call you? No one other than Losham and the other brothers have access to outside lines."
"They stole Losham's phone while he slept."
There was a short pause. "Now I'm intrigued. I'll be there in about an hour."
"Thank you." Kian ended the call and dialed Toven next.
