Page 54 of Dark Chains: First Link
"Is that concerning?"
"We are not certain whether it's extra caution because Losham felt something was off or just a coincidence. Losham also armed the alarm and stayed inside for the call instead of taking it out to his backyard."
Petrov grunted. "In my experience, when the boss changes the locks and stays inside, it's not because he's discovered a new appreciation for indoor living."
20
KIAN
"Ididn't expect to be spending most of Sunday in your office, Kian." Toven poured himself coffee from the carafe Shai had set up on the conference table. "Mia and I had to cancel brunch plans in the city with Mia's grandparents."
"Sorry about that," Kian said. "Where were you planning to have brunch?"
"A new place in Santa Monica that Frankie and Margo discovered and were raving about to Mia. She made reservations and was very unhappy when I told her that I had to cancel."
"You don't really have to be here," Kian said. "It's not like I needed you to compel the Russians or the enhanced soldiers."
Toven put his cup down and leaned back in his chair. "What if they refuse to do what we are asking them to do? You might need me to do some convincing."
"He might be right," Turner said. "This is an important component of our plan. I would hate to have to move to the contingency."
Onegus crossed his legs. "I'm, on the other hand, a little disappointed. I was looking forward to trying out a new weapon, especially since we were going to detonate the EMP over the Doomers' island. I am happy that we are keeping it as an option, though."
Kian doubted Onegus was truly disappointed. They all had reservations about using such a controversial weapon, and it was good that it had been relegated to a mere contingency.
He glanced at the phone that was the centerpiece of the conference table. The call was expected at two in the afternoon, and that had been three minutes ago. The delay shouldn't make him anxious, but given that getting the phone from Losham was a perilous operation, it might signify trouble.
"If the call doesn't come within the next ten minutes," Turner said without looking up from his legal pad, "we should assume that the operation has been compromised and proceed with contingency planning." He cast Onegus a sidelong glance. "You might get your wish after all."
"This is not my wish. If they were caught stealing Losham's phone, they're dead, and the mission becomes much more complicated, whether we use the EMP or not. It will be impossible to time it precisely."
"If the call doesn't come," Turner said, "we need to determine whether the soldiers betrayed the scientists, or the other way around. We might still manage to make contact with Volkov and Petrov."
When the phone buzzed, everyone released a relieved breath, and all eyes turned toward it.
The chief accepted the call, activated the speaker, and placed the phone in the center of the conference table.
"Doctor Volkov, I presume?" Onegus asked.
"Good afternoon." Volkov's voice was steady, but he sounded tense. "We're all present on our end."
"So are we. K is here along with several members of our team. Before we begin, were there any complications with retrieving the phone tonight?"
"Losham must be suspecting something," said the soldier who called himself Number One. "He changed the alarm code in his house and armed it earlier than usual. We had to improvise."
"I'm glad that it all worked out," Kian said. "Let's get down to business. My team and I evaluated your situation, and we developed a framework. I'm going to be straightforward with you about what we can and cannot do, and I don't want you to think that I'm using negotiation tactics. Our position is not negotiable."
"I appreciate the directness." Volkov sounded weary, probably guessing where Kian was going.
"I'll start with the women and children in the breeding enclosure. We don't have the military capability to conduct a large-scale extraction from a fortified island with over ten thousand warriors. I told you this during our first conversation, and our assessment hasn't changed. However, we're not refusing to help them. Their extraction is up to you, and you will decide how many women and children you can bring along when you escape the island. At our end, we offer full support to everyone you extract. We will provide financing, housing, medicalcare, rehabilitation, and assistance with their integration into society."
There was a murmur on the other end, and Kian imagined Volkov covering the mic with his thumb to prevent them from hearing what was being said.
"We appreciate your offer," he said. "It's disappointing that you can't help us with the extraction, but we understand the limitations, and we are grateful for your generous offer."
Toven leaned toward the phone. "Doctor Volkov, my name is Tom, and I would like to ask the soldiers a question."
"Go ahead."
