Falko flung his datapad across the briefing room table. Taylor tore his eyes off the report Falko had given him.
“The Exodus Project is nearing completion.”
“Fully operational in five years,” said Falko. “Been almost thirty since production started. This is one of the most critical projects in human history. It’ll save billions of lives. It’s earth’s only hope of colonizing another planet within our lifetime. We must protect it at all costs. We need to know their next move.”
“They’ve got two spider nukes. Maybe they’re looking to hold it hostage.”
“No. They’re going to blow it up. The XLS banks on chaos. Paranoia feeds their numbers. They want to break the system, not manipulate it. If they can destroy mankind’s only hope of staving off overpopulation they’ll do it. The wave of panic it would create could cause a civil war.”
Falko stormed out of the briefing room. Taylor followed.
“How many operatives do we have?”
“One,” said Taylor.
Falko stopped.
“Hector is AWOL, Jessica’s not fit for duty, and Sam–” Taylor cut the sentence short. “Nobody else is fully trained.”
Falko stuck his face in Taylor’s.
“They’re sending bounty hunters back in time to assassinate presidents! Find me bodies to shove into that machine!”
“It’s too risky.”
“Then send Prentice.”
Falko took a step. Taylor grabbed his arm.
“She and Sam were–” Taylor paused. “Together.”
Falko pulled away. “This is war, Bill. We mourn the dead when it’s over.”
He marched into the control room. All operatives snapped to attention.
“Listen up! We’re condition red! The XLS is targeting a production facility outside New London—the staging ground for the Exodus Project. Highly classified. Nothing leaves this room without my authorization.”
Silence. A pin drop would have sounded like a firework. Falko’s eyes sliced through the room.
“I’ve taken command of the Subdivision. You report to me. I need to know the XLS’s next move. Give me a status update.” The operatives stood like statues. Falko frowned. “Well?”
Greg stepped forward. “Nothing, sir. The boards are empty. If they’re moving, it’s off our radar.”
