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“Any idea where to find Gustav?” Jack lifted his head to stare back at Ian.
“None.” Ian shook his head and sat back in his chair as he ran his fingers through his still thick hair. “He, his wife, Lorna, their daughter, Charlene, or ‘Charlie’ as she was often called, and their son-in-law, Duncan Renaud, disappeared years ago. How four minds so highly intelligent were allowed to just slip away, I can’t fathom.”
Jack returned his attention to the file, trying to process why those minds, once so dedicated to aiding society, would have conceived of building a weapon such as the one described in the file.
“Rumor is it’s being shipped into the states a few pieces at a time, with the end destination being the tristate area of Kentucky, West Virginia, and Ohio, most likely into a Crossfield-Dawson holding or warehouse,” Kira told him. “Once all the components are in place, it’ll be assembled and the programming uploaded. We’re still getting intel, though in bits and pieces, from our asset. We’re hoping that by the time you’re in place, and your teams assembled, we’ll have more information for you.”
“We suspect Heinrich and his wife are deceased,” Ian interjected. “There are rumors that the entire family was killed and the AI will be controlled by whoever provided the funds for the research. No word yet on who that generous benefactor was,” he sneered. “It’s one of the pieces of information Homeland considers high-priority. That and disabling whatever form the AI assembles into.”
“Not many groups could afford this or get their hands on the needed components,” Jack murmured. “Iran maybe, China definitely. Russia isn’t even in the running but could be aiding and abetting.”
“Or all of the above,” Ian growled.
“Stationary or android design?” Jack murmured. “Gustav researched biomechanical flesh; it could be android.”
“The quantum programming would take far more room than any droid could house, according to our experts,” Ian objected. “But whichever, we have to find it, dismantle it, and destroy it if we can. Even our government can’t be allowed to possess a weapon like this.”
On that, Jack agreed.
“What’s the ultimate assignment where the AI is concerned?” Jack questioned. “What or who’s the target?”
“World chaos?” Ian snorted. “Who the fuck knows at this point. It’s one of those pieces of intel we’re waiting for. All we have so far is that the target is here, in the US, and of prime value. If our information is correct, it’s able to use satellite and land connections without detection to achieve its goal. It’s the end of the world as we know it. While you’re getting in position to hopefully locate it, we’ll work on the intel and get it to you ASAP as it comes in.”
“In position for what, Ian?” Jack lifted his gaze, nothing more, and stared back at the other man. “Why do you need four Navy SEALs in place under Crossfield’s and Dawson’s noses so bad that you’re willing to bring me out of a court-martial to see to it?”
A possible stint in Leavenworth was the least of what he was looking at. The cell he’d been sitting in for weeks could become a permanent home. If the general pushing for it had his way, Jack would never see daylight again.
Ian leaned forward once again. “Because the one solid piece of intel that we have out of the area is that Crossfield and or Dawson is looking to acquire a small spec ops team for some reason. Word is, several teams are already en route and or being considered for the contract, whether for backup or security, we don’t know. Military required, preferably Special Forces–trained but with no government loyalties. They’re planning something big, and we need to know what… fast. At best, we figure six to eight weeks before the components are in place and assembly can be completed.”
Jack sat back in his chair and regarded the SEAL and his wife, knowing that neither of them could see anything more than he allowed: a cold, hard sociopath who just might not give a damn but for the single weakness they hoped he had.
He let a grin edge at his lips. “I’ll take a bad-conduct discharge, effective immediately, but with all military pay and benefits. Because knowing the powers that be as I do, they’ll come calling again once this op is completed. I have complete kill-authority within the mission parameters, as well as all authority in protecting my team as well as Poppy. I get my full military pay, because holding down a job will be for shit while this is going on, plus operating funds, and no one looks over my shoulder or questions missing weapons, cash, or other items in possession of any enemy combatants I’m forced to take out. And I’ll take that in writing.”
Ian glared back at him.
Yeah, he was asking for a lot, Jack knew, but so was Ian. If the AI was even close to being everything they suspected, then life expectancy on this op could be limited.
“We could just put you back in that cell.”
Jack grinned without amusement at that. “You could. But you pulled me out for a reason.” He scratched at his stubbled cheek before laying his hands on the table once again. “I know Caine Crossfield and River Dawson personally. To say they’ll believe I’m rogue is an understatement. But, I’m also the only man you’ll get close to Poppy, and I’d say you’ve figured that one out already. So.” He straightened in his seat. “Throw me back in my cell or get my terms typed up and signed and back to me while I go over this information you have.”
Ian’s expression only got colder, but Kira’s lips twitched as she reached into the bag she’d carried in and pulled out another file.
“Your agreement, including the pay package, which is slightly better than you mentioned. You’ll find it quite satisfactory. Similar agreements are waiting to be signed with the men you’ll be commanding. All we need is your signature.” She laid the agreement in front of him.
“Jack, just because the men you killed stepped over the line, that didn’t make it right,” Ian said quietly as Jack read over the papers. “They were still agents of the US government.”
Jack paused, remembering what three agents of the US government had done to four young women as they forced the girls’ families to watch.
“I couldn’t kill their government,” he drawled, his smile cold. “So, I killed their attack dogs. How’s that?”
The couple was silent for long moments before Kira spoke.
“There were better ways to handle the situation,” she said.
He lifted his head after signing the agreement, remembering—and remembering never failed to ice over any sense of loyalty that might have had him regretting his actions.
“No, there wasn’t. I handled it the only way that ensured they never raped another child.” He spoke with a tight, hard line to his lips and a flat, killing look in his eyes that Kira couldn’t hold. “Now, I need some time with the files to acquaint myself with the operation. A few hours, if you don’t mind.”
