Chapter Eight
“Marc,” cried Madeline, “what on Tarma do you mean?”
“I’m in the process of determining who it is behind both Rachel Gentry and General Branko,” he responded grimly. “I believe I have the culprit, but I am not yet certain, and the implications are large. I’m sending you the data that I have uncovered, in case I am discovered and eliminated. However, there is a far more immediate threat. Gentry expects the arrival of crushing military support within forty-eight hours. Enough to completely destroy us. If we eliminate her opposition completely, I believe they will turn around; they will have no one to support. But you must act swiftly and ruthlessly,comprendez?”
“Two areas in which I have uncommon proficiency,” rumbled Enoch, coming into view.
“Lord Peregrinus,” Marc greeted him with a tired smile. “I am glad you’re still alive. I am sure that your skills and knowledge will be of great help in this crisis. Now I think I understand how General Branko’s military efforts have been so thoroughly mangled.”
Enoch smiled in return. “Keep yourself alive, Mister Duchesne. I think you and I would enjoy exchanging philosophies over a strong drink.”
“I’ll do my best,” replied Marc. “I do not dare risk reaching out again. I will see you all when you have recaptured the House.Peux ce que veux. Allons-y.”
The screen went blank. Enoch turned to Aurelian and asked, “What was that last thing he said?”
Aurelian was still looking at the blank screen. “Translated, it means, ‘Do what you can. Let’s get it done.’ It’s sort of Marc’s motto.”
“Simple but effective,” offered Enoch. “I can get behind that. Well, colleagues and friends, it seems that we are under a new deadline. How fast can we move?”
General Marwan was already bringing up a tactical screen. “Branko’s rebel PDF control the House HQ, but nothing else in Tarma City,” she announced. “If we move quickly, we have a reasonable chance of taking the headquarters within twenty-four hours.” She frowned. “But the casualties will be high, and success will be by no means certain.”
“Time to bring out the ace in the hole,” said Madeline. “I’m calling my brother.”
She stepped out of the room and into the hallway, so as to be able to speak quietly.
“Hey, sis!” Jack answered cheerfully. “From up here, it looks like you’ve got them on the run.”
“We do, but there’s a problem,” replied Madeline. She filled him in on the news from Marc Duchesne.
“Well that’s no good,” agreed Jack. “By the seven rings, Marc’s a clever fellow though, isn’t he? Ballsy move, to stay on planet and keep spying on the opposition.”
“Speaking of spies,” continued Madeline, “is Giles in position where he can help us? We could really use an edge to make this attack work.”
Jack gave a feral grin. “My dear shipmate Giles has wormed his way into the House data structures and is dug in like an electronic tick. I’m sure he could crash the entire security net and cause a good ten minutes’ worth of chaos.”
Madeline punched the air with glee. “Yes! Gods, Jack, that’s exactly what we need. Okay, update him on what we need and set up a protocol so that he can crash the system on our signal.”
“You know,” said Jack, “I’m pretty sure you’re gonna owe me big-time when all this is said and done.”
“Anything you want, Jack, you just name it,” laughed Madeline.
“I’m thinking two weeks VIP stay in one of your play suites for Aria and me,” he responded happily.
“For you, brother mine, I’ll make it a month.”
“Done!” Jack said quickly. “I’m holding you to that.”
Madeline ended the call and returned to the briefing room.
***
Enoch checked the main entrance to the Pleasure House complex through his night vision binoculars. Keeping his eyes trained on the rebel PDF mounting guard, he whispered, “Time check.”
“Less than four hours to deadline,” Madeline whispered back. Enoch muttered a curse.
“Staging takes time,” said General Marwan defensively.
“Agreed, but this time we took too long,” replied Enoch. “Are all units in position?”
