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Lambert shook her head. "It's been tried. One mission came back saying this Adler had no time for any war but the one he was waging against Seattle. The next mission we sent quit Southern Command and started singing his praises as the savior of the human race. The third never even made it there".
"Lifeweavers don't exactly advertise their whereabouts", Valentine said. "I don't see how I can find any without this genius' permission".
Styachowski opened her mouth to speak but lost her words in a cough.
"Ahh, but that's your specialty, Val", Duvalier said. "You're going to show up and volunteer".
Styachowski glared at her.
"Barefoot?" Valentine asked.
"I don't think that's necessary", Styachowski said. "You're talented. An ex-Cat of Southern Command. Hero of Big Rock Hill. You're bound to end up in Pacific Command's version of the Hunters".
Their faces stood out against the dark uniforms and the shadows beyond the table. Odd that all three were approximately the same height when seated. Three witches, telling him his future over a dirty table with finish bubbled and cracked.
"And if I make contact with a Lifeweaver?"
"Simple message. Southern Command needs their help. Badly. Or we're finished".
"That dicey, is it?"
"We're running out of Hunters", Lambert said. "The lieutenant I used to admire would have known what that meant, and been the first to volunteer. We've sent calls for help north, east, and south. We want you to be west".
The lieutenant Dots used to admire would have been so startled at the news of her admiration that he would have been able to think about little else. Valentine just noted it as an interesting detail.
Duvalier, eyes raised to heaven, and mouth like she'd just swallowed a spoonful of castor oil, muttered something about "Ghost" being the wrong clan nickname.
"Have you told me everything?"
"Everything", Styachowski said. "Trust me, Val. You did at one time".
"There is one more thing", Lambert said. "It's not an important detail. But it might mean something to you. The third mission, the one that disappeared, was led by your old CO from Zulu Company. LeHavre".
Lots of things could happen on the trail. Even to a man as experienced as LeHavre.
"I don't suppose Ahn-Kha has wandered in from across the Mississippi? He'd be invaluable".
"Sorry, Val", Duvalier said, her voice soft for the first time that evening. "He'd be sitting here if he had".
Styachowski smiled, but Lambert leaned forward. "Does that mean you're going?"
"I haven't spoken to a Lifeweaver in years", Valentine said. "I've gathered quite a list of questions".
"Great. We can get you as far as Denver", Styachowski said. "They can..."
"No. Sounds like your pipeline's got leaks, if LeHavre couldn't get through. I'm going as David Valentine, ex-Southern Command. He'd
have to figure out his own way there. I'll have to write up a list of gear I need, though. Gold will be on it".
"Give it to Moira", Lambert said, suddenly informal. "Where do you want it delivered?"
"Do you know Nancy's?"
"I know Nancy's", Duvalier said. "Used to be the best safe house between Kansas City and the Rockies. Practically in Free Territory these days".
"I'll meet you there in three weeks".
"Thanks for rejoining the team, Valentine", Lambert said.
