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“The figures are accurate,” Timas says. “Nothing is speculative.” He faces Shark. “A third have been genetically, surgically, and electronically modified by Prae Athim and her team. She found a way to corrupt their metabolisms. This allowed her to do two things. First, using steroids, implants, and a variety of drugs, she created faster, stronger animals. Second, by operating on their brains and using other implants, she was able to train them.”
“They can’t survive at those levels,” Antoine says, glancing up from his report. “Their bodies can’t hold, not subjected to such degrees of abuse.”
“Their long-term prospects are grim,” Timas agrees. “But they can last a few years, or so the scientists believe.”
“What have they been trained to do?” Shark asks.
“Nothing too complex,” Timas says. “They can hunt in small groups, in pursuit of predefined targets — like hounds, they can be given a person’s scent. They’re not as reliable as hounds. In a crowded environment they might be distracted and chase others instead. And they’ll turn on their handlers afterwards unless subdued. But that’s a huge step forward.”
“I’d no idea she’d advanced to such a stage,” Antoine whispers. “We’ve been trying to install control mechanisms for decades. We could have done so much good if we’d known about this. We still could.”
“The Lambs are finished,” Shark says, “at least as far as werewolves are concerned. Do you really think people will trust you with their young once word of this gets out? And it will — have no doubt about that.”
“You’re right,” Antoine sighs. “But those on the island are still alive. If we can bring them back under our authority and follow up on these incredible breakthroughs…”
“You’re assuming we’ll leave any of them alive,” Shark laughs brutally. Before Antoine can react to that, he says to Timas, “What’s the best way to hit them? Do we need more troops?”
Timas purses his lips. “If the original implants had been left intact, we could have electronically disabled them from the air. But they were all secretly removed or rendered inactive prior to the abduction. The safest way would be to blanket-bomb the island.”
“No!” I cry. “You can’t just kill them. They were human once.”
“They’re not anymore,” Shark shrugs.
“I won’t let you,” I growl.
“You can’t stop me,” he says blankly.
“Actually, I can.” I raise a hand and let little forks of blue lightning crackle between my fingertips. Shark squints at me, taking my measure.
“He’d whup you,” Meera says to Shark. “He’s a magician. You wouldn’t stand a chance.”
“Probably not.” Shark grimaces. “Besides, I don’t trust fly-boys and their damn guided missiles. They could level the compound by accident, and we need Prae alive. Options, Timas?”
“Go as we are.” He holds up his copy of the report, flicks to near the end, and taps the page. “There are very few guards. It’s mostly scientists and medics. If we just hit the compound, we can drop in and make a neat job of it.”
“You’re sure?” Shark asks.
“Absolutely,” Timas says. “I can provide you with a complete breakdown of the odds if you wish.”
“No need,” Shark smiles. “Twelve it is.”
“Thirteen,” Antoine corrects him.
Shark laughs. “You’re not serious.”
“Never more so. I’m coming.”
“You’re not,” Shark says, his smile disappearing. “This is a job for soldiers and Disciples.”
“I won’t pretend to be an action hero,” Antoine says with quiet dignity. “I’m not your equal in matters such as these. But I’m coming regardless. I run this operation now. I’m not sure what you want with Prae, but if you don’t kill her, I plan to bring her to justice. And there’s the matter of the specimens. They have to be returned. Or perhaps we can continue our work on the island. I need to undertake a study before I make a proposal to the board.”
“You can do that later,” Meera says. “Let us go in, shut down Prae’s operation, and take control of the situation. You can fly in after we’re finished and —”
“You don’t understand!” Antoine shouts, losing his temper for the first time. His jaw trembles as he glares at us. “This happened on my watch. I was supposed to control her. There have already been calls for my head. I’m hanging on to this job by my fingernails. If the board of governors finds out about this island and that I let you waltz in unrestricted and unmonitored…”
Antoine looks appealingly at Shark. “I need to come with you. And it won’t be a one-way favor. I can help. I know Prae, her people, the specimens. I can advise and caution if necessary.”
“It’d be dangerous,” Shark says. “If you come, you’re on your own. Nobody will risk their life to save yours.”
