The silence was deafening. The Iberian party was requested to vacate the palace and wait in the refreshment area while the full squad of advisors was wheeled in to examine the content of envelope 1. When they were recalled within fifteen minutes, the Iberian party was downcast. Din Chow Zen rose to his feet for the first time. “We have a question. What is to stop us from opening envelope 2, one minute after you leave?”
Sanchez brightened up as he replied, “If we have failed it will not matter. If we somehow succeed, and find you have opened it in our absence, we will know how you felt when your trust was broken over the colonisation pledge. It will ensure that we continue to distrust each other.”
The Orient leader looked at the advisors in sequence and they all nodded in turn. “Our objectives on the Moon remain as they were in 2017. Our population growth has slowed but not enough for us to do without a lunar option. The location is one borne solely out of critical path analysis. If we were to encounter life-threatening problems in trying to sustain the expansion, we would be able to call on a neighbour on the Moon for help in such an emergency. We would have had to trust you again, as you now have years of experience.”
Sanchez, Pierze and Verdasco looked at one another in disbelief. The President glanced at Din Chow Zen, who spoke again. “Make your preparations, we will assist.”
Chapter 27
When they had arrived back Verdasco had a call from Boniek. “Have you seen the news?”
“Not today, I have had a call from the President, would you believe it? I was just about to call you, anyway go ahead.” Boniek was taken aback.
“The President, I think you had better go first.”
“No, it’s complicated – I’ll explain before we hang up.” Boniek’s voice was very deliberate.
“Those bastards are moving their latest habitat units in a direct approach line to our facility.”
“Well that makes what I was going to say a lot less complicated. Surely El Presidente knew that when he called me, but he never mentioned it. I’m glad you called. He wants to visit the elevator and said it would be better than him authorising enforcement from Pierze, which I agreed to. We cannot be seen to refuse the President, and anyway, he won’t even know what he is looking at. I’ll keep him on a short leash and never let him out of my sight. When he has gone I’m going to take the shuttle to the Moon and see exactly what is going on.” This was not good news for Boniek.
“It’s no problem, I will do it.”
“Not at all, you should finish your break, you’ve been to the lunar base recently and anyway, I’m already at the elevator. It is some time since I was there, a refresher visit will help. How did you get on in the research unit?” Boniek had to concede.
“Ok, I will head back soon. I still think it would be conspicuous to place defensive armour and personnel here. Its strength is its desolate, uninhabited location.”
“Well at least we’ve checked it out. I’ll see you as soon as I get back from the Moon.” Boniek said it would be better if he called from the Moon to give an update, in case he had to join him there. “Ok my friend, enjoy what is left of your break.”
*
This arrangement prompted Pierze to launch the probe. They knew that Boniek would immediately contact the base supervisor and warn him of Verdasco’s visit, and tell him to keep Gretz well hidden.
*
Manuel felt there was more to extract from Bernardo. He found him looking much refreshed and he remarked, “You appear to have benefitted from shedding a great burden.”
“Yes, my colour has returned and I haven’t felt better in years, regardless of what Snr. Pierze has in mind for me.” Manuel said that Pierze was not normally credited with having a compassionate side. Bernardo shrugged his shoulders. “It is done now Manuel, it wasn’t easy but it’s better than going to my grave in the knowledge that I continued to look the other way. It is a small step but a significant one.”
“Yes, it’s a pity you couldn’t remember more names of the higher ranking officers in this Sidonia sect. It’s that kind of recall which I think might persuade him to be more lenient.” Bernardo’s mind was scanning Manuel’s expression. “Anyway I’ll ask my lawyer in Uruguay to send all names on the papers which I copied from my father’s files. You never know, it may jerk your memory. What I really wanted to discuss with you was my mother’s situation. She has put the apartment in Londonis up for sale and I said I would help her by clearing it out. There may be stuff there which could help Pierze; I didn’t have time to check it out when I first came to the northern hemisphere. She is talking of moving to Londonis herself, on my advice. She’s too recognisable in Madrid. She will have obscurity there. I still expect Pierze will want to speak to you again about Sandrine Benitez, and I hope you haven’t forgotten our little agreement, she must be kept silent.”
The reply indicated Bernardo’s expectation of the temporary amnesia receding further with more relaxation. “Yes, I have not forgotten Manuel but I cannot function efficiently in custody. I suggest you speak with your father’s confidante, Constantin Boniek. And when you have these papers from Uruguay and Londonis, let me know, I might recognise more of them by name.”
*
The probe’s telemetry clearly showed the shape and depth of the Balkan Iberia research facility. There were banks of what resembled huge generators. It made sense in such a remote spot, but at the same time meant that cutting off the power was going to be a lot more difficult than a simple snip. Pierze asked to speak to Radan Hajek again. “How would you like to help even up the score with Constantin Boniek again?”
“How would I do that?” Pierze only wanted an answer at this stage.
“You would be working for the government on a probationary basis. You said you were looking for a job, this could lead to a career for you.”
“I am certainly interested in a job Snr. Pierze, but I need to know something about what you have in mind.”
“Well I would like to take advantage of your linguistic ability and knowledge of Stara Planina to help trap Constantin Boniek. You see, it is not only you he has treated badly. He has been involved in all of the deaths associated with SACRED that we have investigated. You may also want to bear in mind that the people that Maxi Duarte interviewed, including you, were all selected for the same fate. That is how you came to be in safekeeping with us.”
“It sounds dangerous.” Pierze did not try to disguise the personal risk.
“It is extremely dangerous for all of us, but unless we stop him you can substitute dead for dangerous. I would also point out that if you just leave here, which you are free to do, you may actually be in more danger. His people have previously terminated selected individuals who we have isolated.”
“Tell me precisely what you want me to do.”
*
The Orient all-terrain lunar vehicle was ready and waiting for confirmation that Verdasco had arrived. As expected, he was given the censored tour by the base supervisor. Verdasco asked if they had suffered many disciplinary problems in recent times. The question was unexpected but the reply was not. “No, we have managed to convey what we want of the employees during the contract, but more importantly, what we do not want.”
“Good, so do you have anyone in the brig right now?” The supervisor wobbled.
“Er, no Sir. The brig is in fact being refurbished at present. It has been declared off-limits until the work is complete.”
Verdasco produced palpable concern when he said, “Remind me, if there is time, to see it for myself. I don’t want discipline to be confused with prison. Who approved the design?”
“Well it was, let me see – I think it was Snr. Boniek or maybe Snr. Gretz, I can’t remember, but I can check.”
“Ok, maybe later.” When they came to the encryption section he said he was always fascinated with the process and would like to watch a run of a current batch. The supervisor jumped at the chance to disappear and contact
Boniek.
“Prometheus I presume.”
“Sir?”
“I know that Gretz is captive here. Right now I’m going to signal the Orient base and they will contact you. What they will threaten to do is known to me and you just have to go along with it and advise the supervisor. I will free Gretz once we have allowed the Orient squad to secure the base.”
“I see.” He nodded and Verdasco sent the signal. When the call came Prometheus put it on screen and asked the supervisor to come at once over the PA system. It interrupted his call to Boniek. When he arrived the message was repeated for his benefit and the Orient Commander drew their attention to the approaching vehicle.
“You have five minutes to surrender the base if you want to avoid termination. We have targeted our electron beam generator at the heat spots – life-forms in your case. The energy will be set at lethal mega-rad dosage, which will penetrate the building with ease and you can look forward to a lingering and painful death. You do have a choice, as you may notice our squad, which is approaching, has radiation resistant clothing. They will either be allowed in by you, or when you have been dosed, they will cut their way in. You now have four minutes to decide.”
The supervisor was in a state of mental meltdown, and he asked if anyone knew what the hell this guy was talking about. Verdasco feigned panic. “For God’s sake man, you are in charge here, do something.”
“I have had experience in EB Sir,” said Prometheus.
“Well tell me quickly.” The supervisor had more focus on the clock than what he was told, but he realised it wasn’t good news.
“Electron beam radiation, when focussed on materials such as certain chemicals, can cause them to polymerise or solidify in milliseconds, compared to hours by conventional methods. The worrying thing is that he said they were going to deliver a high dosage. Even a small dose of five to ten mega-rad, is enough to turn liquid chemicals to solids. What he is threatening will ensure none of us can survive.”
The supervisor could not look away from the clock. He took the voice piece. “We may need a little longer to get everyone together.” The reply was unflinching.
“That is not necessary, we will see to your safety after you open the airlock. You have two minutes; our squad has parked the vehicle a safe distance away. Decide before I have to.”
“Ok, I am despatching the necessary people to the airlock.” The supervisor was contradicted once more.
“You will despatch only one person for this task, we will take it from there. Remember we still have the electron beam focussed on you – one departure from what we tell you to do and it will be activated.”
Once inside the base, the squad of Orient operatives secured the airlock again and asked for the supervisor to meet them. He nervously made his way there and was hastily anesthetised by a tranquiliser dart. The leader of the squad then asked for Verdasco to join them. When he had done so, they used him for the remaining commands, particularly to get the entire workforce into an area where they could all be seen at once. He recommended the dining hall. Once this had occurred the squad marched Verdasco to join the rest of them and explained the new rules. They were to undergo a headcount and when satisfied that it was correct each person would be accompanied to their quarters, two at a time. They were locked inside and when only Verdasco and Prometheus remained, the latter was asked to take them to Gretz. Seeing his partner there was final proof for Verdasco that Boniek was indeed part of the conspiracy.
“Am I glad to see you? What is the status of the research unit?” Verdasco said that Pierze was waiting for a signal from them to confirm this end had been neutralised before launching that operation.
“We have still to allow Prometheus here to disengage the encryption software and lock it. Come with us and he can do that as I bring you up to date.”
He turned to the Orient squad leader and thanked him for his invaluable assistance, and they were allowed to return to their habitat. Their safe arrival would have allowed the electron beam generator to be powered down, if it had ever existed. Verdasco congratulated Prometheus on his vivid imagination employed to pressurise the supervisor, and asked him to finalise the disconnection. The call was made to Pierze. He in turn informed Sanchez, who passed the good news and sincere thanks to Din Chow Zen.
*
Verdasco connected with Boniek and said he had to talk quickly. “Our suspicions of Orient’s intent were accurate. They have an electron beam focussed on our position with the threat of our extermination if we do not cooperate. They have already eliminated the supervisor and two other operatives for calling their bluff. We have twenty-four hours to stew on surrendering the base before the rest of us go the same way. Our weaponry here is nullified because this beam has a ‘broad-kill’ effect. It can take the entire installation population down in an instant, with a wide focus. They obviously want to acquire the base in working order. Where are you?”
“I’m on my way back to the elevator. Just as well, it must be their next target.” Verdasco nervously disagreed.
“That may be correct - I don’t know. I can’t understand their broken Iberian dialect too well, but they keep mentioning a name, which I had to repeatedly deny any knowledge of. Have you come across a ‘Viktor La-Paz’? I tried to tell them we have over a hundred thousand employees. They seem to be certain he works here.”
“Shit. Listen, I will have to contact the elevator and the research unit I have just left to check their files. His name means nothing to me.”
Verdasco kept his nerve. “Ok, but let me know where you will be first. These bastards believe I’m lying. I need to know from you as soon as possible or we are going to die.”
“Right, I’ll go back to the research base, it is close and I can check the files myself. In the meantime I’ll call the elevator and get them to run the search, and then forward the result to me.” Verdasco gave the thumbs up to Gretz and Prometheus, and then he called Pierze.
“Boniek is driving back to Balkan Iberia, it is all yours now.”
Pierze was relieved and replied, “Our small team is in place. When will you return?”
“I think it’s dangerous for us to leave until we can be relieved by new recruits we can trust, to help us ship back these Boniek loyalists.”
*
Manuel travelled to Londonis and apart from setting up the estate agent to sell the apartment, he wanted to surprise Butragueno. She was so excited to see him walk through the precinct main office to hers, at which he stopped, and read the name C.I. Butragueno. He shrugged his shoulders as if he didn’t know of this person. She threw a previously prepared paper dart at him and beckoned him to enter.
“I’ve come to take you to dinner, unless you have other plans Chief Inspector.”
“I still haven’t got used to that title yet. I suppose I could manage to fit you in this evening.”
“Great, there is something I want to tell you, and it’s important that I bring you up to date with the situation on SACRED, it is at an extremely critical stage.”
They met at her favourite bar for an aperitif, and moved on to the restaurant. She hadn’t dined there before, but had heard rave reviews about it. He ordered a Chilean white and said, “I have good news, well I hope it’s good news. I’m selling the apartment here for my mother and she has decided to live here with her friend Maria, who is recovering from a cancerous tumour operation. The remainder of the proceeds of father’s indulgent investment she has promised to me. I’m therefore also in the market for a dwelling in Londonis. I was hoping you might have some time to help me look for something appropriate.”
She could not contain her joy. “It will be a pleasure Manuel, but I’ll have to register for only short periods of time off, my workload is high. We should be able to arrange some evening viewings.” He moved on to the update and when she had heard how delicate the Balkan Iberia plan was, she realised that everything could change overnight. Her mind wandered to the rest of the eveni
ng. It was time.
Chapter 28
The main advantage Pierze had was surprise. They knew the research complex was not heavily guarded, but they had to gain entry and get to Viktor Lopez before anyone could instruct him to activate the drones. It couldn’t be a storm-trooper exercise. Pierze had decided on a distraction technique. His idea was one of simplicity, as President Sanchez was standing by with the coordinates for Din Chow Zen’s nuclear strike if they failed. Pierze was therefore in ‘hands-on’ mode, and was one of twelve individuals dressed in local attire, but armed with well concealed stun guns, which were made to look like automatic pistols. They chose a point which Boniek had to traverse in order to arrive at the complex in the valley floor, where the underground entrance was concealed. They also knew from Verdasco that they would be challenged at this point, so it was thought necessary to give the checkpoint guards a short advance warning that they would be arriving soon. They then had to gain entry very quickly. That is why they had planned to capture Boniek before he got back. The accident was set up on the deserted mountain pass. It involved the two vehicles carrying the ten special operations men, Pierze and Radan Hajek. It had attracted the attention of a few local farming people who wanted to help. Hajek spoke to them and asked if they would just flag down any oncoming traffic and explain that it wouldn’t be too long before the vehicle recovery unit was there, to separate the two which were embedded in one another. It would be getting dark soon and this could be of assistance.