Hunt for Jade Dragon Read Free

channeling electricity through the cage and diffusing—”
    â€œExplain in English,” Taylor said.
    â€œSorry,” Ostin said. “The metal mesh protects the building’s wiring from electromagnetic pulses.”
    â€œWhy would there be an electromagnetic pulse out here?” Taylor asked.
    â€œIt’s what the Elgen are working on,” I said. “EMP weaponry. Once they perfect it they’ll be able to shut down the power of entire cities.”
    â€œNot here,” Ostin said. “If there’s a major EMP blast, this place will still function. Of course, they must have their own fuel tanks and electric generators.”
    â€œThe fuel tanks are underground next to the silos,” Ian said. “The third garage has two large generators.” He turned to Ostin. “How did you know that?”
    â€œIt wouldn’t do any good to wrap the house in mesh to protect the home’s wiring if the source of their electricity is destroyed. Common sense.”
    â€œWe should all be so common,” Ian mumbled.
    The man in the passenger seat lifted a handset and said, “Egret four descending.”
    â€œEgret four clear,” a voice returned.
    After another quarter mile, the slope leveled off and the van pulled up to the front of the central structure, a tall ranch-style building with a long, wood-planked porch. The driveway was lined with rusted, antique farm equipment and pale yellow and purple wildflowers. There were a couple dozen chickens pecking around the yard.
    â€œThis is the real deal,” McKenna said. “Wish I had some cowboy boots.”
    â€œPink ones,” Abigail said.
    After we had come to a stop our driver said, “Please, stay in your seats for just a moment.”
    The building’s front door opened and a tall, muscularly built, sandy-haired man walked out, flanked by two other men and a woman. Something about the tall man and the woman seemed familiar.
    â€œWho’s that dude?” Zeus asked.
    â€œMaybe he’s the voice,” Taylor answered.
    â€œMaybe,” I said.
    The man in the passenger seat got out and opened the van’s sliding door. “Everyone out, please.”
    â€œLet’s go,” I said.
    As soon as we were all out of the van the man slid the door shut again and the driver pulled away without him.
    The sandy-haired man looked us over. “Welcome to Timepiece Ranch. We’re happy to see you in one piece.”
    â€œYou mean alive?” Zeus said.
    The man’s mouth rose in a half smile. “Yes. We’re especially glad to see you alive.”
    â€œNot all of us,” Jack said.
    The man’s smile fell. For a moment he just looked at Jack; then he started walking toward him. I noticed the muscles in Jack’s neck tense. “You must be Jack,” the man said.
    Jack stared defiantly into his eyes. “You got it, Tex.”
    The man put his hand on Jack’s shoulder. “I’m sorry for your loss. You’ve sacrificed more than anyone here. I promise you, I will do everything in my power to see that Wade’s life was not lost in vain. Wade is a hero. And so are you. We are all in your debt.”
    Jack’s muscles relaxed and he blinked with sudden emotion. “Thank you, sir.”
    â€œNo, thank you . We’re not just in your debt; the whole world is in your debt. Whether they know it or not.” He turned to the rest of us. “If it wasn’t for you, the people of Tuvalu would be living a nightmare right now. Hundreds, maybe thousands, of innocent people would have died. I’m sure you’re all very tired and hungry, and there are some people here who are very excited to see you. So let’s get you checked into your rooms.”
    â€œI have a question,” I said.
    â€œMichael,” he said. “What can I do for you?”
    â€œAre you the voice?”
    â€œNo.”
    â€œWill we meet the voice?”
    He