The Pathfinder Project Read Free Page A

activate
missiles without the direct approval of their President. However, once bombs
begin to detonate within their borders, the U.S. military alert system will
automatically escalate their defensive status and our codes will become active.
America will also participate in the destruction of the nations that fire on
them. In the wake of such a global annihilation, no one will be able to
remember, or prove, specifically who fired the first shot. All of the major
nations currently running this planet will be reduced to rubble, and then we will control the rebuilding process using the people, wealth and technological
resources that we have… acquired.”
    The King studied her
disinterested manner for a moment before rising to his feet. “So what you’re
basically telling me,” he concluded. “Is not to worry about the things I can’t
control.”
    Valiana nodded in response.
“Rest assured, your Majesty, the Brotherhood controls the outcome. It will take
years for the larger nations to reorganize and rebuild. By the time they do,
those loyal to us will have the upper hand. It is regrettable that they wield
so much power in such an irresponsible manner, because the only way to stop
them is to knock everyone down equally. Once the larger nations are no longer
the biggest bullies on the block, the way will be paved for leaders like you to
step forward.”
    The entire room fell silent for
a moment, and Gyilto used the time to silently analyze her statements
carefully. “How soon will this... leveling of the playing field… take place?”
he asked curiously.
    Durgon flashed a razor edged
smile. “If I were you, I would return to the upper levels but remain within
this complex,” he suggested, laughing darkly at his own words. “The end is
finally upon us all.”
    Sensing instinctively that
their patience with him was wearing thin, the King rose to his feet, nodded
with respect in the general direction of the Triumvirate before returning
quietly to the large metal door at the rear of the cavern. Silently, the two
guards waiting outside escorted him back down the corridor in the direction of
the elevator that would return him to the top levels of the compound.
    They’re not kidding ,
Drik Gyilto thought silently. They’re going to initiate a nuclear war!
    *     * * *     *
     
    After the King of Ghuitan was
gone, Hobak took a few minutes to dismiss the dozens of clones that had been
seated in front of the stage. “Return to your posts,” he urged them. “Keep
alert and watchful over the next few hours. If any of our many enemies
suspects that anything is out of the ordinary, our undercover operatives will
detect any planned counter offensive and report in. Be ready for this… be
ready and be strong! ” He clenched the fingers of his right hand into a
tight fist and then held out the entire arm in the traditional salute.
    All of those assembled before
him returned it without hesitation. “ Be ready and be strong! ” they
shouted back. Then, in an orderly manner, they formed two slowly moving lines
and filed back out into the corridor.
    When they were gone and only
the Triumvirate remained, Durgon cast a wary gaze in the direction of Valiana.
“Gyilto is correct about the United States,” he pointed out to her. “Their
nuclear launch codes, in particular, are heavily encrypted and subject to
extremely tight protocol. We may not be able to initiate launches from here.”
    “It does not matter my friend,”
replied Hobak reassuringly. “We have stirred up such paranoia within the
Chinese government regarding America, that they will almost certainly target
the U.S. first. Once enough missiles begin to explode within their borders, you
can bet that their President will order a counter-attack. He would be a fool
not to. The smaller nuclear powers will join in as soon as they recognize that
they too are targets – our control over facilities in India and Pakistan will
fire on them and almost certainly send the