CHAPTER 94
Situation Room
Clocktower HQ
New Delhi, India
“Sir, we’re pretty sure we’ve found them,” the tech said.
“How sure?” Dorian asked.
“The two-man team on the ground, some locals told them a train came through this region.” The tech used a laser pointer to circle an area of mountains and forests on the giant screen. “The tracks are supposed to be abandoned, so it couldn’t have been cargo. And the drones spotted a monastery not far from there.”
“How far out are the drones now?”
The tech punched some keys on the laptop. “A few hours—”
“How? Jesus, we were right on top of them!”
“I’m sorry, sir, they had to refuel. They can be in the air again within the hour. But— it’s dark now. The sat image is from earlier. It will be—”
“Do the drones have infrared?”
The tech worked the keyboard. “No. What should—”
“Do any of the drones nearby have infrared?” Dorian snapped.
“Stand by.” Images from the computer reflected in the technician’s glasses. “Yes, a little farther out, but they can reach the target.”
“Launch them.”
Another tech ran into the command center. “We just got an eyes-only from the Antarctica operation. They’ve found an entrance.”
Dorian leaned back in the chair. “Verified?”
“They’re confirming now, but the depth and dimensions are right.”
“Are the portable nukes ready?” Dorian asked.
“Yes. Dr. Chase reports they have been retrofitted to slide inside a backpack.” The skinny man held up a sheaf of printed pages too thick to be stapled. “Chase actually sent a rather detailed report—”
“Shred it.”
The man tucked the report back under his arm. “And Dr. Grey called; he wants to talk with you about precautions at the site.”
“I’m sure. Tell him we’ll talk when I get there. I’m leaving now.” Dorian rose to leave the room.
“There’s something else, sir. Infection rates are climbing in Southeast Asia, Australia, and America.”
“Is anyone working on it yet?”
“No, we don’t think so. Or, they think it’s just a new flu strain.”