"The main thing is that the Indian SFF set you up. They set Nanda up.

She helped them blow up the temple and the bus. According to our intelligence, the SFF thought that would help solidify the Indian people behind the military. Nanda probably did not know that the Indian military intends to respond to the attack with a nuclear strike." "For destroying the temple?" Sharab said. She was stunned.

"Yes," Friday said.

"We believe certain militants will tell the populace that it's the first shot of an Islamic jihad against the Hindu people. Moderate government ministers and military officials may have no choice but to go along."

"You said you have intelligence," Sharab said.

"What intelligence?

American?" "American and Indian," Friday said.

"The pilot who brought me here was a Black Cat Commando. He had special information about SFF activities. Our people in Washington arrived at the same conclusion independently. That's why they're diverting the American strike force from their original mission."

"Which was?"

"To help the Indian military scout for possible Pakistani nuclear emplacements," Friday replied.

"They came to help India and now I'm supposed to trust them?" Sharab declared.

"You may not have a choice," Friday said.

"There's something else. While we were searching for you we saw a force of Indian soldiers headed this way. They're moving in a wide sweep down from the line of control. You'll never get through them."

"I expected that after we killed their commandos in the mountains,"

Sharab said.

"How many are there?"

"I could only see about one hundred soldiers," Friday told her.

"There may be more."

"How many American soldiers are there and how will they find us?" Sharab asked.

"There are about a dozen elite soldiers and they've been watching you by satellite," Friday said.

"They can see us now?" Sharab asked.

Friday nodded.

"Then why did you have to search for us?" the woman pressed.

"Because they didn't want to tell me where you were," Friday said.

"I'm with a different agency. There's mistrust, rivalry."

"Stupidity," she snarled. She shook her head.

"Less than twenty soldiers against one hundred. When will the Americans be here?" "Very soon," Friday said.

"How are they arriving?"

"By Indian transport, Himalayan Eagles squadron," Friday replied.

Sharab thought for a moment. Militarily, the American unit would not be much assistance. However, there might be another way that she could use them.

"Can you contact the American unit?" she asked Friday.

"Through Washington, yes," he replied.

"Good. Samouel?" "Yes, Sharab?" said the big man.

"I want you to wait here with Nanda," Sharab said.

"I will lead the others down to the valley. A half hour after we leave you continue along the route we planned."

"Yes, Sharab," he replied.

Sharab turned to go over to where Nanda and Apu were speaking.

"Wait!" Friday said.

"We're already outnumbered. Why do you want to split up?"