Ockham could only hold his tongue so long. “I must advise against the use of O.S. at this time, Prime Minister. It isn’t safe.”

Perry scowled. “Using the cars now would be stupid, I agree, but Cato’s one-time-only concoctions should be as untraceable now as ever. Am I wrong?”

Ockham’s voice did not lighten. “Since I don’t know what methods Guildbreaker and Papadelias might employ, I don’t know what would be traceable or not. One does not gamble with the flagship. I don’t know what it is in the CFB that the three of you are trying to conceal, nor should I know, but it is difficult to believe it could be as devastating as the exposure of O.S. If the President gives this order, I will execute it, but under protest. Member President?”

I believe Ockham is the only person in the world who can address the Duke as ‘Member President’ and win a smile. From others it is a reminder of discomfort, of disconnect, too contemporary for this living fossil dredged back from the aristocratic days of yore by DNA retrieval and Madame’s strange education. His Grace is an exile in time, and it is madness to him that his subjects are his by vote, and not by birth or conquest. But strict, soldierly Ockham, and the absoluteness with which he almost-salutes his leader, that, at least, to this living anachronism named Ganymede, feels right.

“I agree it is a risk,” the Duke President answered, “but Perry is correct, we must consider it. There is no return if MASON takes a true majority. We must prepare means to prevent that, even if it might increase the risk of exposure. Do you agree, Andō?”

The Mitsubishi Chief Director paused, brows locked.

Casimir Perry is not a man to let a silence last. “All Martin Guildbreaker has is the alignment of some of Cato’s suicide attempts with some crashes. Cato’s own techniques are unique each time, no pattern, untraceable. The risk of O.S. being exposed because of this one hit is tiny compared to the disaster which is certain. A Masonic majority, not just in our lifetimes but this year! What was O.S. created for if not for this?”

Gazing down at the pleading European as grimly as storm-willed Poseidon, Andō gave his single, rigid nod.

Sun-bright Ganymede holds a different kind of grimness, just as chillingly divine. “Prepare for this hit, Ockham, but take no action yet. Have Cato choose a means, then look it over yourself and see what flaws you can detect. I don’t want to give this order, but I want you ready if I have to. Meanwhile we shall, all of us, try every other means we can to calm the Cousin situation, and to deflect Martin and Papadelias.”

Ockham nodded, his shoulders easing at the promise of delay. “I’ll prepare the hit right away, Member President, but I hope we will not need it.”

“You will divide your efforts between preparing this hit, and finding Sniper. All my personal forces are at your disposal, and if you want official Hive forces, request anything you like, no need to check with me.”