"You are familiar with the rough outlines of our concept," Adler opened.

"Si. I must say that I find it very interesting. You know, of course, that the Holy Father proposed something along similar lines some time ago."

Ryan looked up at that. He hadn't.

"When the initiative first came out, I did a paper on its merits." Adler said. "The weak point was the inability to address security considerations, but in the aftermath of the Iraq situation, we have the opening. Also, you realize, of course, that our concept does not exactly -"

"Your concept is acceptable to us," D'Antonio said with a regal wave of his cigar. "How could it be otherwise?"

"That, Eminence, is precisely what we wanted to hear." Adler picked up his coffee. "You have no reservations?"

"You will find us highly flexible, so long as there is genuine good will among the active parties. If there is total equality among the participants, we can agree unconditionally to your proposal." The old eyes sparkled. "But can you guarantee equality of treatment?"

"I believe we can," Adler said seriously.

"I think it should be possible, else we are all charlatans. What of the Soviets?"

"They will not interfere. In fact, we are hoping for open support. In any case, what with the distractions they already have -"

"Indeed. They will benefit from the diminution of the discord in the region, the stability on various markets, and general international good will."

Amazing, Ryan thought. Amazing how matter-of-factly people have absorbed the changes in the world. As though they had been expected. They had not. Not by anyone. If anyone had suggested their possibility ten years earlier, he would have been institutionalized.

"Quite so." The Deputy Secretary of State set down his cup. "Now on the question of the announcement "

Another wave of the cigar. "Of course, you will want the Holy Father to make it."

"How very perceptive." Adler observed.

"I am not yet completely senile." the cardinal replied. "And press leaks?"

"We would prefer none."

"That is easily accomplished in this city, but in yours? Who knows of this initiative?"

"Very few." Ryan said, opening his mouth for the first time since sitting down. "So far, so good."

"But on your next stop ?" D'Antonio had not been informed of their next stop, but it was the obvious one.

"That might be a problem." Ryan said cautiously. "We'll see."

"The Holy Father and I will both be praying for your success."

"Perhaps this time your prayers will be answered." Adler said.

Fifty minutes later, the VC-108 lifted off again. It soared upward across the Italian coast, then turned southwest to recross Italy on the way to its next destination.

"Jesus, that was fast." Jack observed when the seatbelt light went off. He kept his buckled, of course. Adler lit a cigarette and blew smoke at the window on his side of the cabin.

"Jack, this is one of those situations where you do it fast or it doesn't get done." He turned and smiled. "They're rare, but they happen."