“Cameron?” Charles Cowles, the president of KSHV-TV, asked. “Was he rescued?”

“Rescued? I think kidnapped would be a better term.”

“Nine people?” The voice was that of Karl Francis of KAFC radio. “Have any of them been found?”

“Not yet. A Guardian checkpoint north of Shalev was attacked this evening and a truckload of people broke free to the mountains. We assume all nine were in that truck along with some of the other rebels.”

The editor of the Morning Tribune, whom Nicole did not know, stood up. “If they’ve escaped, why the martial law now? Isn’t that a kind of shutting-the-barn-door approach?”

Nicole expected the question to trigger another flash, but the Major was now in complete control, and he responded evenly. “Bob, I’m partially responsible for what has happened today. I’ve been dealing with Eric Lloyd as if he were simply a minor skirmish, an irritation on our rear flank. Obviously that’s my mistake. This is an all-out war, and I won’t make the mistake of underestimating him again.”

The editor started to speak, but the Major went on quickly. “We were not able to get a count of how many were in the truck. But as you know, Eric Lloyd and Dr. Cameron removed the implantations from several others prior to the battle at Hungry Horse Dam. It’s possible that some of those—perhaps Lloyd himself—remained in the city. My secretary will furnish you with pictures of all the people who have joined the rebellion thus far. You will begin to publish and circulate the pictures immediately with a warning to all citizens to report any information they have on the whereabouts of these people.” A hand came up, and the Major acknowledged the president of the AFC. “Yes, President Dobson?”

“You said the state of emergency was being declared for all the AFC. Not just Shalev?”

The Major nodded. “Unfortunately, yes. Eleven implantations were also removed in Serenity this afternoon. Thus far, it has not spread beyond that. But we must assume nothing. This is war now. And we are acting accordingly.”

Clayne Robertson rose slowly, bringing a sharp frown to the Major’s face, but he finally nodded toward him. “Yes, Clayne.”

“Sir, why are you implanting our families?”

The Major took a deep breath. “I said the restriction on the media was the saddest decision I had to make. The recommendation for implantation of Guardian personnel and their families was the hardest. But as you know, Clayne, two members of the Guardian staff have defected—Rod Loopes from Central Monitoring, and Joe Jensen this afternoon. When there is no implantation, all a person has to do to beat the system is to cut his wrist computer. This makes it very simple for Guardian members to defect. Since we cannot implant certain key personnel without inhibiting their ability to function as needed, the implantation of family members will discourage any of them from considering foolish alternatives.”