“Ladies and gentlemen.” It was Eric’s voice again. “Mr. Van Dam has gone downtown to have his implantation removed and has not yet joined us. He asked that I continue without him. We are now broadcasting live. I am here at the outskirts of the city, standing at the edge of the thick lawn that marks the beginning of the palatial estate of one of Shalev’s foremost citizens.

“Most people in Shalev have never seen this view, since the estate is walled off and hidden in a thick stand of trees.” Eric spoke slowly and clearly, as though doing a documentary for a group of school children. And then the cameraman began to bring the house slowly into focus.

Before it reached full clarity, the Major gave a sharp cry. “That’s my home!” For one long moment he stared, his eyes wide; then he spun around and darted out the door, Travis hard on his heels.

“Perhaps Major Denison has recognized where we are by now,” Eric said, as the stately French Provincial home finally came into sharp focus. “We’re at the edge of the estate of Dr. Curtis Major Denison, commander-in-chief of the Guardian Forces in the Alliance of Four Cities.”

“Major,” Eric said, stepping into view in front of the camera, “your wife is here with me. She has not been nor will she be harmed. I suppose it would be to our advantage to take her hostage, hold her for some concessions, but she’s an innocent bystander in this affair and therefore should be exempt from the war. Your maid and cook have likewise been escorted out.”

The camera swung around to reveal three women. One was dressed in a long, white, silk pantsuit with her hair swept back off her face, and Nicole recognized Mrs. Denison immediately. The other two cowered close to her, dressed in robes and slippers.

“Oh, yes,” Eric said as the camera revealed three still figures stretched out on the ground, each clad in an orange and blue uniform, “and the three Guardians you left here to watch things are likewise safe, though sleeping peacefully at the present.

“Major, we have checked the house carefully to make sure no one is there. Even your poodle is safe here with us.” The camera swung once more to verify his word, revealing briefly a gray poodle on a leash held by Mrs. Denison. Then it swung back to Eric.

“We have no desire to hurt innocent people, only to let you know of our intent to bring you down.” He turned his back to the camera to face the home and lifted his hand. For one moment it was poised there, like an ax over a chopping block; then it dropped.