The office of the Major was a direct extension of himself, Nicole decided as she looked around. It was her first entry into the inner suite of offices that housed the chief executive officers of the Guardians, and she was a little awed by it. The rich, lustrous walnut paneling on two of the walls was so highly polished that she could see her own reflection in it. Bookshelves completely filled with books lined two of the walls clear to the ceiling, and they were arranged so that each shelf had books of the same height.

She glanced at her wrist computer. It was two minutes after six, which surprised her a little. The Major was renowned for being punctual almost to the second. She shrugged and turned to examine the desk, whose top gleamed like polished glass. The only things on the entire expanse were a gold desk set and a picture of the Major’s family—his wife, four children, their husbands and wives, and his twelve grandchildren. The twin pens of the desk set framed a small, gold plaque on which were engraved three lines, and Nicole leaned forward and read it upside down:

To Curtis Major Denison

For service beyond our highest expectations

The United States Air Force Cybernetics Research Team

Nicole sat back just as the door opened, and she jumped guiltily, but it was only his secretary, an older woman with her hair pulled up into a bun at the crown of her head.

“The Major just called, Miss Lambert,” she said. “He and Captain Oakes are on their way up. They’ll be here in a moment.”

“Thank you.” Nicole opened her file and began studying the computer readout again.

The door opened again, and she stood up swiftly as the Major swept into the room with Travis close behind.

“Oh, don’t get up, Nicole,” the Major said with a wave of his hand as he moved behind the desk.

“Hi, hon.” Travis moved to her side and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek.

“I see,” the Major said with a smile. “It wasn’t me for whom you stood.” Before either of them could respond, his mind had left preliminary amenities. “No Clayne yet?” he asked.

As if on cue, a soft knock sounded on the door, and Clayne Robertson entered. “Good evening,” he rumbled.

“Ah, Clayne, you’re just in time.” The Major waved them all to chairs. “Let’s get started, shall we?”

He turned to Nicole. “Travis has shared your preliminary findings with me, but go over them quickly again for Clayne’s benefit. Travis and I have been checking a couple of items the computer search turned up, and we can add some information as you go along.”