“Who else at this facility knows the full details?” Cowan asked.

“You're the only one who knows anything right now. From what I understand, I'm only one of fourteen people who know the classified information. This afternoon we're going to brief Travers and I'll keep the two of you in the loop as much as possible. The three of us will be the team which makes this whole thing come together. I wish I could tell you more James, I really do. Personally, I could use someone to talk to this about, but my orders couldn't be clearer.” He got to his feet, brushing the back of his pants. “We need to get back.”

As they walked Matt added, “I'll be flying to the new facility in Arizona tomorrow. I'll officially be taking charge of the site in the afternoon. As soon as this current experiment is completed, I want you and Travers out there. We have a ton of work to do and not much time.”

“Why the sudden rush to get this done?” Cowan asked.

“I was told to get it up and running ASAP,” answered the General.

Cowan could tell this was one of those situations where his friend had chosen his words carefully. He wasn't lying, but there was definitely more to it than Matt was revealing.

“I want to start discussing the details with both of you, but I'll be tied up this afternoon after we talk to Travers, and then I'm leaving in the morning,” Matt said with a frown.

“Why don't you and Amy stop over to my place this evening? We'll grill some steaks and go over everything. Kathy is visiting her parents in Kansas this week, and DJ is back at college so there won't be anyone else there,” Cowan suggested.

Matt pursed his lips. “Okay, that works for me. We'll ask Amy.”

“Great,” Cowan said. “Let's say 1830.”

Chapter Sixteen

DAY 929

It was early in the evening, and Tony Jackson was coming to the end of his evening jog through the park. It was busy tonight, with numerous joggers utilizing the paths. The evening was pleasant, sunny and warm, and so far the predicted showers had held off.

His girlfriend Lori had gotten him to take up jogging a year and a half before, just after she'd convinced him to quit smoking, and he was pleased with what the exercise had done for him. He was never short of breath anymore and had energy to spare. Usually, they jogged together almost every night, which had been good for their relationship. Ending up back at his apartment for a joint shower was always a plus, too.

This evening, he was jogging alone. Lori had flown out of town that morning, she was attending a seminar for work and wasn't scheduled to return for four days.