He took a deep breath that shook audibly as it escaped from his lungs. He needed to calm down and think. Eichmann knew about the long-term studies and about Afghanistan, but little more. It was likely the limits of his knowledge about the North Korean facility that had prompted the two Americans to investigate further. But why just the two of them? Were the other intelligence agencies working through other channels? No. He’d have heard if they were. Was it possible that they were acting on their own?

“I’ll call you with further instructions,” Dresner said, severing the connection and immediately dialing James Whitfield. For the first time, there was no answer.

He dialed again, anger quickly turning to fury. Whitfield always picked up by the second ring. The only explanation was that he was avoiding the call, unwilling to admit to another failure. The graphs still hovered in front of him. Only three and a quarter million people were online—a fraction of what he had planned. Projections suggested nearly full adoption by the malignant elements in the political, financial, and military complex within two years. In order to change the world on the fundamental level necessary to allow it to survive, he needed time. The blow he was going to strike against those people had to be fatal.

He dialed again and this time Whitfield answered.

“Yes.”

“Gerd Eichmann is on his way to the Korean facility with what he says are two assistants.”

“Why is this important to me?”

“Because I authorized none of this. Could these two assistants be Smith and Russell? Is it possible that they’re still alive?”

There was a long pause before Whitfield answered. “I sent three Merge-equipped special ops people—an overwhelming force. We’re not sure what happened yet, but it appears that Smith managed to get hold of one of the men’s units and use it against them.”

Dresner wiped at the sweat starting on his upper lip while he considered what he was being told. Smith had root access to the combat simulation software. Could he have used that?

“It was my understanding that it was impossible to use someone else’s unit,” Whitfield continued.

For all intents and purposes, it was. The suffering Smith must have endured and the will it would have taken to manipulate the icons were almost unimaginable. Yet another confirmation of just how dangerous the man was.

“Why wasn’t I told they survived?”

“Because I’m taking care of it.”

“All evidence to the contrary, Major.”

“By the end of the day, this will all be a non-issue. You have my word.”

“Your personal guarantees are less reassuring than they once were.”

“I’m warning you, Christian. Leave this alone. I’m taking care of it.”

“Then we’ll talk later today. And I expect full disclosure. If you can’t resolve this issue, I will protect myself. Make no mistake about that.”