David heard rumbles from around the room.

“There is a bit of a cat-and-mouse game going on right now. There is just a small team assigned to this project. We are keeping this operation quiet, even from our own agencies, while we figure out whom we can trust. At the same time, we know that we have to plan our defense. While we know that the Chinese are planning the attack and we know some of their objectives, we don’t know exactly how they intend to do it. We know a little, but not nearly enough. That’s where you come in. This isn’t just a regular consulting project. We want you to be ruthless and calculating as you think of what they might do. We will provide you with what we have uncovered as their probable objectives. But before our man was killed...and yes, he was killed...”

A few people gasped. Most stared at Lena in shock. She spoke with an unemotional detachment. They were hanging on every word.

“…we were unable to get any of their detailed plans. We have begun a very thorough mole-hunt in the government and military right now. We need to use the next few months to root out every Chinese spy that has infiltrated us. Only then can we be share this information with the people who will need to know. What we don’t want to do is tip our hand and bring on war without preparation. We are afraid that if we start disseminating this information and some of their spies find out, the Chinese might move up their timetable before we can prepare. Also, in that scenario they would then be attacking with their spies in place. That can’t happen.”

She looked around the room.

“I know this is shocking. I know it may seem unbelievable if you are just now hearing it. But I assure you it is very real. Our world may soon change drastically. We may be in a war like our generation has never known. So I ask that you each do your part to the best of your ability. Work hard. Make the best decisions you can. Help to prepare our country for the worst. Good luck. Now, let’s get to work.”

The group sat stunned. Slowly, people started to stand up and move down the stairs aisles of the room towards the back door where the administrative papers waited. The Air Force Major was there, helping everyone get their paperwork done. The crowd resumed speculation on what the future had in store with a renewed fervor.

David found himself waiting in line to sign his non-disclosure agreement and collect a security badge. That struck him as a bit silly. If this island really were in the middle of nowhere, wouldn’t Lena and whoever else was running this show already know exactly who was here? The badges seemed more for show than anything. But show for whom?

“Thank you for participating today Mr. Manning.”

David hadn’t seen Lena walk up behind him. Closer up, she was even more attractive. Her dark brown eyes stared intently into his.