“They are commandos, mercenaries, on a mission against the Libyan government,” Susan replied. “They destroyed several Libyan rockets that carried chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons aimed for Egypt.”

Ouda looked surprised. “Or so they say.”

“I believe them,” Susan said. “I repeat, Vice Marshal, I do not want them harmed when they come ashore.”

“I must report this incident and your contact with the terrorists.”

Susan turned to General Baris and said, “There is your superior officer. You may give your report to him.” But Susan saw the skepticism, perhaps even the outright hatred, in Ouda’s eyes, and quickly concluded that Ouda would indeed report the incident—perhaps directly to Ulama Khalid al-Khan himself. “Have quarters near the airfield prepared for them—I’m sure they will wait until nightfall to make the move. Give them anything they require.”

“This is ridiculous,” Ouda growled. “Giving aid and comfort to terrorists!”

“They may have saved your base from complete annihilation, Vice Marshal,” Susan said. “You should not only be welcoming them—you should be on your knees thanking them. Now get to it.” She turned away, leaving a still very angry general officer fuming behind her.

“That was most unwise, Sekhmet,” Baris said. “You should have played that calmly, perhaps even deferentially—included him in on what the terrorists did and who they are.”

“Men like Ouda need to be talked to, Ahmad, not with.”

“Ouda is a vice marshal and one of the highest-ranking and most highly decorated officers in the armed forces, Sekhmet,” Baris reminded her. “I’m sure he does not approve of civilians telling him what to do on his base, especially a woman. Learn to be more diplomatic, especially when on his installation, in front of his men. He can make very, very serious trouble for us, if he chooses to do so.”

“He will be a bigger fool than even I assume he is if he tries to use this incident against us,” Susan said resolutely.

“Do not underestimate him,” Baris warned. “And I suggest you meet with him later today and explain to him exactly what you hope to accomplish by helping those men. He may be a strutting peacock, but he is a military man—if you explain the tactical situation to him, he will be more likely to play along.” He paused, looked at his friend, and said with a wry smile, “Perhaps you can explain it to me as well.”

“Those men have weapons, and power, and abilities that I think we do not fully comprehend,” Susan Bailey Salaam said. “As you said, soon we will have no power at all. Perhaps there is a way we can use their power to help restore a legitimate government to Egypt—or, at the very least, help us to survive.”

CHAPTER 3

PEOPLE'S ASSEMBLY BUILDING, CAIRO, EGYPT
 SEVERAL DAYS LATER