Why did he keep thinking of Jackie? She was a great engineer, but- And then it hit him, in a blaze of inspiration. An ally, a reason, something that only one man would both understand and be able to make work. Somehow heknew this was the only chance they had. Feeling his tired muscles scream in his thighs, A.J. stood. "I think there's a way. We can't do it, no. We need to keep our money for surviving long enough. But if we can convince one of the other countries to help us directly…" Hank and Anne looked at him quizzically. "At their own expense?" "No, for their own benefit. Oh, don't look at me like that.

I'm not stupid enough to think that I could convince any politician of anything like that. But I know one guy who could convince anyone of damn near anything. And he would understand exactly what has to be done, too. If I can get him to come here…" He almost ran out of the room, wireless processing already showing a search for the fastest way to contact his target.

Chapter 2 The message ended. Madeline Fathom Buckley stared at the screen blankly. "Oh… Jesus, Maddie…" Joe put his hands gently on her shoulders. Without a word she turned and pressed into him, letting his arms enfold her. For the first time since… since she could remember, all she wanted was someone to hold her, tell her it would be all right, and make things better. "That son of abitch," she heard Joe growl, even as his hands gently stroked her back. "After everything you did for him!" She pushed away, jaw setting. "Don't you dare blame him!" "Huh?" Joe looked puzzled, then apologetic. "Nothim ," he said, nodding at the now-dark screen where Director Hughes' face had just moments before finished speaking. "The president. That rat bastard. Our mission-carried off on his timetable, so we could be doing our stuff right around election time-practicallygave him the election. And now he turns around and doesthis?" Madeline couldn't help it. She laughed.