“We transmit two sets of signals, both in the high-frequency range. One between two point eight and seven megahertz and the other between seven and ten megahertz, both at very short wavelength. We pulse these rays at increasing levels of power. At the correct power and rate of pulse, it will produce a virtual field around the towers.”

“How does this affect the mind?” the general asked. “Make someone think of show tunes?”

“At a certain frequency it is disharmonic to the natural virtual plane of the mind.”

“And what will that do?” the general wanted to know.

“It will kill all within range.”

There was a moment of silence before Eichen spoke again. “So what do you plan on doing?” the general asked. “Set up a massive field of antennas within line of sight of your target? And what, the enemy is just going to sit there and let you do that? Do you have any idea of the pace of modern warfare?”

“We have some ideas for making it a practical weapon system,” Boreas said.

Eichen nodded. “Such as using MILSTAR satellites as retransmitters so the line of sight can cover any place on the planet’s surface?”

Boreas stiffened.

“Don’t treat me like an idiot,” Eichen said. “I just flew from California, where I found out what you’ve been doing. Now tell me-what is the status of the MIL STAR retransmitters for HAARP? You’ve had some work done during shuttle missions, haven’t you? Four missions to be exact.”

Boreas spun the glass in his hand, eyes catching the light reflected through the alcohol. “We had to retrofit the four MIL STAR satellites. That was completed just recently. The entire system, though, won’t be operational until SC-MILSTAR is launched.” Boreas slid his glass away. “But you knew most of this from MILSATCOM. Why did you come here?”

“To let you know that things are bit more complex than you know,” Eichen said. “I contacted Space Command, which will control MILSTAR. They’ve programmed a lock code into each MILSTAR master computer, which will keep the HAARP retransmitter shut down unless the code is sent. That code has been classified at DefCon Four, accessible only to the National Command Authority.”

“We need to test the system,” Boreas said. “I assume we’ll be given access to the codes for that.”

“You assume wrong.”

“Why are you doing this?” Boreas asked. “We work for the same government.”

“Do we?” Eichen shot back. “It’s my job to check on programs like this and make sure they stay within certain parameters. When a weapon system is being developed, especially on such a scale as this, the Black Budget oversight committee requires certain checks and balances.” Eichen smiled coldly. “I’m the check. Consider your system in balance.”

Boreas said nothing as he considered this development.

“There’s one other thing,” Eichen added. “What about Professor Souris?”

“She disappeared over two years ago,” Boreas said. “Why are you concerned about her now?”

“ ‘Disappeared’?” Eichen spit the word out. “What the hell does that mean? Is she dead? Kidnapped? Joined a commune?” Once more he didn’t wait for an answer. “The woman was the primary developer of HAARP and you simply say she disappeared?”

“I run this program,” Boreas said. “The whereabouts of Professor Souris are a matter for the FBI and CIA, I believe. I reported her missing. More than that, I don’t know.”

General Eichen stood and glanced at his watch. “My helicopter is waiting.” He didn’t bother to shake hands with Boreas. “Best of luck with your project. I still think we’re going to need the infantry though.” He looked at Kirtley. “Are you coming?”

“Mr. Kirtley will be staying behind,” Boreas said. “He’s coordinating HAARP with the NSA.”

As soon as the general was out of the office, Boreas hit an autodial number on his secure speakerphone. It was answered immediately.

“Yes?” McFairn’s voice echoed out of the speaker.

“Eichen just left my office,” Boreas reported. He quickly summarized the meeting, ending with the information about the lock codes and Eichen’s inquiry into Souris ’s location.

“So he could be for real?” McFairn said.

“He could be,” Boreas granted. “Have you found out anything about him?” Boreas watched Eichen get into a Humvee outside the building. Kirtley remained in his chair, as still as a predator waiting to strike.

The Humvee was throwing up a spume of snow as it headed for the helipad three miles away, near the edge of the HAARP field. A Blackhawk helicopter squatted there, blades beginning to turn as the crew saw the general coming.

“No,” McFairn said. “Do you think he’s one of your enemies?”

“I don’t know,” Boreas said. “Wouldn’t you have known of him if he was for real?”

“Not necessarily,” McFairn said. “The Select Committee on Intelligence isn’t very trusting of the intelligence community. If he is what he says he is, then we shouldn’t be able to find out who he is, if you follow the logic, skewed as it may be. And if he is with Nexus, they keep a very compartmentalized organization that I haven’t been able to penetrate.” There was a pause before McFairn spoke again. “If you would tell me exactly who your enemy really is, I might be able to do a better job.”

“We’ve been over that. You don’t have a need to know,” Boreas said. “I don’t think we can take a chance. We’re too close to going on-line worldwide. Even if he is just what he says he is, there’s the possibility we could have the plug pulled by the committee. This is bigger than them. We’ve never been this close, ever.”

“Close to what exactly?”

“You know better than to ask that.”

“And the location of the last transmission?”

“We’re still analyzing the data.” Boreas hung up before McFairn could say anything else. He looked over at Kirtley. “What’s your take on the general?”

“He takes his job seriously.”

“A patriot?”

“Yes.”

“And you? Who or what are you loyal to?” Seeing the frown on Kirtley’s face, Boreas amplified his question. “Are you loyal to McFairn? The NSA? Your country? Yourself?”

“All of the above.”

“It’s not possible,” Boreas said. “There’s inherent conflict.” He scanned the black man’s face, reading it, something he had long ago learned to do. “I think you put yourself first. Deputy Director McFairn did and look where she ended up with my help. She was a glorified secretary when I first ran into her. My help got her where she is now.

“I know her well. She wouldn’t have picked you for this assignment if she didn’t think you belonged here.” He leaned forward slightly in his seat. “Would you like my help?”

Kirtley didn’t blink. “At what cost?”

“You help me when I need it. I help you when you need it.”

“And if our goals diverge?”

“They shouldn’t,” Boreas said. He smiled. “My enemies are your enemies, I can assure you of that.” Glancing out the window, Boreas could see the Humvee approaching Eichen’s helicopter. “Are you with me?”

Kirtley’s head barely moved, but there was no mistaking the assent.

“Good. Come with me.”

Boreas walked out of his office, Kirtley behind him, and entered the control room. He gave orders to his staff in a low voice. There were no questions asked-everyone here was sworn to secrecy and absolute obedience to the project and more importantly their own self-centered goals, each of which Boreas had uncovered and used as leverage. It was the way the Priory had worked for millennia. Virtually every person had a weak point where leverage could be applied, and the Priory was expert at applying that leverage.

Switches were thrown and power surged to the transmitters. The towers hummed. The dipole antennas were warming, changing the nature of the electric power, pushing it into the air, changing the sky. A red glow suffused the air over the center of the metal farm, antennas making connection with each other through the field.