Chapter 605

STARBASE 5 COMMANDER'S OFFICE

STARBASE 5

THE NEXT MORNING

The door opened and Cogley and McGonagle stepped in. Adama sat a datapad down and said, "Coffee anyone?"

The two men accepted the coffee. The mood was tense. Adama had an air of depression on him. All were quiet until Adama started. "For right now, all this information is sensitive. I am reminding you both of your Top-Secret Clearances. They are in effect." Retired Admiral McGonagle and Cogley Attorney-at-Law nodded. Adama started, "Josh has been captured by unknown agents."

McGonagle asked, "Is the Wisconsin nearby?"

Adama nodded, "Yes, it is, but the tactical situation is bad. I may be able to fill you in on some details later, but for now Cdr Leonaidas is making some very tough calls. Calls that will be questioned later. Assuming that Josh gets rescued, his crew will be facing some criticism. I don't mean to take advantage of your relationship with Josh, but Sam, I thought you should know what his crew is doing."

Cogley nodded, "That's fine Bill. I represent the officers of the Wisconsin as well."

Adama said, "You do? They all chose you?"

Cogley nodded, "When Senator Jameson first started making waves, Josh offered to cover the rest of the officers and crew as necessary."

Adama knew Cogley was a high-priced attorney. "They retained you?"

"Yes, I have all the necessary paperwork and retainers in place." Cogley said.

"That's got to be a lot…" Adama started.

Cogley said, "I do not discuss fees between clients. Now, what can you tell us now?"

Adama sighed then started, "Josh was on a mission to the Lambda Beta system."

"Ghut's station?" McGonagle asked.

"Yes." Adama answered. "I can't say what the mission was, but he was captured and Cdr. Leonaidas is blockading the system to prevent them from taking him out of the system."

Cogley raised an eyebrow. "One ship. Blockading a star system? How?"

Adama said, "He said he intends to use lethal force. We don't know much about what kind of force. Cdr Leonaidas has done something to block interstellar subspace radio from working, presumably to keep Ghut's station from calling reinforcements."

Cogley said, "What is the catch? This sounds like a good idea."

"The President ordered the Wisconsin to stand down." Adama stated.

"Oops." McGonagle said. "That doesn't sound like Leonaidas to disregard a direct order."

Adama shook his head. "He did not. He activated his device before the President's order arrived. Leonaidas knows nothing about the order."

McGonagle nodded. "Any suspects?"

Adama took in a deep breath and let it out. "Yes. I just found out this morning the prime suspect is Kor."

All was silent for a little bit. Cogley said, "Who is Kor?"

McGonagle said, "A Klingon Dahar Master. Kor the Merciless. Famous for use of the Mind Sifter."

Cogley looked at Adama, "And you think this Kor has Josh?"

Adama nodded his head. "Yes. The information keeps getting worse. My staff here has wargamed the Wisconsin's blockade and it does not look good. Ships get away. It is like trying to keep people inside a burning building. Even if they do get to Josh, enough time has elapsed for Kor to have using the Mind Sifter on Josh. Josh will not give up whatever information they are looking after, the short time I have known him I know that he will not do that."

Cogley asked, "What's the risk from this Mind Sifter?"

McGonagle said, "It's very painful. The machine uses an energy field to seek out the neural patterns of memory inside the brain. Beyond a certain level, brain damage occurs. We aren't sure what level, but we do know that they can extract information."

Adama pulled up pictures of a man. The man had scars on his head that resembled circular bruises. He also had an extremely blank look on his face. "This is Franklin Halls. Starfleet Intel strongly suspects the Klingons used the mind sifter on him."

Cogley looked over the pictures. "It looks like he is severely retarded."

Adama nodded, "Essentially, he is. No personality remains. He could not even talk. Eventually, he died."

Cogley looked at McGonagle and Adama. "How long before they get to that point?"

Adama sighed depressingly, "They are probably at that point now. I am afraid to say that Josh is most likely beyond the point of no return." Adama did not know what else to say.

The room was quiet. Cogley, McGonagle, and Adama sat looking at the coffee table. McGonagle was the first to speak. "We don't know that, Bill."

Adama shook his head. "It all fits the information I have been getting. I am so sorry."

McGonagle looked at Cogley, Cogley had a frown on his face, but not one of anger. McGonagle knew Cogley long enough to recognize that Cogley was thinking hard on something. McGonagle asked Adama, "How are you doing, Bill?"

Adama was blindsided by the question. "I'm fine." He said defensively.

McGonagle prayed a quick silent prayer. He looked at Adama, "Bill, you do not seem fine. What has got you?"

Adama shook his head, why was he suddenly angry? McGonagle was a longtime friend, and Cogley was a new one. Adama suddenly realized what was bothering him, "You two are good friends of Josh. I would have thought you would be more concerned about him. It is tearing me up."

Cogley said, "And you don't know why it's tearing you up."

Adama was blindsided. That is exactly what he felt, but he did not want to admit it. "I've lost men before under my command."

Cogley pressed, "But Josh is different to you. Bill, we are here as friends. If you would, let us help."

Adama looked at both men. In his pride, he wanted to be angry at these two because of the last couple of comments. Pride is a terrible thing. Adama's Dad was an attorney like Cogley, very successful, and had warned young Bill of pride in people. Out of pride people often refused help when needed.

Adama took his pride and stuffed it away. He said nodding, "Yes, I don't know why Josh's loss is bothering me so much."

Cogley asked kindly, "What do you see in Josh?"

"I see a fine officer…" Adama started.

McGonagle interrupted, "Don't give us the fitness report Bill."

Adama looked at McGonagle and thought. "There is something about Josh I find…. Interesting. Something that I cannot define. He is a very complicated person."

Cogley said, "That is a catchphrase that really means nothing. What is the first thing you think of Josh?"

Adama thought a bit then said, "He doesn't seem to take things personally, he doesn't get offended."

McGonagle asked, "Such as when?"

Adama recollected, "First time him and Hank Jackson met in my office, Admiral Clayborne was here also. Clayborne had put Jackson up to a wargame meant to basically humiliate the Wisconsin. Josh met two obviously combative men and handled himself professionally."

Cogley asked earnestly, "Was it more than that?"

Adama nodded, "He truly was not bothered. I have met people who have good poker faces and try to show that they are not bothered. Josh truly was not. He just accepted it. When Hank Jackson was trying to talk smack, Josh did not respond, he didn't get even angry."

McGonagle had an idea. "How would you describe his mood? Do not use 'professional'."

Adama thought back, "I'd say he was at peace as to what was happening to him. Even when he could see there were people out to get him, he was still peaceful. Jackson was baiting him, trying to offend him, but Jacobs didn't take the bait, he was at peace."

Cogley quoted, "Great peace have they which love thy law; and nothing shall offend them."

Adama nodded, "I remember reading that verse in one of Josh's communications and thinking of Josh. All that has happened over the last year or so. The troubles that Senator Jameson has been stirring up. Jacobs never gets rattled by it. He is always at peace."

McGonagle added, "He was that way when I first met him too. You have seen his record."

Adama said, "He makes me envious. He has something I need."

Cogley asked, "You're not at peace?"

Adama blinked at the change in direction. "This isn't about me, we're talking about Josh."

Cogley shook his head, "It's all about you. Are you truly at peace?"

Adama thought hard on how to answer that question. Cogley said, "I can see it in your face Bill, you're not at peace."

"No, I'm not. I've got way too many concerns. One of my Captains is most likely dead at this time…" Adama started.

McGonagle added, "Which you feel some connection to."

Adama nodded. "Yes. I'm deeply concerned for him. I'd hate to see his life thrown away for nothing. I also have a brewing front with the Klingons, a Senator that has his fingers in everywhere and is hostile to Josh and all of Starfleet."

Cogley added, "And….."

Adama's eyes started to tear up, "You know I lost one of my sons several years ago. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think on his life being thrown away. He's just gone."

Cogley asked, "And you have no peace."

"How could I? I see that Jacobs has something I need. I wonder why you two are not more concerned for Josh, even though you are close to him." Adama asked.

McGonagle said, "We're concerned for Josh, but we also know what is going to happen to him."

Adama said, "He could be dead. What more can happen to him?"

McGonagle continued, "If Josh were to die, I know that he will be all right."

Cogley asked, "Bill, what is going to happen to you when you die?"

Bill closed his eyes and turned away. "Nothing, there is no evidence of an afterlife. We just die."

Cogley nodded, "Bill, the biggest lie out there was the Devil making everyone believe he didn't exist. If there is no devil, there is no God, no heaven or hell, and no hope. The devil has robbed you of any hope. The thing connecting Josh, George, and myself is our hope in our Savior, Jesus Christ."

Adama opened his eyes, his head was still turned away, and when his eyes opened, he was looking directly at the Bible that was given to him. Adama suddenly thought of his doodle drawing of the names. The lines that connected different people. "Pastor Octavian, Commander Leonaidas."

McGonagle nodded, "Yes, them too. We are all connected by our Savior Jesus Christ."

Cogley walked over to the Bible. "May I?"

Adama nodded. Cogley picked up the Bible and opened it. "God brings people into your life to be a testimony of his saving grace and power. I Thessalonians 1:3-5 'Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; Knowing, bretheren beloved, your election of God. For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.'"

Adama's eyes continued to tear up. Cogley continued, "God has brought us into your life to be a testimony to you. You see what manner of men we are. It's only through God that we can be like this. Look at what is happening, most people would be beside themselves in worry about a friend in Josh's predicament. We are concerned, but we also know that if Josh dies, he will go to be with his Savior Jesus Christ."

McGonagle added, "Josh long ago accepted the free gift of salvation."

Adama asked, "Salvation from what?"

McGonagle answered, "Good question, not many people ask that. We are all sinners, when we die, we will either go to Heaven or Hell, no in-between. We cannot be in the presence of a righteous God with our sinful nature, that price needed to be paid. Jesus Christ was God's only son, perfect, and paid that price so that we may be forgiven. He then rose again giving us hope in eternal life."

Cogley added, "People do not just cease to exist. When you die, you are going to either be in the presence of God or not. To be in God's presence, you need to be washed clean. We know Josh will be just fine because he accepted this free gift, he did nothing but accept it. If the worst thing Kor can do is send Josh to be with God, that's not too bad, is it?"

Adama was down on his knees crying at this point. His heart felt like it would explode. "That's what I need, show me how to get it!"

McGonagle said, "Just talk with God, salvation in Christ is the gift."

Adama asked, "Pray with me! Please!"

The two men knelt beside Adama. All was silent except for the quiet weeping of Adama. Cogley started to pray, "Dear Lord, we come to ask you for help, this work is yours. Please help Bill here to pray what is on his heart, please help him, we ask you this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Adama closed his eyes and said weeping. "Dear God… I am a sinner in need of you….."

CHAPEL

USS WISCONSIN

There were about forty people in various areas of the chapel praying. The chapel was mostly quiet with a low muttering in the air as people were praying. People were all over, some on the altar, some in the pews, some along the side of the wall. Octavian was praying and could hear what other people nearby were praying for, at least the ones who were praying aloud. He could hear prayer for the Captain's safety of course, that was what this prayer session was called for after all. He could also hear prayers for the ship, for the officers on duty, for Commander Leonaidas, for friends on duty, for family members back home, even for people the Wisconsin was charged to protect. Where did that come from? Octavian soon got immersed in his own prayer and did not even hear the others. People came and went as they came on and off duty. Octavian kept praying, "…. And Lord please give wisdom to Leo as he is making difficult decisions. Please work miraculously in preserving the blockade. Please protect the Badgers as they do their search. Thank you for good leadership in training the Badgers so well. Thank you for your protection. And Lord, please be especially with Admiral Adama, please help him too."

Octavian stopped and thought, where did that come from? Oh well, keep on praying.

INTERROGATION ROOM

IKV SHADOW OF DEATH

The Healer said, "We are ready Kor."

Kor nodded. He read off the list of stars to Jacobs and the star systems appeared on the screen. Kor said to the healer, "Let's try some imagination." Kor looked at Jacobs, "Captain Jacobs, I want you to think of the time you were rescuing the Excalibur…."

Jacobs woke up and fell out of bed. It felt like he never got any sleep. Jacobs pulled himself up and went to the sink and grabbed a painkiller. It seemed like the headache had gone on forever. Jacobs stumbled over to his small desk and pulled out his Bible and opened it up. He opened it to Romans 8 and started to read aloud.

"What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?"

Kor said sarcastically, "I am against you. You are totally alone here."

Jacobs continued, "He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

"Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also made intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?"

Kor said, "I've separated you from everything, Captain. You can't get your god's love here."

Jacobs closed his Bible and got ready for duty. Just before leaving his quarters he knelt down and prayed. "Lord, thank you for the rest that I was able to get. Please make this headache go away, help me to find out how to get it fixed. Please give me the wisdom for the day and help me to glorify you. I ask this in Jesus' name, Amen."

Jacobs got up, went to his wallsafe and pulled out his firearm and slid it inside his concealed holster. He took a phaser I and attached it to the quick release point on his belt then went out into the hallway.

The Healer said, "Even with all their weaknesses, you do have to admire his devotion to faith. Some Klingons could learn from him."

Kor ignored the comment. "I find it interesting on how he arms up for each duty period. No wonder they have been able to repel boarders in the past before. He's coming on the bridge now."

Jacobs sat down in the Captain's chair relieving the officer on duty. He got a briefing on the status. Jacobs pushed the com button and said, "Captain's log, stardate…" He could not remember. "supplemental. We are entering the star system that the Excalibur is in to commence rescue operations. We detect a Klingon D7 on the far side of the system apparently studying an asteroid in great detail. We'll start our search in this sector and try to remain undetected from the D7. Captain out."

"Approaching asteroid belt ahead." Agathon said.

"Onscreen." Jacobs ordered.

Kor said quietly to Jacobs. "The star systems in question I want you to now show up as asteroids." Seven asteroids appeared on the screen. Kor could hear Jacobs ordering a search pattern. Kor continued, "The asteroid that the Excalibur was hiding in I want you to represent as the secret base."

Just then to the right of the viewscreen a blinding white light appeared and a man dressed in white stood in the middle of it. Jacobs initially shielded his eyes and he heard a voice, "Joshua Jeremiah Jacobs, do not look at the screen. Keep your eyes on me."

"Yes Lord."

Kor looked at the bridge being projected on the holoscreen. He walked up to the left side and said, "That interference is back again! What is he looking at here?"

Vorneh pointed to the right of the projected bridge screen. "I think he is talking to someone there?"

Kor swore and said, "My luck that I'm charged to draw information out of a religious crackpot! Jacobs! Look at the screen and set course to the asteroid that has the Excalibur!"

The Angel said, "Follow after me, for I follow after Christ."

"I understand Lord."

The Angel said, "Repeat after me. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?"

Kor angrily said, "We've heard this before? I've separated you!"

Jacobs continued, "Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?" The angel started walking from the right side of the bridge to the left side continuing his recitation of Romans. Jacobs obediently followed with his eyes and kept reciting.

"As it is written, for thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us."

The Healer saw that Jacobs was moving his eyes and said excitedly, "He's looking at the viewscreen!"

"Excellent! Display exactly where he is looking at! I do not want to miss this." Kor ordered. The Healer pushed a few buttons and a green dot about the size of a fist appeared on the bridge viewscreen. It tracked right between the first couple of asteroids towards the left….

Jacobs continued looking at the angel, following him as he walked across the bridge, repeating what was being said. "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth," The angel stopped to the left of the bridge viewscreen.

Kor was listening while watching the dot go across the viewscreen. It didn't touch a single asteroid but left the viewscreen and went on the wall. It crept across the wall and ended up on his head. Kor turned around. Jacobs was looking right at him. Eye to eye.

"Nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." The angel stopped talking. Jacobs did not know what to do, except keep looking at the angel. The angel said, "Keep looking at my eyes but say nothing."

Kor looked at Jacobs. There was something unsettling. Jacobs was looking at him right in the eye. They were separated about ten feet, but it was unmistakable. Jacobs should not be able to see him, yet he is staring at him. Also, Jacobs was looking intently. There was something also in that glare, something that was completely unsettling. There was strength. Kor said, "He is staring at me. Why?"

The Healer said, "He can't be staring at you."

Kor could not break the gaze. "Yes, he is. It's right at my eyes. No doubt, he's looking at me. What was that last bit he said?"

The Angel started talking again. Jacobs faithfully repeated. "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers nor things present, nor things to come, nor depth, nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Kor felt a chill go down his back. He just might fail this mission. He never has had a subject resist this hard or this way. Also, what Jacobs keeps quoting has been right. How can Jacobs be resisting so much? Kor also felt something that Klingons do not like to feel. Kor felt fear. Something was resisting him, something that he has been so far unable to fight.

The Healer said, "This man is making a mockery of the Mind Sifter."

Kor said thoughtfully, "How is he doing this? You said yourself that he should be in the brain damage area now. How does he even have the will to say anything, much less quoting this scripture of his to us."

The Healer played back what Jacobs had said. "The scripture seems to be talking about a Jesus Christ. I've heard the name before but I can't place it."

Kor kept looking into Jacobs eyes, there was something that he could not break away from them. "What do the databanks say?"

"We are just a scout ship, we don't have extensive data on the humans." The Healer said.

Kor asked, "Well then, who is this Jesus Christ?"

The Angel started again, Jacobs repeated. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."

Kor was speechless. That shiver that was going down his back was a full earthquake now. Kor broke the gaze and turned away. The Healer said, "Are you well?"

Kor nodded and walked to the console. "We all know that there is no god!"

Jacobs was looking at the floor now. Jacobs said, "The fool hath said in his heart there is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good!"

Kor exploded, "Who are you calling corrupt?! I am not here to be judged by you Jacobs! I am on a mission for the Klingon Empire!"

The Healer said, "The orders were not authorized by the High Council. How could he have known that?"

Kor said, "I am not corrupt!"

Vorneh countered, "We are on an unauthorized mission."

Kor snarled, "I didn't hear you complain before about this!"

The Healer said, "Much of what is happening here is making me wonder. Who is this man? How is he resisting us?"

Kor sneeringly said, "Are you saying he is a god? No one can resist the Mind Sifter!"

"Yet he is. Listen to what he keeps saying, it is not him, but his god is resisting, and that is why we will fail."

Kor said, "You believe that?"

Vorneh looked at Jacobs, "I don't know. But something is resisting us far more than a human should be able. Something is dealing with the energy that we are pumping into his brain. He claims it's his god. We don't have an explanation. He does." The Healer finished by pointing at Jacobs

Kor was so frustrated and angry he was trembling. "Give him the drug, we need to reset and up the power."

BRIDGE

USS SHADOW

Commander Straker was looking at the chart on one of the walls of the bridge. It was showing all the relevant data for the star systems nearby. His first officer came walking up. "You sent for me sir?" Forrester asked.

"Yes, we just got an update from SHADO base. The Bismark is currently in this star system. Get together with Navigation and give me an appropriate stealth approach for the system." Straker said pointing.

"Aye aye, sir." Forrester acknowledged. "Any idea on which side of the system the Bismark is on?"

Straker shook his head, "No Paul. Let's plan on the near side. SHADO also said currently there are two Destroyers and a Cruiser with it."

"Their battleship needs escorting?"

Straker was looking at the screen. "Perhaps so. I don't know. Let's plan on trouble when we get there."

ADMIRAL NOGURA'S OFFICE

STARFLEET COMMAND

The door to the office opened and FID director Briggs 'Archangel' stepped in. Briggs said, "He hasn't called yet?"

Nogura set a datapad down and walked around his desk to greet his friend. "No, I anticipate the call any moment. Would you like a cucumber sandwich and tea?"

Briggs brow furrowed, "Been doing some serious thinking?"

Nogura offered the plate, which Briggs took one of the sandwiches. The two of them sat back down at the desk. "Yes, I have, Michael. We need to think several steps ahead for our next meetings."

"Who will call first?" Briggs asked.

"I'm betting on the President, and then Senator Jameson."

A com line chimed and Nogura pushed the com button. Lt Cdr Ressler was on it, "Admiral?"

"Yes Commander."

"The President is on channel 1." Ressler reported.

"Very well, thank you." Nogura looked at Briggs, who gave a thumbs up gesture. Nogura pushed the appropriate button, "Admiral Nogura here."

"WHAT HAVE YOU DONE? DISOBEYING MY DIRECT ORDERS!" The President yelled.

Nogura took a sip of tea. "Sir, I believe you do not want to be talking about this over a com channel."

"I WANT YOU OVER HERE IN MY OFFICE NOW!" Bennett said.

"Aye aye, Mr. President." Nogura waited a second and heard the other end of the com line go click.

Briggs chuckled, "How did you know?"

Nogura smiled, "I put the latest dispatch from the Wisconsin in the last Starfleet intelligence update. The President gets his intel briefs starting at 7AM Paris time. Admiral O'Connell has noted that it usually takes a half hour to go through the other briefs before he gets to Starfleet's."

Briggs laughed. "I knew that there was a reason to not tangle with you. What is the plan now?"

Nogura said innocently, "Plan? I am but a humble servant serving at the whims of his superior."

Briggs said sarcastically, "Right."

Nogura got up and said, "I have a transporter slot reserved for this time."

"Why does that not surprise me?" Briggs stood up.

"We need to take advantage of the President's haste in calling me to the office. He will be unprepared." Nogura and Briggs walked out the door.

FEDERATION PRESIDENT'S OFFICE

PARIS, EARTH

President Bennett was still yelling at Admiral O'Connell when the secretary chimed in. "Admiral Nogura and Director Briggs here to meet you sir."

Bennett was taken off guard. "They are in San Francisco."

"No sir, they are here in the waiting room now."

Bennett snapped, "Send them in."

Nogura and Briggs walked in. Bennett snarled, "Nogura, I want you to explain why you disobeyed my order on the Wisconsin!"

"I did not disobey your order, Mr President."

"You surely did!" Bennett snapped.

Nogura said, "No sir, I did not." Nogura laid a data pad down on the desk. "Here is a copy of the order I sent the Wisconsin. As you can see, I did order them to stand by, as per your order."

Bennett read the order fuming. "Then they disobeyed your order!"

Nogura shook his head, "No sir, you are forgetting the aspect of time."

"I will not have you lecture me on elementary communications!" Bennett said angrily.

Nogura continued, "Yet you do not factor in that even subspace communication takes time. From the Wisconsin's report until they receive the response from us is twelve hours."

Bennett gruffly said, "I thought you said they were six hours away."

"They are, but you need to factor in the return trip. Add to that I got here as soon as I could, a half hour trip, and our meeting….."

Bennett snarled, "I get your point. Why didn't you send the message right away?"

Nogura sat another pad down. "You dismissed me. That basically means leave the room. I did not have access to a secure area to send that message. You note that I specifically reference the Lambda Beta system, that places this message as 'classified' and it cannot be handled casually. I had to get somewhere to send that message with appropriate security."

Bennett said, "You got here fast enough."

"Yes I did, because I was under a direct order to appear now. I moved transporter time around to make it possible to comply with your order." Nogura said unemotionally.

"I'm going to have Jameson look into this order. At the first chance I am ordering you to tell the Wisconsin to stand down. How long until their communications recover?" Bennett asked.

"Impossible to say, Mr. President. It probably will be a few days."

Bennett said, "I've had it with you. DISMISSED!"

Nogura, O'Connell, and Briggs turned around and left the office. Briggs said, "He really isn't cut out for the job."

O'Connell asked, "Why do you say that?"

"He told us his next move." Briggs stated. A solid white shuttle pulled up on the transportation pad, "Gentlemen, our ride home if you would like."

Nogura asked, "When did you call for it? I didn't see you do that."

Briggs said stepping into the shuttle, "You aren't the only one that can predict people, Isamu."