فصل چهل و هشتم

Chapter 48: Voices and the Jade Dragon

It was at least fifteen minutes before Dodds spoke. The emotion in the room was still very strong. Jack was quiet, lying in Abigail’s arms.

“This was a very special evening,” he said. “I share my deep condolences for all of you. Especially you, Jack. I wish I could delay what I have to say, but it’s late and time doesn’t afford me that luxury.

“As you know, Jaime and I went into Lima today. We went as close to the dock as we dared. But we learned what we expected. The government is blaming the attacks on the American terrorists. They have matched the Elgen’s bounty of two and a half million soles on each of your heads.” He looked at Jack and Ostin. “That includes you two as well.

“In a country where more than a third of the people make less than a dollar a day, a million dollars makes you quite a target. We need to get you out of here as soon as possible. Our jet will be here in the morning.” He glanced at Jaime, then breathed out slowly, as if in exasperation. “We have some unfortunate news. Hatch is still alive.” We all gasped.

“What?” I said.

“His security detail rushed him off the boat as soon as the Watt blew up.” We were all quiet, stunned, then Zeus said, “You mean I saved his life?” “Indirectly,” Dodds said.

“I screwed up big,” he said.

“No you didn’t,” I said. “If you hadn’t blown up the Watt, none of us would be here.” Dodds continued, “We’ve slowed Hatch down. We’ve given Tuvalu a chance to respond to their threat, if they’re smart enough to make use of it. You’ve freed Chairman Schema and the Elgen board. I admit, that’s a wild card. We don’t know where that will lead. But Schema isn’t stupid. He’s going to fight Hatch to gain back control of the corporation. That might sound like the lesser of two evils, but so be it. Schema’s about profits, not conquest. We can live with that.

“Michael, tonight, you and Taylor gave us all a nice surprise. We have a surprise for you as well.” Jaime left the room, then returned carrying the radio. He set it down on the kitchen table and motioned me over.

“We cannot stay in contact for very long,” Dodds said. “But there’s someone who would like to speak with you.” Jaime turned up the radio’s volume. There was a blast of static, then a voice said, “Michael. Are you there?” “Mom!”

“How are you, son?”

“I’m good. I’m really good.”

“I have missed you so much. They say you’re coming back now. I can’t wait to see you.” “Me too.”

“I have so much to tell you. Things I can’t tell you over the radio.” She paused. “Oh, Michael. I’m so proud of you. I love you.” “I love you too, Mom.”

“They’re telling me I need to go, but is Ostin there?” “He’s right here,” I said.

“I’m here, Mrs. Vey,” Ostin said.

“There’s someone here who would like to say hello.” Another woman’s voice came on. “Hello? How does this work? Can he hear me?” “Just talk, Ruth.”

“Are you sure? Ostin? Are you there?” “Mom! Dad!” Ostin shouted.

“You’re there,” Mrs. Liss said.

“How are you, son?” Mr. Liss asked.

“I’m good. We’re all good.”

“We’re so relieved,” Mrs. Liss said. “You know how I worry.” “I’m sorry, Mom. I didn’t mean to worry you.” “They’re saying we need to go,” Mr. Liss said. “We’re proud of you, son. And we’ll see you soon.” “We don’t know where in the world you are,” Mrs. Liss said. “But you be careful. And don’t forget to brush. Gingivitis is the silent killer.” “Gingivitis?” McKenna mouthed.

Ostin blushed. “Okay. I’ll see you soon.” For a moment the radio went dead. Then another voice came on. The voice.

“Congratulations, Electroclan. Well done. You never cease to amaze. We are all looking forward to seeing you again.” He paused. “I would like to share with you some developments in our cause.

“There is a nine-year-old girl from the province of Guangdong, China. Her name is Lin YuLong. In English that means jade dragon. She is a child prodigy. Her IQ is 182, higher than Einstein’s.” “That’s higher than mine,” Ostin mumbled.

“Two weeks ago she started posting a thesis on her blog about an experiment she was working on. In English, her thesis was called ‘The Theoretical Transference and Electrification of the Human Nervous System.’ ” “Whatever that means,” Taylor said.

“What it means,” the voice said, “is that she figured out how the MEI works and why it made you electric but not the other children.” “That’s what Hatch has been looking for,” Ostin said.

“Exactly,” the voice said. “And apparently he’s found it. By the time we discovered the blog, the posting was nine days old. YuLong was kidnapped three days ago.” “I see where this is going,” Ostin said.

“I’m sure you do,” the voice said. “This has always been Hatch’s master plan. If he can produce hundreds of thousands of electric children, all under his control, it’s over.” “So now what?” I asked.

“We believe that the Elgen are holding YuLong in their Taiwan Starxource plant, waiting for their science ship, the Volta, to arrive in the South Pacific, where they can put her to work. We can’t let that happen.” “You want us to go to Taiwan and rescue her?” I said.

“After all you’ve just come through, I know that’s asking a lot. But you’re our best hope.” I looked around the room. No one spoke for a moment, then Jack said, “I’m in.” “I’m not leaving you again,” Abigail said. “I’m going.” “YOLO,” Zeus said. “In.”

“I’m there,” Ian said.

“All right,” Tessa said. “You guys are crazy, but I’m in.” “Of course,” McKenna said. “You need me. I’m Chinese. I’ve got the perfect cover.” “Ostin?” I said.

“No-brainer,” he replied. “You know how I love Chinese food.” I looked at Taylor. She just looked at me for a moment, then shook her head and groaned. “I’m in. It’s been at least an hour since my life was in mortal danger. I was already getting bored.” I kissed her on the cheek. “All right,” I said. “Looks like we’re in. Let’s find Jade Dragon.”